Blitzheim, the capitol of Chronotopia, is a city of tall spires, cobblestone streets, glaring gargoyles, strange mechanical contraptions, billows of steam, the occasional boiler explosion, marching soldiers, urban traffic, elegant woodwork and panelled glass, and a multitude of constantly ticking clocks. Bustle and timeless care contend with each other, contradicting each other every which way.

The Khatta has been alone for the most part, save for one peculiarity about Chronotopian culture: Hospitality. So far, he's been able to find some kind family willing to take him in for a night and give him a full belly, without him having even a shekel to show for his name. However, that's not exactly the best thing to count on – Generosity can wear out.

… especially since disaster seems to follow in the Khatta's wake everywhere he goes. If it weren't for that, and the quick judgement of him as a "jynx", he'd probably be in better shape.

A new morning finds the Khatta on the streets – misty, foggy streets. The weather is perpetually awful. It's either foggy or raining, or at the very least bitter and overcast. He hasn't seen a sunny sky for quite some time.

Jynx walks along, paws in pockets and head hung low, trying to hold in his sneezes. His mind wanders back to his warm bed in Rephidim, and the sunny skies, wondering if he'll ever get back.

Gargoyles frown down on Jynx, and the faces of those he passes don't look any better. This place has been somewhat glum, but not THIS bad. There's a pall over everything. A general feeling of gloom and despair that seems to touch everything, even more than the morning fog.

The Khatta can only ponder the reason behind the expressions, since he hasn't been able to understand a single word since he got here, except fot the commisar of course.

Something dark moves overhead. It's an airship, its shape only a blur, until the winds stir the fog a bit. For a little while, before the fog closes in again, an emblem of one of the regions of the Nagai Empire can be seen on its side, a silvery coil representing the Naga image of the Procession.

Jynx's homesickness deepens as he gazes up at the ship.

Through the fog, a large shadow approaches down the sidewalk. A Khatta, by the shape, and the tail flicking behind, wearing a thick cloak.

Jynx gets closer to the side of the path, making room for the stranger to pass. He keeps his eyes downcast, preferring to avoid any gazes that might show his current surly demeanor.

The stranger walks up … and then stops right next to Jynx, looking down at him. "Little Khatta!" the large feline purrs. "Found you."

Jynx knows that voice, "Uhh, I'm sorry… have we met?"

The Tigress smiles at Jynx. "Silly. I not mad at you now. All better. Want go home now?"

The black cat sees the face, and jumpa back in fright, "Y-YOU! How'd you get here?" He inches away, preparing to make a break for it.

The Tigress prrrts? "Look for little Khatta. Found you. Good luck, yes?"

( Good luck no, bud luck yes! ) Jynx continues to back away from the Tigress, "Y-you know you're not supposed to be here… right?"

The Tigress purrs, "But you no be here, too. You go home, yes? I take you home. Back to Mama and Papa Khattas. In cloud city, yes?"

Jynx halts, and blinks, "Back to Rephidim? How?"

A big grin crosses the Tigress' face. "Jump real high!" Her eyes twinkle, as her tail swishes lazily under the cloak.

Jynx should've known. "Well, you begin jumping and I'll catch up with you later… I, er, have to use the litte cats room!" The Khatta turns and sprints down the street, weaving and bobbing down the corners.

"WAS JOKING!" the Tigress shouts.

Jynx doesn't hear, and continues to run, ( Great, now I'm lost and have her after me again! )

Several Chronotopians cry out in alarm at the black Khatta that comes dashing out of the fog. A couple of wagons capsize, and – surely having NOTHING to do with this – a couple of small boilers burst for good measure, sending hot steam shooting everywhere. Alarms ring.

Jynx grimaces as he continues to run blindly, dodging the boiling contents of the tanks and the fists of angry drivers.

Several more catastrophes follow in the black Khatta's wake, but at last, the traffic thins out and the din dies down, and it appears that the black feline has, indeed, lost any pursuit for the time being.

Jynx takes a final look back, making sure he hasn't been pursued. After he's sure, he stops and plops down against a wall, panting and exhausted. ( At least I'll be in good shape after this trip. )

A wagon rolls by, some sort of steam contraption being ferried on the back. At least that one didn't explode. That must be good.

