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Chapter 8 Restless Night

Maverick felt his heart sink as the red robed mage tossed the boy's dagger at his feet as if it were a useless hunk of garbage. He sunk to his knees and picked the blade up with trembling paws, his eyes staring into the dim lifeless gem at its hilt. How could he have been so blind? There had to be a reason the crystal was on the black-market, but the boy never even questioned why that was. Now that he was faced with the harsh reality behind the catalyst, he could only sit and feel his stomach turning.

"Hehehe! Maybe you should look more into the things you get from shady places before you use them from now on, kid! Maybe then that creature would have had a chance to live!" The cackling rogue snickered down at the defeated cub, as if to rub even more salt in the wound.

"You see... My catalyst is special too, but not like your limited little egg. Mine is more powerful than any old shiny rock that these sorry excuses for mages nowadays slap onto their walking sticks. Mine was made specifically for me, and I know how to use it VERY well~"

Mavy almost couldn't hear the mocking voice snidely monologuing, his eyes still fixed on the catalyst on his dagger. The red mage sighed, realizing that the boy was too taken aback by the situation. With a swift kick to a piece of rubble, he sent a stone piece flying towards the cub's head. It just barely grazed the fox boy's forehead and snapped his attention back up to the masked villain. With a spin of his staff he let the glowing scythe come to rest on his shoulders behind his neck, his arms rested over it in a carefree stance.

"Hahaha, you look so traumatized! Why even do you care? You didn't even know it was supposed to be alive. For you, it shouldn't be much more than a broken toy. A catalyst that's damaged... actually it reminds me a lot of you." His thoughts, broken up by a small fit of laughter. "Broken and empty. Just a tool to be used up and thrown away like a worthless piece of tra-"

The masked man was cut short as he cocked his head to the side, a bolt of ice flying between his head and his raised arm. With a chuckle, he turned on his heel to face his attacker with little alarm. To his surprise, the younger fox that had run away before his fight with the silver furred fox boy was now standing in the middle of the street with his staff raised, the staff's catalyst shining with an icy magic energy. He cocked his head now to the other side as he noticed the two other young boys run up beside the little mage. A prepubescent knight and a slightly younger cleric.

"Heh, finally decided to show up runt? Me and your friend here are already done playing! Three versus one may be a little unfair though. Well... For you at least, hehehe~!"

"G-get away from Mavy!" Liam shouted, visibly trembling despite his brave outburst. Even with the fear present in his voice, it was masked by his resolve and determination to rescue his friend.

"Step away from the boy right now! By order of the Knights of Ellenvale, surrender and come quietly or answer to our blades!" Knight Robin said as he stepped forward, drawing his weapon with a quick motion. The sword flared to life, engulfing the blade in an ethereal glow not unlike the mage's own scythe. The masked man was silent, an unnerving prospect from how notoriously vocal he had been until now.

"Hehehe... Pffaahahahaha! Oh, that's hilarious! I like you kids! I can't tell if you are all just incredibly brave or terminally stupid! Well, in either case I'm getting sleepy... So I don't have the time or energy to deal with you brats tonight~" He stepped forward towards the trio in front of him who all, including the stalwart young knight, seemed to twitch back nervously at his approach. "With that said, get out of my way or I'll just simply carve a path through you~!"

Lifting the scythe off his shoulders, the man reared back his blade for a cleave that looked ready to remove all three cubs from his path in one swing. The trio held their guard however despite their fears, Liam and Belu's catalysts glimmering to life. Their spells prepared as young knight Robin took a defensive stance with his sword readied to block the impending strike. "Well, I warned you kids! Goodbye~!!" The catlike villain sneered, swinging his staff for a fatal strike.

In the blink of an eye just as the magic scythe's blade would connect with Robin, a huge black blur threw itself in between them. A gust from the force of the collision blew back over the boys, forcing them to cover their eyes from the violently scattered dust. As they looked back up a huge dark robed figure stood between them and the assailant, and catching the blade shone a massive greatsword that was engulfed in a golden magical aura much like Robin's sword. The blinding yellow and red mix of magic sparks flew off their connected blades. They did not stay clashed for long as a thinner, more dexterous figure leaped into the scene, to which the vile mage leaped back just in time to avoid a punch that left a small crater as it connected with the ground where he once stood. The mage leapt over the group into the open area behind the cubs and gave a disgruntled huff.

"Sheesh, how many more of you are gonna show up? Ah well, it's time I leave anyway~' The red robed man said with surprising calmness.

"Gonna run away now that you're heavily outnumbered? Or are you only able to pick on kids and won't fight anyone your size!?" The smaller figure called out. Liam's ears perked as he recognized the female's voice. The little fox turned to see the owner of the inn, Rose brandishing a pair of elegant yet looking gauntlets. The greatsword wielding man turned as well, his hood flowing off to reveal a male grey wolf with a huge scar across the bridge of his muzzle.

"Hehehe, I was already leaving, miss! Pardon me for having a little fun before I go!" The man behind the mask snickered, twirling his staff on his fingers.

