Arabian Swindler

Exiting the ship, Dejen looked over the snowy land before him and almost marveled at the junkyard that was still there. They had been in Hirue’s old village for a while, and the ships? They were being stubborn in being scrapped. Much like the carrier.

Asha and Hirue took this opportunity to go into the village, the young herno wanting to try and find her clan’s remaining things to try and properly preserve them. She might of been an exile, but she felt it was wrong for their things to be forgotten. A task that Farin asked if she could help in.

As he walked about the cold place and watched the work, half of him wondered where that one demon ran off too. He hadn’t apperend when they came and Asha had no ‘voodoo’ vibes he was around. Though as he stopped to watch some work someplace, he heard something. Turning, he saw their recent add-on, Farin, rushing to him. She half danced in place and asked, “Dejen, do you know where Karth is?”

Jabbing a thumb to the large metal ship dreadnought, Dejen told. “Working on that. He said he’ll cut that thing down for us.” then asked with a raise brow. “Why?”

With a concerned look, Farin told, “Hirue found a Alumina.”

He stare at her….and soon raise his walky and told. “Karth, Get your metal scally ass over here. Farin said that Hirue found a Alumina.”

There wasn’t a response at first, but with a turn of his head did he and Farin saw something zoom from the dreadnought and landed down. Snow flying from the impact of Karth as he demanded with glowing orange eyes.

“Where?”

Motioning to follow, Farin told, “this way.” Starting to lead while she added, “Asha’s at the threshold. It’s currently in a very tightly sealed room-- not runics, seals. I think the Herno figured out it was dangerous and tried hiding it.” Then huffed, “they didn’t hide it that great-- it was behind a thin wall.”

“I've worked with seals.” assured Karth, moving as fast as he could as he was speed walking as he said. “But hearing a Alumina here, oh lets hope no one else managed to detect it.” Dejen followed as he mentioned.

“Well, there was this one demon that was here last time.”

“Then the demon probably found the book and either couldn’t take it from the seals, or didn’t knew of its existence behind said seals.” Karth stated as he went on. “Nevertheless, it needs to be removed by Farin own book and put away where it won’t cause more harm.”

“Uh...if Farin could undo the connection with the demon...wouldn’t that be a good thing to you know...use the book?” brought up Dejen as Karth told.

“No. Mostly since the curse will still be intact.”

Farin gave a nod of agreement. “The curse still needs to be removed, and like I said, I’m still trying to do work and research on Alumian’s and how to purify or destroy them more efficiently.” Then told to Karth, “and thanks. I have knowledge on runics, but my Alumina doesn't have much on seals.”

Making a face, Farin said, “I’m hoping to use this Alumina to test a prototype ritual I’ve been working on. It might work, but I need to test it on something.” Adding on to Karth, “it’s going to be my second attempt. My first one didn’t go so great because something with the books curse didn’t mix well with the ritual.”

“Make sure you have a bound tier 8 or 9 to ensure whatever the ritual will be, won’t come out of the enclosed rune.” Karth advise, as he came to the house Farin mention, seeing Asha and Hirue as he said. “I’ll handle this.” coming up before the seals, as he examined them and remark. “Odd...there's a lot of seals in here…” looking over it all as he went on. “Some are very strong too….hrm...Give me a moment.”

Examining some of the seals and humming along before he raise his hand, making a hand motioned and speaking in the native tongue of the Hernos as he stretch his other hand out to the seals around the room as they watch as some seals were peeling off, while others aren't reacting well. Trying to counteract or guard the other seals.

Karth comment to them. “Someone didn’t want these seals to be undone, one moment.” then move both of his hands to clap, as he began to focus as he noticed these seals needed a bit of chakra. So he focus and began moving his hands apart and carefully began his work.

Dejen admitally didn’t knew what Karth was doing, but seeing how careful the large dragon was, focusing on some seals with a odd energy coming out of his hands? It was very delicate work. As he was undoing the seals, one by one, Karth annoyingly comment to them. “This is all utterly inconvenience. These seals require the use of chakra focus, and are more tricker to undo. I say a Kitsune did this, they utilized this artform.”

Farin blinked and asked, “what makes you say that?” Clearly curious on an art style that she had no knowledge of.

“While Hernos use seals? Kitsunes purposely will make things overly, complicated with their seals. Hernos are neat and very straight forward with their work. Kitsunes? They make their seals that ‘backtrack’ and tangle about. Trying to ensure someone pulls the wrong spot to make something messy happens.” explain Karth, as he pull another seal away as his hands kept moving.

“You should be lucky, that I am here. If any of you tried to do this, even Hayami? You would’ve failed and cause a deadly boobytrap. I can say that this is a sealmaster work, don’t know which Clan, but whoever it was? They really didn’t want anyone in this room. Mortal, demon, probably even spirits!”

As each one came undone, Asha perked and soon said, “Karth, stop!” Making him pause in his next hand-sighn. The Lioness lowly growened, hackles rising as she told, “Hirue, head back to the ship, now.” Becoming clearly admitted and tense.

While the young Herno did so, rushing as she did in some minor confusion, Asha told, “Karth, I don’t know what Alumina feel like, but there is something very… very evil here. I just felt it after a veil was lifted. And I think it know’s we’re here.”

Snorting, Karth said. “Why do you think I was so cautious in letting anyone touch these?” glancing to the lioness as he went on. “These things are something no one should touch. Not even the likes of me.” then move a hand to his now open mouth as he reach to grab a large container to place down. “Once I’m done finishing the unsealing? I’m putting it in here.”

Karth noticed Farin perks and looks to the room, he felt what she does, the seals puslates subtly as if something was stiring and moving inside. Testing the seals strength from the inside.

Dejen slowly took out his gun as he asked. “Are we going to deal with spooky bullshit again?”

Asha slowly took a step back, a very low growl in her throat. Even Farin backed up, reaching by her side as magic sparked from her gems. It was the Faun that said, “Karth… I don’t think the Alumina’s the only thing sealed in there.”

A deep breath in, as Karth agreed. “Probably a demon...Just our luck.” he look to the book as he told to Dejen. “Retreat back to the ship and tell everyone to start loading in. You can’t fight this.”

“Can’t or we’ll die if we try?” asked Dejen as the book suddenly shakes, the ‘chakra chains’ jangle at it moving. Karth brought his hammer ready with a free hand as Dejen aim at the book as the Striped was ready for whatever was coming out.

When the book ‘struggled’ again, Dejen saw a seal seem to ‘snap’ and wane. Asha immediately said, “out!” and Karth understood why. Whatever was in that book? It was trying to break it’s way out by force-- and without any regard to the ‘messy’ results the seal master could of put in.

So, once it was said, he half grabbed Farin, making her yelp at being picked up. Dejen didn’t hesitate to run, and neither did Asha as they ran out and nearly were blasted away when the house exploded. They rushed to pick themselves up, turning as they took in the now demolished house.

The snow shifted and bursting out was some… bluish pile of flesh with many blisters. The odd demon like being pulled itself out, hacking and coughing, “Freedom, freeeeedom!” Finally pulling itself out, book firmly in hand… then saw them. It grinned fiendishly-- then saw Karth. In blinked… and screamed like a little girl and ran the other way.

“AFTER HIM!” Roared Karth Wings forming out as he speed straight at the demon, Dejen spinning his gun and firing at the demon back, the magical charge firing as it dodge, opens the book, reads some passages-- and vanishes in a warped blinked.

It reappeared some distance off, Karth roared out as the demon continue to run as Karth hand form a complex rune as he shouted. “PULL!” magical energy surrounded the demon as he was flung too Karth as it screams, reads some other passage-- and gets switched with Farin. It proceed to keep running, as Karth snarls out and look to Farin as he told. “I’m tossing you at him, land on him!”

“What?” Farin began before she gave a screech at being launched. With no time for this, she had no choice but to fly and ram into the demon, both tumbling and falling. When she got up, the demon gave an irritated snarl and looked at her. She in turn looked back a bit worried and raised a hand, ice bursting from hand and covering it’s head in ice.

Farin immediately ran away to get space, while the demon clawed at it’s head, trying to get the ice off-- the other hand searching for the book. (end)

Spinning his gun, Dejen fired its arm as the margical charge as it cut through, hearing its scream as Karth landed down and grab the book with one hand and slam down his hammer to the demon head. A foot pressed down on the demon lower body as Karth said. “Think you can hit a anvil on my head, DID YOU!?” slamming the hammer down harder on the demon. “Think you can get away with making a fool of me?!” slamming harder as Karth roar out.

“DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?! IM THE DRAGON THATS GOING TO USE YOUR CARCASS AS A FOOTREST!”

While this all happened, they watched as the demon, rather miraculously, squirmed. Apparently not as dead as they first thought. But certainly now in a lot of pain. Asha still regarded the thing carefully, not buying that it was going to be this easy. The thing radiated so much evil, she half wondered why it wasn’t putting up a fight.

Then again, she looked to Karth and had a feeling that whatever he truly was, it was the reason it was scared. Not that she voiced it, the Lioness simply went back to cautiously watching and saying, “Karth, just get rid of it, I don’t trust it being around for any longer!” Because everything told her, something was not right here and she didn’t like it.

Huffing a bit, Karth drop the hammer and said. “Fine.” then quickly inscribe a rune on the demon head as he soon tap the rune and said one word. “Cleanse.”

The demon gave gasping breaths and scream as its body was it scream. “Retry! Retry!” trying to stay within the mortal realm, but it failed under the stronger magic of Karths as it soon disappeared into nothingness.

Dejen watch as he holsters his gun, Karth snorted as he took his hammer and look ot the Alumina in his hand, then put his hammer away, opening his mouth to take out a box and put the book in it. When the book was in the box? He wrote on powerful runic symbols, adding a bit of seals and soon stop, as he spoke in a unknown tongue, as the runes and seals glowed a deep orange. Karth look to them as he told. “No one will open this. This is powerful magic.” then move to ‘eat’ the box as it went inside him.

Making a face, Farin said, “but… what about my ritual?” Getting a look long after he stored it. “I need to figure out if it’ll work. Alimina’s are dark and evil by creation, but there’s some things that are important in them. And someone’s depending on me to figure out a way to undo the curse on them.”

KArth look down to her, his eyes gloring more brightly as he said. “You’ll get to use the research, but with me around. To help ensure that these things will be wiped for good, or at the very least, be more useful.” then steam push through his nose as he told. “I will come to you on the ship, when I have the time.” turning around as his wings spread out and flew off, presumably to the large dreadnought.

Dejen stare off and soon asked. “Am I the only one here wondering why that demon was scared shitless of Karth?”

While Farin sighed heavily and watched Karth go off, Asha padded up and said in thought, “I think it had something to do with him ranting on an anvil hitting him.” Making a face before shaking her head. “They knew the other, I could tell that much. Personally, I’m glad Karth got rid of it. I had a bad feeling it was trying to bide time to do something.”

“Yeah, most demons usually are.” agreed Dejen as he let out a breath and glance to Asha. “But something tells me that you know more than you’re letting on.”

Asha looked up and said, “maybe.” Then added, “but, it’s not my secret to tell.” A smile of amusement crawling on her lips at Dejen’s minor annoyance, though he understood. Still, Asha lost her smile and looked to the spot the demon was and looked it over.

After a moment, Asha sighed out, “we didn’t find anything of Hirue’s clan. We’re thinking that it either got burnt away, or someone did take the clan heirlooms and scrolls. Either case? I think it’s lost by this point.”

“Well thats bad to hear.” Dejen said, scratching the back of his neck as he knew there wasn’t much to do. He hum a bit as he said. “There wasn’t much else we found either. No blades, no items, no honor steel. Odds are they took everything and left.” Then asked. “So. what’s Hirue going to do now?”

Breathing in, Asha said, “honestly?” looking up at Dejen to admit, “I’m thinking of giving her my traditions and ways to learn.” Sitting down to remark somberly, “she doesn't have anything left, and I don’t know anything about being a Herno. But I know how to be a Lion, and a Whitemane. And I know Johari can help teach her too.”

“I’m hoping that maybe, she can have something with my ways.” Told Asha in admittance. “I think Hirue struggles with the fact she was an exile. The only reason she wanted to search out her former clans things were to… try and uphold what little honor she could to them. Make amends for something her parents did. Maybe for what she did while under a demons control.”

Slowly shaking her head, the lioness told, “Hirue’s just lost. And while she dosn’t say it? I know she wants to hear that she’s accepted.” And looked up to Dejen to tell gently, “your offer to her to be her clan does mean something. She’s just… not ready to move on yet. Maybe once she’s accepted everything that’s happened? She’ll be ready to move on.”

Nodding with a somber smile, the Striped told. “And we’ll be waiting.” then said. “Because that's what Mitego is. Those who accept those bearing scars…” he soon playfully told. “I’m still blaming you that you made me feel like this you know.”

Asha only smirked and said, “sorry, but as your healer, I have to regretfully inform that these symptoms of emotion are just a result of proper treatment.”

Snorting, Dejen begin to move as he asked. “Remind me, why did I put up with yourself again? Because it wasn’t because of you being a giant cat, that's for certain.”

Smiling away, Asha told while Farin noticed them and began to follow. “I’m pretty sure it’s because I was asked to help watch out for Mercy by the Zebra’s and you found my help too big of a thing to pass up on.” Making Dejen again want to snort at the truth behind that. A walking danger-detector like Asha was super useful.

LEtting out a ragged breath, Dejen said. “I can’t wait till we’re done breaking these ships down. I almost feel wanting for some summer or fall seasons instead of this unbearable coldness.”

Thinking of that, FArin asked, “why not head towards Equestria?” Making him turn almost sharply to the faun. Even as she told on, “it’s summer right about now, if I recall right. And since this Demoness you’re looking for hasn’t shown up, why not just go abroad? You’ve been working on getting money. Well, some edges of Equestria do give out bounties. And I know for a fact some ship-traders would pay top-bit for an escort ship like yours to keep pirates away while going to far off places.”

Thinking on it carefully, Dejen weighs the pros and cons...then snorted. “You know what? Might as well give it a try, it’ll cause a bit of confusion and doing escorts isn’t that bad of a thought. Who knows we might get something really good out of it.” He however told with a raise finger to Farin.

“But if anything bad happens to me, I’ll reserve the right of saying ‘I told you so’ if something does go wrong when we reach Equestria.”

Folding her ears back, Farin said, “it was just a suggestion, you don’t have to get so defensive over me trying to help with ideas.”

“Oh no, no, no.” started Dejen as he grin. “I’m taking your suggestion and being thankful for it,” then turn as he went back walking. “I just wanted to warn you I’ll complain. I tend to complain when I’m moody.” then jokingly told to Asha. “Think we’ll hear the news about Maltar in Equestira? It should be spreading out at this point.”

Farin was surprisingly the one to respond to the question. “Probably not. Slavery’s never been a big issue for Equestria. Border control is rather tight and slavers know better than to get near a domain that belongs to two goddesses that take part in a lot of political affairs.” Going on to tell, “most don’t, but they seem to take a very dedicated role and it’s a very big deterrent.”

Dejen hum a bit as he ask in a thoughful manner. “I wonder what’s it like playing poker against them? Probably a lot more extereme than good Derous, thats for certain.” then perk as he said. “Hey, maybe I should try that, just for the hell of it and see what happens!”

“Seriously?” Asked Farin with a dumbfounded look. “You want to really ask the Princesses for a game of poker or something?” Then shook her head and sighed out, “you do have an addiction.” Then seemed to look off to the side in thought… and after a bit, Farin asked, “hey Dejen, if we do go into Equestria, do you mind if we make a stop somewhere?”

Glancing back, Dejen said. “Eh sure, I made pit stops before. But you’ll probably need to direct Debt, or tell Port-- since we never went into Equestira at all.”

Smiling, Farin said, “sure thing, and thanks.” Continuing in some silence as they went to their own thoughts.

The work was done after a few more days of hard effort, but once done? They packed up and left. KArth was annoyed they wern’t hunting Tyra down, but knew that from the looks of it? The demoness had gone under. Possibly spooked by what Ash did and just was shoring up her defenses.

Though as they went to the magical pony land itself, Dejen played with his cards and thought. He didn’t stick in the bridge much, only going there to occasionally see what was going on. Farin was there mostly, giving Debt directions. And as they flew over the lands, and he watched the peaceful and beautiful landscape slip on by… he had this odd feeling.

For a moment, a few places looked familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Then, as they neared a town, Farin told, “alright, go on an park maybe out in that field. If you want, you can come and visit. I wanted to meet someone here and do some note comparing.” And again, Dejen felt thing little thing in the back of his head as he wracked his mind. Why did this seem so familiar? (end)

He shuffle his deck, looking outside on the bridge as Debt landed in the field as the Striped thought. Just what is it? thought the Striped as he figure the best way to solve this? Was go into town himself.

