Arabian Swindler

Speed at mid and nearing the city, Dejen sat and thought out on how to track these dangerous people that were possibly getting their fuel from the city. But the trouble was finding the right info. Obviously the ship couldn't just fly in. people probably would recognize it. For another, he had to search out a place where the most fuel was being taken by, and by whom. Then came the hope that the group he was tracking was even nearby.

It was all one big problem to solve, and one that Dejen wasn’t sure he would have time for. But even as he worked this over, he heard a voice. “Dejen-San. A moment of your time?” Making his sigh at the cold and near emotionless tone of Najat.

Turning his attention to her, as he move a bit in his captain chair as he spoke. “Hello Najat, what brings you to the bridge?”

With a long gaze, Najat questioned, “you are hunting those of the Devastation, correct?”

“Yes I am…” then asked with a raise of a brow. “What brought this up, Najat?”

Walking in to stand more before him, Najat told, “during my Honor Trials, I traveled the lands with my escort to gain honor for my family line. In my world too, there was a Devastation group that was a blight on our world.” Then breathed in. “I had fought with them once. I was lucky I had a escort, I almost died.”

Putting two to two, Dejen spoke. “And you want to help remove this group as well, Najat?”

Nodding, Najat told, “back then I was arrogant in my strength. I learned the hard way, after tracking them down to a end to their tyranny, that I discovered I was only so skilled and strong.” She let that sink in before telling on. “My other self, the young Heiress, she has not encountered them, nor tracked them. I feel certain, that they might be in the same hiding place that I found them last at.”

“Now that...is very interesting to hear.” said Dejen as he remark. “I mean no offense to your intentions, Najat. But I feel this is more than...giving assistance to me. I can’t help but feel this is another reason you are giving this information out to me.”

“Ash-chan told you of the Pirates because it was to find me.” Told Najat. “I too tracked down these people, because of a rumor that they consorted with demons. At the time, I thought a lead to Ash-chan could be gleaned. It lead no place, in the end. They had not consorted around demons for years.” then told on, “but, regardless of this, it is information you can use, and not dawdle in aimlessly searching.”

Grinning, Dejen said. “Which I appreciate greatly, Najat.” then going on to ask. “I can only gather you wish to come with us when we reach to their little hiding place and remove them all?”

“I will not hide that I have a bruised pride over a defeat like that.” Najat admitted freely. “But there is also the case that you may need my aid. Many of this world seem three years younger from our world. So, I thought it prudent to help warn you of what threats they may possess to you and those going.”

Chuckling he replied. “And it is nice for you to give such info.” he did however ask. “But I have to ask, is there a reason why the Heiress has not left to to her village?” raising a hand to go on. “I mean no offense, but I would’ve thought bringing her to her Clan would be a priority. Not let her stay around in the ship.”

Letting out a breath, Najat told, “she has questions.” Going into thought to tell on. “My Father is not a very gentle man. He see’s things in very sark ways. When Ash was marked by a demon, I was out training. Preparing for my Honor trials. When I came home, I found out from him that Ashina was dead, that she is exile.”

Breathing in, Najat went on. “I didn’t believe it. So when I left on my journey, I vowed to find Ash-chan to see if it was truly so. Even if in my mind, I knew that if she was exiled, then she had no ties to me.” Then turned to look out the window in thought. “When I was enslaved, I thought for sure I would never see her again. I would never see home again. That my journey was over and I would be at the whims of the one that had my leash.”

“Then… Ash showed up. Out from no place. She came, because she promised to be by my side.” A small ghost of a smile showing on her lips, before it was wiped off. Turning back, Najat told. “Just like my younger self, I did not believe she would come back for me. She knew that I was expected, by honor, to slay her.” then after some silence, Najat sighed. “I couldn't. She was like a sister. And even now, my younger self knows her duty, but can not pull through because she asks the same questions I do-- but unlike I, lacks the faith because unlike myself, she saw Ash’chan return to the village in pain. Saw her demon touched… saw her get three arrows in her back before escaping.”

“My Ash, never got hit on her escape.” Najat told. “As you may expect, seeing Ash was like seeing a ghost.”

Well, that explains on what happen to this world Ash…. thinking it over as he let out a breath. “Then it might be best for the Heiress to remain on my ship...for the time being.” going to joke a bit with a grin. “Mostly since I doubt the Clan-head of your village will ever approve a ‘friendship’ with the likes of me.”

“No.” was the deft response. “Father is… stiff in his beliefs. At best, he would allow you to leave with your head on your shoulders, for returning his daughter.” Going on in a frank manner, “after hearing your trails and story, I can say that some things you did, are enough for him to take your head from your shoulders. Part of my own Traditions, would ask for me to do the same.”

“And yet...you do not and neither the Heiress.” said Dejen as he asked. “Is it because of Ash intervening?”

With a nod, Najat told, “Ash-chan has opened my eyes to the world, not as ink and paper, but as a open canvas of both. My younger self, struggles to understand still. She had not fully gone through her trials or grown as I have. So her understanding of the world, is still lacking. But the reason we don’t act, is because Ash-chan helped us both, in different manners, that the world is not like our Father sees.”

“There is a difference is perspective, when you see another. And you can not simply judge them on just history alone. But by their actions.” Explained the older heiress. “There are choices I do not approve of that you had made. But they are choices you felt were best. And as a future heir to my Clan, I must be willing to admit, I may make similar choices in my life. Whether I wish to or not.”

Letting out a sigh, Dejen couldn’t help but admit. “Arabia is a cruel place. Sometimes you must be a cutthroat, to survive another day. I won’t say it was easy to do what I had to...but it did save and kept things in place with what my hands done.”

Eyes unwavering, Najat told, “it is that same regret you hold, that I am willing to stay my hand.” Getting his attention, even a slight peek from Port. “Since you regret, you feel. And since you can feel and understand, you know what is wrong. And since you know what is wrong, you understand that it was a sin.”

Breathing in, then peacefully out, Najat looked to the side in thought. “I stay my hand because you know you did wrong, and know you will pay the price for it.”Then looked back to him with a strong gaze. “And because of that, you have Honor to an extent. And it is why I am willing to have faith and trust, you will not misuse what I say to you.”

Grinning, Dejen joked. “I can’t say I have Herno honor, but I think I’m close to a Kitsune own Honor.” he did however admit. “But you are right...I will pay for my sins. I’m merely waiting for Death to take his dues when it happens.” going on with a somber smile. “I am a gambler, Najat. Despite the amount of wins I gain, sooner or later, the Devil will get his due from me.”

“Then you best be ready to make peace with yourself then.” Najat told him. “You will surely pay those debts in full and more, if you do not find peace in yourself.” Thinking for a moment to admit, “I feel that this whole situation… was fated to be. To be here, to see my young self. Perhaps this is the path I must have, to make peace with myself.” Then looked up, “as is the path you must find too, to make peace with what you have done.”

While Dejen thought that over, Najat gave a respectful bow and said, “Thank you for your time, Dejen-san.” And left the room, making thoughts stir and spin in the stripe’s head.

Make peace with myself, huh? A bit tricky to do with the likes of me...but let see what I need to make peace of. Thinking a bit...before he was reminded of how he came here. Oh...well there was that one time where I was backstab by my friends. Got into gambling addiction as a means to pay off my debts and run from my problems. Also got trick and came here...Also need to pay that fox before I’m dead….what else, what else? Hrm...strange, I’ve would of thought I had more in me…

Or maybe its like Asha said back then. I’m screaming on the inside and….running away from it. thought Dejen as his hands slowly move to his deck and slowly shuffle them. Unlike most times, this wasn’t when he would be thinking but more of...having a comforting touch of his grandfather deck. They were his lucky charm, always bringing him luck and help him think. The only thing left from home really.

It also help him just...consider things. I’ve done a lot in my life since I came here. Poisoning, killing, regicide, murder. Steal, cheat, and lie all over...So much blood on my hands, using cunning and insanity to win...or taking chance. And yet I can’t stop. I don’t want to stop. Because if I stop, I won’t be on a roll with my lifestyle. I’m Death’s Gambler. I’m Dejen, the Clan-Head of Mitego...can’t drop everything, I got responsibilities here. Feeling each card under his fingers as they shuffle, Dejen thought over more.

He thought over on what he was truly running from. What it was that he kept hidden beside the fact he came from another world? In all honesty he didn’t knew. He knew that he gave up being the cutthroat he was to keep connections on the ship. He knew he wasn’t important in Arabia much, he also knew he didn’t belong in the Isles or...anywhere really. He mused on what it was. What was he ‘running’ from? How could he make peace with himself, if he didn’t knew what his pain was?

