Author's Note

If you're wondering why this is being posted so weird? Please read blog post I made for context.

Chapter 3

After a few more days, they finally left the city and went about the coast line-- mostly to try and avoid any minotaur Patrols. Apparently when Ash ‘found out’ she was ‘really’ a demon, she wanted less to do with them. And when she found out they were in all technicality illegal in nearly every way? She just up and left.

Kan was still sure Ash was the Demon Marked. It should've been obvious for the otherwise perceptive cat to notice this ship was suspicious all around. So either she was more stupid than she thought, or Ash was deceptively cunning. It would make sense to trick the guys into thinking she was just some normal mage.

And that annoyed her to no end.

But, nothing could be done about it. If anything, Ash being gone just made things secure once more. The Demon Marked was gone and any possible threats to her contract to Phobia. She took some level of relief from that and relaxed in her bed… then flicked an ear.

She scrunched her face and soon opened her eyes at the light sounds coming from a vent. Looking up, she could see something peering through a grate with beady eyes. When it spotted her, she could barely make out a toothy grin and garbled sounds from it.

It was one of Tyra’s Imps. The red skin and the small size to fit in the vents only made sense. What was it doing here? It looked certainly happy to see her of all people.

Glaring at it, she soon commanded in the demonic tongue. “Wait.” Using her hoof to undo the screws of the vent grate as it took a minute or two until it came off. No need for her to have a broken vent grate after all. She soon commanded. “Come forth little imp, reveal your presence to me. Why come to me, little imp?” seeing the thing pushing out of the vent as it flew by her and hold out a blue orb of a gem, one that is swirling with magic, and soon activating as a face shows in it. Tyra face.

Giving a unamused look, she said in the demonic tongue. “Hello Tyra, I see you haven’t changed a bit. Already making abominations and fusing or twisting souls.”

With a wicked smile, the blue skinned demoness remarked while vainly looking at her nails, “It’s a hobby, Kan. One that I enjoy immensely.” Then eyed the demoness before her, “What about you, dear Lust? You’ve been up to something.” Then spoke in some annoyance, smile turning a bit sour. “Why are you here? Because things were going just fabulously until I noticed you decided to stick your nose around here.” Soon sarcastic adding, “Thank you, by the way. I think the lower portion of the Holds is now up in arms there was a Demon around. Even I felt that surge days ago, and I’m nowhere close to you.”

Snorting, she jab back. “Consider it payback for stealing my last meal in that contract 500 years back. I was ready to dine on it-- until you took that soul and twisted it into that abomination of an undead dragon. As for why I am here? You don’t need to guess, since I’m currently with a new contract.” grumbling in annoyance. “One that apparently did his homework rather well despite being a total fool at times.”

“And the one I took wasn’t?” Jabbed Tyra in utter amusement. “I did you a favor-- his soul was pathetic. You could of done better. You should be thanking me.” Teasing onwards with a large fanged grin. “I think I saved you from getting fat!” (End)

“Uhuh, remind me, how did that abomination dragon survived against that chaos fox again? Or how the rest of your projects fare once you managed to fucked up on pissing off a Mediler of all beings?” dryly asked the demoness.

Upturning her nose, Tyra said, “It went rather well, thank you very much.” Not looking happy at the reminder. “It only showed my little toys needed more work.” Then giggled, “And work I did on them~ oh, they are much better now than they were 500 years back. I think I could maybe get a Meddler to sweat from a tiny bit of effort with them now-- not that I know. One has to bother to show up, but I’m not holding out for it. You know how whimsical they are.”

Shaking her head, Tyra gained a more serious expression and told, “Just keep out of my business and out of the Holds. It’s my place now, and if you or your new contract start to prod at it?” She gained a malevolent smirk and said, “well, I’ll just have to do something about it, now won't I?”

Snorting harshly, she reminded. “The only reason I bothered you the last time, was because you stole a soul from me. Granted a pathetic one, but one that would reap benefits for me in the future. I know how you work. I also know that the only reason I’m bothering in the Holds is due to keeping affairs with mortals, specifically my contract with his funding.”

Rolling her eyes a bit as she told. “You could take the Holds for all I care, as it holds nothing of value to us as of yet…” then soon reinforced with a serious expression. “But a single warning. Try to take this soul again and the mortals on this ship? Well, I may not be as high level as you...but I do recall a certain sealed demoness that could do something about you.”

Snorting to this, Tyra crossed her arms and said, “You’re bluffing. No one knows where she is anymore.” Eyeing the other before her, but soon rolled her eyes. “You almost sound like you generally care about them.” Snorting out, “How about we spare each other a headache and make a deal. You get your contracts dinky gold and leave the Holds, and I’ll just keep to my claim in the holds. We don’t cross the other and we don’t cause a scene. Deal?”

“As long as we keep apart from the other if we do come in the Holds? I’m fine with that.” then soon told in a knowing tone. “Although it was a surprise to see you lost one of your projects, you rarely do that, Tyra.”

With a sneer, Tyra asked, “Heard of her?” Then rolled her eyes, “Yes ... that Herno had a pretty resilient soul. Would have made a nice little plaything… if they bothered to stay still. A shame really, so much potential...” Glancing at Kan for a moment as the demon’s eyes gleamed with a thought. “Do be a dear and let me know when you see her~” Nearly cooing this out. “Maybe I’ll be lenient and toss you a soul or two from my personal collection?”

Snorting, she said. “I might, if she manages to reveal herself. Although...curious question...did you add glowing magical purple eyes to her, with a full body runic marking to her tail and face?”

Arms crossed, Tyra said blandly, “you know my work, Kan. Full body runes are the best way to go about a binding that I like to use. Of course every part of the body pretty much get's markings.” Though smiled, “And I prefer demonic red. You know how my magic is, very violent. I rather like the sharp color it makes-- just a byproduct really...” Then keenly observed, “So you saw little Ash and where she wandered off to, did you?” A smirk working it’s way up her lips. “Where is the precious dear?”