So he got up from his seat as he told to Debt. “I’m heading out.” then told on the comms. “We’re staying here for a bit, theres a town close by we can travel to.” and it took a bit but as he headed down, with Debt following as they follow Farin out to the bays and traveling the dirt road, going up on it as Debt asked.

“What is this town?”

“Friendly.” Farin told with a near chirp, some other’s on the ship seeming to come to the bay and rush out to come with, no doubt curious. “Sure, most of the ponies are probably going to be spooked at first with our group-- but they’re nice once they mellow.”

Asha, very much curious herself came right along. Hirue, Johari and even Tibia right along. “Any good places for visitors?” Asked the whitemane.

“Plenty.” Assured Farin with a smile and a nod. “I know you three might not like it, but everyone else that has no trouble with sugars might like the bakery there. They make some pretty mean treats.”

Dejen was a little surprised to see Rah-Rah hop her way to keep pace and later walk along. “Hope you don't mind, but I think I’ll come long this time.” And put her hands on her head near her ears to tell, “Gem and Karth are arguing again and I didn't feel like putting up with it this time.”

“No, no, that makes sense.” assured Dejen, as he was still racking his brain on the familiarity of Farin words of this town. It was on the tip of his tongue-- he felt like he should know this place! As they were getting closer and closer, Farin saying more and more...Rah-Rah scrunched her face up, tapping her chin in thought like she was trying to recall something. It was driving Dejen nuts, thats for sure!

Come on...think. Where in Equestria would this feel familiar!? Ugh, its been so long, I don’t even recall! thought over the Striped in annoyance.

Slowly they came into town, walked up the road and while they did? Ponies slowed and gave very unsure looks. Looks that were mixed with confusion and slight fear in some cases. Farin didn’t look bothered, and continued on even as the ponies seemed unsure of the group. But when they came near an intersection, they all heard, “Farin!”

Suddenly, Dejen felt something click. Rah-Rah, also pricked her ears. And not a moment later, a very pink pony popped up and called, “yooooour back!” Hugging the surprised, but also happy Faun that returned the hug. It all clicked right there and then, as the pony speedily went on, “are you here to see Twilight? Oh, what about that party I didn’t get the throw? You still need a party!” Then gasped as she looked past her, “are these your friends!?”

Dejen only stare as he wanted to scream, but in doing so it would cause confusion and uncertainty, so he repressed that in as he gave a facade expression of a friendly smile.

He heard Rah-Rah trying to be converted through a whisper. “Dejen.” sounding a little tense. With him replying.

“I know.”

She still hissed out. “Dejen!”

And him giving a glance to her as he told. “I know.”

Laughing, Farin told, “well, sort of.” Then turned around to motion, “Pinkie Pie, these are a few people that I’ve met and been traveling with.” Naming off, “that’s Asha, her adopted daughter Hirue. Johari, her daughter Tibia. That’s Debt, and over there is Rah-Rah and he’s Dejen, the ringleader of them all.”

Smiling broadly, the pink frizzy pony said, “hi, I’m Pinkie Pie and I’m so happy to meet you all!”

“Thats good to hear.” started Dejen, repressing his urge to scream as he kept on that gambler expression. “We haven’t heard much of you, but this is our first time traveling in Equestria, so its rather obvious.” then look to Farin as he asked. “You mention there was a bakery here, right?”

Nodding, Farin said, “yes, Surgar Cube corner.” Then patted the pony by her, “actully, Pinkie Pie works there. She can show you right over.” Going on to tell while fixing her bag, “I’m still wanting to meet up with Twilight, she and I have notes to trade about a few things.”

“Twilight’s not at her castle yet.” Pinkie told quickly, “she’s at Applejack’s helping out with a few things.”

Blinking, Farin said, “oh, thanks Pinkie. I’ll go there first then.” and soon asked, “hey, could you show them around Ponyville?”

“Suuuuure thing!” Pinkie offered before saluting, “you can count on me!” Then leapt up in excitement, “oh we’re going to have so much fun!” Farin laughing as she wandered off, Pinkie bouncing around the group. “We can go to Sugar Cube, have a snack, visit around ponyville, maybe you can meet the town better, then we can meet Twilight, she likes meeting new people!” And going on and on--

Johari remarked to the others, “she’s talkative. And cheery.” And looked to Asha, “you two would get along so well.” Making the whitemane giggle.

“For some reason, I can see it.” agreed Dejen, as he walked along, looking around the town as he couldn’t believe he was here...he honestly didn’t believe he would be here in all of his life...and yet he was.

Very odd in all honesty.

Debt was keeping close, keeping a eye around everything.

Rah-Rah still seemed a little tense, no doubt unsure about being here too. Probably just like him, was unsure about being in the place where all sorts of crazy went on. As they continued on, she really couldn't help but take note of the inhabitants.

It was almost a surprise how there hadn’t been a panicked stampede yet, but with Pinkie Pie around? Things seemed to be on the calm end for now. Though as Pinkie began to prattle on about options, seeing as their stop was getting close, Asha choe than to speak up.

“Sorry, but no thanks.” Getting the preppy pony to speed up and asked a little too closely to Asha’s face.

“What? But why?” Hugging close to point on ahead, “there’s so many yummy treats inside, and FArin wanted me to show you around and have a good time!” Adding on, “speaking of good time, I still need to toss you all a big welcome party!”

Asha gave a slight laugh and told, “well, I have to say no because I don’t do sugar well.” Causing the chatterbox to go rather quiet. “Actually, Johari, Tibia and I can’t really have it, it’s not good for us and we’re more likely to get pretty sick.”

In a near stutter, Pinkie said, “but… but… but…” Her brain seeming to stop working as she tried to comprehend. Comprehend that they couldn’t have sugar. “But what can you have!?”

“We can have milk.” Asha told, adding in amusement, “no sugar either. That’s a good enough treat for us.”

After a moment, like the wheels in her brain were turning, Pinkie said, “you got it!” Everything seeming suddenly right in the world again. “Straight, normal… milk.” Seeming to lose some enthuseasum as she asked with an almost unsure smile, “are you sure that’s all you want?”

Hand up, Rah-Rah decided that she should just say it. “They’re Lion’s Pinkie, they’re not like most people. Surgars just aren't good for them.” Seemig to add on, “and you might want to have a special list for some of us.” Motioning to Dejen and Debt in particular. “There’s some pony thing’s they can’t eat without… having a bad stomach ache.”

Dejen felt a moment’s reminder of getting a simple salad in arabia-- and had gotten a bad surprise of hay and alfalfa in it due how Horses normally prepared it.

“Please, no hay or alfalfa.” Added Dejen as to bring up what he or Debt couldn’t eat. “Neither Of us can handle most pony dishes.”

Pinkie look bewilder, mostly of someone not able to eat normal equestrian food, but soon gave a wide grin as she told. “Okie dokie Lokie!” Already Turning to jump and chatter, with Debt speaking low.

“Equestrians are unusual.”

“I think Pinkie here is a unique case, Debt.” Said Dejen In a cool manner as he glance around the town, talking in the sights as it was far different from Arabia, the Isles, even the Holds really. It was peaceful, colorful...a lot more different than he was used to in all honesty.

As soon as they roamed in, ponies that payed any mind to the door stoped to stair. No doubt all of them were caught off guard of what they saw.

Dejen let out a low chuckle as to break the tension even if he felt a bit awkward of being stared at. Granted he was used to being stared, but not in a envitorement like this. It felt...a bit odd, but the Striped kept his cool as he began walking in more as he glance for a free spot, as he ignored the looks as he told to the other's. “Come on, lets see if we can get a good spot to sit down.”

Debt snorted, as he glance over the ponies that staired, the gnoll doubted any of them would cause trouble, but anything was possible with how the Striped luck was like.

“Right over here!” Pinkie ever so enthusiastically told, nearly grabbing and pulling each person to a table and getting them all set up. “Here you go, menu’s, drinks and milk!” Each thing near inexplicably being put before them before she sat down, beaming all the while.

Johari almost wanted to give the pink pony a very long look, not at all accustomed to this treatment. Tibia even gave a slight growl from her place from under her mother, not really finding Pinkie all that amusing.

Rah-Rah, having been placed on the table merely due to her size, was a little slow to take up the menu that was nearly double her size. Pinkie all the while, sitting with full attention to the group, Asha being the only one seeming to take this in stride and start on her little saucer of milk.

