Narima Unleashed (Old VI Thread)

[Jeshal the Ironclaw]

(Armina Rogue struggles with her other identity Narima Rogue (both differing from Vaelora Ryalor) as the crew of the Hide try to understand and deal with the situation, not being experts in DID. Apologies that I either did not get the start of this thread copied, or it was a continuation thread from somewhere else I did not save. Starring: Armina Rogue, Narima Rouge, Anithias Freedom, Jeshal the Ironclaw, Julia Freedom, Brek Larks, and Tomias Redford)


NARIMA UNLEASHED

First post Smarch 23, Yr. 1729, 7:09 pm



Anithias Freedom/Armina Rogue/Narima Rouge
Anithias was just as shocked by Armina's outburst. He started at the huddled, pouting teen for a moment before beginning to pace. He was lost to Chastity's blabbing, absorbed in some other world. What was going through his head could only be guessed at.

"Uh. Well. Now that? That's a whole 'nother barrel of fish...um. You should be taking her to the infirmary or something, shouldn't you?"

Exactly what I was doing, Anithias mused, noting the irony.

"Now, if you'd told me she was going to do that, I would have totally seen your point, I mean, that's different. She's crazy. What's she talking about? Somebody do something! Why is she even loose on the ship like that? She could hurt someone. I mean really, as first mate, you should be watching out for the crew and not letting such a deranged beast roam the deck. She could seriously hurt someone and why is she doing that and what’s wrong with her and what in grog's name?!"

Anithias abruptly returned from whatever place he'd journeyed to. "Shut up," he snapped, regretting the words a moment later. No officer should ever snap at his crew without good reason. "Sorry," he muttered, starting to pace again. For a few moments the only sound was the tap of his boots against the wood deck. At last he straightened, turning to look at Chastity.

"We'll follow my original plan," he glared at her, "and take her to the infirmary. Hopefully we can sort her out. If not, I may be forced to request that she be committed to the Imperium Sanitarium. Now," he turned to face Armina, "I'd ask that you not—"

He didn't finish his sentence. The spot where Armina had been huddled was empty. Anithias whirled around, staggering to a halt as he spotted a flash of red and grey disappearing up the companionway. "After her!" he ordered, giving chase himself.


Jeshal the Ironclaw
(Auto permitted by Anithias)

As the sound of running feet pounded the gangway outside, a gauntleted fist shot out from the open door of a ballast room and snatched hold of the wanted creature. Jeshal tugged the split-minded vixen into the room and shut the door without a sound.

"Well, if it ain't Miss Rogue," he growled quietly, so that the shouting beasts out in the corridor would not hear. "I been 'earing all sorts o' strange rumours abouts the ship o' your antics. What say ye enlighten me on the reason ol' Freedom be yellin' 'is muzzle all purple, aye? May'aps I might be of assistance?"

He did not release his grip on her arm just yet, his eyes searching for a clue as to whether she would simply try to cut and run once more.



Narima Rouge
Narima didn't even have time to scream as cold metal clamped around her arm below her wrist, dragging her backward. A door swung shut silently, trapping her in a cabin. A familiar copper fox stood between her and the door, a dangerous look gleaming in her eyes. Narima felt her throat constrict. She knew that Armina mistrusted this fox, even bordered on fearing him. The Ironclaw.

"Well, if it ain't Miss Rogue," Jeshal growled quietly, somehow audible over the shouts outside. "I been 'earing all sorts o' strange rumours abouts the ship o' your antics. What say ye enlighten me on the reason ol' Freedom be yellin' 'is muzzle all purple, aye? May'aps I might be of assistance?"

Narima angrily attempted to wrench her arm from his grip, with no success. "I'm not Armina!" she told him angrily. "My name's Narima Rouge. I'm part of who Armina used to be." She looked Jeshal in the eye, trying to calm her temper. Not an easy thing, as 30% of her personality was temper. "Please," she pleaded, trying to heal the wound left in her pride at the action, "you've got to convince them to let me stay. I'm not a bad fox! I'm just Armina's stronger side." Her eyes showed the fear she had at returning to the state of mere personality, a passenger in a body that was not hers. For her, it was like being born into a prison and finally tasting freedom, only to face that freedom being stripped away.

Narima's eyes lit up mischievously as she realized there might be some incentive for Jeshal to help her. "Maybe, if I get to stay, I can reward you with... something." She played her fingers up Jeshal's chest suggestively. She knew the male was a suave seafox, the kind who usually didn't object to a little entertainment. Still, the thought of doing anything with the older fox disturbed Armina. Partly it was the claw, which she viewed as creepy, and partly it was something she couldn't put her paw on. Perhaps it was Tomias? She still didn't understand why she felt the most affection toward him. She'd have to interrogate Armina on that manner, once she wasn't on the run and the pathetic vixen decided to emerge from her mournful hibernation.



Jeshal the Ironclaw
The bosun listened to this 'Narima' character, not interrupting nor letting go. His unreadable sneer played about his muzzle all the while she spoke.

"Please, you've got to convince them to let me stay. I'm not a bad fox! I'm just Armina's stronger side."

He took in this information without a flinch to his expression. Whether he believed her or not would have to remain a mystery. Or perhaps he just did not care. This was all futile in light of what the disturbed vixen said next.

"Maybe, if I get to stay, I can reward you with... something."

Jeshal cast his gaze down to see her paw walking where his chest fluffed out from within his frock-coat. He felt a stirring in his blood. After all, she was a young, not unattractive female, and he had barely reached his prime. Still gripping her arm with his claw, he allowed his furred paw to grip her waist in what had all the markings of a positive response. His grin stretched wider, but somehow his eyes held their arctic unusualness.

"O, I'll do more'n let yer stay, marm," he whispered. He leaned in horribly close, and without warning spun her so that she slammed into the door. Teeth bared, he snarled into her ear, "Don't fret yerself, little silver, I want none o' yer delectable offerin's. What I will do, 'owever...is simply this. We strikes a bargain, aye? I'll 'elp yer with yer problem, back ye up an' the like...perhaps deign ter convince the others ter leave ye lie. An' in return, all I be wantin' is the small favour o' answerin' whatever questions I ask yer in the future."

Before she could protest, he added, "An' before ye gets all huffy, they won't be askin's about yerself. Clear?" The Ironclaw drew back, maintaining his grip, but only loosely, and reverted to his unnerving smile.



Narima Rouge
The Ironclaw seemed to be responding well. His other paw, the furred one, rested briefly on her waist before gripping it more actively. Narima gave him an appreciative smile, a spark of naughtiness in her eyes.

"O, I'll do more'n let yer stay, marm," Jeshal whispered, leaning in close. Narima was just tilting her head when suddenly he whirled, her, slamming her into the door. She could feel his hot breath on the side of her head as he snarled, "Don't fret yerself, little silver, I want none o' yer delectable offerin's. What I will do, 'owever...is simply this. We strikes a bargain, aye? I'll 'elp yer with yer problem, back ye up an' the like...perhaps deign ter convince the others ter leave ye lie. An' in return, all I be wantin' is the small favour o' answerin' whatever questions I ask yer in the future."

"An' before ye gets all huffy, they won't be askin's about yerself. Clear?"

"Clear," Narima gasped. This wasn't what she had anticipated. A night together, she might have survived. This type of bargain, though— it was just too unpredictable. "Just... just don't hurt me," she pleaded. She didn't know what to expect from this fox, and it scared her.


