Arabian Swindler

When the group left the ship and headed toward the Temple in Humilit, Dejen was hanging off the side of Mercy and Windy move by the Striped as she getnly pat his head to sooth what pride he had to be carried like this. Debt however frown, mostly more so as he had to leave his weapon behind...and wear common cloths. And not wear his helmet.

He stated his feelings to Myun. “I feel naked.”

Looking to him, Myun gave a slight nod of agreement, having let her armor and arms back in the ship. “Agreed. I don’t like this vulnerable feeling.” Even less with the Demon Touched around. Though when she looked to Ash, the herno seemed to still have her staff-- but it was like she said. She didn’t really need it. If anything, it was just a glorified walking stick.

Johari stalked behind them all, keeping a close eye to make sure they got to the temple, and Myun felt insulted that the Lioness was watching them like they'd be misbehaving pups.

But as they reached the template that sat in the middle of the lake, going over the odd stone path to it, Myun had to look up at it in thought. Through the odd fog that help hide it, it still astounded her such a temple was formed. And admittedly… it always had a strange sensation about it that made her both calm, but uneasy.

Mercy glance down and look back to the temple as she took her first steps with her hooves to walk across the stone path, as she let her horn glow to move Dejen to sit ‘properly’ on her back as he mutter thanks to her. She smile as Windy was by their Striped side as to make sure he didn’t fall into the water.

Susumu frown at all of this, but part of him conceded that perhaps it was for the best they visit the temple. It would be wise to give peace into a household, otherwise it will be torn into pieces by the infighting. He followed the other's, glancing around to see Johari still stalking behind them, seeing each one walking along the path as they were heading to the temple.

Once they reach to the steps of the temple did Dejen asked in his place. “I’m assuming we might be expected, right?”

“That you be!” Dejen gripped his chest and looked down to the head ‘Elder’, being that white and black monkey, Kuda. The Opnehu grinned up and chuckled, “Sorry, you excuse Kuda, yes? He had not been able to stop.” Then hummed up to them. “You all seem most imbalanced. Perhaps come to seek a place to find that balance once more?”

“Something like that.” said Dejen as he glance in his place. “Or rather thats the jist of it. We got a lot of shit to unpack on ourselves.”

“Be more respectful.” reminded Susumu as if to remind the Striped of the Ophenus.

“Susumu,” sigh Dejen. “I don’t think Kuda cares, since I’m still feeling achy from getting my ass beaten yesterday.”

“Perhaps it would be best to rest, Clan-head.” told Debt as he knew it would do wonders for Dejen if he relax more once they were in the temple.

Shaking his head, Kuda told, “please, no need to worry.” And motioned, “the temple welcomes you all. Please, follow Kuda. he can show you to a place of healing. Perhaps it will aid in not just the body, but mind of Dejen.” WAlking up the steps to continue to tell. “Kuda won’t say he knows full well, the future still only tells him so much when not being most teasing.” Sounding half annoyed. “But, he knows that you are troubled. It is good you came this way to clear such troubles.”

“More like forced.” Rah-Rah admitted, “why am I here again?”

“Because I say so.” Johari told terse.

“Just think of it like a mini-vacation Rah-Rah.” told Dejen as Mercy horn glowed and move Dejen off and settle on his feet as he ask in amusement. “No more rides?”

Mercy snort in amusement as she lightly tap his side with her tail. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Dejen.” she did however let him lean on her, as Windy took his other side in case he trips and fall on his face. They both knew that despite him being looked over by Susumu, he still needed time to recover his body more.

Rah-Rah gave a sigh and wished she could just go back to the ship and get to work. Being in places like this? It just wasn’t her style. She gave a glance about at how each person began to drift to their own places. While Johari herself… chose to just sit at the doorway and apparently make sure none of them tried to leave. Vacation. Right. This isn’t some sort of monk-jail cell. RAh-Rah sighed and wandered, hoping to find… something…

The other half payed mind to where each one headed. Dejen seemed to go off with Kuda to visit the healers. And the herno’s with one lioness went off to visit some place in the temple. Susumu figured to follow Dejen to learn from the monks, and Tatsu went her own path. Galdan and his troops looked even more out of place, unsure what to do, but shuffling to the side to get a space for themselves. And Debt… was no better. He and Myun sort of just walked, unsure where to go…

The Greyhound gave a glance around, spotting Gem seeming to wander off just as lost as them. With a breath in, Myun asked, “maybe we can see the place they train?” Reminding Debt of what Ash once mentioned of learning from the monks about some techniques.

Debt thought and soon agreed with a nod as he said. “Can learn and ‘relax’ at same time.” glancing around he was trying to figure out where it was...or who to ask as there weren’t any Ophenu around. He glance over as he spoke to Myun. “Might be hard, no monks in sight for direction.”

Myun sighed and pointed up, which he did and… well, Debt noticed them now. Hanging around and even chatting about.