Ponies continued to stare for a while before turning away, though some still stole looks merly out of utter confusion.

Debt moved to sit up, coming up behind Dejen as the gnoll didn’t want to sit on the job, as Dejen let out a breath, mostly from the sudden movement as he glanced to his own menu. Pinkie look up to Debt as she asked. “Why aren’t you sitting down, silly? You’re new here, right? And there's a seat for you!” pointing a hoof to the seat Debt was in before moving.

The gnoll glance to Pinkie from his helmet as he answered. “I am his honor guard, and I must be alert at all times.”

Tilting her head, Pinkie asked. “Honor guard?” then examined Debt as she asked. “Aren’t you a bit too big to be part of the royal guard?”

Dejen figure to stop Pinkie from coming up the wrong conclusion as he corrected. “Debt is my bodyguard, or ‘honor guard’ as he prefers it, as he is my enforcer since I’m a Clan Head. He can’t ‘lower’ his guard while I’m out and about, so he won’t sit down unless otherwise.” Going on to add. “Its part of, protocol honestly, Pinkie, so don’t mind him too much.”

She gave a look at that and giggled out, “don’t be silly, Ponyville’s safe!” Rah-Rah lowering her menu to give a look to the mare. “I mean, if you don’t count the monsters, the random magical spell, the stampede, maybe the odd coincidences of dark-overlords appearing out of noplace-- Ponyville is completely safe!”

Hesitantly, Hirue gave a look to the menu, and with some help from RAh-Rah, got an idea what was on it. Eventually, she voiced, “a…vanilla ice cream?” Still a bit unsure of Pinkie, though the mare happily complied in getting a notepad from seemingly no where to get the order down.

The rabbit felt reminded of why they avoided the mainland. They had all sorts of issues. So, Rah-Rah was polite to tell, “I’ll take a… kiddie smoothy.” Knowing that she would not be able to have anything bigger than that.

Pinkie gave the rabbit a look, and Rah-Rah felt the need to justify, “I don’t think I could finish anything bigger.” GEtting a ‘ooooooh’ followed by a wink and ‘gotcha’ from the pink pony, who turned to both Dejen and Debt with high expectations.

Dejen glance to the menu as he soon said. “A cup of water for me, and one for Debt ...and some hay-free cookies.” he glance up to Debt, as the gnoll glance over the menu and told.

“A brownie.”

“Got it!” Pinkie smiled as she zoomed off, and once she was gone, did Johari made a face. She seemed to think about commenting, but decided to instead take to her own saucer of milk. Tibia also eyeing the mare rather tensely, no doubt a little unsure of her-- and the others in the area.

After a moment, Johari asked, “so. Dejen.” Pinning a long gaze at him, “what are your plans concerning this place?” Adding on, “as far as I can tell, we’re only here because Farin had some important notes to trade with this Twilight pony.” Adding on curiously, “Scribe for whoever owns the castle here?” Recalling that a castle was mentioned.

“If I recall,” spoke Dejen as he move a hand to take out his deck to shuffle. “I think she was some sort of researcher-- I could be wrong, I rarely heard much in Equestria.” then went on to say. “But, I am considering on looking around in the town, maybe check around to see the sights.” he however added. “But I’m also considering letting some of the other's look around the town since we might be here for a few days…” then said. “Except for Karth. Or Gem.”

Asha look to him and said, “probably a good idea.” And gave a look to Hirue and asked, “nervous?” Getting a glance and shy nod from the herno. Something that had Asha smiling and told, “we could head back to the ship afterwards.” Knowing very well that all the looks were making the young women feel very self conscious.

Rah-Rah really thought it over, even as she placed the menu down to say, “hey Asha, why not we look around for a clothing place?” Getting a slightly pulled face from the lioness. “I could really use some new cloths that are custom made, and we could maybe get something for Hirue too."

Johari thought on that and agreed, “Najat took her cloths, and the Twins took some of theirs. But they’re not completely the same size for Hirue. It wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Fiiiiine.” Was the slight whine from the whitemane. Very obviously not happy with the idea of going someplace that encouraged clothing. “But only because it’s for Hirue.” Making the herno shift, if now smile a bit.

Dejen hum and said. “I might come as well,” motioning a hand to his robe as he said. “Sure the robes I have, and the silk ones I got from Ramada are nice, but I do want to spread out more in my clothings. Get some new threads for me,” humming a bit as he added. “Maybe get a nice suit.” then glance up as he joked to Debt. “Maybe something nice for you too.”

“I don’t do ‘nice’ with clothings, Clan-head.” replied Debt, as the gnoll stood in place, as Debt didn’t like the idea of having clothings, as his armor did just fine.

Dejen roll his eyes in amusement, as he said. “Maybe we should ask Pinkie on where a cloth shop is at.” Granted he knew where to go, but he did wanted to play dumb, mostly for everyone that didn’t knew of his or Rah-Rah ‘secret’.

“You mean Rarity’s?” Pinkie asked abruptly, making a few jerk to her popping up and just as quickly get their orders out. “Sure do.” and while making sure everyone got their order, asked while taking a seat, “was there a super-important place you wanted to be to look your bestest?”

“Well for me its to look my best,” then motioned a hand to Rah-Rah and Hirue. “They need custom made clothings.”

Wile Pinkie looked both over for a moment, she gave a single nod and asked, “so, how long are to stay?” Then said to herself, “A few days? I think a few days. If You’re with Farin, that means only a few days. Since she and Twilight only visit for a few days before Farin goes out to find whatever ancient-secret-place with all sorts of voodoo-dark demon stuff in order to save people.” And smiled, “so under a week?”

“More or less.” answer the Striped, moving to take a bite of his cookie as he chew a bit. Hrm...not bad. Not bad at all. going on to tell after swallowing his cookie. “It would be enough time for Farin to ‘trade notes’ with this Twilight, and for the rest of us to look around town while we wait.” He went on to ask. “After we’re done eating, mind if you show us where this Rarity works? That way we can request what we need from her while we wait.”

“No problem!” told Pinkie with a wide smile. “I was planning on showing you around town! Oh I can also show you all my friends too! Oh they’ll be excited to see new people!”

Dejen chuckle as he glance to Debt and motioned to the chair. “Come on and sit down. I’m sure no one is going to come after me while we eat here.”

“I’ll eat it later.” spoke Debt as he went on. “And the last time you said that, someone did attack you while you were eating.”

Grinning, Dejen said. “But we’re in Equestria, so the odds of that are very low.” the gnoll snort, as he glanced around in the building to watch the ponies. As Dejen soon added. “Beside, Asha is perfectly calm. So everythings fine!” the gnoll let out a breath as he reluctantly move to sit down, taking off his helmet and setting it down as the scar-faced gnoll began eating his own treat.

Pinkie looked to the whitemane and asked, “do you have pinkie-sense too for danger?”

Asha stopped to give a look and asked curiously, “Pinkie sense?”

Smiling, Pinkie Pie told, “yeah! Like, when my tail starts to twitchy-twitch? It means stuff are going to fall! Or when my ears slap about, you got to be carful of doors.” Nodding at the second one rather knowingly.

Asha smiled and said, “well, it’s not quite like that. Mine is more… deeper and boring to explain.”

“Its something those like Asha are able to have.” Dejen filled in as he took another bite of his cookie as he went on. “And like Asha said, it’ll take too long for her to explain it since it’s part of her people culture.”

There was a nice long ‘Oooooooh” From Pinkie Pie, and she soon said, “Okay, I get it.” Soon saying to the whitemane, “could you tell me more later? When you have time that is? Because I really, really, really would like to--”

“Rah-Rah?” They heard from the rabbit’s little radio, “could you come back? Somthings wrong with one of the pistons and we can’t reach it without taking out the whole block.”

Frowning, Rah-Rah took the radio and told, “Karth hasn’t tried to pull it out yet, has he?” Sounding just a touch worried.

“No, he’s busy trying to keep it still. Something shorted out and he’s the only one strong enough to strong-arm it to stop.” Making the engineer sigh and look at the glass cup before telling.

“I’m on my way.” Standing, the rabbit told, “sorry, have to cut this short. I know what they’re talking about, we’ve had a issue with one of the pistons lately and haven't had time to really figure out what’s been up with it.”

“Need me to come with you?” offered Dejen as he added. “Maybe I can help figure out what it might be.”

