After leaving the Mount of Fear behind them, Ahi, Inmar, and the other red foxes decided that it was the right time to be cautious. Yet, it was a little bit difficult because of Ahi, who couldn’t pass unnoticed wherever he passed by because of the fear he made everyone feel. He, however, never realized this or at least he ignored this detail because he considered that it was something that worked for him. That time when Alena mentioned this, he cooked his nose, but he didn’t take revenge on her, just as he used to do whenever someone was saying something wrong about him.
He even approved her words when Alena said that if they had gone all onto the open field, in plain sight, then everybody would have known everything about them. Moreover, others would have known where they were going and this was because of Ahi, too, who everybody knew as an Evil and extremely powerful Mago. Related to his companions, well, it wasn’t hard to guess who they were while Inmar and her foxes not only once helped him to get rid of his enemies or of those who Ahi considered that were bothering him. That’s why they eventually decided that the best way to pass unnoticed would be to walk only during the night, crossing the thickets of the forest. Thus, if they had been necessary to cross an open field or the villages of humans, to be as discreet as possible.
At the same time, their decision was also related to the fact they didn’t know who to trust and who not. Thus, even though it wouldn’t have been weird for those with magical powers to be seen among humans, for there were a lot of those among them those days, it was still risky. More when they were as numerous as the foxes were and wearing long cloaks, hooded, and having black eyes that were looking askance at everyone. This would have alerted people and run away from them as though they would have been carriers of the plague.
Nevertheless, the moment they were crossing the sixth village, when he saw the people running from their way as though they had received a command not to look into their eyes, Ahi understood that something damn weird was happening there. That’s why he cooked his nose and told Inmar, who was behind him, „I don’t like this place. Actually, I didn’t like any of the villages we crossed in the last six months since we had left the Mount of Fear. More than that… I have the feeling that they fear us. Even though before this, when I crossed this place, they only looked askance at me, nothing more."
Inmar, even though she noticed the same thing as her brother, right after entering the village, didn’t tell anything about this. At that moment, however, when he mentioned this, she decided that it was the right time to be cautious. Yet, it was surprising for her to see, the moment they got to the center of the village, that all the streets were empty. Only here and there, a piece of cellophane or cloth, taken by the wind from a nook or something, was blown around by the same wind. Thus, how there wasn’t anybody there to gather those pieces of things, that wind was acting up with them all over the village.
More than that, because it was too quiet for her taste, Inmar kept staring around, carefully, trying to understand what was happening there. Thus, she could see that a door, which was only a little bit open before they got in front of it, had been suddenly closed when she looked at it. Yet, at that time, not only Ahi and Inmar saw strange things. This also happened to Alena, who was looking to her right while Inmar was looking to her left. Thus, Alena could see more strange things as closed windows everywhere, no lit light at those windows, and, only here and there, she saw a curtain a little bit moved aside because even though the locals were afraid of something, they were still curious to see who was crossing their village. For the rest, there was total darkness.
Ahi and the rest of the foxes stopped eventually, as though they had received a command, when a woman, totally black dressed and with a black scarf covering almost the entire face, ran from in front of them without watching them. She even tried to hide as fast as possible because they met her in the street while she was returning home after taking some water from the fountain. Yet, what impressed Ahi was the fact that she didn’t seem impressed to see such a big number of strangers crossing that village. The same happened to Keṉṉal, who eventually hissed through her teeth, „Does it seem strange only to me or this village is a cursed one? More than that, I have the feeling that we are followed, but wherever I look, I don’t see anybody here.”
„It is because they are afraid,” replied Ahi, staring around. Thus, he could see footprints left on the dust seen on the road. Many footprints. Yet, what was weird about those footsteps was that they vanished shortly after Ahi saw them as though blown by the wind. More than that, the fact that he couldn’t use his mind to see what was beyond the strangeness of that place, something that happened right after entering that damn village, made Ahi gnash his teeth eventually and he even squeezed his fists. After that, he told Inmar, „Be very careful, sister. This place has something devilish.”
„Do you think that it’s because of that Ian Gyar we have seen with Colte’s wolves?”