Snorting a bit, he spoke up. “Excuse me.” gaining their attention as a few look went down to them as he asked. “Mind showing us training area?"

Seeming to shake his head, a slightly older Opnehu moved and walked his way down, eventually jumping down to land near the couple and look them over. His clothes were a little… tattered, and his fur was a brighter red than Debt was used to seeing. “So.” Lowly spoke what sounded to be a much more elder monkey. “Your looking for training, is it?” A inquisitive raise a brow and a interested gleam to his eye.

Debt nodded as he answer. “Yes, want to learn, train better for my Clan-head safety.”

Nodding, the monk told, “Follow old Lumou then, he knows the way.” The two giving the other a look, but following. And as they did, he asked, “and safety of your clan head, eh? Protector of the clan, are you both?”

“Yes.” Myun spoke with as much respect as she could. “Debt is his enforcer. And I am under his employment.”

“Enforcer, employment.” Chuckled the red monkey. “Those employed don’t just train to better for their normal employers good. And enforcers enforce, not simply guard.” Head craning all the way back to look at them upside down. “That look in the eye… it has a spark to them. Loumu see’s it, he does. There’s a fightin’ want in it.”

Debt didn’t say anything, merely being silent as he didn’t want to admit to anything. Even less to the old monk, but yet...there was something odd about the monk. Part of Debt felt he could...trust his words to ‘Loumu’. The gnoll replied simply. “Beside Myun, the Clan-head has been the only positive thing in my life.”

Humming, Loumu got his head facing forwards again and spoke, “Reason to be then.” Saying it in a knowing way as they ascended steps and winding stairs. “The one beside you, she is also reason, yes?” Myun giving a look even as the elder chuckled. “And she for you. Qulled as it seems, the two of you share a agreement. Unspoken, but always feeling it, yes?”

Myun only gave a, “yes.” but nothing too boisterous.

“...we’re taking it slow.” told Debt.

“For the best, perhaps?” Asked the Monkey before they reached the next level where a view of the monks seemed to train. “No matter, it is not Loumu’s business to nose, he is not love guru.” Turning to tell them, “understand passions, but love is that of another’s wisdom. Not this ones.”

Raising a brow, Myun asked, “is there a difference.”

“Indeed there is.” Told Loumu. “But the passion I speak of, is not the passion of romance.”

“Then what passion you do speak of?” asked Debt in slight curiosity.

Motioning them to follow, they moved to one of the few free places scattered about the area. Stepping up to the flat surface, the only monk told, “the passion, of will.” and took a stand and gave a smile. While the two traded a look, he went on, sliding paw-hand on the smooth surface of stone, and hand raised up. “It is the passion that burns brightest, when one is faced with the hardest of forces.”

And with a hand slapping to the ground, the monk went on. “When heaven and push, go with the other. When the fires of your will break loose, allowing you, to ascend to greater heights.” And in a burst, both stepped back. Fire freely burst from the hand on the ground, sending the monkey flying up. He spun and seemed to dance in the air, flames spewing and arcing about him before he landed once more.

While the two stood back, the monk smiled and told, hand up holding a fire. “Passion of spirit, is a fire, friends. It can burn and burn, bright and hot and with force.” Then, closed his hand. “Or, be snuffed once doubt touches it. It is Loumu’s teaching, and wisdom in the passion of will, that helps such flame, stay lit and ever bright.”

Debt stare on a bit, looking to the old monk as he spoke. “You teach of how to extend will, or in some cases, teach on enduring against all odds.” then amend. “Or at least...that is from what I could tell, beside teaching on how to use fire.” he however ask to Myun with a turn of his head. “Did you understand any of that?”

She pondered it, and spoke, “some, yes. I don’t go into deep meanings like that often.”

Laughing, Loumu told, “that is because you do not hold fire close, but the earth and it’s steadiness.” Seeming ever so sure of this fact. “Loumu’s ways are very… flamboyant. And bright. And hot.” and pointed to Debt. “the one by your side, the one that you have interest with? He is not like earth, stern and stable. He is of hot fire, molten earth. Burning underneath a stonny surface.”

Blinking a bit, Debt look to Loumu as he asked in surprise. “You could tell I have control on my emotions?”

Chuckling, Loumu told, “The monk you see, is a monk of many fights. He has been at the forefront of many attacks on a temple. To ward off those of greed and ambition, with his fists and his arms.” Then placed a hand to himself, crouching on the training stand. “He has trained many, much like you. Stubborn, quite, strong, but always burning with a hot passion-- one fueled by hate, vengeance and bloodlust.” Going on in thought, “it is a strength, they choose to take because it tempts so sweetly to them… only a few under Loumu’s teaching, have truly learned to forge that molten core, into a true forge of a warrior.”

Debt glance to the side from that, it was….hard to admit such a thing, that most of his fights were fueled by his bloodlust. To control himself and unleash with pure hate and revenge. Even more against gnolls. It help him fight against threats, to withstand against anything that was thrown at him…

But the Clan that took him were all dead.

