If there was anything Susumu had regretted, it was for being rusty and taken capture by a bunch of griffons. The Kitsune felt his wrists bound tightly, as his muzzle-- even seeing a few other muzzled up. Like Gem, Tibia and a few of the changelings.

Gem looked frustrated having a black eye on her left eye, as she protested the most about all of this. Even more tried to ‘explain’ on how fucked up they were, but was ignored.

Alibi was sticking close to Asha, as they were being forced to walked to a old fortress. The doctor could only feel annoyance of being killed here...but also felt a bit of sadness, of his Clan never finding out of his death as he would die in a execution than anything else. They weren’t even given a fair trial, as they were all condemn guilty and to be hanged. He knew that this was it, that the Striped couldn’t pull off anything insane and luck filled of a chance.

There was too many ships around, security everywhere-- it was probably better for the Striped to mark them all as dead and move on. Maybe let the blackmane fight this battle by herself. Or even let the Twins come after them all and get overwhelmed somehow. It was funny in a twisted way, they were going to be killed by hanging, among ‘traitors’ of the Griffon Kingdoms...even if they might as well be innocent in the first place.

In any case, this was it. The end for them all.

Glancing to one side, he could see Hirue nearly trembling like a leaf in the wind, the young herno was possibly the most guiltless of them all in this situation. She only joined just a week ago with no memory to call her own and was now sentenced to death. It looks like she wouldn’t have to worry about her past much longer.

With a slight growling and jiggling of chains, he looked to Tibia. The cub had not lost her spunk at all. Even with the chins keeping them bound or locked together as a group with iron colors on each of them… the cub continued to try and get them off. The griffins didn’t seemed too worried. The only time they were was when she bit one of them.

Susumu did get a good amount of amusement watching them try and pry a cub off one of their arms.

Rah-Rah was in the most… oddest of positions. Due to her mere size and the chins on her, the griffins had to half force the kitsune to carry the rabbit. If anything, he was sure Rah-Rah was more annoyed by the fact she had trouble moving with all the weights on her. If it wasn’t for the fact he was muzzled, he was sure she would of told him to not say a word about this.

Out of them all, Asha was possibly the calmest. She kept Alibi close, whispered calming words and never rose her voice. Even if she had suffered wounds of her own, the lioness seemed to still hold some level of dignity and, in some strange way, give hope to Alibi. Assure the girl, things will turn out fine.

Susumu wonder how the lioness could lie so well to the changeling. But it was possible the child was just that desperate for comfort

in either case, we are dead. thought Susumu, walking along with the other's as they march to the gallows. Surrounded by the Hunters, as the ‘Mitego Clan’ were to die with their own traitors and criminals.

Susumu partially wonder if this was some sort of karma for something he did in the past life? If so he mused on what will happen to him once he leave this world.

But as they were nearing the gallows, did a faint...tune, a whistle really, coming out of Asha. A few glance to the Lioness as some heard something else….

A voice singing in the distance.

“Mama, I'm so sorry, I've been awful naughty.” In the distance a few saw something in the distance. “Pray the Lord, my soul, to take~” a small dot in the sky. “Cuz I ain't got no conscience…” the dot seeming to be nothing as the Hunters ignored or didn’t even notice it. “With all this blood on my hands. If the law can bend, the law can break."

Then suddenly the dot became the sight of a ship with a round bludgeon with smoke coming out of it, as it rocket towards the old fort and speed past the surprised patrolling ship. Slamming through a wall, the Hunters and those in chains were quickly alerted as it looked to be...Dejen ketch ship….and modify as a battling ram. A voice soon sang out as Dejen jump out of the ship with hand cannon ready to fire.

“Mama said that my head's in the clouds. There ain't anything getting me down.” Grinning wide as he jump off and fired his weapon. “Cuz when I get to jetting around, I get rid of dead weight, shedding the pounds.”

Those in chains watch as it seem Dejen was the only one who came. “You bet that my ethics are left on the ground.” Giving a wide toothy grin as he added. “Pent-up aggression - I let it all out!” Then jump high again as he was wearing the exo-suit under his robes. “I'll do whatever is never allowed. Speak of the devil - I'm ready to bounce.”

“Can you surrender now? Your weapons are lame.” Started a Griffon, before his head was blown off from Dejen gun as another scream.

“You blew off his head!”

To which Dejen smirk as he told. “Just messing around.”

Each hunter sneering, they got their weapons out, one saying, “I’m gonna teach you delinquents a lesson.” Ready to take flight before more rushed out of the Ketch then and there. One of which flew up and came right down with a axe-kick.

Griffon down and half jumping up, Bakari taunted, “A lesson I’ll be forgetting’ about!” Turning and rushing for theose in chains. While a few tried to aim, Bina sped by with a few fast strikes and slip by too, getting to work on literally ripping the chains off of their own people.

One of the officers shouted at his subbortanance in frustration at this sudden breach, “Look what you’ve done! I reckon you’re proud?” Trying to get the other’s to go and attack. And similarly in the skies, the patrolling ships turned to rush back to the fort, no doubt to try and help assist in defense from the sudden attack.

“I will be when I'm all that's left in the town!” Shouted Mercy coming out of the ketch with her horn glowing as she stomp her Hooves. “Tell the Hunters to get the hell out,” the proclaim as she fired multiple magical shots to the Hunters. “Just like a bitch- you're meant to be plowed!”

Having her muzzle off, Gem could only remark to the other's as her chains were pulled off. “Shit she just said that aloud.” Mercy gave a quick annoyed glare as she told.

“Fuck off Gem, I'm killing quicker.” Horn glowing to toss a bag to the Diamond dog, which was filled with various explosives.

Dejen chuckle as he raise a hand. “You drop the ball, and I'll dunk it on ya.” Then thrust it down as he signal to his ship to began its barrage of cannons from above. “Bringing the thunder from up above ya!”

Many eyes turned up where they tracked the cannon shoot location, and were shocked to find the battleship so high up-- they didn’t think a ship could hold such a altitude. Yet it did, and had the ability to fire under it, taking down and damaging their air support of ships.

Chain off another and letting the captured changelings do their work in helping the other, Bina jumped back into the fray. Jumping up and going as far to run on a wall, she told, “pretend the floor got covered in lava.” Leaping off and doing an impressive job in kicking and jumping off fliers to keep them grounded.

Jumping up and punching a hunter down, Felix went on, “I’ll stop the clock and cause some trama.” Turning to grad a mace and return a punch. His metal fists doing well in causing damage alone. “Call it chronological trama!”

Debt burst out of the ketch as he ‘Comment’ to Myun as he Quickly motioned those to free to get inside the ketch to grab gear. “Luckily none of us believe in karma.”

Taking position on top of the ship, Mynu strung up her bow, firing arrows off and told him, “not like that would ever going to stop us.”

“Nah.” Shook the gnoll head as Changelings sang while moving about. Either assuring those still chain or following the gnoll direction.

“Mama, I'm so sorry,” horns glowing to fire, using Hooves and wings to battle against the Hunters. “I've been awful naughty. Pray the Lord, my soul, to take.” A few even using the Hunter dead as shields from incoming fire. “Cuz I ain't got no conscience. With all this blood on my hands,” Sounds were made of more Hunters to try to stop this break in as one called out. “If the law can bend, the law can break!”

With a vicious roar, Johari ambushed a hunter and was not gentle at all when she clamped her jaws on their neck and broke it. Leering up, she snariled, “My dark side, you’re about to see. I’m a better Ashmancer than Talpani.” She stalked forwards and said more to herself, “Even Dadasi would be proud of me.” Roaring out as waves of ash flowed over her, splitting off to become ash-clones of lionesses. “Because I can call Prides out for me!”

Tatsu swiftling rushed past the now charging ash-lion pride that went on full assault in revenge. The kunoichi slid and drew her blade, stabbing a hunter’s back. “Dashing like the assassins. I’ll act as if your neck was a cold one and snap it.” Jumping and nimbly dancing around a few hunters. Slashing and stabbing at every opportunity. “I’ll grabble your mass, and then I’ll stab it.” Turning to do so to one minotaur hunter that was grabbed and heaved over her shoulder. “Evacuate as if nothing ever happened.” Making a swift stab and tossing down a smoke bomb to vanish.