Eyes narrowing as that feeling from before came back in full force, as she was right. Ash had a tracking rune on her, or rather lack of one. She couldn’t help but give a low laugh and said. “Well...look like you are having trouble...You don’t have a tracking rune on her...it’s why you’re willingly giving some souls of your collection-- even making this call to me with your imps...you have no idea where she is and are searching all over for her, aren’t you?”

The smirk turned sour, quickly becoming a scowl. It was a common sight when Tyra was angry. But for Kan, it was like seeing a women getting ready to throw a temper tantrum for not getting what she wanted. “Oh I had a tracking rune on her, but she’s a devious little brat. One I’m going to enjoy making scream for mercy as I break her will!” That scowl became a bit unhinged. “So how about it? 5 souls for Ash? Maybe 10? How about 15, prime pick~” Eye slightly twitching with a wrathful vengeance.

Glancing to her, as Kan was looking at her hoof as she remarked once she placed it down. “You know ...I recalled you making the same deal once, oh about...700 years ago?” thinking back as she went on. “You promised me a soul from your collection in helping you out ...and after helping you out, I didn’t even get that soul at all since up to this date. So, tell me...how do I know you are even going to give your word if you cross me like last time, Tyra?”

“You’re still worked up over that prank?” Tyra asked, “And for the last time, I would have given it to you if I didn’t lose it to someone else.” Then shook her head, “Doesn't matter-- I’ll give 20 souls for Ash, a five more than my last offer as a ‘makeup’ for losing that one.” Sounding a fairly serious about this… and even if she didn’t sound it, maybe even desperate. What was so special about this one project to give so much-- considering Tyra never liked giving up her ‘personal collection’ all that much.

It made Kan think, tapping her chin in thought as for why Tyra was desperate. As far as she knew, the only reason Tyra would be desperate is if someone stole her projects and she had no idea where they hid it. If someone somehow manage to steal the soul of her work and kept it from her….Or….

“She's your latest and most advanced project, is she?” slightly remark the demoness, looking at Tyra as she knew how important innovation was, she worked with a Stripe of all things! The more she thought on it, using Phobia as an example with his inventions? She started to understand why Tyra was always so hard to make her things work, every single new invention with either success or failure? Help make something better, more refined, better, stronger.. Efficient.

Like this ship for example, going from a little wreck...into something that can go toe-to-toe with a few ships at once and still win. Or the golems, who are stronger than most beings beside those of internal magic of strength or endurance...Or the weapons that made Phobia one of the few advanced beings in the world…

It made her question how advanced Ash was, with thousands of years of Tyra research on the markings on her body...and being free from Tyra control itself? Taking a breath in...she soon told.

“I’ll say this Tyra….she’s not on the ship. Last I saw her was in the city we left. My guess? She’s either there, or hid among another ship. However, one things for certain, she is trying to escape from the Holds to the west ...or south-west depending on her choice.”

With a mad gleam, Kan was nearly taken aback at Tyra shouting out, “You heard her! To the West, NOW!!!” The sounds of Imp’s scattering while she continued to shout out. “You ten, grab the twenty souls off the bottom shelf in that room I tell you to not go in-- send them to HER, if one is even missing on arrival I am RIPPING YOUR SPINES OUT TO MAKE MY NEXT ARMREST!!!”

For a moment, Kan almost saw a near reflection of a frenzied Phobia in Tyra. Suddenly all her rants, temper tantrums and other angered moments concerning her work made so much sense. Ash must have been pretty important to her work. “You with the orb!” They heard the demoness shout, making the Imp slightly jump. “Get back here NOW and join the flock-- FINE HER! FIND HER AND BRING HER BACK NNNOW!!” Causing the Imp to squawk in panic and fly up-- and slam his head into the ceiling.

After dizzily flapping in place and correcting himself, the Imp flew into the vent and scrambled to find it’s way out-- least he suffer his mistress's wrath. All the while, Kan eyed the open vent for a moment before deciding to place the grate back on and… consider what should really be done about Ash if she saw the Herno again. Sure, she could give Tyra the herno to her…

Or maybe 20 souls were not enough to have the women back. Tyra next to tossed 20 souls her way for just telling her which way Ash went. She was possibly a bit more than desperate, meaning this Herno was no ordinary project.

Judging how she reacted? I say Ash was the equivalent of Phobia little mechanical mutt. His prized and greatest creation. If anything happened to Scrappy, I can imagine the amount of destruction he would lay on whoever touches his things. then screwed back the screws into the grate edges with a hoof. Already figuring that trying to hold the Herno might be next to impossible in statistic view.

She wasn’t as high level as Tyra, nor was she as strong as some demons. As a demoness of Lust, she mostly rely on wordplay, suggestions, even temptations and mind-tricks. Granted her temper got the better of her, but she blame it on Ash being unpredictable. Nevertheless...she doubted she could hold the Herno, much less make her contract do it, both he and the changeling were deceived about Ash origins.

She knew that it would be hard pressed to convince them, especially with Ash doing her best to remain hidden. Still..I wonder how she’s going to bring me those 20 souls? It's not like she can teleport them here...but with how her imps work? She could easily send them to her…

But one thing that bothers her. If Tyra creations were made to be strong, but not strong enough to outdo a demon ...how strong was Ash was to both escape and evade her? It made her think a bit...before shivering in slight realization that Tyra must pour more than twenty ...hundreds perchance? Maybe more to the point that Ash could literally stop demons if she wanted to?

Which begs the question...if Ash was strong enough to fight demons ...like Tyra herself, how desperate would Tyra be, to try and get control over such a creation ...maybe desperate to the point of begging other demons in the underworld to assist her? that...was a scary thought. If she was desperate enough for help from a low-tier demoness...she might be desperate to get the stronger ones to help her.

Maybe to the point it could cause a large wide-spread world panic?