It was hard to really say.

He glance to see Port was keeping focus, but giving slight glances now and then to him, mostly in wonder. Dejen let out a small snort as he kept shuffling. Maybe I’m thinking too much in it? Mystic bullshit and all that...only...Najat didn’t use mystic bullshit but more of...wise words. lowly humming, Dejen didn’t have the answer, even more on how he could make peace with himself, if he himself didn’t knew the problems?

What was it that Asha said about Striped? Oh right, they’re Racky. Although I don’t see how this help in my situation...although her mom did mention I was touch by luck and got strings but...don’t see what that could do for me. he however thought on Asha mom words. Something about him with his stripes. What about my stripes? Sure I may never be as smart as a natural Striped, but I still got something to prove. Thinking it over some as he consider on talking with Asha.

He snort and shook his head. Oh sure, go and talk to the lioness while she’s busy with her Cub. I think she got more important things than listening to me right now. Although he also knew that she was always willing to listen. Let's be real Dejen. You’re just a sucker waiting for him to pay back his due to Death. You’ll die, everyone moves on, and no one will give two shits about you when you're gone for good. Everyone will forget me and go on the latest new threat or news.

But… if he didn’t ask, he would never know. And Dejen wasn’t sure what was worse. Nagging Asha for her thoughts, or sitting here and not knowing. Because oddly enough, it was like Najat knew exactly what he had gone through, or at least understood his trails. Understood to the point that she was willing to not enact her traditions to uphold honor.

Granted, that was only because of… Ash. Or, Ashina? It was hard to tell what her name was in his mind. There was a lot of things that didn’t make sense with that Herno. She was Herno, but no longer Herno because she’s exiled. Acted like Kitsune, but wasn’t born one. Was a mage, but also not a natural one. Touched by a demon, but not evil like one… Ash was one big ball of confusion and yet she seemed to be fine with him, was it some form of honor she didn’t fine-- no.. that couldn’t be right, she was part of Najat’s clan, so the same honor….

He stopped thinking about it as it only got more confusing.

He thought on what Mercy mention, when she first talked to Ash. On how Ash was betrothed 19 times, on how she somehow survived and escape from being tortured with demon marks. Even detecting changelings true forms to a extent.

He let out a breath and thought. Fuck it. Lets talk to Asha. putting his cards away as he got up and told. “Keep at the speed, Port. and if trouble come, raise up into the altitude.”

“You got it boss.” told Port, as Dejen turn to walk out.

Dejen thought over on Ash, and could only figure that Ash was probably one of the most complex and paradoxical being he has ever encounter so far in his life. Which was saying something compare to the amount of bullshit he had in his life. He let out a low breath as he came by Asha room as he knocked on the door and spoke. “Hey Asha, got a moment to talk?” (Done)

He heard a ‘come in’ and entered in. though he didn’t spot Hirue while coming in, and found Asha sitting on her mat seeming to be in some zoned out state. While he closed the door and took the other mat, Asha peeked a eye open and said, “Heya Dejen, you needed something?” Then went back to her eyes closed, once more zenning out. (End)

“Oh just...to talk.” said Dejen as he settle and look to Asha...and let out a sigh. “Alright, I’m going to be blunt...I have no idea on what I’m running from.”

“Ya sure?” Was the teasing smile and tone of the Lioness. “I think you know, but just don’t want to admit it.” Making him want to give her a stink eye. It was like… she knew it better than he did!

Asha giggled and opened her eyes and told, “relax Dejen, you’re pushing yourself too much. I’ve been waiting for this day.” And settled herself to lay down a bit. “Really, just relax. You know what you’re running from. The only reason you’re having trouble seeing it, is because you keep pushing it away.”

Snorting with a roll of his eyes, Dejen figure to ‘relax’ as he let out a low breath and just close his eyes to think. Hrm...what is it I’m pushing? thought over Dejen a bit, trying to ease his body and mind and just...let it come to him. For a while, nothing came to mind, as he felt his expression scrunch a bit as he couldn’t help but remark. “You sure this isn’t another mystic bullshit thing, Asha?”

Rolling her eyes, Asha told, “no Dejen. It’s something honestly there.” Then said, “I might not see all, but even I can tell that you’re not being honest with yourself completely. And because of that, you can’t be honest with the rest of us.” Then thought on, “it’s like… you’re not who you look to be!” Making him stumble and almost recall Ash saying something so… similar.

......Fuck. She means I’m not a Striped….that I’m a former human...but does it really matter? Why would it matter if I told them or not I’m not a actual striped? Thinking that over a bit as he thought...and it made him slowly realize it. If he did tell them...would they believe him? Would they still see him in the same light? Or would they even care? Then again….

Did it really matter? He wasn’t human any more. He was a Striped. That life of him is gone now, so why bother with it?

Asha sighed with a somber smile. “You doubt it, don’t you?” Getting him to look at her. “I know it might seem like it doesn't matter, but answer me honestly Dejen. How many lies did you give yourself, just to fool everyone you love?” Letting silence weigh down on them. “It might not matter who you were. But don’t they deserve to know, who you were, and who you now are?” Going on to shake her head. “You can run all you like. From yourself, from your past, from the pain… but it will always be right there in the shadow only you can see.”

Letting a low breath came out, he remarked. “You do realize it will be as awkward as all hell, when I tell them that I’m not a actual striped, but was brought here through another dimension by some blind kid, right?” his tone being dry and sarcastic.

Asha thought and soon nod, “Totally.” Then smiled up, “but I believe you. Because I can feel your telling me the truth.”

Giving her a flat stare, Dejen remark. “Part of me wonder if you cats are all the same. Mischievous and annoying as all hell.”

“I think we’d have more fun Herno’s around like the Twins or Ash.” Asha told simply, then said in thought. “Really, I don’t understand why some Herno don’t take to Ash’s approach. She’s a lot more happy than most others with how she lets loose.” Then shook her head. “Look, I know you don’t like the idea.” Then told, “but it is your secret to tell. I’ve told the other’s time and time again, I might feel and know, but it isn’t my story to tell. Sooner or later, they will want to know why. And sooner or later, you will have to either feed them more lies or just… tell them the truth.”

Placing a hand under his chin, Dejen said in a dry tone. “And how do you figure I can start it?” going on to say in a mock cheerful tone as he raise his hands and grin. “Hey guys, just to let you all know that I’ve been backstab by my friends back in my home, got into a huge debt, and was struggling thanks to those bastards! Even though I was the one who made the plan to gamble to gain funds for money! Oh and did you also know that I’m a completely different species and got here by a god like being that might or might not gave me luck to survive in Arabia for the last two years?”

Letting out a breath as he look to Asha as she had a sad sympathetic gaze and a smile on her face as he said. “And that's the tip of the iceberg there.”

Shaking her head, Asha said, “I know you have doubts, Dejen. It’s…. Like a hard thing to talk about.” But told. “But the pain won’t stop, if you keep running. Any maybe, one day, you’ll out run it.” Then questioned, “but how big will the scar and wound get from all the running? The wound has to get treated sooner or later, or it’ll get infected.”

She stayed in place, letting him think for a moment before speaking up. “It won’t be easy. It never is easy. But if you love your Clan, these people, this family as much as you claim, do you really have anything to be afraid of?”

Letting a breath come in...Dejen admit. “Maybe not…” then look to Asha as he said in a somber tone. “But...we both know that one day, I will have to give the Devil his due, Asha. the Devil will always get his due for those like me.”

Lifting her paw and letting it rest on his leg, Asha told, “the Devil might want his dues. But you don’t have to be the one to pay him off.” Further telling, “they are your family. Remember that, Dejen. They’re the family you stitched together, not me. Or Mercy. Or Gem. not even Debt-- but you.” Giving a meaningful look.

“You don’t have to tell them now. Or today. Or tomorrow. Or the day after that.” Asha said while taking her paw back. “But one day, you have to choose to tell them, or to just keep running. For now… just think about it, please?” Giving a kind smile. “I can’t tell you want to do, only give advice.”

“I’ll...consider it.” said Dejen as he joked. “But, I don’t think I need to tell you, since you already know the truth…” he did however added. “But I am not going to spill it to everyone, not even to Ash and her friends. They’re not Clan.”

