Arabian Swindler

As the ship left and up in the higher sky to avoid any ships, Dejen was rubbing his head. Sitting in a chair within the ‘meeting’ room as after a few hours, Dejen wanted to know about why Tatsu was against them in the ship. And apparently? They were ‘demoned-marked’. He made sure both were guarded just in case if things do go wrong, but from what he understood? Demon touched were those that ‘were marked by a demon markings.

Apparenlty it was given to those to looking to gain power of a demon master to bestow on them, or taken by a demon. Being marked by a demon grants unfathomed dark power, which was a no-no. Since it meant the demon gave it, in return the demon had full say of how the Touched worked their existence to them. They were either the servant or puppet.

And from what both Kitsunes would tell of Demon Marked? They were to be killed on sight, since they couldn’t be trusted.

and I had to bring both of them in...but still! rubbing his forehead as apparently everyone in the Hold know that demon touched were ‘killed on sight’, no mercy was given. And to top it all off, there were ‘monster hunters’ in the Holds, which specializes in Demon Hunting and eliminations. You know, I wish I knew this shit earlier, would make things more easier-- but no, nothing is ever easy for me.

Rubbing his head more, Dejen thought on how to talk to the two, but he had a good feeling not just Debt would be by his side, but both Tatsu and possibly Susumu. Granted the last was a surprised, but the fox said that it was better for Dejen to be alive, than to be influenced by Demon Touched.

He did however heard a knock on the door, as he turn to see it open as Debt spoke. “Sir.” coming in as Dejen noticed in the back that Tatsu and Susumu were indeed coming along as Dejen noticed the two Hernos awake as the Striped motioned them to come in. The Gnoll enter first, letting the two Hernos in, and the two Kitsunes come in behind them as Dejen turn full attention as a hand rest on Lucky Hand, mostly in precaution as he remark.

“So, got your rest, eh? Names Dejen.”

While the silvery herno with blue robes gave a polite, “we did.” Her friend….

“Oh yeah, and let me tell you, I feel better.” The odd Herno female smiled wide and with no worry, “You know, normally I’m not one for catnaps. But in this case, it was pretty good. Don’t got anymore pounding drums in my head from what just happened-- whatever it was…”

Dejen went to say something, but the Herno grinned and leaned on her metal staff. “Name’s Ash. and ice-queen over there is Najat.” Quickly pointing to him to ask, “and you, dark, brooding and annoyed?”

“Ash-chan, please.” Najat sighed. “Give them a moment.” Though eyed them all with a icy gaze that was nowhere near as friendly as Ash seemed.

“I believe I said my name was Dejen. Or to be more exact, Dejen of the Mitego Clan.” told the Striped.

Waving him off, Ash said, “not you, the big guy that’s dark, brooding and annoying.” Then went on, “though not your fault, you do seem to be brooding like he is right now.”

Pinching the brows of his nose, Dejen let out a low breath as he told. “That's Debt. My Enforcer.” then soon lok to the two and said. “I don’t want to be rude here, but I need to know a few things and now if you don’t mind. First off, how the hell did you two came in and switch with my own clan members?”

“I don’t know.” Was the quick response from Ash, shrugged all the while. Najat seemed thoughtful, but Ash went on. “I’d love to know, but I don’t. So, don’t know.” Then told, “I can tell you how we maybe, sort of, kinda got here… maybe…” thinking on it, “actually, I don’t know if I can. ‘Cuz it involved a mad striped, a dark crystal and him trying to use it with longe-range teleporting jargon that Kan-- not important -- and I tried to tell him was a bad idea.”

Letting out a long breath, Dejen said. “I want to say I’m surprised…” then gave a flat look. “But Stripes love to push the boundaries of being Racky…”

“Do not remind me.” Najat spoke with some disdain.

Ash leaned forwards with a hand by her face to ‘whisper’ to them. “He’s the same guy that did something really, really bad to her.”

“Ash…” Sighed out Najat tiredly.

“I’m surprised you didn’t kill him.” remarked Dejen as he shook his head, then thought and said. “But based on what you said? I can only guess that in his attempts to make a teleportation device with a dark crystal? He probably overload the thing, cause a magical shitstorm that maybe or maybe not transcended time and space and teleported you two here,and teleported the Twins to where he is at.”

Shaking her head, Ash told, “oh no. It was going to explode. I was turning it off.”

With a glance, Najat told, “Ash-chan? I do not think hitting it repeatedly with your staff was the way to turn it off.”

Turning to her, Ash said, “well icing it over wasn’t helping, and I wasn’t ‘whacking’, I was ‘praying’ the side open to turn it off. There’s a difference!”

“And the smashing?” Asked Najat flatly.

“The side was falling off! I had to make sure it didn’t go flying and hit someone.” Justified the cat.

“If I may interrupt?” spoke Dejen as he look to the two Hernos. “The point is, you two are here, and the Twins are currently in your place with this ‘mad Stripe’. So here comes down the biggest question. Why should I let you two stay aboard on my ship and Clan? Because let's be honest, I sincerely doubt you two got any ideas on how to get back to where you came from.”

“Nope.” ASh responded while poppong the ‘p’. “And weren't you the one to insist we come onboard?”

“That is besides the point.” Tatsu spoke with a distrusting tone.

“Uh, no it’s not.” Ash pointed out, “we didn’t ask to come onboard. He wanted us onboard. So we came onboard. Not our fault he doesn't want us onboard now, if he didn’t want us onboard in the first place, why have us here?”

Twitching a eyebrow, Tatsu spoke in a slight strain, “you know where my clan siblings are. So where are they?”

When Ash responded, all those of the ship were not sure how to take it. “Well… last I recall we were over this mountain that had this this old Herno village on it?” Making each one make a face, even as Ash scratched her cheek. “Phob’s thought it’d be cool to ransack the place of it’s stuff, and then he found that dark crystal, tried jamming it into his whacky device, then it all went on the fritz--”

“And you two replaced Tatsu family in a old switchroo.” finished Dejen as he rub his forehead, trying to think as said. “But old Herno village… waiiiiit.” looking to the two as he asked. “Was it in the same spot as the village we were just at?”

Ash seemed to hum in thought, but Najat spoke, “it… did seem the same…” Seeming to admit this after a few more moment’s of thought. “Though, I do not recall there being so many… downed ships…”

Ash told, “Didn’t Phobe scavenge the town of downed ships? You sure that’s the same place, because if there were ships, it couldn’t of been.”

“Okay, I think I have a theory here.” said Dejen as he clap his hands. “My best guess in this theory, is that this Striped found this town of downed ships, and found the dark crystal? He figure, why the hell not to make it be used for teleportation. While on our side, we encounter a demon sucking magic from two of our members, being a total dick as most demons are-- and somehow, someway I don’t even understand-- a magical storm came from both this demon and the dark crystal and made a switcharoo to transport both you two and our Twins to different areas...or...different locations in a sense.”

“That seem very far fetch, Clan-Head.” spoke Debt in a dull tone as Dejen told with raised hands to shrug.

“Look, I’m trying to make sense in this fucked up scenario myself, and this seem close enough of a good theory to use.”

“Do not trust the fact, we have two Demon Marked on ship.” told Susumu.

“Look, let me deal one thing at a time alright? Demon and mystic bullshit is something I’m still adjusting to, alright?” told Dejen.

Rolling her eyes, Ash said, “lucky you. Because that sounds like my life right there.” Then thought on, “well, almost. It’s missing a crazy Stipe, a giant battleship, buch of wied techy stuff, world traveling--”

“Which is exactly what we’re doing right now.” interrupted Dejen. Giving a flat look, he remark to the other's. “For some reason...I feel like we’re in bigger bullshit than usual.”

