[IC] Dead topic.

[CAS1006]

Cassius rubbed his temples at what was going on in front of him. "Hitori, did you really have to grow that out of your body? I could have went with you outside and helped you grow... that more naturally in the laws of nature way..." He did not understand the need for what he did... Rest would have sufficed for the night. Fortunately Garnet was having an easy time resting despite laying on just a robe. Granted she was dressed in players.

Cassius took a breath before turning around... Randy was in caring hands, but not before Cassius swiped a key from his pocket. "Kept it as I asked... Good of you." He gave the Engineer a soft caring hug. Boss to him or not, Cassius cared about those he worked with unconditionally to an extent. He looked to the chest that were brought back... and he found the red oak. Yes, it was exactly what he was looking for. Everything he was needing. He crouched down to unlock it before pulling out a small sack carrying metallic balls. He pulled out what was certainly more advanced than any Alexandrian arsenal... "Perfect." Cassius muttered as he gripped the weaponry... And just then.

"So, brought your own luggage... Looks expensive..." Blank was peering down at Cassius, going as far as to take his helmet.
"Yuup... For you simpletons... This is just an upgraded crossbow to you. But for those in R&D... This is a Prototype Rifle. A Ballistic weapon also refereed to as a 'Gun'." He pointed it to Blank and gave a teasing smile.

"Heh. You can ease up on the insults. I just stated it looks expensive..." He surprisingly did not seem upset.
"I... I'm sorry, it really was uncalled for of me. I'm just... not used to being around..." Cassius held his hand in front of him, index finger extended, wrist twirling.

"You can just say 'Socially awkward'. Though... You must be intelligent to work on that..." He crouched down.
"Well.... I did not work on it. I was told to take it if I feared... Anything would happen..." Cassius exhaled.

"Well. You must be fearful if you are taking it with you. Though... Seeing as you never been outside of Lindblum... I can see why you'd take it. Especially around me." Blank grinned.

"I could riddle you with holes if I were a sadist..." Cassius retorted.
"Whoa! I am just saying it is okay to be fearful of strangers!" Blank held both hands up, shaking them around... And then Cassius broke into light laughter, the rifle lowering down.

Blank found himself grinning once again... His reactions amused him greatly.
"You know? You're funny. It isn't the 'City' folk thing either. For lack of better words... Your responses are cute. Childish. Yet you speak with a rational tone and mindset... even with the questionable choice of words... I can see why Baku thinks you'd fit in here... With time of course. After all this... Princess business... Why don't we go... on adventures? Like... Now."

Cassius found himself placing his helmet on himself, further hiding expression... though Blank could see his eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I rather stay where I am needed... And speaking of needs..." Cassius stood up before walking over to the middle of the cabin like room, going as far as to stand on the table... oh the improper nature...

"Attention everyone. With your leader asleep, and drunk, I suggest we wait rationally, sleep and get whatever rest you can. Eat your rations sparingly. Talk a bit... But do not... waste your energy if you can help it... I repeat. Eat, rest, and then we move on. Tonight is the safest we will be for a long while... Not... everyone is going to make it..." Cassius felt his eyes somewhat wondering to Blank, maybe the shadows would conceal that...

[LookingGlass]

"Oh He'll be fine, I assure you the Flavor is no different from Strawberries. Besides we needed to be quick and I just...really don't feel comfortable outside with the Mists. Besides it's going to help him in the long run, it was packed full of essential vitamins and minerals." Hitori assured Cassius, "I know the Growing process is not pretty but it really will help you." Hitori told Randy to try and make him feel a little better about having to eat the Fruit.

Hitori, satisfied with Randy's condition made his own wound less noticeable and consumed the Vine to regain any left over energy back to help himself heal. Hitori still wasn't quite sure how to assess everyone properly and decided it would probably be better to find a corner and curl up. He cradled Ada and spoke to him, "They are an interesting bunch aren't they Ada? They are contradictory and flighty and strange to me but maybe these ones are mine....I'd like to think they could be. Still I feel they aren't quite keen on me just yet Ada. Do you think I'm being silly Ada?"

Ada Warbled something about Hitori being an Over-grown White Fluffball who over thought things but if they really wanted to get to know these people then Hitori should just wait till they came to him since it would probably intimidate them less. Hitori smiled at Ada, "You really have good advice for a Ghost Doll sometimes, you know that Ada?" Ada Huffed and pretended to pout while secretly enjoying Hitori's Compliment.

[Silver Fox]

Karn sighed at her laid out Boss before clicking her ear towards the exsoldier's question. Turning her emerald gaze outside, the feline have a soft hum thoughtfully. "It isn't great to stay too long in this forest. Though there are some particular ways around it, eventually the Mist will invade here as well. Monsters will eventually start rummaging about as well. However, we do need a break. Get a quick rest in before moving out. And attempt to not piss off the forest. Things don't go well if you do. Anyways, Boss is too shitfaced to give any proper orders." the blonde said before she turned her gaze to look at one of the other surprise guests that ended up on the Prima Vista.

Cocking her left eyebrow as he politely greeted the two females of the group in a mannerly fashion. Her calm expression looked at him for a moment before starting to speak in a straight face. "Sorry, need to conserve whatever energy I have before getting comfortable and warming your bed. Maybe later at a inn." she said before flashing a bemused smirk as she shrug her shoulders before dropping her crossed arms and reaching her right hand and casually patted the top of his slightly bowed head.

"Nice to meet ya Buddy ol' mine. Names Karn, part of this dastardly crew consisting of the guy here who pigged out on brandy is my Boss, Baku just in case the lout didn't get a chance to introduce to himself. And the rest of the crew with blind Blank over there. Beerbelly Cinna the engineer, Softy Marcus, Nanny Ruby whom we maaaay or maaaay not left behind, and the brothers Benero and Zenero aaaaand space cadet engineer Randy over there aaaaaaand the others who don't need a introduction cause they just play tunes all day." The blonde said with a smirk as her emerald gaze glanced sideways as she watched one of her crewmates who usually plays the violin flip her off. Pressing the tip of her right pair of fingers to her lips, she blew him a kiss.