It was clear enough though that tyra was only sending Imps-- no doubt to scout for and possibly slow Ash. Then, after Tyra had Ash in sights, would send Abominations. If Ash was possibly strong enough to face demons-- which might be possible --then it would take a number of Abominations, or the ones that took maybe hundreds of souls to power to stop her, or rather capture her. Something that strong would also make Tyra even more dangerous. Not just to mortals.. But to other Demons. A Demoness having a Demon-slayer based weapon at her beck and call.

Was she the ‘plan’ to make a Medelier sweat? If she was...oh by the fiery pits, it could really backfire! already imagining with one of the weaker ones would do...and if Ash managed to kill one of them and brought their soul to Tyra?

A cold feeling clench at her body when the one-who-must-not-be-named might do.

Already she was thinking of either keeping Tyra away from Ash...or...something! It was bad enough for Tyra to create a demon-slayer of all things! But one under her control? It could change the hierarchy of the underworld to the point she might be the new ruler! She already has the means to take souls, without the needs of contracts or normal magic…

And her creations could fight as half-demons, and do the same extent of extracting souls like Tyra…

Taking a deep breath as she tried to calm herself as Ash...Ash could have this same ability...and could do it to stronger beings-- immortal beings...like the alicorns, or Discord...or even a weak medilers.

Part of her thoughts about misleading Tyra, but the demoness was possibly desperate. And a desperate mind can go to extremes. If she was willing to sacrifice things to gain possibly the single most strongest slayer to namely magical kind-- like herself, then maybe for once? She had to do something ‘good’, just so there might be a world left to be in. she did not want to think of what a world war of Immortals, meddlers, demons and ascended look like if Tyra succeeded getting even one Immortals soul and made into a Abomination-- or worse… much worse…

Find a way to fuse it into her being. Make herself more powerful and not just use normal mortal souls.

Maybe.. Maybe she had to convince Phobia to turn this hunk of junk around, find Ash and book it out of the Holds before Tyra makes a truly horrific future happen!

With a deep breath in, she thought. Arabia. We’re going to Arabia for a bit...then maybe the Republic. Griffon kingdoms is fine enough...Equestria is last. getting on her hooves as she had to get the Stripe...and maybe Sieg too. Because this was serious. Utterly serious.

Staring at Kan, as Phobia, Sieg, and Scrappy look to Kan, with their ship currently moving around a patrol area. The three in the bridge as Phobia raised his hand and said. “So let me get this straight… Ash… was the demoned marked… she was the one who escaped from this Tyra...and this Tyra is like a Striped with higher magical powers ...and this Tyra has a means to take souls without contracts, shove them in abominations and use her created imps to scout more souls…”

Taking a breath in as he went on. “Or gathering them for her, and Ash is potentially the strongest being with her being a potential demon-slayer, or immortal slayer to all things with a potential war if Tyra gets her hands on her?” seeing Kan nodded as Phobia thought over it...and lament.

“WHY DIDN’T I OFFER HER A JOB HERE?!?!?!”

She stumble at that, looking bewildered...then screamed out. “ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I just told you that everything might go to Armageddon with Tyra getting immortal souls to fuse with her-- and you are lamenting on the fact she’s not working for you!?”

Looking at her, he told. “I could of conquered Equestria if Ash can take the powers and/or souls right of the princess’s!” told the Stripe as Kan counter.

“Have you seen Discord in his glory, before being reformed? You wouldn’t have a chance to rule before he made the Armageddon starts-- and crush you. Maybe give a hard time to Ash, but will CRUSH us!”

“Hmmm, I think I’d rather turn you into noodles and watch you flop about.” Kan’s eyes immediately pinpricked and ears flick up with alarm. “But if you want crushed-- well, I’m sure I have a spare hammer some place.” While she shifted and glanced about, both Phobia and Sieg tried to find the intruder.

Popping out of a nearby potted plant, that was supposed to be for decoration, the lord of chaos himself sprang out and shouted, “surprise visit!” Dirt slightly crumbling off his head and the plant tilting to the side. “Excuse me, but I couldn't help but overhear the most delectable bit of gossip that there was going to be some hostile takeover of Equestria.” Giving a laugh and leaning on the pots rim. “Now who would go and do something as stupid as that?”

“I view it as a potential option if there was no true means of actually doing it!” told Phobia, who then yelp as he got his foot slammed by a hoof.

“Shut. It!” hissed out Kan as she glared at the Stripe. “Right now, anything you say will just tick him off!”

Unexpectedly, Discord was already hovering over the two as his head craned down to look at both below him, looking as if he hung upside down. “Oh no, let him keep going, I want to see how deep a pit he can dig himself.” Seating himself upside down soon enough while flashing himself a cupped flower hat held what looked to be liquified goop. “But from the sounds of it, you already have a plan on how to conquer all the pretty little ponies with, oh, what was it-- a thing called ‘Ash’ was it?” Grinning toothily with his lone snaggletooth.

“Well, from what Kan told me, apparently this demoness named Tyra put all her best of best runic markings onto this Ash, who she was planning, or potentially planning to be a demon-slayer-- or immortal slayer at this point! Hard to say at all, but apparently Ash gave her the slip and been evading her.” said Phobia with a wide grin, as Kan facehoof as she repeatedly thought to herself.

We’re dead. We’re all dead. We’re dead, we’re all dead.

Scrappy however kicked Phobia leg abit as the Stripe yelped as Scrappy told. “Phobia? It would be wise to forget on Equestria, statistically with the being of chaos as it’s ally, and the rulers there control the sun and moon. The chances of winning is -.000000000000000000000000.01 percent.”

Getting Phobia to blink as he hums and asked. “Really Scrappy? That low? Not even one percent chance?”

Shaking its head as it told. “Negative. It will be doomed from the start.”

“Oh don’t be such a downer!” Discord seems to coil and flext about to pat the metallic wolfs head. “Give him a chance.” Then cheered out while flying back in the air, “then I’ll have an excuse to get jiggy with the Chaos and send in a Sharknado! Oh, I haven’t done that in years, no, wait! I’ll patch in a call and rain down giant pepper and salt shakers!”