Jynx watches the wagon and winces a bit, expecting the machine to explode, then relaxes as it refrains from doing so. A bit better rested now, the cat stands and looks around to try and get his bearings.

All around … fog, fog and more fog. Hey, there's someone approaching … a bat! So far, Jynx hasn't seen any of those here. Probably because the weather is so cold and dreary.

As the bat approaches, two little specks of glowing red can be seen where his eyes should be …

Jynx tries to squint through the fog. That's strange, for a, Eeee to be this far away from Babel, especially when its on the fringes of war with Rephidim. Perhaps it speaks something Jyns can understand?

Glowing red eyes… an Eeee… Jynx gets a bad case of deja vu.

The bat stops right in front of Jynx, his features still obscured by the thick fog. Suddenly, he begins to laugh. "BWahahahahahaaaaa!"

Jynx grimaces while putting his paws to his ears, "Oh great, its YOU." The cat sighs.

The bat leans over. "Ah. Ith YOU. What aw you doing in Bwiffheim, mewe mowtaw?"

Jynx crosses his arms and stares at the bat, "Trying to leave at the moment. What about you? Too many vermite traps in the alleys nowadays?" The Khatta's tail twitches anooyedly.

The bat points a finger at Jynx. "You awe vewy wude and annoying. If I wath not on vacathion fwom taking ovah the woahld, I'd towtuwe you fuwah that."

The cat begins to walk off, "Well, take a number then, because you're not the first who'd like to do so. And as much as I'd like to stay and chew the fat, I have things to do."

The bat hmphs. "Vewy weww then. I hope yowah luck doeth not change." With that, he turns, heading back the other way, breaking into a loud cackling laugh. "Bwahhahahahaaaa!"

The fog seems to be clearing up. What luck!

Jynx rolls his eyes and continues on. ( What is this? Torture the catday? )

However, as the fog clears, it's evident that the overcast sky has not. In fact … there's a drop that hits the Khatta on the head. Then another. And … *RUMBLE* A downpour!

Jynx flattens his ears and glares up at the sky. He pulls his shirt closer up over his neck, and runs further down the street, looking for somewhere to wait out the storm.

An overhanging canopy in front of one of the stores looks like a good place to duck under for some shelter from the rain.

Jynx quickly makes his way over to the store, his hatred of being wet pressing him along. When he arrives, he shakes off and backs under the canopy. ( Wonder how long this is gonna last… )

The sign over the store reads, "Krako's Musicboxes", in ornate letters. Meanwhile, another one of those steam chugger vehicles is rolling down the street, the raindrops hissing as they hit the hot surface of the boiler.

*chuggachuggachugga* *fweeeeeeeee!*

The canopy sags heavily from all the water accumulating in it, rather than running off the side. It's almost low enough for Jynx's ears to brush it.

Jynx sighs, looks like the rain isn't going to give up anytime soon. The Khatta looks up at the sign, Musicboxes eh? Well, he likes music, and its something to do while he's here. Besides, that canopy looks a bit hostile now… as far as wet canopies go. The black cat makes his way quickly inside

From the other direction, a Dromodon-drawn carriage rolls into view, approaching the steamer. Suddenly, the Dromodon halts, and begins to protest, braying loudly.

Before Jynx can get in the door… something happens!

*rip* *burst* *SPLOOSH* *chugga* *chugga* *wheeeeeeze* *BRAY!* *CLUNK* *BANG* … *KABLAM!*

It's hard for Jynx to piece together the events exactly, but the next thing he knows, he is soaking wet and airborne!

Meanwhile, the Dromodon-borne carriage halts by the curb, its passengers hurriedly getting out, what with all the steam and commotion. "*KAW!* Hurry, Inquisitrix, or you'll get soaked!"

Jynx screams and flails wildly as once again in his life he sails like a brick through the open skies.

Uh oh! Incoming Khatta! Suddenly, just as the Inquisitrix is stepping out of the carriage … a black Khatta lands on top of her!

"*KAW!*" The crow flaps his wings, fluttering into the air … then battering at Turtle's "assailant".

Turtle flails helplessly beneath the black feline. "Bother, brimstone, and gall! Get off me, you!" She tries vainly to lift her head from the ground and look back at him, bedraggled strands of her hair covering her face.

Neekto squawks! "BRIGANDS! CUTTHROATS! FLYING BLACK KHATTAS!" He pecks at Jynx's backside mercilessly.