„No, I don’t think so. As far as we could see there, on the mountain, Ian Gyar seemed to have some old debts with them. That’s why he will follow them for a long time from now on. However, what it’s weirder than this, is that I can’t use the power of my mind. That’s why I tell you all this: maybe you can see something if I can’t.”
Inmar said nothing. She only nodded yes. After that, to be easier for her to contact the eye of her mind, she closed her eyes. Nevertheless, after many failed attempts, she told her brother, „I also can’t, Ahi! Something blocks me from inside. It’s probably because of this place.”
„It’s this place for sure. It seems controlled by someone with big powers. Yet, I can’t realize who might be. Eventually, we will find out. So, for the moment, let’s move further.”
Nevertheless, even though he thought that they would have to wait more, it hadn’t been so. It actually happened sooner than he expected. Right at the next crossroads when they intended to turn left, to head toward the edge of the village and enter the woods, they had to stop. It happened because of a group of men, all well-armed with thick sticks, forks, and axes, who appeared in front of them. Those men even strangely grinned at the strangers while looking askance at them.
Yet, even though Ahi disliked the way the mortals, as he used to call the humans, looked at him, he decided to remain calm. He actually didn’t even move from his place when one of the men, who seemed to be the gang „boss,” spat not that far from Ahi’s feet and told him with contempt, „Well, old man, where are you heading?” Then the same man looked at the „ladies” that were behind the Mago, curious about who those strange women were, those from behind the „stranger.”
Ahi, however, even though he was furious to see the boldness of that man, decided that it wasn’t the right time to teach him some manners. He only took his hood off his head and took a step in front of the group, convinced to solve the problem in stride. Thus, after he stopped again, he looked at the group of men and told them as calmly as possible, „Toward the woods. We only passed by here while changing direction.”
„The direction?” The same bold man told him in mockery. „You should have used a broom for this. A flying one. It would have definitely been faster this way.”
The Mago smiled hearing him talking like that. Then, he said, „I should have been a witch to do this.”
„Aren’t you one already?” The gang „boss” kept provoking him. He even started to laugh like a crazy man, and the others did the same. Yet, their laughter seemed somehow unnatural, to force the stranger to attack them by using their powers.
Yet, even though they did this as discretely as possible, Ahi understood the trick. That’s why he sent a telepathic thought to the foxes, „Don’t do anything! None of you! These are controlled by someone and are doing this with a precise aim: to make us lose our control just to use this against us later.” Hearing Ahi’s words, the foxes, who were secretly preparing fireballs to teach the bold men some manners, calmed down. They even seemed like living statues very soon. Only after that, Ahi looked into the bold one’s eyes again and told him, „Of course, I’m not a witch! I’m the Mago of the Black Stones! My name is Ahi. I came here from the Mount of Fear. About my companions - they are Inmar’s red foxes. I’m sure you’ve heard about them.”
After that, while staring at each of those seen in front of him, Ahi saw in amazement that none of them looked elsewhere as humans generally did when they were seeing him. Those ones, on the contrary, stared straight into Ahi’s eyes. Without fear actually. This has been something Ahi disliked. Yet, he decided to think about this later when he saw the „boss” taking a few steps toward him. Then, while moving the thick stick from one shoulder to another, spitting left and right, he told Ahi ironically, „Well, old man, I must disappoint you now, for… none of us had the „honor” to hear about you or about your… mistresses.”
Hearing the word „mistresses,” Inmar took a step in front, intending to beat that man’s ass. Yet, she had to calm down when Ahi told her in half a voice, „Just stay calm, Inmar! You know that we are here without a mean thought.” After that, he turned toward the man again and told him, „As I said, we were just passing. So, I would be grateful if you let us pass.”
Hearing Ahi’s words, the men burst to laugh. They even started to make spicy jokes about him, saying that not for nothing he was rushing toward the woods. Of course, with so many „women” behind him, it was understandable. Something that made Ahi badly wish to twist their necks. Yet, he stood calm eventually.
The „boss,” however, seemed to dislike the Mago’s calmness. That’s why he took two more steps toward him, reducing the distance between them. Then, while staring at Ahi from top to toe, he hissed through his teeth, „We will also be grateful to you, old man, if you don’t tell us what to do on our territory. Thus, if you want to pass, you must pay first. A tribute. Only after that, we will think if you deserve to advance or not.”