Chuckling, Asha told, “I think Ash already knows something, even if she doesn't know what yet.” Making Dejen’s eyes widen. Asha only waved a paw, “don’t worry, she can keep a secret. She’s curious, but she won’t say anything. I don’t think Najat even knows.”

Thinking, Dejen remark. “You know...if they do became Clan...and if we managed to get Maltar before three months are up? I’ll...tell them.” musing Dejen as he said. “I think I’ll tell everyone on the ship...maybe Humilit if I feel like it, since it’s technically my Clan town too.”

Asha gave a nod, and while sitting up she told, “you know Dejen… you really have come a long way since we first met.” Going on to laugh, “I think I even matured a bit, as crazy as that sounds.” Then breathed in and let out a sigh. “I should go. I think Hirue needs me. She’s probably finished with that lesson Ash wanted to give her.”

Snorting in amusement, Dejen got on his feet as he admit. “I think I did...I’m not the cutthroat I was. And I wasn’t...as jaded as before.” he let out a sigh as he said. “But lets hope that Lady Luck will get me the chance. Because I’ll be honest Asha...its going to take more than mere luck for me to complete my payment soon.”

With a glance, Asha said, “maybe, but you do have a lot of strings to pull on.” (

Cackling, Dejen joked. “No offense Asha, but I doubt I still got plenty of strings left on me. The only way I might get more, is if I do something so crazy I wouldn’t even predict it!”

Asha hummed and said, “you might get surprised on how many strings you have.” Both walking out the door and telling, “also? I think you’ll be needed at the bridge.” Breathing in and letting out a sigh of content. “The wind is feeling playful this evening.”

“Oh great, more mystic talk.” joked Dejen, he shook his head as he said. “But I’ll head back…’ then said in a more hesitant tone. “And….thanks. Its...its not easy to admit to that, even if it wasn’t the full story, Asha.”

Stopping to look back, Asha told, “I know. But it’s like I said, I’m here to help heal the wounds you can’t see. I’ll be always here to listen to the pains and around to give the remedy.” Then stopped to giggle, “Wow, I’m starting to sound like mom!” Turning to pad on ahead.

Dejen roll his eyes, as he turn to head to the bridge. Part of him wonder if he could admit the truth to everyone. But at the same time? If he had a goal, a mean to tell everyone...well, he was sure he could be man enough to tell them. Even more Windy and Mercy. He figure they deserve the truth about him, even more before the eggs do come.

After a moment of moving around, Dejen had the ship going past over the ship as he and his ground force were going over to a field of geysers and to a ravine. Which held a hidden base the Devastation group used. But he and those with him had to be careful, as it was full of traps, and they had to be careful while they were going in. And apparently Dejen was thankful for Najat was with them, as he learned that among the group?

Were two Diamond Dogs, twins that were trappers that were lethal killers with numbers of sedative based traps to tire you out. There was a Minotaur berserker with a large blade, he was one of the strongest minotaurs known, as he actually crushed stone with his head. Among them was a Minotaur slaughter, a madman of a killer that carved up a number of people with cleavers, who tossed them too.

There was a Diamond dog trickster, that was a trapper, but tricked and lure people into the traps with a false calm, who was the mastermind of the group plans. There were two Exiled Hernos, one of a blademen that seeked pleasure through battle, and killed part of his Clan to prove his own strength. While the other was a seal master that wanted more out of magic. Turning to the darker arts as they were unstable and dangerous, proving as the battlemage of the force.

He also learn there were a number of other dogs and minotaurs, that were the ‘grunt-force’. While getting in was easy with who they had, but getting out alive was harder. The group was unstoppable together, but separated they were easier to fight, but were deadly to fight against. Dejen in his wisdom, figure to ask of Galdan and Najat, maybe asking Ash to help as he rather have all his cards with a effective plan to deal with the group in one fell swoop.

Part of him wished he had Johari with, but seeing as he let her stay in Humilit with her cub? They would have to deal without her. Still, the plan thought out was rather simple. Hey would have a few of their own infiltrate the base, maybe replace a few people with changling’s to further separate the group.

Najat told that she had the best effect on the butcher, her skills uniquely suited to countering him. Ash voted herself for the mage, telling simply that she knew how to hanel magical combat more easily. Galdan suggested that the herno blademen be handled by their two Kitsune, as they may have the needed skills to keep both out of reach and exploit weaknesses.

Rah-Rah voted herself in, wanting to deal with the heavy hitter Minotaur of the group with her own mech. The plan being put together started to paint a very effective image in Dejen’s head. Tatsu and Susumu would go in and begin to toy and tire the swordsmen. No other’s so casualties would be low. Ash would be doing something similar on her own with the mage, mostly to avoid other casualties.

The Butcher Najat told she would deal with, but asked for Dejen’s aid-- feeling his weapon was suited for finishing the male off more cleanly after she subdued him. Rah-Rah was tasked with the tall berserker, and maybe leading changelings to help strip the place of any important things. While the Two Dog trappers would be dealt with by Myun and Debt with Galdan acting as backup with his hunters.

As for the last, Asha told she could deal with him and could have a few changelings to help pin him. She was one of the few that could figure intent out fast and turn the tables and the smoothtalker.

Dejen could see this all working, he however wanted to figure out about the grunt forces, mostly since how they could keep them off while they all deal with the head honchos. But Mercy suggested the Hive would assist with that, and she could direct them during the entire fight. Ensuring that none of them could interfere with her in control.

Dejen saw this as a means to help with the fight, but he wanted to figure out if they should strike in the night, to get them by surprised in the dark of the night. He made sure the plan went straight, and got everything ready as they were all suit up and ready to delved into the Devastation home base...but he wanted to know how would they make sure the ship didn’t just flee once they began to push hard?

The idea was simple. Have the Innovations Rise just wait over it and shoot anything trying to escape. They had changings to monitor each and every person leaving the place.

So, when things were set, they waited. Night came, the base quited… changelings scouted and found the ship there. They snuck in and began to take on disguises. Traps were disarmed and soon, the group was let on in. Even as Dejen walked through the stone tunnel, he began to watch each member of his team seperate off to engage different enemies.

Najat kept very silent by his side, walking forwards where the changelings lead them. Even there, they watched a few move about and silence the grunt-forces that patrolled the cavern, and this… made Dejen feel a little confident they had things under control. The only real challenge, would be the ‘bosses’ of this Devastation group.

Reaching the next turn, Najat told, “keep a distance and force him to waste his knives. Once he is unarmed, I will move in and subdue him for you to get a finishing clean kill.”

Dejen grin with a nod as he told lowly. “I’ll be sure to make it quick, Najat.” thinking on using one of his hidden blades, or a single shot from Lucky Hand as added. “Think we can get through without to much issues?”

“I pray so.” Najat spoke. “The reason they are deadly, is in due part none expecting them, nor knowing how to deal with them. We for once, have the advantage. We know their tricks, we know their actions, we have their home and now have the element of surprise. As long as they don’t do things outside of what I know? Victory will be assured.”

As they made the next turn into what seemed to be some kitchen, a few renegades going about and their target chopping meats, Najat informed. “Prepare yourself. He is not a fool.” Hands up and crackling with a frosty fog emanating from them.

Taking out Lucky Hand, Dejen grin as he told. “Lets do it.” waiting for her signal as he waited for her to send out her frost magic to surprise them all.

Breathing in deeply, Dejen felt a chilling cold by him before she moved, foot sliding on the smooth stone before sweeping her hands. In a sudden howl of cold, ice and snow blanketed the area and the grunts gave shouts and yelps. Some falling, other’s being trapped in ice and stuck. Najat jumped, using a chair to vault up and cast both icy cold to freeze people, or icy shards to price into them. While the large minotaur turned, Dejen saw plenty of open target’s to now exploit.

Arm raising he pull the trigger as the weapon into any heads or chests, the Striped being quick to aim his weapon as he kept his attention around him, even moving to dodge a cleaver that was tossed at Dejen. He had to duck under a table from another cleaver as he got up and taunt. “You missed!”

There was a snap of something and Dejen glanced, and felt, a heavy crate swing and hit him. While he flew and hit the ground, he got up and worked his jaw some.

“Okay, maybe you didn’t miss.” said Dejen as he got on his feet, and quickly moving from falling kitchen knives that were coming his way as the Striped had to use what training he had from Ash, Susumu and Tatsu. Or in what could be the simple form of dodging and evading pointy things that tried to kill him. He had to duck from a flying wine bottle as Dejen taunt. “Now you’re being petty!”