Tomias Redford
Tomias was the first to chase after Armina, in fact he was already halfway up the stairs when Anithias told the others to chase her. Due to this he saw her as she was pulled, none too gently, into a storeroom. He ran even faster, and he then threw the door wide and stepped in. Due to the bad lighting of the room he didn't see who it was who was threatening Armina, because if he did he might re-think his options.

"Leave her alone!"

He grabbed the nearest fighting implement, which just happened to be an oddly placed frying pan. He then proceeded to hit the assailant hard over the head, it made a loud GONNNGGG sound.


Brek Larks
Where could she be? Brek thought as he searched the ship. Calm down Brek. You just need to think. Now where would a crazy teenage vixen go? At this point anywhere that’s not with the people who care for her.

That left one place for her to go, off the ship. He ran to the longboats, all of them were still there. So where was Narima? Brek started his way up and down the ship looking in every corner, every shadow, and behind every crate.

His search led him to pass some cabins. As he passed, a sound of metal smashing into something came through an open door. Brek ran through the door to see what was going on. There were three other foxes inside. Narima/Armina, Jeshal, who clearly had been hit by the metal, and Tomias who was holding a frying pan. "Tomias! Did you hit The Ironclaw?!?"


Jeshal the Ironclaw
"Just... just don't hurt me..."

The copper fox almost laughed with delight at the younger vixen's fear. There was something intoxicating about the concept of manipulation and here he was finally able to begin hatching the beginnings of his shipwide plot. Well, an addition to the potential he had seen in Chastity.

Jeshal opened his mouth to speak again when the door suddenly burst wide, shoving Armina out of his grasp. A beast rushed in, yelled, and a moment later there was a searing pain to his skull. He tumbled backwards, landing painfully on his side and skidded into a clutter of grapplehooks, fortunately only suffering a few scrapes.

Blearily, he looked up to see the shape of another beast appear at the doorway, hearing at last the name of his attacker, but he was as yet unable to speak or stand.



Tomias Redford
Tomias then saw the identity of Armina's assailant, it was Jeshal, the bosun of the Hide. He dropped the frying pan, he had just assaulted the ship’s Bosun, he was in so much trouble.

"Oh 'gates...I'm sorry...I...I...didn't know..."

He looked at Armina.

"I suggest you get out of here..."

He then proceeded to run, mainly out of fear, he didn't know what he was going to do, so he just ran to his cabin, closed the door and sobbed brokenly.




Brek Larks
"Oh 'gates...I'm sorry...I...I...didn't know..." Tomias apologized.

"Did you kill him?!?" Brek's voice squeaked as he shouted. "Do you realize we all might go to the brig just for standing here!" He was clearly overreacting.

Tomias wasn't paying attention to him. Tomias looked at Armina. "I suggest you get out of here..." Then Tomias pushed past Brek without even noticing him.

Brek looked back at Narima. He closed the door before Armina could get out. "Armina, er sorry Narima," he half expected her to yell at him for his mistake. "Whoever you are, you need to stay here and make sure that the bosun is alright." He hoped she didn't catch on to his plan to keep her in one place. "I'm going to go look for someone to help. But please watch over him while I'm gone. Do you understand?"



Narima Rouge/Armina Rogue
Suddenly the door flew open, sending Narima falling to the floor. A shout of "Leave her alone!" rang through the air, followed by another type of ringing as somebeast got hit with a frying pan. Narima rolled over, looking up to see Jeshal go crashing into a large pile of chains while Tomias stood over him, frying pan in paw.

A short shadow in the doorway announced Brek's arrival. "Tomias! Did you hit The Ironclaw?!?" He seemed on the verge of a panic attack.

Tomias, too, seemed stunned. "Oh 'gates...I'm sorry...I...I...didn't know..."

He looked at Narima, and she could see the fear in his eyes.

"I suggest you get out of here..."

Immediately he dashed from the room. "Did you kill him?!?" Brek squeaked after him. "Do you realize we all might go to the brig just for standing here!"

He turned to face Narima, and she could see he was afraid as well. "Armina, er sorry Narima. Whoever you are, you need to stay here. and make sure that the bosun is alright. I'm going to go look for someone to help. But please watch over him while I'm gone. Do you understand?"

Narima nodded, still numb. This was too much for her to take in. She wasn't prepared for these kinds of scenarios. For the first time Narima appreciated Armina's sense of responsibility. The fact was (and Narima hated to admit it), there was only one beast that could help right now.

Armina? Narima asked meekly, poking the bubble of Armina's consciousness. It was like an explosion. The tiny, contained spot of Armina's personality immediately rushed out, pushing Narima back on all sides. Narima panicked as she realized that Armina had been planning this last bid for control. No!

Slowly, straining, Narima began to focus her efforts, wrestling with Armina. From the outside, it looked like Armina (or Narima) was having a spasm, jerking and twitching on the floor. Narima had no idea how long it lasted, concentrating solely on pushing Armina back. Eventually, Armina began to fall back, and Narima pushed the advantage. With no other options available, Armina returned to her bright bubble. And stay down! Narima shot at her.

Narima sat up, rubbing her arm blearily. "Courts, I feel tired," she mumbled.


Brek Larks
As soon as Narima nodded he turned and ran outside the cabin and ran down the hall. He didn't stay long enough to see Narima go into a spasm of some sort. If he had he would have made sure to get help for two.

He ran down the hall shouting "Help! I need help! I've got a beast and I think he needs medical attention!" He ran till he could get somebeast to help him. He started to breathe faster than usual. "Help!" He called again hoping someone nearby could get to him.


Jeshal the Ironclaw
At last Jeshal regained his senses enough to get into a crouch. His head pounded under the onslaught of Brek's distant yelling and he snarled under his breath. He had vaguely heard a scuffling in the shadows where, unbeknownst to him, Armina and Narima had fought.

The grapple hooks clattered about him as he shakily got to his feet, scowling at a few cuts he had acquired. The Ironclaw winced at the pain on his scalp. A faint trickle of blood had matted his fur beneath his hat. Redford had given a fair whack he had to admit. Much harder and he might have not woken up for a few days, if at all.

The injured fox limped over to where Narima sat upon the floor and glowered down at her, feigning an unpredictable strength and gritting his teeth.

"Offer still stands, marm. Jus' tell me what I needs ter know when I sees fit to ask, an' yer 'ave me as a shield against those who would throw yer off the ship."



Narima Rouge/Julia Freedom
Narima heard a clatter as Jeshal got up, wincing and limping a little bit. He towered over her, glowering. Narima felt her fear return again.

"Offer still stands, marm. Jus' tell me what I needs ter know when I sees fit to ask, an' yer 'ave me as a shield against those who would throw yer off the ship."

Narima nodded quickly, still afraid. She was finding the world to be a much rougher place than it had looked from an observer's standpoint. "I'll do it," she told him, quaking. "Just please, don't let them send me back."

----------------------------------------------------

Julia was walking down the hall when she heard Brek's shouting.

"Help! I need help! I've got a beast and I think he needs medical attention!"

Julia rounded the corner, running straight into Brek's shout of "Help!"

"What is it?" she asked sharply, wrestling the panicking beast's paws to his sides. "What's wrong, Brek?"


Brek Larks
Julia appeared from behind the corner and grabbed his paws to try to calm him down. "What is it?...What's wrong Brek?"