"Love ya too Abby." The feline said as she snapped her fingers and pointed the extended index fingers toward her crewmate as the end result of the snapping fingers before dropping them and using a hand to point her thumb at Wylde.

"Oh, and this fine lady is Wylde. She's new to the whole.... kidnap the princess, run for our lives, and crash in the Evil Forest with monsters wanting to eat our faces party. Be nice everyone!" The Demi-Human said, mostly directed with the rest of the crew with some taking some curious glances. Sensitive ear flicking as she heard one of them whisper.

"We got two real girls now and we have no idea where that bucket is. Hope things don't get messy. Least Karn doesn't count--- OW!!!" A Horse Demi-Human murmured before getting hit square in the nose by a pebble Karn had casually flicked with her thumb.

"A+ guys in knowing what exactly to say to a girl. Sure you the next time you try to pony up that group of ladies back home will go over real well with your elegant words." Karn said sarcastically before her ears perked at what the crossdresser said and she flicked her emerald gaze to him at his words. Her expression was the calm neutral, expressionless, though her golden tail flicked a little from side to side, slightly arched upward and curling a bit. A annoying factor of Demi-Humans was their more animalistic side that betrayed the carefully placed walls.

"Apologies for our simpleminds that can't comprehend your toys. Indeed we are such foolish idiots who need guidance into 'proper' society." Karn said, her voice clear cut like a sword, unchanging in tone or range and remaining a calm monotone. She didn't sound angry or annoyed and her lips curved in a mild smirk. The feline wasn't particularly angry, he just hit a bit of a nerve with the way he just presented the weapon. A small grudge that was held against rich folk and people with status like the Princess sleeping soundly there. Logically, she knew better, but silly feelings will be silly she supposed.

When the Lumiyan got on the table, the feline's smirk grew and didn't hesitate to give a amused whistle. Any possible irking gone as her tail relaxed and just swayed from side to side. "Ooooo a table dancer too? What a treat." she mused before ears twitching as the Lumiyan explained. Her catlike eyes shined in the dark, following the crossdressers gaze over to Blank. The emerald orbs slightly narrowing but otherwise said nothing.

Rolling her shoulders, she lept up and landed on a fallen support beam above. Lying down on her belly against the hard wood with her head resting against her left arm while the right arm lazily draped over the side. Pupils large and wide to take in the darkness and watch those below while her ears twitched as she listened for anything abnormal. Emerald gaze closing, yet her ears still twitched. "Good luck getting comfy after getting wrecked." she mused with a slight amused chuckle.

[CadenGallic]

"Good heavens." Dren retracted and replaced his hat after the introduction. "Bed warming? I must surely at least buy you a drink first, madam." He retorted politely... inside however, he couldn't help but wince at what a fast talker this woman was. "And perhaps under more pleasant circumstances than the dingy insides of this ship wreckage."

He tipped his hat slightly at the other. "A pleasure, Miss Karn, Miss Wylde. Forgive me but I am a further mite curious... I seem to have gotten mixed up in this situation by mere happenstance so, I am unfamiliar on this whole... kidnapping a princess, thing. I mean, i've seen your 'boss' refer to her as a princess..." he glanced briefly over to the sleeping form. "But I must say, looks don't exactly relate to royalty if you catch my drift..." He more or less had this figured out by now, but he wanted to hear it from one of them. They were the potential terrorists after all.

[rivaan]

“Mind you, I've been in more than a few crash the ship in place where monsters want to eat you adventures... Nice to meet you all.” She said with a smile and made a slight elegant and theatrical bow with a smile, before raising an eyebrow, listening to the horse looking demi-human. Her hands nimbly moved over to her rapier, prepared to hit him with the hilt, but Karn acted faster. As the annoying sounding bugger was stuck, Wylde slowly relaxed her grip of the weapon as it fell back into the sheath completely.

She then sighed as she looked around, this seemed like nothing special going on. Probably such shaenanigans happened all the time in the crew. Nothing bad with that, her own colleagues back in her soldier days always did stupid things and would end up being reprimanded by the general.

As they were told to rest, Wylde quickly found the nearest wall, sat down and leaned on it. If nothing else it wasn't worse than riding in a box and it surely wasn't going to go through another crash. Yep... Ahh ground sweet ground~ For sleeping at least, that crash gave her quite the shocker.

“Hmmm?” She looked at Dren who was asking a very specific question.” Yep... that's her. Over there is sleeping Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII .” She confirmed, relaxing again on her place, eyes closed, but her rapier's was still in her hands, ready to be drawn out at any moment.” I used to be a guard in the castle years ago... I've seen her there. There is no mistake.” She said with a slight smile.” Wake me if something happens...”

[AwesomeZero5]

Randy continued to try and lie down on the floor for a few moments or two. He tried slipping away the fruit given to him moments ago into his fanny pack of sorts without being noticed. During this it seemed that Cassius had swiped out some sort of object from Randy’s pocket before giving him a hug. It felt rather awkward seeing as Randy was not feeling the best, mostly out of fear and fighting of nausea more than anything else that he could tell by this point. Simply he was hugged and rather made no other move yet. He would rather force out a smile. Quite unsure what was actually grabbed in the meantime and forgetting when it was put there, but he would rather not dwell on such at the moment. It seem Cassius left to go attend to something else afterward.

It seemed, things were rather dying down after Randy had lied down for a little bit. “Thanks.” He managed to quickly force out as Hitori had both given the fruit over and tried to make Randy feel better afterward. He had hoped that his little attempt at trying to slip the fruit away had gone rather unnoticed. Instead he simply lied there for a while and began putting his hands at the back of his head and starting upward.