His smile faded when a candle fly by him and landed where the wine did. Jumping back, the floor went up in a flash of fire and started to realize, Najat was right. This guy wasn’t a idiot. He was a bit smarter than he looked. Even as he ran and dodged more kitchenware, cutlery and whatever else a cook could have at their disposal? Najat ran about trying to do the same, freezing whatever she could. Even using her power to put out a fire that the minotaur tried to spread her way.

Rolling under another cleaver, she stretched her hand out, a wave of icy snow spraying forwards and catching the minotaur’s face. Making him splutter and pat at his face to remove the cold snow.

Taking this opportunity, Dejen aimed to the minotaur neck, firing two shots into the head as he saw blood burst out as it mixed into the snow as the butcher body dropped in a lifeless manner. Dejen let out a breath as he said to Najat while reloading. “You were right, he was smarter than he looked."

Letting out a breath and jabbing a fist down to knock out another grunt, Najat told, “when I faced him last? He nearly took my tail off. Told me he’d use it as a scarf.” Giving a glare to the minotaur. “Petty as it seems, I’m glad I was around to be the result of his demise for such a arrogant remark.”

Snorting in amusement, Dejen joked. “Look like even Herno enjoy the taste of revenge too.”

“Not revenge.” Najat told stiffly, “I am not that petty.” Standing up and going about the room to subdue or make sure the others were not getting back up. “Still. This was… far easier than last time. Apparently three years is a large gap for one’s skill.” (

“Plus, its more easier with having someone else helping.” added Dejen as he holster Lucky Hand back as he went on while moving up by her. “And it also helps to have a distraction to keep your enemies focus on someone else beside you.”

“Perhaps.” Najat spoke while roaming over the room. Lost in thought and pondering things while also using little taps of her foot or motions with her hand to keep a Devastator grunt down. While she did so, Dejen’s walky buzzed to life.

“The swordsmen is no longer.” Tatsu reported. “Susumu and I are now investigating the area.”

Rah-Rah wasn’t too far behind. “I got the berserker down. I think I’m going to head back to the ships soon, Mr. Fisty got a little banged up from him.” It made Dejen nod and think about heading back too. Mostly to see how the little cleaning out of the base was going.

“My King.” A Changing called in, “a small dingy is heading to the base through the ravine.”

Taking his walky, Dejen spoke up. “Hey everyone, a dingy is heading to the base, look like we’re going to be expecting more trouble.” taking Lucky Hand out, he glance to Najat as he add to the walky. “Try to remove your opponents fast, we might encounter something tough.”

Najat wordlessly followed him and watched a few disguised changelings rush in to clean up the place. As they walked towards the entryway, the walky buzzed to life. “We need help!” Getting Dejen to go from walk, to run. Najat at his heels. “They--” And like that, no connection.

“Shit.” muttereed Dejen as he run more faster as he said. “Najat, looks like something different is happening right now.” he didn’t expect her to reply, as the both of them were heading towards the docks of the base to help stop whoever was there. He heard gunfire as it seem Rah-Rah was in combat, the Striped made a sharp turn to get into the entrance of the docks as he scan for whoever they were having trouble against.

He came face-to-face with a lot of dead changings with their blood spilt, and more out of disguse and firing off magic. RAh-Rah’s mech was in the midst of the fight, gun blazing and mech’s arm swinging. Yet despite it all, one figure moved and blocked the magic with some odd magic. And with a arc of bright, red lightning, struck the mech and making it stumble.

While Rah-Rah was tryin to get her mech back under control, the figure rose a hand, the ground bursting and trapping the mech with a large chunk of dark crystals. Najat stiled and Dejen felt a odd pit in his gut while the attacker turned. Cloak fluttering and a all too familiar face with many red markings glowing bright in the dark with a gaze full of hate.

Guess I was wrong about this Ash being dead. thought Dejen as he soon went on the walky. “Alternate Ashina here, killing my kids!” then raise Lucky as he began firing to the alternate version, moving swift as she was sending crystal shards and powerful and accurate bolts of red lighting. He dodge as she was blocking his fires with her crystals, seeming to use a hand to grab and stop magic from harming her as Dejen shouted. “Fall back!”

Firing more as he soon saw a cloud of sparkling dark dust, making her vanish from sight, only to appear someplace else as Dejen reloaded as he quickly glance and shouted to Najat. “A little help here?!”

Shaking herself, Najat got into a stance and watched this alternative Ash now heading for a changeling. With a breath and a jab of a hand, cie grew and mad a wall between cat and changeling. Ash stopped and turned focus to the two of them, a blazing anger there and a horrible scowl.

Najat and Dejen felt the need to move, as the alternet Ash gave a howl of anger and flung her hand their way, many jagged crystals flying and nearly getting them. Najat made a icewall, stopping but nearly failing at another bolt of red lightning.

By the time they were moving back, Ash was there. Runic markings not hidden by heavy clothes glowing a bright hateful red as she came down. Najat felt a tingle of fear with Dejen when the bare-handed strike actually punched through the stone, and when Ash kicked, a dark shadow like force caused them to fly back.

While they got up, Najat found herself shouting, “Ashina, stay your hand!” Using ice to block the next attack and dodge back before making a short jab to ice Ash’s foot to the ground. “It’s me, Najat!”

With a glare, Ash responded, “I don’t care, just die!” Hand swiping and Najat moving back-- Ash seemed to snap focus at the bang sound and twisted her body around. Najat stumbled, but Dejen felt a odd icy feeling up his spine along with his changelings. Hand out, the magical and bright bullet soared and hit that open hand, and for a moment, those marks glowed bright… and calmed. Ash glared at him and with that same hand made a tossing motion down to her frozen foot and used a burst of powerful magic to blast it off.

Well...fuck. thought Dejen as he fired his bullets as this Ashina attacks viciously and quickly. The Striped had to move back as he thought. Wonder if the devil will have me now? seeing her dodging, jumping and sliding as his changelings were sent flying. Crystal spikes, hit or trap other's, as magic seem to stop, a close slide near and a hard kick to his side as Dejen was sent back.

He tried to get up as the striped reload as fast as he could and Najat lands on the ground as she was getting up before making a ice shield to semi-block Ash. Seeming to smash through it almost. Dejen quick fire to the Herno as Ash wasn’t holding it and runs for a new target.

With each aim, Dejen tried again and again to hit this Ash. the herno was faster than he expected, and contaly moved about. He had to mov and roll, lightning flying by his last spot and even breaking stone-- this Ash could even use magic without a staff! And it was freaking him out how strong she was!

When Najat got up again, she shouted, “Ashina, enough!”

Turning around and tossing a changing body to the side and seeming to clench her fist around some odd orb of light to make it vanish, Ash told, “Ashina’s dead, you traitor!” Rushing for Najat as the herno got up and moved, actully allowing Ash close to get into a hand-to-had fight. But with each each, Dejen could tell that Ash was going to puble the women, even if she was moving fast enough to contest with Tatsu-- maybe a bit more than Tatsu-- he didn’t know Najat could move that fast really. But she was getting pushed back even faster.

Can’t believe I’m doing this. thought Dejen as he rush towards Ash, as while he doubt he could even attack her with her speed and strength? He could at least distract her as he jump behind her and ready his hidden blades as a hand comes out and swats him. The Striped felt his back slam to a wall as he...felt insulted he was given a dismissive swat. He got up and rush again kep proving a distraction of sorts, mostly to get THEIR Ash here.

However her hand reach in a claw shape as he felt himself stall in the air, crushing...his around his body as he grit his teeth. He tried to move Lucky as to aim and fire at Ash legs at the very least. But he couldn’t, mostly since the crushing feeling force him to keep his arms close.

Eyes open, he heard and saw Najat also in the same position now. Body straight and gasping for air while floating off the ground, Ash’s other hand clawed and slowly gripping. Just a touch more and Najat gave a wail of pain, and Dejen thought he heard something pop from her.

Breathing hard, Ash glared at them both, as if debating what to do. When Dejen looked about, he saw Rah-Rah’s mech disabled, many dead, clonked out and dazed changelings… and then it was him and Najat, stuck in some… freaky-force hold.

Seeming to look to Najat the most, Ash told, “You… are nothing now, you useless heiress.” Eyes just blazing with anger. “You did nothing, and now no one’s going to do anything when I crush the life out of you!” Hand tightening and making Najat cry out more.