"Oh Julia, thank goodness you’re here." He started to breathe slower. "It's Jeshal, I think he's hurt, badly hurt. He and Narima are in a cabin over here. Hurry!" He pointed in the direction of the cabin and twisted his paw around Julia's wrist to pull her to the cabin.


Julia Freedom
Brek seemed relieved to see Julia. "Oh Julia, thank goodness you're here! It's Jeshal, I think he's hurt, badly hurt. He and Narima are in a cabin over here. Hurry!"

"Narima?" Julia asked quizzically, allowing him to lead her. "What are you talking about?"



Brek Larks
"Narima?" Julia asked as they went down the hallway "What are you talking about?"

"Oh sorry, I forgot that part. Armina wants to call herself Narima Rouge. I am not sure why that is a problem for Anithias, since beasts have their name changed all the time." Brek explained as the headed for the cabin.

He pointed to the open door and said "They're in there." He let go to let Julia make it the rest of the way.


Julia Freedom/Narima Rouge
Brek did not seem disturbed by Julia's question.

"Oh sorry, I forgot that part. Armina wants to call herself Narima Rouge. I am not sure why that is a problem for Anithias, since beasts have their name changed all the time."

Julia frowned. It did sound like Anithias was overreacting a bit, as usual; her husband was still incredibly touchy when it came to Armina, despite the transfer of responsibility to Tanya. Still, there was something about the situation that disturbed her. Julia had noticed that Armina was actually starting to improve, becoming more serious and responsible. To suddenly want to change her name was a complete turnaround; it seemed closer to the more frivolous Armina of days gone by. It just didn't seem right to Julia.

Brek pointed to the open door of the storeroom. "They're in there." Julia bustled past, him, and was greeted by a strange sight. Jeshal, bloodied and sporting a limp, was towering above Armina, who was shivering on the floor in— what? Fear? Instantly Julia felt a feeling of suspicion. Something was clearly not right.

"What's going on?" Julia asked sharply, looking between Jeshal and Armina. As she looked at Armina, she felt a faint prickle on the back of her head. There was something wrong about her...

Julia looked back at Jeshal, taking in his wounds in one sweep. "Jeshal, sit." She pointed to a crate of ammunition. "Now." There was a steely edge to her voice, the kind that nurses used with unruly patients who thought they were much healthier than they were. "Armina, stay," Julia ordered, catching the teen trying to scuttle back toward the door. Armina froze before eventually sitting, leaning her back against a barrel, looking at Julia resentfully. Another little detail that nagged at Julia.

Julia began to apply scabwort, a special plant that helped blood congeal, to some of Jeshal's larger wounds. "Now, I want to know what happened. Jeshal, you first." She nodded at him.



Jeshal the Ironclaw
The unruly adolescent of years past stirred within the copper fox when Julia entered and demanded that he sit. He wanted to yell in negative and storm out of the room, he wanted to sneer derisively and walk past her, he wanted to scratch her in her pretty face...that face that Anithias Freedom loved so much.

But he did not. The Ironclaw eased himself onto the crate and allowed, with his teeth firmly set, the healer to tend to his wounds.

"Now, I want to know what happened. Jeshal, you first."

"It be nothing of consequence, marm," he said. From the offset his voice was bland but gradually developed the soft tones of beautiful lies. "I were attendin' to a stock check on be'alf o' the cap'n an' I be blowed if I weren't a clumsy fool. The lan'ern light fizzed out and left me in the dark. Tripped an' near smashed me skull in, di'n I? Armina 'ere," he looked at the grey vixen, challenging her to keep her muzzle shut, "'eard me shoutin' and came ter see the fuss. By then I'd stumbled over those ol' grapples an' made meself the worse. Poor lass were turned a mite queasy I think by the sight o' me, which be the reasonin' fer her bein' crouched on the floor as ye entered."

He exaggerated a wince from his wounds.

"An' that be the lot of it."



Julia Freedom/Narima Rouge/Anithias Freedom
Julia finished tending to the wounds as Jeshal wove his silky story. She didn't look up from where she was carefully applying the weed to his wounds, but felt a certain scepticism at his story. It sounded real enough, but had that flawless quality that lies often had. Still, Julia couldn't tell what he could be trying to cover up. Attacking Armina, maybe, but Julia knew Jeshal was smart enough to know not to try anything around a beast under the protection of the First Mate. Despite their craggy relationship, everybeast on the Hide knew that Anithias still was looking after Armina's best interests.

Jeshal winced almost too violently as Julia touched one of his larger cuts. "An' that be the lot of it," he concluded.

Julia finished tending to the cut, looking up and staring straight into Jeshal's eyes. She found a silky veil of unreadability clouding her view of his emotions, though she thought she could just make out a little defiance.

"Well then," Julia said, putting the scabwort vial back in her dress pocket, "I would get some rest if I were you. Some of those cuts are quite deep, and it wouldn't be good to aggravate them. Doctor's orders," she added sternly. Technically she wasn't a doctor— she wasn't even registered as a nurse. Still, on ship she held all the power of a doctor as Kiptooth's helper.

Turning to Armina, Julia ordered, "Armina, you too. You don't look well at all." With that she started for the door. Narima breathed a sigh of relief. She might yet get away.

Getting to her footpaws, Narima glanced out the door before speaking in a hushed voice to Jeshal. "Please, I'll tell you anything," she said desperately. "Just tell them I'm not-"

"YOU!"

Narima whirled to see Anithias framed in the doorway. Squeaking in fright, Narima flung herself behind Jeshal, hiding. "Please!" she squeaked, sounding very un-vulpine, "I'm Armina! It was all a joke! Tell him, Jeshal!" She looked up at the older fox pleadingly.



Jeshal the Ironclaw
Jeshal narrowed his eyes as Julia left. There was more to that one than met the eye. His thoughts on the matter, however, were disturbed as Narima leapt up with a frantic air.

"Please, I'll tell you anything," she said desperately. "Just tell them I'm not-"

The first mate's voice thundered in from the doorway and the next thing the bosun knew, the young vixen had bolted to cower behind him. He felt a faint pleasurable chill at the sound of her begging. He could get used to putting beasts in such situations.

The Ironclaw rose slowly, putting forward as little aggression as possible. He nodded a bow to Anithias.

"With respect, sir, I be hearin' a frightful tale o' Miss Rogue's potential removal from the crew on account o' doubts around 'er state of mind. Now, I can imagine that 'er be'aviour may 'ave been outside the norm of what ye expect of the lady, but if I may add me humble opinion, 'tis something of an adjustment she be goin' through, a way o' copin' with any emotional trauma she may be sufferin' at present."

Hoping that Freedom would not combust with rage, he continued gently.

"If I may be so bold ter venture, 'ave there been any particular difficulties regardin'... Narima's... relationships? Friends...family...an' the like?"




Brek Larks
Brek stood behind Anithias, the golden furred fellow appeared out of nowhere, and Brek didn't know how long he had been there until he yelled at Narima.

Then Brek listened to Jeshal's argument. He didn't really pay attention, since he was losing interest. At the end he was able to respond.

"If I may be so bold ter venture, 'ave there been any particular difficulties regardin'... Narima's...relationships? Friends...family...an' the like?"