Debt snort as he told. “Unless this Striped is Clan head like you, doubt so, Sir.”

“Naw, he doesn't really have a clan.” Ash dismissed, but amended, “well, alright. I guess he does sorta-kinda got a clan. But it’s full of mismatched people that aren't stripes.” Getting looks as she peeked a eye open. “What?”

“Feels this Striped similiar to Striped here.” told Susumu as he glance to Dejen. “Clan-head full of Misfits, non-stripes.”

Najat blinked owlishly, and Ash asked, “is his second a changeling too?”

“Oh my,” started Dejen as he facepalm.

Debt snort as he ‘joked’. “Doubt this striped got weapon like you, Sir.”

Thinking, Ash said, “alright, if you got a mechanical dog that’s named after scraps, then I am sure, I have stepped in some weird world where everything's the same, but not the same.”

“No I….don’t have one.” said Dejen as felt a headache slowly form in his head. “I doubt I could make a mechanical dog, I’m not that great in something as difficult as replicating or making something as close to that.”

Sighing out, Ash chuckled, “ok, good.” Then joked half seriously, “because if you did, I’d ask if you also had a shorty that’s great with ships and acts as your second engineer!” Laughing to this, but calmed and noticed the looks. “Ah-ha...ha….um…”

“We...got one of those.” told Dejen, he then sigh as he raised up Lucky hand and soon asked. “Does this ‘Phob’ got a weapon crafted from Herno Steel?”

This time, Najat spoke. “As if a herno clan would ever allow him near one of their forges.” Though her apparent tone changed as she looked at his gun, then him, and narrowed her eyes. “Where did you get that steel?”

Putting the weapon to his side, Dejen told. “I earned it. Helped a Herno Clan with getting their Heir exorcised, and helped with their avenging by giving them the heads of three demons.”

She looked from gun, to him, eyes rapidly trying to process this. After a moment, Najat seemed to grudgingly say, “you’ve been given a high honor.” But unwilling to say more.

Scratching her nose, Ash said, “not that this isn’t fun and all, seeing a bunch of stuff weirdly line up to home… I’ve got to ask…” Spinning and resting the staff over her shoulders. “What now? ‘Cuz I’m sure we want home, and you want…. Whoever we switched with, and, let’s be frank.” Giving a knowing look. “From the sounds of it, we did more than just ‘switch’. I mean… there’s a bunch of coincidences here that just don’t make sense.”

“No, you think?” dryly and sarcastically told Dejen, as he couldn’t help but move his hands to grab his deck to shuffle as he told. “That is something I want to figure out too. We can’t exactly kick you out, because you’re our somewhat lead to our Twins. But at the same time, neither of the Kitsunes here are thrilled for ‘demon markes’ to be on my ship.”

“Oh, now you’re going to be specist?” Ash asked, throwing them all, bare Najat, for a loop.

“What?” said Dejen as he stop in mid shuffle.

Tatsu seemed to tell, “it’s your marks.”

Hand to her chest, Ash said in insult, “well sorry, but I was born with this fur.” Making tatsu falter in confusion. “I can’t help it, if you got a problem, then say it to my face.” And said to Najat, “Can you believe these people?” Making the silvery-white herno sigh.

“For some reason, I have a feeling you work like a conman.” told Dejen as he slowly shuffle. “Say one thing to confuse the hell out of people, then hit at them with another angle.”

“Says the guy shuffling the cards in a dim room like a shady dealer.” Ash tossed out, making Dejen pause and consider that.

“I’m a gambler, hard to get rid of the habit.” dryly told Dejen as he added. “Also, why the lights off again? Because last I check I had them on earlier.”

“Magical storm shorten out things, Clan-head. Rah-Rah working to fix the problem.” answered Debt as Dejen nod and said to Ash.

“Before you say any misdirection thing or try to mess with us, please bear in mind that right now? We just lost two of our members, we got a confused and marked girl who we have no idea how she became mark, and we currently got two unknowns in my home dwelling. So forgive me if I seem a bit short, but I really want to wrap things up so we can figure out the next step to get what we both want. You two home and us having our Twins back.”

Humming, Ash relaxed her staff down to lean forwards and asked, “and you didn’t mean that specist or fur-marked remark?” Making Dejen wonder if he was right, or if Ash was… missing a few screws.

Najat sighed out and spoke, “forgive my friend, she can be very…” Pausing to find the right term. “Confusing.” And nodded to that, “yes, confusing seems right.” Then breathed in, “she is simply just as confused.” Then told, “and I think they remark to the… demon marks.”

Blinking, Ash said, “ooooooh, that’s what you meant.” then waved off, “yeah, some demon thought it’s be funny to permanently brand them to my skin.” Then told Dejen, “worst. Week. Ever. The lady didn’t even have room service in her holding cells.”

“Do you make everything a joke?” Tatsu asked with a touch of irritation.

“Whenever a good punch lines showing!” Ash grined and mimmed her hands into ‘dumming’ air and said “ba-da-tish~”. While Dejen wanted so badly to pinch his nose, Ash told, “look, buddy, pal, homie.” Holding that ever-so-present grin. “Look, I get it. You’re stressed, we’re stressed, grumpy’s stressed-- the froweny-foxes are stressed-- but I’d ask you keep them settled.” Going on, “I can help with something, you know. Since I’m stuck here.”

“And That would be?” Questioned Dejen as While part of him want to facepalm in annoyance? Another part of the swindler smell opportunity here.

Moving and sitting on the table, Ash told, “well, you said that the kid’s a Demon Touched. And if those two are like the Kitsune back home? They’ll poison her food and make her die of some heart attack.” And winked to the two, “don’t fib, we all know you could do that. Or strangle her in her sleep, or make her fall off the shi to go splat!”

She tutted at them. “For shame…” Shaking her head… then shrugged, “which doesn’t count to Kitsune-- but off point!” Then pointed to Dejen. “The point? She’s Demon Touched, like me.” Thumb jabbing to her chest. “And unlike me, I ain’t leashed by a demon.” Which only got scoff from both kitsune.

“Nothing can be ‘unleash’ by Demon touch. Impossible.” To Which Dejen couldn’t help but spoke.

“I get ‘demon touch’ are powerful and to be killed, even being puppets, but you two still haven’t fully explain on it.”

Smiling, Ash told, “I can!” Hand raised up as she told. “Ok, so, first the demon gets someone. Tempts them or captures them, right?” Then used a hand to tap her markings. “Then, they brand these marks on you. Very painfully, I might add.” Telling the last bit in a unpleasant manner. “Anyways. So they brand you painfully, after maybe some torture-- and then strap you to a table, then pump their demonic magic into your body, burning it from the inside out, and try brainwashing you into their unholy servants of darkness or turning you into brainless puppets!”

Ash said on, “trust me, it hurts like crazy. And most are pretty much like these, I don’t know, fanatical crazy people wanting to serve dear Master and do all their biddings to get more power or pleasure or whatever they want.” then shrugged. “Sins of want kinda makes them drive for things. And the rest sort of just are mindless brainwashed slaves.”

“Well that explains that….” Said Dejen with a low breath, trying to keep his hands shuffling as he asked. “And you claim you can help Hirue with her marks?"

Ash grinned, yet Tatsu told. “You can not trust her word, she is up to something.” Leering at the herno.

Najat bristled and told, “know your place, Kunochi. Ash-chan is odd, but she has resisted the Demon that marked her. She is free from it’s bonds.”

“How do we know you are not enchanted by some magic the Demon Touched has?” Challenged Tatsu in turn, eyeing Najat carefully.

“Tastu,” Spoke Dejen as he look to her. “You make a very solid point. But let me remind you, Asha is with Hirue. If she detects something off?” Then in a quick motioned did the Striped aimed the barrel of Lucky Hand to Ash Head as he stated. “I’ll kill them myself.”