What reason did he still need to hold this hate in him? Debt didn’t knew why, but he could only summarized it was because what else could he hold to burn his ‘core’?

Myun looked to him silently, and with minor concern. But Loumu hummed, “This one see’s, you have struggled with the same desire, but it has lost meaning and cooled, has it?” Head tilting to the side. “It no longer burns, only simmers. Lost is your passion?”

Hands clenching tight, Debt took in a deep and controlled breath, and slowly look to the monk as he spoke. “Yes…” hating to admit it, but he knew he couldn’t lie or evade it...not with Myun close to help ease him a bit. He look on as he spoke. “The Clan that...that tried to break me is dead. My vegence has been sated...my hate can’t be used if there's nothing left to hate...my bloodlust...isn’t able to keep me pushing.”

Nodding, Loumu told, “and so is the pitfall, of such a supposed strength. It makes you wish for more, something else to hate. Something to focus that heat on, to burn down again and again, but only to thirst for more as the flames call for more to burn.”

The red monkey considered Debt, and looked to Mynu to say, “go.” Making her cast a look of confusion. “Ask for one named Maufig. You may wish to speak to them, they will have words you might need.” And waved, “do not worry for the stubborn one you like so much, he is with good hands.”

Standing, Loumu patted the ring he stood on and said, “come, join this old one. Perhaps there is something you might learn from his silly words.”

Looking to the old red monkey then to the ring, Debt slowly move and sat down on his knees. Settling a bit as Debt respond. “I am humble enough to listen to words from another.”

Laughing openly, Loumu told, “oh how this one wishes more warriors were able to humble themselves like you would. Perhaps so many would of not failed their tests!” Then settled to look the gnoll in the eye. Slowly, Myun walked away, going to seek out this person.

When they were left to themselves, Loumu sighed. “You have gained wisdom. This Loumu can see. You have learned by the fires, rather than by simply time. A truly harsh way to gain what wisdom you now hold.” Then tilted his head. “That mask, why do you hold it so close? Are you ashamed of what you now have?”

Being silent as he stare on ahead, contemplating as he slowly turn his head and look to Loumu. Considering his words as Debt soon told. “I wear it...because there’s nothing left of what was. Because I am...still a blemish, and I understand that nothing I can do will change it.” taking a moment to take a deep breath, hands clenching his knees tightly as he had to control his emotions.

Letting it out slowly as he soon continued. “Because its...all I have left beside Myun and the Clan.”

Loumu hummed to this, and told, “it might be all that is left, but allow this one, to tell you it is not.” Stepping up to the towering gnoll and poke his chest. “When your fire burnt it’s brightests, was a time where you could focus it’s heat on all. You saw and burned, ashes made in the wakes of your hate.” Then, he turned. “Look out there, young one. What do you see?” Getting Debt to turn and see the town.

Looking a town, Debt spoke. “A town. One that was near its death, but was brought to life. By the Clan-head and those of the Clan...as well as both Bakari and Bina. without them, this town wouldn’t exist.”

The monk gave a nod. “And do you know… why that is?” Making Debt wonder it. “The thing of fire, is that it can destroy. It consumes and rages, constantly burning more.” Then looked to the town. “But, even once all is burth, Fire, brings life. Rejuvenation. This town, it was burnt. It was made ash and was near no-more. But, from ashes… sprung life.”

They started on and Loumu breathed in. “The life you had, was burnt to ash. All you see, is ashes and the embers that still burn. What this one says, is that you have not allowed those embers of rage settle, not allowed them to calm… and allow a new forest, to grow from the ashes you have made.”

“It is not the past that lets you burn, it is the heart you have to keep it stoked, that keeps that past alive.” Glancing, Loumu smiled. “So, young warrior. Do you think it’s time to let the flames calm, and allow a new forest to blossom? One to perhaps, embrace the next fire that is not fueled by the rage of a past?”

Silence filled the gnoll, as he kept his expression calm and look to Loumu. The...gnoll had trouble with the old monkey words. It was...it was difficult. He kept this flame alive for so long, for years...to let it just ‘calm’ was possibly the difficult part. He look to Loumu as he took in a deep breath…

And soon spoke in a uncertain filled tone. “I...don’t know how. I...don’t think I can be who I was again...all I am is Debt.”

Humming again, the monk questioned, “is it what you do not know, do not think, or just do not wish?” Making the gnoll blink. The Opnehu measured him, and shook his head. “This one, can't wait for your answer.” Sitting down slowly and settling. “One does not simply put out a fire without it spluttering in outrage!” Chuckling to himself. “That is a lesson I learned while young, trying to place out a fire when Loumu put flame bit too close to tree. Tree was very displeased. Fire more so when quenched with much, much water.”

“Or with much dirt to snuff it out.” spoke Debt.