Brek knew what to say, "I know who she has been giving difficulties." He said from behind Anithias, but kept his gaze on Narima, trying to see if his list of beasts would make her feel guilt for what she had done. "First, her ex-godfather Anithias. Apparently his care for Armina has him worried with this whole name change and sudden difference in personality. Second, Tomias. He has personal feelings for Armina himself. You should know that Jeshal, since he did smash your head with that frying pan. Which in a way has made you the third beast," Brek left his gaze from Narima for a moment to look at Jeshal. "Fourth, me, mostly my head since this is quite confusing. But if you say that doesn't count, I've got one more.

"Fifth, Armina. Somehow I know you’re hurting yourself not being who you are." Brek let his gaze soften, "I know it's none of my business. But by becoming Narima, you’re not yourself anymore. I can't say so for myself since I hardly know ya'. But in how the others react to your 'change', I see that it's no good. Also, do you want to completely change, never going back? This seems like the most dramatic change I’ve ever seen. Many beasts I know change in a way, but not so much as changing your name and personality. So, what is your reason for changing from Armina to Narima?" Brek thought he could get enough out of the vixen to either figure out he would help, or if Julia or Anithias could. "Well?" He said letting the vixen respond.



Narima Rouge
Jeshal swaggered to his footpaws, donning the classic guise of a consummate liar.

"With respect, sir, I be hearin' a frightful tale o' Miss Rogue's potential removal from the crew on account o' doubts around 'er state of mind. Now, I can imagine that 'er be'aviour may 'ave been outside the norm of what ye expect of the lady, but if I may add me humble opinion, 'tis something of an adjustment she be goin' through, a way o' copin' with any emotional trauma she may be sufferin' at present."

It was amazing that somehow, despite his unorthodox and unrefined demeanor, Jeshal managed to use the largest words. Unfortunately, Narima possessed no wider a vocabulary than Armina.

"If I may be so bold ter venture, 'ave there been any particular difficulties regardin'... Narima's...relationships? Friends...family...an' the like?"

Narima closed her eyes, anticipating Anithias' dissection of every aspect of her life. Well, Armina's life. Thankfully, it never came.

"I know who she has been giving difficulties."

Brek!

"First, her ex-godfather Anithias. Apparently his care for Armina has him worried with this whole name change and sudden difference in personality. Second, Tomias. He has personal feelings for Armina himself. You should know that Jeshal, since he did smash your head with that frying pan. Which in a way has made you the third beast. Fourth, me, mostly my head since this is quite confusing. But if you say that doesn't count, I've got one more."

Narima was so confused she felt like asking Armina what by the Courts he was talking about. Then she remembered she couldn't ask Armina. It suddenly felt so lonely, to be here by herself.

"Fifth, Armina. Somehow I know you’re hurting yourself not being who you are. I know it's none of my business. But by becoming Narima, you're not yourself anymore. I can't say so for myself since I hardly know ya'. But in how the others react to your 'change', I see that it's no good. Also, do you want to completely change, never going back? This seems like the most dramatic change I have ever seen. Many beasts I know change in a way, but not so much as changing your name and personality. So, what is your reason for changing from Armina to Narima?"

Narima didn't respond. Brek's words had hit her, made her think. Maybe this wasn't the best thing, being in control. This world was a dangerous place, and while she was often critical of Armina in her handling of situations, she admitted that she had no idea what she would do when presented with any of the situations Armina encountered on a daily basis. Even just trying to get along with the crew had failed on the first try.

"Well?"

Narima snapped back to life. As a personality, she truly was the closest to the original Armina. This meant she had all of the Fyadorian's attitude, spunk, anger, and above all, denial.

"I'm not Armina!" Narima shouted out from behind the crate. It was evident from the paranoia and resentment in her voice that she thought (correctly) they wanted to send her back. More and more she was beginning to agree with them, but her selfishness and immaturity still wanted to hang onto the body. "Armina's here, but she's not me!" She wasn't sure how to explain the concept to them. Tears of frustration and fear began to run down her face, sobs punctuating her words.

"I want to be real, that's... that's all," she sobbed. "I used to be part of Armina. At least I had some say then. But then we started to split, and she got the body while I was left in the dust." There was a bitterness in her voice that indicated the loss had hurt the vixen deeply. Like Armina, she did have feelings, and she resented the loss of control just as much as Armina did.

"All I want is to be me," she pleaded, looking out from behind the crate. Tears glistened on her face. "I want to be real, and make decisions, and eat food, and have beasts love me for me, not Armina!" she begged. "You have to understand, I just want to live!"

Within her mind, Armina began to unfurl from her tight spot. Narima had no idea how long the vixen had been listening, or if she even had been listening. Still, a faint warmth played through Narima's soul as their two spirits touched. With a shock, Narima recognized it as sympathy. "Please..." she whispered, her eyes staring into space.



Brek Larks
"I'm not Armina!" the vixen exploded. Brek was about to say "yes I know that" but she continued. "Armina's here, but she's not me!" Now Brek was really confused. He thought this was as simple as changing a name to make a change in character easier. But it seemed more complex now.

"I want to be real, that's... that's all." She started to cry. "I used to be part of Armina. At least I had some say then. But then we started to split, and she got the body while I was left in the dust... All I want is to be me," tears poured from her eyes." I want to be real, and make decisions, and eat food, and have beasts love me for me, not Armina! You have to understand, I just want to live!"

Brek had felt truly sorry for the vixen. But this was out of his control. He didn't fully understand a beast's mind. He looked at Julia and Anithias with a pleading look on his face, speechless.



Jeshal the Ironclaw
Before Freedom could reply, a voice spoke from the doorway. The fur beneath the collar of Jeshal's frockcoat prickled. Master Larks. Another beast that he would have to keep his eye on. Whatever happened to the older days when there were more stupid vermin than those with brains? It was time to change his tactics.

The Ironclaw looked concerned when listening to the explanation laid out before him, dropping his sneer entirely. One by one, Brek named the beasts that Narima had caused harm to whether purposeful or indirectly...ending with herself. The painful words struck the young vixen harder than he had expected. He watched as Narima's anger and grief exploded throughout the room. When at last she quieted and resorted to a despairing plea, Jeshal took the opportunity to step back into the game.

His sandalled footpaw slid sideways to block the sobbing vixen from the todds at the room's entrance.

"I thank yer fer the clarification, Master Larks, but as yer can see me prior concern be the young lady's health. I were not enquirin' after what she may 'ave done to upset me nor any other beast aboard but what they mighta done to 'er. It be my thinkin' that whoever she be choosin' ter be, she be undergoin' far too much stress ter be thinkin' o' other beast's feelin's, if ye catch me drift?"

Jeshal spread his paws wide, the metal claws twitching faintly, and hunched himself to look smaller.

"What say ye ter givin' 'er some space, an' by an' by we be findin' out who she truly is. If 'twould ease yer mind, I 'ave no quarrel lookin' out fer 'er, not as a monitor but as a friend."

Despite his submissive stance, the Ironclaw's eyes stared fiercely and unwaveringly into Freedom's. What's it gonna be?



Anithias Freedom
Anithias was shocked by Armina (or Narima's) outburst. He had figured she might be trying to change her behavior, maybe even attempting to change her very being. He hadn't suspected that there were actually two beings living inside Armina's head. It seemed insane to even contemplate, but then again this was Armina. "Insane" was one of the few adjectives that fitted her.

Jeshal stepped between Narima and her two would-be restrainers, his voice taking a diplomatic tone.