Listening to the word „tribute,” something that nobody ever dared to ask from him, Ahi cooked his nose. Yet, being aware that another way to pass by there they didn’t have and this was because nobody could teleport anywhere for an unknown reason, and more toward the Rophion Forest, he decided to make a deal with the idiot from in front of him. Someone who he generally would have twisted his neck after such words or sent him directly to hell, without a return ticket actually. However, as he couldn’t do that at that moment, he stared into the bold one’s eyes and asked, „Well, son, what was your name, you said?”
„Did I say that?” The bold man said, grinning. Yet, spotting that Ahi’s eyes color changed, turning wet coal’s color, he stopped grinning like an idiot, understanding that he crossed the line with his madness. Even so, he didn’t seem ready to give up. That’s why he told Ahi, after supporting his both hands on that stick, „They call me Haru. Or… Day! More than that neither I am your son, nor your brother. So, old man, carefully use the words you say if you don’t want to remain without your tongue!” Then, by surprise, he threw the stick, intending to hit Ahi’s ankles.
Ahi, feeling what Haru was trying to do, jumped up, and the stick passed under him. It, however, didn’t hit either the foxes, and this happened because they suddenly revealed the fireballs they had under their sleeves. Thus, in the daylight, the fireballs formed a kind of net of chains of fire in front of them, and the stick remained stuck in it.
This unexpected turn of things made the bold armed men withdraw, a little bit back, and more when they saw that Haru’s stick started to float in the air later, controlled by the foxes’power. This made the attackers afraid and understand that things turned bad for them then. A thing they understood seeing Haru's stick floating in the air, controlled by Inmar's power, who grabbed it in her hand later. More than that, what badly scared them were the fireballs that had the color of volcanic magma that was still boiling.
Yet, the foxes didn’t use those balls eventually, when Ahi demanded them, „Be calm! No need to set fire to an entire village for a few idiots! More than that, there is no need for innocent victims because these fools think that they are powerful.” Last part, Ahi even hissed through his teeth, staring at those 20 men that were also staring at him.
Haru, however, feeling something unpleasant inside seeing Ahi’s boldness, suddenly grabbed the stick of one of the men from his left. Then, unexpectedly, he hit to the left and to the right, intending to hurt Ahi. Meanwhile, he was screaming like a desperate man, „Damn, decrepit man! I told you to be submissive, but you dared to…” He fell to his knees eventually, feeling that he couldn’t stand on his feet anymore. That’s why he started to lament. He even threw the stick away, feeling it so hot as though the water was boiling inside it.
Nevertheless, Haru didn’t give up. He even seemed to be fearless, for right after Ahi, who controlled him after being attacked by him, allowed him to breathe, he pounced on the Mago again, intending to break him into pieces. Halfway, however, he stopped, hearing someone’s demand, yelled from far away, „Don’t move from that place, Haru!” Yet, not only had he looked toward there to see who was screaming. The same happened to Ahi and the foxes.
Seeing the old man about sixty, who seemed to be the leader of those 20 idiots that attacked him, Ahi hissed through his teeth, „I can’t believe what idiot I’m seeing now.”
„What I can’t believe is that you have a consciousness, Ahi!” The old man said. Then, at all intimidated by Ahi’s glance, he kept advancing toward them. Thus, when he stopped not that far from Ahi, the red foxes saw that he had long gray hair, up to the shoulders, and pale eyes that had been light brown once. His face was white, elongated, with prominent cheekbones, and, because of this, his chin was also elongated. Then, at the top of the chin, a few gray threads of hair were seen, braided into three, a braid that reminded the foxes of a goat’s beard.
Probably because of this, Inmar burst eventually laughing. She calmed eventually, seeing that old man, who wasn’t taller than 1.6 meters, furiously staring at her. Yet, while staring at her, frowning, the old man kept smoothing the material of the long robe he was wearing, a piece of clothing tailored from a plaid fabric, with transversal and horizontal black lines on it that formed violet triangles after crossing each other. Then, as though something was bothering him, the old man touched the black collar, enlarging it a little bit after he felt a strange grip on his throat.