“I am the Alpha, you're the Omega,” called Dejen as he jab a thumb to himself and Pointed down to any Hunter as he smirked. “Step up to me, and you bet that I'll end ya,” quickly firing his Lucky Hand as with the exo-suit on? He could afford to fire with one hand, even do a couple of acts with it.

“Been slinging guns longer than I remember!” Firing six shots as he sang out. “I'm the crack-shot everyone bets on.” Spinning Lucky Hand as he ‘casually’ shoots down another ship right at the ballon.

Many watched the ship fall and go up in a plume of fire, it’s helium-filled balloon not agreeing with the shot that hit it. Those too distracted payed for it, a few ‘rogue’ elements coming in hard and striking them down. With a swooping in, Galdan took down a couple of ‘rookies’ and told while slamming their heads to the stone ground. “Like a Vanguard, hit the floor hard.”

Diving in, Sharp landed and spun, her daggers in hooves to strike about while downing a few. She backed up, balancing upright with wings aiding her. “Get my blades readied and raised up.” Spinning them in hoof before going in once more into the fray.

Horn glowing as Mist slam her Hooves. “See I don't mind getting hooves-on.” Causing a light shake of the ground as her magic amplify the vibrations of the ground.

Moving like the bul he was, Malvus rushed in, balling many aside before slamming a mace down on a hunter. “Move it if you don’t wanna be slammed down!” Grinning like crazy as if he was having the time of his life.

“Yo, justice isn't what I enforce.” Snorted Debt, rushing with halabard to slash and hack any who were in his way. “Covered in blood cuz I hunt you for sport.” Feeling the need to repay the lost of lives of his new Clan, and making them all pay dearly.

“I can blow up this place into a shape I’d distort.” Smirking as Gem was tossing out grenades and feeling the high of Not only causing so much damage, but getting pay back too. “If you wanted some law, you could take it to court.” She did duck as she tired to find cover as she shouted. “I need a bomb with multiple runes!”digging into her bag as to find a Bomb she could alter.

Helping a few changelings into the kesh for safety, Asha glanced about at the chaos and those attacking. She jumped up and stood on the ship, calling out, “Need some protection? Get in the dome!” Roaring out as light and magic flared about to produce a barrier around the ship. “Defend this point!” She called, more so at the raining arrows.

“Deflectors are go!” Felix called, hands morphing away into guns as he moved in and began to shoot about. “Juggernaut coming to step on your toes.” Letting off a number of high-energy bursts to take down a number of hunters.

Before Dejen could take a shot at a Hunter head, she died from Felix barrage of bursts as he complained. “That was my kill!” Feeling annoyed he lost a kill in his killstreak.

“Negative sir.” seemed to smirk the bot that sassed out while firing away, “could of been yours, if you were better.” Arrows and knives bouncing off his metal skin while helping give cover fire.

Moving past the two, Tatsu ducked and weaved, grabbing a griffon and saying, “I’ll move in like a wraith, I ready my blade.” Twisting and tossing the hunter through the air. As they landed hard on the ground and rolled, they had the unfortunate luck to land near Gem’s position.

Tossing a mine at them as she smirked and shouted with glee. “Eject in your face and then detonate.”

When a turn, Gem had to move bac when a pony hunter gotten a bit too close and was trying to get her with a axe. This was stopped though when Bina flew in and slammed him away with a duel kick. While she landed, Bakari vaulted over her to keep up the fight, smirking out, “these boots ain’t for walkin’.”

“But we’ll show you what they do.” Bina followed up, both striking and spinning around the other to clear a swath of area. “Situations getting harrier.” Both going into a sort of cartwheeling before jumping up and preparing their legs all stretched out, saying the same time, “we’ll walk right all over you.” and slammed those kicks down to cause a trembling shockwave before them.

“Mama, I'm so sorry.” Sang our Mercy, trying to keep her children close, even Alibi as to hole them into the ketch with Asha. “I've been awful naughty.” Talking a breath in as she smile sadly. “Pray the Lord, my soul, to take.”

“Cuz I ain't got no conscience,” sang out Susumu, feeling the odd...connection of this song as he moved swiftly with hands cover in both blood and magic as he moved in swiftness. “With all this blood on my hands. If the law can bend, the law can break.” Finish the Kitsune Doctor as he quickly vanish to help support other's, or get rid of more Hunters.

Moving around a corner and using a rope to strangle a guard, Miko snorted out, “Mama said I’ve gone astray.” Kicking him aside before moving forwards, finger flicking for a knife to take and toss with some deadly accuracy to a hunter’s neck. “I’ll end up dead or’s locked away.”

Rolling a shoulder to help move her bow, Miko strung it up and got an arrow, launing it at a few unweary to tell on. “But Guess what I got taught today? These laws we got ain’t so hard to break.”

“I just had a lesson in anatomy,” Spoke Debt as he stab through a griffin torso, while Gem scrunch her face as a few blood spots splatter on her coat from a body that was too close to her bombs.

“I didn't know how much blood we had to bleed.”

“I'll cut you like a surgeon, with a bad degree.” Told Susumu, Hand raise with some knives he found as he tossed the blades to necks, backs or even a knee as he proclaimed. “You'll need an anesthetic to get through that with me.”

“I've been a bad boy, mama, don't get mad at me.” Spoke Debt as he slash down into a Diamond Dogs neck. “Is your conscience heavy?” Pulling away his weapon as Dejen came down, quickly reloading as he grin out.

“It doesn't have to be.” Shrugging as he jumping up as he fired free style. “Any impact I have will lack gravity.”

Laughing to that, Bakari slid by and tripped up one attacker to tell, “that’s how I’ve learned to laugh at any tragedy.” Jumping up and kicking a griffin out of the air. Bina was close behind to do the same, kicking a pony down and soon grabbing a nearby minotaur hunter to swing herself back up and around.

“Like a acrobat who doesn't let their feet touch the ground, that’s an act of blasphemy.” leaping off the bull with enough force to cause him to stumble.

Bakari came down then and there, making the bull full face-plant into the ground as he taunted out. “I’ve ignored every rule you’ve had for me. And now I got a massive rap sheet attached to me!” While he sumersualted back, Bina jumped over him, to surprise a few coming in attackers.

“We broke the mold when they casted us. Cull us the crazed, this is our turn to raze!” Slamming the ground to lightly quake it before sweep-kicking them all over. “If I have to land, I’ll slam like a asteroid.” And glanced to her brother coming by her side. They nod and grabbed the others arm.

Running quickly, they seemed to spin up and gain momentum before Bina tossed her brother like a missle, the tom-cat calling, “Do you wanna try catching me!?” Raming and bowling over any in his flying path.

Mynu ducked when Bakari flew over her head, and raised up to eep firing her bow, going as far to run and climb up some ruble to keep out of reach. “I stick to my bow, but I’ll change up my rhythm to keep the guessing when I’m fuckin’ with’em.” Stipping to slind near Debt and tell, “our mission is criminal by definition.” Knowing they were going to be in so much trouble after this.

All heard a revving from the ship and one of the doors opening much wider, came out Mr. fisty. Many were not expecting such a thing in the ketch, and when it stomped out, Rah-Rah told, “give me a jetpack and I’ll do all the lifting.” And raised all weapons. “Kinda like Iron Man entered the building, my weapons are fun, but they’re meant just for kilin’.” Guns blazed and fire flew out. Hunters ran and searched for cover as despite their numbers-- there was just so much chaos and fire flying through the air now.

“If you mess with us, you'll be victims of villains!” Shouted Dejen, laughing as he motioned for the ‘criminals’ that were going to excucited to join the group, or few remains that hasn’t left at this point. Then joked to everyone. “Guess I’ve raised some belligerent children!”

Everyone singing on point as the Mitego Clan was slowly not only destroying the remains of resistance from the Hunters, but the few remains of their ships that were still flying in the air, or at least were operational. “Mama, I'm so sorry. I've been awful naughty.” Dejen motioning the ketch ship to get back up to be ready to leave at a moment notice.