Randy slowly sat up where he was resting having noticed Cassius climb upon a table in the center of the room. There was a following speech of sorts, which Randy felt rather uncomfortable about. Instead of resting, he wanted to get up rather soon and do more and mentioning of not everyone making it was rather uncomforting as well. He was rather unsure whether or not his legs worked yet, but pushed or rather dragged himself toward a corner. Perhaps he had been trying to rest too long and making something a bigger issue in his head than it was. He then tried to force himself to a standing position to check. Briefly looking toward Hitori in a bit of minor guilt.

[CAS1006]

Cassius did not much care for the girl's jest. She was not funny to him, but he expected nothing less of her thus far. Though... to her graces, he did not snap at her... He was merely tolerant. "Right... Goodnight...". He walked over to the left side of the wreckage where Hitori was more by, laying down with the rifle propped to his side. He was starting to show strain even though his mask.

"Master... You should rest and not pay them any mind... If you wanted to, you could have me burn this hovel to ashes... Yet I feel your impulses are waning... Ifrit chuckled.

"What is that supposed to mean...?" The Lumyian held his head.
"It means you are easily agitated. Though it is most amusing, your laughter and smile. You're not used to it... Though I can clearly see your fondness of them, those so free where you are held by an invisible chain..." The chuckling continued... In his mind, he saw the ball of flame grinning, even as far as nosing him. It was an awkward sensation. Was Ifrit trying to comfort his doubts? Or rekindle them?

"I have no idea what you're on about... But care to explain the point of your prattling?" Cassius expressed agitation as he laid back.

"What is there to elaborate? You're frustrated. You care about these people. You just don't want to admit you care past your 'Mission'. So do us both a favor and stop pretending. Even I don't like seeing this display of ignoring who you are on the inside... You act 'Polite' to 'Cold' to 'Business' like as they'd say from where you are from. But you just yearn for more just... like them. Albeit, not greedy as a thief. But give your life meaning. Now go rest... Even your mind is telling you, that you will be quite occupied... The flame seemed to subside as it was just embers now.

Who did Ifrit think he was...? The nerve of acting if he knew him better than he knew himself... Cassius groaned before laying on his side...

Night would pass as the mist would ease up, day was on their side, though the fog may be thin, it would not stay that way forever.

"Allllllllllllllllright! EVERYONE UP!" Baku yelled, his voice particularly booming.

There were several groans, Garnet however was one of the first up... As if instinct, she placed her robe on over herself.

Blank began to poke Cassius on the side, going as far to pick him up, as well as his gun. He casually walked over to Karn and set Cassius next to her general location.

"Oh. Goodmorning Ms.Loudmouth... For the record, an Morphic projection isn't cross-dressing. Now if I dressed like... Your friend near you... Then yes, I would be such..." Cassius exhaled before removing the helmet, rubbing his eyes.

"Heh... Always need to explain everything? Even she isn't that dumb ya know." Blank chuckled.
"No. But you are..." Cassius teased with a grin.
"Now who is being a jerk now?" Blank poked his shoulder.
"What is the saying... 'What comes around...Goes around.'?" Cassius grinned before poking Blank's arms with speedy dexterity, which prompted a chuckle from the pair.

"Hahaha! Look Karn! He is less uptight than we thought!" Blank grinned.

Garnet walked over to Randy and nudged him. "Good Morning. I hate to disrupt your sleep Sir. But everyone is getting ready to move out... Of here." It seemed as if she was searching for a practical phrasing. "Righht... Carry on..." Garnet began to twittle her fingers before poking Hitori awake. "Siiir... It is time to get up."

[Silver Fox]

Karn lightly slept, ears flicking and alert as she felt a familiar ache in her chest as morning neared. It was hard to sleep when that came around, but she still managed to get a little shut eye. When the Boss yelled, the feline snapped her emerald gaze open, her pupils mere slits like a cat. The thin black lines trembling as her ears perked a little more. Throat dry, chest tight and her breathing was slow, but her monotone expression didn't change as she calmly glanced down from her perch.

"Finally you're off your ass, Boss." The blonde said as she sat up and stretched a little. Glancing down lazily as the crossdresser attempted to correct her. "Doesn't matter. Still going to be called Crossdresser." Karn answered, her voice blunt and monotone. Part of it was she lost any sort of respect after yesterday of this stranger (though not like she had any for these strangers to begin with as she didn't really care), another was she just didn't feel well. So of course she wouldn't particularly care about corrections. It just made it more amusing when folks bothered with them.

Jumping down from her perch, the small demi-human landed neatly, holding back a wheeze. Glancing to Blank at his grin and gave a mild grin in return. "Guess your teaching him the ways of the moron with your amazing skills for a change. Good job buddy." she joked before quickly started rummaging around boxes and barrels. Managing to find some water, she grabbed a half broken mug and filled it up. Gingerly reaching into one of her pouches and pulling out a small vial of greenish liquid. Shaking it, she poured it into the drink, stirring it in with one of her fingers then gulping it down in one go.

Tossing the mug aside, she wiped her mouth with the back of her left hand as her ears twitched, opening her emerald gaze as they returned to normal and her breathing returned to a natural pace. Glancing toward the Princess as she attempted to get Bushy tail and the fox up. What a polite quiet way to do it. Turning her gaze on Wylde and the noble stowaway, the feline poked both of them in the legs with the toe of her boots.

"Hey! Time to get up. Wanna get out of this maneating forest right? With a bunch of plants with vines that lead to lots of seedy situations." Karn grinned a little.

[CAS1006]

Cassius somewhat glared at Karn. "Only if I could learn to be a bitch like you..."
"Whoa..." Blank grinned. "He got you, I didn't."

"Right. While she rummages through things, I am going to be outside, not part of your troupe anyways... Princess. We are moving out." Cassius scoffed at the girl. The amount of thought he exuded was wasted on her. Though, to him, she may as well be expendable.

"Annnnd where do you think you're going?" Baku blinked as he strolled over, many of the crew members were rummaging through essentials to expendables.

