Arabian Swindler

Cherv snorted harshly, moving with his troops as they were separated by Semor group, the minotaur was irritated on not only being split, on not only no way of finding that damn fox-- but now being lost as well! He figure the only good thing about this whole thing? Was that their new arms did as Semor said and were extremely effective on the hoard. It made him wonder if that cat noble was prepared for a scenario like this.

Regardless if he was or wasn’t, the fact was they were lost. And all because some slab of stone lost its strength and cut them off during the retreat. Oh sure, the mages in the research group tried to magic it up, but it was just too heavy. So they were forced to move, even more with the undead still after them.

So here he was, with his men and hopelessly lost. The Misfits still out of sight and fighting for their lives. And while he boiled and stewed over these facts, he stopped and held a fist up to halt his men. They all paused at the sound of rock crumbling, and something tapping on the ground. All looked to a hall, a few rocks rolling from cover as they heard someone give a sigh.

Cherv and his troops focused the person who sighed as he shouted out. “Come out of your hiding spot!” his emotions grew into positive, as he felt that perhaps, just perhaps it was that damn fox! Finally after these years, he had Sicarus where he wanted him and could finally bring him to justice!

Slowly, they heard someone come out, all raided their arms as Cherv felt elation-- before it deflated at a cat. Much shorter than Sir Semor. With a casual tone, the cat told, “alright, you caught me.” Seeming oddly casual about this. And from the rips and scuffs on his clothes? Had been through a bit. “So…” His eyes looking over them, “problem officer?”

A eye twitch on the minotaur as he said. “And here I thought I finally caught the damn fox….” then soon question. “Who are you and what are you doing here, Herno?”

Lowering his arms to pocket them, something that had all troops tense, the Herno told, “lookin’ for my pals. Part of this merc group. We had this bounty on this guy and I got cut off.” Going on to tell, “so, I’m lost basically.” then pointed to his head where his hat was. “And want to settle the score, he shot my hat off and put a hole in it.”

“Did he used advance flintlock, had blades up his sleeves, used smoke bombs to vanish off-- and is known to be very hard to kill?” questioned Cherv, as he wanted to be sure it was Sicarius. Seeing Comso nod to every part of his questions as the minotaur gave a wide smirk and said. “Good. It seem that criminal scum is actually here-- now I can settle the score!”

“Got you too huh?” Asked the rather casual herno, “let me guess… he ruined your life.” Then shrugged, “then again… he ruined a lot of lives so… thats a given.” Then looked about asking, “you have any clue which way’s out or where he is? Guy lucked out and was on a teleporting rune and zapped him and my pals off to who-knows-where.”

Snorting, Cherv told. “No. We’ve been moving around, trying to find our own path to our own group.” then motioned Cosmo to follow as Cherv asked. “Did you see anyone else he was with? He’s usually accompany by a black fox, or some other group of his Misfits.”

Thinking on it, the herno told, “well… there was this doe-looking girl by him. Used magic, stood on two hooves like a minotaur.” Making Cherv snort in slight recognition. Sure he didn’t know her name for sure, but he had suspicions she was affiliated with the fox-- and this was starting to show it more clearly with other eye-witness accounts.

“Did he had a gnoll by his side too? Loud and annoying?” prod Cherv, as it was likely Sicarius had more members all spread out in this damnable city. He wouldn’t be surprised if they were currently stealing whatever was in here while he had to deal with these undead monstrosities!

Thinking on it, the mercenary told as he fell in line next to Cherv, “well, yeah I remember a gnoll using some weird magic and helping him out...” Though they weren’t loud. But it was possible they were just overly focused. It was hard to say…

Snorting more, Cherv knew it was that damn druid Sicarius had around. The minotaur said. “I knew it was him. I’ve been chasing after that criminal for years. Always moving and hiding like the vermin he is.” glancing to Cosmo as he said. “He’s been a thorn in my side for years, ever since he showed up in Trottingham, he has always been a nuisance to us more decent folk.”

Giving a look, Cosmo remarked, “wow. Guy get’s around. From what my pal’s say? He’s got all Arabia after him, and heard he’s taken’ a liking to the holds too. We actually lucked out too, since he showed up here.” Then amended, “ok, not lucked out. There’s undead stuff trying to kill us and a bridge also tried to kill us… I’m pretty sure this places wants to kill us.”

“From what I witness? This is all the works of a undead diamond dog mage, who apparently was a native in this city. He’s the one that raised the dead and making this city alive.” he glance to Cosmo as he told on. “If our criminal is here while this dog is causing trouble? Odds are he’s after something more than just treasure.”

Pondering, Cosmo remarked, “question is what.” Pondering it to admit, “well, I know there’s some ancient artifact stuff here. Maybe he’s after one of those things and not the money. Golds nice, sure. But ancient stuff of power? Pretty sure a bad-guy wanting power would want that first.”

“Of course.” snorted out Cherv. “He always did have such high ambition. Probably the reason he’s here. To take all the artifacts and hoard them for himself.” then told. “He always did had a thing to go artifact hunting, even stopping Semor in his own works, sabotaging the noble archaeologist and taking everything before we could stop him.”

Huffing, Cosmo said, “well, isn’t that just peachy?” Then looked to Cherv to admit, “you been after him long? Grudge or not, you got to have some pretty solid devotion to your work to just travel all over the place for one guy.”

“Oh not just him,” started Cherv. “But his entire organization too. Ever since he disappeared in hiding? There’s been reports of all around the globe, theft, murders, destruction of property and on most cases artifact stolen in old tombs or in museums? The scumbag been on a high roll on taking everything from everyone-- especially those higher up in nobility.” going on to give an example.

“I track him up in the griffon kingdom, hoping to find him before he disappeared-- but I was three steps behind him, as he came, killed a noble, and took everything from them before going dark. The worst part was that everyone assume it was another noble that did it instead of the real murderer. That how he works, he goes to a place, kill someone, and takes everything as he place the blame onto another before scurrying back like the rat he is.”

