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The gray mare and her assistant entered and sat down in the living room. Oliver was still wearing only a t-shirt and underwear, but the situation was more concerning than his decency. It was now clear that the CTI had found him and there was no way he could run away or hide. Rose went back to kitchen to clean up after the breakfast. As she walked past Oliver, she seemed very worried and serious. The two ladies sat quietly until Oliver had sat down on a recliner. There was now only a coffee table separating the cub from the enemy. He was terrified and got a strange tingling sensation running up and down his spine.

"Greetings, mister Enfield. My name is Vivienne Cindermane and I'm the head researcher and scientist at the CTI offices here in Nexus City. I'm here on behalf of the internal investigations department. It has come to our knowledge that you have been involved in the deaths of two CTI agents, sergeant Fade and private Thompson. We have full reason to believe you are responsible of the incident."

Oliver realized the two were here for what had happened at the back alley over a week ago, where the two CTI members were chasing him and got killed by Finn's magical attacks. A part of him was happy that they didn't seem to know about the gift. "I'm sorry, but you've got it wrong."

"Really? Our investigators wrote a report where it was clearly stated that you, Oliver Enfield, were followed from downtown to Verdant District. There, in the Yew Alley, you used magic against them and they got killed in the most horrific way."

"No! That's not the truth!"

"Well, that's why we're here. We came to hear your version of the story. Perhaps our investigators have been sloppy."

"Okay, fine. The two guys followed me, alright. I didn't know why and got scared. I left the monorail early and they were still after me. I tried to run away, but ended up on an alley, where I got cornered."

"So far everything seems to match the report." The lioness chuckled and seemed to enjoy the roasting.

"But when I was there, the lynx started mutilating me and I was unable to move. Then Finn came, and he is the one who is responsible of the deaths."

The mare startled a little when she heard the name. "Did you say Finn? Are you possibly referring to Finn Shadowscale? A dragon with dark scales and strange markings?"

Just then Oliver realized he was getting deep in trouble. It was obvious that Finn was sought after the CTI as well, perhaps more than he was. "Ehh... possibly? I bet there are other dragons around that match that description."

The lioness raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Sadly, cub, there aren't any other possibilities. Unless of course, there is a new dragon we're not aware of yet."

The mare leaned forward and looked dead serious. "I'd ask you to answer these questions honestly: Do you know Finn Shadowscale, and if you do, what do you know about him?" The mare was now apparently getting very curious about Finn. He got a strange feeling, as if something wasn't quite what it seemed. As if the mare wasn't exactly what she looked like.

Oliver didn't want to say a word. He was afraid that if he told them about Finn, they would do something unpredictable and maybe even arrest him. Also, if Finn was guarding the house, he wouldn't be far away. But then again, why wasn't he communicating with him telepathically? He had to know about the two CTI members already. Why wasn't he here and defend Oliver?

Oliver was sure something had happened to Finn, but right now he had the two ladies causing a headache. He decided to risk it. "No. It is true that I met him, but I don't exactly know that dragon, except that he told me his first name. That's all."

"Really, now." The mare motioned towards the lioness, who stood up and left the room. "If that is the truth, then explain me this: you two were seen a day later downtown. After Finn's car was blown up by our special forces, and he caught you when you were falling."

"How... how do you know?"

"Are you stupid? We have cameras on our vehicles and we have access to all security camera recordings in the city. Yes, we saw you, on multiple angles. There is no question about the identities of the dragon and the fox cub."

Then the lioness returned to the room from kitchen. She was holding Rose by the neck and had placed a pistol on her forehead. His sister was panicking and in tears. Oliver was about to stand up, but the lioness made it very clear that if he moved an inch the girl would bite the bullet.

The mare leaned forward once again and had this weird sinister look on his face. "Listen, cub, we know everything. We know that you possess a gift and are a strong magic wielder. We know that Finn has assisted you and that the Circle is aware of all this. There is no use lying to us."

"Don't listen to her, brother! She's lying! They can't possibly know!"