Rose leaped in once more with speed that the three boys could barely could see. She was in the masked man's face in an instant, gauntlet brimming with energy as she turned on her heel for a devastating punch. As her fist launched forward however, it struck only air as the masked man's form vanished around it like mist. She glanced around for the mage, only to be answered with the familiar nightmarish cackle from the building beside them. The man stood upon the roof, half silhouetted by the moon behind him that seemed to be stained red with the energy seething off the blade of his scythe. He directed his attention to the cubs, especially towards Maverick who had finally gotten to his feet and still clutched the lifeless dagger in his paws.

"Listen brats, you showed some real promise! So, I'm gonna do you a favor today and not kill you or your little friends~ In fact, you and your little buddies, I want you to get stronger! I want you to get strong enough to give me a real fight!" The mage flicked the scythe around his back, ripping open what appear to be a swirling portal of black and crimson magic "Oh, yes! I said I'd tell you my name if you played with me! Remember, kiddos, that my name... is Karma."

The mage now known as Karma went back to his relaxed state as he turned his back, his now almost iconic staff-over-shoulders stance. Looking over his shoulder as he stepped through the portal, Karma stared back with an unseen grin behind his mask. "One way or another, when the time comes that I think you've become strong enough to play with me some more... I WILL find you. Hehehehahaha... KYAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Karma laughed psychotically as the portal closed around him, his bloodcurdling laughter fading and echoing into the night and leaving both the cubs and adults alike with a deep unease.

---

Time seemed to pass in slow motion as the children were escorted back to the inn by Rose and her mysterious companion. The pink furred female had the boys taken into a back room behind the counter away from the crowded entrance. Maverick was taken to a bed nestled in the corner beside a stone fireplace where young Belu immediately began to treat the battered preteen. Knight Robin stood away from the group, the grizzly captain from before appearing to give the boy the scolding of his young life.

Liam sat beside Maverick, his ears folded back on his head with worry as he watched his friend's wounds be treated. Despite how intense their fight had been however, Maverick's body seemed to be the least damaged thing about him, second only to his pride. Rose finally spoke up as she pulled a chair to the bedside. Her face was serious, a strange turn of face to the cheerful disposition Liam was used to. "So, do you boys want to tell me why you decided it was a good idea to fight that man?"

Maverick stayed silent as he watched his wounds close from the healing magics. Beluinus just bit his lip and Liam shifted nervously, feeling as if they were about to be scolded by their mothers. It felt like an age before any of the boys spoke, until finally Liam got up the courage to recount how they came to be face to face with the evil mage known as Karma. He recited how he and Maverick had met in the eastern woods and saw the flames from the village as they returned, how Maverick stood up to the mage so Liam could get away to find help, how he asked for help at the inn even and met Beluinus and Daniel Robin, and then finally how they ran off to save Mavy. The pink rabbit seemed to wince a bit at the part where Liam asked for help from her and she had ran off.

"I... I see... I'm sorry Liam. It's partly my fault you boys did what you did to save your friend. But understand that when you mentioned the person you ran into... I knew it could only be Karma." She said sullenly, her fingers locked together as she leaned in a contemplative position in her chair. She glanced at Maverick, who now only stared into the flames of the fireplace. The dagger lay at his side on the bed, dim and lacking any luster it once had. Rose finally spoke again, this time directed at the silver furred fox cub.

"Maverick, was it? I can't imagine the fight Karma gave you... I know what he's capable of and the fact you are still alive is a miracle, much less only having gotten away with a few bumps and bruises." She eyed the dagger and the gem at its hilt. "I'm guessing that's your catalyst, huh? And I'm guessing it just up and stopped working for you in the middle of the battle, didn't it?" Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a hint in her tone letting on she knew something about the catalyst.

Maverick's ears twitched and for the first time since the fight he reacted to another person "He... said it was an egg from a magic attuned race and that it held magic energy from the parents. He said that I had used all its magic up and... killed whatever it was before it could even hatch." The boy explained, his voice choking a bit at recalling Karma's words. Rose looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I don't know much about this magic bearing race other than they do exist and that they call themselves Sylvoxes, or just Voxes. Other than that, I can only say that it's true there are strange catalysts that have been popping up all over the realm, especially in the black-markets. All these catalysts have proven to be unbelievably powerful, able to conjure magics that would be otherwise impossible to achieve without being in a place with an immense concentration of magic energy in the environment." She told them, picking up Maverick's dagger and with a quick motion popped the catalyst from its socket.

"Hmm... not even properly melded to the blade... I can almost guarantee this is one of the ones I was talking about." She inspected it for a moment, but quickly handed it back to the cub.

Maverick's heart sank in his chest, immediately feeling sick to his stomach at the thought it truly was a living egg after all. Liam leaned forward, his eyes wide in disbelief. "So... Does that mean it really was a-"

"I don't know, Liam. You would have to find someone of the Sylvox race and ask them if they recognize it as an egg of theirs, though I could see how that would be an uncomfortable topic with them if it was true... What I do know, however, is that Karma, under no circumstances, can be trusted. He specializes in getting in your head, making you doubt yourself. Using lies and intimidation to unnerve and break his opponent's concentration. Even his magic defies logic..."