Blinking at him, Ash said, “Oh~, scary.” Grinning all the while.

“Asha is White-mane.” Agreed Debt. “She can tell straight about possession or demonic marks.”

“Which is why I’ll trust my gut on letting them visit Hirue.” Said the Striped as he holster the gun and put his cards away.

Susumu frown and Told. “Foolish.”

Dejen gave a low grin and Told. “Sometimes you got to take a little risk to win the game, Susumu. My instincts are telling me we got a good hand here.”

Getting off the table, Ash said, “geat! The sooner the better.” Going on to tell while resting the staff on her side. “I mean, the kid looked like she was burning on the inside. Pretty sure that whatever magic was put in her was gnawing at her insides like they did mine.” Walking to the door to ask, “what’s her story anyways?”

“Oh you know,” Said Dejen as he got up, Debt close behind him as the Striped went on. “Lost memories, no recollection of her home. Slowly gain them as it was a trap, pretty sure Camkum, — the demon— did it on purpose as a nice lure for us.”

Thinking on it, Ash seemed to nod, “huh… you know… if he sort of dropped her? She must of been only a lure. And if she’s not panicking that ‘master, wonderful master’ left her behind? Then maybe you got less to worry over.” Getting a look from him and the suspicious Kitsunes. “If she don’t really remember? Then maybe she got nothing to remember. Who knows, maybe he just erased her memories completely.” Shrugging as she did. “Magic can do that, right?”

“....some arts have potential.” Strainly told Susumu.

Great, magic that mess with minds. Ugh, another bullshit thing to worry about. thought Dejen as he told. “Come on, Sooner we can get this over with, soon I can go to my bed to relax.”

“You can’t be serious.” Spoke Susmu in annoyance.

“Look, if one thing taught me in the Isles? Whitemane are mystics who can smell bullshit a mile away, even look deep into someone really good. So if Asha green lit these two? Then they safe enough for us to tolerate.”

While the kitsune’s didn’t look happy, they seemed to… grudgingly accept this. Ash only hummed on away, getting closer and closer to the room Dejen lead to show. When they got to the beaded door, and opened it, they found Asha gently tending to the resting and scared Hirue.

Asha turned and looked to them, smiling some and told, “I think she’s alright now. The pain’s faded.” then looked to both Ash and Najat, eyes going over them. When she smiled, it was in a somber manner. “You, can help?”

Ash blinked and siad, “well, that was the plan…” Looking about the room and then to Hirue.

Motioning, the lioness told, “here, come closer. It’s fine. I won’t bite.” giving a smile even as ash did so. Yet when Ash kneeled by the girl, Asha spoke. “I’m sorry.” Making the dark herno pause in slight confusion. “For the pain you had to endure. But… because of it, you can help Hirue, right?”

Looking, Ash said, “I, uh… yeah… yeah, sure.” Seeming… very surprised.

Najat blinked as well, unsure what was going on. But she flicked a ear and looked to Dejen, seeing him motion to the others as if he had made a point. It made her friend and wonder, turning back to watch with them all as Ash’s marks glowed brightly once more.

As Ash put her hands over the girl’s body, she admitted, “this… might sting.” Then thought on, “a lot.” and placed them on. That, was when the screaming rose on high. Kitsune tensed and nearby disguised changelings rushed by the doorway, watching as the young herno screamed and thrashed, the same yellowish-green magic coursing through the now revealed marks in the tigress’s stripes.

Seeing them, and looking at Ash, Dejen somewhat understood why they didn’t notice before. ASh’s marks, they were black before. Easily seen on the herno’s dark brown fur-- where there weren't cloths. But Hirue’s, her markings were in her black stripes, having hid them. But seeing them now…. They were all over, and pulsed with that sickly magic.

“Kid!” Ash next to shouted, “Give me a hand here, don’t be scared! Just push! Push with me! Push this pain out!” Breathing in and seeming to slightly calw and pull her hands. “Just fight it, fight it with me!” All watching as that oddly sickening magic was being pulled, seemingly being drained out of the markings that lost the sickly colors and instead began to have a more calming green. “You can do it, just keep at it! Trust me!”

“Najat!” Ash called, “get a crystal, or--or something!” Gritting her teeth. “Get something to hold magic in it!”

“Everyone back off!” Order Dejen as changeling heads peek through. “Tell everyone something serious is going on, do not interfere.” Then dig into his robes as he said. “Anyone got a gem of something?”

Although no one could say much, as they were witnessing the sight as Dejen he was trying to find something to fit the bill of a ‘crystal’, Granted he didn’t know why Ash need one to hold magic in it, but he can only assume it’s to transfers the magic. Or energy in this case as he recall of old physics of energy can’t be destroyed or created, only changed.

Najat rushed about the room, yet Asha seemed calmer. Going to a wardrob and opening it to grab a gem. She didn’t go at random, but went for a specific one and layed it before Ash. “Here.”

Nodding, Ash told, “Hold on kiddo, just need… to…” And with a fast tug of her hands, Hirue’s body seemed to be pulled up, sickly magic flying out and her green marking glowing a pleasant green-- before going out. The herno breathing hard and in pain.

Similarly, Ash gave a contained scream of pain while the markings on her arms, now lit with the sickly colored magic and with firy wisps of it, coiled about. When she looked to the gem, she reached both hands out and grasped in, focusing and gritting her teeth as more and more of the magic was pushed into the gem, making it glow into sickly colors. When the last of it was pushed out, Ash dropped it and jumped in place, shaking her arms and and hands saying, “OW!! Owowowowowowowow! Boy that stings!”

“And like that, you just convinced me.” Said Dejen as he eyed the gem with the sickly green magic as he said to both Hernos. “Consider yourselves welcome on the Innovation Rise.” Then Ask. “Now...what are we going to do on the demon filled gem?”

All looked to it, and Ash told, “I know what I’m doing.” and after shaking her hands a bit more, held one out. Most felt unsure how to feel about the gem floating up with no aid-- then felt even more so confused when suddenly, a black like crystal suddenly grw around it.

Ash snatched it and tossed it in her hand. “Ok. now that it’s contained and locked up?” Thinking it over, “I think you can safely toss it in some deep-dark hole where it can never be found, or hand it over to some Opnehu to purify it.” Then asked with clasped hands, “who votes for the later?” Her hand held high.

“Eh, we can pass by the town for it.” Said Dejen as he asked to Asha. “How’s Hirue?” Figuring to learn on the Herno condition as it were.

Moving by the herno’s side, Asha told, “her body’s tired… but… better.” Breathing in and sighing while nuzzling her. “She feels… so empty now. I didn’t realize that… magic wasn’t her’s…”

Ash nodded while continuing to toss the gemstone in her hand. “Yeah, well, the magic is kinda half pumped right into your soul, meant to corrupt you from the inside out. So… no big surprise there if you didn’t notice.”

“Which is both terrifying and concerning on so many levels.” Said Dejen as he told to the gnoll and Kitsunes. “Go on and rest up. We all need a break.”

“You sure, Sir?” Asked Debt.

“Yes, dangers gone, no threats here, we can all relax while we head to Humilti.” Told Dejen as he internally Added. And I can get back to the slow grind of finding Maltar before the year is up and figure out how to get the Twins back. starting to feel the stress coming again and Seeing Susumu have a eye in suspicion to Ash, but slowly turn and walk out the room.

While Dejen sighed and moved out, Ash continued to ponder the stone in her hand and where to put it. She did flick a ear however, when Asha told, “you can leave that here.” getting both hernot’s attentions. The lioness smiled and said, “I can watch over it, and be sure to contain it even more.” Then laughed, “sorry, but maybe later I can talk. But, I think Hirue needs me.”