"Outside. I thought my voice was clear enough for you. So I'll say it again.-"
"No. I heard that. But with the Princess? On my Watch?"
"Yeah. Get over it. I am the guy that works under your employer... and the only one here with insight... So unless you all wish to die due to what I can easily see... than do everything I say."

Baku gave an amused laugh. "Kid, who's chain you trying to pull? You're a mouse against a bull."
Cassius pointed his rifle to him. "Not even worth the lead in this gun... But if you must know... I was going to clear the path to the spring... You ARE out of water... A healing Spring at that."

"Wait... How did you know that!? Were you snooping through our supplies!? Talk damn you!" Baku looked to the strolling Lumyian.
"Nope. Just saw it as I slept. All you need to know. You can have regular water that quenches thirst, or you can have a steady supply of rations that sustain even the gravest of injuries till you get to Lindblum... to which you will be compensated considerably... But maybe my thoughts are just a fart in the wind..." Cassius exhaled as he walked out through an opening.

Garnet really did not approve of what she heard... but a healing spring would be most helpful... Though she'd wait on Hitori... Yet she felt bad just leaving him to go alone.

"What a Bastard child..." Baku scoffed.
"Want me to go after him?" Blank blinked under his wraps.
"Ughh... Do what you will. There be much to prepare before we leave... That Spring does sound useful... But unsafe." Baku dismissed with a nod of his head.

Blank exhaled before looking back to Karn. "You have to piss everyone off? He might seem moody as all hell, but you're really not helping...Though... A Healing Spring does take priority over safety..." Blank once again let out a huff of air before hoisting his broad sword with him, a cutlass in the other hand... He looked down to see Cassius' helmet and sighed... he cupped it into his arm before making haste.

"Why do you get angered so easily?" Ifrit hummed.

"You know, you're nice and all. But I really rather not ponder it with you. In my work place, we never really act that way. This group is effecting me. And I just rather clear my head. Besides, I do need to test the product I am carrying...

"And? You can still try to make more pleasant bonds rather than leaving due to a misunderstanding."

"Okay. Let me play devil's advocate with you... Say I were to be friends with thieves and liars... Then what? Sure, I have 'Friends' big whoop...

"Wanna Fight about it? Fine... The benefit of compatriots means you have those to lean on... Even if they can seem... unsavory~. But it means you have allies... Those to rely on." Ifrit retorted.

Cassius scoffed before leaping into a tree... a Goblin was walking down what looked like a dirt path... As it walked past, Cassius dropped down, round housing it's neck onto the tree, effectively breaking it's neck.

"Venting frustration on a creature? Pfff... Pitaful."
"Oh my god, Shut up Ifrit. Seriously. I am just clearing the path to the springs. But to answer your question, I feel quite capable of protecting myself. My job is to get the Princess to the Regent. They are not essential... And- His thought was interrupted at Blank briskly walking to him. To which Cassius gave an amused glare.

"Easy. I just brought your helmet..." Blank handed it to Cassius. "Truce...? And... I saw that... Not bad." Blank smiled.
Cassius let out a sigh before taking the helmet.

"Thank you Blank. At least someone in your crew has decency to be nice..."
"Cassius... Right? You need... To understand Karn was just joking. She does not know you nor trust you. And don't blame her. Anyone would be weary of someone who used the form of another just... to take your job away ya know? What if someone tried to replace you in your work space? Would suck, right?"

Cassius sighed once more, conceding to his point. "Fine. She has every right to dislike me. That is perfectly fine. I just... Not to seem like a broody person, but I just need air, and I want to prove I can do something to help past lucid dreams to find my next destination in life. But..."

"It is not easy. I know. But you can't just march off when someone pisses you off. Granted, it is better than what you did to that goblin...But still..." Blank expressed sympathy and worry. "Just... Tell me what is bothering you. Would that help you feel better?"

"Is he serious?" Cassius blinked, feeling flustered.

"Fiiine..." Cassius walked away from the wreck as he was already.
"I just... Don't understand everyone around me. My goal is something you know already. I don't meed to understand them to do my job..." Cassius looked about the fauna to see if there was any herbs to collect.

"Then don't. But don't just leave your comrades behind either. You need to be stronger than that." Blank leaned down as he pulled out a green herb.

"Comrades? You guys wanted to throw me off the ship from the way it seemed. Gave me false nicknames. And then try to talk to me like you all know me. And then you expect just to stand in place... What foolishness..."

"Stop running away. You won't make it far."

"THIS. Has nothing to do with running away... I am clearing. The Path... So you all have supplies. So what if I vent along the way." Cassius shook his head.

"That is my point I am trying to make. You're angry. You won't fight clearly." Blank chuckled. "But what else is on your mind?"

"Well... Since you're insistent... Ifrit won't shut up. I am not terribly fond of the company I was stuck with. Randy is spacing out... You have a Fox who just dropped a bomb on people... and then... How he butchered and the blood..." Cassius squirmed a bit. "It is just so much... the Alchemist I can see is not very fond of everyone and I feel terrible I got him involved... But it was the only way I knew how to blend in. It was all I could do. Your friend? I never wanted to be angry at her... then Your boss... His words cut straight through me... I don't even know what to do at this point... But I am trying to make the first step... Just anything..." Cassius exhaled.

"Look. You're carrying every problem, except yours just about. Yeah some are yours, but you need to just breathe... So..." Blank grinned as he handed him a cutlass. "Practice with me..."

"You... What...?" Cassius blinked. "Err..."
"Come on, sword fight with me."
"Sounds devilishly inappropriate..."
"Yeah... Let's not go there... But work your muscles..." Blank held his broadsword out straight... Cassius placed his left hand at his hip, taking a fencing stance... There the sound of clashing steel could be heard.