Observing Cherv and paying heed to every word, the Herno soon gave another nod and said, “bad people tend to get stuff by making other people get the blame. Tends to be a rule for the world.” Then chuckled, “you sound like a good sort, Cherv. Hope people appreciate what you’re doing, because there’s hardly enough people doing it in the world.”

Snorting, Cherv said. “Sadly there isn’t enough people appreciating my work. Those that do? Are my troops behind me.” turning to give a grin to them, as they grin and smile back at their Captain as Cherv was glad for such loyal men.

Cosmo paused to look from Captain, to his crew and then back again. After a moment, the Herno told with a pointed hand, “you guys need a raise. I’m forwarding a slip to your boss that you all need a raise.”

“We would really appreciate that.” laugh out a pony as he told. “We all need a raise after all the crazy we’ve been through chasing after those Misfits!”

“Don’t we all when it comes to crazy?” Seemed to smirk the cat before shrugging and continuing to move. “I mean, I know the--” Then pricked his ears at a scream. And he wasn’t the only one that heard it, the whole group paused.

When another feminin scream came again, there was a shout of, “release me!” Making the Herno further perked his ears. “Get away, get away!” And like some wound up spring, took off ahead. A lot faster than they expected.

“Cosmo, get back over here!” shouted Cherv, but seeing the cat going faster as he order his men. “Come on, lets make sure the Herno doesn’t do something stupid!” all of them were now rushing, or trying to run after the more faster and adgile cat.

Cosmo did not want to wait, not with how familiar the voice he heard was. When he slid around the next bend and into the room, he could see plenty of undead. Some of which looking the part of mages or priests. And in the midst of it all was one kitsune vixen, struggling in what looked to be enchanted wrappings that glowed and held her in place. Golden adornment and platting having her in a near scantily state of wear, truly highlighting her beauty.

This was all ignored in the face of her fear and one of those zombies walking to her bound person with some bubbling green substance in a bowl. A few other’s forcing her mouth open. Cosmo felt officially, angry. Even as Chev started to reach the corner, Cosmo bolted. He made knives and sent them right out-- getting the one with the bowl first. Followed by blades for his hands to behead and slice up those near the kitsune.

Upon seeing him, she shouted with shock and delight, “Cosmo!?” And felt him turn, slashing away at most of her binds to free her-- before turning to recall most of his dust and form a wall between him, and many zombies now catching-- but held off. That was when Cherv got a look at the sight at hand, and reacted.

“Move in, give assistance to the Herno, now!” his troops moving with their weapons, attacking the undead as he shouted to Cosmo. “Hurry up, we don’t know how long we can hold these things off for!”

He gave a glance and nod before turning to the kitsune and asking, “Hayami, change.”

“I can’t!” got out the kitsune, motioning to the bindings that help hold her golden plated adornments on and didn’t do much in covering her. “These wrappings, they stop my magic!”

It made him sigh, but one hand up and spinning, dust came out and formed a blade. One she took happily before Cosmo dropped his wall and charged. Striking and hitting undead, he made a mace and whacked a few about. Even doing a few impressive kicks and leg-swipes to clear a path. Hayami joining in cutting down the hoard.

He spun and stopped, letting Hayami reach the troops before he let go of his current weapon before raising his hands, dust forming and turning into what seemed like little sharp disks before just letting the storm of them fly all over the room.

It hardly impeded the armored ones, but for every little place nicked, more and more dry flesh was ripped away and eventually, made many fall or lose limbs to collapse. It was good enough as Cosmo called it all back and ran. He kicked one down, used another as a jump-pad and shoved another to the ground before reaching the group.

With a glance to the doorway, Cosmo told to Cherv, “anyone know how to blast stone?” And pointed to the part that held the doorway up to the hall they were now moving to retreat into.

“Barny, blast that right now!” ordered Cherv, as a unicorn horn glowed and fired at the target as there was a light shake and it fell down to slam down, causing a collaspe as Cherv ordered. “Move back, now!” making everyone moving backwards as with a bit of luck, it didn’t land on any of them as it cut off the undead from the group position.

While they all gave a breath of relief and Cosmo fixed his hat, the cat was nearly bowled over when Hayami called out, “Cosmo!” And tackled his side, hugging him tight and even crying a bit. Everyone gave looks, even more since the kitsune’s curvy form and plenty of fur was showing now.

Almost awkwardly, Cosmo pat her back, even as she went on to cry in his side, “you came, you really came…”

It made him sigh and say, “well… I did say I’d be there to help, didn’t I?” The female lifting her face to give a bright smile and even hug tighter to nuzzle under his chin. Something the tomcat looked almost unsure how to react to. Though he did look to the troops and lift a brow at all their looks.

“So...mind introducing us to your girlfriend?” asked a troop in humor.

Cosmo rolled his eyes and told, “this is my friend, Hayami. She and I live in the same clan.” Going on to tell, “honestly I’m here with the mercenary group because during our trip to save her clan? She got lost at sea and I came looking for her.” Then looked to Hayami to ask, “annnnd.. Now I’m confused how she’s here looking like some exotic arabian dancer.”

Slowly calming, Hayami stepped back and told, “the undead dog mage… he saw me and took me. Spoke of… me being rare gem and was worthy of.. Entertaining him.” Shuttering at the last bit.

Flatly, Cosmo said, “great. An undead guy that’s cradle-robbing my friend.” And looked to Cherv to tell, “I officially don’t like this mage guy.”

“Join the club.” snorted Cherv as he said. “However if she was lost at sea-- how is she here?”

He looked to Hayami, and the vixen admitted, “good people found me. Saved me. Am in their debt.” And lowered her head. “There is… a lot I need to tell you, Cosmo-kun.” Then made a face, “but…”

“Yeah… now probably a bad time.” Agreed the Herno before looking to Cherv. “Look, as much as I want to go after your target? I’m starting to wonder if we need to cut losses, regroup and get out. We’re only so many, and this place is swarming with a lot of undead stuff. And Hayami’s fighting skill is cut down pretty bad, those wrappings on her? Suppressing her magic.”

“And I wish to keep my modesty.” Hayami nodded in agreement.