Laughing, Loumu said, “what this old one means, is if you are uncertain, he can wait.” Then breathed out. “It is a choice you must choose. One you must partake and do, if you so wish.”

Debt slowly nodded, looking a bit to the town in thought. Thinking back to nearly two years back, when Dejen arrived here. Seeing the ruined and dirt fill town, as his Clan-head saw opportunity and help breath it life...He thought to himself a bit as he wasn’t like most gnolls. He didn’t rage, he didn’t burst out in anger and wasn’t emotional. He was...stoic. Quiet. He can only guess it was due to him going through what the Clan did to him that caused him to be like this.

He thought on more, on the Clan, on himself, on how he should change...but how? Why? He understood to a extent of what the monk meant. He couldn’t rely on hate and rage anymore. He couldn’t rely on what fuled him. He had a Clan, a relationship of sorts…

This brought along his thought to Myun. He understood they were taking the relationship slow. He did care for her, and he did try to show affection in his own way...but was he holding himself back in having more? That...made him consider a bit. He never fully tried in his life, and he was romantically dead. He doubted he could cause her to be disinterested with him, and if there was a chance, then it was simply to be….

But another part of him, a small, deep, deep, deep part of him consider...maybe. Just maybe, he should let his fire simmer down? That he should just...let it die? He had no reason to be angry, no reason to be hateful. He had a Clan to be of, he had a Clan-head to serve loyalty, he also was in a slow relationship with Myun. What reason did he had to hold this anger, this rage?

He knew the answer.

It was because it was all he had to survive. It was part of him now and it was….hard to let go. But he had to let go of this fire. He had to not only for his own sake...but for Myun sake, for Dejen sake-- for the Clan sake. If he wasn’t strong enough, if his fire wasn’t burning bright enough? Then he could lose them somehow, and it would be his fault. Because he wasn’t strong enough.

A deep breath of fear came into him, as his hands clench a bit tightly in that thought. He didn’t want to lose any of this. He didn’t want to lose what happiness he had. But at the same time, how could he let go of this flame?

His mind wander back, years ago to Asha words...That the best way to be healed, was to accept it.

Debt let his breath go, as he close his eyes and felt...felt he had to let go now. Because he knew that he can’t do it. He can’t hold this hate in. even if he try to keep it, it was no good anymore. He didn’t want to lose this feeling of happiness. But at the same time? He doesn’t want to let it go, even if he knew it was for the best for everyone and himself included.

After more shifts, Debt heard Loumu, “you are most conflicted.” The gnoll eyes opening to look down at the monk. “This one see’s it. There is much waring in the mind and heart, but nothing can balance or compromise.”

Slowly nodding, Debt spoke. “I...I want to let go...I truly do. But,” heistance in his tone as he gulp in dryness. “But it is….difficult to let it go when it’s been all that I had for years.” looking down in with a expression of shame. “I want to let go...but my heart can’t. I want to accept the healing...but...it still hurts.”

Pondering to this, the monk stroked his chin, a slight beard there as short as it was. Thinking, he spoke, “then this one proposes a thing for you.” Looking to Debt. “A trail of fire, if you may. One that will show the path. Either you come back with the clearity, or you will come back with snuffed fires.” Grinning and leaning forwards, “in Loumu’s ways of passion and fire, one only burns their brightness, when at the zenith of their hardest time.”

Looking to the monk, Debt merely asked. “When do I start?”

Smiling, he stood and began to walk. Debt in turn, got up and followed. They moved and took a flight of steps that were more to the middle of the temple and went down. Taking winding turns and corners about. Light and dark flinted from their trip, going further and further in. When they stopped, they stood before a large dark corridor.

They stood there, and Loumu told, “before us, is the Trial.” PAusing a moment to soon explain on. “Those wishing for true enlightenment, or to test their true worth, enter in. Inside, you will see reflections, possabilities and dark secrets that you do and do not know.”

While they looked on, Loumu motioned, “if you wish to settle the conflict, enter in and take the four tests. Only you will not be given the answer. If you succeed, your flame will burn and calm like it should. Fail? And you may return with a snuffed fire.” Then looked up, “will you risk it, young warrior?”

Looking from monk to the door, Debt consider it. Staring at the door as he spoke in a solemn tone. “I have always faced danger for my enter life. Always fighting against challenges and odds...this may be the greatest challenge I have faced in my life.” looking to it before he took his steps to walk towards to the door.

Entering inside as there was nothing. Just darkness around him as Debt kept walking as he noticed he was in a room. Looking around his eyes widen a bit. Seeing it was familiar. It was...his room. On the ship as he heard a voice. “You’re pathetic.” Turning he saw...himself. Seeing the other Debt staring at him with dead eyes as the other Debt continued on. “Look at you, thinking you can go through with this as if it was the easiest thing to do. You must be a real idiot to listen to a old monk words.”