Thus, after enlarging the collar of that vestment, which looked like a robe, the others could see that he was wearing peasant clothes under it. More than that, not only the vestment was simple, but also the boots. Something that was decorated with some metallic accessories, which reminded others a lot about the crow’s beak. It was seen at the heels of the boot, on the upper side. In addition, the tip of the boots was sharp and very unpleasant to look at.
Yet, this didn’t seem to bother the old man. He even looked proud of his garments and boots. That’s why he was probably all the time bringing them out by taking the skirts of the robe to the side. Just to be seen by everyone, even though none of those present there looked impressed. At least not Ahi, who eventually told the old man in mockery, „I should have imagined from the start, Pakai, that you were around. Only you are capable to sow strife among peaceful people. Yet, I can’t understand why exactly this village.”
„Because I wanted so,” the old man replied, feisty. „Yet, what surprises me is that you are curious about something.”
„Or maybe it’s just courtesy, don’t you think so?!” Ahi told him ironically. „That’s why I can tell you, old man, don't flatter yourself because I don’t like you. Why? Because I know, very well actually, who you are and what you can do. Even though I have forgotten already that you are more than capable of hanging out with such chicken brains like these ones who you are controlling.”
Naming Haru and his men „chicken brains” was a bad idea, for those right away grabbed their weapons, intending to pounce on Ahi. They even looked as though they completely lost their minds. Not only they, the foxes too, who started to squeeze the spheres in their hands, in both actually, because a second fireball appeared soon. Thus, by squeezing the spheres, the foxes made them increase in volume. Even red fur appeared on their hands and their nails sharpened and elongated, a hint that they were more than ready to break someone into pieces, alive.
Probably because of this Pakai screamed, eventually, outraged, „Enough!” Yet, he did that being aware that he wasn’t that powerful to also confront Inmar’s foxes.
Nevertheless, screaming had been a bad idea because it made Ahi understand that the old man was also a chicken. That’s why he told him in mockery, „As far as I can see you are as coward as you have always been, Pakai. When confronting someone with magic powers, I mean. Yet, I must accept that you are courageous with the mortals that are shivering and shaking when seeing you.”
Saying these words, Ahi managed to enrage Pakai. That’s why the old man told him eventually, angry, „Well, maybe you are right. Still, you are as rude as you have always been, dear nephew.”
By saying those words, he managed to amaze the men and the foxes, who stared thunderstruck at him. That’s why he frowned when he saw them looking at him. Then, he even grinned, seeing everybody staring at him, asking him by a glance if it was true that he and Ahi were relatives. Only Ahi seemed at all impressed. He only grinned and told him, „Oh, yes, I forgot already that I had such relatives, even though we had never had a blood link. A shame actually, for if we had had such a link, we would have definitely done great things together.”
Thus, Ahi managed to make Pakai attentive. That one, even though kept looking askance at Ahi, asked him eventually, „As?” The tone of his voice, however, betrayed him as being curious.
„As twisting someone’s neck?” Ahi told him ironically.
That’s why Pakai took one more step toward him. Then, being only a step from Ahi, he stared into his eyes and asked, „May I know whose neck you want to twist?”
At all bothered to feel the old man breathing him in his face, Ahi stared into his eyes and then hissed through his teeth, „I wouldn’t have minded to twist yours too. Yet, I meant the neck of that one who took something mine.”
„Aaa,” murmured Pakai, as though having a vision. „You meant Fate, who took that red fox from you. Your daughter in fact.”
„I see news travel here faster than the air,” Ahi growled in the old man’s ear, bending a little toward him. „Actually, I would like to know how long you have known that Mayar is my daughter. Or… who told you that.”
Pakai, smiling, after he understood that he had a certain advantage over Ahi, told him confidently, „Let’s say I just heard some news. Not long ago, actually.”
„I’m more interested to know from whom, old man. So, if you answer my question, I will always be grateful to you.” Then, catching a movement at the corner of the street, with the corner of his eye, he looked over there. Nevertheless, he managed to see only a piece of a black robe worn by someone that suddenly hid not to be seen. Even so, Ahi understood who that person was, for he right away hissed through his teeth, barely heard, „Ah, Tenebre! Ah, mother, you never learn! More than that, you always ally with such…” He kept silent, eventually understanding that it wasn’t a good idea to let Pakai know that he was aware of Tenebre’s presence. If this had happened, Pakai wouldn't have ever told him about his plans. Actually, Ahi knew that Pakai had a plan right after he saw him. Otherwise, Haru and his idiot fellows wouldn’t have stopped them from crossing the village: Pakai wanted something from him.