Letting out a snort, Cherv didn’t like it...but he knew this wasn’t the first time he had to cut losses. “Very well...not the first time I had to do this.” he move a hand to bring out a map as he said. “Lucky for us...I could try to navigate ourselves out of here...or try to, ever since being separated, we’re on a whole different area of this city.”

Cosmo nodded to that and asked the women beside him, “say Hayami, what about your other form? I know you don’t want to go streaking, but… you know.”

Sighing heavily, Hayami admitted, “if it is dire? Then I will remove these bits I have on me. But I don’t want to give a show to them.” Pointedly looking to Cherv’s troops.

“Hey, I’m not arguing.” Cosmo raised his hands in surrender. Then he looked down the hall and sighed out before saying to the troops, “well, off to another exciting adventure, huh?” Then groused, “I’m starting to miss my long days of napping, having tea and debates on what’s more boring-- basket weaving or reading bland scrolls.”

A troop complain in agreement. “And we miss the days on all we had to do was keep the peace in Trottingham, not go on these adventures on finding a single criminal and his gang.”

“Oh hush up.” snorted Cherv. “You all knew what you were signing up too the moment you wanted to go with me. I gave you idiots a way out.”

“And to this day we still regret it.” jokingly told a soldier.

Shaking his head, Cosmo joked blandly, “lucky you. I didn’t know what I was getting into, and here I am doing it anyways.” Then looked to Hayami, “at least we can go home now.”

As they began to move, Hayami said, “actually… I can’t.” Getting a look from the cat. “I owe a life debt and a honor debt.”

With a long look, Cosmo sighed, “okay.. I guess we aren't going home.” Then waved, “we’ll… figure out the details later Hayami. For now? Let’s get out of this deathtrap, preferably with everyone alive.”

“Hows the arm Pogo?” asked Parh as the mercs were currently moving...or in their case being utterly lost.

“Arm still hurts. My shoulder still feeling all the worse, even with bandages.” whined the dog, looking at his bandaged shoulder, forcing him unable to fight with his right arm as Amatha sighed.

“Damn. Death’s Gambler still got a good aim.” the griffon furrowed her brows. “But seriously, how could he weaponise train spikes of all things?”

“Its Death’s Gambler, remember?” dryly reminded the horse as he was leading them to a better way out. “His mind is as chaotic and insane as the sands themselves."

Amatha nod a bit, as they were moving in silent before she told. “We were too unprepared.” getting looks as she went on. “Even more since Cosmo was somehow got left behind.” letting out a sigh as she said. “Guys’ annoying as Tartarus, sure. But he’s a damn effective fighter.”

Kar snorted, but didn’t disagree, as he heard Pogo whined. “Really wish we had Krev and Slash. They were good at their jobs. Could’ve easily handle the Gambler and bag him when we first saw him.”

Parh added in exasperation. “And never asked annoying questions all the damn time.”

They all let out a collective sigh. It was too bad the guy ditched them, but they had to live with it. If Cosmo wasn’t such a curious and sometimes annyong smart aleck? Then he would of been a perfect replacement or possible upgrade. Clever, fast, effective, to the point and hard to kill. Being a Herno that lived with a Kitsune clan? That was just icing on the top.

But as they stormely thought over these things, they all heard something. “Easy now, we won’t be getting out all at once.” And they made a turn, eventually stopping at some balcony and looking down.

Not that far below was a large group of people. It looked like an expedition with all the tools and gear. And slowly, carts were being filed through a hall. “One at a time, one at a time. Take the biggest findings first.” This being said by some pincoat of a cat directing the large group. “Volunteers? Line up other there, and we can see about dealing with the bigger issue at hand.” Making a number nod and separate off.

“Oh thank the gods, other people.” muttered Parh, as Kar called out.

“Hey, got anything for wounded?”

Eyes turned, and while none recognized those above, the noble called up, “We do indeed!” And seemed to direct, “you four, get a stretcher. You, get out the medical supplies.” Snappy order getting out as a few fliers went to their task in getting a stretcher and flying up to the merc.

It was nice to finally have a bit of help. They first moved Pogo, before helping all the non-flyers get down and join the people below. All the while the odd noble organized the chaos. Many leaving, but a few oddly staying. It was as the four rested near a cart with a pony helping Pogo, that the cat walked up to them.

He looked at the truest part of a noble. Walked like one, and dressed like one. They were sure his cloth’s coast more than most pay they ever got in any one job. He eyed them each, and smiled while lifting his tophat up, “salutation. I wasn’t expecting anymore people to be here, what an unexpected surprise indeed for an archaeological dig.”

“We weren’t expecting anyone here ourselves.” spoke Kar. “I’m Kar, this is Parh, Amatha, and the one there is Pogo. We got lost after loosing our bounty. The guy been slippery, even more so when that damn mouse summoning demon showed up.”

“A mouse you say?” Asked the now interested Noble. “Do tell.”

Snorting harshly, Kar told. “Yeah, some mouse appeared helping our bounty with some brat, came in with a fox and a griffon with a gnoll. Showed up out of nowhere.”

“It would’v been easier if we gotten the book out of that girls hand, it would get us an upper hand in capturing him at last.” added Parh.

Humming to this, the noble eyed them and spoke, “I think I know what sort of book you’re talking about.” Grabbing all their attention. “I’m a historian, believe it or not. I’m fascinated by history, and you must be talking about the Alumina, book of endless knowledge, am I correct?”

Blinking, the GRifoness asked, “yeah… how’d you know?” A little surprised the cat was so fact to figure this out.

“Well, you see.” began the cat, “that mouse has one too.” Making all of them perk. “And this girl… I think I know who she is too. How curious that both are here.” Stroking his chin in thought. And after a moment, looked to them and smiled. “How about an offer and deal for your troubles, friends?”

“What sort of offer are you bringing up?” Kar asked with crossed arms.

“Simply this.” Spoke on the noble with a raised finger. “I had an escort of troops. But they were cut off during our escape from something quite nasty and now are lost in the runes.” And gestured behind him. “I am in the process of sending out my excavation and research teams out to safety. But they are hardly all fighters, only a rare few can. I and those few, are going back to get our fellows and also try and stop some foul magic form going rampant.”