Motioning his arms around, the other Debt continued on. “Why do we need this place? Why do we need to be around non-gnolls?” then snarl as he gave a accusation finger to Debt. “And why haven’t you pound that piece of ass by you?” Debt could tell that this him was..of his feelings, of all the thoughts he either suppressed or kept away as the other Debt went on. “You’ve been around her for nearly two years at this point, and you still haven’t even fucked her, much less kiss her!”

“A true gnoll would take what is his! To keep what is his, to let all know she is mine and no one else! To follow a strong leader that deserve our respect! To even go and gain riches and power like all gnolls should!”

Debt look at him and told flatly. “I did, and we lost our home Clan and suffer through years of torment and nearly mind-shattering experiences.” Looking to him as he went on. “You think we can do what we want and whenever we want, but life doesn’t work like that, and neither do people.”

The other Debt scoff. “Oh please, we are gnolls! Why do we need other's?”

Debt gave a hard stare to himself. “We need them because we are useless without a Clan. I need them, these outsiders, these misfits, even Myun-- because they are my Clan. because they accepted me as one of them.”

“Please they all think you’re a stick in the mud and can’t feel anything at all!” told the other Debt. “you’re both pathetic and a tool to be used.”

“If that was true, then we wouldn’t be here, serving Dejen.” snap Debt as he look to his other self. “He is our Clan-head, he may not show it, he may not say it, but he values us and care for us. He risk himself for the Clan. who else can protect him but me?”

The other Debt snort as he said. “Maybe, but you still need to tap that fine ass,” then soon grin as he said. “Or maybe you can make the moves of the young Heiress! Now there's a piece of ass-,”

Debt sucker punch him as the gnoll told in annoyance. “If there's one thing I hate, is to ruin something good.” the other half scoff a bit as he got up on his feet with his arms raised.

“Oh please, the only thing you enjoy is being someone bitch!” giving a punch to Debt, who intercept it and heard the other him going on. “You can’t deny your wants, Debt! You need a fine piece of ass to give you all the good dickings! You need to be your own gnoll, not someone lacky!” seeing a twitch in Debt eye as the other him laugh and taunt. “See? You hate that word, but here you are, being someone else's bitch! Or in this case, being that bitch's bitch!”

“I am no one bitch.” told Debt as he kept up the punches. “I am trying something new.”

“Oh please! You haven’t even kissed her! Because you’re much much of a coward!” then smirk as he said. “Maybe when I snuff you out, I should take your place and show them all what we’re really like!”

Fire burn in Debt eyes as he snarl and suddenly grip his other self throat, choking the life out of the other him as the other Debt tried to fight back, but Debt force the other him down on the ground as Debt told. “Remember Tatsu words? What did she say to us as what we were to Dejen?” looking at the other him in the eye as he told. “I am Dejen enforcer. I am his right hand….”

Being quite a bit as while he lessen the choking, Debt told to his other self. “Dejen...he always trust me to be by his side. To always be there for him. I was...I am his right hand man, to his task, to do his will for the Clan. Not a selfish and arrogant prick. But a member of Mitego Clan, Dejen right hand gnoll.” then glare down and told flatly. “I am his Honor guard.”

The other him look at him and smirked. “Well, could’ve fooled me.” then laugh as he said. “Fine mr. hotshot, go on ahead...just be ready to walk the walk for the next round.” laughing as the other him disappeared into smoke as Debt half fall into the ground as everything became dark, being part of the dark corridor once more. He let a breath in and slowly ease up as the gnoll got on his feet and continued walking.

Moving a bit, he couldn’t help but thought on the ‘first test’ the elder put it. I never expected to face myself...It...it felt, no look...no...smell so real...like he was actually here with me. It is...odd. He soon remark. “I can’t believe I was a utter prick.” Moving along the dark corridor as he was walking in and noticing a dark room.

Slowly stopping he saw the room he was living in as a child, or rather when his clan was removed. Seeing the sight of chains, dry blood a n hearing the cackle of a female gnoll, he turn slowly to see her. The bitch long ago as she smirked down at him, being larger and bigger than him as she said. “Well, well, if it isn’t little blemish Sizmu~?” then grip him by his throat as he dangle in the air.

“Come back to play with me~?”

Debt snarl, as he glare at the female as he told. “No. I merely here to do this.” then spit in her face as she snarl in disapproval. “Can’t do it to you in real life, so might as well do it here.” He felt himself slam against the wall as she spoke in anger.

“I think I might have to use the chain to teach you welp!” Grinning wildly as she said. “You enjoyed those, it’s been a long time since I played the chains with you.” Debt bit down on her finger as she let out a yelp, letting him go as he roll to the side and told.

“You can’t do anything to me, not anymore.”

She holler and laugh at this, turning as she said. “Oh Sizmu, I will always be here, you can never run from in your head, now can you? Not with me and my Clan around!”

Debt stare at her and said. “Maybe...but I can forget in time.”