Ash worked the thought over, and told, “well… maybe…”

“I know you don’t trust me.” Asha told without any acusation. “I’m just… offering. You can take it with if you want.”

Ash blinked and looked from rock, to the lioness. After a moment’s thought, she said, “I’ll… just leave it over here.” Putting it on a nightstand before leaving out. Najat staying long enough to look Asha over before bowing and leaving.

Door closing, the two gave a look before walking along. “So…. now what?” Asked Ash.

“I havn’t a clue.” Admitted Najat, both continuing to wander the halls. “Ash-chan…. I wasn not aware you could do that either.”

“What?” Asked the apparently clueless Herno.

With a look, Najat told, “you certainly know ‘what’, Ash. Taking demonic magic out of that child. Or sapping magic from that demon from afar.”

“Oh, that.” Ash let out. “The former I could do ‘cuz I did it before. The later? Well…. I was honestly just trying to juice myself up and didn’t want to aim at someone and sap them on accident. So, I figured, why not the evil-demon guy?” Then shrugged. “Kinda unfair I assume, but I think I was seeing dancing dunks in my daze.”

Sighing to that, Najat looked up and glanced about. Though as she did, she heard Ash comment lowly, “I see shadows everywhere.” Which was confusing… before she blinked in realization and looked about in alertness.

“All?” Asked Najat quitely.

“Oh yeah.” Ash confirmed. Both going quite as they stopped by a cross section and look about. “But on another note… I think we’re lost.”

A voice spoke behind them. “Perhaps I can help?” The two Turning to a unicorn mare as she held amusement on her face. Sensing surprised in both but they controlled it in composed expression. Although Ash was of recognition for some reason.

“I am Mercy,” Spoke the faux mare as she continued. “And you two must be what caused the racket in Asha room?”

“You heard?” Asked Ash, “yeah, there was some freaky voodoo stuff going on. It’s over now.” Giving a shrug.

Najat shook her head and spoke, “if you would not mind, Mercy-san.” Manner’s showing just as much as any Kitsune or Herno. “Could we bother you to show us a place to rest? We are unfamiliar with this ship, and it’s many corridors.”

“Translation? We’re lost.” Ash told. Much to Najat’s internal exasperation.

“I can show you where you two rested earlier. Follow me.” told Mercy as she moved ahead of them and took the lead. She glance to the two as she said. “When I heard the scream, I wonder if someone was performing surgery, but after hearing some...tidbits, it seem you managed to help Hirue with her ‘marks’?” looking them over as carefully and calm as she was to sense their own emotions.

“Wow, word travels fast.” There didn’t seem to be any surprise in Ash’s emotiones, despite her tone sounding it. “It’s like you’re psychic or something with how fast news reached you!” It was there Najat’s emotions pinged with realization. And while the glance was subtle and fast, Mercy realized… Ash must of figured out she was something more. But how? It seemed Najat didn’t knew-- not before being… ‘told’ in a sense.

Giving a light hum, Mercy remark. “I’m just going to presume you know what changelings are, don’t you?”

Thinking some, Ash asid, “well, yeah. They change shape, right?” Then asked, “oh, are there a few around here?” Looking about in wonder. Mercy… was unsure if Ash was actually pretending, or serous. Her emotions… garbled in a number of manner’s, from elation, to wonder and even thoughtfulness.

Giving a glance to Najat, Mercy asked. “She does this to everyone, does she?” sensing that despite the composed nature of the feline, there was a mirthful sensation as if she was watching some sort of comedy before her. And in this case it was possibly true enough.

With a little sensation Mercy figured was internal laughter, Najat told calmly, “I’m unsure of what you mean, Mercy-san.” Though… Mercy was sure she knew exactly what she meant-- just wasn’t outwardly presuming.

Rolling her eyes, Mercy said. “Its no wonder you caused my Striped to be so full of annoyace and exasperation at the same time. Even more with your behavior, Ash.”

Stopping her looking around, Ash asked, “who, moi?” Pointing to herself inquisitively. “Well, I don’t know. I just had to ask a few of my own questions too. I mean, I am in some weird unknown place with a bunch of unknown people in a unknown situation with unknown stuff.” Going on to skip on ahead, “so, you married to the guy?” Then going on, “I mean, you did say ‘my striped’, unless you meant a different sort of stripe.”

“Well, since there's only one Striped here, then of course I am talking about Dejen.” said Mercy in amusement as she said. “As for married well...that’s more of a complication really. I know you Hernos are all about, ‘marriage first, have kids soon after’.” Recalling her time with Kazumi and her hard times, although seeing Ash grinning, but was laughing hard on the inside, even finding the idea funny for some reason. While Najat seem to have a more ‘accepting’ emotion as she joked.

“Something tells me you experience this before with your own Striped?"

Najat rose a brow, but when she looked to her grinning friend, sighed out and flatly told, “no.” Seeming to become half stormy, but also half exasperated. “Ash-chan has… a history, with marriages.”

To that, Ash told, “I was a horrible bride.” Leaving a odd silence. “I was betrothed to about… eleven?”

“Nineteen.” Corrected Najat unfazed.

“Nineteen different times-- and they all sort of fell apart because I was just too wild.” Finished Ash. “Oh right. And yeah the Strip on our side tried to rape my friend.” A cold anger burning in Najat. “We’re kinda past it now.”

Blinking, Mercy said. “I’m surprised you let him lived.”

Sighing, Najat told, “he has a troubled past.” A odd swirling anger, but understanding in her. “I will not say I am pleased with what he did, but I am willing to forgive and let go, if he can prove himself willing to change his ways.” Then added, “though, I did warn. If he stepped over a line, I will not be so merciful a second time.”

Humming a bit, Mercy slowly nod as she said. “Sound rough.” then thought of Dejen and his own mysterious past, but figure she couldn’t do much for now as they took a turn. “So nineteen betroths, huh?” comment Mercy as she glance to Ash. “I thought Bina had it bad, how did you got nineteen failed marriages?”

Smiling, Ash chuckled, “well, funny story…” Going on to tell, “the first one I was to marry knew me as a kid, but… it was canceled because I wasn’t meek enough for him as a kid. I didn’t do as told by him that well.” Then went on. “The next guy expected me to be all into cooking. I sort of proved him that I didn’t just cook for free and that stopped that.” Holding up a third finger, Ash said, “I was near ready for marriage age, then the guy I was next to wed got fed up I could own him in a fair fight.” Then went on. “I think the next four were me just being too much of a hand full… then after that I came of age and they tried marrying me, but I sort of botched it because I made a joke and it insulted the guy’s family, they sorta-wanted to kill me, but I was the bride so there was a fight and then the clan head had to break it up--”

“Father was not happy with you that day.” Najat noted.

“Hey, it was a little joke that they took waaaaaay too out of proportion.” Ash defended.

“Well you Hernos don’t exactly do much with jokes, since its all serious with family and honor.” reminded Mercy as she went on. “But still, it is kinda hilarious that you somehow managed to get every guy to leave because you’re more of a tomgirl than anything.”

“Eck, tomegirl.” Huffed out Ash. “I tell ya, that had to be the most tossed out insult I ever got.” Then thought on it, “or, sort of insult. I couldn’t really take it as a insult since it was true.” Then shrugged. “Anyways. I think after that point I was on my Honor Trial, and I missed most of my other betrothals from then to the time I would leave the village to travel more…” Than finished. “And my last betroth, a real stubborn guy that like, really liked me and I think was just a perve, really stood by every crazy thing I did!” Then finished, “then he dumped me and tried to take my head off because I came back one day as Demon touched.”