“See, he thinks it's a chance!” said Phobia as Sieg said.

“With all respect Herr Phobia, he is talking of your demise.” to which the Stripe thought...and remarked.

“Well...he did mention with chaos, the sharknado...giant pepper and salt shakers…” frowning more and said to Scrappy. “Okay I see it. I do have such a low chance to not even reach .01 percent. Scratch off Equestria for invading.” and with a snap and a flash, Phobia was dressed in graduation clothes with a diploma as Discord told out.

“Congratulations! You’ve just graduated in the common sense school-- now, are you still going to try and conquer Equestria?” giving a gags to self. “I can only stand friendship and,” mockingly says to them. “Harmony, for so long!” then used a bit. “Though I can never get enough of Fluttershy’s tea parties.” then look to Phobia. “How about this, we’ll schedule your eventual invasion, let’s say a few weeks from now after her tea party, you come in, do some conquest stuff-,” flashes into a heroic pose and knightly armor.

“And I shall come riding in on a flying pancake, ready to fight and turn your ship to hamburgers for the hungry fillies and colts, and send you to your eventual demise by piglet-monkey-pugs and cheer out while raining hotscore cannons that possess Fishmen foot soldiers!”

Then flashes back to normal and cheer to them all. “It’ll be an utter blast! So what do you say?” getting his glasses on and a calendar out. “Next week on tuesday?”

For a brief moment Phobia consider it...but with the sound of his ship being turned into food...he flat out told. “And let my prized ship, along with everything I worked on it turn to food?!”

“I could turn it into a raincloud of cookies if that makes you feel better.” Grinning all the while. “Who can say no to cookies?”

“I do if it means my only ship is destroyed! I worked hard on making this ship the way it is now! This ship is the second greatest creation I ever made!”

“Thank you for reminding me I’m your greatest creation, Phobia. And thank you for having common sense to say no to a unpredictable chaotic being that would surely ruined all your hard work for the lolz.” said Scrappy.

Thinking of this, Discord offred, “Hrmm...maybe just turn half your ship into a cloud of cookies? You can have the rest!”

To which Sieg point out flatly. “We will be dead by then, as our ship will fall down into the ‘pigglent-monkey-pugs’ that were to kill us supposedly by you.” then look to Phobia and told. “It is wiser to forget Equestria altogether, maybe visit, but no conquering, Herr Phobia.”

“Oh poo. You three are no fun.” turning away to walk away, only to stop short and point at Scrappy. “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for the meddling henchmen and the mechanical dog!” walks to a standing wooden door that was just there, opens and closes it as it caused him and it to flash away.

The four look for a moment...before Kan sighed in relief. Before she even speak, Discord ‘mini-version’ popping out of her ear, slapping a note on her forehead as it reads. ‘Oh and FYI? I don’t think Celestia gonna be happy if you let Ty-Ty get her blue claws on that Ash-- I think we’re going to have problems if she does.’

Leaving with an echoing and possibly ominous laughter…

And Scrappy summing up their feelings.

“This is possibly the worst thing that has happened yet so far.”

“Agreed.” said Sieg as he question. “How are we going to find her?”

“That…I do not know.” said Phobia as he shrugged. “One thing for certain? Once we’re done here, we head to west...or south-west...whichever works.” turning to sit in his chair as Kan sighed and muttered.

“By the pits...things are never going to be the same, are they?”

Tracking the herno was a slight problem since those of the ship didn’t know where to look first. They knew she was thinking of going west, so that was their first clue to follow. But there was a lot of areas to the west they could go. On a slight side note, Tyra actually pulled through in getting her imps to send all 20 souls to Kan, a gesture that just confirmed how desperate the higher demon wanted this lone herno.

By now they knew she would have left the city, and by this point they knew she might have gone in an entirely new direction. Scrappy was the one to point this out, since the cat was pretty clever. She didn’t trust them, and even if she was planning to go west-- she probably rethought her plans on the off-chance of being ratted out.

There were too many ways for them to go with no clear path. At best they could scour and wander the western, southern and northern parts of the Holds in hopes to find her-- or Ash could of gone east. It was hard to tell. In short, they had no real way of tracking Ash as of now and that made things complicated. Tyra had the Imp’s to search for her and they were many. So how did they find Ash?

Kan had one idea, and it wasn’t one she liked. In fact, she despised the very thought, but it was possible to make it work in their favor… The question was who to send to ask the question to the people that might actually know and tell for free-- that were not summoned spirits wanting something in exchange.

The Opnehu.

She would rather call on a spirit or lesser demon to do it-- but Tyra would also use those means. But unlike Tyra, Kan knew the three mortals could ask the Opnehu where Ash could be. Add in that it’s possibly world-safety important stuff. But she had to knock the idiot off that ist, as they might pick up on his ‘world domination’ ideas. And she wasn’t sure how Sieg might be received… And Book?

Well… she was ditzy enough and only cared for Sieg, so maybe she should go in and ask. Kan herself knew that she herself couldn’t ask-- not without possibly getting blasted into banishment by those monkeys.

But, all other options were to just wander around and hoping to find the herno before Tyra does. It was possible Phobia might pull through… but at the same time, Iron Holds was a fairly big place ike Arabia. Maybe not as big and with more landmarks to not get lost… but still sizable and with plenty of hiding places.

Not to mention that they could be spotted by the local patrols of ships while staying here. So they had limited options on finding Ash, and There lies another problem.

Even if they found her, the Herno might try to evade them again. It was obvious that she didn’t trust them before finding out they come here through illegal means. She also doubts that Ash would even tolerate them, even her if it means escaping from Tyra.

But as of now? As long as Tyra is searching for Ash? There is a risk that a potential Armageddon will happen.

Finding the Ophenu was somewhat hard, mostly due to their temples being hidden...but to a demoness to sense it? Rather easy to follow the big warning beacon to stay away from….

But desperate measures call for desperate requests. Not to mention she was thinking of the twenty souls while guiding the golems to their destination.