Considering it, Rah-Rah gave a nod, “that’d actually help. Gem knows what areas are connected to the problem area, but she understands the tech only so well. And KArth’s going to be busy for a bit.”

Drooping, Pinkie asked, “aw, you got to go?” Making Rah-Rah give a helpless nod. Though after a moment, Pinkie perked and told, “Wait right there-- I’m getting you a to-go cup!” And zoomed off. The doors flew open one way, and then the other before they could fully close. They watched as Pinkie Pie rushidly pour and scoop the remainder of the smoothy in and get a lid on before telling, “there!” And looked to the cats.

Asha smiled and said, “I think Hirue, Johari, Tibia and I will stay.” Then looked to Dejen, “that… piston thingy might be important. Since it makes sure our ship flies and stuff.”

“That and so much more.” told Dejen as he got up, seeing Debt finish with his brownie as he put his helmet on. The Stripe too the remaining cookies as he took his other hand to get into his bag as he asked to Pinkie. “How much do we owe you for the food and drinks?”

“10 bits!” told Pinkie as the Striped laid ten bits on the table as he waved to the other's.

“Catch you later.” then told to Rah-Rah. “Come on, you can climb on Debt shoulder and let him carry you, that way we can get to the ship faster-- best we solve that piston problem soon.”

Rah-Rah agreed and didn’t hesitate to use Debt as a ride, smoothy in her arms due to it being fairly big. As they got up and moved, they could hear Pinkie talking to the cats again-- though Rah-Rah didn’t pay too much mind. Only tell Dejen, “it’s part of the fuel distribution for the ship. It’s been a little finicky after that fight and while we have it under control? There’s still been a few issues. I think there’s a circuit that’s fried or messed up somewhere that’s making it miss-fire or overwork.”

“That means we might need to turn off that portion of the ship-- or the entire ship itself to find the circuit.” said Dejen as he and Debt were rushing abit as the Striped went on. “We might need to check other circuits too, maybe see if that piston isn’t the only thing thats finicky too? For all we know, something else was damaged from the fight.”

“Are you sure?” Rah-Rah asked, “it’s going to be a lot of work. Karth, Gem and I had gotten most of it, but I’m sure it’s like you said and there’s more.” Going on to admit, “it was the reason we needed to land for repairs. There’s still probably a few issues, but nothing major we can tell yet.”

“I think it might be needed.” breath out the Striped as he glance up to Rah-Rah. “It’s been nearly a year or two since we overhaul the ship, right? Odds are there might be a few bugs or things that are messed up or damaged. Best we take this time to scrub out what we can and repair what’s really damaged. Hopefully we can get it done by the end of the week.” he couldn’t help but snort. “But it means we all got to do some over nighters if theres a lot more damage than we expected.”

Shaking her head, RAh-Rah told, “don’t pull overnighters. Now’s really not the time, and honestly? I want open time to visit Rarity and her shop.” Patting her current messy wear to tell, “I was serious about needing clothes. I was able to get away with my other set during that celebration because I looked a bit like a smith. But I am in serious need of new clothes.”

Snorting in amusement, Dejen said. “Tell you what, we’ll both go after we fix that piston problem. That way we can request those orders, pay for them and just wait it out while we look over the ship.” He hum a bit as he said. “We should probably visit Ramada if Rarity can’t get you enough clothes-- the shiftlings there got a cloth shop thats able to give custom work.”

Thinking about it, Rah-Rah said, “I remember.” Adding on, “I think I visited them for some cloths but didn’t have the proper money at the time.” Then made a face and glanced about before asking, “what do you think Farin needed to trade notes over?” Something that made Dejen wonder. “Because, you know…” And he knew indeed.

Nevermind the fact Farin knew Twilight Sparkle personally. There was the distinct fact that the two traded notes and worked with the other when they had the chance. It made one like himself, wonder what was so big for Farin to ask to come here?

“Hrm...I might need to go and check that out.” admit Dejen as he confess. “I don’t know what they’re trading notes of, but with Twilight, it could be means of arcane magic, ancient tombs or writings-- or could be knowledge she has from Canterlot royal library with its old books to trade with Farin.”

“You seem knowledgeable, Clan-Head.” comment Debt as they were getting closer to the ship as Dejen chuckle as he said to the gnoll.

“Let just say...I have insight knowledge on a few things Debt.” the gnoll understood it was ‘human knowledge’ but how Dejen knew about Twilight more and of Canterlot was a mystery. Dejen shook his head as he said to Rah-Rah. “I’ll be sure to come by the castle and see if I can learn anything. At best? Nothing too much might happen ...at worst? Well...this whole book hunting thing might fall into the mystical bullshit area.”

And he wasn’t really in the mood for more-- but with his new life? It was bound to happen.

It was surreal to actually meet Rarity in person, or even see Fluttershy for real. Even seeing RAinbow Dash and Applejack go at it in the middle of town was just… something he didn’t think to see in person. And Twilight with Spike? It was like a small reminder he was far from home.

But seeing a new pony in the castle named Starlight and acting as Twilight’s apprentice? That was new. Really all he wanted to do was a quick checkup and be gone, but after Spike let him in and showed him to the room Farin was? He was stuck with curiosity. Not just because of this mare, oh no.

That was just the icing with how skilled she was with her magic. It was the fact she, Twilight and FArin were going over text, maps, scrolls and everything in between. Farin seeming to take a fair bit of reading workload and mapping-- Starlight doing some skimming and Twilight doing her own ridiculous ‘three books at a time’ skimming.

He still had no idea what they were looking for, but he cleared his voice. Twilight didn’t hear, and Starlight glanced up. Farin in her focus, didn’t hear a thing until Starlight said, “Oh, hi. Can I help you?”

Eyes up, Farin said, “Dejen, what are you doing here?” Closing her alumina to get up and walk to him. The faun telling to the other unicorn, “it’s alright Starlight, this is Dejen. He’s the one helping me get around and travel currently.”

“Dejen Mitego.” added the Striped as he went on to tell to Farin. “As for why I’m here? Well, I was curious on what exactly you were ‘trading notes’ about, since you know. I’m the one that’s moving around and going to be dealing with whatever mystic voodoo you’ll be encountering.”

Nodding, FArin danced about the book piles to stand before him and tell, “we’re looking up and referencing an old temple that I knew about, but didn’t know where to find.” And motioned to Starlight, “apparently? During her own research, Twilight let Starlight in to help with the search. They found a possible link and we’re trying to refrince the last bits before I try going in search of it.”

WAlking around and skirting about the piles, Starlight said, “I’m actually surprised you found someone willing to go around the world to help you with this.” Then hesitated to ask, “does he know…”

“He knows about the Alumina.” Nodded Farin, “he even got to see one. Before one of his crews locked it in a hex-proofing box and put it someplace we can’t reach it-- including me.”

“Does he know you need to research on it more?” Asked Starlight.

“He does, but he has a huge ego of always being right.” Flatly told Farin.

“She isn’t joking, Karth’s ego is the size of...I want to say the mountains-- but I’m pretty sure its bigger.” told Dejen as he asked to Farin. “What sort of temple are you looking for anyway?”

Lowering her books, Twilight responded, apparently having overheard everything, “one of the first Mage Temples that made the Alumina’s.” Then smiled to add on, “hello, I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle. You’re one of Farin’s friends?”

Giving a light grin, Dejen said. “Something like that,” then introduce himself with a half bow. “Dejen Mitego, part of the Mitego Clan, your highness.” Then remark. “So one of the first mage temples, hrm? Well I can say that is reason enough to get maps, books and whatever you can grab.” Looking over the many piles of books as he shouldn’t be surprised of how much there was…

But yet, this still surprised him.

Nodding, Twilight went back to looking and said, “still, Farin’s input is important. Mostly for historical details. But if you know about why Farin’s looking for the Alumina, then you know why she would want to go there.”

Farin seemed to tell to Dejen, “I think it might have the clues of how the Alumina more magically created.” Going on to tell in example, “all the other Alumina I’ve found and read only show the main instruction set and ritual-- but never explain how it works completely. It’s purposely hidden from the readers so they don’t know about it’s connection or curse.” Something Dejen nodded along to… until he paused at something.

“WAit..you read the other Alumina’s...but you aren’t affected by it’s curses...I can only assume its your own personal book thats been protecting you from the other Alumina’s own curses to bind you with them, right?”

Nodding, Farin said, “I tried to tell Karth the same thing-- he laughed and got back to his ‘busy’ work schedule.” Rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. “He really doesn't believe that someone can resist them.”