Then went on, “my offer is that your fellow goes with my people, get more proper medical help while you three stay with me. We try getting your bounty, I pay you a hefty sum of bits-- how about 1,200 bits for your troubles, and if we come across one of those books? You can have it.”

“Deal.” spoke Kar with a wide grin as while it wasn’t able to be at the hieght of Death’s Gambler bounty-- it was good enough. Plus, they could have the book to finally defeat and capture him! The minotaur knew agood deal when he see one as he asked. “So, where too boss?”

Smiling, their contractor told, “for now? We wait for my people to safely get out.” Then thought and spoke, “Alakia.” Making a Horse by a carriage lookup. With a motion of his hand, he told, “please get those special arms out. I believe our new friends will need an edge.” Then smiled to the Mercenaries, “I am Sir Semor. And please, take the arms I’m giving as… extra confiscation for your work. They’re made to kill undead, so choose wisely.”

Nodding, Kar told. “Alright, Parh, Amatha, lets go. We got work to do.” moving to get these ‘special arms’ to assist their new boss and cut through the undead. While Kar took a large hammer, Amatha grab a blade as she examine it, Parh however didn’t took much except for a knife. Mostly as he would be using his magics to fight more than anything else. But he figure it didn’t hurt to prepare.

Once done and making sure Pogo would behave, did the rest of the group leave. Semor having sent a few volunteers he felt too under-prepared, back with the rest. Leaving them, the cat and three ponies, mostly unicorns and one pegasus.

Nodding, Semor motioned for them to follow and back into the deeper parts of the city. And thankfully, they were fairly quiet. While they ventured in, and made a few turns to delve deeper, they encountered their first horde of undead. Something that the merenaris went to take on and for two? Test their new weapons. Which did remarkably well, seeming to sear the flesh right off or in Kar’s case? Make the body burst to bits.

Semor iddily followed, not making a move to help, his colleagues adding a spell or two. But for the most part, they seemed to act as a support and watch the backs of the three fighters. With a critical glance around, Semor told, “next left, up the ramp. Watch your heads, there may be archers.”

Nods were given, as Amatha move to fly upwards, heading up to the ramp to their left as Kar and Parh move as the griffoness checked over and quickly slash into an archer, the head was cut seamlessly as the griffoness made short works as she call out. “Archers removed!”

“Don’t go too far ahead, Amatha!” told Parh, as he used a spell to see if he could detect more of these undead. “We still have a long way to go!”

“I’ll be fine!” assured the griffoness.

Chuckling, Semor remarked to the horse, “strong head on that one.”

Parh snorted. “Oh yes.” moving along with their new employer as he said. “I just want to get this whole thing over with, go home and be thankful we don’t need to chase after that damn striped anymore.”

Semor gave a nod and soon eyed the book, asking, “spell book I take it?” Making the horse glance up as the cat said, “I tend to learn a thing or two. That’s a archanic charm book, isn’t it? A third ranking one from what I can tell. Fairly advance for it’s field.” Then seemed to guess, “Destruction based magics?”

“Destruction, a bit of claryviounces.” admit the horse. “I’m lucky I got this one, these books are hard to gain in Arabia.”

Nodding and eyes tracing over the page he was on, Semor said, “trying to figure a way to spot the undead I take it?” Smiling as he reached into a pocket of a small bag and got out a slip of paper and some pencils. Then he asked, “if I may?” motioning to the book while adding, “you three, be ready to cover. I’m about to give our new friend a little edge so we survive this.”

“Sure thing.” “got it.” Came a few responses while Semor looked to the horse.

It was with some reluctance he closed and handed it over, the cat putting the paper on the hard cover and making some runic symbol. It was a bit slow, and Parh had to watch two unicorns not his same level of skill do their best to support his cohorts.

But after a while, Semor handed it back, back to the page he was at and telling, “here, try that.” Making him look down… and nearly widen his eyes. Almost going between the new array and the scrying spell he had-- and looking at them? They could blend with the other to work!

“Oh…” spoke Parh as he began blending the magics as to find the undeads, it was a surprise for him to see them in his vision as he soon told. “Theres a few just ahead to our left, a bit to our right, and a couple just standing to the far left. They don’t seem to be moving...or noticed us just yet.”

Semor smiled, nodding to himself and kept walking. This would surely work for them.

The whole trip was a slow one, but it was done effectively. They had to take a few breaks, but after enough searching? They found a room of many treasures and artifacts. While a few wanted to take the gold? Semor suggested they be picky since they could not pick up everything and carry it out. Much less while fighting for their lives.

So, they nitpicked and with a bit of careful looking around, found a few nice things. Semor made no fuss about a few gems or pieces of gold the mercs took, only saying that ‘they earned a bit of something’, and left it at that. They even caught sight of some undead trying to sneak out with an artifact that Semor was fast to take.

It was while he was examining it and thinking over which way they had to go… was when they heard running and loud bangs. They all turned and right on time, see three people rush in, one casting spells, another tossing a knife and one firing a gun. It was after something ‘died’ the three turned, and stopped.

A very tense air dropped between them, and it was Kar that said, “there he is!” Readying his gun for a fight.

The Faun in turn glanced and called, “the artifact!” Pointing at Semor that took a slight step back and ready to pocket it. But instead of getting there, the Faun wiped her staff out, whispering something. Semor felt his arm jerk, hand trying to hold on but it slipping as it flew--

He wiped his other hand out, wand flicking as the small stone bowl with golden enbrotherment fell and clanked to the side. Dejen took aim and to his shock, Semor seemed to just vanish once he made the shot. But that wasn’t the end. Dejen turned and dodged, magic flying by from Parh, who then tried to single out Farin.

In turn the Faun used an illusion spell from her Light Gem, making illusionary copies scatter and run around. One tried to reach the pedestal, but the thing clanked and flew off, a unicorn holding it before having to jump back with a yelp-- Umbra somehow closing the distance and even swiping it before running.