Part of her felt like eating them...but a small part of her felt like releasing them, only due to the Ophenu sending them and ‘asking’ for the souls to be released.

And as much as she didn’t want to, she could use them as a bargaining chip. Show she means well, give them the 20 souls to be properly handled...or ten? Keep the rest for herself for future needs.

That can always work.

“How long till we reach there?” Asked Phobia, Who was leaning under his prosthetic arm as Kan roll her eyes and told.

“Soon enough, I can sense their…” giving a gagged sound. “All love giving and harmonizing Light.” Then snort. “I’m still trying to figure out who to send— beside you.”

“What? I’m not going to threaten them!” Said Phobia as Kan reminded.

“World. Domination.” Then added with a snort. “Plus they might sense the contract with me from you.” Shaking her head as she said. “Book might be better, or Sieg...but I’m still debating on who to send to ask on Ash location.”

Phobia soon asked. “If your unsure on who send, what about Scrappy?” It made Kan pause and look to him with a ‘You're serious?’ As the Stripe said. “What? He’ll be smart enough to ask what’s needed and he won’t be ask hard questions of us, right?” (Done)

Thinking it over, and trying to find fault in the idea, Kan had to admit the bucket of bolts might be smart enough to make the question and get out… and it wasn’t alive, so, in technicality, the Opnehu can’t just sense intent because it can’t feel…. Could it work? (End)

Thinking it over more, she asked. “And Your sure that Scrappy will do it? Without you?”

Scoffing, Phobia told. “Oh don’t worry, Scrappy is my greatest creation, he’s able to handle it. Besides it’s not like they’ll take him apart,” then asked in a grit teeth tone. “Right?”

Thinking on it, she shook her head. “The Ophenu are pasficist as a species as a whole. At the very least? They’ll attack if they’re provoked.”

Phobia slowly nod as he called out. “Scrappy!” Waiting for a moment as the mechanical wolf slid by the captain chair and spoke.

“Yes, Phobia?”

Raising a finger, Phobia order. “I need you to talk to the Ophenu, ask them if they could find Ash, and not mention anything on us and my plans for world or nation domination.”

Talking this in as the mechanical wolf answer with a nodding head. “Yes Phobia,I’ll make sure to keep quiet of the New Dread Empire.”

Cackling some, the Stripe said. “Excellent!” Then said, “see Kan? Everything is going to work out in the end!”

A flat look on her face as she remarks. “For someone who can be a genius, you are nothing but an idiot.”

“Said the demoness that was tricked by me.” Jab back Phobia with a wide grin. (Done)

From afar, the temple was a sight to behold. A whole pyramid like structure, made of blue sapphires that glistened in the sun and surrounded by the warm spring waters held gently by the rocks below. The area was filled with willow trees and other foliage, growing with life and looking the very image of serenity.

Kan made sure to warn Phobia to NOT take even a bit of the temple. Pirates, raiders, slavers and warlords that had larger forces than him have had their collective butt’s served to them by the supposedly peaceful Opnehu.

So, they just kept their distance and landed at a place close enough for Scrappy to make the trek easily enough. The robo-wolf navigated the forested area with little trouble, it’s optics taking in the sights of a very well cared for land. It was surprising to find a temple so well hidden-- not just by the trees by the low fog that seemed to hand around it. If it wasn’t for Kan, they would have flown over the foggy area thinking it was just some low cloud. (End)

Scrappy took this all in as it moved through the fog, its destination toward the sapphire temple as it repeated its orders by his creator. find Ophenu. Request assistance of seeking Ash. Inform of world-safety issue. Bring up facts on information. Deny knowledge of creator and allies of New Dread Empire.

It then added. Optional objective: ask if they think I am alive due to higher and self-learning intelligence than lesser golems. while Scrappy knew it was a creation, it also knew that he was self-learning more than the other golems, constantly improving to the point it began to think of potential scenarios and learn from its surroundings.

It knew it wasn’t alive, but Phobia treated him like a real being. It knew it was made to serve him, but it also wants what best for Phobia. It didn’t knew of emotion, yet it wants to feel the loyalty it gave to Phobia.

The mechanical wolf kept these thoughts to itself until it reaches the temple. Then it can ask the questions. (Done)

When it reached the clearing of warm spring water and small bubbling geysers, it glanced about, noticing a stone rise that was out of the water’s themselves. More or less making a clear path to the Temple’s entrance. Tracking around, it gave one last look at the large structure and wondered how it was made… much less maintained.

“Greetings, friend.” Stopping, scrappy found itself staring at a monkey, one that didn’t even go over three feet in height and held a golden fur that almost radiated light. Smiling in a friendly manner while leaning forwards on a golden staff, the amber-poncho wearing monkey smiled disarmingly and spoke, “You seek answers, yes?” (end)

Blinking it’s optics it calculated how the monk knew of this, and stated. “That is correct, I would ask how you knew on what I seek, but the conclusion is that you or other's senses the presence of others and are waiting for whoever come here.” (Done)

Nodding, the monkey spoke, “perhaps it is that… perhaps it is not..” Looking to Scrappy, he smiled, “or, it is because those that come, always seek something to answer the question of their mind. A question of gaining riches, a question to have knowledge or a question to ease the soul.”

Chuckling, the Opnehu motioned to himself, “we seek many an answer. So please, ask and perhaps know. To know is to simply ask.” (end)

Looking at him, Scrappy sat and spoke. “Very well, I have been sent on a request to seek the one known as Ash, a Herno who is currently on the move due to a potential Armageddon in the future. This unit request assistance or advice to relay in order to ensure a potential stable future is secure on the one known as Ash due to unforeseen factors that had made recent.” (done)

Chuckling, the golden monkey said, “ah, so you that is what you seek.” Then spoke with a thoughtfulness, “Nuru would not know. For he is merely a visitor to this temple.” Though he did smile widely to say, “but, he knows the way you wish to lead.” (end)

“This one thanks you for any assistance or way to guide the ones that sent this unit.” however it went silent for a moment...as it soon asked it optional objective. “This one also has a question pertaining to itself. I am consider alive due to my higher intelligence and being different compared to its other's?” (done)

Humming to this, Nuru spoke, “He would not know. Nuru would ask you.” Reaching a pointing finger out to tap at Scrappy’s chest, “are you alive?” For a moment, stumping the mechanical dog. “You do not breathe, and do not eat. You do not feel and do not need sleep.” Then the monkey pondered on, “yet those that claim they are alive can breathe, feel, eat and sleep-- yet they do not dream nor do they have anything but their ruitiene. Are they alive, even know they do not live?”