“So if you don’t mind me asking, how were able to be free from being ‘demon touched’?” asked Mercy. “Since apparently its impossible, and you just somehow defy the notion that those demon touched or marked can’t be saved that easily.”

“No clue.” Ash answered with so much honesty that Mercy could sense the woman's confusion. “I really thought it over. And I still don’t get it. I was on the table, I was being force-fed yokai magic into my very soul-- I somehow broke free and sort of… ran…” Then added, “deliriously. All I could feel was pain the whole time, but I really don’t know. I just… I guess I was just too wild even for that Demon lady.”

Or something happened. Its hard to say in all honesty. thought Mercy as she didn’t knew how it worked, even less on how Demon magic was done since neither she or anyone bare maybe Asha and the Kitsunes knew about such things. She hum a bit as she took another turn and the faux pony remark. “Rather strange to be honest.” she did however asked. “While it is nice to talk of you two, I’m sure you probably have questions of your own about us and our Clan?”

“For sure.” Ash agreed. “But can it come later? I feel like some shuteye.”

“You had rested a full hour.” Najat spoke with a raised brow.

“Yeah, well, I’m kind of...tingly tired after doing what I did.” Ash commented. “Either that or I’m hungry or… something.” Pondering it. “You know.. Maybe I just need to meditate. Yeah, that sounds right. Make sure I purge any of that negative demon crud out of my magical pathways.”

“Well lucky for you, we’re almost there.” told Mercy as she came to a stop of a door, horn glowing to open it as she said. “Here you two are, the room both of you slept in. Its not much, but it should suffice for guests.” The insides were just two basic beds, with basic furniture and in a medium size room as she added. “There should be some food coming up in a few hours, so if you two do get hungry, ask one of the crew to direct you tot he mess hall.”

Smiling, Ash said, “sure thing, miss’s tall!” Walking on by and into the room. Najat giving a pleasant and humble bow before going inside and closing the door. While Mercy herself to end and began to walk away… then blink in thought.

Her unicorn form wasn’t that ‘tall’, yet… why did Ash call her ‘miss tall’, as if she was taller than most?

The only way she could say that, is if she saw my real form. But that can’t...oh. thought Mercy with a flat face, as she glance to the Hernos door room. It seem Ash is either a monk that can sense things...or has a ability of some sort to detect all form of magics...since she’s a mage, I might lean to the later. Don’t know how she got it, but I can only guess its from Herno teaching or some side-effect from demon touch or...something.

She shook her head, turning to trot away as she asked to her children. Has the one named Ash noticed you all in you true selves? she gain word from her children that Ash didn’t noticed, but her emotions had spiked as if she did saw them in their true forms. But since...hadn’t made any form. Which could mean that Ash could keep her emotions on a tight limit and knew they were all changelings.

Although it was surprising for Najat to have such a spike, but it was more of a surprised spike and glancing over her children, even with a bit of realization. So they knew what we are. Muse Mercy as she heard a changeling spoke.

My Queen, I think Ash knew of us being changelings, while the other, Najat? Only found out a bit later. Mercy hum as she spoke to her children.

Keep on a look out my children. She herself figure to visit on Dejen, knowing that the Striped was either working on his inventions, or having Windy around for TLC. the Queen figure to join her herd-sister on it. Mostly for more love from her Striped.

Aving landed back in Humilit for a momantary time to just figure out the situation. For Dejen, he began to revaluate the outright danger that Camkum really did bring on the table and now understanding the warnings the guy talking about the bounties gave.

Ash and Najat themvels had gone to the temple, taking the tightly contained gem of captured demonic magic with. With some Changeling surveillance, Mercy watched them brush off people and very subtle, make sure none got close to the gemstone. Ash seemed particularly careful, having gotten some cloak, extra clothes and even hooded face-mask to hide all her marks.

Apparently, she was very much careful around anyone that may spot her marks. The ‘kill on sight’ possibly went for everyone in the holds. And Ash had time to learn how to be careful and evade possible eyes that would attack her for simply being ‘Demon Touched’.

Tatsu and Susumu… seemed to have oddly gained a truse. Mercy was almost shocked to see both Kitsune not trade glares, unly understanding gazes to follow, watch and keep tabs on both Ash-- and now Hirue. As if they were the biggest threat on the ship, and not each other. It was almost disconcerting to know, that two possibly bitter enemies-- were more wery of Demon Touched than they were of the other.

It was all the more so, when Mercy began to watch and feel out Hirue. If the girl was confused and scared before? Then she was certainly terrified now. Even now, on the deck of the ship, Mercy could see through the eyes of one of her changings in the crow’s nest. Susumu was skulking in a shadow, using this time to ‘read’ a scroll of healing. While Hirue herself…

She was so full of fear, and confusion, and pain and… Mercy wouldn’t call it emptiness, but it was like there was now a gap, some big part of the girl missing and it was making Hirue worry and fear all he more. A gap that felt like… lonely isolation.

Perhaps it would be wise to leave her to the Ophenus? They could help her. Well, maybe a lot more than Asha could. thought over Mercy as she saw through her children eyes, seeing the girl so held together by herself, scared of everything around her as the only thing to ease her was being close to Asha side.

She could see through another set of eyes that the Lioness in mind, was prowling and apparently going someplace. It was sudden, but it was like as soon as Hirue began to shake and tremble, as if to cry… the Lioness felt a compulsion to get up from her little sun-bathing spot on the ground below-- and get on the ship. Following some unknown path that Mercy could tell, would head to the deck.

Would Asha let that be? Let Hirue stay with the monks here and heal? thought over Mercy, as she brought this with her children. They weren’t certain of it, as while they felt Asha confusion, they also felt her worriness within her being. Mercy consider on talking to her, as while the Lioness had something in her feeling wrong, but she had no idea on what it was.

The Changeling Queen decided to talk to Asha, mostly to both help Asha figure things out and to learn on whats going to happen to Hirue. Moving her way to where Asha was, she asked on the status for the two Hernos heading to the temple. And it seem they were leaving and heading back to the ship. More in a eased pace and not as urgent before. She could only presume it was due to the demon filled gem that caused such urgency.

When Mercy came within the area of Asha, she noticed Asha rushed past the changeling. Mercy glance back to see Asha making her pathway to Hirue as Mercy let out a low sigh. Turning, she followed after the Lioness.

Ear turning, Asha asked, “could it wait Mercy?” Stopping a moment to look either way of the T section of the hall, before just turning for the one that would eventually lead to the deck. “I feel like I need to be someplace right now.”

“You need to find Hirue and eased her from being too scared.” spoke Mercy as she told. “One of my children noticed she looked ready to cry, and I can help you get to her faster.”

Stopping for a moment, Asha said, “teleport, right?”

Smiling in amusement, she place a hoof on Asha, and teleported straight to where Hirue was as when Mercy let go of the Lioness.

Hirue half jumped at the popping sound, turning as she did. And from there, Mercy could see the glaze of possible tears in her eyes. With a gentle sigh by her side, Mercy glanced and could just… feel the gentle competition rolling off Asha. it was the same emotion the Lioness nearly had with the Twins, only it was… more wanting to give.

Padding up, Asha spoke gently, “are you feeling alright, Hirue?” The herno glancing away. “I know it hurts, but…. Maybe I could make it a bit better?” Continuing her path, even as Hirue turned away.

Asha gently moved by the young herno’s side, sitting and telling, “you don’t have to worry. I’m here.” Words of comfort flowing out as the whitemane moved a limb around the young teen.

“But I… I hurt you, I-I hurt them.” Was the barely heard words from Hirue. Mercy strained to hear them at all. “I… that wasn’t even… I don’t… what am I?” Shaking and trembling, “why didn’t you let them kill me? I...I..”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Asha gently told. “It was never, your fault. Hirue, it’s alright. This wasn’t your fault.”

