Arabian Swindler

Elsewhere, a group of five stumbled and nearly on luck, gripped on the edges of a very high bridge. Steadily, and with the help with one griffoness, did they get back on solid ground. As they pant and relaxed, the Herno of the group said, “so… does this mean I can say ‘I told--’.”

“SHUT UP COSMO!” Nearly shouted the entire group.

Brushing himself off and standing, Cosmo said, “well, I tried warning you.”

The minotaur snoted harshly, as he asked the horse. “Parh, think you can still track that book of yours?”

The horse dusted off the book in his possession and used a spell to look at something before snorting. “We may need to back track, Kar. with the bridge collapsing, we’ll need to find another way.”

“Could be-,” started the dog before he yipe from a head slap from the griffoness.

“Don’t. Say. Another. WORD!” glaring at him as she went on. “If you didn’t hex us, Pogo, we wouldn’t be here!”

Rolling his eyes at the four clowns, Cosmo walked over to the ledge and glanced down. It was pretty far, and he knew that ‘jumping’ was not a option. He looked ahead and saw the gap between them and the other side. No way Amath can fly us over. Concluded the herno in thought, and looked back to the group as a whole. Still arguing away.

“Hey Parh.” Spoke up the dark herno, getting an annoyed glance. “What is so important about this book anyways?” Proceeding to tell, “oh and Kar? Why not we just get the rope out. I think we have enough to make a line over the gap here. Amath can secure it over yonder there so most of us can just cmib crossed. She can fly the last one here to the other side while getting the rope.”

While the minotaur to get the rope out in annoyance, the horse told with a raise muzle. “The importance of this book, dates back over thousands of years, a ancient artifact that holds so much power, so much information-- that not only could it give the wielder such immense knowledge, but apply that knowledge to the modern times. Able to gain insight.” he let out a snort as he said.

“We need such a book to handle the likes of Death’s Gambler. He’s as cunning and crafty than any Arabian,” glancing to Cosmo as he told. “You were lucky he didn’t had a means to kill you fully, since we caught him by surprise. But next time we won’t be so lucky. No one could survive an encounter with the likes of him.”

“And facing a tomb full of curses, deadly traps and possible angry spirits is a better option?” Asked Cosmo in curiosity, “because the bridge just tried to kill us.”

Securing the rope to a metal stake, Kar snorted, “do you ever stop back talking?”

“Would you like a response to that?” Cosmo asked rather casually.

Pogo snort a bit as he said. “I missed it when it was Krev around. He knew when to take orders and do his job.” going on to complain a bit. “Even Slash was better around.”

“Well they aren’t here.” told Kar as he said. “Now qui complaining and let Amath help you get across first.”

The grifioness took the line and flew it over, Cosmo watching all the while before looking at everyone. He soon said, “so… who first?” getting looks. The Herno shrugged, “that stake can only handle so much. Might not be a bad idea if a few of us make sure it stays down.” Then looked to Kar, “heavy guy second to last? You know… so there’s enough people to hold both ends of the rope?”

Snorting, Kar said, “you first then, so I don’t have to listen to your mouth for a bit.” Making Cosmo shrug and turn around. The minotaur half grinned that he had the cat out of his hair for a bit, but it faltered when mentioned cat jumped on the rope and proceeded to casually walk his way over in a lazy manner, hands in pockets.

Pogo gave a stink eye to the cat and muttered, “show off.” Still wondering how a herno could like him could do half the stuff he did. Survive encounters, make amazing jumps, somehow only get away from Deaths Gambler with a slight scratch. It was annoying.

The dog snorted as he carefully, with the help of the griffoness moved across the rope as Pogo tried not to look down as the dog did his best. Hieghts was not a diamond dog friend. Epsecially with the unknown below under him. He gave a bit of breath as he moved on the rope as it shook, but with the griffoness flying around to make sure he didn’t fall, Pogo move as fast as he could to get onto the other side and let out relief breath on bein solid ground.

Slowly, that’s what happened. Each one going over the large chasme one by one until they were over and on the other side. Rope later packed and the group moving right along. Though as they did, Cosmo went on to say, “still…” A few rolling their eyes, “a lot of trouble for one book to deal with one guy.”

“Really?” Started Amath.

“Hear me out.” Cosmo pacified with a single hand. “Take a moment to really consider. Parh is saying this book of ultimate index knowledge, is to help deal with one guy. And I’ll admit, Death’s Gambler can’t be underestimated. But, in turn we are walking into a potential deathtrap.” And looked to the Horse, “are there really no alternatives, or is there something you forgot to mention?”

With a look, Pogo scoffed, “again with the questions!” It was a wonder to the dog if it was worth having such a skilled herno-- that always asked so many questions day in and day out.

“Look Cosmo,” started Parh as he told the Herno. “If there was an alternative? We would of took it. The only reason we’re doing this? It's because we don’t know where Death’s Gambler going to go. That's how he works, he appears in one place, then appear in another place farther than one expected. Sometimes he shows up in a northern city, other times to the far east. He’s unpredictable where he goes, and he nearly is silent on his traveling.”

“Everyone assumed Death’s Gambler was gone for good, until he showed up back again, just two years ago in Abbassa! Plus he isn’t staying in ARabia anymore. Hes on the move and we don’t have the means to track him.” then told. “So yes, this book will help us greatly to handle, even track Death’s Gambler.”

Cosmo hummed away as they slowed to stop at a platform and it’s many bridges that branched off all over the place. As he worked and thought this over, Cosmo told, “I’m just saying. We’re taking a large risk to follow another large risk. And while one risk only involves us only getting hurt if we find the guy? This one we’re in has a guarantee of loss if we’re not careful.”

“Then shut up and follow orders.” Kar told off pointedly before turning to ask, “Parh, which way next?” Knowing that their mage was the only one that had a hint of knowing where to go. Though that ‘knowledge’ was a little sketchy, since the horse has to use some magic to have an idea what path to take-- safe or not.

Opening his book and using a spell for a pathway, he soon pointed down to their left. “We just need to go there, if we’re lucky? We’ll find a means to get up from this place and into a better pathway to find the book.”

“Then lets go.” told Kar, as he let the mage start moving to lead on their path, as Pogo complained.

“I still missed Krev and Slash.”

As they made their way down, they all heard an echoing howl, one that sounded dry and in need of water. As they paused, Cosmo said, “so… are you sure we want to be here?” Getting a number of glares. Rolling his eyes, Cosmo said, “fine. I was just asking.”

“Well don’t.” Gruffed the minotaur as they again, began to move.

Sliding and hitting the bridge, Hayami found herself falling off the edge before she could grab on. Debt in the same boat as they both gave cries and fell down. Both saw Dejen lean over the edge to try and get them, but having long gone out of reach. For a moment both thought they would die--

But they hit something, causing them to roll and hit a lower bridge by sheer chance. While they picked themselves up, groaning or grunting, Debt was the first to look up and barely see Dejen. They noticed another figure, possibly Farin. Hayami, head up, soon spoke, “this… is not good.” Both unable to hear the two from the distance. (End)

Debt agreed as he called out. “Clan-Head! Are you alright?”

Dejen furrow his brows, hearing Debt trying to call him, but hearing nothing as Dejen took out his walky as he try to talk-- but there was a lot of static as he snort. “Great...thing probably got busted…”

Farin looked at the device, and soon shook her head, “no, I think it’s the layline under us.” Explaining, “remember? Near limitless energy? The power welling out is probably messing with it.”