Both Dejen and Farin, upon seeing this, ran for it and tailed Umbra. Semor told rather quickly, “after them!” Rushing with mercenaries and his team-- he and Parh both casting barrier spells to block a few incoming bullets as they ran up one ramp, and to the many bridges.

As they ran, Farin told to her allies, “get ready to jump!” And cast a spell, runes marking the floor as she rushed ahead and took the lead, leaping from one place-- and remarkably landing on another bridge overhead. Dejen and Umbra traded looks, but followed her-- runic circle dissipating afterwards.

Face scrunched, Semor told, “we need to bring them down.”

“I got it!” Told the other unicron, a powerful spell charging to high levels before firing right up.

One long trip of running halls, fighting undead and saving a few lives-- Cherv had to say that they were making progress. If it was good progress, he wasn’t sure. But they were making it. They were now at the many bridges place, meaning they had to be getting close to the exit.

Looking back, Cherv had to admit, for an odd herno that was a bit laidback? Cosmo wasn’t half bad. Sure, a smartmouth and liked to ask questions-- but the guy had a good head on his shoulders. Hayami too, as innocent as she seemed when speaking to his fellows.

Though as they walked, they heard a blast and looked up-- Cosmo being the first to tell, “move!” And rather quickly pushed Hayami back, Cherv doing the same to one of his troops-- before the stone from some bridge hit their place. Both having to back away from the group, as it caused the bridge to crack and break apart. They both jumped away and landed on the other side, scrambling even to not fall with the crumbling stone.

Then two bodies fell near them. Bodies that Cosmo and Cherv recognized. And in turn, Umbra and Dejen picking themselves up and glad for Farin for casting a spell to protect them from the fall, got up and noticed the two. For a moment they were stunned quite, but just as quickly were arms were brought up. Dejen took aim, Umbra slipped out knives, Cherv ready his weapon and Cosmo got into stance. Chaos broke loose moments later.

“There you are, you damn fox!” shouted Cherv, as Umbra began tossing knives as to keep Cherv away, but she had to dodge from the Herno as the Striped fired from the hip as his palm pull down the hammer to fire rapidly at the two. Trying to shoot at the knees or shoulders as he didn’t focus too much on aiming with how close they were as Dejen reloading and told in irritation.

“I don’t have time for this shit!” not liking the fact not only was that annoying Herno was here-- but also this Cherv guy. Even worse it seem Farin wasn’t with them, so the two had to try to run in whatever direction they could to avoid being captured. Or at least, try to escape without being put down.

“Damn you Umbra!” shouted Cherv as the vixen was quickly dodging the minotaur axe, using her assassin blades to try to injure him, but the soldier was quick to move back.

“Where’s a exit when you need one?” muttered Umbra as she try glancing back, but had to keep focus on the fight.

“Focus on surviving, Umbra, these guys aren’t going to let us go!” told Dejen. As he toss a knife at the Herno.

It annoyed him that with a swinging arm up the cat deflected the thing, but also went as far to spin close to force Dejen to dodge back before catching that knife and move in. Blade now in hand, the cat danced close to Dejen, trying to get him, while also taking a moment to turn and fling it at Umbra.

As she came close to getting Cherv’s back to maybe slow him up, she found a need to back when a knife struck near her feet, making her back away. The herno went back to Dejen, ducking at one shot, rolling at the other side from the next and jumping over at the third to land behind the striped.

Spinning, Dejen flick his wrist to stab the cat with his hidden blade as the cat reacted with an arm again, blade hitting something solid under that sleeve. Dejen jump back as he fired from his hip to the cat, feeling the gun being empty he slam a smoke bomb at his paws, using this as a quick means to reload as his hands moved fast to have a full hand. But when the smoke cleared? The cat was gone as Dejen went on alert as he mentally thought. Alright, where are you damn cat?

Then he heard it, Umbra giving out a shout. He turned and felt part of his mind just dumbfounded, the herno somehow slipped past him and had gone to help Cherv-- and done so while taking her completely off guard. Umbra, once having an advantage now found herself struggling in a headlock from the cat, Cherv ready to shout rights-- thought the cat warned, “Cherv, back!” making the minotaur turn to Dejen.

Firing at the minotaur, Cherv had barely enough time to move back, feeling something nicking his cheek as he grit his teeth as he shouted. “Fuck!” glaring at Dejen as he said. “I don’t know who you are, but you’ll pay for that!”

Dejen spun his gun as he saw Umbra moving her arm to try to stab the cat in the face as he moves his face, which allowed Umbra to move her leg to try to kick him in the balls before feeling something hard instead, causing her to hiss. “Fuck, that hurts!”

Dejen aim to the minotaur, but Cherv moves out of the way as he knew the danger as it gave him a clear shot of Cosmo. Umbra manage to get out by getting a grip to flip him, while the cat lands, she see’s Dejen aiming as she ducks as Dejen fired his magical shot to Cosmo.

It was a moment much too late and the shot made contact. Hayami, having been extremely busy with trying to find a way around with the soldiers, only then caught the sight of the fight’s combatants in full. Her heart went cold, cat flying forwards and taking a bad tumble near the bridges end.

She saw Dejen on the other side, looking surprised as Cosmo got up slowly with a groan, but readied his gun and pulled the trigger. While in those same moments, Cosmo spotted her and the troops, before looking at Dejen during those scant seconds. He didn’t dodge and for a second time, got shot as a burst of sparking purple like shards or dust-- it was hard to tell, flew from where he was shot and made him fall over the edge.

That was when Hayami screamed out and had to be grabbed by the troops during her sudden want to rush forward and reach for the Herno, “COSMO!”

Dejen pause and look in shock. “Wait, thats Cosmo!?” Looking utterly shocked and taken aback as he thought Cosmo was a Kitsune-- not a Herno!

He didn’t had time to register this much, as he felt himself slam against the ground as Cherv press his weapon against Dejen throat as the minotaur shouted. “You’re under arrest for murder, scum!”