"ACK!" Jynx still flails as well, and as much as he'd love to get up the crazy Korv prevents him from doing so. "Ouch, ouch! Hey! Stop!"

Turtle continues to struggle, as well, grabbing Neekto's leg.

The crow hops back, making a hissing noise as his feathers puff out.

The dripping wet cat finally jumps back up, his chest sore from the pokes of the aeonian's horn. "W-what just happened?" he pants.

The crow squawks, "You just assailed an Inquisitrix of Rephidim Temple, you shameless scoundrel! *KAW*!"

Turtle lets go of Neekto, and stands up, the white sarong dress with tassles in bright orange, yellow, and red like fire soaks. The tassles themselves droop limply. It seems the fire has been put out. She truns to Jynx, and gives him a poisoned look. "You annoy me… greatly!"

Jynx puts his paws up defensively and backs away from the unicorn, "Hey! I'm sorry lady! If I had known you were an inquisitrix I… well… actually I couldn't have done much, but still! It wasn't my fault!"

Turtle pulls the strands of hair in her face back out of the way, running her fingers through them furiously. She glares at the black feline silently.

The crow tries to smooth down his feathers, then caws, "Inquisitrix, perhaps we should step inside this store… It should be much more dry inside." He shudders a bit.

Turtle looks down at Neekto, her expression changing to one of a helpless child. "Very well. Although I'm not particularly fond of making my entrance in such… " She slings water from her fingers. "Condition… "

The crow ducks his head, and waddles up to open the door. "It rains a lot here in Chronotopia. He'll understand." He holds it open for Turtle.

Jynx looks up, once again in the pouring rain. "Well, that's where I'm headed too, so I hope you won't mind." The cat waits for the others to enter.

Turtle walks in, the air about her so cold it's amazing that the water in her dress hasn't turned to ice.

Inside, however, the musicbox shop is fairly warm, largely thanks to a cast iron stove that diligently works to drive off the chill. "NEEKTO!" squawks a crow with feathers tinged in white. "*KAW!*" He then starts cawing in the language of the Chronotopians, as he flutters over to greet Turtle's secretary.

Jynx bolts inside after the Temple group, sopping wet and cold.

Turtle watches Neekto and his acquaintance, her arms crossed and looking a bit bored. She shoots a look at Jynx as he enters.

The interior of the shop houses all sorts of trinkets and knick-knacks, most of them being music-boxes, as should be appropriate for the name of the store. A few of them chime pleasantly, the ones playing spaced far enough apart that you can hear some music as you go here or there, but not that the whole room is filled with a cacophony of conflicting songs.

Jynx flinches as the aeonian glares at him. He takes refuge at the other end of the store, and after shaking off, takes a look at all the store's wares.

The two crows exchange several caws, and then Neekto hops back over to Turtle. "My grandfather!" Neekto explains. "He is a very skilled craftsman." Neekto then proceeds to introduce the Inquisitrix to his grandfather, using the local tongue.

Turtle nods pleasantly to Neekto's grandfather, then her eyes wander around the shop, ocassionally frowning as the catch sight of Jynx.

The cat can feel the aeonian's gaze on his back, and he makes an audible gulp, ( I hope she doesn't hold this against me back home… whoever she is )

Neekto talks with his grandfather some more, then frowns and looks to Turtle. "Oh my. Chronotopia is not doing well. Grandfather says the Kaizer just died." He shakes his head, tsk-tsking.

Turtle turns her head and questions, "The Kaizer?"

Neekto nods. "He was very ill for a long time. It is not unexpected … but still tragic."

Jynx's ears perk up, ( The Kaizer? Wasn't that the guy the commisar was talking about? ) The Khatta inches closer to listen in.

Turtle raises an eyebrow. "I was wondering who he was, Neekto. You forget it's been quite some time since I was involved with civilization"

Neekto squawks, "*KAW!* Forgive me, Inquisitrix. The Kaizer is – or was – leader of this land, Chronotopia."

Turtle face turns a bit more serious, understanding. "Oh my. Have they found someone to fill his position?"

Jynx hmmms, if so, he hopes it wasn't that commisar guy. Mean, and ugly to boot.