Giving a groan of annoyance, Dejen look to the two as it seem Debt was trying to keep calling out to him, as Dejen glance to Farin as she was getting something out and works on it. It’s a piece of paper and a pencil, she’s writing directions as he asked. “Going to try sending directions to them to meet us up?”

Giving a nod, Farin told while looking around, “I still need to get my bearings. But if we are where I think we are…” Getting out her book and going through pages, reading it and writing down more details. “I think I know a path they can take to reach us. Maybe.” Pausing to think, then get a second paper out and starting to make some rune. It was with plenty of work she began on it, then stopped.

Sighing, Farin took a third sheet, wrote down a simple ‘wait’, before finding a rock to stick it to with magic before dropping it down. The two below moving as it crashed and bounced. Then she went back to the rune and once done, placed down more instructions to the other note.

Before she was done, the book on it’s own accord began to flip it’s pages. Farin looking up in time to see some runic array. With a ‘oh’, she began to copy it onto the directions. Once done, she put some magic to it, the message folding up to an origami bird, which flew up , took the runic array and flew off to the two below. She even said, “thanks.” to the book before closing and picking it up.

Book sentience...still never going to get use to that. thought Dejen as he glance to where Debt and Hayami was at, as from what he could gather? They got the message and began moving to wherever Farin was leading them. The striped look back to Farin as he asked. “So...where to, Farin?” figuring the first step on meeting up on the two, was to find a new path for the both of them to start moving themselves.

Standing up, Farin looked left and right, trying to get her bearings before frowning and looking the direction Semor went. With a sigh, Farin told, “well… that way…” then got the book open to say, “unless there’s a gravity spell here that’s not too--” And again, the book flipped its pages. Once it stopped, Farin said, “oh, that works.” And picking up her staff, spoke with a waving hand. “Ismu-shil-likal.” A odd weight pressing Dejen down.

Nodding, Farin said, “that should let us walk up the bridge.” Looking back to the almost vertical bridge. “Then we can keep taking the normal route there.”

Dejen glance to Farin and to the bridge as he said. “I’m never going to get use to this.” he started to walk as he asked. “Curious question, does the book just..have all the answers to spells? From what I can understand already it got all that info from those mages, but...there’s got to be a limit on its knowledge, right?”

TAking strides straight up the fallen bridge, Farin said, “there is a limit. But it’s hard to tell what that limit is.” Explaining on to Dejen, “Alumina are made to have infinite pages. And they’re made to document more and more information, each wielder adding their own knowledge to the book. Mine’s old enough that it would seem like it has all the answers-- because it has over a thousand years worth of knowledge stored away from 13 different users. Each one adding things they find or just knew to it-- along with those ten archmage’s that first made the book.”

Slowly nodding, Dejen hum as he said. “Well, that does explain a bit…” then glance to their environment as he said. “But here’s something thats been bugging me. This is Ab’nassou. The mythical city thats been seeked by treasure hunters for a long time. And supposedly the biggest richest city that was in Arabia. And if there were not just horses, but diamond dogs and gnolls? Who’s to say there weren't other races here? And if there were? Then how come there aren’t any people still alive? Or at the very least, a few reminders to keep the city hidden?”

“That’s post-war, Dejen.” Told the faun as she gave him a look. “Remember, they cast a spell to let no one in or out. And because this is Arabia, trying to post a camp outside a city that’s suddenly become impossible to break into? That’d get too costly.”

“And I think the ‘wealth’ is exaggerated a little.” Continued Farin in thought. “Gold and riches were useful, but not the goal of this place. It was power in magic. The wealth of knowledge they had here was more important than slaves, cities or gold.” And admitted, “the notes and information I do know of this place? It suggests a lot of magical advancement. All of it geard to later take Arabia by storm to gain slaves, gold and cities after they got the power. What that power is? We’ll never know. I can only guess that spell was too effective and everyone got trapped inside without any food or water.”

“A slow death.” mused Dejen as he asked. “Think there might be more than one artifact in this city? You mention Semor usually try to take them, and you did say this place was in magical advancements. Odds are this city got a lot of artifacts designs with different uses all spread out.”

Nodding, Farin agreed, “I wouldn’t count it out. But my Alumina dosn’t talk about artifacts since the mages only knew about so many.” Then told him as they nearly reached the top. “Milo’s? His Alumina has so much information on artifacts, if there were any here? He would know. Semor might have some info, but if I recall? His was more about historical knowledge and future prophecies-- I don’t recall everything, but it’s part of the reason he’s hard to take on. He just has the means for it.

“Which means he has voodoo defenses on him.” sighed Dejen as he walked in silence with Farin as Dejen mused on these artifacts, on Semor, and whoever these Misfits are. But the biggest thing in his mind, was what secrets this city held. As they were heading upwards, with thanks to Farin magic they were making easy time to reach the top of the pit they were in, they managed to leave and was starting to go into further into the city.

But both of them paused as they heard a large and echoing howl as Dejen slowly look to Farin as he asked. “Please tell me I was just hearing that, right?”

Slowly, Farin nodded and said, “I think that was a spirit.” Making Dejen’s hairs stand on end, “I really hope that was Semor’s doing, becue he should have stuff to deal with it.” Then added with uncertainty, “I hope.”

When the stone bridge fell, the three interlopers rushed for safety. Overhead a single demoness directed them to the affest path and eventually, they ducked into a small shallow spot where they found refuge. While they panted at the close call, the demoness remarked in her ghostly form, only shown by blue light, “So much for Diamond Dog architecture.” Arms crossed and eyes rolling. “I wonder which of the mutts messed up the archanic stone overhead.”

With a sigh, the mouse spoke, “Camous… how much further..?” Letting out slow breaths to keep calm.

“Not much more now.” Assured the demoness with a airy wave, “as long as we keep to the path, we should be--” And flicked an ear when there was a grinding of stone. The grifoness, who wanted to rest after such a long trip, felt herself sink while leaning on a short piller. After it did, runic symbols lit and glowed, lighting up the place. Camous added with a deadpan stare, “...absolutely set back because of one birdbrain.” the place trembling and shifting as she told, “good job.”

Then came the ghostly wail. Wind rushing past them all, a fox trying to hold her hood up. A Grifoness using a tallon to cover her eyes from the sand. A Mouse using a stone piller for cover. And one demoness looking absolutely annoyed. All saw some stretched out ghostly shape of a dog rush on past-- then vanished once it was outside the Orb of Sight’s glow. Once things settled, Camous remarked, “well isn’t that just lovely, you’ve unleashed a possible vengeful spirit from it’s entombment. Very nicely done, Flight.”

Flight spoke in annoyance. “I feel like the demoness insulted me.”

The fox sighed heavily, as Umbra felt things were going far worse with how things were becoming. She glance to Milo as she asked. “Since we can’t handle the ghost now, we should probably keep moving. Know where we need to go next for that artifact, Milo?”

Nodding, Milo began to move fowards, using the orb to make sure there were no runic traps like from before as he said, “it should be just down this way, right Camous?” Looking back to the Demoness with deep worry.

Shaking her head and floating ahead, Camous said, “yes, yes. It’s this way. And don’t worry your little head, Milo. we’ll get the Jalmi’s pedestal in time for your little girlfriend.” Smiling at how the mouse flushed.

“She’s not my girlfriend!” He almost spluttered in denial.

Umbra gave a small grin, as Flight shook her head a bit to this denial. The two know that the french mouse was indeed Milo ‘girlfriend’ unoffically. It was easy to tell, especially with how close those two were within the last two years. Umbra however shook her head a bit as she remarked. “I’m still surprised this place was real. Who knew the city of gold was thing here?”