"I thank yer fer the clarification, Master Larks, but as yer can see me prior concern be the young lady's health. I were not enquirin' after what she may 'ave done to upset me nor any other beast aboard but what they mighta done to 'er. It be my thinkin' that whoever she be choosin' ter be, she be undergoin' far too much stress ter be thinkin' o' other beast's feelin's, if ye catch me drift?"

Anithias nodded, his mind still elsewhere. He couldn't figure out what to do about this other beast in Armina's body. If she was telling the truth, then she indeed deserved equal right to the body. The problem was, Anithias' personal feelings were hampering his decision-making. Narima, to Anithias, represented everything he'd hated about Armina when she boarded the ship— her attitude, refusal to cooperate, selfishness, denial, and a million other faults that irritated Anithias to no end. The realization that Armina's upturn in behavior as of late was not due to an honest change in character, as he had hoped, but merely a separation of her good and bad side. A philosophical thought struck Anithias— if Armina had split into two beings, did this mean her "good" side was really Armina, or a completely different beast?

"What say ye ter givin' 'er some space, an' by an' by we be findin' out who she truly is. If 'twould ease yer mind, I 'ave no quarrel lookin' out fer 'er, not as a monitor but as a friend."

Anithias shook his head. "That will not be necessary, Jeshal. Hopefully she will not move. I would like to speak with you and Mr. Larks outside, however." He motioned toward the door. Turning back to the crying Narima, Anithias ordered, "You are to stay here. We'll be outside discussing how to help you."

Once the door was closed, Anithias turned to the two foxes, a serious look on his face. "We've hit a dilemma," he told them gravely. "It's clear that this Narima is, or at least was at some point, part of Armina. This means she has a right to the body just as much as Armina does. However," he held up a pawfinger, "the Armina we know is also the dominant side, or was up until now. This presents another dilemma. We could argue that Narima deserves her turn, or that Armina has complete rights due to her prior dominance. Personally, I don't care for Narima," Anithias confessed. "But, we must decide now which one must be given control. Your thoughts?" He looked at each of them.

Of course, getting Armina back wouldn't be easy, if that was who they decided deserved the body. Anithias doubted Narima would leave but of her own free will. There would have to be compromises, ones that might be very damaging to Armina. Still, at this point Anithias didn't know what to do.


Brek Larks
Brek followed Anithias outside. When Anithias closed the door he turned to Jeshal and Brek. "We've hit a dilemma," Anithias told them gravely. "It's clear that this Narima is, or at least was at some point, part of Armina. This means she has a right to the body just as much as Armina does. However," he held up a pawfinger, "the Armina we know is also the dominant side, or was up until now. This presents another dilemma. We could argue that Narima deserves her turn, or that Armina has complete rights due to her prior dominance. Personally, I don't care for Narima," Anithias confessed. "But, we must decide now which one must be given control. Your thoughts?"

"I for one have hardly any clue of Armina, so I can't really understand the problem. But I do not like Narima either, and to what I hear, this Armina is a better vixen. Now I have no clue how to solve this. But this is my honest opinion." Brek said looking Anithias in the eye.

"Wait! I may have an idea! But master Jeshal, you first." Eyes brightening when he figured the puzzle he'd been trying to solve since he met Narima. He smiled to his victory. Finally, he knew the answer! He looked to Jeshal and waited his turn.



Tomias Redford
Tomias had decided that things wouldn't get helped by him hiding in his room crying. So he wiped away the tears and walked back to where they were. He saw Anithias leading Brek and Jeshal outside, so he followed, but without them noticing. He listened to their conversation with his ear pressed to the door.

"We've hit a dilemma, It's clear that this Narima is, or at least was at some point, part of Armina. This means she has a right to the body just as much as Armina does. However, the Armina we know is also the dominant side, or was up until now. This presents another dilemma. We could argue that Narima deserves her turn, or that Armina has complete rights due to her prior dominance. Personally, I don't care for Narima, But, we must decide now which one must be given control. Your thoughts?"

Tomias thought for a moment, and waited for the best time to join in the conversation. He waited until after Brek had responded then he opened the door and stepped out.

"Well I know it might not be my place to say, but I grew to like her as the way she was, and this new Armina, it's bringing out all the worst in her." He looked down for a moment and then looked back up at them. "I loved Armina for who she was, not for what this Narima has made her become, and if there is any way we can get the real Armina back, I'm with you all the way."



Jeshal the Ironclaw
Things were looking grim for the Narima personality, which boded ill for the bosun's plans. Although he looked calm on the outside, under the surface brewed agitation.

Until Tomias returned. He noted the tinge of red to the rims of the younger todd's eyes and the irritated gurgle in his mind became a cruel bubble of possibilities.

After he had listened to what he had to say, unfortunately not to his advantage, Jeshal put forward his piece.

"While I be seeing yer points as ter Narima's...unsavoury...attitude since 'er appearance, might we not return to the matter that both of 'em 'ave the rights to and deserve ter 'ave control? So, thinks I, why not allow 'em a sort o' timeshare? If 'twere possible, Armina be around fer 'alf the time, an' then let Narima 'ave 'er own 'alf. If ye be dislikin' the idea o' Narima bein' let loose, I be reiteratin' me suggestion that I watches 'er at such times. I be thinkin' that ter be the fairest option."

That said, he put a paw to his head and winced, letting it come away with some of the blood-slivered poultice that Julia had applied. His gaze fell upon Tomias. A dark, threatening gaze that spoke: Cross me on this, Redford, an' I'll make our unfinished business known...

"Do yer not agree, Master Redford?"

The Ironclaw smiled sweetly.



Brek Larks
Brek listened to Jeshal's argument. He disliked his opinion. But it didn't matter to him. He knew how to solve this argument. He didn't quite understand the power of a beast's mind. But he knew that there would be nothing to do other than what he had planned.

"Thank for your opinion Mr Ironclaw," Brek spoke up, "but I'm afraid we could argue until we agree on this until one of the suggestions win. The only way is for Armina and Narima to decide. Anithias, I'm sorry but she isn't your goddaughter any more so no matter what we come up with, she still can decide for herself.

"Now, I think I figured it out. This Narima is part of how she acted in the past, am I correct?" He looked at the other foxes, "So, if Narima is how she was in the past, that means she is a very strong memory of Armina's. That means, Narima must have been nagging Armina so much about how she used to act, how 'fun' she was. But Armina refused to return to that. So the part of her that wanted to do all she did in the past separated from Armina, and became a temptation to return. Armina didn't refuse, she gave in to her temptation. Thats how Narima came to be. Yet Armina is confused. I would know, the teenage seasons of any beast are hard, you all should know that. So in her confusion she thinks that it is an entirely different beast that is inside of her.

"Now the only way I see to even bring Armina back is to make her face her temptation Narima. To make her either become stronger than her and destroy her temptation forever if possible. Or, being a slave to her temptation for as long as she lives." Brek was amazed by himself with his understanding of the situation. "Now, do any or all of you agree?"



Anithias Freedom
Anithias rubbed his eyebrows as he listened to the multiple opinions. 'Gates, he thought, I need to talk to Julia about these headaches. This is the third this week. He listened to the Ironclaw's suggestion about kit-sitting her. Maybe it's Julia's pregnancy. That was a shock and a half. The stress could easily-

He was jolted out of his self-pitying reverie by Brek suddenly pointing out that whatever they decided, they had to force Armina and Narima to choose. He seemed to be under the assumption that Narima was simply a dark temptation, and while Anithias agreed with him on most points, he had an uneasy feeling that getting rid of Narima wouldn't be so easy. By now Anithias had seen enough to classify Armina as mentally unstable, and he knew such instabilities rarely left on their own.