Hugging herself, Hirue said, “But…. but I hurt them and it was all my doing!”

Coming by and sitting down on Hirue other side, Mercy told in a gentle tone. "No it wasn’t.” noticing Hirue shrinks away from the Queen, noticing more of the fear coming off from the Herno. She ignored it as she gently spoke on. “It wasn’t your doing, it was the demons doing. You were just a victim in all of this, you were forced to do it, none of this was your fault.”

“But…. I’m demon Touched.” Spoke Hirue fearfully. “I...I… I’m… I’m supposed… I’m a….” Part of her trying to justify, but also unable to completely recall. “I-I need to be… killed.” Wincing at saying it. “I…”

Purring and gently nuzzling her head, Asha told, “no. you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.” Hirue said in a scratchy voice of duress. “I hurt Bina, I hurt Bakari. I hurt Tatsu, I hurt Dejen, I hurt you-- I couldn’t do anything. I can’t remember anything. I… I was useless, I….I don’t even know what I am anymore!”

“You’re Hirue,” gently told Mercy in conviction. “And you are…” thinking for a brief moment before she told in a reassuring manner. “Part of our Clan.”

With a similar conviction, Mercy was a little surprised by Asha telling, “and you are my daughter.” Keeping a grip on the just as shocked and confused Herno. “If you don’t have a home, if you don’t have a family, a history or anything.” And smiled and continued her gentle purrs. “Then I’ll be your family. Your home. And you can a new history, with me right there.”

“B...bu-but…” Started the scared and unsure girl, very lost and confused. “Bina… Bakari, they…”

“They’re more mature than some of the adults.” Laughed Asha, “they had to grow up so much, they never needed me.” Told Asha, before looking Hirue in the eye. “But… you need me. And I will take you as my cub.” then smiled, “Like Mercy said. You’re our Clan.”

“And before you say you’re not worthy,” gently tease Mercy as she told. “We are Mitego Clan. the Clan of Scars, of those who are lost, lonely, or even broken. We take all in if we’re able to. And you?” giving a gentle smile. “You are part of the family already with Asha. Even if it’s not official, you are Clan in our eyes.”

Tearing up, Hirue bowed her head and asked, “but… but what if I did this. To myself?” Shaking in place.

“Then whoever you were before, doesn't matter now.” Asha assured gently. “Right now, you are Hirue. You can and will be, my daughter. From here on out.” Pulling the shaking and crying Herno close. “Hirue… I know you blame yourself… but I blame myself too.” Going on, “for not knowing. For not being more careful. For not getting you out of danger sooner. But… we’ll live with those scars. It’s what this clan does best.” Looking to Mercy with a sad smile.

Having her own sad smile, Mercy agreed with a slow nod. “Yes...we all live with our own scars. Or own troubles and pain. And sometimes we also….help heal those scars with each other presences.”

Sniffling, Mercy heard a quite, “thank..thank you…” A… small disbelief and joy fluttering there. “Thank you…”

Smiling, Asha told, “it’s alright, Hirue. It’s alright to cry.” Patting the girl. “And once we’re better? I think we need to make sure we’re extra better.” And grinned, “How’s the sound of a big bowl of ice cream?” Getting Hirue to glance up. “I mean, not too big, just enough for you and aunty Marcy to have, sound good?”

Turning her head away and sniffing again, Hirue said, “it… I...could we?”

Asha gave a look to Mercy and asked, “well, could we, Mercy?”

Smiling, the Changeling Queen told in amusement. “I’m sure we can get something out from the freezer. Pretty sure we still got that vanilla flavor to enjoy for ourselves.”

Hirue glanced to he side to that, a little embarrassed. Asha chuckled and gave a very much customary lick-- one that took the herno off guard as her hair was swept to the side. And not too long after, she complained. “Ew!”

Laughing, Asha said, “sorry, sorry, Lion thing!”

Giggling, she got on her hooves as Mercy tease. “Better get used to it, Hirue, Asha will give you all the love and attention a mother does for their cubs.”

To that, hirue gave a uncertain groan of embarrassment, unsure if she liked that idea-- or should feel ashamed. Still, Asha giggled and got up, half prancing and telling, “don’t be like that-- now come on, Ice Cream!” Making hirue give a shy and embarrassed smile. Mercy following along in amusement as Asha waited by the door like some sort of cub.

While Hirue walked on in and MErcy nearly did herself, she paused at a much more… protective feeling. With a turn of her head, Mercy saw Asha giving a very focused and very intense gaze over to where Susumu was trying to ‘read’. A gaze that seemed to project her feeling’s of protective aggravation.

After that, she cheered up again and moved to keep up with Hirue. While Mercy herself took a moment to sense and soon feel the unease in Susumu.

Child, better inform Susumu that he should stop now while he still has a chance. Asha claims Hirue as her daughter, and she is now part of the Clan. While this caught some off guard and other's in surprised, it was rather to be expected as Asha can be rather violent to any who she see as a danger to her cubs. When the message was sent, Susumu held a flat expression, but she knew he couldn’t do much if Asha laid claim to Hirue.

Mercy sent the same request to any that was close to Tatsu, it took a bare moment but the vixen was forewarned. But she did received a message from the changeling that gave the message. Tatsu is really, really unsure of this.

Just tell her the message came from me. And that unless she wants to mess with Asha in ‘mother mode’, I suggest she take heed of my warning. told Mercy as the changeling replied. She seem to understand more clearly now. Mercy let out a small sigh, already moving to keep up with the two felines as she partially wonder what not only Dejen was planning to do, but what both Najat and Ash were going to do. It was obvious they were going to ask questions. But the question was…

Who were they going to ask their questions to?

While the break was nice, and allowed for most to go around the town or to train? It allowed Dejen to go around the town with Windy by his side, both getting a good view of improvements of the town. It was almost unfamiliar that this used to be a ruined and nearly abandon place, or at least till he came along. He wasn’t going anywhere specific, mostly wandering as he talk with a few people, see the sights and just enjoy walking in broad-daylight.

Although there wasn’t much to be learned, since rarely any traders came around. However he did gain word of some Hernos passing by to trade, apparently they heard about Humilit and came by to visit. Although from what he learned, one was heavily clothed and a white one….

But one thing that surprised him was the fact they had a lot of gems to trade...where the hell did they get so many to trade in the first place?! He recall they had basic clothings, but still! They shouldn’t be able to have space for money, or gems. So how?

Shaking his head, Dejen thought. Ugh, if I keep thinking too hard, it’ll cause a headache on a good day. Windy seem to agree in his line of thought, nuzzling his side as he pat her head. He let out a sigh as he kept wandering, mostly to think a bit. while the break is nice, and it allow Johari to teach her cub more? I need to plan better for that demon. I need to figure out on how to get intel on the Skull Crushers, or at least get their bounties. I’m slowly running out of time for that fox…

And I rather not find out what happen when the due date is. But how am I supposed to not only hit Maltar, but Shimmer, and the Hunters-- and get so much done? Thinking it over some, he move to sit by a fountain as Windy settle by his feet, letting her head rest on his lap as he pet her mane. A sigh escape from him as Dejen thought to himself. Okay, try not to overthink. You came here to relax, to just...take a breather. Work can be done on the ship. letting his mind settle a bit as he let out a lazy sigh, just enjoying the peace and tranquility.

With a long breath out, he settled and closed his eyes, just for a moment before opening them again. From here, he had a sood sight of the lake river running through, only blocked by a few big stands or the occasional tree that had grown quite a bit. Looking at it as he did, he recalled a time where there was a lot more dirt, and that lake was just dried up ground. Even recalling when, just a year almost, the twins road down it surfing on logs. And Asha, being the odd mystic she was, being just far up enough on shore to get a nice drink and not get wet.