“City of gold.” Chuckled Camous, “how the mortals got that mixed up with ‘yellow-sand-block-city’, I will never know.” Having a secretive grin on her lips. But it didn’t remain secret for long, as she told, “that mage I hated? He used to visit here for his female conquests. Turns out the city was named by a Diamond dog of all things-- very creative, isn’t it?”

Umbra rolled her eyes. “For some reason, I’m not surprised. A diamond dog of all things to make this place.” a sigh escape from her as she said. “If this place doesn’t got actual gold, that’ll make things tricky later, we do need the cash to keep our Haven steady.”

“We can always steal it from slavers and pirates.” assured Flight as Umbra told.

“Not as much anymore, ever since the King of the Holds took out Maltar? Pirate hunting been slim latley.”

While Camous pointed Milo the next hall to take, the demoness told, “there is a treasure room. Sure, Milo would have to cleans it of any possible traps, but it’s likely most of it is clean. Arabian’s never liked to curse their gold.” Then grinned to Umbra, “too stingy on wasting money on additional curses.”

Laughing a bit, Umbra said. “We can get by to it after we get that Jalmi’s artifact,” her fingers itch on having to touch and keep gold in her hands-- it hasn’t been easy for the thief to not saite her urges of stealing and hording things to herself. Even more while on the move. She took a breath as she told. “Hopefully we can get the artifact and the gold before that spirit cause us trouble.”

“Lets hope thats the only spirit here.” agreed Flight, not liking how that spirit came out of nowhere by her mistakes.

Humming, Milo asked, “do you think we should go back to see what that spirit was?” A bit concerned of what may have been unleashed.

“You saw the room Milo, the script on the wall was too worn out.” Told Camous in a simple manner. “And they weren't magicly etched on, so the Orb of Sight won’t get us the information we need. We’ll have to deal with it, if it shows up. And you’re more than equipped to handle a little spirit. It’s too weak, I can tell. It needs a living sacrifice to even become an issue for the likes of us.”

“And what happen if it gets a sacrifice?” asked Flight.

“Then its probably going to be utterly difficult,” said Umbra as she shook her head. “But I doubt there’s anyone else here. As far as we know? We’re the only ones here…” then amend in annoyance. “Unless Semor is here.”

To that, Milo told, “unless one of his workers don’t listen to him? Semor should be able to handle a spirit.” Seeming to be in agreement with Camous. “The only time Semor caused issues like that? Was because one of his people didn’t listen and used their ‘Canterlot Diploma’ to show they can handle it-- then die because they couldn’t.”

“Diplomas. Bah!” Scoffed the demoness above them. “Back in my preferred era? Mages had to prove their worth while fighting for their mere existence against a demon or spirit. If they died or nearly died? They failed the test and were booted out from ever becoming stronger with already known methods. Root out the weak and keep the strong.”

Umbra roll her eyes in amusement, as Flight spoke. “Hopefully it’ll be dealt with and we can get to the artifact first.” she figure that it would be a quick move on their part, find the artifact first, take it, grab some gold and leave before Semor was the wiser...or at least take as much artifacts as they could if there was more than one.

Time slowly ticked on away, and slowly, something began to change. The air began to hum with unfamiliar power, and parts of the hall slowly lit with magic. Milo and Camous both slowed, the mouse saying. “Camous…”

“I know.” Nodded the spirit, watching with the other’s as the halls slowly lit. “something up. Someone’s restoring the magic in this place.” And made a face. “One of Semor’s fools must of been here and got killed by that spirit. And it looks like they know how to work this place.”

While Flight sighed in aggravation, Umbra cursed in her native tongue. “Stercore.” Looking to the two, she asked to camous. “Think we might be able to kill it?”

With a firm nod and glance, Camous told, “easily. Milo can search the Alumina for the right spells and answers. And if we get the Jalmi Pedestal? We can ensure that this spirit remains dead permanently.” Semeing to tell to Flight before she could ask, “Nibbles told you of it’s healing qualities, but she never told you of it’s darker ones. It could make poisons so deadly, they could affect even ghosts and spirits not on the mortal plain.”

Whilsting a bit, Umbra said. “Wow...that is powerful.” she shook her head a bit as she said. “All the more reason to get that artifact all the more.”

Firmly nodding, Camous told, “Milo?” Making him perk, “let Umbra hold your shoulders, you need to start reading on mixes and how to deal with possibly rejuvenated mortals.” Then looked to Umbra, “you makes sure he keeps walking as I guide you all. I don’t want to see if the mages here ever completed the city.”

While he got his book out, Milo asked, “what do mean, completed?”

“I mean this city was supposed to be some giant Archaic machine.” Camous told them, “I never bothered to say with Nibbles, because it was better left to rot away. But if it’s complete? We’re looking at a city sized machine meant to fly about and cull magic off the land and unleash hoards of spirits-- possibly undead zombies since everyone here is dead.”

“And that spirit will probably be the one that’ll start it up.” said Umbra as she place a hand on Milo shoulder. “Which means we need to go faster and hope we can stop another world ending problem, again.”

“If it makes you feel better? At least we don’t need to have an egomaniac around screaming about his fist.” put in Flight as Umbra told.

“His guns might be useful if the gigantic city ship ever took off. And we only have just us and pure luck to get a fighting chance!”

For a moment, Flight gramince in admittance, their megalomania's ships and guns would be useful if that did happen.

Hayami wearily looked about and spoke after a time, “it is… fairly dark, isn’t it?” Their flashlights having either been broken, or lost during the fall. She rubbed her arms and felt a chill, the air much more cooler than she expected. There was hardly any light, only enough from a few gemstones that barely glowed with passive magic.

Debt snort, as he glance around for a stick, but notice a old torche as he bend down to take one and puff a bit of flames. Seeing its end didn’t look as flammable as he snorted more. The gnoll put his spear on a wall as he grab something in his pouch, taking out some oil to sprinkle a bit on the torch end. Putting the bottle away he retry putting fire on it as it took affect. Seeing it burn and kindle he pass the torch to Hayami. “Here. It’ll hold.” moving to take his spear as he went on. “We should keep moving, we need to regroup with the Clan-head.”

Hayami nodded mutely and once more, they moved. Though all the while, it was in silence. After a while of said silence and taking carful directions, Hayami stole a glance to Debt, and once pulling her gaze away, said, “you are… most quite, Debt-san.” Adding on, “have met gnoll or two, and they are… very vocal. Loude. You seem so… reserved and quiet. Why is that?”

He glanced to her as he answered. “I am different from most gnolls. I was ...taken as a pup to be molded into a tool by a gnoll clan. The ‘training’ was not gentle, and neither was the years. I was suppose to be focused, stoic, able to utilized. And their...work was half successful, but not enough as they hoped.” he looked back to Hayami as he added. “I learn that the best way to keep out of danger, is to be quiet.”

Hayami looked away, ears flattening down. After a moment, she said, “I am sorry.” Something strange to hear for Debt. It made him want to look at her for apologizing at all.

He look to her as he stop moving as he told simply. “There’s nothing for you apologize for. You haven’t done a thing to me, nor where you part of it. It’s in the past, and I’ve moved on from it Hayami.”

“But it hurts, doesn't it?” she asked in turn while looking at him. “The pain inflicted, caused and forced.”

“...Not anymore.” gently spoke the gnoll, as he moves his helm to be removed, allowing Hayami to look at his face, and to an extent his eyes as he went on. “The pain was there, yes. And I held it for a long time. But with the wisdom and aid of a Ophenu and after going through a Trial? I learn to forgive and move on. The Clan that did to me is dead. I have a new Clan, a new Clan head to serve, and a female to love. The pain of my past doesn’t hurt, as I am reminded each day of my new family.”