“Pray the Lord, my soul, to take.” the Striped sang as he slide down a broken pillar as he fired a few more rounds as to get the ones Rah-Rah hadn’t been able to get yet. “Cuz I ain't got no conscience. With all this blood on my hands,” grinning wider as he raised his arms high, then motioned them down as to let the ship from above be signal to let out a small barrage of the remainders of the ships that still were flying.

“If the law can bend, the law can break~’ hearing the sounds of cannon fire as he laughed and cackle as ships were falling down from the Innovation barrage and crashing down into the grounds as he added. “It’s time to break!”them motioned with a hand to Debt as Gnoll raised his halbard to slash down on some stone to make indenture of three claw marks on it.

“Time to break.” spoke the gnoll.

“Time to break.” added Gem as she was certain the battle was one as Dejen thrust a fist in victory.

“Time to break!”

And with that, the few ships that were downed hit the ground with a thunderous boom. Looking around, Dejen had to admit he probably did more damage than he anticipated… but didn’t think too much on it. There were no real ships to worry about in the sky and there were not that many hunter’s willing to poke their heads out.

With a motioned of a hand, those able to took to the air and others took to the ship. He rushed in with those of his crew and started up the ship. Making it move was a bit hard, but once it started to move, he pushed it to it’s limits to fly up.

To the side, he heard Asha tell Alibi, “see? Told you things would be fine!” Making Susumu give her the most oddest of looks.

As the doctor glance over the numbers of the changelings that were taken, as well as those of the original crew, did Susumu questioned. “How you knew Striped would come?” furrowing his brows as he felt...at a lost. “How you knew that he would planned this? That he...used music to fight against impossible odds?”

Giving the fox a glance, Asha told, “I didn’t.” smiling as she did, “I just had faith he’d come. I don’t need to see the future to know he’d never leave us behind.”

He gave a questionable look as he said. “Had...faith?” his facial expression seeming to be...confusion for once as he said. “It sounds like you knew he would arrive, with or without planning. As if....” trailing off as he partially wonder...was this some sort of Striped thing that happens now and then? If so...that might be the reason why she was so calm.

Shaking her head, Asha told to the kitsune, “I know you find it unbelievable. Mostly to think someone like Dejen would risk his life for us.” Then told to him, straight there. “But the fact is? We are Clan. We are family now.” Giving a smile and looking about those in the ketch, all squashed about as it were. “Even if he wasn’t a striped? I know in his heart, he would of come for us anyways. That’s the kind of person he just is.”

Kind of person….he is? mused Susumu, as he glance around, knowing that while it would be true that Dejen view the changelings as his ‘family’...it also meant everyone else? Even Hirue, who was someone that just lived on his ship for a week? He look back to Asha as he soon remarked. “You westerners are very odd in thinking.”

Smirking some, Asha said, “told the doctor that should have reason to have faith in a clan.”

Slightly shaking his head, he did glance to the ketch ship as he remarked. “Didn’t knew ketch ship could be made into...whatever it was.”

To which Gem had to agree. “How did you guys came up with a idea to modify the boss personal ketch ship into a semi-battering ram?”

Nearly everyone glance to Dejen as Mercy, who was checking over her children as she told. “We didn’t. Dejen did. Apparently he...had a idea of using this thing as and I quote, ‘A flying battering-ram that’ll smash down our enemies from the sky’. And it seem to work really well despite it nearly blowing up when we landed...”

“Oh come on, it work’s!” said Dejen with a wide grin, squeezing buy as he went on. “Side, it was the only way I knew that we could’ve gone in without getting ourselves killed!”

Gem glance to Asha as she asked. “Should we worry if the boss got himself influence by the Isles Stripes with their ‘transportation means’?”

Giggling some, Asha said, “well, the ship isn’t filled with bombs. So I think you have little to worry about.” (end)

“I’m not that crazy.” agreed Dejen, to which Mist remarked.

“Yet.”

Grumbling some, Dejen called to Debt. “How long till we’re back on Innovations?”

“Two minutes.” was the gnoll replied as Dejen squeezed through and managed to reach to Asha, as he glance down and grin to Alibi as he asked to her in a gentler tone.

“Doing better now, Alibi? I know it was scary-- but you’re safe now.”

Alibi was conflicted in how to respond… but she did ask, “um… Dejen….” Eyes glancing to the side, “is that supposed to glow?” Making all eyes turn to a slightly orange-hot spot where the engine was.

“...Uh oh…” said Dejen, as he quickly shouted. “Debt, hurry up, we’re gonna blow!”

“Wait what?!” shouted Gem, as the gnoll told.

“We’re in cargo bay!” the hatch open as Dejen ordered.

“Move, move, move, move, move!” trying to get people out as Mercy quickly made her changelings move faster, the other's were partially hurrying, or confuse on why Dejen wanted them out, although it was more stranger as Dejen ordered. “Push the ketch off the ship!” While they tried to push, with a bit of trouble of the mere weight. But they stumble and half fall over when the twins literally pushed and run the thing off the ship by themselves.

They all look over the edge of the platform, seeing the ship going boom long before it reach the ground.

In a thoughtful tone, Felix remarked, “you know Dejen… this reminds me of that warning I told you about pushing the engine too much from the start since it was just a patch-job…”

“Hey, at least it works!” said Dejen, with Gem giving a look as she asked.

“Do we even want to know what you two did on making that thing fly?”

“Better if you don’t.” was all Dejen said as he raise his walky and told. “Port, close up the doors, we’ll be heading back to Elizia place for a while.” then turn to Galdan as he said. “Try to get your people working on that gas more, also see if Elizia knows any of Simmer places we can get pay back.”

Mercy shake her head, but she glance to both Asha and Alibi as she internally sighed. Mostly knowing of the fear Alibi had-- even recalling it as the Queen steadily walk to the two as she gave a somber smile. “Hey Asha, Alibi…”

Asha gave a smile, tough looked down in concern for Alibi. The young young queen looked away from Mercy, and it didn’t take any wonder why. Alibi wasn’t sure if she felt ‘safe’ as she first thought. That was to say, Mercy calling for them to run even when so many called for help. And it made the young filly… bothered, and unsure how to talk to Mercy.

Sighing, she said. “I know you...feel uncertain, and even may never trust me again. I don’t...blame you. I made a call that was unfair, even downright wrong...but…” closing her eyes as she had no excuse and soon spoke. “I am sorry Alibi, and I know...it hurts. It hurts a lot on what I did...but I felt...felt I had no choice. For what is worth? I am truly sorry...my child.”

Alibi shifted in place and from the many conflicted thoughts, it almost sounded like there was an argument being made… with herself. But when Alibi looked up, she mutely nodded, but didn’t really voice her forgiveness. It was clearly hard enough to say it for her.

Regardless of this, Asha said, “there’s something else, Mercy.” Sombering up a bit. “I… don’t know how to really say this. But…” Taking a moment to think of a good way to put it, but eventually telling, “that gas did something.”

It alarmed Mercy, even as Asha told, “it hasn’t done anything to the others… well, maybe one other changeling… but Alibi… has trouble transforming.” Though seemed to correct, “she still can but…” Dragging off a bit, “she can’t hold the form for long.”

...no…. thought Mercy as she she glance to the changelings, seeming to split and talk among themselves and figuring out what happen as she look to Asha with...concern on her expression, as she checked who it was in the swarm mind as she spoke to Asha. “This is…” trying to think of a way to say it before letting out a long sigh. “A very bad thing. To just...do something to a changeling disguise to the point of near permanent is…”

Sighing, Asha nodded. “It wore off for the others… but Alibi and the other… they’re the only ones that didn’t recover.” Then twisted her face. “Theres… there’s something very wrong with that gas.” Quietly placing a paw on Alibi. “I can’t do anything. Maybe over time but… I don’t know what I’m healing. I’m sorry.”

“I...understand.” slowly nod Mercy as she said. “Galdan and his troops are trying to figure it out ourselves. We don’t know what kind of chemicals are in it, but they think it’s some sort of...combination of something.” shaking her head as she admit. “I doubt anyone else around her would know, we aren’t familiar with the compounds in the gas...or what else could be in it.”