[LookingGlass]

Hitori had been curled up, hidden beneath his Tails and dreaming of the place where all forests were one; relishing in fond memories that felt like they were a lifetime ago. Ada poked his head up from the Tails and cheerfully warbled a Good Morning to the Princess who had been trying to wake Hitori up. He saw Hitori was being a Lazy Bones and with all his Dolly Might he began to slap Hitori's face senselessly to wake him up. The Sensations of the Princess poking him, the Karn woman nudging him, and Ada slapping the fuck out of him awoken him and unintentionally startled him. He had forgotten where he was and saw all these people around him and panicked, causing him to grab Ada and rush to another Corner before he finally realized what was going on and calmed down, "Oh....Good Morning...or whatever time it is... Sorry I was just a little lost in my dream..." He said as he began to piece together what was going on Again. Ada's muffled warbles were only barely heard as the Doll began to squirm and flail to get out of Hitori's grip, Hitori noticed and stopped squeezing Ada, "I'm Sorry Ada, I didn't realize I had you so tightly." He apologized to the Doll who then bopped him on the head and pouted, warbling something about Hitori needs to calm down.

After hearing a lot of bad and loud noise Hitori noticed the tension was high and walked toward the Princess, "The Cassius Man, he hates us doesn't he? I mean I wouldn't mind if it was only me, I'm used to that by now but...He has no reason to hate the rest of you...I don't understand the hate in his heart at all." Ada heard this and sighed as he climbed onto Hitori's shoulder and sat down, petting his ears.

[CadenGallic]

Dren had found himself a little corner the prior night and had tipped his hat brim over his face so as not to be disturbed by a morning of descending light. Turns out it didn't work too well... this was hardly his preferred choice of sleeping spot, after all. Were he to fall asleep sitting he'd prefer to do so in a fine armchair with a good book. No such things available in the forest of death and lung choking fog, sadly. And he was awoken by a booming voice that practically jolted him out of a particularly odd dream involving a chicken becoming an egg and vice versa.

"Blimey..." he muttered as he stood up and brushed himself down and set his top hat back in its rightful position atop his bonce. He took a moment to cast his gaze around the ship. Everyone seemed to be preparing to move out, something he was more than fine with. The large one he had helped yesterday seemed to be recovering nicely, the fox was being prodded by... the princess of all people. Hm. He didn't think it would be proper of a princess... or was it queens he was thinking of? Whatever, not his business. The ladies from last night seemed more than occupied too.

Aaaaand the one person Dren actually trusted slightly had just stormed out... mentioning something about clearing a path. He was torn slightly, half of him considering it wouldn't be worth going after him in a state such as this, not to mention that Blank person had also gone... but on the other hand, were he to be a beneficiary to their group, his potions and concoctions would be his best bet... and he knew his cloak contained a decent amount of empty glassware right now. He couldn't whip up anything too complex given he was in the wild without the proper tools for big time potions... but if he could even just find a few simple herbs and materials, he might at the very least be able to provide something for the group, a handy healing potion per person would certainly be useful... he only lamented not being able to sell them. He could try but in this climate, he'd be asking for trouble.

With a stamp of his cane on the ground, he headed out, not uttering a word to the others, they'd barely noticed him at this point anyway, he found the two duelists going at it nearby and decided to wait until they done or he could catch their attention before he spoke up.
"Pardon the intrusion." he began formally with a slight tip of his hat. "I overheard mention of a healing spring and furthermore, a need to clear a path. I'd like to accompany you myself. More hands to carry supplies, and if I can find some good ingredients, we can hand out some proper curatives to the group before we proceed anywhere danger... well, more dangerous." he corrected himself mid sentence.

[Silver Fox]

Karn simply just looked at Cassius, her expression unchanging from the calm monotone. "The correct term is pussy, as I'm not a dog. But I'd rather be a asshole then a temperamental child. Ready to point their gun at anyone that offends their good graces. Grow up. Crossdresser." came another blunt calm response, before watching him go. Her emerald gaze narrowed at the Princess but turned to look at Blank as he spoke to her. She simply crossed her arms over her chest. Her face remaining the same, showing no hint of remorse or guilt or anger nor joy in the matter at hand.

"I'm a asshole. Shocker. I'm not going to pretend and play the cute kitten just to please someone who throws a tantrum as they try to play leader. Threatening those who don't agree or do what they say. Someone like that doesn't deserve to be treated like how they want to be. I ain't gonna lie or beat around the bush just because he can. Like it or not, someone like him needs to be treated like this to turn him down a few pegs and show him a little bit of reality. Their blindness often kills people anyway. If that makes me a bad guy then so be it. I was already tired rolling over for people like him years ago. Only thing we have in common is the same mission. Once that's done, he can go continue with his own kind. Won't have to deal with asshole Karn once the Princess is safely in Lindbulm." The blonde replied, in the same monotone blunt manner. She knew very well she was a asshole, she spoke her mind to a fault. Wasn't generally a likable person because of it. But at least she was a honest asshole who knew herself.

Sure, that made her more harder to make friends with whomever, but she didn't mind. She had her family, the only ones that did know her and understood. And even then, she was pretty sure she'd be fine if she had to live in solitude. She wouldn't be ashamed of herself regardless. Still she watched as Blank follow after the crossdresser, rolling her eyes as she checked around for needed supplies while checking on the rest of the crew. Lightly kicking them awake.

[AwesomeZero5]

As the night went on and others had gone off to rest, Randy would rather remain quite restless. He had managed to get himself standing back on two feet and was oddly rather proud of that feet despite it likely not to be fully contribute to him. Seeing as others, aid him by both bringing him here in the first place and also giving him some restorative agents such as potions and that fruit. The latter he had still not taken since the need for it seemed to be rather gone for the time being. Perhaps it was the potions or simply because Randy felt like doing stuff instead of lying around with more rest. He felt like he had plenty of that on the way here and lying about the floor only a few moments ago. If anything an excitement and energetic feeling was rather passing through him quite quickly. He had to go do something with that.