“Well no offense...but aren’t those books usually able to cursed anyone by reading them?” pointed out Dejen. “I mean, you did say that your book is the first of its kind, being recreated by those mages, right? And most of the other Alumina books are connected to the demon with its cursed. Therefore, wouldn’t it be too far for him to assume no one could resist to them-- since no one could resist the full effects at all?”

Starlight spoke up while getting a book again, “the connection and the Curse are two different enchantments.” Further explaining, “and FArin’s Alumina was made to protect the reader-- specifically from curses. So she can safely read an Alumina without a issue. The problem is that the way the curse and connection are enchanted? They half tangle with the other and trying to undo either causes issues.”

Farin gave a nod of agreement and explained, “two Alumina I was forced to burn. One because if I didn’t? Someone would of taken it away. The other was possessed by a tainted spirit of knowledge and needed to be freed.” Then pressed her lips tight. “When I found the third one and tried to purify it? The curse messed up the ritual and made it violently explode.” And tapped her head, “some of the knowledge crashed right into my head and I almost suffered a psychic hemorrhage from all the information. If I didn’t have my Alumina? It could've actually turned me into a vegetable.”

“Ouch.” said Dejen, as he thought and let out a breath. “I’ll try and see if I can talk Karth into letting you get that book. At best? You’ll have it to research and see if you can work it out…” then added. “Just...please be extremely careful, I don’t want to have to fight some sort of ghost thing or...some rampant demon that pop out of nowhere.”

“I don’t think the Alumina’s could be able to do that.” started Twilight as Dejen shrug.

“Hey, when it comes to mystical voodoo stuff? You can’t assume it might not happen, especially with these types of books.”

FArin raised a hand to tell, “as long as the next one we find isn‘t possessed or has something near it? I don’t think you need to worry. Alumina can’t really do anything outwardly. Mine is a slight exception, but again, it’s not a normal one.” Then asked to Twilight, “anyways, have you found anything?”

“Possibly.” Started Twilight, “but I think we’ll need more crossrefrincing before I’m sure. This could be just a poem talking about the city, not it’s location.”

“Well, what does it say?” Asked Farin as she fished her book out. “It could be a clue regardless.”

So, Twilight breathed in and read aloud. “Temple so high, on sun’s watch. In seas of golden time, did we fall. Tombs made and lives given, to knowledge rising, did we gain promise.” Dejen rolling his eyes and ready to leave. “From stretches, of Byssals reach.” causing him to half pause out the door. “Our hour, final is. Stone of gold and path’s platou, do we gain it’s secrets, our home Ab’nassou.”

Once finished, Twilight said, “nothing I’m familiar with.” Looking to both as Farin serched her book and Starlight made a face, pondering over it.

“Ab’nassou?” spoke Dejen as he slowly turn around and said. “I know what that is.” gaining all three to look at him as he told. “It’s a old arabian city, refered to some treasure hunters in Arabia as ‘City of gold’ or ‘City of riches’ in the Arabian tongue. ITs regard as a myth, something fools look for because there wasn’t any evidence it existed. Alot of tried in arabia to seek it...but no one ever found it.”

Then rolled his eyes. “I met a guy some years back, look half crazy and was super paranoid...but he ‘talked’ about it, but I didn’t hold too much into it. I wrote it off since what I gathered on it wasn’t proven real. I was interested on dirt some high noble was trying to mess with my pal place.”

Closing her book, Farin asked, “do you think you know who this guy is and where he might be?” Going on to tell, “if we find more evidence to this ‘Ab’nassou’? I think that’s going to be our heading.” Then paused, “city of…” Then told, “Twilight, Starlight, search for arabian references, I think I understand part of it!”

Starlight rose a brow and asked, “what refrince?”

“Gold.” told Farin, “City made of gold, and in sea of time-- it’s talking about sand. Golden colored sand where things get lost to time.” Motioning a hand about, “people always make a reference to sand and time, that might be our starting point!”

“Eh...sad to say Farin but...the guy’s dead. I found his body a week later in a ditch.” said Dejen as he thought back and said. “But...I do remember some bits of what he said-- I’m pretty sure one of my, ah, crewmembers wrote it down during the time. Mostly in case if that whole myth thing was actually real. I’m sure they can bring it up if I ask them about it.”

With a nod his way, Farin told, “please. It might be the next clue I need to figure out and unlock the secrets of the alumina.” Something he nodded to and soon began to leave-- hearing magical and mystical jargon along with riddle text and little snippets of information that was more convoluted than he was used to.

Bringing up his walky, he activated it. “Hey Mercy, think you can get one of the kids to bring up that old note book we used in Arabia? Bring up the page with that old myth that nutter was talking about?”

“I can...but why?” asked Mercy going on to comment. “It’s just the writing of a madman.” as Dejen let out a breath.

“Because I think we might be going to Arabia to find it ...apparently thats where the next Alumina might be.”

“....Dejen, where have our life became full of myth seeking and insanity driven?” dryly asked the Queen.

“The moment you tried to bang me in Arabia.” respond Dejen as he heard Mercy sighed heavily.

After a few days worth of waiting, with requests given, a party to avoid, and the ship look over? Did the Innovation left Ponyville and headed southward to Arabia.

Apparently the nutters work was invaluable to Farin, who was looking it over and read what she could understand from the dogs written language. Granted it wasn’t exact on its work, but it was highlighting a way into the city. Dejen wasn’t sure how well it was going to be for him and his crew-- but he figure at best? They’ll get through with just Farin, a few other's and him.

At worst? Well...odds are Dejen had a good feeling this city was boobytrap and filled with ghosts. Lots of ghosts...or undead.

Because all ancinet and mythical cities would be sure to have mummies with ancient powers to use to cause world ending castrophies.

Still, singling out the location wasn’t easy. It took a good deal of map searching and using the notes gained by Farin to locate this place. When they did, they found a highly risen platou, one that had a few yawning caves. And one of those caves, Farin told they would head.

The Innovation couldn’t fit, so they had to land it outside and take one of the smaller ketches. Apparently the city was further in and they had to ride by airship if they wanted to make good time. But came the next question-- who to bring? Fairn was a no brainer, being the one that knew how to get in and possibly out of the place with the knowledge she had. But the rest?

Well Dejen figure it was best to bring Debt with him. He consider bringing Mercy-- but she might be needed on the ship. And Asha might be needed on the ship too. He figure to bring Hayami with, just in case as Farin was bringing plenty of spare gear, ropes, lights, medical salves-- anything that was useful. Dejen brought up a bit of his own things, especially Choo-Choo, mostly as a precaution.

Dejen figure to leave everyone on the ship, mostly in case someone decide to drop in and attack them. Plus the lesser the numbers are of who to bring? The less trouble coming along.

As they left the Innovation and travel by ketch, with Debt driving as Dejen glance to Farin as he asked. “So, what can we expect when entering in the city?”

Book open and using a low-spot in the ketch to keep the wind from blowing the pages, Farin told, “well, first we’ll have to see if the lock’s still in place. I should be able to undo them, I have hundreds of references for locks made when this city was still active.”

Curiously, Hayami asked, “if you know of the city, how is it you never knew of its place?” A little confused on why the faun needed to do so much work to find the place.

“The Mage’s that made my Alumina knew about the city, but only so much.” told the Alumina user as she went over her notes. “And one of the Alumina’s I found also had information about the city, so I made a full copy of the layout and its insides. But I never had time to learn the location or the name-- the person doing the writing was very… messy in their work.” Then looked to dejen to tell, “but if the door’s still there? I can open it.” (

“Hopefully all we need to worry are traps.” Spoke Dejen, Looking over his rifle before putting it on his back to hang off. He glance to Hayami as he asked. “How are you handling the heat? This is you're first time in Arabia.”

With a look, Hayami shook her head and told, “no, second time.” Making Dejen almost perk in interest. “Before we met, we had come here in Arabia to find a portion of my clan. The Kit’s. They were given to slavers that did the work of training, and Cosmo-kun found hints that they took the kits down here for such things.” And made a face of contempt. “They were just children and toddlers. I was glad we found as many as we did before they were mistreated and deluded too greatly.”

Sighing, Dejen Said. “Arabia is a cruel place. I only hope that it was all the kits that were gathered back to you're Clan, Hayami.”

Shaking her head, Hayami told, “as I said. We were a hundred at one point. And now there are hardly thirty of us that remain.” Going off into thought, “how many lay dead, I don’t know. I wanted to bury any dead, but Cosmo-kun insisted we rush after the slavers before we lost track of them.”