“Oi bitch!” shouted Dejen, trying to get her attention as he said while she look at him in annoyance. “You know what you are? A big fucking cunt, I mean so big, its a wonder how you managed to get anything done. I mean really look at you, you’re a edgy idiot.” seeing that slow annoyance turn to flatness as he got her attention as he said. “Now since I got your attention, instead of being a edge bitch, how about you focus on me? Since you,” he felt himself being crushed to death as he was allow to breath, then squeezed hard again as it force the air to escape, before breathing again as he managed to taunt.

“That all you got, Ashina? This is weak.”

He weezed as he was squeezed tight again, and then allowed to breath once more as Ash said to Najat, “your squikytoy’s missing it’s squeaker.”

Coughing a bit, Dejen smirk as he told. “And you’re missing a Clan, Exiled.” he felt the squeeze tighter than usual, as it wasn’t letting up as it was becoming hard to breath as he managed to choke out. “T-Touch...a...nerve?” (done)

Gasping for some breath, Najat said, “A-Ash-cah, pleeeEEAAH!” Feeling herself being crushed again. “P-Pl-please… don’t…” Trying real hard to breath and talk, but from the look and this Ash’s face, she didn’t care as much.

“You have no power over me.” Ash sneered. “Now… just die already, maybe then I can get a bit of peace of mind.”

“Was I always this edgy, or was it a phase?” The red Ash froze, loosening her grip on the two as their Ash finally came, sauntering in as she did. While Dejen and Najat got greedy breath of air, Ash leaned on her staff and looked them over. “I dig the red, but… I was pretty sure we liked purple more.” Then made a hand sign, “very classy.”

Turning back to the two in her grasp, Ash sneered, “is this some sort of pathetic trick?”

Cleaning out her ear, Ash said, “ok, I’m in denial.” And maybe it was the lack of air, but Dejen wanted to chuckle.

Turning, Ashina made a kick, sending gems at Ash to disperse what she felt was a trick. In turn, Ash rose a hand and stopped them, then snapped her fingers to dissipate them. It shocked the red Ash, as the more calmer of the two winked, “eh, weak magic trick. Try again.”

Flaring to this, the red Ash, “you don’t order me.”

“What do you mean, I’m you, so of course I order you.” Told Ash. “I should know, I’m you.”

“You are not me!” Shouted Ashina.

“Four feet tall, bust of low B, like’s to talk a lot and sorta think our crush is cute.” Making Ashane step back.

“You’re nothing but a trick!” Insisted Ashina.

“I’m nothing but you.” Ash insisted. “And you’re crushing your best friend and some random dude.”

“Hey…. Ashina….Guess what?” wheezed Dejen wit ha smirk. “Multiverse theory is abitch!”

He felt himself squeezed-- before he was thrown and hit the wall with a great force. While he felt himself nearly blackout, Ash spun and swung her staff, a wall of black crystals blocking a hial of other crystals meant to kill him.

Ashina gave a sharp breath and looked to Ash, who calmly looked back. “Ash. don’t do this.” Taking slow steps forwards. “This isn’t you, and you know it.” Staff swinging again to stop a crystal shot her way. “You’re hurt. You’re confused. And you really, really want to get back at everyone for what they did.”

Dejen coughed, feeling himself coming back and tried to prop himself up, but fell back down and continue to listen in. “What happened wasn’t Najat’s fault.”

“SHE DIDN’T HELP ME!” AShina shoutted, and crushing Najat again, making her scream.

“SHE WAS SCARED JUST LIKE WE WERE!” Ash shouted back. “SHE WENT LOOKING FOR US!”

Like that, Ashina relaxed her grip, Njat coughing and weezing. “She came looking for you.” Ash continued. “She was confused and scared because you were gone. Because her Dad didn’t like us and tossed us out because we were this wild-child that came from nothing. A useless kid by a exiled women he only let in because little Ashina could be wed off to some guy for more new blood.”

Slowly nearing her other, Ash told on. “Don’t believe me? Go on, ask her.” Motioning to the haggered Najat. “Go on. You know she always tells us the truth.”

Free hand flexing, Ashina looked from Ash, to Najat. Contemplating… then asked, “Najat.” A sharp distaste there. “Why did you look for me?”

Gulping down air and looking to a younger version of her friend, Najat told, “y-you… you were… my friend…” Coughing again, “you… you promised to al-always be… be there… for me… I-I had… had to find… you and know… if… if Father was w-wrong…”

Najat fell to the stone ground, weak and unable to get up while Ashina back away. Disbelief in her eyes and scowling. “No…. that’s got to be a lie, you did NOTHING but stand there as-- as they tried KILLING ME!” Shouting and flaring with red magic.

Flaring with her own, Ash’s markings, what few could be seen, glowed purple. “And we escaped because Mom was family, Najat was our little sister!” Walking around to stand by Najat and told, “get your head on straight again, Ashina, I know you think this is wrong. You’re just angry and hurt. Najat doesn't hate you, she still loves you like she always did.”

Head shaking, AShina denied, “no one but my MISTRESS LOVES ME!” And roared and went of Najat. She was whisked back by Ash, the staff making a loude clang. While Ashina got up and cast lightning, Ash stretched out a hand, also seeming to do exactly like Ashina did and take and disperse the magic, her purple markings glowing bright for a moment.

One roared and ran in for the kill, the other moved quitely and began to engadge. Violent red magic coated Ashina’s hands, reaching and striking, while Ash blocked and parryed, dodging the most heavyest of blows before sneaking in and slaming a hand into Ashina’s back and pulling.

With a howl, Ashina fell as somthig was pulled out and Ash held up a oddly colored orb of light in her hand… then let go. Like that, it flew and zipped to a canling body, the chanlling in question gasping and jolting up-- before groaning in pain from the bruses.

There were steps as Asha, Susumu, Tatsu, Myun and Debt were coming in as quiet as they could. Trying to sneak out who they could as Ashina was more powerful and had raw magic, it made sense for Ash to be her own opponent.

As they took those still alive, Susumu glance to Najat as he motioned to Tatsu to Dejen. The doctor examining the feline as he noticed more than injured as he carefully moved her away from the fight.

Dejen cough as he look to the fight, his eyes get to focus but he was tired. He was exhausted. But the Striped slowly saw Ash getting her hand on Ashina and took out a colorful orb, letting it go as it zipped out of the cavern. Or into some of his changelings that came to ‘life’.

Dejen eyes slowly look to Tatsu as he Joke weakly. “I, must look like shit…”

She gave a glance and told, “hush yourself. We must be silent.” Glancing back to the fight before trudging forward. “We are escaping, rest yourself now.”

Lowly coughing, Dejen Told. “I’ll rest on the ship...get everyone out first, I doubt I can move after going to the meat grinder.” (Done)

Sighing, Tatsu spoke, “Susumu-san, get this fool to his lovers to rest. I must try and move the rest with who we have left.”

Already having Najat moved, the doctor came by and ‘assisted’ Dejen as he drag the Striped. A spike of dark crystals suddenly jump to stab, but another wall of dark crystals move in its way to get over them. “Let is leave.” Told Susumu.

Tatsu nodded and moved to help get a few dazed changeling to move. Asha seeming to take a moment to pick up and pass a few changelings thought dead to others-- but seemed to explicitly tell those still alright to move them regardless.

All the while, the two cats of same blood faught. Crystals flew, large spires of gems grew, magic was traded and light’s flew. Ashina gave another raged filled shout and struck at Ash, the cat grinning all the while. “Miss, miss, miss, oop, missy-de-dis~” Spinning out of the way to rapped the staff on Ashina’s head. “Try again~”

Spinning in place and with a kick, Ashina nearly got Ash, but again seemed to miss. Magical red lightning flying and striking a wall, causing stone and rubble to fall. With a angered shoute, Ashina began to spin, swipe, kick and send crystals all over the place. In her frenzied state, all she seems to care about was getting a hit in.

The other’s ducked and blocked-- but none more so than Ash. The herno spun her staff, dodge, swiped and made walls to protect the others. “Aw man, I forgot how big of a temper I had when I was younger!” Stamping her staff to make another wall for the other’s to use to safely get out. “Put’s things in perspective of how mature I got really.”

“Stop talking like me!” Shouted aShina, the two getting into a brawl once more while the others began to filter out. (End)

No one could comment, mostly trying to keep quiet and Moving those alive or ‘knock out’ as fast as they could. Ensuring they were getting everyone out as quick and quietly as they could.

There were a few close calls of Ashina magic nearly killing one of them, but Ash seem to intervene as quick if not quicker.