The crow blinks. "Ah … Well, I suppose the Parliament will have to deal with such matters. But … I don't mean to cast a cloud over your shopping trip. Here, Inquisitrix … Stand over by this stove. It's warm, and should help you dry off."

Jynx turns just enough to eye the stove. As much as he'd like to go stand by it, it'd probably not be a smart move to do so with an angry inquisitrix standing so close.

Turtle follows the crow to the stove, still dripping a bit. She pulls out a small hand mirror with the three frogs, and attempts to dry it off, so she can fix her makeup.

The crow waddles back, giving Turtle plenty of room, while he returns to briefing his grandfather on all the latest news from Rephidim…

Jynx gazes longingly at the stove, and decides to take his chances. He slowly scoots closer to it, keeping a respectable distance from the unicorn. "So, uh, an inquisitrix huh?"

Turtle streams her fingers through her hair again, then pulls out a small lip brush, and traces her mouth lightly, squinting to gaze in the mirror she didn't get quite dry.

Turtle eyes shoot back towards the feline. "That is correct," she says evenly, before going back to her brush.

"Oh," the cat mouths, though not pronouncing it aloud. He gets even closer to the stove, eager to dry off. "Y-you wouldn't happen to know of a way a person could get b-booking on an airship back to Rephidim, would you?"

Turtle presses her lips together, then says, "Perhaps," with the same tone as before. She puts away the brush, and scrunches her hair, making sure it's not drying stiff.

Jynx just returns the comment with a nod, and doesn't press any further. He's just happy to have a place to dry off and keep warm.

Turtle looks over to Jynx questioningly, as if expecting something else, but a moment later she focuses on her eyelashes. "Acutally," she says finally, same tone, not looking up, "we are taking an airship back to Rephidim this afternoon, but I'm not sure if you'd be interested." She looks over at the Khatta on that last word, an expression on her face as if she hopes he wouldn't be interested.

Jynx perks up, eyes wide, and looks the Aeonian in the face for the first time, "Interested? Of course I would be! I'd do almost anything to get home!"

Turtle flattens her ears a bit.

"Umm, what did you mean… exactly?" The cat inquires.

Turtle quirks her eyebrows. "I mean?" she repeats, ruffling fingers through her hair again.

Jynx looks back to the stove, "Well… I was guessing you needed some help or something… but I guess not." The cat sighs.

Turtle queries further, "Help? You make little sense to me, feline." She starts to look annoyed with him again.

Jynx nonchalantly inches away from the unicorn, just in case she gets REALLY annoyed. "I meant help on the airship, you know, carrying stuff, loading and unloading, the usual airship fare."

Turtle smiles inwardly. "Oh, I'm certain I could arrange something like that." She straightens up her dress, which has dried off nicely, except for the tassles, which still droop.

The Khatta looks tired-eyed at the inquisitrix once again, "Y-you could?"

Turtle takes one last look in the mirror, then turns, searching out her secretary. "Neekto. We have someone joining us on the trip home. He will… " she looks back at Jynx, with a little glimmer from the gold flecks in her eyes, "be my personal assistant on the way back."

Jynx blinks at the unicorn, fighting to keep his mouth from dropping, "P-personal assistant?"

The Korv looks back to Turtle. "Your personal assistant?" He blinks, obviously surprised. "As you wish, Inquisitrix."

Turtle allows the smile to creep further on to her face. "Yes. You do know how to care for dresses, makeup, and other personal items, don't you?"

Turtle truns to Neekto, and gives him a crisp nod.

Jynx just stares at the inquisitrix in a daze, then come to, "O-of course I do! N-nobody better!" ( Criminy! )

"Very well then." She turns from the stove, tucking away the mirror somewhere in her garments, to return to the crow and his grandfather at the front of the store.

Neekto snaps to attention, ready to leave with the Inquisitrix.

Jynx just stays at the stove, watching the inquisitrix leave open mouthed and wide-eyed.

The Korv looks to Jynx and then back to Turtle. "Is he coming?" he caws quietly.

Turtle smiles pleasantly to the old crow storekeeper. "Tell him it was very nice to meet him, Neekto, but now we need to go if we wish to catch our ship."

Turtle looks back at Jynx, annoyed (no surprise). "Are you?"

Jynx comes to. "Oh, o-of course!" The cat runs out of the store and takes his place behind the others. ( Finally! )