After a while of looking at him, his eyes and hearing his words, Hayami look away almost ashamed, but nods with a slight smile regardlessly. Debt nod in turn as he moves his helmet back on his head to tell. “I am content with my life now Hayami. I am never more a blemish, I have a purpose, a Clan, and a female. As long as Dejen lives and lead the Mitego? I am saited.”

Nodding, Hayami said, “that’s… good to hear.” And slowly began to move again, lost in thought. And while he moved along beside her, Hayami spoke, “a Trail... at a Opnehu temple.” A matter of slight thought. “You must be very strong of heart. Not all come out with enlightenment.. Or gifts.” Stealing a look at him before returning her gaze forwards. “I always wondered how you could breathe fire. Now, I see. The Temple help forge your gift, after you faced your demons.”

“Yes,” spoke Debt as he glance to her. “The gift of fire. I think its because of how my will is like fire, burning like magma.” then amend. “Or at least, what my teacher said about me.” Being quite a bit as he admits. “It was...hard to go through. It was filled with my past…` Debt said. “But I managed to endure through it. And learn the greatest wisdom I ever learn. The best revenge one could ever take, is to live in happiness and content.”

Lowly laughing, Hayami spoke, “sounds like what Cosmo-kun would say.” Making him look at her. “Though, he wouldn’t do it for pure vengeance. Merly that revenge happens to go with it.” Then breathed out, “you are brave, to face such a trial. I’m unsure if any from my clan ever gone through or succeeded in such a thing. They are… difficult, or so I hear.”

“I don’t know how the Trials fully work.” confessed Debt as he said. “But the one I went through? Went to more… personal parts of my life.” glancing to Hayami as he went on. “But you are right, not many could get through or succeed…” he however admit. “Although, I heard that from the Clan-head. He does have wisdom once in a while.”

They were again, quite and left to their thoughts. Hayami seeming oddly lost in thought again. Debt, while in thought? Found himself once more focusing and watching on ahead. As they came out of the hall and into the opening, they paused to read directions. And while they did, they heard something.

Both turned and, unfortunately, found themselves before a large group. One that had a minotaur barking orders, armored troops preparing themselves-- it was oddly the cat that lead that spoke up. “Cherv, please restrain yourself.” Hayami and Debt immediately getting slightly ready. “You don’t have to get yourself so wound up-- what is with the, oh.”

Moving before the troops some, Sir Semor looked at the two and said in interest, “well, what a most unexpected surprise.” Eyes bouncing between them. “My word, a gnoll and a kitsune, here of all places?” before Cherv moved in front of the cat, suspicion in his eyes.

Debt spoke. “We’re just lost members of a group.”

“Did you came with a fox?” giving a suspicious glare to the two, especially Hayami as Debt told.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, any fox I do know, is my friend here.”

Cherv snort as he demanded. “How did you two get here?”

“We’re treasure hunters.” told Debt. “Or at least, part of our group were, I’m the hired muscle. We’re currently trying to find them.”

While Cherv gave them a look over, not looking like he believed them? Semor pushed his way around and spoke, “please, Captain, allow me.” And turned with a smile that was so honest and charming, Debt was sure he was up to something.

But when he walked up, Debt found himself surprised when the cat bowed, hand up to keep his hat from falling and speaking in an entirely different language. While he blinked, Hayami eventually walked up and bowed in turn, also speaking in the same dialect.

Both sides were stuck in stunned silence as both stood up and continued on in the fast-paced language. After a while, Semor gave a pleased nod and said something, while Hayami gave a giggle and returned the favor. Semor turned to Cherv and said, “tell you men to stand down, I’m rather certain that they aren't part of your little pest problem, captain.” And motioned to both Debt and Hayami, “please, come along with us. I would be more than happy to allow you both to ride along. It is quite dangerous in these ancient places.”

With a bow, Hayami spoke, “we thank you for this hospitality, Semor-dono.” And motioned Debt to follow along, something that the Gnoll was a little hesitant to do. (

Walking with her, Debt asked in a low tone. “What did he say?”

After they passed up Cherv and his very suspicious gaze along with the troops, Hayami passed along subtibly. “He was introducing himself in Kitsune manner. He told me of his reasons and I told him of ours. He is here seeking a rare set of artifacts. I told that I am here with a close friend in search for answers to save lives. He offers safe travel. We use this to keep safe in company, and use next chance to find Dejen-san.”

Nodding, Debt walk along the other people, his suspicion grew as he spoke lowly. “I don’t like Semor.” his eyes looking at the cat in his position. “He reminds me too much of my ‘former employers’. Charming, nice...but holds a dark side under him."

“We only need to stay until we reach a place where we can part and reach Dejen.” Assured Hayami, the two finding a place to be seated by one of the crew and later on, began to move. Hayami found a pony coming up by her side, asking about the torch. She obliged to give it. The pony putting the fire out, looking it over…

And after a while, began to ecstatically go over it with a few other researchers. Debt half watched, and even saw them use magic to power it, magical fire popping at the top of the torch. It all enthralled Hayami, her curiosity getting the better of her. He shook his head and looked forwards as they went on the trail. And so far, Semor was going their way, as by the directions he asked from Hayami to look over.

And while he didn’t trust Semor? This was an admittedly comfortable way to travel. Plenty of light, lots of eyes watching for trouble and Semor being a rather effective guide. They took their paths carefully and even took a moment to stop to figure out their path.

When they neared the next place to make a turn, did they stop. Semor spoke, “alright everyone, check supplies and take a break. We’ll be moving out in a half hour then break for camp…” Getting out a pocket watch to look at to finish, “in three more hours.” Pocketing it to soon stroll off to speak with some researchers.

Hayami stood up and stretched, getting a few looks from male diamond dogs before getting down and looking about the place. As she did, all felt an odd chilling wind, an echo of something caressing their ears. Most ignored it, even if it caused a few flames on torches to flicker.

Debt glanced about the masses, and kept close to Hayami. Though after a moment of quite murmurs and talks, all heard a heavy thump from down a hall. They turned and heard something. It was grutal and dry, a wheezing of pain. “What is that?” Asked a horse in concern as Chev got himself ready and began to order for his troops to make a line.

Debt grip his weapon, as Cherv soldiers moved to make a defensive line for what was coming. Debt didn’t knew what was making that sound, as it didn’t sound like Dejen, or anyone he knew of. There was a brief silence as the wheezing was getting louder and closer as slowly it reveal itself.

When the light reveal the source, it was a shrivled up diamond dog, having some robes on it as Debt felt the urge of tossing his halbard right at it. He didn’t like how the diamond dog came out of nowhere, and even more in a city thats supposedly be empty.

“Keep steady men!” ordered out the Captain.

The decrepit body wheezed again, slowly stepping it’s way forwards. All the while, Semor had gotten a book out, flipping through the pages quickly and flicking his gaze up. One pony, a unicorn mare, said, “it’s just a zombi. I got this.”

“Fritter Daze, don’t you dare approach it.” Semor surprisingly snapped out, “Cherv, do not let your men get too close to that undead.” And again, rushed through his book.

The mare, ignoring him, trotted right long with a horn lighting. The magical wisps ringing in the air and drawing the undead to look at her. “Semor, you worry too much.”

When the cat looked up, he told, “Cherv, stop her!” Which the minotaur went to do, telling a soldier to grab her. Before a hand could even touch a pony, the mare gave a yelp and just went flying and laer floated right before the shriveled up dog, hand out and seeming to float her in place before it, staring on with empty eye sockets.