Once they were out, all they could hear was the screams, shouts and howls of a angry Ashina-- and the bantering quips of Ash. Najat seemed to look back to the cave tiredly, concern in her eyes. But she was pulled along as a small ship came by to take them up, each person laid down while going back to the battleship high above.

When the bays opened and let them in, Mercy was right there, coming up to see her children, Dejen and Najat be moved in. Rah-Rah seeming fine and having hitched a ride with a changeling.

Concern etched on her face as she told to those in the bay. “Get them to the medical bay band with love!” Seeing her children moving those in the ship to be moved. She glance to those that were ‘empty’ but alive, and feeling those once ‘empty’ as alive….

It was too confusing and hard to take in and she needed answers. But Ash wasn’t here. She look to see Susumu checking over Najat and seeming to fix something that was popped, the Queen noticed Najat was awake, in pain and both tired and worry.

It seem she was worry for Ash, she saw tears, and swore she could feel something more in Najat. From what Mercy could tell, she was crying on the inside.

She focus on Dejen, barely awake as she gently lift him with her magic and teleport him to the bed. She would deal with her Striped later, right now she need to focus here. “Najat,” Spoke Mercy. “Go with Susumu, you need to rest.” She glance over Najat as she Order her children. “Help her to the medical ward.”

A few rushed to do so, some getting a stretcher. As Susumu moved with, making sure the wounded were tended to, Mercy sighed. She sighed and felt Asha come by her side. With a long breath of her own, Asha watched and soon said, “I can feel the fighting from hre Mercy.” Getting a look from the changeling. “Those two… I think they’re going to be fighting for a long while.” But also seemed… concerned about something.

After a pause, Asha said, “Mercy… I… the other Ash…” Began the Lioness in uncertainty. “I… I think I felt… there were other souls... trapped within her.”

Confusion and uncertainty filled Mercy as she asked. “How...How is that possible?” Being confused on this herself.

“I don’t know.” Admitted Asha, her emotions greatly disturbed. “But… when Ash pulled… something out of her other self, I… I felt it. It was a person. They… they were.” Asha looked unsure if she should say it, but despite how part of her wanted to not say anything, her concern won over. “I felt the Other Ash get weaker when it was pulled out, I think.. I think she’s powering herself by taking souls, people’s souls. I don’t…. I don’t know how but…”

“Either this is why Demon touched are feared...or this is something even more scary.” Said Mercy as she felt disturbed on the fact the other Ash could be powered by souls. “I think...this is beyond than what we were able to handle, Asha.”

When the next morning came, so did Ash. she was dirty, tired and battered. But seemed to still come back with a hop in her step and a ditty in her whistling. She didn’t go to her room though, she went right to Najat and checked up on her, eventually leaving when she was sure the women was alright.

But after going for a shower and leaving out with her more basic tank-top and slacks, Ash stopped before Mercy. The cat gave a customary grin and said, “yo!” cheer there, yet a masked worry in her heart. One that quickly shifted to curiosity. “Have we met before?” And while it was poised as a question, Mercy could tell that it was more of a tease. It was hard to pick out in Ash’s masked and carefully controlled emotions-- but she was playing dumb. She only noticed because her Striped could sometimes pull off the same stunt-- to a slightly lesser extent.

“Ha, ha, ha,” dryly remark Mercy as she said. “I think we already met, Ash.” then soon asked with a raised brow. “What happen with you duplicate?”

“Evil me?” Asked Ash, “well… we might have… collapsed the cave a bit.” Though at the flat look, Ash said, “Alright, we sort of caused a cave in and she ran for the hills and I was almost crushed under rubble. Happy?”

Letting out a breath, she soon asked. “And the souls she took?” staring at Ash as she added. “And don’t try to deny it, Asha felt it herself.”

“Ah.” Was the short sound of understanding. “I don’t know.” and came a eaquilly short response. “I’d say she’s got quite a bit of them floating around. Took out what I could.” Shrugging as she did. Though she gave Mercy a glance, the mare looking at her markings. Moving her arms around herself, Ash said coyly, “stop that, I know I’m kinda cute, but you don’t have to stair.”

“Ash, you can do what she can do, can’t you?” looking to the herno with a calm expression as she went on. “She’s basically you, so odds are whatever this ‘mistress’ put in her? Put in you too. And we need to know the full extent, because next time if we face her? You might not be around when it happens.”

Huffing out, Ash seemed to drop the act and said, “yeah I know.” the honesty she showed was… well, it was no different from whenever she talked. But here, there was a grudging irritation she had to say it. “I’ rather not, but… I get it, and really it’s for the best.” Then asked, “look, can this wait until a bit later? I want to get actual clothes on before I go in front of everyone and try explaining myself.”

Taking in a breath, she nod and said. “You can go.” then let Ash pass through as the changeling queen began moving, a low unease pass through on whoever this ‘mistress’ was? Was a demon of some sort. What kind she was unsure, but whatever they were, was probably a bigger problem than anything they face...and might be looking for the Twins if they heard about them.

That cause a slight shiver of fear pass through her, mostly of the implications if that actually happened.

She walked through the halls trying to piece this all together carefully as she could. It was one thing to face Demons, they were dangerous in their own right. But actually seeing what Demon Touched could do? Mercy really couldn't help but look through the eyes of one of her children to see Hirue with the young Heiress.

Hirue was a Demon Touched, and she was used, by a demon, to subdue the Twins. At one time, Mercy couldn't think of anything but that four-armed greedy scarecrow demon that could hold the Twins down. But Camkum? He made a trap and used his own Demon Touched to subdue the two.

Hirue though, didn’t seem anywhere near as powerful as ‘Ashina’. And if Ashina was a lot like Ash? Then Ash had been holding back on them on her true potential. Would could this ‘evil Ash’ do to them, or even the Twins if left to wander around?

She didn’t knew how to answer that herself. But she had a feeling that once they finish with Maltar? They find whoever this ‘mistress’ was and deal with her and ‘evil ash’ as fast as possible. Only problem was that they knew nothing of the demon, only Ash did. Which would probably be answered later on. But Mercy also knew that Dejen would want to focus on Maltar first.

Part of her knew that he should drop the minotaur and focus on the bigger threat...But at the same time, she knew why he wanted to get Maltar dead as soon as possible, since it was part of that deal with that fox thing that gave her back her voice, and other things for a simple price of two hearts. And with time being short? She knew that Dejen couldn’t wait, not with who knows might happen if they fail to pay up the heart.

It was a mess. Even as she got those most important in the know, Mercy took a moment to actually contact one of her changlings. It was time Johari got back onboard, she felt that the Lioness was too needed now. And since they had landed in Humilit during the night, well… they all needed rest after that near disaster.

She eventually moved to the meeting room, and found a few of the main clan there. Such as Gem, Debt, Tatsu, Asha-- and a slightly achy Dejen that, from the looks of it? Got Windy to help him there. There were others too. Galdan and a few of his more trusted troops. Najat. She spotted even Rah-Rah, no doubt having questions. Johari eventually came too, seating herself off to the side with Asha. Susumu and Tatsu eventually came in too, Myun entering to seat herself near Debt.

From there... everyone waited.

When Ash came in, she half paused and said, “full house. What is this, a party I wasn’t told about?” Though Tatsu glared, and Mercy could just tell from her… and near everyone, they wanted to know what the hell just happened. “Hey, what’s with those looks?” Ash asked while sauntering in and leaning on the table.

“You know.” snorted Debt in mild agitation as he tried to ease himself but felt angered. “Another you, in the place, killing changelings, and nearly killed Clan-Head.”

“Yeah, and from what we heard, she was dead.” add Gem with her own two cents.

Rubbing his forehead and trying to relax, Dejen said. “Look Ash...none of us are in the mood for any misdirection or bullshit. So just...drop it and tell us what the fuck happened. Please.”

Shrugging, Ash told, “you got your butt’s handed to you.” Getting everyone to glare at her bare a few. “And on behalf of my other self, sorry about that. My other self is just moody.”

“Do you think this a joke?” Tatsu spoke terse.

“No, but you’re all on edge and some of you want to try killing me.” Told Ash without much worry, though Mercy could tell she was ready by her emotions. “I’m cutting the tension.” Then raised a hand. “Look, I get it. You’re not used to having someone like my other self be that strong or magically able. But, I can kinda-maybe-sorta explain why she’s that strong.”

“Please,” dryly said Mercy as she move to settle by Dejen other side as to let the Stripe lean on her a bit as she went on. “Because the only one that probably know how she’s still alive and did what she could-- but could also take the souls of my children just by touching them.” she could feel a higher tension now as some of them were now holding the handle of their weapons as Mercy sigh and told.