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Pakai, as though reading Ahi’s mind, suddenly told him, flattering him, „You are right. I need you. To help me with something.”
This made Ahi turn toward him, leaving the corner of the street, where Tenebre still was, unchecked. Then, staring into the old man’s pale eyes, he asked, „To help you? With what?”
„Nothing difficult or out of the ordinary. Only to… open a Gate!” After that, it was the old man’s turn to fix his almost blind eyes into Ahi’s coal glance. Yet, feeling that this made him dizzy, staring into Ahi’s black eyes, Pakai took a step behind him, closing his eyes. Then, he hissed through his teeth, furious, „You and you damn Barrier. You never allow anyone to pass through it.”
„Why should I do that?” Ahi told him, smiling. „I don’t intend to allow anyone to do that. Actually, nobody ever passed through it.”
Yet, Ahi was lying, for Mayar managed that - to pass through That Barrier. Once. Of course, it was pure luck. Yet, she did that while he was trying to teach her how not to allow others to break through her Barrier Taṭai and how to control even the most powerful Magos by breaking their Barriers and using their weaknesses against them. Then, being inattentive, he formed a kind of breach on his Barrier. It was an example. Yet, Mayar took advantage of this. Thus, entering his mind and controlling his power, she learned the power of fire, something that Inmar had learned only after swallowing a fireball that almost burnt her throat. After that, Mayar started to search through his memories. Yet, as she got bored quickly, she allowed Ahi to breathe soon after this and then she went to see what else she could do.
Not the same happened to Ahi that day. He, understanding that Mayar controlled his mind and that this was one of his weaknesses, started to work to fortify his Barrier. Thus, he managed to make it so strong that nobody ever could pass through it after that. Not even Mayar, even though she tried it again. Thus, he understood that it was worth the effort to work on it, even though it took him months, for he became almost invincible.
More than that, fortifying his new Barrier Taṭai, Ahi also created a kind of reverse effect. Thus, when someone was trying to enter his mind secretly, that one was feeling the same dizziness as Pakai had felt that day. Yet, not only had this effect the dizziness, to make someone feel bad. It was also weakening the rival until the point he couldn’t control himself anymore. As this happened to Pakai, who suddenly turned into a… jackal.
Seeing him so puny, for that jackal really looked skinny and decrepit when he had been a proud exemplar of his group once, Ahi smiled, „Now we can put our cards on the table, Pakai!” Then, to disoblige him, Ahi formed a sugar cube in his hand and started to „lure” the jackal as though he was a colt or a young goat called by someone to play with him.
Pakai, however, disliked Ahi’s joke. Even so, he decided to take revenge on him later. Then, passing by him, he told Ahi, hissing through his teeth, „Follow me! I’ll show you something really impressive. Yet, only you! That’s why… let your dogs here!” After that, grinning, he stared at the foxes.
Inmar, hearing him calling her „dog,” threw one of her fireballs toward the jackal just to burn his fur, for that insult reminded her about what she hated the most - the Rophions. She would have definitely managed to burn Pakai and at a slow speed if there hadn’t been Ahi, who suddenly turned toward her, and caught that sphere on the fly. Then, he told her telepathically, „Be wise, Inmar! Now isn’t the time for such risky movements. Not now when Tenebre is around.” That’s why Inmar also looked around to see where Ahi’s mother was. Yet, seeing no one there, she stared at Ahi again. He, however, told her calmly this time, staring at the flame from inside of the sphere, „It’s useless to look for her around, for she hid already. Even so, I consider this something useful for us that Pakai is here. Thus, we can find out what are these two planning, for I think my mother is here for a reason. That’s why, while I follow Pakai and see what he wants, you must go to the edge of the forest and wait for me there. Yet, if at sunset I am not back, return to the mountain, Inmar. You can even teleport yourselves, for as far as I could understand, back is possible. Only toward the Rophion Forest, the path is closed."
„What about the Rophion Forest, brother? If we turn back on the Mountain, we can’t find Mayar. More than that, what about you? If we return to our old house, who will help you with Pakai?”
