Now, back to our usual programming.

When I left the Domain, I wasn't sure how the rest of the day would go. We still had hours before we would be able to take off, and frankly, we had no real plan of what direction to go. Obviously Hoctin would be an important stop for Gabbie to fully embrace her role as Ariel's Emissary; as well as being the only place for Scott to seek a possible cure for his curse. However, I had no real idea of how such a vessel would traverse north-east from Bludbag. It was far smaller than the ship used by Citrinas, which meant we were much more at risk of attack by any sort of projectile or airborn creature; and I really, really didn't want to end up crashing in the Wyrdwood.

"Especially not after the Bose incident..."

My thoughts were then interrupted by the loudest noise I could possibly fathom; thank the Gods my sensitive ears were sheltered from it's full auditory wrath.

*KRA-KOOOOOOM!*

I rush straight to the top deck as the Lamb-Chop shakes violently. The first thing I see when I reach the top of the stairs is an enormous mushroom-cloud; coming from the direction of the Tavern-Mimic Urgog had been using as a base. A massive slab of slimy flesh around the size of a cannon impacts inches away from me; an ungodly eyeball that splatters like a grape thrown against a brick wall. I nearly hurled up my guts as disgusting, sticky blood gushes onto my face.

"Fuck! God's damn it! Some of it got in my mouth!" I shout; wiping off my face, only to hear an utterance of 'Dry' come from the stairs.

After having removed the blood, Ashes burst into laughter. "Hahaha! The look on your face!"

*Blip*

The Mimic'e eyeball vanishes from sight, alongside it's remaining fluids; replaced by the familiar, and much more chipper, face of the Chosen of Machae. "I needed that."

"Trina! What have we said about explosions inside populated areas?!" Ariel shouts, manifesting from atop of Gabbie's staff.

Citrinas stares at him blankly. "That they're effective?"

The Minor God grinds his teeth together. "You know for a fact that I was joking when I said that!"

Ignoring the raging martyr, the Chosen turns to me; she bows her head, taking off her hat as she does so, and handing me something. "I wish to apologize for my earlier assumptions of your willingness to copulate with me. As compensation, I bequeath to you the key to my room on the Lamb-Chop. I have a variety of old magical items strewn about the place; some may be of use. The Magic-Mirror in particular, if you know the correct Pass-Codes, will allow for instant communication with others with similar devices."

I take the key from her hand; the bow of which is in the shape of a pumpkin. "Oh, thank you."

"But-" She say; snapping her finger, and bringing out that strange slab from earlier. "-I will still need you to spare me one use of your Mark of Submission. Halicarnassus is far from the most responsive of prisoners."

I eye up the slab, thinking to myself; then asking. "Why don't I just apply it in person? I certainly have a few words for that damned Demi-God..."

With another snap of Citrinas's fingers, the slab vanishes. "That would work as well; but, you'll have to tell her to listen to my commands before we part ways."

I offer the Chosen a smile. "Deal. When do I see her?"

That smile was then promptly slapped off my face, quickly accompanied by a second slap across the face of Citrinas. Cilla, holding Carrie in one hand, grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, and dragged me down the stairs of the ship; staring daggers at the girl I was speaking to.

"I will yell at her later..." She growled; her voice sweetening as she looks over Carrie. "Carrie, sweetie, are you ok now?"

"My ears are still ringing." The sweet Dungeon Core whined, holding her tiny hands over her small ears.

"Why did you slap me!?" I ask, pulling my shirt free from the she-beast's claws.

She glares at me; whispering. "I didn't hear much over the constant ringing after that explosion, but I did hear the words 'willingness to copulate!'"

Oh Gods... give me strength.

...

A series of hearing check-ups with Eve, one egg-shell laden explanation, and a meal later; the entirety of my party were now down in the Domain of the Lamb-Chop. Ashes, Sammy, Scott, and Trixie were currently trying out the gym with Kaki, while Eve was looking through her new room. Cilla had gone off to give Carrie some lessons on geography (after apologizing about the slap... for once.) Zana and Anaz were talking excitedly over in their room; likely about what Anaz had found down in the ship. Oro was cleaning the dishes with Rocky and Gabbie's help; and me?

I was laying down, thinking back on it all.

"This ship has a party of what, twelve people? I don't count Carrie as being a "party-member" for pretty obvious reasons. Rocky is a Golem, and I'm not sure if he is entirely sentient... Plus, he hasn't really done much besides stand watch a few times. Not effectively, either; considering Oro just slithered past him when they were all fighting in the Arena. Did Ariel count? He wasn't really here, and doesn't do much outside of giving Gabbie her miracles... ugh, just stick with Twelve. Twelve party members."

"This was starting to be difficult to keep track of; eleven other people I have to watch out for when we're out and about. Our gang has already been split up, and jumped multiple times; like when Zana lost her arm... Like when Anaz jumped them all... Like when Sammy had just vanished without a trace, falling into an invisible sewer! I hate to admit it, but our size is becoming a bit of a liability. That's on me, of course; letting just about anyone join up..."

"You know what. No. I'm not just going to stew on this; fuck that. I'm the defacto-leader; I'm going to do something!"

I got up from my bed, and left the room; getting ready to gather everyone for a meeting.

"Time to organize this shit-show."