“Everyone, try not to jump to a fight, right now Ash is the only one who can give us a insight for this, what's the word my Striped like to use?”

“A clusterfuck of a situation.” helpfully told Dejen as Mercy nod her head.

“Yes, that.”

Gently, Tatsu spoke, “with all due respect, Mercy-dono?” And then motioning to Ash, “She is a demon-touched that not only has many a dark magic to her name, but is able to steal souls? This makes her far from trustworthy.”

“I want to agree…” Myun said quietly, but still cautiously.

Najat seemed to cast a glare and told, “Stay your hands and stop acting like cowards. Ash-chan is good to her word and would not harm you unless you harmed her. So please, calm yourselves.”

Tatsu gave a suspicious look to Najat, but all focused turned to Ash when she said, “sheesh, and you wonder why I never talk about what I can do.” Then told, “look, the soul thing is… well, it was the idea from the Demon that got me.” Glancing to see even a worry in Najat’s eyes. “Truth is? I didn’t know I had it at one point, or how I got it when I found out. But… maybe this will clear it up.”

Standing up more and leaning on her staff. Ash began to tell. “Back home there was this Demon named Kan. She had some Deal with Phobia to help him with his stuff-- anyways. When I came on his ship, she didn’t like me. I was a mage, and she suspected I was a Herno, or Kitsune. As time went on, she suspected I was a Demon touched.”

“and story short, I got away without being proven as a Demon Touched. But, later on she found out I was one, because some other Demon, named Tyra, found out Kan was around, and half-hinted without meaning to, that I was her special project.” Hand rolling along while she told this story.

“And how did she figure that out?” asked Gem. “if this Tyra was trying to keep you a secret, she probably didn’t word it right.”

Debt however told simply. “She worked for a Striped. Odds are she noticed something a Striped would do.”

“Isn’t that assumption?” pointed out Gem.

“No, no, he’s actually pretty close.” Ash assured to their surprise. “See, Kan sort of noticed becus how desperate Tyra was.” Moving a sleeve up to show the intracat markings to tell, “what you’re looking at here, is the result of some thousand years of research and effort to make the single-most advance demon-runic marks ever seen.”

While some blinked owlishly to this information, and Ash lowered the sleeve, she told on. “Tyra was so desperate, when Kan gave a little-white lie of which way I possibly went, she demanded her Imp’s to find me on the spot. Even tossed twenty special souls right at Kan, just because she was desperate. Because I was the single most biggest thing she ever made, something that took her some thousand years to perfect.”

Gulping, Najat asked, “what were you to her?” Surprising the other’s that the heiress didn’t even know.

Shrugging, Ash told, “yeah, well… funny thing. Before we help Kan turn her ways around and be a haynu? She said something funny.” Going on to tell, “something about me being a God-slayer weapon or something along those lines. Can’t recall exactly what she said.” Scratching her head as she did. But the room had long fell silent.

“A...god slayer….” started Gem in dumbfoundment.

Mercy could feel the dumbfoundment, the shock, and the utter disturbed of the implications.

Dejen stare at Ash and soon shouted in a mixture of outrage and shock. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?” getting everyone attention as he thrust out his shaky hands to Ash as Mercy could feel his shock, but she was feeling all of his anger and irritation along with it. “You mean to tell me you’re a fucking KRATOS!? SERIOUSLY!? I thought I had enough shit when I found out the Twins were demi-gods, but NOPE! I got a KRATOS NOW!”

While all were either shocked or confused, Ash asked, “so… those two kids you want home are Demi-gods too?” Making all go deathly silent… before Ash chuckled, “oh boy, wonder how Phobia’s dealing with that?” Seeming to ponder the idea. “I know from Kan he flipped his lid when he found out I was a god-slayer, but mostly because he missed the chance of hiring me as part of his crew at the time…” Then prattled on in thought, “though I’m pretty sure he half wishes he could kick me off the ship, but just can’t because he’d rather have me around as a buddy than a possible demon-weapon...”

Groaning, Dejen laid his head on the table as he said. “I swear Ash, you’re going to force me to drink before the end of the month!”

Najat gave a look and asked, “I hope you don’t. We don’t need to stop another drunk striped.” Making him look to her. “Ash-chan….” Going to defend the women, but paused to look at Ash in thought. But after a while, looked back to say, “I think Ash wasn’t the reason he decided to abuse his drinking rights.”

Giving a flat look Dejen told. “You may grew up with her, but we have to deal with her, and hearing she’s basically Kratos? Yeah, I think I hav the right to debate if I should drink or not.”

“Who or what is a Kratos?” asked Mercy in confusion as Dejen stiff up, but soon relax as he told.

“Back home, there was this story of a man, a man that was betrayed by the gods and decided to get back at them. He became a god of war, who I may remind you was a simple man, turned god….and basically became a god killer, and killed a lot of gods for bullshit reasons of revenge and fuck ups.”

Tatsu let out a low breath to that, and Johari asked, “and what exactly can you do?” Eyeing Ash carefully.

“What can I do?” Ash parroted, but at the glare from the lioness, Ash rolled her eyes when Dejen even shouted ‘NO BULLSHIT ASH!’. With a sigh, Ash told them all, “geeze, you’re just buzzkiller’s today, you know that?”

“Ash-chan.” Najat said gently, getting the herno’s attention. “Please.”

Blinking, Ash said, “okay.” And seemed to skip her normal joking to tell, “well, to put in the complete package, Tyra wanted the best. Natural affinity to black magic and demon magic. Able to manipulate a few minor forces of magic. Some body strengthening. Magicly able to absorb magic myself or with the crystals of darkness I summon up. I can see soul’s, can even sort of read their emotions…” She pointed to her semi-glowing eye to tell, “it’s how I can see changelings, I literally see this phantom ghost of their true bodies around their disguises.” Making Mercy blink, and Dejen feel a frog in his throat, understanding now why Ash was ‘confused’. She could see his ‘human’ form, in a sense.

“Right, and I can take souls.” Ash went on. “I have to get close, but once I do, I found out I can kinda suck the soul out of a person. Even absorb it into me and add to my magical reserves, power and more. Kinda like super-buffing myself.” Then went on. “I can also sap magic out of stuff. Bodies, the air. More effective the closer I am, or I can use it to just counter spells and magic flung at me. Use it for later or rebound it.” Explaining to Dejen why the other Ash stopped his otherwise ‘one-kill’ shot. “Oh, and I don’t really need my staff to do magic anymore. I just keep it around because it’s a nifty focus and I get to whack people with it!”

“That...explains so much.” said Dejen as he thought a bit as his hands rest on Windy a bit.

The mare frown and the pegasus soon asked. “And what about Ashina?” looking to Ash as she ask. “How is she alive? From what Master found out, Najat said the Heiress saw Ashina died. So how is she still around?”

Finger up, Ash said, “I thought about it. And technically, all Imoto-chan saw was my evil-twin getting shot in the back a few times before vanishing off in the wilds.” Then rolled a hand. “When I escaped, I did it without any injuries like that. But even then I fell in a river and went down stream before I was found starved and near dead. I should of died, technically.”

“But.” Went on Ash. “I found out from Kan, that Demon Marked are actually really resilient, and the reason I survived was because most Demon marked, like Hirue and myself, can absorb life force passively. It gives benefits. Stronger bodies, better aging to live longer-- and better self-healing of the body.” Going on to keep explaining. “My guess? They didn't kill this other Ash and behead her. She’d be dead for sure. But, since she only got a few arrow’s in the back? She stumbled off, heald on her own and got back up.”

Thinking on it, Johari remarked, “you Demon Touched sound to be made sturdy.”

“We are made to be pawns for demons.” Told Ash, “they don’t want us to break so easily, from what Kan told me.”

Eyes narrowed, Tatsu asked, “and the glow?” Getting confusion. “While you both faught, you had a purple glow of your marks, and this… other you had bright red. What is the meaning behind such light?”

“Oh, that.” Passively spoke Ash. “Little Ashina’s glowy-marks show she’s still under a demon’s control or influence. Mine are the proof I’m under my own will. What you’re seeing is the light of my own magic and soul.”

“And what about this Tyra?” asked Debt. “She obviously has Ashina, and is using her to gain more souls and power. Odds are she or your other self expected you to be around. What is this demon going to do long term? What is her goal?”