Gas? mused Susumu as he overheard the conversation, hearing of it made him considered. While it smell funny to him, it wasn’t anything dangerous...but he consider it could be a mixture of sorts. Perhaps should inquire of Galdan and his troops on this gas in a later date...might see if it’s recognizable to me. thought the doctor as like any good medical nin, he would be well verse in the chemicals of plants and toxins. Although for now he continue to overhear the various discussions, mostly to gather into of what’s been happening for the last week or so.

Dejen half paced about the empty meeting room in thought, mostly on recent events. The rescue had.. Gone off alright enough. But now they had a issue of this Shimmer Lake mare and her forces. He worked over ideas and plans, but stopping at the table and the large map they had of the Kingdoms? It understandably presented issues.

He could see all the marked places that he could go, shouldn't go and of course, where his ‘target’ would be. But how to reach the mare, was the problem. She was responsible for so many problems that recently befell him, his clan, his ship. But… thinking it over now, with a slightly clear head? Dejen had a issue. Reaching the mare through soldiers, ships and mercenaries possibly.

It was like trying to engage Deejen, only this wasn’t a Sultan watching a corrupt city-- but a noble with the King’s grace aiding her. Meaning that any actions he takes? May garner negative responses from the kingdom-- or other nobility that she allied with. Taking on a Sultan like Deejen was one thing. But looking at this now? He was trying to attack a single cell of a kingdom-- without trying to alert the other nearby ones.

I can’t attack her like most, she would have connections, request allies to assist her. Or worse, request the King for aid to remove me and my group. I don’t have proof to show she messed with my Clan, my word won’t be enough. I need to attack her with a different angle. But how? Raid her house with all its essentials? No, she might have defenses against such things.

Ask Galdan cousin on how to attack her? No, she might not bother with me, or worse see it as me owing her a favor-- which I rather not do. I know how dangerous a favor is, even more when you owe one to a noble. thought Dejen as pace back and forth, hands moving to his deck as he stop in one place to shuffle while in thought. Think, how to handle Shimmer? She has the advantage, she knows how these lands work, even more how the territory is. I don’t.

A frown in place as his hands moved the cards while he was thinking. How to handle Shimmer while not having to much loss? I can’t hit her the usual way, or remove her, she’s a dark arts user. She might have means to handle me and everyone else. I could try to petition to the King, but that is not going to work. I’m the outsider here, she's in favor to the King and to the other's. Plus I’m a ‘criminal’ once word spread of what I did in that little stunt I’ve done.

Thinking a bit more, Dejen tried to figure out something, anything really, but he had to face facts. He was out of his depths here in both politics and planning to handle Shimmer.

With a snort and a rough thump of hands on the table to lean over the map and think, Dejen really felt like this was going to be a huge issue. Whie he thought, he almost felt his heart jump from his chest when he heard, “you’re worked up.” Turning fast to see Johari seeming to have taken to skulking in some shadow in the room.

Letting out a low breath, Dejen drly asked. “Can you not scare me like that? I think you took at least a year or two off of my life from the way you startled me.”

There was the slightest of smiles, and Johari padded her way out. “If you didn’t let your guard down, maybe that wouldn’t be a issue.” But amusement slid off and the Lioness told, “the crew is restless. They want to know what your plan is.” sitting by the table to remark, “but it seems you’re not sure either.”

Letting out a low breath, he had to admit. “I can’t hit Shimmer, or at least not without heavy repercussions on us.” motioning a hand to the map as he continued on. “I want to get back at her with what she did. With how much lives lost and the attack on both ship and Clan...but I also know I can’t hit directly at her with how much she has at her disposal. I could raid at her home and take everything, but she might have magical defenses and guards. I can’t make a move against her without having her and her allies coming down at us.

“I’m trying to come up with a solution, but at best? Either we hit at her estates and steal everything from her….or we put her on the side and focus on gaining bounties of the Skull Crushers.”

Lifting a brow, Johari remarked, “at least you’re reasonable.” Going on to tell while looking over the map, “if Shimmer is in too good of a position? Then it’s much more beneficial to turn away and deal with other situations. Right now, we did what we had to. Get those of the Clan back. Now that they’re safe, we can ignore Shimmer.”

“Hopefully, doing so will be more beneficial to us than you might think.” Glancing to Dejen to add. “If she knows about you, and knows about your species? We can use that to our advantage. There’s a chance she suspects you to come for her. So she will hold up, wait. And in turn, waste time trying to prepare for something that won’t come. IF… she knows about stripes.”

Raising a brow, Dejen asked. “Are Stripes that predictable? I would’ve thought we would be abit more unpredictable.”

“When a Strip set their sights on something, they don’t look away.” Johari told. “They get so caught up in going straight forwards, they lack the commonsense to turn their heads.” Then smiled, “how they go about their straight on path? That’s hard to say. Any number of things could be done-- but most tend to result in a large dosage of collateral damage. It’s simply hard to tell how they will do-- only they will do it. One way or another.”

Letting out a low laugh, Dejen said. “Am I glad I’m Arabian. Gives me a better idea on looking both ways.” then let out a snort as he look to the map. “But we should focus on the Skull Crushers, mostly since they can give us a idea on dear Maltar…” part of him tried not to shiver as he was reminded that he still need to pay half of the payment to that fox. Sure he still had a couple of months left...but he really didn’t want to find out what happen if he didn’t pay in time.

Nodding slowly, Johai told, “then that should be our next goal. It would do us best to search out for more bounties to gain more credibility.” Then rolled her eyes. “I should also inform, that both Felix and Miko seem to plan to leave the ship. Something about getting back to their respective lives and investigations. Though Felix may stay for a bit longer, something about looking the ship over.”

“Eh, figure as much.” said Dejen as he put his cards away in a pocket. “They both work best in their fields, plus they might find something out more than I could.” He look the map over one last time, before he said. “But we might need to be more careful while we head out of the Griffon Kingdoms. Odds are that there will be a bounty on my head when word spread.”

“Then we best not get caught then.” Johari told rather simply.

Laughing, Dejen respond as they were walking out of the room. “Easier said than done, since our ship could fly higher than most.” opening the door as he told. “Anyway, I should head to the bridge, probably should give orders to either Port or Debt that we’re heading out.” He however glance to see Susumu standing with a tray of tea, the Striped look surprise as he asked. “Susumu? What are you doing?”

The red fox look to Dejen as he spoke. “Figure to come, bring tea.” then glance to Dejen as he remarked. “But seem you plan ahead?”

Dejen nod as he told. “Yeah, I got something in the works, but I don’t need any tea for now, Susumu.” Seeing the fox nodded, but soon did the fox asked.

“Why did you come for us?” looking to Dejen intently, the Kitsune went on. “You risk much for us, Asha claims you came for us for Clan.”

Dejen scratch the back of his head as he told. “Well, isn’t that what most of you guys are? My Clan.” then amend. “Granted some are more of, let say employees or something-- but point is, you’re part of the crew, and part of the group so...yeah. Nothing spectacular Susumu.”

The fox frown a bit as he spoke. “But not everyone swore loyalty to you.”

“I’m just going to assume that this is a Iron Hold thing.” told Dejen as he told. “Look Susumu,” saying this in the most serious of tones. “I don’t care if you made a oath or not, long as you don’t backstab me or my Clan? I consider you one of us.” then joke as he jab a thumb to Johari. “Side, Johari here and her cub are technically part of the Clan in a sense.”

Rolling her eyes, Johari told, “I wouldn’t say that’s the full truth, but we don’t have a Pride. Being part of a perdue Stripe Caln is fine enough for us.” Then breathed in, “speaking of my Cub, we might spend time in that Town, humilite, again. There's more training I want to give Tibia, and I’d rather it be there with Opnehu to help teach.”

“Eh, we might need to head there first.” admit Dejen. “With how high tensions are, might be a good idea to ease up a bit before we start pirate hunting.” then wave at the two. “Anyway, talk to you two later.” walking on ahead as Susumu look to the back of the Striped as he spoke lowly in his native tongue.

“The Stripe is so illogical, if was part of Kitsune Clan, would not risk life like that. If part of Herno Clan, wouldn’t risk much.” Despite Asha words ringing in his mind, Susumu still couldn’t wrap his mind on what Dejen did, or why he would do it. Or even more on why Asha held so much faith for the Striped to rescue them all. Why would anyone put their trust, much less faith on a swindling, gambling, dishonest and dishonorable being that was insane in the mind?