She scoff as she told. “Oh please, you can never forget about us, I made sure of that.” then took a piece of chain as she went on. “Because I made you, little gnoll. I broke you down, I tore down what made you and made you into a near complete toy that you are.” then click her teeth as she had her hands on her waist. “Or until you ran off before I could complete my work. For shame Sizmu!”

Glaring at her, Debt took a deep breath...and admit. “You’re right.”

Making her pause as she said. “Huh?” then smirk. “Then you admit it?”

Looking to her, he said. “I can’t get rid of you or the Clan. you will always be part of me, of my childhood, of my fears...even my doubts.”

Smiling more as she said. “Then how about you come with me? So we can play forever?”

Debt stare on as he look to her, being reminded of his fears, of his pain, of the scars that will always be on both his body and in his mind. He look to her, then slowly look to the chains, on his life of being afraid, of being scared and terrified...but…

He slowly look back and thought on it. Looking at her as he was slowly realizing it. He was always scared, of being chained down to something, to someone whims or ways. The reason he always hated being seen or called a lacky...was always because in a way, it reminded him he was letting himself be chained to someone else. But the moment he followed Dejen?

He wasn’t chained.

The Striped never...chained him. Sure he kept the gnoll close and kept him within eye reach, but not once did he chained the gnoll close like everyone else. He simply...let the gnoll follow him and in doing so, a new path was open to Debt. meeting those in Scars, seeing his horizon expanded…

Even able to meet and slowly felt a flame to Myun.

All because of Dejen not chaining the gnoll like so many other's.

Looking to her, he soon told. “I’m not chained.” his words speaking in...realization as it gave her a confused look, before he soon spoke in certainty. “I’m not chained. I am free.”

She scoff and told. “You will always be chained, little dog.”

Debt slam the ground as he roar out each word. “I. AM. FREE!” giving a determined look in his eyes as the gnoll look to him...then he spoke it again. “I am free.” repeating the words more and more as he repeated the words. “I am free, I am free,” seeing her flinch back as he stood his ground, he began stomping his feet and pounding his chests. “I am free, I am Free! I AM FREE! I AM FREE!” chanting more and more louder, being more stronger as he chanted those words like he once Chant long ago, keeping up with his chants as she flinch more and more.

“I AM FREE, I AM FREE, I AM FREE!” Looking at her and soon began to charge as like all gnolls?

They charged when they smell weakness.

Charging to her, he roar out as he grapple her, ready to toss her down as she laugh and disappear in smoke, causing him to fall down on his face as her voice echo. “Look like the pup became a male! Let see if you can survive the next one, Debt.”

Disappearing as everything became dark, Debt slowly rose up, rubbing his snout as he snorted. Well, its not the closest thing to a victory...but I’ll take it. walking along as he walked deep in the corridor.

But as he kept walking...did he noticed the heat of the sun above him, the sands touching between his paws. Even the brightness of the morning sky as Debt look around, trying to figure where he was at, or who he was going to meet...until his attention turn to him.

But unlike the first...this was when he was more younger, when he escaped from the Clans. Seeing him young, with fresh scars on his arm or part of his body, as his face shown the burnt scars still fresh. His eyes however were dead. Dead to everything as they stare to the other as the other him spoke. “Why?”

Debt stare on, not answering at first as the other him asked again.

“Why? Why are you doing this? You’re a tool. You’re not a person, you’re not a living being. You’re a weapon. A thing. Something to be used for your employer and a bodyguard.”

“I’m not.” Told Debt as the other him gave a long look and asked.

“Then why do you keep the name Debt, when it’s not even your actual name?” No response was given save for the echoing winds breezing through as younger Debt Told. “You aren’t a person? You're a merc, a piece of property to someone else. As long as they hold the contact? You belong to them.”

Debt stares on as he spoke. “But does it have to be?”

“You tell me. You use that line so much, it’s what you are.” Replied the younger him as there was a tone of bitterness. Debt saw it, the burning embers of his hatred, of his anger, of what brought his fire all those years ago.

“You're nothing without the contract. You're a tool for someone, all that matters is the contract and you're pay. Nothing else.”

“Our Clan matters,” Spoke Debt.

Scoffing, younger him told. “What Clan? There is no Clan, just a bunch of fools and idiots that follow some madman!”

“There’s Dejen.” Spoke Debt.

“He doesn’t care for us, he saw us as a tool!” Spat our younger him.

Debt was silent as he told. “There’s Myun.”

Looking to him, the younger him sneer. “She’ll leave us when she realize she can find a better male to keep around.”

Debt stare to his younger self as the Gnoll told. “There’s one thing you forgotten.” The younger him scoff, but stare to Debt as if to bring out this ‘one thing’.

Debt look at him as he told. “There’s forgiveness.” Making the other him just...stare at him questionly as Debt continued. “We can never undo what those gnolls did to us. We can never reclaim our home...but we can accept it and move on. To forgive and...let our fire rest.”