She lit her spell, one flashing with magic meant to kill a necromancers undead thralls. Instead, the dog held up the other hand, seeming to just brush the spell aside, speaking in a harsh whispering, knife conjuring into hand. Now realizing she was in trouble, the mare shouted, “h-help!” But coming to an end in an instant when the knife plunged into her.

All watched as quickly, the mare began to shrivel up and the undead dog began to become more whole, more healthy, more alive. After a few morbid seconds, a dried out husk of the pony dropped, while a young and strong looking D-dog with slightly old robs, stood in her stead. Breathing in and flexing his rejuvenated body.

Semor spoke a choicy ancient curse word for another idiot researcher with too much of an ego.

Debt let out a curse of his own. “Fuck.” he look at the more rejuvinated dog as he told lowly to Hayami. “Its a mage of some sort...probably one of the original inhabitants...which isn’t good for us.”

Hayami gave a nod, feeling a need to be plenty weary since Semor seemed concerned. Even as Chev kept ready, the dog looked about, and after speaking some ancient words to himself, spoke with an almost ethereal voice. “Trespassers. Have you come to pay tribute?” Almost sounding smug.

Cherv looked ready to respond, but Semor said, “Cherv. Back away from it.” And seemed to reach for a stick. It was enough to make the D-dog look at Semor with minor interest.

“Ah… a fellow knowledge seeker…” And glanced at Semor’s off hand. “A true one too…” then glanced up, “are these your servants, mage?” Something Semor didn’t answer, book placed away before settling his hand into his pocket, being on full guard.

Cherv glance to Semor as he asked lowly. “Semor...what in the blazing tartarus is going on?” it was something he never seen before and neither liked with how it spoke and killed that mare.

Debt himself didn’t like the mage as he spoke lowly to Hayami. “We need to retreat when we have an opening.” (done)

Hayami slowly nodded, and began to plot how to get them out without notice. The sooner they did? The better. Even as she worked on it, the Dog spoke on in amusement. “Cautious, Mage? Wise. you seem to know your place.” Seeming almost self absorbed. “Perhaps as a reward for the tribue, I should let you in. Granted, if you can present me with something of worth-while value.”

Clearing his voice, Semor told in his ever so pleasant tone, “I would love to oblige, but I’m afraid I will have to decline.” Making a small bow. “My servants and my things, are not up for trade. Perhaps we can come to some other accord?”

With a deep and amused chuckling that did not assure any, the dog told. “If you do not take my offer, than perhaps I should change the deal. And instead reward you to be one of me retainers.”

Semor lost his smile and told to Cherv, “if it get’s ready to strike, I want you to fall back and reach the carts marked with the blue tarps. There are some arms there meant for things like him.”

“Conspiring my demise?” Amusingly spoke the mage with that ethereal voice, Semor narrowing his eyes. “You are certainly an interesting one.” Then held up his hand. “But I will not be denied my chance.” and motioned it forwards. All the while, many lines lit in the hall, lighting it and many others. While behind the dog, what looked to be a room full of coffins shifted and moved… before tey burst open as bodies rushed out-- the husk of the unicorn making a dry-heaving of a breath before it rose itself.

Semor immediately shouted, “GO!” And flung some spell from the wand, a magical barrier popping up right in time for the undead to tap against. The Ancient D-dog looking very amused.

Debt had to turn with the group as he may have not trusted Semor? He didn’t want to know what those coffins were full of and fight against the mage with just himself and Hayami. Cherv gave out orders. “Go, go!” getting his men to the blue tarp with the carts as to have a means to fight agianst this threat and whatever were in the coffins.

While the barrier held, for the most part, Semor backed off and rushed for the rest. Researchers rushing out the way they came. The Dog with an almost casual wave of a hand, dispelled the barrier, and let the hoard loose. Undead rushed forwards, and Cherv turned in time to see them-- and soon had to engage.

Many gnolls, dogs and even horses joined the ranks of these undead, and they washed over the group. Debt and Hayami found themselves immediately in the midst of a hoard of zombi husks, all trying to grab or kill them. Hayami moved and dogged about, and even used a clan-skill to set a zombi ablaze. And soon enough, get a opening to change forms to actually deal real damage to the hoard.

Debt covered her as he breath in and breath out fire, burning the undead as he spun and slash his halberd, the enchantments on his gear proved to be as useful to damaged, or to an extent kill the undead as they fell down. The gnoll had to move to keep close to Hayami, mostly in case if she get overwhelmed as the gnoll wasn’t sure how many bodies were coming to attack, but the mage would have an unlimited supply with how large this city was.

While Cherv held the line for the researchers, and Semor escorted them out, the Ancient Mage himself began to float. He observed the results with a slight board amusement before turning to see the fires. He lifted a brow at the gnoll that breathed a odd non-magical fire… and the odd beast by his side, letting out golden fire.

He felt his eyes widen a touch, the beast enveloping in flames of gold again before coming back down as a lovely female, one that used a magic unlike anything he felt before, to turn more of his hoard into cinders. Using a warrioress’s skill to send undead down and even use that odd magic to rend others.

Debt kept slashing and hacking, breathing out flames as he kept his awareness sharp, he glance to see the soldiers holding the line and making a getaway with Semor, as Debt told to Hayami. “We’ll need a way out, fast!” slashing across as he galnce up to the mage as he didn’t like how the dog was floating, or looking at them as he said. “We got his attention.”

Hayami glanced, but didn’t ask. Instead she transformed and gave a breath of fire to clear a path, even relaying a ‘move’ so Debt knew to run. It was during that run, that Hayami felt the floor under her stop being there. She flailed her limbs and tried to get back down, rolling in the air and coming before the mage dong, observing her in her tailed form.

She responded by spitting fire, in hopes to make him let go of her. Instead it did nothing, magic flaring and stopping her attack, and further examining her. She squirmed, and yipped when magic corset over her, making her form waver and feel uncomfortable. After a few more yelps at quick succession, she reverted, shivering in minor pain.

The dog only smirked, looking at her in interest.

Debt recongize that smirk and look, as the gnoll breath in and spat out fire, he tried to find a way to reach Hayami, but she was too high up as he turn to shout for aid-- but saw the group already gone as the gnoll cursed and refocus to stop a undead getting close as the gnoll was force to face the hoard by himself.

“You are perfict.” He seemed to tel Hayami, who regained some of her strength and tried to retaliate, only to be hit and shout at a spell that made her body spasm. He seemed to snort and tell, “spirit. How amusing.” And looked to Debt before shrugging and waving the gnoll off.

The sight, pissed Debt off. Being dismissed while the dog left with Hayami. Debt let out flames, burning flesh and hacking his way through-- before being slowed again by more. He tried again, but a large wave of them crashed into him-- mostly gnolls. Their thin and frail bodies having to work together to match his strength-- but all the same not flinching from any attack he did to them.

Focus your fire. Focus on what you need to do! thought the gnoll, as he let out a roar and spat out flames, burning the gnolls that were close as he forced them all to move back. Or being burnt as he opens his mouth and burning everything as he let his anger be loose, anger at the mage, anger at so much dead around him, and angry at being in this position as he raised his weapon, slashing and hacking as Debt tried to make a path.

But for every undead he killed, three took their place. He breath more flames, letting his fire go all over as the lone gnoll raised his halberd and slam down to a close undead. Debt was not going to die here, he would fight and fight, he would live, and he would not only save Hayami from that damn mage, but group up with Dejen and fulfill this task! He wasn’t going down this easily and he will fight with everything he got!

He was Debt, the enforcer and right hand of Dejen Mitego!

He isn’t going down that easily and never will!