He glance to Johari, but the lioness was long gone as Susumu turn to move the tray of tea as he kept in thought. Why would they all believe into Dejen? Why put their trust into a madman? It made no sense to the Kitsune. Even less of how...acceptable it all was.

Truly he had no idea how they all put their faith into someone like Dejen.

When Dejen made the announcement they were heading to Humilit to relax and destress, it made many be at ease on what he was planning. Even more when the Innovation Rises rose up higher in the clouds to avoid patrols of all sorts and make their way straight to the Iron Holds. Or at least till they make a better place to drop off both Felix and Miko.

However during that time, Dejen asked for Tatsu to come by the ship lower decks as he wanted to give her something. The Striped was waiting with cross arms, holding something in a hand as it seem to be a small box case as he waited for the vixen to come. He however noticed she came as soon as she was able to as he grin and said. “Ah there you are Tatsu.” getting off the wall as he came up to her as he said.

“Normally I wouldn’t call you here, but I figure to help you with something.” he soon presented the small box case as he told. “Here, I made these for you, I think they would help you immensely.” letting her take the box and opening it, inside however were a unusual set for her, as they seem to be two grieves as he figure to explain as fast as he could.

“They’re called Hidden blades.” raising a arm to turn one of the grieves to reveal the metal cover as said. “Put them on, I’ll show you how they work.” Watching her raise a brow at first, but went on to work slowly, making sure they were comfortably fit onto her forearms. Once they were, he rolled up his sleeves of his robe to reveal his own as he said. “Now, flick the wrist like this.” using his left arm to demonstrate as the hidden blade came out.

Eyes locked on fast and ear pricked high at the slight sound of the blade unseathing. He could tell, she was very fascinated on how his little tool popped out a blade. And when she rose her own arm and did the same action, she flicked a tail at the blade now projudding out.

Relaxing her hand, and seeing the blade go back down, Tatsu remarked, “this is quite the piece of weaponry, Dejen-dono. I did not take you for the sort to craft a weapon fit for a kitsune.”

“First off, they’re fit for anyone. The problem is to make sure they work properly with the arms.” started Dejen, seeing the looked she gave as he grin to this. “Arm joints, muscles, you know make sure you don’t accidentally stab anyone while moving.” seeing the look of confusion turn flat as he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I’m talking too much.”

“Fit for Kitsune.” Tatsu seemed to repeat. “Fit for our way of life, Dejen-Dono. Not my arm.”

“Ah, Assassins.” said Dejen with a nod as he said. “Well, let just say I had inspiration for handling people when they get close to me, or removing a threat without having a weapon on me. A convenient tool to be honest.” then admit. “Sadly I can’t take full credit, I was more inspire to craft the weapon as it was made by someone else.” then soon told. “However there was another reason I called you down here.” moving to motioned a arm as there were a series of hay-dummies around as there was a small obstacle course of sorts.

“Mostly to see if I can teach you a bit on blades and various means to exploit it.” added Dejen. “No offense , Tatsu, but I figure you might wanted to learn, or at the very least practice with them.” figuring that could be needed, as this course was very similar to what he saw of the Assassin creeds games and how they ‘train’ the player to use them.

Looking from obstacle course, to Dejen, the vixen lifted a brow and seemed in want to say something. But, instead she told, “Dejen-dono. While I appreciate the effort?” Breathing in to calm herself, “I would like to remind you, that I know how to kill with simply my hands. The training I need, is simply to know how to use them effectively with my style. There is not much to know on how to kill. Flick wrist, stab person. That, is very simple.”

Letting a sigh, Dejen understood. “Yeah, yeah, shame on me and all that.” then told as he scratch the back of his head. “To be honest, I had this made sometime back, mostly for me to train. I mean let's face it, I’m not good at assassinations as I’m a horrible ninja. Plus I figure other people would use this if I decided to make more of the hidden blades.”

Looking from him to the obstacle course once more, Tatsu told, “then perhaps you should consider a change.” Going on to point out, “all the dummies, they stand where you want them to and wait for punishment. Good for those just learning. Not as useful, for those already trained.”

“If you want best training?” Asked the vixen, “then I suggest having other’s join. To have one side be the assassins, the other? The targets.” She seemed to go on, almost reminiscing while walking forwards. “My clan, before it’s destruction, had many a exercise. We did more than simply track and eliminate, Dejen-dono. We also had espionage, sabotage, protection of lords-- we had many a job and task.”

“And to train for such things, we would have experienced Nin make a course, much like this, and be the Guards to a fake Lord.” Turning, Tatsu went on. “It served for two purposes. First, the young and learning assassin trained on how to make opportunities and how to strike. The second: those that guard learned how to be more aware and learn to sharpen their senses against assassins.”

Thinking a bit onto this, Dejen joked. “Would be good training for the other's to learn on removing targets, or to keep me safe.” then rub his chin a bit in thought more as he said. “I’ll bring it up with the other's, see on how to make it work.” he look to Tatsu to ask. “Do you need any help in maintenance with the blades? Or any question about the blades? Or at least, anything you wanted added on them? I do know a few means to include some ‘upgrades’ on the gauntlets.”

“For now?” Asked Tatsu, “I think being taught maintenance is the most important thing.”

“Alright, follow me.” said Dejen as he told. “Because I’ll be honest, it’s going to take a while to make sure every piece work properly now and then.” although has he lead her, he soon asked in curiosity. “Hey Tatsu? Mind answering something for me?” giving a glance to her as he went on. “Earlier Susumu asked on why I went on and saved the other's in that rescue raid. I told him its because Stripes don’t let Clan go easily, and for some reason...I still think he doesn’t understand. Is it a Iron Hold thing? Because its like he can’t understand on why I did it.”

Shaking her head, Tatsu told, “it is Clan teaching, not Iron-hold ‘thing’.” Looking forwards in thought. “He is a Kitsune, a unproven Kitsune who’s reasons have yet to be tested. A Herno clan, or even more, a Kitsune Clan, has very little reason to save one who has not proven themselves. Even less a Kitsune that could very well be looking for a gain that is their own and not to aid those he or she is with.”

“You must understand also, that Herno and Kitsune understand that there is a line of sacrifice when we do our duty.” Went on the silvery women. “We risked our lives for a whole people that were on the verge of being taken to be killed. In turn of aiding them, we lost a few. And if the risk is too great to get them back? We, of Kitsune and Herno, understand that we must allow the sacrifice of a few, to keep the many of the whole safe.”

“Some may wish to help, and be allowed. But risking the Clan as a whole, is not our way.” Went on Tatsu. “It is not because we fear for our lives. It is because we understand that foolishly charging in, may result in more unneeded death. It may seem cold, but we of the Kitsune and Herno understand this, and those of us that are to be the sacrifice, take peace in knowing we have done our duties. Even if rescue will not come, we do not dwell. We only accept that what will come, is simply something that was bound to come in time.”

Like with me and knowing I would be backstabbed sooner or later. thought Dejen as he...understood this line of thought. Granted not as the same degree as Tatsu would, or of Susumu or the Hernos. But he understood this. Understanding that he would pay his dues one way or another and there was no way to stop it. He let out a hum as he remarked. “I understand that abit...Maybe too much than I figured.” then glance to Tatsu as he grin and joked.

“It’s probably was foolish and insane of me to just charge in and rescue everyone like that. I would probably be a very bad example of a Kitsune, eh Tatsu?”

“No.” Spoke out tatsu in thought, “you would make a fair Kitsune.” Which made him almost stumble in thought.

Turning his full attention to her, Dejen asked in surprised. “Wait, what?” looking to her with a squinted view, he asked. “You’re joking, right? Because...last I check, I’m pretty sure I was the opposite of a Kitsune in many respects.”

Shaking her head, Tatsu told in slight amusement, “Dejen-dono, you are the opposite of Herno teachings. But Kitsune? We are not bound to the same rules and perspectives. We always balance our lives on the edge of a blade, tethering by danger at both sides, at all times.”