“Dejen!” called out Umbra, moving to jump on Cherv back and forcing him off with his horns, but with a great rage in him, Cherv move a hand and grip Umbra by her neck, surprised filled in her as she was flung to the side, she managed to land on her feet, but felt herself still by magic, glancing to see a unicorn on the other side of the bridge holding her still as she was immobilized.

Dejen felt the metal against his neck as Cherv questioned. “Got anything to say, scumbag?”

Although Dejen glance up and look in alarm as he shouted. “Bridge!” confusing Cherv, before looking up to see more falling bridge pieces as both sides were force to move, with Umbra free she moved as Dejen headbutt Cherv to escape as they saw a group of slow falling bridge-pieces coming down, where another fight was going on, spells flinging, people chasing a faun-- close enough stone bridges get broken and slowed with them as the Striped and fox had to regroup with Farin and fast.

When one of those slowly falling pieces came close, they took their chance and ran, leaping and landing on the slightly unstable stone that seemed to almost tetter at their weight. And while they went to join Farin, Cherv snorted and saw red. He looked at another stone passing by slowly enough and went for it.

Many troops understood what he was doing and rushed for other stones, one having to pull Hayami along, the Kitsune once grief stricken, now looking angry as she rushed with them.

As they all jumped from piece to piece, a small item when flying and was now slowly floating along. All heard the faun shout, “Dejen, the artifact!” Though Semor’s pegasus pal flew by and snatched it, about to head back-- before yelping and spiraling as Umbra jumped, swiped and kicked them away to land on a bridge piece. She immediately found herself before a few troops that all charged for her.

Grabbing the artifact out of the pegasus grasp, she toss a smoke bomb at them. The vixen quickly move to jump and landing on a peice, the Striped joining her as Dejen called out. “Farin, we better have a way to get moving, we need to deal with the damn dog!”

“I know, I know!” Shouted the Faun, rushing to another piece of stone bridge, half steadying herself when it spun in place from something hitting it’s side. She looked up, watching as it spun, and Semor waiting at some nearby stone. She turned tail and ran, finding herself drifting further from Dejen and Umbra and jumped to another bridge--

“Farin?” Hayami spoke, half catching the faun.

Looking up, Farin said, “Haymai, thank god your--” and then noticed some of Cherv’s troops. Nevermind Hayami’s sexy concubine wear-- Cherv’s troops were there and eyeing her!

When shouts were going to be made, that’s when there was a burst of magic. Not from the group, but overhead. It washed over the whole area, many platforms of welled magic also making a pulse that reached out and washed over-- before touching the group’s area. Immediately, the ‘slow fall’ turned into a ‘speeding fall’. Everyone gave shouts and screams as they went faster and faster down.

A few fliers took wing and tried to grab a few people-- but there were far from enough. In a moment of panic and seeing the abyss below, Farin shoutted, “ravis, malai, karfail!” grasping her staff close and burst as much magic as she could-- their fall halted and all hung in place for a moment.

She opened her eyes, along with a few others, and looked about the black space they were in… and much to her dismay, felt her magic fade and they began to float downwards. Panicky, Farin announced, “we’re going to fall once the spells up!”

“Everybody fucking move!” shouted Dejen, as trying to move...although he shouted in irritation. “Damn it!” arms faliling at all the empty space-- swimming in air wasn’t working.

Umbra snarl in aggravation. “This ...is the worst way to die.”

“I won’t let you die until you face trial, thief!” shouted Charv as Dejen asked to Farin.

“Please tell me you have some magical bullshit way we can not die while falling down?”

Nervously looking about, Farin said, “I would-- but with…” Looking around at everyone, and knowing a few would like nothing more than to try and take her book.

Semor said in an oddly calm tone, even if it was a little breathy, “I think anything to survive is preferred at this point.” And looked down before up again before telling, “we’re pretty far down.” Then with a look down again, took his wand and flicked it, a magical light speeding downwards-- and showing a few structures in the darkness.

Quickly, Semor ordered, “you, Farin!” Getting her attention, “focus on the spell, recast it if you must, keep our decent slow!” Then told, “Parh, search your spells for anything that can produce light, we need eyes on a solid landing.” Then looked to the unicorns. “All unicorns, focus your magic together, we need to be pushed towards ground-- I don’t wish to find out what the bottom of a leyline has in store for us all.”

As Parh look through his books and soon mutter out a spell, with small balls of lights. The unicorns gather to focus their magic to slowly being push towards the ground, trying their best to remain focus while not thinking of falling to their deaths. Even those among Cherv troops did the same as Cherv call out to Umbra.

“Once we’re landed, you’ll be arrested!”

Before Umbra could retort, Dejen called out in irritation. “Are you fucking kidding me?!” getting abit of attention on him as he ranted on. “What's more important? Chasing after someone, or trying to stop a god-damn death city with an undead mage?! Because if you haven’t noticed, this place is probably near ready to start its bloody spree with the mage powering the thing up!”

“Can it!” One soldier shouted, “you’re making excuses, we;re not--”

“If you have half a mind to listen, then I suggest you use it to be silent!” Semor oddly snapped, making the soldier go quite. The cat breathed in and looked to Dejen to say, “continue. What do you mean by ‘bloody spree with a mage’?”

Snorting, Dejen told. “I don’t know if you guys notice-- but there's a diamond dog from the past, that's a bloody mage, that’s powering up this whole entire city! And guess what? This city is a fucking mobile dreadnaught! The moment its fully operational, its going to be used for three things. Conquering, taking all Arabia magics, and being a literal death machine as it’ll destroy everything in its path.”

“Not to mention.” put in Umbra as she gave a stink eye to the other's. “With that mage at the helm of this city, it’ll be a matter of time before everything is running up, didn’t you all notice everything being powered up? The moment he’s done checking things up, say goodbye, because this place will start to move and do what the residence of the city was planning to do like all Arabians. Conquer, enslave and be the new top dog.”

While a few stink eyes were given, Semor remarked, “well… now I understand why Milo is here.” Getting a few glances as the aristocat sighed, “always finding the possibly world ending events, that mouse does.” Then looked to the ground that was in sight and nearing.