Debt is giving it his all and let his flames be spread as his blood pump through his entire body, pushing him to keep fighting, to keep putting down these husks and ensuring that he will remain victorious for Mitego!

Yet it felt annoying, to make distance, only to be forced to some other direction. It was a jarring back and forth fitgh, with him gaining ground, then losing it to another wave. Every time he took down a score, more soon came. He breathed in, ready to burn more.

A nearby stone door, one that he would never be able to open, seemed to choose there and then to just explode. Stone showered all over the place, mostly on the undead. They got pummeled and knocked down as someone walked forwards-- and went back into the doorway for cover when arrows flew by them.

“What in the blazes?!” spoke a female voice, as Debt couldn’t look to see who it was, as he was too busy focus on fighting, as that voice continue. “Wait, who’s that fighting against all the undead?”

“Whoever it is, look like they’re struggling to hold them off.” spoke another voice, one a bit more calmer than the first. “Milo, think we should go a different direction? He doesn’t look like he can last much longer.”

“We have to go this way.” Spoke a younger male’s voice. “Camous?”

There was a chuckling and a “With pleasure~” A female sounding too pleased with whatever this Milo was asking. The next thing Debt knew, undead were being wiped out, a female form flying by and slipping about like smoke. She gave a hearty laugh that sounded malicious, red magic flying all over before coming down to grab and rip a unead in two with her claws.

Tossing the pieces aside, the demon said, “oh it has been a while since I got to play with weak little undead~” And dove back down, doing work that would of been something that requires one of the Twins. And while Debt breathed and caught his breath, that was when the three came out of cover.

He turn to see a kitsune, but she was...bigger than most kitsune, wearing odd armor and black fur all over. There was a griffoness by her, wearing almost the same armor as the last? Was a young mouse...he never seen anything like him, but he recalled Farin mention about Milo as Debt got his bearings as he spoke. “My thanks.”

The fox blink as she was surprised this person was a gnoll...and sound so stoic. She examines him over as she asked. “What are you doing here?”

“Trying to get a friend back.” then look to Milo as he said. “So you’re the Milo, Farin mentioned about you.” then pointed to where the mage left with his weapon. “A diamond dog mage took my friend, he’s going to try to make her into his trophy. I need to get her out of the situation and regroup with my Clan-head and Farin.”

Milo asked with some measure of surprise, “You know Farin?” But had to shake his head and sayd, “hold on with that.” And looked to the undead forces. Sure, Camous was dealing with them, but more were still around and getting up. Milo told, “Umbra, Flight, there’s more!” And seemed to get what looked to be a bag out and reached in to get… salt?

“We’ll hold them off.” assured Umbra, as she and Flight began tossing out throwing knives to hold them off, Debt however push ahead as the vixen said. “Hey wait what are you,” only to pause as Debt let out a breath of fire, causing those close to be burn away as when he pull his head back did Debt began striking with his halberd as Umbra said. “Okay that's new.” quickly moving with Flight as the griffoness went up in the air, coming down with assassin blades to stab into the necks before pulling up.

Umbra however threw her knives and wished she brought her guns, but noooo she had to leave them behind as to not accidentally lose them on the trip here! Next time she was bringing her damn guns!

Milo took a moment to get out chalk and make a circle on the ground, taking each precious second to make the array correctly and be sure it all was in place. Camous laugh all the more when she dove into the masses of undead and ripped them to bits, tossing them about and even taking joy when a few struggled.

When she was about to crush one, Milo held his crystal up and on an instant, Camous grumped out, “for hells sakes--” Then was gone. Though Milo himself stood up and got the salt out, chanting something before tossing it up. The runes below him lit, and the salt swirled and amassed before flying out.

To Debt, it looked like sparkling dust, but it’s effects were clear once it touched the undead. They screeched and began to burn, clawing at the little spots that quickly turned to server burns that began to turn them to dust. Some tried to attack, but slowly, the dissolved to dust. It was a perfect opportunity of weakness.

With a large roar, Debt rush with his halberd, slashing and cutting through them more at ease, as Umbra and Flight watch as the gnoll seem to be cutting or burning them down as they themselves moved to assist. But both of them felt like the gnoll was doing most of the work as the undead were breaking down from what Milo did.

It didn’t take long for them to be fully removed as when the last fall, Debt pant a bit of breath, mostly from the amount of energy and fighting he was in. calming himself he turn to look at the three as Umbra examine the gnoll in armor as she asked. “So, how do you know Farin?” crossing her arms as she went on. “And why are you here with her?”

Debt examine them a bit, before telling. “She’s traveling with us, and we were suppose to be finding an Alumina for her research on.”

Milo moved up, asking with interest, “so there’s a Alumina here too?” Making a face and saying, “well, at least we know why she’s here.” Then looked around to ask, “but.. What happened here? You said something about a Diamond dog mage and them taking your friend?” A slight concern starting to build at hearing the later bit.

“That’s correct.” Debt said, as he turned to the direction the mage went as he explained. “A shirviled up mage came out of nowhere, one of Semors researches was stupid enough to get close, she died and he asborb her life. He was younger and after Semor turn down on tribute or being one of his retainers, the mage send his undead at us. He saw Hayami form, decided to take her and left that way.”

Then look back to the three as he went on. “I need to rescue her and we both need to relocate back to Farin and my Clan-head to aquire the Alumina.”

“Wait, wait…” said Umbra with a bit of suspicion. “You’re saying that...you know what it is...and you don’t want it?”

Debt look to her as he responds. “The Clan-head doesn’t trust ‘voodoo shit’ and knows the danger of these books. He rather not touch them as he doesn’t want to be enslaved by it.”

Milo gave a slight sigh of relief to this, but soon looked towards the place the mage supposedly went. He thought on it and said, “we need to see if we can catch him before he gets too far.” Continuing on to say to Umbra and Flight, “if he gets too far, he might start up the city and we might have more problems.” Drawing a look from Debt.

He was fast to explain to the Gnoll, “this is more than a city. It’s some giant flying city meant to take over large areas. We’re standing inside a very large ancient machine meant for large-scale conquest.” And what Farin had said before about the mages putting more stock into their research over material wants that they planned to get later? Well, it made sense now.

They were making some super dreadnought ship to take over the world-- or at least become a near unstoppable threat. And he knew when Dejen found out? He was going to be so pissed off.

Before any comments could be made, they heard more sounds of undead, and Milo said, “we need to go.” And got out an odd blue orb that lit with light, Camous appearing as a ghost as he asked, “Which way?”

Camous thought and said, “well… my memory about this place is still a bit rusty, but if this thing is complete? Then I think we’ll have to go through that door way and take the ramp going up. We might be able to cut them off.” And began to lead.

Milo motioned them to follow, telling, “I’ll put something down to slow the hoard.” And rushed to the doorway to get started.

It had been a while, and now both Dejen and Farin looked about in slight confusion as the halls and many runes were now lit and active. Farin had gone through her Alumina multiple times, and muttered to herself, but all she could say was someone either fixed something, or activated the city’s main power lines of runes. In either case, they had light now and could navigate a bit more easily. She didn’t even need to unlock doorways as often as they opened on their own for the most part.

Dejen felt a bit suspicious on how someone just activated the main power. Usually that would be a bad thing with an ancient city. But he didn’t voice it out yet, as he could let his paranoid get to him. Granted Dejen did Asked.

“How long till we reach the book?” Glancing around as he added. “We should be making some distance.”