“That is what makes you Kitsune, in some ways.” Went on Tatsu. “It is the very reason you will jump in at the risk, knowing full well the danger. Kitsune do the same, bare with much clear minds.” Looking on ahead, Tatsu continued to explain. “If not for a few key things? You could be seen as Kitsune in your ways. Like you, we take risks. Like you, we take opportunities when presented. Like you, morals are only as far as our honor allows. But like you, what honor we do have, we hold fast and tight to.”

“Huh…” said Dejen as mused in thought and slowly started to walk as he remarked. “I wonder what I would be like as a Kitsune? Probably squany and probably got a lot of people after my head as usual.”

“That would be a given.” Tolt tatsue evenly. “We Kitsune will war with other Kitsune clans we don’t know, or trust. It is where there is always a wall between I and Susumu. I do not trust him, nor his reasons for being here. To me, he is just another liable spy creeping in our house. He only lives, because of your grace to allow him to live.”

“Well, we don’t got another doctor that got his knowledge, or could use those ‘healing hands’ of his” admit Dejen, as they came to the end of the hall, as he opened a door to reveal as small workshop as he asked in amusement. “How long till he or another Kitsune decide to slit my throat? Pretty sure I’ll be targeted by a Kitsune or two eventually with my luck.”

Rolling her eyes, Tatsu told, “please do not joke, Dejen-dono. While you have capable crew? I doubt they are ready for a true Kitsune assassin. We are much more cunning and careful than the few that had boarded this ship.”

“I know its a serious matter,” told Dejen as he gave a low grin. “But you have to admit, they would have a difficult time to kill me, even more with me being full of Devil Luck.”

Sighing out, Tatsu told, “it is foolish to rely on your gambling to save you, Dejen-Dono. I would much more prefer it, if you simply prepared for such a occasion instead. Luck will not save you forever.”

Giving a somber sigh, Dejen agreed. “Lady Luck won’t save me forever. Sooner or later I’ll pay my dues to her, or to the devil.” then turn with a grin as he said. “But I’ll take heed of your words, maybe use that ‘training exercises’ you mention to help improve for such a thing.” then undid his grieves to said. “Now, let me show you how to maintain this stuff. We might need a hour or two to get every piece.”

Letting her follow his lead, Dejen began his teaching, but internally he did knew that he couldn’t rely on luck forever. Sure it helped and screw him over….but he knew sooner or later, one day? The Devil will be coming after him, or rather… Death would come for his soul. It was after all, a matter of time for the likes of him and his kind.

Reclining back, Dejen half played with the bounties and how to track them. There was still that one mutt he no doubt had to still find. There was a likelihood that Yumchal was caught, or was still out there. But getting him was still a big step, as it would really give him and his crew more info on… well a lot of things.

There were the Skull Crushers-- but until they got wind of their actions, they weren't doing much. There was also that one rogue group they could hunt, but from the little bit’s they got from the Town they stayed at? They had been in hiding for a while. They apparently lost their chance when they sailed off to save that Hive of changelings.

Letting out a very long breath, Dejen felt a little irritated. That, and half wondered if he should consider going to some other places for other bonties. That was what Johari suggested, to gain renown and the favor of the people. Maybe make friends to have connections with later on.

While he hummed, he heard a few feet patter on in. He glanced and found not just the Twins, but a very shy and unsure Hirue. With Bina gently assuring the girl with pat’s on the back, it was Bakari that said, “hey Dejen, mind hearing what Hirue’s got to say?”

Raising a brow, Dejen place the bounties on the side as he said. “Sure,” giving a curious gaze to Hirue as he asked. “What is it Hirue?”

The tigress like herno still gave a uncertain look to him, but after gathering some courage, she told, “I… I think I remember where my Clan is.” Which made him perk. She went on, “Y-yesterday, when we were sailing back here. I saw the mountains and… and in my head, I.. remembered about some mountains, I think… I think my clan is to the far east of here…” then went on in worry, “I… I think they’re in danger.”

Placing a hand under his chin, Dejen thought on it carefully. While he would consider if this was a good thing or not….This could be a good thing in the long run. Gaining the favor of a Herno Clan, sure he doubted it would be seen as such to them. But he knew that the Herno would be appreciated of him giving back one of their own. Plush e was sure they might’ve heard of the ship, or at least some of the crew.

Pressing a button he spoke in the comm. “Port get up here to the bridge. Everyone else, prepare to leave, we’re going to help out Hirue and her Clan. Double time it people,” he then stop the comm as he asked to Hirue. ‘What did you say they are in danger from?”

“I-I don’t know.” Hirue told meekly with flat ears. “All I can remember are ships, and flags with something breaking a skull…” And like that, everything in Dejen lit up at this hint. This one, single, very defining hint.

He activate the comms as he told. “Make it triple time people! We got a hint of Crushing Skulls pirates!” he look to the girl, then to the two as he asked. “Think you all can stay here on the bridge? We might need Hirue aid in pinpointing on where the Clan might be.”

Both gave a nod, with Bina being the first to assure, “see, we told you he’d help.” Getting a shy smile from Hirue.

Though Bakari snorted and crossed his arms. “Those jerks again.” And told Dejen, “Tatsu, Bina and I still got a fist-full of payback to give after what they did to the Clan. And we’re getting it.” Then added to the side, “and we ain’t going to let them get away with doing it again.”

Giving a grin, he nod as he flick a ear to hear Port trotting in, the mare moving to start up the engines as Dejen look to the three as he told. “And this time, you got a whole Clan to help you give that payback.” reaching to pat Lucky Hand on its holster as he added. “Plus, I have a good feeling we’ll all play catch up with those pirates by the time we’re done time with them.”

Bina let out a breath and said, “we better hurry. We don’t know what’s happened since Hirue was kidnapped.” Obviously worried since they had been traveling ever since they found the girl. Then seemed to ask, “you said East, right Hirue?”

Nodding, Hirue pointed, “that way.”

As the ship began its ascending lift, Dejen called to Port. “better up the speed, we might not got enough time. Set it on...medium speed.”

Port nodded as she said. “Aye, aye, Captain.” working the controls over as Dejen turn his attention back to the three as he said.

“Normally I would give the order to go to more faster speed but…” giving a light shrug. “Let just say inertia is a bitch.”

The twins only rolled their eyes and Hirue looked confused, but otherwise? No comments were given. Instead They moved to the front and let Hirue direct them about. Dejen got comfy and watched as hirue did her best to recall which way to go.

Granted, along the way, the girl had…. Trouble. It took a almost zig-zag of a path for them to slowly track the Clan’s whereabouts. But as the day wore on, they got closer to what looked to be a mountain. One that Hirue more excitedly began to point for them to head to.

They did, the ship going straight for the mountain and over the large forest it was in. Hirue smiled, looking… ecstatic. This was it, she was going to finally see her clan, her home-- know who she was! Bina and Bakari smiled with her, even as the rounded the side of the Mountain.

That smile, faded.

The ship slowed and the bridge was joined by those that would be part of the ground mission. But as they joined, they also bore witness to what looked to be a very large expanse of snow, covering many… many ships and what looked to be a town.

“I…” Hirue felt her words die in her mouth, looking in what could be described as… horror.

Thinning her lips, Bina looked away with lat ears and Bakari Glared on, fists shaking. Tatsu stepped up, looking at the whole town that looked to have been razed… a fair time back. Gently, she told, “we should depart down.” Looking to Dejen to add. “We must see if there is indeed, anyone left. Or more important, seek out Hirue’s Clan scrolls and history. If she is the last, it will be her birthright.”

Giving a nod, Dejen gave the order to Port. “Land down as best you can.”

“I’ll help.” told Debt, moving to help Port as Gem look with a grim look as she said.

“Damn…” looking over the damages as she said. “It’s going to be a while till we find anyone with the mess here.”

“Mercy, you get the kids ready to start moving around, sense for survivors.” told Dejen as the Queen nodded, the Changeling queen already sending requests out for her children to find survivors. Dejen went on ordering. “Everyone, grab winter gear and be ready to search out. Search inside the ships if you have to, we need to figure out where they might head to.”

As the ship landed, Dejen got up as he added to the ground team. “Also, be on alert, they might left traps for anyone coming back.” part of him doubted this was the case, but he wasn’t going to assume neither Hirue people or the pirates would leave anything without placing a trap or two for scavengers.