Looking up, Farin frowned and soon looked back down, not sure what she could say. “That’s… awful to hear.” Only able to give her sympathies. “I’m sorry that had to happen to you.”

Smiling, Hayami spoe, “thank you, Farin-san. While I didn’t find all my clan? I can at least hope that those we found, will not be stunt in growth or can recover.”

“Thats the best we can hope, really.” Spoke Dejen, as he let out a sigh.

Debt was silent, as he stair on ahead before he told to Hayami. “As long as there’s luck and hope? You're Clan will Be strong. And as long as the Clan-head lives? Luck will be by you're side and so will fortune.”

“Raising me a bit too high, Aren’t you Debt?” Remark Dejen.

Debt glance to Dejen. “You bring change, and luck always favor you and those around you. You bring good fortune.”

Farin gave an amused smile to this, though she picked her head up to look ahead, just in case as it was getting darker. A few lights turned on and as they went further, Farin said, “slow down Debt, there’s a tight turn up ahead-- our right.” Something the Gnoll nodded to as he eased up.

It wasn’t overtly obvious, but he saw the path and made the turn, going further in as it got increasingly darker. And when they reached the end, they found a number of steps-- steps they bypassed by flying up them and easing the ship by the door.

Everyone grabbed a small bag of things and headed out. Farin taking lead for once as she headed right for the door and rose her staff. Magic gathered and with a few careful wisps of magic, touch different spots on the large stone wall before a giant runic symbol show.

Slowly, stone grinded away as a ‘door’ made itself known and allowed the group to slowly go right though. All the while they got out flashlights and turned them on-- a little something the faun picked up in Equestria. And with a little help from Karth? Get them ‘magicly’ battery operated instead of cheaper batteries. It was a worthwhile thing to have as they ventured in.

Though as they did, they heard the door slowly close, and while Dejen turned back in some concern, Farin assured, “it’s just like those automatic doors in Equestria. I can open it on the way out.”

“No offense Farin,” Dejen Said as he took his gun out while his other hand held the flashlight. “But with ancient tombs or cities? Always expect trouble. Especially when trying to reach for the exit.”

Letting out a sigh, Farin said, “Dejen, this isn’t my first time in a place like this. Just don’t panic when something happens, alright?” Making sure to pay a good deal of attention before them. “If it’s one thing I’ve learned from my time and from Milo? It’s that the moment you start to panic? That’s when things do get bad.”

“Now come on, our first turn is to the left.” Continued to tell the Faun. “there’s another door ahead and I need to use my book to reference the lock ahead.” Going on to tell, “really, think of it like a very old and rusty version of current day locks. Know the buttons or have the key? And you’ll be fine.”

yeah, and don’t forget very deadly boovytraps if you get them wrong. thought Dejen, But he kept that to himself, as Farin was right. Long as he keep his cool? Then things should be fine. Moving with Farin to where they needed to go, the Striped only wonder if they’ll encounter dead bodies along the way.

Or skeletons.

He also wonder if there was actual any treasure here. Would at least be a benifit in going into these tombs. However there was only one way to find out. Delved right in this city.

As they dove deeper and deeper in, Hayami asked while looking about, “you said this is first the first mage city, right Farin-san?” Casting her light all about to take in the hall they were in.

“One of the first.” Farin corrected as she took a moment to confer with her book on directions in a single hand. “There were others, but it’s been slightly argued on which one came first. No one had any real proper dating system that far back, and those that did couldn’t completely line them up. Mostly because some had different lengths of months and years, while others didn’t bother.”

Hayami gave a slight nod of understanding to the last, seeing as her village only cataloged so much when it came to time. Though as they continued to delve in, Hayami further asked, “this place, it was of horse mages, yes?”

“Not completely.” Once more answers Farin, pages flipping as she took a turn without much thought. “Horses might of came here, but you’d be surprised to know this city was mostly made by Diamond Dogs. that’s why there’s so many tunnels that are wide but not that tall. Besides the Horses? There were also some gnoll tribe that worked with them. Some very special clans that put their magics over slaves, money and conquest.” Then amended, “well, mostly. They mostly studied and worked on magics so they could use it some to get slaves, money and conquer a bit more easily.”

Debt almost snorted some, as it sounded a lot like normal Arabian things, if not a bit altered due to Gnoll conquest. Looking around, Hayami asked, “had they ever succeeded in their wants?”

“No.” Replied Farin while slowly easing to a stop by a large door. She looked up and referenced her book, going about waving magic with her staff again to tell, “according to what I read? They decided to mess with the wrong people and despite their powerful magic? Got overwhelmed by the armies sent to destroy them. They locked up the city and tried to use a spell that would keep them safe. Nobody knows what happened after that. Since at the time, no one could get in or out.”

“Sound like common gnoll arrogance.” Told Gnoll, as he glance over. “Or in this case, Arabian greed and gnoll stupidity co-work for a bigger reward.”

Dejen comment. “I wouldn’t be surprise if we’ll encounter Gnoll traps. maybe a mixture of it, with Diamond dogs.”

Looking around, FArin told, “don’t be so sure. Since they were the more magically inclined sort? Normal traps wouldn't be used often here.” Seeming to be sure while she looked down at her book again, waiting for the door to open. “Really, I’ve gone over all the information I know. There’s hardly any notable traps. At least, mechanical sort. All suggestions point to more magical ones.” shaking her head to add, “the Diamond Dogs probably didn’t want to damage the city they made.”

Sighing, Dejen Remarked. “Let’s hope there isn’t some magical cursed to bind the souls of those who died here.”

“Clan-Head, you're assuming the worst.” Spoke Debt as Dejen shrug.

“Hey this is a first for me, I have to assume the worst.”

Giving a look to that, Farin remarked, “then you obviously don’t know what’s the worst is.” Making Dejen feel a little edgy. “Cursed to bind souls who die here? I can think of things a lot worse.”

“I am unsure we want to know.” Hayami said a little cautiously.

Nodding, Farin admitted, “probably for he best. It’s a little messed up.” Slowing to a halt at a yawning and large tunnel, one where they could see bridges spanning all over. Floating platforms of stone suspended themselves over the wide space, magical beams of light coming up from the abyss below and seeming to hold them in place.

Farin looked from her book, then out over the large empty space that was filled with many random bridges, and again into her book. Making a face, Farin said, “oh no.” Looking forwards a bit nervously.

While Debt glance to the spaces? Dejen Remark. “That doesn’t filled me with much confidence, Farin.” Eyeing the bridges as he had a good feeling this is a large puzzle of something.

Taking a slow easing breath, Farin told, “we’ll have to be careful while going over these bridges.” And turned to the group to tell, “if you feel a strong tingling or a shift in having more magical energy-- let me know immediately.” And pointed to the large abyss below, “we’re over a layline. That’s where those beams of light are coming from. Milo’s Demoness, Camous, told me about them and I read up on them. They’re natural wellsprings of magic.”

“You make them sound as if they’re dangerous.” Hayami spoke with some hint of confusion.

“It’s because they can be.” Farin told to the kitsune. “They’re like a source of never-ending power. But if you get too close to one, or can’t get rid of the access energy you sponge up? It… well, burns you up from the inside out.” Then looked over the many platforms to say, “It’s possible that the mages here were using this place as a power source for their magic and spells. They definitely did a better job here than that one place.” Eplining on, “Milo went to an ancient city that was over a layline, but it wasn’t made to resist the layline’s power and just carodded away.”

A unease’s breath escaped Dejen, hosltering his gun as the Striped spoke. “Let’s hope that my luck will hold.” Looking to the bridge as he asked to Farin. “So, one at a time? Because I don’t think those bridges will hold all of us.”

She gave a look to him, then to the bridge to tell while walking forwards, “they’re made from Archanic stone, Dejen. And from the looks of the platforms? Meant to soak up the laylines. We should be fine on them.” Then looked to the sides to add, “but going single file isn’t a bad idea-- don’t know why they never put railing on these.” Then thought, “unless those corroded away…”

Falling in step, Hayami spoke, “why would they make ridges that take in the power here? I thought it would break into nothing like other things. Burn inside to out.” Something Dejen wondered too.

“Archanic stone is like a conduit type stone.” Clarified the faun, not seeming worried at all. “Think of it like this. It sucks up magic, and moves it along to empty places. Like I said, they’re using the layline for power, so I think these bridges act like cords. The platforms as… outlets? Meaning that they lead off to some magical artifact or something that’s using that power for something.”