“You’re not seriously believing them…” Spoke one of the ponies from the expedition.

“Milo’s involved.” Semor told simply, “I wouldn’t be surprised.” Then glanced to Farin to add in, “and while I almost detest the thought? We might actually have an issue on our hands.” Then hummed in thought, slowly their feet, paws or hooves touching solid ground. And while Cherv looked ready to tackle Umbra or Dejen, Semor spoke, “I think their story makes sense."

Cherv turn around and nearly shouted. “What?!” looking to Semor as he told. “This is my chance, to get one of the Misfits and to arrest a criminal affiliated with them!”

“Dude, we just met!” told Dejen in irritation. “I don’t know who you are, who these ‘Misfits’ are, but what I do know, is that unless you want to let this mage continue his plan?” snorting harshly as he look to everyone as he told. “Then we have to force ourselves to work together for the time being to deal with the giant city we’re currently in.”

Many looked ready to argue with that, but Semor told, “stop and look up.” Making them look at him. “Look. Up.” And slowly, they did. And once they did, they almost stopped. Semor joined them and from the position they were at? They could see the glow of the city and it’s many runes. But most of all, how the bridges were set, how the upper spaces were made-- it looked like some giant support pad, with what looked to be the larges reverse-gravity runes anyone had ever seen-- if they knew their magic.

Semor finished, “evidence enough for you all?”

“....Thats alot more bigger than I thought.” comment Dejen.

“Same.” agreed Umbra, as she look down and said. “Regardless, Dejen’s right. Unless you want to waste all of our time and let this mage set out his plans? We’ll need to sabotage the entire city to ensure he won’t be able to do a single thing.”

And before Cherv could speak up as Umbra told. “You remember back in Trottingham?” making him look to her as she said. “As while the Misfits caused a lot of crimes, we protected the people and stop that whole demonic thing that happen? If it wasn’t for us, there would be a demonic hoard all over the world. You know as much as you hate this-- we’re right.”

Cherv let out a harsh snort of hot air, then asked in irritation. “What do you have in mind, thief?”

“Well first off,” said Dejen as he glanced up to the large runes. “We’ll need to handle that.” then look down as he went on. “We also need to spread out and sabotage anything that looks important. More stuff we break? More issues will come up in the city."

Rolling his eyes, Semor told, “‘just break it’, isn’t going to stop something of that size. We need to know targets. Such as it’s main power, propulsion-- things that allow it to function properly.” Then added while looking about, “won’t matter if we can’t get up there. We’re miles down now and no clue how to climb up.”

Farin made a face, and reluctantly got her book out. A few eyes looked her way, and she protectively hugged it to herself. Though when gentle hands rested on her shoulders, she glanced to see a very stern-faced Hayami. The Kitsune glaring at them to try something.

Sighing, Fairn told, “I have directions.” Going on to add, “I might be able to find a way for us to get back up. But I need a moment to read over my notes, and that might take a while.”

Nodding, Dejen said. “Do what you can Farin.” then look to the other's, “Now, how about you all wait over there, leave Farin be and just don’t anything stupid.”

“Who made you the leader?” question one of the researchers in aggravation.

“Considering the fact that we told you about the city being a world-ending thing, and considering I’m trying to get everyone working together? I think I have enough experience under my belt to be the leader.”

One of the soldiers was about to say something, but Parh told lowly to everyone. “Its best if you listen to him.” gaining looks as the horse admit. “Its not ideal...but it's better if we let Death’s Gambler take charge. His luck knows no bounds and if he’s in charge? We might make it all out alive.”

Looks of doubt were had, and Farin, sure that no one would be after her or her book, sat down and opened it. Pages flipping as she began her search for answers. Mostly those that Camous put down for her. And really, they were complex.

While she silently read and poured over the text, everyone became fairly quiet and spoke lowly to the other. Dejen looked over everyone, and while Hayami seemed to stay near Farin for the faun’s safety? She also had the most venomous glare possible pinned his way.

Ugh...yeah...I probably deserve that… letting out a breath as he knew she hated him right now. He did potentially killed Cosmo...who he just now found out was a Herno of all things.he had a feeling she might pull away her debts to just kill his ass. Not that he wouldn’t deserve it, but he had a feeling there was going to be some...choicy words if they manage to get out of here alive.

Umbra glance to the sight of the vixen glaring at Dejen as she ask lowly. “Should I ask why she’s glaring at you?”

“Turns out that Herno? Was from the same village she’s from...and her love interest.” told Dejen as Umbra wince and said.

“Oh…” glancing to Hayami as she said. “Yeah… now it makes sense…” she recalled how vendectic a kitsune can get, mostly from Ai.

She still recall how Ai kicked some wannabe assassin after nearly killing Sicarius and proceeded to hang them by their balls and leave them there like that for a couple of days. She had a good feeling Sicarius did his damn best to keep Ai on her good side with him. Mostly to avoid such a thing like that.

It made them fall into an odd silence, mostly trying to work over what to be done. It was during this time they all heard a rumble, and glanced up to see the runes flash and slowly… the structure moved. Farin looked up with alarm, and so did others as some began to flake off and fall.

“Barriers, now!” Semor ordered, his wand up and ready with magic being cast. Farin followed, staff in hand again and casting, unicorns following-- each one adding to the barrier spell to guard from the falling stone.

Dejen cursed as when the barriers were brought up in time, seeing them crashing down against the barrier, sliding around it as there were large impacts as Umbra was quick to say. “What the hell just happened?!”

“Either the dog is moving the city into its final stages-- or he probably notice us. Either way, its not good.” told Dejen as they couldn’t really do anything, but hope those with magic could hold the barrier until the stones stopped dropping on them.

They all watched with trepidation as slowly, it got further up. Going higher and higher before light filtered in. a few flinched, but once it was high enough, it slowly moved to one side, daylight shining down and stones no longer falling. The barrier was let down, and all looked on.

“Well… that can’t be good.” They heard, and turned to whoever said that. They, none more so than Dejen, were a little wide-eyed to see Cosmo on some ruble. The Herno had a hand on his side that looked to be bleeding, and was very slow to get himself down.