"Shut up, bitch!" The lioness tightened her grip and was now chocking Rose as well as threatening her with a gun.

Oliver was desperate. The CTI knew about his gift and the relationship with Finn. There was no point in trying to fight back any more. Yet, he wanted to stay away from the CTI and possibly even fight against them. He wasn't sure what to do and it was tormenting. Tears had appeared in the corners of his eyes and he was trembling. His voice was weak and shaky. "W-what do you want from me?"

"We want you. The murder accusation was just an excuse to get us to meet you. CTI is a massive organization and different branches rarely co-operate. My department wants you for your immense magical potential. The security branch wants you dead, and they were the ones after you and Finn earlier. We on our department want to find your true capabilities and use them for the good of all. Isn't that what you want? To discover the gift and help others?"

She was right. Oliver had yearned since the first moment to get to know his gift and unfold it. He wanted to bring peace and prosperity to all, like every kid. Maybe the CTI would give him answers, rather than the Circle, who seemed to just hand out more questions. Perhaps Finn was wrong. Perhaps the CTI wasn't evil at all, yet their methods seemed inhumane. He wasn't sure. "B-but Finn said..."

"Yes?"

"He said you are... evil..."

She laughed heartily. "Poor cub! You were misled! CTI isn't an evil organization. I admit some members tend to get a little out of control. But for nearly ten years there has been no issues whatsoever! We want to help the society, not to ruin it."

"What about the lynx that mutilated me?? And you use red magic! It's evil!"

"I admit there are some issues with it, yes, but we're still developing and refining the techniques and the results are looking very promising. It won't ever match true magic, I admit, but it will help the society tremendously when we're finished. It is a shame that only so few possess the ability to do magic inherently. It isn't fair, and with red magic we could fix all that. We can make the society more equal. Don't you dare tell me that is not a good thing."

The mare adjusted her position. "Besides, do you actually trust that dragon? He is a serious criminal who has killed hundreds, no, thousands of CTI members over the past few years. Not only has he attacked against the CTI, but the police and army as well. Some acts he has committed as orders from behalf of the Circle, but most he did on his own, using his own consideration. He would be a liar if he told you he was a good man. He is a murderer! And the Circle is just a group of arrogant fools, who think magic is a privilege. Can't you see, cub? There are no perfect options here."

Oliver thought her words. He was aware that the Circle wasn't perfect, far from it. However, he didn't want to believe what she said about Finn. He sorts of knew that he could be violent and that he would kill other people if necessary. But thousands of people? Innocent people?

Rose made a weird gurgling sound, which brought Oliver back to the situation at hand. "Leave her alone! You're hurting her! She's got nothing to do with this!"

"Yes, but we need something to help us negotiate." The mare stood up and walked to Rose. She stroked her face gently with her fingers and turned her, so she could stare the vixen right into the eyes.

"She's very pretty. It would be a shame if something happened to this beautiful young girl, wouldn't it?" She held her hand close to Rose's face. Then a small ball of fire formed in her palm and Oliver noticed how Rose stopped struggling to the spot. The lioness even loosened her grip a little, now that she wouldn't be running away.

Just like Oliver feared, the mare slowly moved her hand closer to his sister's face. Rose was in horror and unable to act, except catching breath after the strangling. The fireball touched the right side of her face and she screamed in agony. The mare kept her hand there for a few seconds, until she drew it back and the fireball diminished.

Oliver turned his head away and cried. He couldn't bare to watch what had happened. "You are monsters!"

"Sometimes these kinds of measures are necessary. If CTI wants something, it always gets it." The mare turned to Oliver and smirked. "So, are you coming with us?"

Rose was sobbing in the lioness's grasp. "No... D-don't accept..." The lioness tightened her grip again, but this time made sure not to strangle her.

Oliver didn't want to answer. He knew that if he said no, his sister would suffer. If he said yes, he would probably never see his family again. No matter what he would lose his sister.