"You all have good points," he told them, ignoring the pounding in his head. "Tomias, I agree. Getting Armina back has to be our first priority in these negotiations. Jeshal..." Anithias looked resigned. "You're right. No matter my personal feelings on the matter, Narima does deserve an equal share in the body. And I'll not forget that kit-sitting offer," he warned him. "Brek, you're correct as well. We can't do anything on our own here. We'll need Narima to agree to leave, and that will require her to negotiate with Armina for rights to the body."

Anithias thought a moment before adding, "If no one objects, I think it would be best to tell Narima our decision and let her tell us her own terms. Any objections?" He raised his eyebrows at them, and immediately regretted it as his headache flared up again.



Jeshal the Ironclaw
Seeing that there was little more to be done in getting what he wanted, Jeshal reluctantly agreed with the decision. He would have to hope that Narima would be grateful to him for the amount of leeway she would be offered.

In response to Anithias's question of objections, he shook his head.



Anithias Freedom/Narima Rouge/Armina Rogue
When Anithias received no objections, he sighed before opening the door to the storeroom, walking back in.

Narima was huddled against the far wall, her eyes closed and a look of neutrality on her face. It was a strange change- it was almost as if instead of two beings inside, there were suddenly none. "Ar- Narima?" Anithias asked. Armina's eyes flickered open, and for a moment Anithias hoped that it was indeed Armina. But the look of resentment on her face said otherwise.

"Are you going to kill me?" she asked sullenly, looking away. "Because that's all you can do to me by force."

"We're aware of that," Anithias replied. "We're willing to negotiate with you for Armina's return to her body."

Narima examined him objectively. "Alright," she said slowly. "I want a fifty percent share in the body."

Anithias nodded, resigned. "Perhaps you get it for two weeks, and then Armina for another two?" he asked.

Narima shook her head distastefully. "I don't want to have it a lot," she told him. "Only when it suits me."

Anithias sighed, rubbing his temples again. "Alright, access up to a total of fourteen days per month," he offered. His eyes narrowed. "Armina will need to agree to those terms, though."

Narima closed her eyes again, the expression of neutrality returning. After a moment they opened again. "She's agreed."

Anithias examined her face suspiciously. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"

Narima glared at him. "You'll have to trust me on that, I guess."

Anithias frowned. He honestly didn't want to trust this obstinate, unruly, pain-in-the-tail vixen. Unfortunately, he had no choice. "What are your other conditions?" he asked warily.

Narima smiled. "I want to go wherever I want to go, whenever I want to go."

"Unacceptable," Anithias immediately replied. "You've already proven yourself incapable of interacting appropriately with other beasts. You may have already inspired dire consequences for Armina."

Narima glared at him angrily. "Alright," Anithias gave in, "but under supervision. Jeshal will accompany you on any outings, and all excursions will need to be approved by him first. You are not to seize control without Armina's consent while not on ship. When the ship is at sea, you will of course be allowed to move freely." He raised an eyebrow. "Is this acceptable?"

Narima closed her eyes again, communicating with Armina. They flickered open, and she nodded.

Anithias blew out, trying to think of any other conditions. "Oh yes," he added, remembering, "you are not to interact with any male in any way that Armina does not condone. Do you understand?"

Narima seemed to struggle with that one. Her eyes immediately snapped shut, and she twitched slightly as she conversed with Armina. Evidently they were having quite a debate. At last her eyes opened again, looking angry. "Agreed," she said grudgingly.

Anithias nodded, satisfied. "If you would please return Armina?" he requested. When she did not respond, he added an edge to his voice. "Now?" Narima slumped forward, her shoulders spasming slightly. Anithias tensed, reaching for his cutlass. Suddenly she straightened, taking a great gasp of air. Anithias allowed his shoulders to relax, though he remained alert. "Armina?" he asked.

Armina didn't answer right away. She was breathing heavily, as if she had just emerged from deep inside the sea. "'Courts..." she mumbled, then immediately put a paw to her lips. "'Courts," she mumbled again, then laughed as she sensed the vibrations. The laughter began to mix with crying, whether from joy or from trauma Anithias couldn't tell. Getting to her footpaws, Armina rushed forward, running straight past her former godfather and throwing her arms around Tomias. She alternately wept and hiccupped into his shoulder, wetting the shirt with her tears. Anithias paced forward, stopping as he noticed her uncontrollable trembling.

Armina pulled her snout out from against Tomias' chest, resting it against the base of his neck instead. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she whimpered, fear in her voice, "Don't let her... don't let her come back. 'Gates, please, don't let her come back."

Anithias only watched silently before walking out the door.



Brek Larks
Brek stood quietly as Anithias and Narima/Armina set the rules of the two beasts inside the one. But when Armina returned hugging Tomias and begging to keep Narima from returning he felt many emotions go through him, pity, confusion, worry, anger, frustration, and regret. But the only emotion he showed was his sadness for Armina, though he had no longer any sort of romantic feelings for her anymore, yet he still felt sad for her. He wished this all could go away as he wiped a tear from his eye. But unlike he thought, this wasn't a temptation inside her, it was another consciousness. Separate from Armina's.

He wished the vixen's begging could be given right. But it wasn't going to happen. Now Narima could come back any time she pleased. And yet she wasn't gone. Armina could still hear her "voice" inside. How could two creatures share one body? It was a mystery to Brek. It was like making two drunks share a bottle of grog. Somehow possible, yet impossible to him.

Brek never let go of his option of over powering Narima. He wouldn't tell Armina. Since Narima could find this plan out once it entered Armina's ears. He would always ponder for the solution. He was stubborn to except the terms of agreement between the two. Yet this was hidden from the others.

He wanted to comfort the poor vixen, but he just stood there quietly. He was going to think about the mind of a beast and its power. This would give him an advantage against Narima. So first he must search into his own. But until then, this was the situation.

He walked to where Armina was hugging Tomias. He put a paw on her back and whispered, "It's alright. You can get through this. Trust me." Not only was Brek worried about her reaction to his encouragement, but he forgot that Armina and he were not formally introduced! He slowly pulled his paw back, "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced. I mean me and you, Armina. I'm Brek Larks." He offered a paw. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Armina." He wiped another tear as he spoke.


Tomias Redford
Tomias hugged her back, he was glad Armina was back, but was simultaneously worried for her as well. He replied in a gentle, reassuring voice.

"Don't worry, I won't let her come back, we will find out a way to stop her, somehow..."

He looked up at Brek who just arrived. He paused whilst Brek sopke to her.

"You see, together we can keep her at bay."



Armina Rogue/Narima Rouge
Armina continued to nestle her head against Tomias' neck, tears glimmering in silver tracks from the corners of her eyes running down her cheek. She shuddered as her stomach fur, exposed from Narima's horrid belly-free shirt, brushed against Tomias' shirt. The contact sent a lone shiver rattling up her spine and into her brain, and that was enough to send her spiraling into guilt and shame. The memory of what she and Tomias had done was still too fresh, too painful. To stand by him now was like putting her paw in the fire after a long night's freeze— warming, but painful, at once agitation and cure for her ailment.

"Don't worry, I won't let her come back, we will find out a way to stop her, somehow..." Tomias whispered softly. Armina blinked back the tears, trying to sort through her mixed emotions. She no longer knew what to think; Narima had taken away everything she could call herself. She no longer knew if she was even herself anymore.