To that, ASh told, “to become the next Demon lady and rul over both arterial and the surface relm that mortals live on.” Which… sounded pretty ambitious. “Kan told me the whole shebang. Tyra’s hopes are possibly to use me as her main heavy weapon. Take enough stolen souls and magic to hype me up, eventually take some god’s soul, hype me up more, start taking more god souls and ascended spirit souls… you know, just make me into this unstoppable weapon before conquering anything in her path.”

“But…” Ash dragged off. “I don’t think this Ash knew I was there. She seemed pretty sure I wasn’t real… well, until I started shaking her with a stick-- I’m pretty sure she was convinced I was real then!” Grinning in utter amusement.

Thinking, Johari questioned, “and you were able to repel her, despite lacking soul’s and magic from others?” Wondering why their Ash was still alive, if the other one was obviously doing what she was made to do.

Ash gave a look and smiled. “That’s the funny thing, isn’t it?” Going on in thought. “She had souls and magic and even has a demon’s magic in her to help amp up her power. She had all the tools.” Then tutted, “But. she’s also three years my jr. Has less experience. Has less training than I do. AND, I know exactly how she fights because I used to fight the same way in some cases.” Then went on, “Ah, and I’m also her direct counter. Anything she tosses at me? I can just gobble right up and send on back.”

“Well, at least that’s reassuring.” sighed Dejen as he began rubbing both Windy and Mercy sides as they lean in as he said. “Now, how about we start getting ready, head out from Humilit, and plan to get Maltar.”

“Sorry boss, but what?” started Gem. “Isn’t this...you know more important than a slaver empire guy? You know, a demoness out and about with another Ash thats crazy?”

“She’s not crazy, she’s hurt and very angry.” Ash corrected, getting scoffs and leers. Though oddly, Ash gave a glare back. “I’m serious. She’s scared, afraid, angry, hurt, you guy’s might like to label her evil, but she isn’t.”

“She steals the souls of others to fuel her wants and to the will of a Demoness.” Tatsu told stiffly. “I do not see how there is good in that.”

“Silence your tongue.” Snapped Najat with a glare. “You have no right to judge Ashina. You have no idea the tribulations she had to face all her life.” Getting glares from some in the room.

A hoof slam on the table, getting looks from the other's as it was Mercy that slam it as she told flatly. “Before more comments and accusation gets thrown around? Let me remind you not all of you can talk, since some of you had to deal with your own issues. Some may not be as horrible as another, but I am very sure that it was something hard to get through.” then continue on. “As of now, Ashina is merely the puppet, the one being controlled. Tyra is the actual enemy here. The one that used her and control her.”

Then went on to say. “And while I would like nothing more but to get rid of this demon? We don’t know where she is, we don’t have the means to fight her now, and right now? We need to focus on Maltar for the time being.”

“Why focus on slaver?” questioned Susumu as he look to Mercy. “He’s small threat compare to demons. Why we after him, when demons take priority.”

Dejen could almost hear the echos of Ash words of how people tend to get crazy whenever demons and demon touch were mentioned. Even blasting airships to bits on a idea of Demon touch. Dejen took in a breath as he told flatly. “Do you want to know why Susumu? I’ll tell you why.” giving a annoyed look to everyone as he flatly told. “Because if we can’t fight Tyra for now, since we don’t know what she can do, what other ‘toys’ she got, and above all? If I don’t get Maltar dead in two months?”

“I got to deal with a very powerful being, who made Tatsu come back to life, and do unspeakable things to me when I can’t give him what he wants. And what he wants, is Maltar heart.”

While they quitted to that, Ash said, “well… too bad you can’t go after Maltar.” Making him turn to her, a slight anger in him. But it was explained, “Look at yourself Dejen, you can’t stand.”

Rah-Rah breathed in and agreed. “She’s right. You’re still recovering. Najat’s not doing too good, my Mech is a wreck, we lost changelings, a few are sitting in beds like vegetables and we don’t know how to take on Malatar’s fortress island you mentioned.” All things that made Dejen scowl. “We can’t move in on him yet.”

Letting a breath in, Dejen want to argue, but breath hard as he said. “I know. And really part of me wants to get after Ashina and get my kids souls back but…” a frown on his face. “I’m running out of time...two months isn’t going to give me much...especially with this demoness around having Ashina doing her dirty work.”

GEtting up, Johari began to stalk forwards. A few minorly moved out of the way, but when she got to the front where Ash was, the black-mane told, “Dejen. Stop.” It was said in order, as if expecting him to comply. “Before you speak up, any of you, speak up.” Glaring to each, “listen to me. Now.” Waiting for any to try opening their mouths.

Debt tried, mostly at the fact Johari tried ordering his clan head to do something he didn’t have to. He was silenced when she gave a loud roar that echoed about the room, Ash actually backing off and getting in a guard and Najat tensing. Obviously, this was their first time being in the presence of a pissed off lion.

Eyes glancing about, Johari asked rhetorically, “do I now have all your attentions?” Getting only silence from the slightly intimidated audience. “Good.” Then straightened up and spoke. “Dejen. You need to stop.” Giving him a hard look… then to those that were very tense about the demon situation. “You all, need to stop.” Then to the rest. “All of you, need to stop, and think.”

There was a lull, and Johari spoke on. “We have two months before Dejen’s possible life becomes a moot point. Maltar is the only means to save him, but he is a lesser threat than this Demoness and this Ashina that can possibly kill gods. It’s all a big issue that has everyone divided.”

“You’re all scared.” Pointed out the lioness. “And don’t lie, I can smell the fear from you all. You’re all scared for your lives, scared of the demon, sacred of those marked by them.” Looking to each person in particular. “Scared that your allies are foes, scared that your hosts are going to kill you in the night. All this fear, must stop before we proceed with anything.”

Seeing that they became thoughtful, Johari breathed out. “We need to simply stop… and think… and calm down. Maltar is going to kill us all, if we’re this divided. I know it, and I am certain Asha knows it. If we can’t hunt as a pride, we will die for sure.”

Dejen thought over it, trying to relax as he knew Johari was right, if they were this divided between Ash and the other her, then it would be a problem when they get after Maltar, or the demon. Thinking it more clearly? He was scared. Scared of the fact he wouldn’t get that heart in time, scared for his changelings souls being used for who knows what. He was sure Mercy was scared for her kids too.

He was sure everyone was scared for one reason or another.

He let a breath in and soon told. “She’s right.” looking around as he continued. “We’re supposed to be together, like a Clan right? So why are we acting as if we’re about to have a civil war on our hands?”

“It’s because they’re spooked Dejen.” Asha told while moving to join Johari’s side. “They’re scared of Ash. and from what I can tell, it’s a very long and deep history of the Holds vs the dark forces of the Demons. Ash hasn’t proven herself because, well… she’s marked by a demon. And they won’t take my word for it completely, I’m just a young whitemane.”

And while Dejen looked about, he could tell a few that lived in the holds, did doubt. It was with that, that Johari said, “their fear clouds their judgment, Dejen. And because it clouds their minds, it has made division. My suggestion?” Looking to them all. “A visit to the Temple. All of us.”

“So...when you say all of us….do you mean me as well?” asked Dejen. “Because I’m pretty sure I need rest.” seeing her nod as he then asked. “Alright, stupid question. Why me too?”

Asha told, “because you could use some time to clear your mind too, silly stripe.” Though when he looked to her… he could almost tell that she wanted him to go for possibly different reasons. Or she was following Johari’s lead. It was hard to tell what the bubbly mystic was plotting.

Sighing, he said. “Fine...although don’t expect me to walk there, pretty sure I’ll need someone to drag me.”

“Or I can just carry you.” told Mercy as she got on her hooves. “I believe we shall go to the Temple, since we are here in Humilt after all.” then with a glow of her horn, did she carry Dejen and plop him on her back like a bag of burden.

Dejen frown and said. “For some reason...I feel insulted.”

“Then feel humbled.” Johari rolled her eyes. “Or take the insult, all of you just go to the temple. You all need a few days to sort yourselves out.” And added, “and speak to the Opnehu. They should also clear your minds.”

While a few looked unsure to that, Ash moved around the lioness’s and helped Najat up, saying, “I think I’ll help Najat and Imoto-chan there.” Guiding her best friend out as Asha joined them.

With a near chirp, the lioness said, “I think I’ll have Hirue come with. She needs to visit the Opnehu too, maybe she and the little Heiress can get something out of this together.” Leaving together as Johari watched each and every one of them slowly leave.

Although without even realizing it, there was a laughing fox as he was watching all of this and held a duck with sand in it as there was a timer on it.

Two months.