Looking over her own, Farin told, “we should be getting close. We still have a few more halls and stairs to go down, but we shouldn’t be too far now. And again, I ‘think’ it’s a book.” Then looked up and glanced about, starting to look about in curiosity. Mostly of what the magic was completely used for. Lighting, sure, but it looked like there should have been more to that.

Making another turn and heading down the next hall, both heard something. And after a while, they saw a few bodies, old and mummified, fly past a hall and land in a mess. Then walked in a group that was not familiar with Farin-- but Dejen recognized them.

He felt his luck just turn for the worse when the mercenary group turned, and saw him and Fairn. “Death Gambler!” Kar spoke up first, his axes held up a bit more.

Farin closed her book and took a step back while reading her staff. The horse looked down and widen his eyes before telling the group, “they have the book!” the faun now worried as they began to move.

“Run.” Told Dejen as he toss smoke bombs at the mercs and began running for it. He heard them coughing as the mintoaur shouted.

“Somebody get him!”

“On it!” Call out Amath, as the griffons went up and the air and gave a shriek as she dove at the two running. Dejen turn his arm out, Lucky in Hand to fire what he could while running.

The shot almost hit it’s mark, but in the spanning moment’s of taking aim and firing, some sort of purple whip flew out, got the griffioness’s legs and yanked her back hard. The bullet hit the ceiling and took a chunk of stone out, while the griffion picked herself up.

Then jumped up the Herno, having some odd whip in hand. Dejen figured some special herno tool. Farin seemed to pause and turn, magic flaring as she cast a number of magical bolts, all aimed to no doubt slow the group. The Herno stood his ground and began to swing the whip about, each bolt being burst like bubbles.

“Oh come on!” Farin called as she turned and kept running, Dejen not waiting too long himself and taking aim to fire. This time the Herno moved, dodging one way to half-grab the griffon and then another to haul her to the other side-- again a bullet scraping by the slowed-up Herno as something seemed to shatter away from his shoulder that was clipped.

More smoke bombs down, Dejen ran and felt an understanding of what was going on, the Herno had some under armor on him, but clearly it couldn’t take bullets. As they ran, Farin said, “through here!” and ducked into a room with many magical runes. The faun ran ahead, magicly interacting with some runic circle and told, “buy me time, I’m going to try and lose them.”

Spinning his gun Dejen fired at something that tried to get through the smoke, Dejen didn’t wait as he took out Choo-Choo while hostlering Lucky.

Looking in his scope he saw a dog coming out as he fired in the shoulder, seeing the train spike puncture And the diamond dog screaming pain as he heard the Griffon scream out.

“A railway spike!?! Who the Tartarus uses spikes as a weapon!?”

“Stay here!” Dejen heard before the smoke began to clear-- and then in came that pesky cat. Dejen felt ready, but like before, the cat didn’t stay still. He ran, spun on heel, jumped, rolled-- his prior target practice was nice. But this cat almost reminded him of how Ash moved-- if Ash didn’t have her other magical shit to use.

But the dark purple cat had to go and surprise him in an unpleasant way. During his next jump up, spinning on heel away while Dejen tried to aim? The striped caught sight of something-- lot’s of something. The gambler jumped to the side, knives he suspecting, flying right past him. By the time he was aiming again, the herno was already there. Dejen jerked his finger, a bolt flying right out.

The herno winced, the large iron spike scraping right by his side and taking a good chunk of that odd sparkly armor that was hidden under clothes. Dejen could tell from the slight red, he even scratched the guy. But he now had a new issue-- the Herno was in his guard and in a flurry of kung-fu like attacked Dejen chose to run from-- after all. Ash did say the best way to survive an expert hand-to-hand fighter? Stay out of reach.

Running as fast as Dejen could, Seeing the mercs behind the cat, Dejen called out. “Farin whatever you're planning, do it fast!” Firing Choo-Choo in hip-fire to at least force the cat back.

“Hurry up and put him down!” Shouted Kar. “You're luck won’t save you gambler!”

Dejen wanted to take aim, but again the herno got too close for comfort and he jerked his aim up. The Herno, mindful of what might happen, ducked as the spike flew out and almost got his head. His hat however wasn’t lucky. The cat stood up, looking annoyed now as he felt where his hat was. “That was my favorite hat.” He told almost darkly.

Dejen went to respond, but Farin shouted, “Dejen!” Making him decide to run, flashbang out and down to blind and stun the cat as he ran-- “Don’t let him get away!” “Get back here!” Dejen heard, spells flying and a few knives coming close.

As soon as he touched the rune, Farin activated it. But the mercs all ran and leapt, each one poised to get him-- and it flashed. The next moment, the lone Hrno found himself landing in a roll and soon stopped in a slide to look about. After a moment, he stood up and looked at the circle that slowly dimmed out.

After a moment, he said, “darn. Magical teleporting.” Then thought, “or disintegration… or something else.” Then after looking around, he sighed and walked through the room, to a spike on the wall to take it out and get his hat back. He was still annoyed there was now a gaping hole in it… but it could be fixed.

So, he plopped it on his head and headed out, figuring that since he couldn't work anything magical? He had to find them on foot. Oh joy. Was his sarcastic thought.

There a sound of yells as Dejen landed on the ground, then felt a large weight on his back and more added in as there a few groans of people as he croak out. “Whoever ass is on my back, get off!”

“Who’s hand touching my ass?” Demanded Amatha.

“Not Pogo fault, my face is in Kar armpit.”

There was grunting and shifting, the room they landed in oddly tight. There was a scream of, “get your hand off my chest!”

“Maybe after someone let’s go of my arm!” Kar complained.

“I can’t, my leg’s stuck!” Half shouted Parh again, he horse trying to shift and worm into a better position. “And don’t let go, she has the book!” Which caused the minotaur shrug and grip. This didn’t go well.

“Stop touching me, creep!” Shouted the faun in minor distress, “let go or you’re getting it!”

That got a laugh from the minotaur, “what are you complaining about, it’s not like you got a rack, girl!” Figuring he was in no danger. He was wrong and the Faun began to chant out.

“Inouis, Thundria!” And for a moment, the dark and tight space they were in became bright and exploded with thunder and magic. All fell out of the small room and onto the ground, a few giving groans of pain.

Farin was the first up, and danced over the pile of bodies, and reached with her crescent-moon staff to hook and tug a half dazed Dejen. And while he began to get up, a body flew past him. Staff clattering to the ground as Pogo shouted, “got her!”

“Get off me!” Farin called and while Dejen was going to act, he found a muscular body bear-hug him from behind and hold him.

“Ha! What are you going to do gambler?” Mocked Kar.

“This.” Snarl Dejen as he move a leg and kick in between Kar legs. He wince in pain of the metal as Kar scoff.

“You're Done , nothing can save you now.” having a tight hold on the Striped.

While Dejen thrashed, and tried to reach for his gun, he continued to hear Farin give screams and indigent shouts. It was with another shock of lightning that she got the dog off and stood, one hand over her gems and another up as she was almost ready.

But again, she was tackled by the griffoness and soon after the dog. Once they had a good grip on her, the Dog held her tight and even used what looked to be a couple bolas to bind her before forcefully making her kneel. One arm around her throat and keeping it tight to stop her from trying anything.

The griffoness reached for the book, yet Farin hadn’t been out of tricks and went on to say, “imser--”

“Talk and I’m crushing him.” Kar threatened, using those muscles to hug all the tighter. Dejen grit his teeth, and really began to feel not only the crushing power, but the hard exo-armor pressing hard on him. He tried to fight back, and held the minotaur off. But he felt a tip press to his head, the horse having found Choo-Choo and now holding it to his head. This made Farin button her lip for sure.