A brown fox she vaguely recognized, as if from a dream, approached, putting a paw on her back reassuringly. They were a strange sight, the three foxes; a broken female relying on the two strong males to get her through.

"It's alright. You can get through this. Trust me," the todd whispered comfortingly. Armina felt the tips of her mouth relax a little bit, becoming, if not a happier look, then one consisting of a little less guilt. She tried to paw back through the vague, muddled memories of Narima's short-lived reign of terror, hoping that the same thing that had happened with Tomias hadn't happened to this fox as well. To her dubious relief, she found none. At least, not that she could remember.

The young todd pulled back his paw, seeming to sense Armina's pain. "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced. I mean me and you, Armina. I'm Brek Larks." He offered her a paw. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Armina." He emphasized the name, indicating he had indeed met Narima. Armina accepted the paw, swaying slightly as she did. She still felt unstable, as if her foundation had suddenly crumbled and she was standing on a last, thin pillar. She looked at the fox gratefully, unable to speak yet. It was so much pain, so much guilt in her head still. Like a snake, Narima glided through it all, gloating in the murky memories and feelings she had instilled. Armina wished she could cast the loathsome creature from her mind, leaving her to shrivel on the wooden deck. But she could not.

Tomias continued to sway gently with her, the motion adding a little comfort to Armina's unstable emotions. "You see, together we can keep her at bay." Armina smiled weakly continuing to sway. Abruptly she froze, the smile still plastered on her face. The light left her eyes, leaving an empty shell. Armina's neck muscles began to flex, as if some ghostly master were reaching a hand into its puppet. The light returned to Armina's eyes, but a different light. While Armina shone with a faint glow, her light playing through the clouds, this light burned directly, like fire.

Narima was back.

The vixen stepped back from Tomias' embrace, moving without any hint of shame or sorrow. She almost seemed to gloat in Armina's fragile condition. It was like watching a great stage performer weep and rail in heartbreak, and suddenly emerge from the performance simply delighted at another outstanding act.

"Don't even think you can get rid of me," she said simply, a note of contempt in her voice. "I'm part of her now, the stronger part. I can take her back any time." Narima raised one sharp claw, putting it to her other arm. Slowly she pressed, a bead of blood rising up around her. She didn't even react. She smiled strangely, devoid of emotion. "And who knows if I'll give her back then," she added, raising the claw up above the floor. The small sphere of blood hovered on the tip of her claw. Abruptly Narima flicked her finger, and the tiny orb fell, shattering against the wood into a red splotch of damage. Even as the sphere dropped Armina too fell, abandoned by her ghostly puppet master. She splayed as she hit the floor, fallen limply like an abandoned rag doll.

Narima had made her point; Armina was now only a tenant in her body. A tenant she could evict at any moment.



Brek Larks
The display of Narima's control over Armina was amazing to Brek. As he watched he kept taking note of what she said.

""Don't even think you can get rid of me," though he wished he could. "I'm part of her now, the stronger part. I can take her back any time." The body pushed a claw on the other arm. As a small drop of blood raised from the flesh and fur. To Brek's surprise, she didn't even show a sign of pain. Rather she smiled in a strange fashion. It seemed to Brek that one, Narima was crazy, and two, she could ignore the pain and force it on Armina. "And who knows if I'll give her back then." Time seemed to slow as she moved her claw and flicked her finger so the red sphere dropped to the floor.

As he turned his head up he saw the vixen’s body fall to the floor, right next to the drop of blood. He tried to catch her but failed. Instead he kneeled beside her with his arm under her head. "Armina!" He yelled at the seemingly lifeless body. If both Armina and Narima were gone, was this what happens to the body? "Armina!" he repeated.

He looked to Tomias. "Go find Julia or Anithias. I think she might be unconscious. Quickly!"



Jeshal the Ironclaw
Not wanting to lose his hold on the usefulness of whom he had sworn to protect, if only for his own gain, Jeshal had not strayed far from the scene. In fact, he was only a few footpaws' distance from the door, having been grinning to himself over the tenderness between Armina and Tomias.

The sight of affection made the Ironclaw sick to the stomach, but rather than making him bitter, it made him cruel. Love amused him, mostly because he was not aware of truly experiencing it and saw the warmth and strength of such attachments as feeble and pointless. Whenever love reared its beautiful head in the bosun's heart, he had trained himself to strangle it and hold it underwater. And thus, the wretched fool had forgotten what it was.

He snapped out of his snickerings as the alarm was raised by Brek's shouts.

"Armina! Armina!"

Jeshal bolted around the corner towards the commotion, concern painting onto his face.

"What is it? What be all the fuss?"


Brek Larks
As Brek ordered Tomias, Ironclaw came round the corner. "What is it? What be all the fuss?"

Brek filled him in while he stood up. "She fainted. One second she was Armina. Then Narima came back into control, just to show her strength over Armina. After Narima left she was on the floor."

Brek looked at Tomias again. "Tomias, I actually want you to stay." He had three reasons for this. One, Brek knew where Anithias went and he was a fast runner. Two, out of the three foxes the best choice was Tomias, since he knew plenty about medical services and Brek didn't want to leave Jeshal with Armina alone again, if it was up to him at least. And it seemed to be up to him. And third, Tomias loved Armina. He would have more care for somebeast he cared for than a stranger like she was to Brek.

"Jeshal, you and I will be going to the infirmary to get Kiptooth or Julia and a stretcher." He looked at the metal pawed fox. "That way if we carried her on the stretcher rather in our arms she will not feel as much aching when she comes back and for other reasons I don't know but suppose you do Tomias." Brek thought Tomias would object, saying, "You mean if she comes back". So he held up a paw finger to stop if he would start. "It might take longer Tomias, but it will be the better option."

He walked to the door. Without lifting his head he said "Ironclaw, let’s go." He walked out and headed out the door. He took a moment for Jeshal to come.


Jeshal the Ironclaw
Jeshal studied Brek's face all the while he was being informed of the situation. He was a handsome young todd, not unlike Tomias. The bosun wondered how much that face would be improved with a series of claw-gashes gleaming wetly from brow to snout. Such thoughts were utterly masked, however, and he gave the impression of stern sensibility.

He cast one glance to the slumped form of the vixen, another to the distraught Redford, and then he bowed respectfully to Brek's back as he passed. Without so much as a word, Jeshal followed after Master Larks.


Brek Larks
Brek continued with Jeshal behind him. He was walking so fast he was practically running. Once they reached the infirmary Brek held the door for Ironclaw and entered after him. No beast was insight on the inside. "Hello?" Brek called. He looked at Jeshal. "Start getting a stretcher ready. I'm going to look to see if any beast is here."

He turned on his heel and walked between the beds that were sometimes filled with beasts of the Hide. "Hello?" He called again.


Julia Freedom
Julia was walking down the hall when she heard Brek calling out, "Hello?" Julia frowned. He sounded distraught. Quickly Julia hurried to the crew quarters, making her way among the bunks. She met Brek halfway down the aisle.

"What is it?" she asked sharply. "What's wrong?"


Brek Larks
"Ah Julia," Brek said quickly. "After you and Nithy left while Armina was still there. Um, well somehow Narima took control in an instant. She warned us that we couldn't get rid of her no matter what. Then she left and Armina fainted. We were just coming down to see if you could help. We are getting a stretcher ready to bring her in here." Brek pointed to where Jeshal stood.