Snarling, the anger in the younger him eyes burn brightly. “Are you saying we should forgive those bitches?!? Do you know, did you forgot what they Done to us? To me!?”

Snorting, Debt Told. “No,” then told on before the younger one spoke. “But I’d rather not give them the satisfaction they ran me down to the ground by keeping their memory alive.” Looking to the younger him, Debt Told.

“I am free, I don’t need to carry them like burdens. I can let go and accept my new Clan. I have a home, I have a...family.” Looking to the younger him, he told. “We have a new start.” Moving hands to gently place onto the shoulders, Debt Told on. “We Are Dejen Right Hand. We don’t need to carry the chains of our past anymore. We don’t need to carry our pain by keeping them alive in our memories.”

“It’s….it’s like what Dejen Said is me once. The best means of revenge, is living a good and happy life. Not giving your enemies the satisfaction you are thinking of them as...you can move on.” Then lightly hug his younger self as he told lowly.

“We can let go. They can’t hurt us anymore. We’re free.”

The younger Debt let out a sigh of relief...and disappear in smoke. The area grew dark, as he was in the darkest corridor and began walking. “That was….both bitter and happy at the same time.” Walking on along as he wonder on what the last one was.

He notice it was getting hotter, the temperature was rising as he slowly saw a light, as he saw a mask. A mask that was larger than he was, glaring down at him in a hot burning red. Debt took a breath in, as he saw it on a pedestal of sorts. At first Debt didn’t knew on what he would do, Looking at it in doubt. But he heard...whispers in his ear.

Those of his past, old memories and thoughts. His fears, his dreams, his hopes and pain...and a single word on repeat. Blemish. It was repeating over and over, being the only word he heard as he look to the mask…

And glare at it as he charge ahead, trying to push it off. But felt the burning pain as he grit his teeth and wanted to pull back, but he push forward. Hearing the whisper intensify itself in his ears.

Blemish. Blemish. Blemish!

Pushing more as despite the pain, he wanted to hear it stop, he wanted the words to stop.his hands were burning as he soon had to force himself away, Looking to the mask as he pant a bit. Looking to his palms as they were crisp and burnt...

Debt took in a breath, as he heard that same word repeat in his head. Sounding accusation, judging, even telling at him.

Debt stare at it as he recalled Asha words, saying of his mask...and how it didn’t fit him right.

He recalled Dejen words, on how sooner or later, he would need to reveal who he was. And myun?

He remember her words clearly, ‘Diamond Dogs actually think scars are attractive’. Debt look down to his hands, seeing how burnt they were as he comment. “I’ll probably be cover in scars by the time this is done…” Then Said While Looking to the mask. “What was the phase? Ah...all the way, or none at all.”

Taking a breath and charge to pull the mask. He felt a resistance to it as it sears the flesh of his hands, burnt flesh filling his nose as he heard voices of gnolls rising. “You're a blemish of the Clan.” “You're useless to us.” “You're just a stain on the Clan!” “Blemish~, blemish, what a useless blemish~!”

“I…” snarl Debt, “am…..not….” Then roar out as he pull even harder. “BLEMISH!” Forcing the mask off as he had to cover his eyes of a bright light coming out of it. He lower his arms as he look and saw…

A raging inferno, burning and moving as it move its flames and burning anything close to it. Debt states to this fire as he wince, as it was like he was standing too close to the hotest forges. He however saw something in it.

Something was keeping this inferno alive. He let out a breath as he began walking closer, trying to put up with the inferno as he raise a arm up into the flames as they burn and bristle in their destruction as he push his arm in to reach for that truth. He couldn’t help but scream in pain. Gripping whatever it was as he ignored the burning molten touch, trying to keep it close in hand as he pull it out.

And it was a doll.

Looking to the tiny toy, he look to it, and gently caress it tears. He knew what this was, as the sounds of voices and people were close, a long old...phantom of memory that was pushed away… beaten...grounded...but was still there. That old...gentle warmth.

The gentle warmth of a Clan….Of Family.

He hug the toy close and felt tears coming down his own face as understood. This was what he was trying to hide all along. He look back to them. To the phantoms of his old clan. Gone forever as he look back to where the pedestal was...was now replaced by a group.

The crew...the Clan of the Mitego. He lowly smile as he held the toy in his palm...and slowly walk to the Clan, his new Family.

He was home again.

He noticed darkness receded, light brightly shines as he raised his hand to block it… and notice he was back where Started. The elder sitting on the ground as he was mediation.

Debt notice he didn’t felt pain, he look over his hands as there were no scars or burns…but his doll still rest in his hand. There was a odd...new burning in him.

Nothing like before. This burning...this new fire was...was something else.

Slowly raising a hand, making a fist, it felt… it felt… empowering. No longer did his blood feel like it simmered, it now boiled, pumped and flowed. It was… it was like he felt alive again, the rush of adrenalin, the heat of his heart. It made him want to… it made him want to…

Loumu was startled when there was a loud shout, Making him nearly fall over and look up at Debt. The gnoll hooted and pounded a fist on his chest and gave one last finally cry-- and even surprised himself when a spiral of fire came out from his mouth.

