The streets of Sanctum were deathly quiet as Tara led Ethan and Fauna through the shadowy alleyways. Despite the silence, there was a buzz of excitement in the air—one that had, according to Tara, been carefully hidden from the gruff wolfman they were sneaking up on.

The Minxit had met Ethan and Fauna’s questioning eyes with glee, delighting in telling them why they apparently needed to spirit away old Klax tonight. Once she’d revealed her intent, and the motivations behind this prank, Ethan shook his head at just how brazen this kitten was.

“You’re a mad genius, Tara,” he told her. “With just a little too much emphasis on the mad.”

“Like you’re complaining,” she replied as she then led them both down the cavern towards the castle battlements.

They passed the dimly lit shop-fronts and ramshackle housing units without making a single sound. Tara had taken the lead with a mischievous glint in her eye, while Fauna’s long ears twitched nervously. Ethan moved silently beside them, using Mass Hide to cloak their presence, a soft shimmer occasionally betraying their outline as they passed by the dim glow of torchlight.

"This feels...wrong," Fauna whispered, her soft voice barely audible as they approached the grand castle where Klax’s chambers were located. "I mean, kidnapping Klax like this? Even if…if its for the right reason,are you sure we should be doing this?"

Ethan smirked, glancing at Tara, who was grinning from ear to ear. "You heard her. This is all part of the plan, Faun. Besides, it’s not really kidnapping if it’s for a good cause, right, Miss Fauna?"

As Fauna blushed and begged Ethan not to call her that again, Tara chuckled softly. "Exactly. Trust me, Faun, it's all gonna be worth it. You’ll see."

Fauna bit her lip but nodded, though her uncertainty still lingered. She glanced down at her paws as if trying to remind herself that she could back out if needed, but Ethan’s reassuring nod seemed to settle her nerves, if only slightly.

The grand castle loomed ahead, its towering spires casting long shadows across the cobblestone courtyard. Ethan was quietly impressed by the sheer size and elegance of the place. The Sanctum might’ve been their hideaway, but the grandeur of the castle was a testament to the ancient history it held within its walls. Even in the dead of night, with the streets empty and the torches flickering, the place seemed alive with secrets.

As they ascended the wide stone steps, Ethan pulled the group to a stop and checked their surroundings. "Tara, you sure Klax has no idea about this?"

Tara flicked her tail in amusement. "Please. You really think Klax pays attention to anything that doesn’t involve him grumbling about tactics or battle plans?"

Ethan chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Fair point."

“Besides,” she added. “The old dog needs this. It’s for his own damn good.”

They crept inside, the echo of their footsteps muffled by Ethan’s magic. Every inch of the castle was covered in ornate tapestries and polished stone floors. The hallway leading to Klax's chambers was long and narrow, lit only by the soft glow of wall-mounted torches. It was eerily quiet.

Tara suddenly halted, holding up a hand as they approached the door to Klax’s quarters. "Hold up," she whispered. "See that rune? Arctic Wind trap. Touch it, and we’ll all be frozen solid faster than you can say ‘happy birthday.’"

Ethan squinted, noticing the faint shimmer of the rune etched into the floor. It was practically invisible in the dim light, and he could only imagine how many would’ve fallen victim to it without Tara’s sharp eyes.

"Good catch," he whispered back. “But what does Klax need traps for? He expecting trouble?"

“It’s a holdover from the old days of Sanctum,” Tara shrugged. “Before you got here we used ta have quite a problem with thievery, y’know.”

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Ethan caught Fauna’s eye boring into Tara’s back, as if to say, 'and I wonder how you know about that, Tara?'

“Well then,” he whispered as he turned his attention to the shimmering air just above the trap. “Let’s see how it likes this.”

He raised his hand and summoned one of his newly acquired abilities—Summon Wraith. From the shadows behind them, a dark, ghostly figure appeared, its wispy form rippling as it moved soundlessly toward the trap. Ethan gave a nod, and the shadow obeyed, gliding over the rune. As it touched the magical seal, the rune flared bright blue, and an icy wind howled through the hall, freezing the Wraith in place.

The trap was sprung, leaving a frozen shadow stuck above it. Tara smirked in satisfaction.