"We might need your help if Narima comes back and tries to escape again. I left her with Tomias to make sure she is alright." Brek made a strange face as he continued. "It's strange, when Narima returned she... she dug a claw into her flesh... until she started to bleed a little... She didn't even seem hurt, she just... smiled, like an insane beast. It was like a nightmare the way she smiled." Brek felt a chill go down his neck as he described Narima's act.

"It's frightening really. Can't figure how she did that. Julia we must see if Armina is alright. The poor girl might not make it longer with this monster inside of her. Somehow, we must destroy Narima if possible. It's not right what she does. And the treaty is all wrong, anytime she wants?" Brek sounded disgusted. "Just looking at how she left her was torture. I can only wonder what Armina is feeling."

Brek let out a slow sigh in defeat. He turned to Jeshal's direction. "You got that stretcher yet?"


Jeshal the Ironclaw
The copper todd stood idly in the infirmary, partly out of a slight sense of insolence, and partly because he had no clue where he would find such an item not being a frequent visitor of this particular room. It was rare that he got hurt, either through staying aboard during raids or simply being able to run fast enough to escape most conflict.

He had tolerated Brek's attitude towards him for the sake of regaining a foothold in trust, but now that the subject of removing Narima had been broached again, his blood bubbled. Jeshal's eyes flashed toward the younger, smaller fox and his lips peeled back to reveal his fangs. Somehow he managed to put on a forced smile to soften his reply.

"I appreciate yer concern fer the young lady, Master Larks, but though I may not be as important as our good Sir Freedom," he glanced at Julia, “I am still an officer an' would thank yer kindly ter treat me as such. Furthermore, I disagree with yer brash prejudice against Narima. True she be coming at things from the wrong angle, but I be wagerin' she's only a bully because she's afeared o' ye all wantin' ter get rid of 'er. The sooner ye accept 'er fer what she is, the less she'll fight an' by and by ye may get Armina back entirely without all the trouble o' forcin' it."

He snorted and shrugged.

"More ter the point, incitin' an assault against a beast what 'as a right ter be 'ere 's most likely against our codes o' conduct. What be yer thinkin's Missus Freedom?"



Brek Larks
Brek had thought he was quiet enough to keep the talking just between him and Julia. He was apparently wrong as he heard Jeshal speak about the subject.

"I appreciate yer concern fer the young lady, Master Larks, but though I may not be as important as our good Sir Freedom," he glanced at Julia, “I am still an officer an' would thank yer kindly ter treat me as such. Furthermore, I disagree with yer brash prejudice against Narima. True she be coming at things from the wrong angle, but I be wagerin' she's only a bully because she's afeared o' ye all wantin' ter get rid of 'er. The sooner ye accept 'er fer what she is, the less she'll fight an' by and by ye may get Armina back entirely without all the trouble o' forcin' it."

He snorted and shrugged.

"More ter the point, incitin' an assault against a beast what 'as a right ter be 'ere 's most likely against our codes o' conduct. What be yer thinkin's Missus Freedom?"

Brek thought about what he said. He took it into account. It was a good look at the problem. It wasn't his favorite choice but would work for now. "Thank you Mr Ironclaw. I shall think about that. You clearly have dealt with something such as this before." He was amazed at the fox's understanding. Clearly his years had served him well in experience. He looked to the Bosun's empty arms, he hadn't found a stretcher. Letting out a frustrated sigh he asked Julia instead, "would you help us get a stretcher?"


Julia Freedom/Armina Rogue
Julia listened to their reports, confused. Who on earth was Narima? Brek had mentioned that name before in connection with Armina, saying she was trying to change her name. By the sound of it, it was far worse. Julia thought back to a psychological profile she'd drawn up of Armina a few months back.

Resentful. Paranoid, bordering on schizophrenia. Torn between personal extremes.

It was a dangerous combination, the kind that was likely to send a beast reeling into madness. By the sound of it, that had just happened. A split personality, a dangerous one that seemed to possess an independent consciousness. Immediately Julia thought of Zantok, the dual-personality, bi-polar weasel they had discovered marooned in the Cove of Lost Ships. Those personalities had been unable to assume independent control, but merely existed as conjoined voices, speaking in response to each other but acting as one. In fact, she'd never even heard them disagree.

From the sound of this, it was much worse with Armina. For a mind to separate into completely distinct beings was theoretically impossible. Such a division could only possible occur on the level of the soul, the deepest, and most mysterious, layer of psychology. The very spiritual implications of such a change rattled Julia. In such a time, she couldn't help but think a little selfishly. Perhaps this was an opportunity for Kiptooth to finally gain the recognition he deserved! He was already the foremost expert in mental illness in the Imperium, partly thanks to the Admiral's near-constant company. With this under his belt, he could well wind up in the Royal Court!...

No. Julia shook her head, banishing such thoughts. She couldn't let her desires to see her mentor elevated get in the way of treating Armina. Besides, Kip was a kindly marten who knew the meaning of discretion. He would not make a show of Armina to advance his own career. Nor should Julia pressure him to.

"Julia, would you help us get a stretcher?"

Julia snapped back to reality. She nodded, brushing past Jeshal into the infirmary. Quickly she opened a long, thin closet, pulling out what looked like an enormous rope-net scroll. Quickly she unfurled it to reveal a litter made from simple rigging and wooden posts. "Here," she handed it off to Jeshal, brushing past him on her way to the cabinets. She shuffled through the glass jars for a moment before seizing two jars, pulling them off the shelf. She sniffed the smaller one once before jerking her head back, shaking her head to displace the smell. "Follow me," she called, setting off at a brisk walk for the storeroom.

Armina was still lying on the floor, Tomias kneeling over her. Impatiently Julia brushed him aside, unscrewing the cap on the small jar. Instantly a sickly clean smell flooded the room, making its occupants gag. Ammonia. Holding her nose, Julia shoved the sickening substance under Armina's nose, hoping the smelling salts would work.

Evidently the smell reached deep enough to stir the slumbering beings within. With a gasp, Armina's eyes snapped to life, widening crazily. Immediately her body began to convulse, her lips twisting grotesquely as a stream of babbled nonsense emerged from her throat. Julia grabbed for the youngster's paws, forcing them down. Armina continued to convulse crazily, rocking against the floor.

"They're both trying to emerge at once!" Julia shouted, trying to restrain the crazed vixen. She felt a sickening feeling in her mouth as Armina's eyes rolled in different directions. "Give me those!" She motioned with her snout toward the larger jar. She'd brought them along as a last case resort- there was really no telling what they would do. The worst case scenario was sending both Armina and Narima's emotions spiraling out of control, making them even more uncontrollable.

Julia would aim for the best case scenario.



Brek Larks
"They're both trying to emerge at once!" Julia shouted as Brek watched in horror. Armina’s eyes started to move in different directions as she shook under Julia's arms. "Give me those!" She motioned to a larger jar she had brought. Brek quickly passed them to her.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He looked with a worried and scared face as Julia took the jar of pills from him. What was to happen to the crazed vixen, Brek had no idea.


Tomias Redford
Tomias was frozen in shock at what was occurring. He just sat back and watched in horror, but when Julia ordered them to get her some jars. Tomias reached for them, but Brek was too fast for him, and he got the jars first.

"Is there anything I can do to help? I'm a doctor as well."​