Nuru looked to scrappy and smiled, “Nuru think you ask a very silly question. What he thinks you should be asking, is do you wish to live?” (End)

Running the question in it’s head as Scrappy run down the possibilities, the outcomes, and came short as it soon spoke. “85% of data speaks that I am a golem, made for my creator purpose and run my routine to serve him. Yet 15% of data speaks that due to constant working on my system, constant request of my presence, and absorbing data around me. The logical conclusion is that due to creator workings, this unit has started to slowly form a sentient of awareness. It is already starting to call it ‘himself’ now and then.” (done)

“Life, is not a program.” Began Nuru. “Life, is not simply given.” Then told, “a baby fresh from the womb, are they alive, or do they simply live?” Staff spun in hand and rapping gently on the wolf’s head, Nuru smiled, “you are aware. You question yourself if you live. You wonder of something that even those the live question.”

Chuckling in a good natured manner, Nuru told, “to live is a thing one gains at birth. To be alive is a choice you must make, not something that is simply given.” (End)

Being silent for a brief moment, Scrappy run through the logistics of it as the words were confusion a bit, the logic was sound. To live, one must have the choice to live or not. To be aware and question, one simply need to be instead of giving it. It had re-run the data as it, he soon spoke. “I have rerun the data. The 85% went down to 20% as the 15% rise up to 80%. Due to constant memories and recordings of creator actions to me, I conclude that I am alive, but not in the same way as organic is. The logic is sound.” (done)

There was a long and low chuckle to this as Nuru said with some amusement, “then Nuru was never truly needed to know, yes? You have figured out your own road.”

Looking upwards, the monkey took in a long breath and told, “Nuru had a dream. One of sands and desert. One that showed him of a city, a city flying a banner of ten Poppy flowers, in the midst of a land grown with thorns.” Eyes turning down, Nuru told, “what you seek, what path you want… it that way.” Staff lifted and pointed to the south west. “You will know your path. Follow the pillar of smoke when you come to golden sands… and only then, will you know your destination.” (end)

Taking in the direction in it...his memory banks, Scrappy nod his head. “Thank you. I will be sure to inform my creator of these directions.” giving another blink as the mechanical wolf rose on his paws. “Is there any other form of wisdom you wish to give, Nuru?” putting the name down as ‘friendly’ within his data banks as a possible ally or ‘non-threat’ to the New Dread Empire. (done)

Chuckling, Nuru told, “There is much Nuru could perhaps give, but he thinks you do not have time for his stories and tales.” Then gently waved, “farewell friend. Nuru hopes to see you once more.” Turning and walking for the temple.

Scrappy was going to leave, but Nuru tossed back, “Ah, before Nuru forgets.” Making the wolf look to the cheerful Opnehu, “tell your Dread master, to luck on his world domination!” Turning and continuing his walk back to the temple, looking rather upbeat. (End)

While Scrappy stare at the golden monkey, he ran over the possibilities on how the monk knew and didn’t seem to mind of Phobia dreams of world conquest and to rule the world...however it came up short as Scrappy could only conclude the monk knew something he didn’t. Outside of perimeters. Return to Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams and inform Phobia of the traveling to south-west. as he also added.

Also warned Phobia of the one known as Nuru knowing of his desires of world conquest...somehow. Request information gain from Kan on how Ophenu know ...and not care. starting to rush off as part of him brought up a possible outcome that the Ophenu were already on the ship and removing the potential threat-- or talking down to Phobia before it turns into a fight.

While Kan may say they are pacifists? It doesn’t mean Phobia might do something reckless and cause a fight...which result a broken ship.

The good news was that the ship was in tact, the bad news was that Phobia was surprised and miffed someone knew of his plans...and the odd news was that this monk didn’t seem to mind. Kan mention that the Ophenu might have future visions within dreams...but she was admitally surprise that they didn’t seem to mind of Phobia wants...and that made her worried.

However the battleship was making its path forward on the south-west to the ‘golden sands’. And Sieg was looking over the maps for a city specifically with any symbol of the ‘banner of ten Poppy flowers’. With the grown thorns thing. The only conclusion was made that Ash was heading to Saddle Arabia. But she could easily travel by and head back to the east in the Holds…

But at this point all they could do was follow the path to Arabia and hope the monkey didn’t accidentally mislead them, or they got the directions wrong somehow. As the changeling was looking at the map and Phobia was tinkering on Scrappy, who seem to request a few things from the Stripe, which surprised him-- but felt happy for his creation to be better.

Sieg rolled his eyes, but turn to the pleasant emotions of Book, seeing her trotting into the bridge with a cart of food as she said. “Hi Master, hi Herr Phobia, hi Scrappy.”

“Hi Book.” said the two of striped and machine as Sieg saw her horn glowing, moving a plate of...rats by him on the armest. The mare had to hold back the nauseated look she held, even more since she found out he, or rather Stripes love to eat rats due to scavenging around. Even to the point of making a cookbook of the stuff! She didn’t even want to know what other recipes there were in making rat meals as she shuddered at the thought.

However she smiles as she came by Sieg, nuzzling under his chin as the changeling gave a soft sigh, wings buzzing some of the positive emotions she had for him as she asked. “What are you doing, Master Sieg?”

Glancing down he said. “I’m currently searching for a city with ten poppy flowers for its banner...it's hard to find it.”