"Good work," she whispered.

Sorry, dude, Ethan thought as he saw the shadow’s open-mouthed cry that never came. Next time, promise I’ll use you for something more epic.

With the trap neutralized, the trio slipped past and pushed open the heavy oak door to Klax’s quarters. Inside, the hulking wolfman was fast asleep, sprawled across his bed, his massive arms hanging lazily over the sides. His chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm, completely unaware of the mischief about to unfold.

"Alright, Fauna," Tara whispered, motioning for the mage to step forward. "Time for the real fun. Hit him with a Deep Slumber spell, just to make sure he doesn’t wake up too early."

Fauna hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She raised her staff, a soft glow forming at its tip as she muttered the incantation under her breath. The magic washed over Klax like a blanket, and his already deep sleep grew even heavier.

But then something...odd happened.

Or something expected, considering the Hopla in question.

A small ripple of pinkish-hued magic shimmered around him, and Tara's eyes went wide with amusement.

Ethan noticed too, and before he could stop himself, he snorted, trying to stifle his laughter. Tara, however, wasn’t as subtle.

"Oh...oh by Gyko," she wheezed, doubling over in silent laughter. "You...you really did it, Fauna!"

Fauna blinked in confusion, her eyes darting between the two of them, sraining her eyes to see through the pink mist that enveloped Klax’s body. "What? What did I do?"

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t worry, Faun. You’ll see soon enough."

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

The scene in the grand hall of the castle was far more regal than anything Ethan had expected. Long tables lined with food stretched across the room, and grand chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow over the gathered hybrids. The hall was buzzing with excitement—everyone was in on the surprise. Laughter and whispers filled the air as they awaited the final guest of honor.

At the far end of the hall, Klax’s still-sleeping form was carried in by a couple of the burlier hybrids, gently set down in the center of the room. Just as planned, Fauna’s spell was wearing off.

Klax stirred, his groggy eyes fluttering open. His brows furrowed in confusion as he took in his surroundings, sitting up slowly. "What the—"

Before he could finish his thought, a chorus of voices rang out. "Happy birthday, Klax!"

The wolfman blinked, his confusion slowly morphing into an expression of shock. His usual stoic demeanor faltered as he looked around the hall, processing the surprise celebration. Before him sat a sponge cake decorated with care, the words ‘Klax’ slathered across it with something black and viscous that he assumed was icing. Just as he was about to speak, he caught a glimpse of himself in one of the mirrors hanging along the wall.

Klax froze.

There, staring back at him in the reflection, wasn’t a fearsome wolfman. No, instead, his fur had turned stark black and white—striped like a skunk. His snout was smaller, his tail fluffy and raised, as if ready to spray.

The hall erupted into laughter, Tara doubling over in hysterics.

Klax’s face twisted, his fangs baring as he looked down at his transformed body. For a moment, everyone held their breath, wondering if they’d gone too far. Then, a low rumble started deep in his chest—a growl?

In the back of the room, Ethan tensed. For a moment he thought the old grizzled veteran would jump at them in fury.

But No. The sound echoing from his skunkish throat right now was not one of fury. It was laughter.

He threw back his head and laughed—a deep, genuine sound that reverberated through the hall. "A skunk?! Really, Fauna?"

Fauna blushed deeply but giggled along with the others. "I-I’m sorry!"

Klax waved it off, still laughing, looking with tear-filled eyes at the cake sitting before him.

“You know what? This is exactly what I deserve.”

“Klax, I – I really didn’t mean-“

He jumped on top of her head, laying his new fluffy tail over her face.

“Who needs surprises when we have you, Fauna?” he said. “But if you’d be so kind as to polymorph me back, I believe I owe the Archon and a certain Minxit both a punch.”

Everyone laughed, even louder this time, as the party continued in full swing. And for the first time in a long while, Ethan saw Klax let his guard down completely, surrounded by friends and laughter.

Even if he did smell just a little shittier than usual, it looked like this was just what the old dog needed. And as that thought filled Ethan, he suddenly remembered just why it was so important.

They’d all have to be at the top of their game to face a Grade C Delve. If the last two were any indication, they’d be in for the fight of their lives.