Things… had changed so much in a year. It was hard to just take in almost. And as he stared on, he caught sight of Ash and Najat, both chatting away and heading back to the ship. Ash seemed to notice him, hand up and giving a overly friendly wave-- something no normal Herno would do. Najat gave him a glance, and a slight nod, but otherwise, seemed to walk on. That, that seemed normal.

Unfortunately, Ash seemed to pat her friend to head on along without her, turning around and walking his way. Staff over shoulder and a bag of things hanging on it. She almost walked up with a swager, or maybe that was just a hip-sway… but in either case, she stopped by and asked, “you look moody.” Then look by him to ask, “mind if I take a load off?”

“Eh, go on ahead.” Waves Dejen, as his other hand kept petting Windy mane, the mare giving a pleased sound as she rub her chin on his lap. Leaning in more of her Master touch as he glance down with a smile to her, then focus back to the scenery as to try to ease his ‘moody’ self.

Granted he didn’t knew why Ash would see him as moody, but he could only assume she had potential mystical nonsense or something. That or maybe his face just showed it. He figure it was the later.

Steel staff clanking, bag shuffling and finally one body plopping down, Ash sat with him and stared on. After some moment of silence, Ash asked, “so, where’s your warship off to anyways? You know, after we’re done resting here and do whatever it is everyone’s doing?”

“Going to business eh?” snort Dejen in amusement as he glance to her and said. “Well, I’m planning for us to head down the southern of the Holds, trying to find bounties, maybe find on some leads.” petting the back of Windy ear as she let out a pleased sound and press her head more to let him scratch that spot as he continued on. “We already lost time in finding a certain bounty, and who knows when we’ll encounter that demon again, so we’ll need to keep a eye out while searching for the Skull Crushers.”

“Skull Crushers?” Asked Ash in slight interest. “They are those pirate guys, right?” Garnering some interest. “I know about them, well, at least from home.” Scratching her cheek some. “When you mentioned about other world stuff and then I talked about it, it had me thinking… how many stuff is the same?”

Hand up, Ash went on, “I’m going someplace with this.” Then pointed about the town. “This town? It don’t exist back home. I should know, there’s a few landmarks I recognize. And last I saw, this place was a empty pile of ash.” Then, held a finger up. “But, I know who the Skull Crushers are. Some big Pirate group that works for some slaving jerk called Maltar.”

Letting out a breath, Dejen nod. “And the Skull Crushers are a stepping stone for me. I’m after them and other groups around here because they’re my leads to get to Maltar. Mostly since he’s a major headache for me and afew other's and everybody would be glad if he and his Empire crumble. Only problem is...well, rather obvious in hindsight.” Rolling a hand as he said. “Money, ships, manpower, connections-- its going to be tough to get to him with so many things surrounding him.”

As well with the time limit I got. internally added Dejen as he told in amusement. “And you are right, this town was nothing more than ash and ruines...or at least till I came around a year back and built it back up.”

“Impressive.” Ash nodded… then seemed to smirk, “want to hear something more impressive?” Leaning in and whispering, “I may have, possibly, found out where a lot of those Crusher’s like to put their heads down.” Backing away and going on. “You see, they did something that I wasn’t happy about, so I tracked them down… beat up some guys, got some into, took a ship….”

Shaking her head, Ash went on to explain, “anyways. I know where a couple of their places were where my home is. But, if there are enough simuler things here as there? Maybe I can take you straight to one of their little hidey holes and see if it’s got what you’re lookin’ for.”

While Windy glance up in surprise to this, Dejen gave a look to Ash, part of him wanting to feel utterly happy and cheer of having a lead of sorts to get closer to Maltar… But another part felt that this was off as he asked with a raised finger pointing to her. “Alright, what's the price tag for this? Because I know you aren’t doing this fully for free.”

Glancing to him, Ash asked, “what price tag?” He was sure she was being smug about it, it was just in her tone. “Nothing complex about it, I tell you where yo go, you go to the Pirates, maybe beat up a few rowdy guys, and boom, done. What’s so shady or complex about that?”

“Normally I don’t mind free assistance or means to get what I need, but call it old intiutation from being in Arabia. Sometimes you need to be wary, otherwise you won’t see the hidden hook in a offer.” told Dejen., but then amend. “Then again, we are in the Iron Holds, not Arabia.”

Ash gave a knowing humm to that… but after a moment she asked, “so…. When do you plan to tell Najat you got a arabian born slave?” Making him pause on his next pet. “Don’t get me wrong, she ain’t much of one now. Having a Honor Bound slave’s earing. But… you know… honorbound don’t act like she does.”

Giving a glance, Dejen asked cautiously. “Is there a reason I need to tell Najat? While I understand you two are guests on my ship, what reason would I need to tell her of it?”

Shrugging, Ash said, “hey, I’m just saving you time, trouble and drama. Najat’s a herno of honor. She can smell falsities most times.” Then went on, “that… and she had to be a slave once. It wasn’t pleasant. She sort of… has a ‘justified’ reason to worry.”

Understanding this, Dejen said. “And she would probably feel justify to try to ‘free’ Windy in her eyes.” the pegasus frown to this and told while wrapping her forelegs around Dejen leg.

“That won’t happened.” being convicted of this as the pegasus look up to Dejen as she told. “I will always be yours, Master.”

Dejen smile to this as he gently pet her head as he assured her. “I know.” then focus back to Ash as he told. “I’ll probably tell her when I encounter her again, mostly to save myself the headache.” he then asked. “Although how did you noticed Windy was slave born?”

Leaning back, Ash told, “had to travel to Arabia. Got to see a bunch of weird stuff. Slave stuff was all over the place, and finding slave born?” Ash glanced from the corner of her eye. “Well, I learned a lot of new things. Most of me didn’t agree, but you know… when you’re in someone else’s backyard, you don’t cause trouble and just keep your nose clean. Makes things a lot more smoother.”

Lowly chuckle, Dejen remarked. “Something I had to get adjusted to myself.” then soon asked. “So, should I tell my Clan to stop with the disguises? Its rather obvious you and Najat know them being mostly changelings.”

Waving a hand, Ash told, “ah let them. I don’t care.” Then whispered, “I think it gives them a chance to play spy for a bit.” then leaned back and admitted, “still… there is one thing I can’t shake off.” Looking to him to say, “call it a weird feeling, but it’s like when I look at you, I’m not seeing you, kinda weird, you know?”

*Sigh* more mystical bullshit. internally sighed Dejen, glancing down to see Windy ear flick as despite the mare not moving her head, it was easily shown she was listening in. Dejen look back to Ash as he said. “Can’t see all of me, eh? I’ve would’ve thought you seen through easily like Asha can.”

To that, Ash said, “I got no clue how she sees stuff. Really can freak you out when she just knows stuff out of the blue.” Then pointed at him. “It’s less of not being able to see, and more like…. I don’t know what I’m looking at.” Then shifted in place. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe you’re hiding a bunch of secrets.” Then said in a ginning way, “but I guess it won’t matter. I’ll be off and back home in no time maybe. So, maybe whatever you really are, doesn't matter at all.”

“You mean, if and when we find a way to make that switch.” told Dejen as he tried not being bothered of the way her tone mention of ‘hiding a bunch of secrets’ as he continued on. “I mean who knows how we’ll make it happen…” he then however raise a brow as he asked in both curiosity and wondering. “So when you mentioned of not knowing what you’re looking at, do you mean of me as a person, or how I portray myself to other's?”