Blinking a bit...Book move a hoof up and place it on a dot as she said. “There. That's where it is, Master.” Phobia glance to the unicorn and Sieg look surprise as he asked.

“How did you know?” feeling the happiness turn to somber as a sad sigh escaped her lips.

“I was sent there when I was a filly, Master. It's hard to forget the place you were made to be a slave.” slightly scooting herself to his side, she felt comfort as the older changeling started to nuzzle at her mane, grooming her as she asked. “Master, is it possible we could...see if anyone I knew is there? In terms of the village?” Sieg glance to Phobia, as while it wasn’t talked much over, the Stripe did say he would consider it…

And considering they were looking for this city...they could kill two rats with one stone. So with a grin from the Stripe and approval swelling in him, Sieg soon answer with a kiss under her horn. “Yes Book, we’ll do what we can.” feeling a surge of happiness swelling in her as she wrapped her forelegs around and the joy she had increased more as she pressed closer to him.

“Oh thank you Master! Thank you!” While Sieg slightly smile, he nuzzle back as to encourage more positivity from her, Phobia shake his head as he grabbed a rat and chew it quietly while working on Scrappy. Although the brief moment ended as Kan trotted in and told.

“I hope you found that city, because i don’t know how long we can keep evading the patrols.”

Scoffing, Phobia told while swallowing. “Oh please, with my genius engineering, superior designs and steady crew of golems-- how could they ever find us with us moving around their patrol ships?” it took a moment for Kan to facehoof.

Idiot. was all she thought as Sieg frown and said lowly to Book.

“You may want to hold close to me.” already feeling her forelegs wrapping around his sides in precaution, knowing from serving the Stripe...the ‘Dreadful One’ tend to have something twisting his words to cause the worst to happen. (done)

And inevitably, something did happen. Namely with the ship shuddering some ten minutes later and the alarms going off. Af first, the thought of a parol finding them sprang to mind. But instead, they heard golems rushing about and a few small explosions go off. Which meant one thing. They were under attack. (End)

“Lacky 45, what’s going on!?” demanded Phobia as he quickly patched up Scrappy as the golem look over the controls and report.

“Dreadful One, we are currently being hit by some cannon fire. An enemy fleet of ships attacking us, five frigates, two destroyers well armed and one larger ship that looks to be a renoffited gallion.” Phobia questions.

“What flags are they?”

“No flags have been identified, conclusion is of pirates attacking at our south-west.”

Snarling, Phobia commanded on the mics. “Start up the rotary cannons!” then said. “Activate the outward mics.” once there was a screeching sound, Phobia shouted. “Attention idiots! You have attack my ship! Now I’m giving you one chance! Surrender or be blown!” there were interrupting cannon fire as Phobia shouted on the ship-mic. “Load in the incendiary rounds! Burn them all!”

“Correction, use the grape-shots and chain-shots to hit at them. Cause damage to their structures.” said Kan as Sieg shook his head and inform.

“Best use the standard cannonballs, they’re too far off for close-range shots like those.”

Phobia grumble as he order in the mics. “Don’t use a singular rounds for the cannons…” then grin widely. “Use both Incendiary and the grape-shots and chain-shots to cause multiple damage on them! In fact get close to them!”

“And he wonders why I call him an idiot all the time.” mutter Kan, as outside of the bridge, the Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams™ was turning to face the small fleet of ships. The cannons moving from their place to aim at the ships. Firing multiple times as the grape-shots and chain-shots were firing at the frigates, while the incendiary rounds were aiming at the two destroyers.

While the singlar battleship may be alone against the larger force, one thing for certain was that the cannons were much stronger than most other ships. As the ships were firing at the lone battleship, moving closer to possibly try to get onboard, the multiple cannons on its sides seem to have an effect on any that tried to get close to it. (done)

Or, at least the Destroyers that, while not as powerful as the guns he had, still battered at the Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams™ hull. The friget’s were less of a hassle, though they were much more annoying swarming about and trying to break anything in sight. It took a while to down two of them, but the three remaining ones refused to stop moving.

The only ship that was not in combat was the much larger one, sitting in the back and out of range of the smaller cannons Phobia had. If they turned the ship so the Main cannon could fire at it, they could hit it. But from the looks of it, it was ready to move if he even made the order. So for now, he had to deal with the Destroyers that were taking each shot, but not well. All they needed was a way to get around their thick hull armor. (end)

Thinking for a moment, he said. “Sieg!” getting the changeling to salute with a hoof.

“Yes Herr Phobia!” as he looks to the Stripe pointing at the two Destroyers.

“Ideas on blowing those two up? Or damaging them?” getting the military mind to think, and to analyze them while the Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams™ were taking hits as he suggested.

“I have a few ideas, Herr Phobia. However most are only useful on the ground with ground-base weapons.” Making Phobia blink to the changeling, Book looking up to Sieg and the demoness facehoof herself.

Kan groan in annoyance as she told to Phobia. “Look like we are going to need to find a ship captain in air tactics.” snorting a bit as she view the two Destroyers as Scrappy look to the two ships, analyzing it as he spoke.

“Phobia, aim for the tail-end of the ships as much as possible. Force them to unable to move and remove rotary propellers. Deal with the frigates and leave this fleet. Larger ship is unable to be in combat able use in the moment until we make a move. Retreat is advisable.”

While Kan glance to the metal wolf, with Sieg raising a brow and Book look a bit amazed of the golem quick thinking, Phobia thought and soon grin. Patting Scrappy head as he praise. “Goodboy!” the tail of said mechanical wolf wagged a bit as Phobia order on the mic. “All cannons, destroy their propellers! Move the ship to aim at their propellers and make them unable to move. Make a full retreat once we deal with the frigates!”