He began immediately working or trying to find things to work or do with this new found energy arising in the night. He began to try gather and scavenge bunch of random things that seemed appeared to be useful for possible repair, or fuel for a fire or anything that seemed to have use or in need of repair including tools if there was any to be found. He began humming along while cleaning the mallet he had with him against any spare cloth or rag if it could be found if not, his overalls would have to do. The thought of having goblin skull and brain upon the tool was a little sickening. The events of using the mallet today were somewhat exciting and a bit romanticized trying to glance over the death inflicted. Poets would have exaggerated the event as much as his daydreaming would, and that had been happening all day.

He looked about and tried to find something else of small entertainment to keep him focused instead of daydreaming. Perhaps a small music box that played a sweet tune or Romantic music would be a nice or some schematic for a later project to give interest and desire. If nothing of the sort could be found, he would rather set out to repairing or trying to better any piece of junk that was lying around or simply pointless tasks such as stacking objects on top of each other. Briefly imagining himself as poet. “The iron bent shaped” He began whispering and took a pause to come up with more words. “Composed is into a new shape…” He took another pause starting to struggle with the form. “is lost but pleasured.” He shrugged, it would do for now. It was, somewhat impressive to him. Despite its lack of expression, effort or beauty into it.

Time had flew on by. It seemed like the night was being lost. He quickly flopped onto the ground and lied there with his eyes closed in order to try and sleep. Sleep did not come, but a wakeup call did and that was soon followed by a nudge. Randy feigned pandiculation, rather poorly. He immediately stood up and tried to zone his attention back as to what was going on. It seemed he was rather having trouble, for a few seconds it felt like he had rather gone deaf except for a few tunes playing through his head. It was dismissed as himself zoning out briefly. He did, however manage to notice Hitori’s rather startled awakening. Randy rather, and somewhat oddly went after the other to try and calm them but that seemed a mistake from square one with his own conversational skill set. He would try to pat Hitori softly on the back and ask simply in a word “Nightmare?” rather quietly.

[rivaan]

“Wan’t to fall on paw, Karn?” Wylde asked when the demihuman poked her leg. Wylde was just having a nice relaxing lazing around since she woke up a while back. She liked to lazy around after waking up, it felt nice. She looked up at Karn with a smile, she liked the demi human. Liked her a lot for she was fun and amusing. Not to mention all those puns just tickled something within the warrior and made her want to join in them.

The following exchange with Cassius, made Wylde raise an eyebrow as she began remembering why it was exactly that she left the army along with her goal to one day beat the general. She disliked all the attitudes in the capital.

“I’m actually with you on the opinion about… what’s his name?” Wylde asked, realizing she didn’t really know him. Or if they told her yesterday she did not remember. Anyway, Cassius didn’t seem like too nice of a company right now. That said she liked the thieves, they made for fun partners and traveling companions. Granted one needed to keep his purse in check around them, but considering Wylde was currently dead broke with no money, it was fine.

“Anyway, he seems annoying… who knows maybe he will fall in line and turn okey at the end, but for now I prefer away from him. Least I hit him if he tries to point that weapon at me for some reason.” She said as she stretched her arms and yawned.

[Silver Fox]

Karn's fluffy ears swiveled in Wylde's direction as the exsoldier spoke, soon turning her head to follow suit in looking at the taller woman. Lips twitching into a amused grin. Suppose the only one of these stowaways who didn't seem to mind the feline demihuman was this odd female. A bit odd. Karn was quite used to the feeling of negativity. After all, she caused a bit of it even for fun. Made her kind of want to mess and actually try to make this girl mad. Her usual antics and personality usually did the trick but this woman just found it as amusing as Karn did. Karn never would have imagined being this was with a soldier, or ex. Most of those types were sticklers. But maybe that's a unfair stereotype like many others.

Still it was a curiousity in its own right and the short blonde didn't mind much.

"Crossdresser." Karn grinned as she shrugged in response to the Lumiyan's name. "Cassius I believe. Fits his hollow mind." Karn smirked at the pun before stretching out and rolling her shoulders, testing out the injury she recieved from before.

"He's just a kitten, he'll probably grow out of it when he's gotten some experience under his belt. Most people like him or the Princess don't know better. Handle it in different ways, but feel similar. Can't completely blame them if they weren't exactly brought up in the environment like this. Someones just gotta be the one who doesn't always play nice to their graces, that isn't the type that would immiedietly claw their face like some folks you meet in the gutter. I know I prroooobably wouldn't do well if I had to go in their world. Well... Probably better then most of this crew, but not much. But definetly better then Blank. His skin is always kind of.... blank." Karn smirked again as she poked fun at her lightly clothed friend, casually raising her right hand with her middle finger outstretched with a smirk on her face toward one of the crew that audibly groaned.

"Come on then. Pack up what Ya can and let's head out. Fresh water is good for everyone and the faster we get out of here.... The less we have to deal with the forests claws." The demihuman chuckled as she smacked Wylde on the back. Grabbing a satchel filled with some scavenged supplies that were able to be rounded up and draped it around her.

Of course when she meant go, she meant straight to the Princess.

Still the mission until Lindbulm.

"Honey, doll face, Sugarhips! Ready to go? You too Old Man and Squirrelboy?" The blonde said with the amused smirk as she looked at the Princess, the Fox, and the Squirrel. Wow.... Soon they are going to need some fur control.

[CAS1006]

Garnet did not really approve on their stances, she did not understand their stresses, and based on what she heard, she wasn't sure she'd have stomached the idea of what he went through... Though she did not entirely agree with either attitude, they seemed to fall for the mission beyond it... This made some form of comfort... But upon addressing Hitori, she whispered to him. "No, he is just surrounded by people who refuse to understand." Garnet shook her head before dressing in her white robe. "Let us be rid of this place, shall we gentlemen?" She bowed her head before Karn approached, though she did not shake her head, there was immense disapproval in her eyes... She walked beyond her with no exchange of words, and like Dren, she sought out Cassius... But what she saw made her pleasantly surprised.

"Yeah! You're getting the hang of this! Just use a bit more of your hips in each swing!" Blank smirked as Cassius moved like a spinning top with his cutlass. Garnet let out a giggle.