“If I knew, don’t you think I would of said it?” Asked Ash almost rhetorically. “But, that’s besides the point.” Giving him a long look. “Like I said, it’s more of a thing that I can’t make sense of more than anything.” Then thought on it… and perked, “you know… there is something else I should do while I’m here.” Finger up and telling, “find that kid, Hirue, right? Anyways, find her and see how far those ‘things’ with her go!”

“Well, just to give you a heads up?” told Dejen in amusement. “Little Hirue is adopted by Asha, and odds are that Lioness will keep her cub real close to her.”

Finger waving, Ash told, “but I’m the only one that could possibly teach her.” Then rolled a hand. “Sure, you got two Kitsunes, and they know a thing or two. But Herno teaching a Herno? That’s the way it should be.” But went on, “that… and I’m uniquely qualified to help her. She and I sorta have that… ‘special’ thing other Herno’s don’t. She might need help knowing how to actually use her abilities.”

“What like using the markings to be beneficial?” asked Dejen with a raise brow, but felt her hand clapping at his mouth very quickly. Seeing Ash glaring at him and glancing her eyes about with all due caution. He rolled his eyes and pull her hand off of his muzzle as he apologizes. “Sorry, but it’s nothing I’m used to yet. Unlike everyone here in the holds, its a learning progress for those from Arabia.”

With a long breath, Ash told in a much more serious tone. “You should of been careful. You have no idea how cray-cray people get when something like that is mentioned. I should know, I was nearly blasted to bits by airships once they knew what I had on me.”

Huffing, Dejen figure he should use a code-word for it, but continue on. “I’ll keep it in mind, so you’re able to help Hirue become…better with her ‘talent’?” Knowing that if Ash could help Hirue, it would help the girl more with her self-esteem, but defend herself if Asha wasn’t around. Windy glance a bit, but figure to let her Master do the talking, but if the pegasus was honest? She partially wonder how that was going to be done, even more with how scared and confused Hirue was.

Breathing in, Ash sighed out. “When I got my little tallent? I had no idea how it worked. It took me…. I don’t know how long to use it, and Hirue’s might be different.” Thinking on it, Ash did admit, “but I might know more than most. I just have to make sure Hirue knows I mean well and only want to help. And this skill, it’s… well, it can get bad if you’re not careful with it.”

Humming a bit, Dejen consider Ash words as while part of him want to be a bit skeptical? Another part knew that this whole ‘demon-marked’ business was nothing he encounter before. Even less knew much on, he doubted Asha knows much on it herself. He mused a bit as he slightly nod and told. “Better have Asha around, mostly to ease Hirue and get her through with this.” then thought a bit and sigh as he gently pet Windy head, getting up from his spot as he went on to say.

“I should probably talk to Najat now and get this over with, sooner I talk to her, the better we can get over with this.” then asked to Ash. “know where she might be?”

Grabbing her staff and getting up, Ash told, “on the ship. We were wrapping up our shopping.” Using a foot to get under the bag she had and kick it up. With a free hand she snatched it from the air and just as smoothly slipped it onto her staff that spun over shoulder. Now ready, Ash moved out and said, “and maybe in our bunk meditating. Said something about centering self and whatnot.”

Motioning a hand for Windy to follow, the pegasus did as she came by his side as Dejen told. “Well, that would be a good first place to check.” then told. “Asha would either be in her room, or probably out getting a sun nap.” he then asked in amusement. “Need me to come along with you in case you won’t get lost around here?”

With a look, Ash pointed, “it’s kinda hard to miss the giant warship parked over there.” And in reality, the ship did tower over most of the buildings there. “I’m directionally challenged-- not blind.”

Chuckling, Dejen said. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you be.” turning he began walking and as he thought a bit with the talk with Najat. It should really be a simple discussion. I mean, all I’m going to tell her is that Windy is a slave born, she doesn’t want to leave my side, and love me enough for me to make her my honor bound slave. I mean, I’m sure she’ll understand and we can get on with our lives. Side I doubt there's not much she can do to say anything about it.

Really he doubt it wouldn’t be anything that serious, just let Najat know, let it drop and move on as he would focus on other things.

Side, what's the worse that can happen beside a bit of a small argument?

Najat staired on, a blank and near chilling aura exuding from her person. Dejen felt honestly unsure how to approach her, the Herno having been silent and showen zero expression. It didn’t even seem to hint at how she felt, and for some reason… this part of the hall was just so… cold. He was wondering if something was up with the AC.

Despite the cold, the way her icy blue eyes looked at him did not give a assurance. Najat stared at him like he was a bug and even gave a minor glance over Windy, as if she was hardly noteworthy. After a moment, Najat spoke, “so. What you are choosing to tell me now, is you had gained Windy-san as a slave of birth from a Sultan. Then, kept her as such. And later on, chose to make her into a Honorbound Slave, simply on the grounds that you love her and she wishes to still serve you?”

Ignoring the want to rub his arms for warmth, he look back as he glanced to Windy, the pegasus keeping close to press herself against his side for warmth as he look back to Najat as he told. “Yes.” then added. “Admittedly I didn’t see why, but since your friend Ash suggested I tell you now? Well I figure I might as well get it out so there won’t be any misunderstandings later on.”

He did however wonder if he should ask someone on the walky if the AC needed to be looked at, because it was getting colder than usual on the ship.

She measured him, and spoke, “and have you ever thought of trying to give her more than simply her shackles?” Her eyes barely shifting into a minor glare. “Born a slave or not, I feel that give the understanding that there is more than just that lifestyle, would of been beneficial. I question, only in due part that if effort were not placed in and you made her Honorbound after the fact you never expected, then I would find the action to bind her in question.”

“I can’t help but feel you are subtly insulting me somehow.” comment Dejen as while her expression didn’t change, he told. “Admitally I tried when I first had her, but I got the message from Windy here, that she didn’t want it.”

Windy nod her head in agreement as she told. “Master was different from other's, he gave me more than what most would give. He treated me more than any other owner would.” then told in a confident tone as she wrap a foreleg tightly around his own leg. “You may presume I live in a cage, but I am instead living in a palace with my Striped. And I rather be my Master pegasus pet than anything else.”

When Najat regarded her, Windy felt a odd feeling of being hardly seen as anything impressive. Skipped being measured and instead, seeming to have been figured. After a moment, Najat said to Dejen, “then there is nothing else to be said. I can’t help persuade a person that refuses to remove their own shackles.” Going on to question, “is that all, Dejen-san?”

“Yes it is, have a good day and enjoy.” seeing the door being closed gently without a word, as the hall was a bit chilly still as Dejen turn when Windy let go of his leg as he activate his walk. “Can anyone figure out if the AC here in hall B-32 is malfunction? Because its chilly.”

“King, the AC is off, we’ve been running off a bit in heating.” replied a Changeling as Dejen slowly turn to Najat door, then slowly look to Windy as he turn of the walky and said.

“Apparently she has ice-magic affinity. I….don’t know if that's better or worse with Bina water affinity.” He recalled on how Hernos generally don’t use external magics...and that just made him shiver a bit, and not from just the cold. Annnnd Najat has external magic of ice...okay that is worse than Bina being a demi-god. Mostly since Bina and Bakari aren’t here right now.

He let out a sigh, moving to gently pet Windy head as he thought to himself. I’m going to need to figure out if Najat will be a problem later on, or if this is going to be common...Maybe ask Tatsu when I have the chance? Yeah… he did consider on training a bit, mostly in a small course with his Lucky Hand. Granted it doesn’t take much skill to aim...but it does take great skill to aim and move at the same time.

He let out a breath as Dejen told. “Come on Windy, let's head down and train a bit. I need to keep practice up with Lucky Hand.” the mare nodded, following the Striped as to both leave the cold halls and try to not imagine the implications of Najat being a lot more stronger than presumed.