Content, the grifoness continued to rummage the faun’s bag, though it was then that they heard a roar of something. They turned and found hot red fire. Without thought, Dejen was dropped, the horse dodged with the minotaur, while dog and Griffon pulled the Faun off to the side-- right in time for Debt to rush in with halbird and get into a fight with the minotaur. The Horse tried to aim the gun, but Dejen wiped out Lucky and fired, disarming the weapon.

What he didn’t expect, was for some mouse to appear from no place and land on the dogs head, slap something on his head to make the dog go stiff and spasm. Farin said, “Milo!?” Before the mouse grabbed her and both vanished-- only to reaper some distance off as a kitsune and another Griffoness rushed in, taking their own dance-partners in the sudden fight.

Grabbing his rifle to put on his back, Dejen call out as he fired Lucky at the dog who hopped and tried to doge. “Debt, oh I’m glad to see you, wait where’s Hayami?”

“Capture by a mage.” Told Debt as he held off the Minotaur.

“That’s your ‘Clan-head’?” Asked the black fox as she duck under from the horse spell. “He’s shorter than I thought.” Dejen resist the urge to snort. moving along as they fought against the mercs.

Yet as the four fight, there was a slow sound of whispering. A few turn back to see Milo and Farin in a circle they made, before something was summoned out. Some sort of demon thing with restrictive control runes popping out. With many limbs ready for its purpose.

The fighting ground to a halt, and Milo stood up and ready a single hand, and like some dog, the demon shifted and readied what looked to be some twelve or sixteen arms, all poised to reach out. Farin told in the most smugest tone to the Minotaur, “not enough rack? Maybe we should see how you like being grabbed for once!”

Kar spoke up fast with, “Run!” Right as Milo motioned to them, the demon screeching and reaching with it’s many arms out-- but the four bailed. They turned and ran, arms swiping and almost getting them before they turned a corner and kept going.

Farin laughed and laughed, while Milo pulled his arm back and had the demon be pulled back through it’s little summoning circle, where it later vanished. The mouse looked and asked, “you okay Farin?”

“Much better.” Chuckled the faun, “oh wow… I know I’m not one for revenge, but that was worth it.”

Dejen snorted, moving Lucky to be reloaded as he said. “Thanks for the save,” Glancing to the mouse. “Milo, right?”

Umbra glance over Dejen and could tell he was Arabian with his accent and clothes . But she took a large interest in his gun. It was a lot different from Pranks own.

Dejen glance to her and asked. “Hey Milo, tell the fox to not eye my Lucky.”

With some hesitance, Milo told, “Umbra, could you…?” Making the fox slightly hum and nod, but hardly give any indication she heard. Though while Milo made a face, he looked to Farin and asked, “what happened? We met Debt a ways back, he said you were looking for answers about the Alumina here?”

“Yup.” Nodded the researcher. “We had a few problems and ran into those mercenaries-- they’re after Dejen for some bounty.” Going on to ask, “why are you here? We saw Sir Semor eirleir, is there a dangerous artifact here?” Going on to ask, “and where’s Camous?”

Shifting, the Mouse got the Orb of Sight out, letting it glow and show the demoness in her ghostly form. With a smile, Camous floated down and said, “hello again dear.” Seeming friendly enough, despite looking maybe a bit evil in Dejen’s mind. “As for why we’re here? We’re getting a special artifact to help Milo’s girlfriend.”

“She’s not my--” Milo tried to defend, yet Farin only gushed.

“They’re a couple finally?” the faun almost jumping in place, “I thought it was cute they were so close. It’s hard not to notice.” Making Camous laugh while Milo only blushed and hung his head.

Umbra laugh as she told. “Yeah, they are.” Then look to Dejen to ask. “So short stuff, where you get the gun?”

“First off, I’m a Striped.” Flatly Told Dejen. “Second of all? I don’t need to tell you.” Then heard Debt Spoke.

“This city is a giant machine used to drain magic and conquering everything as it moves around.”

Dejen eye twitched as Farin was stunned into silence of this information. The striped soon cursed out. “FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCKING DAMN IT!”

Camous crossed her arms and remarked, “mouthy little striped.”

Milo shook his head and said, “that mage that took your friend?” Gaining Farin’s attention, “he’s a rejuvenated mage. We think he was one of the people that made this pace, and he’s probably working on getting it working again.” Looking troubled, Milo told, “we’re moving to a place where Camous thinks he’s at.”

Nodding, Farin asked, “what about that artifact?”

“It will have to wait a bit longer, but we do have to pick it up still.” Camous told simply. “This isn’t world-ending, but it’ll cause a large world collapses in Arabia. Sapping magic off the land and invading cities with hordes of undead will not go over well. We need to deal with the machine, and then deal with the revived mage.”

Groaning, Dejen look to the ghostly demoness as he told in annoyance. “I’ve had to deal with a lot of bullshit for the last few years, this is going to be another mystical bullshit I’ll have to deal with!” He took a deep breath in, reining his anger as he look Farin and Milo as he asked. “Well since now we don’t need to find the book, but also this artifact and Hayami too. So where shall we go?”

“You’re...surprisingly agreeable on the fact you’re taking in Milo words and about the ghost demoness being here.” Umbra remarked in a bit of surprised.

Dejen gave a flat look. “Lady, after the amount of mystical bullshit I had to deal with? A ghostly demon and the world saving mouse isn’t on my ‘strange things I’ve encounter’ list!” taking out Lucky he said. “Now lets get moving, find Hayami, kill the son of a bitch, get what we need, and get the fuck out of here before any more mystical bullshit comes up!”

A few looks were cast about, Milo telling, “well, first thing we need to figure out is where to go.” Going on to say while looking to the demon by him, “Camous said that we need to keep going down this hall and take some flight of stairs up. But killing this mage isn’t going to be easy and using something called Jalmi’s Pedestal will give us what we need to kill him.”

“But, that also means we have to find it.” Grouched the Demoness, “and for every moment we try locating him, we waste more time in stopping this city from leaving. And while I have an ‘idea’ where it is? It’s not guaranteed.”

Thinking on it, Farin asked, “should we split up then?” Going on to say, “Milo might know what’s needed to make for this Pedestal, he’s the artifact expert. I have maps of this place a bit, so I can maybe lead us to important rooms to try sabotaging this machine.” then admitted, “but I don’t know enough about it.”

Sighing out, Camous asked “Milo, let me out. I’ll write the details in her Alumina.” Making the mouse nod and do so, making the demoness take form as she moved by a slightly hesitant Farin that allowed the demoness to start writing in her Alumina.

Dejen watch a bit, as while this isn’t the first he met a demon? This is admitally the first where the demon didn’t try to kill him. Or use someone he knew as a trap. Or was chasing after him. Or was some big giant threat. Although from what he heard from Farin? Camous was a ‘bound demon’ so she couldn't do anything without Milo say so...or at least, what many people would assume with that crystal pendent thing on the mouse.

Flight examine the two males, seeing the oddness of the Striped and the gnoll. From what she could tell, Debt wasn’t like most gnolls in the short time they had, and Dejen was evasive with his weapon. Odds he either stole that gun from that pony Tricky…

Or he was like the Don and his sister, and possibly like the others in their group that had a ‘uniqueness'. She wasn’t sure yet, and she was certain that Umbra had the same suspicions too. For now however? They waited and would split as one group would search to sabotage, while the others go and retrieve the artifact. However, she knew that not only the other's back in Haven would be interested in learning about these two, but possibly Draw as well.

That spymaster did hate it when he discovers something unexpected. Like with how his zebra managed to woo him.

That was a funny sight to behold in all honesty.