"All done! I healed you as best as I can, Maverick. Nothing a few days won't heal naturally, hehe." Belu piped up as he finished tending to Maverick's wounds. "Oh! Sorry miss Tinte. I didn't mean to interrupt..."

"Heh, it's alright, Belu. I think it's time for you boys to get some sleep anyway, we can talk more about this later." Rose said with a smile, giving Beluinus a gentle pet on his head to which the young cleric couldn't help but smile. Maverick stood up and wasted no time heading out of the back room and out into the main hall. Liam quickly hopped up after Mavy, trying to catch him before he got too far. He thanked the rabbit girl quickly as he ran out behind his friend.

"Wait!" Liam said as he grabbed Maverick's paw just as the older boy started for the front door. Maverick was taken a bit by surprise, turning to look down at the smaller fox with a questioning expression. "Where are you going, and where is your house?"

"Uh, heh... I just wander around really. I don't live anywhere." Maverick shrugged, to which Liam's eyes widened at that. The small fox gripped his friend's paw tighter and gave it a tug.

"I have a room, so... You could stay with me tonight. Please... What if Karma comes back? You don't have a catalyst anymore, and your dagger won't be enough against him!" Liam pleaded, his eyes staring up into Maverick's own filled with worry.

"I..." Maverick started, but as he stared into those eyes a flutter rose in his stomach as he recognized an unfamiliar feeling, someone else who genuinely cared for his well-being in this world. "H-heh, okay! Okay! I guess I can stay a night or so." He chuckled softly, a faint smile sneaking at the edges of the boy's muzzle as the little fox's face lit up with relief.

The young foxes made their way up the stairs with Liam leading them to his room and unlocking the door. Liam let out a sigh of exhaustion and relief as he felt the comfort of the inn room surrounding him. The warmth of the room surprised the pair, the fireplace having apparently been lit in preparation for Liam to return. Liam figured it had to of been either Rose's doing or just have been a service given to guests when they were away. Regardless, both boys were silently grateful to have a warm room to return to.

Liam laid his things on the ground and immediately flopped on the bed, Maverick chuckling softly and wandering over to the fireplace before kneeling in front of it. He winced however, a few of his bumps and bruises still rather sore. Liam rolled over and looked at Mavy upside down with his head hanging back over the edge of the bed, noticing how his friend still seemed off. The small mage boy rolled back over and moved off the bed, padding over to Maverick's side. Liam sat beside Maverick almost shoulder to shoulder to his friend by the fire. The smaller fox took a deep breath as he thought of something he could do to cheer his friend up.

"Does it, uh... Does it still hurt?" Liam asked rather meekly.

"Heh... Only a little, my wind magic saved me from most of the damage. Can't say the same for my pride though..." The silvery fox boy chuckled, though it was clear that chuckle was a bit half-hearted.

"I should have stayed behind... I could have helped you fight. I only managed to get in the way in the end..."

"Don't say that. You didn't get in the way and trust me... There would have been nothing you could have done to help."

"But I could have tried! I... I could have..." Liam choked a bit, looking down to the floor as a deep sense of self-disappointment sunk in.

"Liam... I appreciate that you wanted to help. But that guy... Karma... He fought like a demon. I've fought monsters and other catalyst users of all kinds and I couldn't even touch him. You would have only got hurt. Or... worse."

There was silence between the two boys, neither sure what to say next. Liam understood, but the feeling he could have done more ate away at his thoughts. 'He's right... What could I have done? I'm not strong... I can barely cast a basic ice spell.' The little mage thought. He tucked in his knees up to his chest and sighed, not looking emotionally much better than Maverick. It was then he felt something, a paw on his opposite shoulder from Mavy as the preteen fox wrapped his arm around his back. Liam's ears twitched and he looked over at the older boy curiously, meeting the silver fox's eyes.

Mavy was smiling, a soft reassuring smile that took Liam by surprise. The paw rubbed his shoulder, as if silently telling him 'It's alright.' and Liam could feel a flutter in his chest. There was a new warmth that had returned, one that felt like it'd vanished from the young vulpine. He felt strange, wondering why with just that one simple action he could feel his worries slowly fading away. Liam shifted a bit closer, unsure, but he continued until his hip rested against the other boy's own. He took a chance as he nervously wrapped his own arm around Maverick's back in return, something the older boy didn't expect.

Mavy glanced down at Liam, feeling a soft blush form at his cheeks. The older kit huffed quietly with a smile, returning the boy's embrace with a gentle squeeze on his arm. Liam's rested his head on Maverick's shoulder as they stared into the crackling flames and rested against each other, the warm glow of the hearth now serving to wash away any remnants of the pain or sadness that was present before, leaving the two boys to rest with the events of the night seeming but a distant memory. If just for a moment.

"...Thank you, Liam."