One of the soldiers said in shock, “you’re alive!?”

Smiling, Cosmo told, “nine lives.”

“Oh shit…” spoke Dejen as he didn’t knew if he should be glad that Cosmo was alive-- or shocked that Cosmo survived his magical shot, either way he glance to see Hayami as he knew she was shock as well, probably happy the damn cat was alive.

And he was right, he watched her run, shouting out his name-- Cosmo seemed to half a hand up and rush, “wait, wait, wait-- AGH!” Face normally calm contorting to something akin to pain as she again to everyone’s sight, hug him tight and cry-- if not more violently. Face pulling into a tight form of pain, Cosmo patted her back and coraked, “I’m fine. Everythings… fine..”

Farin looked on, but said with a shake of her head, “Dejen?” Getting him to look. “We need to get after that city.”

Letting out a breath, Dejen nodded as he looks to Umbra, who moved up to Cosmo and Hayami as she took out a potion and Umbra said as she offered the green bottle towards Cosmo. “Here, it might not be much, but it’ll help with the pain, maybe heal up that wound too.” Hayami only glaring and hug Cosmo more, his face contorting into minor discomfort as Umbra told flatly. “Look, this’ll help him, and while I’m sure you wish to keep close to him? He’s not going to be able to move much with his wounds-- or you squeezing the life out of him, Hayami.”

She flattened her ears to that and loosened her grip-- but soon asked a question that dumbfounded Umbra. “Is it magical?” Making the black vixen try and comprehend what was asked. Sure, it was a potion, but magical? And after a thought, Umbra admitted it was partially magical with how fast it could heal people… but why did that matter?

“Partially magic.” admit Umbra. “Its a mixture of natural herbs and bits of magic to help heal wounds faster.”

Making a face, Hayami told, “then it won’t work.” Again, Umbra confused why the vixen would refuse the help. “Magical things don’t work for Cosmo-kun.” Making the Herno sigh a bit.

Looking surprised, Umbra glance to Cosmo and to the potion in hand, as she let out a breath and move to pocket the potion away and in turn took out a roll of bandages and some ointment. “Then this is the best I can give. It’s not much, but it’ll less the wound pain and keep it from bleeding more.”

Hayami still watched sharply but was slow to nod while holding a hand out-- expecting to be given the needed things. Cosmo rolled his eyes and told. “I already dressed the wound, it just achs.” Though at her glare, he shrugged, “alright, fine.” And once he was let go, began to undo his shirt to get it off.

While he got his shirt off and gave both a good look to see there was indeed a bandage there? It was only done so well. Possibly due to having to do it himself. Hayami sighed and began to undo the od wrappings and work on treating the wound. All the while, Umbra could hear some arguing of what to do.

She felt annoyed by it, and from Semor’s shout of ‘ENOUGH!’ he was just as annoyed. While they were trying to organize themselves, a very slight shadow overcasted them all. When they looked up, they saw a ship-- no where near the size of the city, but it was still a very big ship. It was then that Dejen’s radio crackled. “D*jen. D**en, can y** **re us?” Rah-Rah’s voice spoke.

Rasing up his walky, Dejen told. “I’m here, Rah-Rah. If you’re able to hear me, the city is a magic sucking death-trap. Its going to be operational soon and there’s too much interference.”

“Re**at? M**ic city ******** trap?” Mercy voice spoke in, as Dejen snorted in irritation.

“Damn magic causing interference!”

“M***ic inter***ence?” was all Gem spoke in utter confusion before there was a large amount of static.

Farin gave a long look up, and quickly got out a paper from her bag, writing something and even making a circle on the back. As Dejen tried to again convey a message, Farin finished and let it be. Again it folded into a bird, and took off as it fluttered it’s way up high.

Dejen paused and watched it as it flew, and decided to wait. Even if static voices tried to speak to him. But after a moment and with many eyeing the ship unsuredly, did a bay door open and what look like a few ships come out and head down.

They watch as the ketch ships were coming downwards, heading down to their position as their lights activated, moving around to try to find them, before stopping at the group as he heard a voice call out. “Found him!” the Ketch ships slowly came down as it was Gem that landed the first ketch ship as she asked.

“Mind repeating what you said about some interfenece?”

Dejen jab a thumb to Farin. “She can explain it better than I can.”

Letting out a breath and picking up her book, Farin told, “we’re by leyline and it was causing interference.” Then told, “but no time for that, we need to keep moving.” Pointing towards the now large hole they were standing in. “A large city-sized dreadnought’s off flying and probably looking for the first city to conquer! We need to stop it before it causes a huge upset.”

“Shit.” said Gem as she look over the group and asked. “Alright, whats the plan?”

Dejen soon told. “Everyone get inside the ketchs, we’re heading to the Innovation.” A hand motioned around as more of the ketchs drop down to let the group enter in as he told. “We don’t got much time as Farin said. Its do or die in putting the city down.”

Hayami didn’t look pleased, but aided Cosmo in getting up and helped him over to the nearest Ketch. Farin packed up and while Cherv began to eye the ketches with uncertainty, Semor told, “can you spare time to drop the Captain at his ship?” Going on, “your battleship is nice… but we’re going to need extra help, and he has a high-grade destroyer at his command. I myself need to return to my own people and report this to the Equestrian monarchy if this gets out of hand.”

“Fine.” said Dejen as he order to two of the pilots in two other ketchs. “Pop, Tena!” talking to the two disguised changelings as ponies as he said. “Get these lot to their own ship and head straight back to the Innovation asap.” Both of them nodding as he turn to ask to Gem. “Did you heard from Debt recently?”

“No, he’s usually with you.” told Gem as she look over as she asked. “Where in tartarus is that gnoll?”

Sighing Dejen said. “He’s probably still with Milo somewhere…” Shaking his head as he said. “In either case, we gotta get moving.” already moving to get onto the ketch, as Umbra moved to ride with the Striped, as while she would prefer to go find Milo and the other's? Something told her it wasn’t going to be easy on foot. So she might as well catch a ride and see if she can get into contact with them.