"Tsk, tsk." The mare returned to Rose and again conjured a fireball, this time a slightly bigger one. She lifted the backside of his sister's hoodie and pressed her hand against Rose's lower back, making the poor girl scream like an animal. When the mare removed her hand, his sister collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. The lioness stayed close and held her pistol ready.

Oliver was paralyzed. His mind was telling to stop this madness and surrender. "W-will you stop, if I c-come with you?"

The mare nodded. Oliver stood up and held his head down, still sobbing. "Then I surrender. Take me."

The lioness withdrew her gun and the mare seemed very happy. "Good." She put her hand on Oliver's shoulder reassuringly and motioned him to move out of the door.

"Wait, are we leaving right away? Can't I even get my stuff? My commlink is still on my desk in my room and..."

"No need. You won't be allowed to have any commlinks or personal belongings where we're going. You'll be provided with everything you need there."

The lioness stood up, but stayed for a moment, looking at the unconscious Rose. She then kicked her over, hard, and the poor unconscious girl let out a heartbreaking gasp of pain. Oliver noticed that, and his mind snapped. "Why did you do that??"

He left the mare's side and walked determinedly towards the lioness. She looked at the fox and grinned. "I did nothing. She just seemed that she needed a kick to wake her up."

"You promised you would stop if I agreed to come with you!"

"Victoria! That was uncalled for!" The mare sounded a little annoyed, yet somehow, she didn't seem to actually care.

"Whatever. This kid will come with us, no matter what."

Oliver was now right in front of the lioness. He was furious and tried to punch the lady, but she caught the fist with her hand. Oliver felt a strange crushing force and realized her right hand, and probably the entire arm, was cybernetic. She chuckled. "This kid has some balls! He's going to be a perfect addition to our collection."

The grip around his fist was so strong that it was starting to hurt. He screamed both in pain and in frustration. No matter what the two would have won. Still he felt like he hadn't done enough. Far from enough. "S-she was helpless! You bitch!"

Suddenly he noticed how the lioness looked a little puzzled. There was a light blueish glow within her palm where Oliver's hand was. The grip around his hand eased slightly, but her hand was still holding the paw. As the light diminished, he pulled his hand away with relative ease and the lioness stared at her own hand. She lifted it and studied it closer. There were sparks and bad-sounding noises coming out of it. Then the entire arm jerked hard and the lioness almost fell over.

"What the fuck is this?? My arm isn't working!"

The mare rushed to her assistant and ripped off the sleeve of the jacket. The metallic and intricate cybernetic arm and hand were now fully visible. She studied the mechanics and seemed worried. "For some reason all the electrical cables have melted, microchips have stopped working and the main capacitors have blown up. Simultaneously. And the electromagnetic servos are just... obliterated."

Oliver realized this was his moment. He rushed to the door and out to the front yard. He noticed the hovercar of the CTI members was parked on the street, with two CTI agents standing there on guard. As they noticed Oliver, they dashed forward with their guns ready. He turned sharp and headed down the street. There was nobody else on the street, which seemed a little odd, but Oliver didn't bother to think. His main goal was to get away as fast as he could.

He was panting and there was a pain in his chest. He wasn't an athlete, not even close, yet he realized he was able to run a bit faster and longer than before. They did regular tests at the PE at school, and his results had never been really good. Perhaps this sudden increase in stamina had to do with the adrenaline running in his veins, or maybe it was his gift again. It did change his appearance, slightly, so perhaps it had developed his physical endurance as well. He should ask about this when he was safe with Finn again.

The chase went on and on for minutes. His neighborhood was long gone, and he was now in another suburb. As he turned around the corner he heard a strange sharp sound coming from where he came from. Then he took a quick look and realized he was no longer being chased. He stopped and crashed down on his knees. He was panting like never before and his heart was about to break through his chest. His body was burning and aching, and he wasn't able to stand up.

Then he saw a shadow moving fast and Finn landed next to him. His dark robes had taken damage, and he was bleeding from several places. "I'm sorry! I was suddenly attacked by the CTI when I was monitoring your house. When I got back I realized you were being chased."

"Where is Rose? Is she with you?"