Loumu laughed as Debt fell back and onto the hard ground from his shock, and soon stood to tell, “You have past the Temple’s Trial, Warrior.” Skipping the young part while he walked up to Debt. While debt calmed, the old monk spoke, “and it seems you have truly found yourself.” Then shook his head, “but haven't quite found out the knowledge of the gifts bestowed.” Laughing at the last bit.

“Did…” Spoke Debt as he took what he just saw and Look to Loumu. “How did I gain access to fire?”

Moving beside the tall gnoll, Loumu told, “the Temple Trial is most mystical. It unlocks one’s truest self, and if successful? Gain a gift they always had, deep-deep locked away.” Pointing to the gnoll’s chest. “Loumu was right, in that fire you had. And does it ever burn.” Then mused, “but gift of fire is most unruly…” And looked to Debt, “would you have this old monk teach you how to truly harness, this bright and burning gift?”

Debt got on his feet as he look to the old monk, then bow his head deeply. “It would be a honor to learn, Loumu.”

Smiling, Loumu bowed back. “Then we shall begin, when the sun rises tomorrow morn.” Then added, “It has gotten very late.” Making Debt turn to see that indeed, there was a sunset. “You impress, Warrior. Your fire is truly bright, I see a most wondrous future ahead of you.” The monk turning away and walking towards a hall.

Debt began to follow as he figure he would walk along the same path, he did however glance around to find Myun. Mostly wondering where the diamond dog was as he asked. “Teacher, do you know where I might find Myun?”

Humming, the monk told, “in times to wonder in finding another, one must simply know their most desired want.” Nodding sagely… then told, “it is close to dinner, so that is where we must head!”

Debt nod as he follow the monk, letting Loumu lead as the gnoll glance around. Not seeing much or anyone as they began to reach to a higher part of the temple. One which had a wider open space of food spread out, with Ophenu, changelings, Shiftlings, and a few townfolk.

And of course the crew of the Innovation as he saw his Clan sitting in their own corner, chatting, talking and sometimes joking. However his eyes were searching for another as to find Myun among his Clan, he however found her sitting a bit off to the side like she normally would.

He notice a free spot as he gave a bow to Loumu as he made head way to Myun. Moving close enough as he soon sat down beside her as he spoke, “Myun?” Seeing her look to him curiously as he told in the most honest and sincere of tone. “I love you.” And before she knew it, he place his hands on her head and kissed her.

Whie the crew chatted and laughed, slowly heads began to trn. Mercy was the first to home onto the sudden flux in emotions. Followed by the Lioness’s, then the hernos, Rah-Rah, Dejen, Windy-- even Gem turned and boggled at the sight before her.

Debt was lip-locking Myun… and Myun… was starting to lip-lock back a bit more aggressively.

Asha rolled her eyes and said, “About time.” Ignoring the other’s that boggled at the sight-- mostly those that knew Debt for a couple years now.

“Where did that came from?” Questioned Dejen in surprise as Mercy had to agree.

“I...never expected this.” Sensing a rather emotional...shift in Debt. It was more, brighter in a way, no...warmer. It was hard to tell, but it was like he was more gnollish in a sense. More...alive. She Sense Myun own emotions as she seem to like it…

Alot.

While those of the crew, and former crew in Herbal case as he look as dumbfounded— they all saw Debt pull back, mostly for a bit of breath as he look to Myun.

She smiled, and gave a slight laugh before tilting her head to the side in wonderment. Her eyes danced with curiosity, and a near questioning sort of manner. Her tail wagged and a hand rested on his shoulder, one ear slightly perked up.

“I’ll tell you later.” Told Debt as he move his hands from her head to her waist as he gently pull her to his lap as he added. “I want to kiss you more.”

Myun thought on it, seeming to debate… but Mercy already knew what the female wanted. So, again, they liped-locked-- though this time Myun was the initiator. The speed she went at it made Debt fall back, and a few cat-calls and laughs could be heard about the temple. Mostly from Changelings.

Asha laughed and Johari rolled her eyes before going back to her meal, her cub also paying more mind to the meats than the romance.

Both Najat’s mimicked the other, facepalming at the action, though while one muttered about the indecency of such a display, the younger one only did it to hide the growing blush on her features.

Mercy couldn’t help but tease. “Hey guys, why don’t you get a room for that action?” They saw Myun raise a hand with a middle finger up. She look to Dejen who shrug.

“What? It’s a common tongue.” She roll her eyes as she lean on him, enjoying his own emotions as a ‘meal’ as Windy giggled at the sight, both mares lean on their Striped as Dejen chuckle. Looking around to see enjoyment, peace...and a sense of happiness in the air as everyone, even those that didn’t radiant the same energy? Enjoy the peaceful night as there was a sense of content for once.