“Problem is, is it a good thing or a bad thing?” Dejen brought up. “Because...if this place was where those mages use this leyline for whatever they did...wouldn’t that mean they use it to power up magical defense? Or some other defenses? Like...a construct being run on power?”

Sighing, Farin told, “it dosn’t work like that Dejen.” Going on to explain, “a lot of the magical workings here are old and even basic. Most magical defenses need a secondary set of runes to ‘tell’ something to turn on or off. And depending on how it’s made? They might either work, or not because no one was around to make sure they didn’t burn out from an overcharge.”

“The only things working by this point? Are enchantments or runes that are constantly letting off energy.” Continued to tell the faun, pausing at one platform they reached to figure out their next bridge path. As she looked through the padgs, Farin continued to explain. “And if there were active defenses? I think they would of turned on or still be on. If you remember? I did say that they did some spell to make it so no one could get in or out of the city. But we got in just fine, meaning that whatever the spell was? It’s long burnt itself out.”

Dejen hum to this as Debt Told. “Meaning we don’t need to worry much, Clan-Head. We just need to follow Farin directives and we’ll be fine.”

“Yeah...but I’m just a bit paranoid. Usually there’s a catch with these Arabian places.” Said the stipe.

With a smile, Farin told, “since I have the information? We should be fine.” And soon took the right bridge which lead downwards. “And speaking of information, acording to my book? We have to go this way.” Taking the easing slooping bridge down as she went on. “This should be a quick run for us. The room I need to go to is pretty easy to reach as long as we keep to the path and don’t bother anything else.”

Dejen still had his doubts, but so far, as time went on and a hour passed with constant traveling? Things did indeed go smooth. It was so flawless, it bugged him. As they took a few more turnes and reached another bridge area to travel, the group nearly halted.

They heard something and Farin made a face at hearing it. And as they slowed, they made it out, a voice. “Now, we should be getting closer. Keep n line, we don’t want to get lost.” And it made them inch and look over the bridge side.

Below, on one of the wider bridges made for what looked to be made for constant travel-- was a group. A group with carts, gear, digging tools and more. Leading them being some cat that looked more in place for a city, though from the looks of it, he was clearly here for something more.

As he breathed in, the cat went on, “Do you smell that Cherv?” Taking another deep breath. “History. History yet to be found in over a thousand years. Discoveries still yet unknown and knowledge into the makings that produced current day magics!”

The Minotaur by his side snorted. “I tell you what I wish could smell, that damn misfit Fox.” Glancing around as he told. “He has not been spotted so far, Semor. I’m staring to think you exaggerated on him being here.”

Fixing one of his gloves iddily, the tall cat told, “fortuin may favor the bold, Cherv, but virtue's greatest champion is patients. You will simply have to wait and see. All I can assure you is that I have a strong idea that he might show up here.” And gave a sideways glance to add. “I brought you along for extra safety of myself and my team of archaeologists. You were the one to barge in to my camp after chasing them nearby, demanding where they went. And I told you where they were most likely to go.”

The captain Snorted but moved as the captain was determined to find that fox, Sicarius may have drop off the map, but Cherv knew the leader of the Misfits was still around.

As the large expedition group moved on along and unwary of those overhead, Farin was the first to say in concern. “Semor?” And inched her way back to the fullness of the bridge, repeating, “Sir Semor is here? With Cherv!?” Keeping her voice low, to not make too much noise.

“Mind filing in who they are?” Whisper Dejen. “Because I don’t know them.”

Breathing in, Farin looked to the three and told, “Cherv is a Captain of a ship and is after someone called Sicarus-- a leader to a Mafia gang that’s gone into hiding.” Then went on, “and I’m on his ‘suspect’ list because I know Sicuris a little. He nearly jailed me, and I’m only free to move around Equestria because Princess Twilight understands I had nothing to do with them.”

“And this Semor fellow?” Hayami curiously asked.

“A very, very wealthy and influential noble that’s well into history.” Told Farin, “and the guy Milo warned me about to be carful of because he’s collecting artifacts for an unknown reason. Has an Alumina. And is responsible for some pretty big plots that Milo had to either thwart or work around. I’m not sure if sir Semor just didn’t know the dangers he might of caused or not-- but he’s very clever from Milo’s admission, and has the state backing him. And he wants Milo’s artifacts and Alumina for some reason we still don’t know.”

“So don’t believe a single word he says and shoot him, got it.” Summed up Dejen.

Debt examine the group as he stated. “We’ll need to avoid them. We can’t fight them all.”

Looking over the edge again, Hayami spoke, “only one-third seem to be warriors. The rest look to be people accustomed to fighting in the least.”

“Those are Chrev’s lackies.” Told Farin as she stood up. “Handpicked and pretty loyal to their job. They’ll try tackling me and arresting me for interrogation if they thought it’d get them closer to Sicarus.” though as they stood and began to move, Farin added, “but he was talking about the Misfits.” and made a face, “I hope they’re not here.”

“Why not?” Asked Hayami, “are you not friends with one, this Milo boy?”

“I am.” Nodded Farin, “but every time they go someplace? They always, always cause a issue or some mess-- if they’re here? They’re going to set off every trap possible, unless Milo’s with them.” Then she made a face. “Which is likely. If Semor’s here? Then Milo’s probably here trying to get some important artifact before he does.”

“I knew things weren’t going to be that easy.” huffed Dejen as the gambler consider on getting Choo-Choo out and end Semor with one shot, but they’ll be discovered very quickly. He consider it as he asked to Farin. “What if I kill Semor right now? We got the element of surprise, and I can shoot him in the head from this distance.”

Biting her lip, Farin didn’t seemed thrilled at the idea. In fact, she didn’t look like she wanted that to even happen. Hayami thought and spoke, “it would be for the best. Kill problem before it becomes one.” And glanced to the faun, saying, “you hesitate?”

“I…” Tried to voice the young women, but seemed to pause.

Hayami blinked and asked, “you never taken a life yet, and now that there is an opening for it, you're not sure to say yes to it.” Making Farin not look back to them to confirm that.

“The clock is ticking,” said Dejen as he took out Choo-Choo, aiming it at the cat head from his angle as Dejen said. “I only got one shot...better make your choice, otherwise we’ll encounter him again.”

Tensely, Farin said, “you’re asking me if it’s okay to kill someone!” making it very clear she did not want to do that.

Hayami made a face, but told, “best to do so now.” Making the faun splutter. “It would ensure whatever threat he is? Will not come to pass later on.”

Aiming it a bit high, the Striped tried to angle it right...then cursed. “Damn...someone in the way.” seeing through his scope of one of the personal speaking to the cat as they pass through a corner. The Striped snorted as he lower his weapon. “Too late now…” Putting it away as he glanced to Farin as he said. “Look I get it. You aren’t used to killing and probably never will. But guys like him? They’ll never stop and they’ll keep bouncing back with whatever plans he got. Only way to stop them? Is to kill them.”

Face shifting and become more set, Farin told, “no, it’s not the only way.” Gripping her book before looking off to the side and heavily sighing. “Look lets… let’s just go and find what I need. Semor won’t be able to rush through like we can, he dosn’t have the information about this place like I do. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can get back to work on my research.” Turning around to keep leading.

Shaking his head, Dejen move to follow, as Debt asked. “Why didn’t you just take the shot? Could’ve done it without her input, Clan-Head.”

“We’re working with her, and in all technicalities, she’s the one that leading us.” answer Dejen as he look ahead as he went on. “I could've taken the shot...but it was her call.” although Dejen didn’t add on, as he knew that the biggest lessons he learned while being in charge? You will always have consequences, and while Semor wasn’t killed? The consequences of that will mean they’ll have to deal with him.

He doubt Farin knows what's going to happen, but Dejen hoped that his luck will hold strong, for all their sakes if things did went into a fight with the cat and that minotaur with their group.

While they neared the next door way, they all felt a rumble. They all steadied themselves with bits of dust and rock falling about. They looked at the other, Farin saying, “hopefully that was just some unstable rock shifting.” Though when it rumbled again, she said, “forwards, now!” And while not in a full run, moving fairly quick. Something the other’s did as they moved--

Until the bridge snapped when a large stone from overhead fell, breaking and snapping other bridges. With a tremendous and thunderous crackling, the bridge they were on was broken. Each one falling and now sliding downwards, each one screaming out as they fell off, two landing on one bridge, the other’s falling past and crashing painfully on another.