"Hehe! Mr.Svent. This is a nice change of attitude. I thought you'd surely be done with these people. But even they seem to know how to raise your smile to some extents. Though if I do say so myself, the fighting style of a dancer fits your nimble nature." Garnet chuckled. "Hello Mr.Dren." Garnet courteously bowed her head to him.

Blank jumped back and wiped the sweat from his face. "You're not bad. But keep it up and you can meet mastery in just weeks. Use your body more with your arm, and you could even roll around strikes." Blank twirled his broad sword.

Cassius removed his helmet, there was an awkward smile. "Well... I feel literally ridiculous, but... it is a nice work out."
"That's the spirit. Now you have a way of venting frustrations by turning that stress into dance." Blank chuckled as he helped Cassius stand straight by grabbing his shoulders.

"Heh... The Dancing Knight would make the ballet of ages." Garnet grinned slightly. "Though... if I had to critique your form? You're adept at best, which is more than the Knights of Pluto. But... if you wish to use a more... heavy swing... use your elbow, outreached with a firm rotation, you'll get around most defenses and end up behind them... like switching places... But this Spring you saw? It must be down this past seeing the flayed Goblins..." Garnet moved her hood down.

"Quite the teacher you could be, ey Princess?" Blank grinned.
"Trained by Beatrix of Alexandria herself... But I would not say I am more than an Adept... But more than capable of holding my own, more so then they could hold their liquor."

"Must be a natural then." Cassius grinned...
"Heh. You'll be one yourself at this rate... But she seems more into heavy swings... You just don't have that firmness she does." Blank let go of his shoulders before turning to the trail.

Cassius looked to Dren. "I'm honestly surprised you stayed. But I appreciate you being here. I'm guessing they spoke profanities while I was gone...?"

"Heh. I would be too if I was in their shoes watching you flay these goblins." Blank grinned before walking forward.

"Goblins or not, you have many advantages in a woodland... easy to burn and smoke out... and twice as easy to perform a kill from the shadows." Cassius put his helmet on before seeing a rather large goblin emerge from the trees. It was far bigger than those they encountered up to this point... and it wore armor strange as that sounded... in it's right hand it held a mighty club, and in the left it held a hatchet...

"Ifrit... I call upon your power." Cassius verbalized before drawing what looked like a glyph... Unlike Traditional magic circuits that stayed around the caster till discharged, this sent fire spraying out of his hand where the Glyph was. The Sparks caused a burning effect to the armor; it looked as if scorched in embers.

Garnet had already began channeling magic, a ring appearing around her indicating it was a level one spell of four. "Maybe this will dent it..." What seemed like a pile of rocks was sent soaring into the Goblin's helmet, it barely scuffing it's ear, causing some form of shredding.

Blank dashed forward, slashing at the scorched armor, somewhat scratching it... The density seemed to have been altered by the sparks of heat. "Providing support." Cassius followed up, spinning with the cutlass like a top, again, only scratching the armor... Upon finishing he went to the left side of the Armored foe; range would be their best advantage as a team.

[CadenGallic]

"Madam." Dren did a half bow toward Garnet. "Well... I feel it is in all our interests I stay with the group. No matter my skill, I would be vanquished were I to encounter too strong of resistance." Dren explained himself further. He lied slightly, of course. In reality he wanted nothing more than to get back to civilization and return to his normal life... but fact was, he couldn't survive alone in these woods. He'd have to stick with these people... plus, as doubtful as that offer of a job was to him... it was still tantalizing, a golden fruit hanging in his horizon.

And then a Hobgoblin was rudely interrupting their conversation. Well, this just drove his mental point home all the more, didn't it? He hesitated before he made any moves... Hobgoblin armour would protect well against his usual ice spells and he doubted the special payload he carried would do much either... no, this would require something a little bit unorthadox. Something he'd been keeping quiet about... well, everyone probably knew, at least of its presence, but not it's form. He wasn't particularly proud... but, desperate times and all that.

"Royal rat vanguard!" Dren removed his hat and pointed the mouth to face the creature. "Go my furry friend!" From the hat, a rat, about the size of a man's foot, leapt out, having been hiding out in there all this time, dark matted fur and a sharp tuft of red fur on its spine, landing on the grass before the Hobgoblin. Dren's cloak became a little more brown and ragged in nature, tearing at the hem, his cane taking on the form of a brown bamboo-like blowpipe with a silver rat head at the top. On his command, the rat ran at the beast. One rat became two, two became four, before long, an entire mobile force of furry pests were charging the beast, crawling up its legs and scurrying over its body, going for the gaps in its armour, sinking their sharp little fangs in. They would do little damage, but their combined efforts would hopefully poison the beast. Once their task was complete, the rats faded from being and their leader retreated to the safe haven of his master's hat.

"Good show little one, good show." Dren applauded it's efforts as he replaced his hat upon his head.

[Silver Fox]

Karn looked at the princess, simply grinning back at the look of disapproval and lack of response. "Apologies if there is a dearth of understanding within my simple mind enough to subtract etiquette behavior from your good graces, Your Highness." The feline said in a sarcastic manner. Though her words sounded of respect, the emotion behind them held as much as respect as she had for the Crossdresser. Which was none. Even royalty wasn't something she particularly showed much care to. Despite that though, her emerald eyes kept a eye on the 'mission' as she followed with a slight hum. Ears perking as she saw Blank training with Crossdresser. A amused smile twitching at her lips.

At the Princess's comment, the blonde shrugged with a grin. "That's because Mr. Half Dress over here and his brother in arms Marcus are the goofballs and softies of the bunch. Hard to actually not enjoy their childish charms." She mused, moving over to Blank and clapping him on the back before trapping his head as she wrapped her arm around it and noogied the fluffy hair before quickly releasing and hopping away. "Now now Big Bro, try not to win all of our guests hearts. Make poor Ruby dear angry again. Luckily she isn't here to nag you." she snickered before heading down the trail. Ears twitching as she sniffed the air before twitching toward Crossdresser.