Hirue let out a long sigh and began to move, Bina by her side and Bakari not too far off. Tatsue seemed to go with, intent to make sure they all had the needed clothes for the cold that they would venture into. While they did, Dejen got up and looked over the town once more.

It looked pretty trashed, and so did the ships. Apparently, the Herno did not go down easily. From the amount of ships? Dejen was sure that the Pirates tossed whatever they could to get at the Caln, and payed some hefty toll. While he thought on it, and listened to people walk out, he heard Asha. “Dejen.” Her tone soft, but worried. “Something…” Joining him by the window and looking at the town. “Something… feels wrong...”

Giving a glance, Dejen knew that wasn’t good with how worried Asha was. “What kind of ‘wrong’ are we talking about? Are we talking about ‘something feels off wrong’? Or the ‘there's dark magic around us wrong’? Or ‘this feels like a trap wrong?’” Figuring that if Asha was feeling something off about this? Then it gotta be something worrying.

Working it over, Asha told, “I don’t know, all I know there’s something wrong and… evil here.” Turning to him, “be careful, Dejen. I don’t know what’s here, but I can tell that… it’s clouding my senses.”

Letting out a breath, Dejen said. “Well thats not good.” taking out Lucky hand from it’s holster, Dejen said. “I’ll keep a eye out, Asha. Hopefully its nothing serious, but if its a demon?” giving a grin to help ease the mood. “At least we’ll know ahead of time.” already turning as despite him trying to uplift the mood? He also knew that if there was something ‘wrong and evil’? It either meant demons, pirates, or...something really worse than either.

Raising a walky, Dejen warned. “Everyone keep a eye out. Asha senses something wrong and it could be a demon, or something worse. All we know its something that’s clouding her senses, so keep on your guard.”

“Shit, thats bad.” cursed Gem.

“We’ll keep a lookout.” informed Mercy as the Striped heard other acknowledgements from the other's.

When he and the other's exit out of the ship and began searching around, he couldn’t help but shiver. Mostly from the cold and...quiet like aspects around here. Granted the wind blew a bit at him, but it wasn't nothing bad compare to the coldness in Humilit.

Keeping his gun raised, Dejen kept his eyes peeled as he spoke in his walky. “You guys found anything yet?”

“Nothing boss.” told Gem. “lots of cold and snow...and ship remains. Lots of dead, probably been here for who knows how long.”

Debt spoke on his end. “They’ve been preserved in the coldness, various races. No sign of Hernos yet.”

Dejen lowered his walky and began to trudge forwards through the shallow snow. Asha seemed to bound out, catching up and moving past him to keep with the three herno’s and kitsune just ahead. From the looks of it, they were following Hirue, who was looking about the town’s gateway and trying to apparently… recall something.

Walking up more closer, Dejen glance under his winter robes to the exo-suit underneath, hoping that it would still work despite the cold. Granted Rah-Rah assure him it would, but...well, it was still a proto-type. He came close as he glance to Hirue, who was trying to figure something out as he asked lowly to the Twins. “Any luck so far?”

Sighing, Bina shook her head. “No. she’s trying, but… she can’t remember anything still.” Looking back as Hirue began to aimlessly walk a now snow-covered path. “I… she’s been in shock since she, well…”

Signing out, Bakari told, “I don’t like it.” Shifting in the coat he was given to add, “Hirue thought she’d be seein’ people she knew. Now she’s here, she can’t recall a thing.” Slowly walking with the rest to keep a slight pace with the wandering herno girl. “She’s been lookin’ all lost since we got past the gate.”

Frowning, Dejen nod a bit as he glance to the two and Tatsu as he asked. “Think one of you should find the Clan Scroll for Hirue? I would offer but..” giving a slight shrug in admittance. “I think it's better for someone she trust more to give it to her than me.”

“It would take time.” Admitted TAtsue. “We know not of its place. Nor if it is truly still here. With the damages, it is likely it got burnt if it was hidden in a home that was seemingly unimportant.”

While they walked forwards, Bakari said, “we can still try though…” Further asking Tatsu, “right?”

“Of course, Oni-san.” Tatsue told with a smile. Though it went away as she glanced to Asha. “Asha-san, are you well?”

Glancing, Dejen could see the lioness was low and looked about the place as if they were in a deathtrap. Asha further admitted, “no. I’m not. Something is wrong, and I think we should leave.”

Half stopping, Bina said, “but, Asha, we can’t! This is Hirue’s home, we have to search it and make sure someone’s here-- or maybe her clan’s Scroll and heirlooms.”

“I know Bina, I know.” Asha assured, “I just… this place.” Taking a calming breath. “Something’s very wrong about it.”

Giving a quick glance around, Dejen had to agree abit. “If the Lioness is feeling off? Then it means some serious shit is around us. Usually either demonic or black magic kinds.” Raising his walky he told. “Everyone, double time it on searching around. Don’t salvage for anything.”

“Wait, why not?” asked Gem. “We might need the materials here!”

“On any other day, I might agree-- but if the Whitemane is feeling we need to leave? Then its better if we don’t loot off anything and go when we got who and what we need.” then Dejen asked. “Mercy, any signs?”

There was silence before the Queen admit. “None. there's nothing alive here, bare us...there's only a handful of dead Herno, either they all escape, or some of them were captured and the rest had to flee. My children found some information on some of the ships but...there is something off about this place, even more so than other dead places.”

While Dejen worked that over, they heard Hirue, “I remember something!” And all turned in time to see the herno go rushing off.

“Hirue, hold on!” Bina called out, going in a slight jog, mostly so the other’s didn’t get left behind. “Asha feels like something’s wrong with this place!”

Yet, as they ran through the empty roads and taords a open, but trashed, courtyard of sorts, Hirue half spun in place. “But, there’s something here, I know it. I-I remember something about a door and-and--” Stopping by some steps of a large and burnt home. “I just feel like…” Trying to find the words as they rushed to keep up.

Asha tried to as well, but her caution made her constantly stop, look about and try and figure out what had her so on edge. It was when she tried to once more keep pace and not lag behind, she felt a tingle up her spine. She slowed her run, heart pounding. Danger, she could feel it. It blared in her.

“Dejen!” Asha said with a increasingly rising voice of worry, everything telling her, they needed to leave. But even as he turned to look at her, the ground lit. In a sudden flash of light, chains of magical energy wiped, coiled and griped all bare the lone tigress that now stood in shock by the steps.

A large, unseen rune under the snow lit, it’s heat melting it away some and the greenish-yellow chains binding all five in place. Asha gave a roar, but felt more of her body constricted, pulled and forced down. Tatsu found her arms just as bound, and found herself kneeling. Dejen was no better, grounded and pulled down-- and even the Twins tried to fight up, but they were having trouble-- even if they still stood.

Worried, Hirue rushed up with a shout, but stopped at the circle's edge, dancing in place with worry. “I-I-- what do I do!?” She called out to them, confused and worried.

“Arg, DAMN IT!” cursed Dejen as he shouted to Hirue. “Call for help, or shout loud enough for the other's to get here!” then shouted as loud as he could. “SCARECROW! SCARECROW!” although as much as he shouted, the winds were damping the shouts as the Striped tried to move his hand with Lucky Hand still in his grasp as he said. “If I could just...move ths…” trying to struggle and get his arm free, then yelp as the chains pull down hard as he couldn’t help but shout in frustration.

“DAMN YOU MURPHY!”

Breathing fast, Hirue flinched and told, “I-I’ll be back!” Turning and running around the circle. Half way there, she stopped and gave a scream, hands on her head.

“HIRUE!?” Shoutted Bakari in worry.

“Don’t worry, she’s just experiencing a minor headache.” They turned their heads, as from the burnt doors of the large home came out a tall individual. One with a sharply pointed nose mask, and a dark coat that was topped with many feathers. Dejen breathed in, recognizing the demon in his bounties. Camkum.

He looked them over and smiled with many a fanged tooth, and said, “I was wondering when you would get here, you two.” Looking at the two twins that fught up against the chains, a slight sparking of magic showing they were still strongly pulling againt their binds.