"Your sister? Was she there with you? Shit..." Finn grabbed Daniel and with just a single strong flap of wings they took off.

They flew at eyewatering speed back to the house. Oliver noticed the chasers, who had been pierced by transparent spikes that had emerged from the ground. It had been Finn, he knew it. They had been killed to the spot. At that moment the spikes vanished, so that the murderer would be harder to identify.

When the two landed on the front lawn, the CTI car had already left. The front door was wide open, and Oliver rushed inside. Rose was still there, laying still on the living room floor. She was breathing and whimpered quietly.

"Rose! Talk to me!"

"Ugh... Oliver... is that you?"

"Yes! It's me, alright. Are you in pain?"

"W-what do you think... stupid..."

She was still her, alright, Oliver thought. Finn approached Rose and leaned closer. "These burns are very severe. I must get her to the hospital."

"What will I tell mom when she gets back?"

"The truth. Except the part where you told the CTI personnel about me and your magical capabilities."

Finn took Rose in his arms and rushed out the door. "You stay here. I've already informed Daniel and he's on his way. Solar is also coming here, so behave."

* * *

Daniel arrived almost immediately. He took Oliver in his warm and fluffy embrace and didn't want to let the fox cub go. He had been so worried that he was crying tears of joy as he saw Oliver was alright. However, as he heard about Rose, he got really upset and swore to get those CTI guys and teach them a lesson, somehow.

Almost an hour later Solar arrived. Daniel made some tea and the three sat in the kitchen. Solar seemed just as serene as before, but also worried.

"Oliver, those two ladies were not good people. Major Cindermane is one of the highest-ranked officers in Nexus City and has authority over a thousand soldiers. She is not to be taken lightly. The fact that she came here after you was... unsettling, to say the least."

"But why did they have to hurt my sister? She had nothing to do with this!"

"I'm afraid CTI doesn't play fair. It is very unfortunate she had to suffer, but I think you're glad she survived."

"That mare used fire magic. Was it red magic?"

Solar went pale and coughed. "Well... no. She is a natural magic wielder like me. She... she was a member of the Circle in the past."

"What??"

"She was a very promising apprentice. She studied hard and had a bright mind. However, she had a lack of discipline and tendency to solve problems violently. She even hurt other apprentices on a couple of occasions. Because some old senile farts thought we shouldn't interfere with such a powerful apprentice, she was allowed to become a full member. After only a couple of months, she was fighting with other members over stupid things. She had a hard time controlling her nerves, and we got into a big fight. After nearly killing Mother Nature, we had no other option to expel her."

Solar took a long sip of honey tea and sighed. "The CTI offered her a position and she accepted right away. I thought that maybe there she would become more reasonable. In a way she has, but she is still unpredictable and short-tempered."

"That would explain why they started torturing Rose so quickly."

"Exactly. In addition, you should remember that amongst all magic wielders, both natural and red magic, the looks may and often will deceive. Vivienne isn't actually a horse. Well, technically she is, but to be more precise she is a nightmare; a demon horse."

Oliver's eyes widened and jaw dropped. "So that was the weird tingling sense I got near her. I thought it was just my nerves."

"That's right. Now, you must not try to find her. Even if she did hurt your sister. That is an order. Got it?"

"Yes."

"Good. Remember that the Circle stands behind you. Sadly, we can't provide the necessary resources to keep you perfectly safe, but I trust that Finn will manage to do so. Don't let this incident depress you. However, I would highly recommend leaving this house. The CTI knows this place now and if I'm right they'll be swarming the place sooner or later."

Solar stood up and thanked for the tea. She headed to the front door, but before that she stopped and patted Daniel on the shoulder reassuringly, who had been silent and thoughtful the entire time. "I must get going. Daniel, keep this cub safe. And yourself, too. Finn needs you more than you know."

Just as the griffon left, Daniel received a message from Finn. "Finn says Rose is in the hospital now and her condition isn't critical, but not very stable either. Doctors won't let anyone visit her. The spinal injury was very severe. He also tells you to pack your things. It seems you're about to move away for a while."