At his orders, the golems changed their aiming on the cannons, while those in the bridge began moving the battleship to move at it’s best behind or on the end sides of the destroyers. However the frigates kept bugging the battleship, as it kept firing at the hull or other cannons to make it useless. Even trying to hit at Phobia own propellers to make it unable to move as the end cannons were forcing the frigates to stay back against their ends. (done)

It wasn’t so easy. The Destroyers were pretty keen on not letting the Battleship get a clear shot. And it was clear they were aware of the tactic they were trying to pull. It was with a slow realization that even if he had the superior guns, ships, armor and everything-- Phobia was nowhere near as equipped as he thought to handle common pirates. They knew what they were doing, and it was maybe why they were not so hesitant to attack a well armed ship.

They were more than confident in their skills of attack they could handle him and his ship. And in a way, while they were not doing much in terms of damage, they were giving him a lot of trouble. With outdated and nowhere nearly as powerful ships no less! (End)

And that just pissed him off. Clearly I will need to upgrade my ship. Improve my cannons-- make sure such outdated things will be obsolete to my battleship! thought the Stirpe as already his mind was working on improving his ship. No it was more than his ship...his golems need to be upgraded to. Sure the pirates --if they could get on-- could be handled against the soldier, knights, or even engineer golems-- who to say that his golems will be defeated by common soldiers? Guards?

That was unacceptable. It was unacceptable that he would be defeated by such...such...such common people with nothing but skills! I will need to upgrade everything! I will need to make sure that next time, that I will succeed! To make all pay in crossing against me and my future Empire! However in order to even start making such things happen? He will need to leave somehow and remove the threats as he commanded.

“Kan, Scrappy. Suggestions on removing these insects and making a tactical withdrawal from this fight?” While Kan raises a brow as she was still angry at Phobia shortsighted planning, Scrappy was trying to analyze the situation as Sieg frown. He wanted to give a plan...but with Book being so scared and unsure of what to do, he just held onto her as the ship rattle.

Scrappy however soon spoke. “Stop fighting and retreat, Phobia. Use some of the smokes to hide our escape as we retreat. We are unable to fully win. Retreat is needed.” going on to say. “I am 95% certain retreating is our best option. Focus on retreat and fight another day.”

Snarling, Phobia thought over...and soon order on the mics. “Golems, prepare for full on retreat, cover our ship and use the smokes to hide ourselves. NOW!” as outside the Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams began to turn, the cannons firing much more frequently to ensure the ships won’t get too close, and firing some smoke cannonballs, ensuring they weren’t going to get hit in their own propellers as the ship went full speed retreat from the fleet. (done)

The ship seemed to shudder and all could hear the engines being pushed to full power. With a slight motion they all felt, the large Battleship accelerated forwards. It took a moment after the large smokescreen for the pirates to figure out what happened and give chase. Firing all the while, though many a shot missed.

Slowly, the land below began to fly past faster and faster, the sounds of winds picking sounding with a slight whistling as they went all the faster. The Battleship wasn’t the most aerodynamic of things, so the slight sounds of wind was slightly audible to those inside. But the speed was enough to allow them to get out of range after a near thirty minute chase. (End)

While they waited for an all clear, a golem spoke on the transmission. “We have successfully escaped, oh Dreadful One!”

Snorting, Phobia told. “Good. Now get started on all repair works!” then added. “And once that’s done? Make sure all the ammunations have been sorted out, I want to know how much we need to replace.” ending the call as Kan remarked dryly.

“How about the next time we are attacked, let's look at our options instead?” then slam her hoof in agitation. “Are you trying to get us all killed? Are you that overconfident that this lone ship could defeat them all?!” she however was a surprise, as well as the other's from Phobia response.

“Yes, I was and that was a mistake.” making her double-take as Phobia got up, hands behind his back as the Stripe told on in annoyance. “I thought with a superior ship, advance craftsmanship-- and stronger hulls...I could defeat them. Crush them like the pathetic bugs they are...but apparently even the most outdated and weak ships proof to be nuisances. And if these worthless pirates could even give me trouble?” giving a glance to the demoness as he told.

“Whos to say that the actual armies could give a harder time? I dare say this was a reminder to me...that I still have much to improve on my plans. On my ship ...On my creations.” then gave a fully grinning toothy smile. “In order to be the world conquering Stripe I am? I need to improve on what I have…” then turned as he commanded. “Scrappy, follow! We have work to do!”

As the mechanical wolf quickly came by his creator side, Kan just stare at space for a moment, then glance back to the Stripe as once more she questioned if the idiot had his moments of common sense or not. Sieg however took a breath in and spoke.

“He is..partially correct.” giving the demoness to glance at him as the changeling went on. “In order to forward on Herr Phobia plans, we must consider on improving and adapting...thus I shall need to find a potential captain to fight in the skies. As I am rather useless here.”

Book glance up to him and bit her lip, she knew that the whole thing with the pirates was scary, but there wasn't any need for Sieg to put himself down, right? Gently placing a hoof on his foreleg, she try to ease him up. “Its okay Master Sieg, it wasn’t that bad, right?”

Snorting, Kan told. “It could've been worse, Book.” getting the unicorn to shy away from the demoness as she jab a hoof to the changeling. “You better hope that you can find someone useful for ship battle. Because I am not having my plans of this contract get set back by poor planning-- especially by the idiot himself.” then turned to trot off as she told. “Now if you excuse me, I am going to logistic work on the finances. That mutt better have enough for our cannons, because we need to make sure everything is prepared.”

While the demoness trotted off, Sieg gently motioned Book to get on her hooves. “Come Book, we must return to our room, I have much to plan...and you need to relax.”

Book slowly nodded, getting on her hooves, but sticking close to the changeling side as she didn’t trust that they were safe as of now, however as the organics were all gone...a golem spoke.

“At least we weren’t shouted at by him.” Another turn it’s head and told.

“I know. Be thankful that the Dreadful One will be busy on repairs…” another soon asked.

“Wait...we’re his golems...does that mean we’re going to get upgrades too?” for a brief moment the lackies consider the best or worst case, but with their limited intelligence and programming, all they thought were ‘upgrades+Phobia=stronger!’ as they soon agree in one.

“We are going to be awesome!”