He frowened, and Hirue got up, gulping and looking at him fearfully before running-- “stop.” and like that, Hirue gave a cry and stumbled and fell into the snow, hugging herself. “Come.” And hissing, Hirue shook and stood, walking around the circle.

Tatsue took a deep breath, glaring now as yellowish-green markings inside the girls stripes glowed bright. “Demon marked.” Grunted out the konochi, even as Hirue marched and stood by the demon.

As Hirue turned to look at them, fear dancing in her now glowing eyes, Camkum ordered, “keep those Twins down.” long arm stretching forwards to point to the two.

Much to her dismay, Hirue’s arms rose and she called, “what’s going on!? Why can’t I move?!” and looked to both Bina and Bakari, her hands stretching in their direction.

“Do it.” Told the demon, hand reaching around to rest on her head, and like that, the markings glowed brightly. Hirue gave a cry of anguish, eyes wide open while her hands stretched wide. Dejen, Tatsu and Asha watched as wisps of magic reached out and wrapped around the two herno’s-- who also gave shouts of their own. And slowly, they began to wane.

“What… what’s goin’ on?” Bakari asked, going from a stand, to a kneel, and eventually, just hit the ground hard. “Ugh…. tired…”

Bina didn’t look any better, trying to stand, but her strength fading. “Hirue!” She call, “Hirue, stop, please!”

“Bina?” hirue asked, seeming to stand in a daze. “It hurts… it hurts so much…” Hands still out and from the looks of it… draining Bian and Bakari of their strength. “I can’t… I can’t see, I can’t move…. It hurts so much…”

Gritting his teeth, Dejen tried to move his arm with Lucky Hand as he thought. Come on….Come on…. trying to move the gun to aim at the demon. Come on Lady Luck...if there's any a time for you or Murphy to intervene...Nows a good time. I’ll take any luck, hell even the Devil's own luck if it meant this bastard won’t get his prize! aiming as best as he could to the scarecrow as he pull the hammer back, he felt the chains tighten so harshly aroud his arm, it felt like it was being crush.

The scarecrow looked to him as he hand out, as if noticing him.

Oh...this bastard! That makes more sense now, he’s the one from the bounty! then felt his teeth gritting as he thought. All the more to fire!

Seeming sure that the threat was delt with, he looked back to the tiring twins. “Take it all. Leave nothing left.” Seeming pleased… then frowned. He looked about as the sky got darker, the winds roared more. There was a odd feeling in the air, as if… something began to saturate it.

Then and there, the walky blared to life. “Dejen? There’s something wiered going on. The ship’s electronics are going on the fritz!” And like that, other’s began to agree something was going on.

Looking the sight before him, Dejen tried to move his other hand to the walky as he soon heard Mercy voice. “Everyone, something is off!”

“Hey uh guys? There’s a load of magic coming off from somewhere...Like, bat shit crazy magic.” told Gem. “its building up, but we don’t know where it is.”

Dejen noticed the demon was looking wary, and trying to pin-point on what was going on, as Dejen noticed this wasn’t part of the demon work. Dejen use this chance to try to raise his gun as high as he could and aim at the demon-- but the chains kept him down as he thought. Come on...come on...I’ll take any help at this point, hell even that damned fox that I owe! Just give me this one….shot! trying to use what he could as to get his weapon to aim at the demon, his mind trying to think of anything, or pray to anything that would listen to him in the midst of the storm.

Then, they heard shouts, echoes of voices. All that could looked about, the sky lighting with many rainbow colors of magic and thunder. With a swirling vortex over them, magic built… and then in a booming flash, lightning struck. The demon gave a grunt and covered his face, Hirue gave a shout of pain, Dejen felt blinded, Asha tried to call out and even Tatsu screamed out.

For a second, the lightning struck the twins, making bright colorful flashes blind them all. In a sudden burst, the rune came undone in a blast. Dejen felt relife-- free, and a little bruised from the chins grip. But as he tried to blink his eyes, to get sight back, he heard the demon. “What in the blazing hells was that!?” Not sounding happy.

“OOoohooohoooo~ my head!” They all heard unfamiliar voice. “Najat, you catch the number of that… thing that hit us?”

As each got up, Dejen was the first to get sight of… two herno’s that were not the twins. One of which looked like some mage trying to get up. The other seemed more comfortable in the snow, and groaned. “Ash-chan… not now… for my head hurts…”

While all seemed to stay in place in confusion, Camkum told, “Hirue, finish them.” Hands seeming ready to do just that too.

Dejen hand moved as to spin Lucky Hand as he aim and fired into Camkum chest as he shouted. “Tatsu, Asha, now!” seeing the demon hiss, with a hand to his chest but was standing and annoyed. Hirue charged without a thought, going at the same speed of one of the twins would, the Striped dodged as he fired to Camkum, the ground Hirue hits into burst into bits of stone.

While Asha rose up and roars, the demon in turn use some odd dark magic to cover himself in a veil of protection. Tatsu rushes in ot attack, while he fend her off with fast pace magic. Dejen glance to see the two Hernos up and disoriented, trying to figure out whats going on as Dejen was more careful in his shots as he fired to Camkum as he shouted to the two, while dodging Hirue.

“Hey you two? If you’re good at killing demons, help us out with this one!”

“What?” tried to say the dazed silvery herno, trying to get up and nurse her head.

“Huh?” the other darker one spoke, looking just as dazed. But after some blinks of her eyes and taking stock of what was going on, she seemed to piece it together… sort of. “Geeze Phob’s, what you get us in now?” And got up with a stumble, staff in hand. She spun it and stamped it Dejen’s way.

Rather abruptly, the ground burst with dark purple crystals, flash growing and catching Hirue mid attack, getting her stuck. With a puff, the apparent mage turned on her heel and swung her staff, a hail of crystals flying at the demon and going through his defenses-- though he seemed to shrug it off. The herno galred, and held a hand out. Like that, purple markings different-- yet similar --to Hirue’s own lit up brightly. And just like with the twins, magic reached out and seemed to sap fro the demon, making him grunt, his veil weaken--

He looked shocked. But as bullet’s hit his arm, as the light began to burn him and Tatsu rushed in to kill him, Camkum hissed, “nish-va-lu-tar~!” and like that, puffed into smoke. Tatsu’s blade slicing through nothing as he was gone. Hirue, once struggling, now went limp. Breathing hard, crying and shaking in pain.

Letting out a breath, Dejen reach to his walky and shouted. “Port ready up the ship, Everyone drop everything and head back. We got jumped by a demon and are leaving!”

“Wait, what about the scroll?” asked Gem in shock.

“Fuck the scroll! We can retreve it later when we don’t got a demon around the area! Move!” then holster his gun as he look at Tatsu, who in turn was poised with her blade and looking from the ‘mage’ herno and to Hirue. While Asha was trying to calm her as Dejen spoke. “Tatsu, put the blade away for now. Asha, try to calm Hirue. We need to go now.” then he pointed to the two hernos as he said. “And you two? You’re coming with us. We got a lot of questions we need to ask.”

Surprisingly, Tatsu didn’t seem to agree. “Dejen Dono- we can’t let those… things, near our ship.” Glaring at Hirue, then to the apparent mage that was leaning on her staff, seeming to nurse a headache.

Squinting, the mage said in a sarcastic manner, “yeah, well nice meeting you too.”

“Tatsu, right now we lost the Twins. Right now? Hirue might be a clue on how that bastard knew we were here. Right now? All we got for leads, is those two in place of the Twins. Normally? I would agree, but right now? I’m pissed, I’m agitated, and I really, really want to know what the fuck just happened. So please, listen to me and put the blade away.”

With a sharp and deep breath, Tatsue slowly sheathed her blade. “Very well.” Then told sharply, “if they make a single wrong move, I will end them.”

“Sure. great. Good to know.” The mage seemed to dismiss, leaning on her staff to walk to her just as dazed friend. “You guy’s got any beds? ‘Cuz…. I’ve got this real killer headache that might off me before miss slice-and-dice does.” Seeming so…. So…..

Dejen was starting to get his own headache seeing a herno not acting… herno… He had a feeling… things were going to get weird… again.

Author's Note

Whats this? Two new characters? from another reality? Where did they came from?