"I'd recommend not burning this one. So that advantage is out. Everything else, yeeeeah. Minus the evil plants. And magic. And the Forest built in sound alerts." Karn said before ears straightening, disappearing suddenly as she moved quickly. Leaping in the trees as a large armored goblin. Blank, the Princess and Crossdresser attacked it and soon enough Mr. Gentleman and the feline clicked her tongue.

Emerald gaze flashing, she raised her hand, calling for Hercule's aid, allowing lightning bolts to appear in her both hands before jumping down to jam them to the top of the goblin's head. Quickly backflipping to land behind it with a smirk as she dash foreword, rapidly making rapid punches toward the back of it before leaping back. Electricity sparking from her body and crackling.

"Oh dear, Sir Goblin. Having a little rodent problem? Might help if you could aim well eh?" The Demi-Human taunted, attempting to draw the Goblin's attention and hate from the others, while dodging attacks. Her range attacks were lacking to lightning bolts and she didn't think her whip would be a good idea, but playing distraction and drawing hate was what she was generally good at.

"What's wrong? Your fatass too slow to catch the poor little pussy cat? And here I thought that hammer and axe meant something and I should be worried I'd be part of your gluttonous appetite! Guess they're just for show to make you look tough and cover up the flab along with that armor." Karn smirked as she readied another lightning bolt and tossed it at the goblin before doing a cartwheel to dodge out of the way, leaping against a tree then jumping from it to throw another bolt.

[rivaan]

“Mind you I escaped their world…” Wylde stated with a smile, standing next to the demi human. “ Too many rules… to little freedom. I wanted to see the world, a thing that was forbidden for soldiers really. Freedom of movement is dangerous, so I simply resigned from my position and left on the first airship out of there.” The white haired woman stated with a shrug of her shoulders.” I’d fare worse back in that world than you probably, got too used to freedom and sleeping as much as I want.”

At Karn’s statement, the duelist quickly pulled a waterskin she had dug up from who knows where and put it over her shoulder, followed by a small bedsheet, wrapped in a roll with some supplies like food inside it and a rope tied around both ends to keep the stuff inside, forming a nice improvised backpack, which she quickly threw over her shoulder and on her back, tying the rope and tightening it so she is sure the pack is in place. Then she moved after Karn and straight at the princess. Back in Alexandria she never was assigned too close to the princess, thus she doubted the princess had ever noticed her, not that it mattered. Wylde had nothing to do with Alexandria anymore.

Wylde let out a soundless sigh as she listened to Karn’s remarks at the princess. Well this demihuman didn’t give any special treatment indeed, always stating what she thought. That was both an incredible gift and annoying curse for those who try to play sneaky with relationships around politics. She liked this noisy and amusing girl. Traveling with this group was going to be a joy to behold!

When the goblins showed up, Wylde let out a loud sigh this time. Seriously… fire?! Inside a forest?! Was that bastard insane or something? If the forest caught on fire, they wouldn’t be able to escape even with magic helping them. Forest fires moved at incredible speeds! They would get trapped and burned into cinders.

“Naisha… heed my call…” Wylde stated as the voice of her familiar rang through her mind.” Ohh please, stop with the theatrical nonsense. Just tell me what you need so I can return to my rest." The familiar replied, earning annoyed groan from Wylde. She needed the theatrical nonsense because without it Naisha would always ignore her.” Anyway… fires… inside the forest. I want you to contain them.” Was the ex soldier’s wish. After an annoyed sigh, the familiar appeared behind the soldier and made an elegant swing with her hand, causing cold mist to spread through the ground in the direction of where the masked Cassius was playing with fire.” Call me if you REALLY need me next time…” The familiar stated before vanishing.

[AwesomeZero5]

Randy was rather was too focused upon Hitori and their previous freak out only a moment ago to notice that he was being addressed to. Then again by the nickname he was being presented with, it was unlikely he would have recognized it being directed toward himself. Especially since he was rather attuned or used to another nickname by most he was acquainted with in the first place. He had not exactly been slinging it around and about to everyone however. Not likely that he would choose to do so all the time either but there was an odd, pride in his more known nickname or title even.

Randy would rather stay a bit behind if the other decided not to move elsewhere and wanted to rest for a bit after their apparent shock and panic. It seemed rather everyone else was eager to get a move on to escape the forest, which made sense enough of course. There was a brief moment of wanting to ponder why he himself was less concerned with it, seeing as he himself was simply a mechanic instead of a deadly weapon toting or trained in some offense skill or another. Which somewhat reminded him, where had the well-dressed fellow gone?

A nearby shouting of sorts, something about rats had peaked some attention in curiosity. Randy would give off a small hand gesture for Hitori to wait where they were as Randy checked it out. Seeing as the other had been having a bit of a panic a moment ago. He began rather slowly approaching toward the others and the scene of combat that was going on.

It seemed a swarm of rats was quickly upon an armored Hobgoblin fiend of sorts. The nature of the rats bringing a slight curiosity and twinge of discomfort, more so than having seen a vine grow out of a person’s flesh. It seemed the feline tried striking at the beast soon after the rats along with some remarks along the way. It seemed another was also joining in the battle, someone who seemed to suddenly appear. A mist of sorts was spreading across the ground and all sorts of things seemed to be going on. Randy was rather getting somewhat lost in the display of sorts which was imagined to be more exciting entertainment for theater, except for the reality of it.

Everyone seemed to be, well prepared to defend themselves or those near them in the fight. Randy himself would rather stay to the side for now, if not sneak back to Hitori to check on them. There was, likely little he could do to help at the moment without endangering himself. Having seen everyone’s reactions to when he felt exhausted or sore, he rather not dare to risk a real injury or perhaps even get in the way of whatever attacks the groups were using as to distract them. On a minor note he somewhat expected the cold mist to spike up in a large crystal of ice and surrounded the fiend, perhaps that was imagination trying to make predictions.