Ahi smiled. Then, allowing the sphere to snake into his sleeve, he told Inmar, staring into her eyes, „I’ll handle it somehow with Pakai. Even though I don’t know now how I’ll do it. You, however, listen to what I say and don’t venture toward the Rophion’s kingdom alone. It’s dangerous.”
„It’s more dangerous without you, Ahi! Let’s not forget that Tenebre is around. Thus, if she and this Pakai have a deal…”
„Nothing will happen, sister, for… my mother won’t hurt me.”
„Allow me to disagree now. Let’s not forget that she didn't do anything to protect you while your father was forcing you to fight with Mannar. I instead…”
„I understand very well what you want to say, Inmar. Even so, trust me, I’m not blind and I know what my mother can do. Yet, even though she hasn’t ever loved me, she also doesn’t want my death. What she can do is try to stop me to get to Mayar. That’s why I’m saying that if I am not back to the sunset, turn back to the mountain and look for shelter. Actually, I think that the best shelter for you is Inlan Diar’s kingdom.”
„Have you lost your mind?” Inmar screamed in her head. „How can you ask me this, brother? To ask that cobra for help, it means for me…”
„To survive, Inmar, for without me and Mayar you are exposed. Yes, I don’t say you aren’t strong. Yet, you aren’t ready to face the Vanamar wolves or the Yātrīkars. There is another option for you to be protected: the Rophions. However, you can’t take the risk to go there without me. More… with Maranam around you, for not for nothing he sent those Devilish Virgins to our old village: they intended to kill us, Inmar. That’s why, listen to what I say, and do it!”
Even though she was listening to what Ahi said, Inmar seemed not to be able to understand anything. For her, it was more important that Ahi was trying to force her to ask her enemies for help. That’s why she was shaking with all her body. Yet, when Alena touched her right shoulder, Inmar looked at her and carefully listened to her, for she knew that Alena, just as Anaya, was wise. She was actually right, for Alena said, „Mago Ahi is right, Inmar. Our only chance to survive, alone, is on that mountain. That’s why, Mago Ahi, don’t worry! We will do as you say!”
„Then, we have a deal!” Said Ahi telepathically. After that, putting the hood on his head, he followed Pakai, who was waiting for him in front of a Portal with a weird form: of an inversed isosceles triangle.
Alone with Haru and the other 19 idiots, Inmar and the foxes understood that they won’t be left alone. More when they saw them grinning, satisfied. Haru even told them, „Well, what about having some fun if we are alone now? Together, of course!”
Alena, seeing the hunger in their eyes while staring at them as though they saw some stupid Virgins, unprotected and left behind by that Mago, who was only „playing” with them when he felt bored, also smiled. Then, flirting with him, she told Haru, „Why not?” Then, to make that game funnier, she let her beautiful breasts be seen a little bit. Thus, the „fools” fell into her trap, for where the devil pokes his nose, the woman makes it in everything.
Seeing her younger sister’s boldness, Keṉṉal sweetly smiled. Then she did the same as Alena did. Thus, right after opening the robe over her breasts, the other foxes followed their example, understanding the trick. Therefore, when pink roses blossomed in front of the men, they swallowed hard. Then, when Haru made them a sign to follow them, the foxes „obeyed.” Yet, while advancing toward the edge of the village, Keṉṉal murmured, „Of course, my dears, you will have a lot of fun today! A burning one!”
Actually, it had been so, for right after getting on the field between the village and the forest, Haru and the other men suddenly awoke from that sweet dream. Yet, looking around, they saw no fox. Only the fireballs they were squeezing in each palm. That’s why they started to run like desperate men, intending to find a river or a lake in the forest and extinguish the fire of those spheres they couldn’t throw from their hands. However, poor souls didn’t manage to enter the forest, for after 200 meters of running, they turned into firecrackers, illuminating the horizon.
Yet, that spectacle was a funny one for the foxes that were watching them from the edge of the woods. Keṉṉal even said, seeing those men punished for their boldness, „I told them it would be hot. Yet, nobody believed that.”
That’s why the other foxes smiled. Except for Inmar, who seemed serious while looking at the field that was still smoking. Then, she said, „This always happens when someone wants more than he has. Especially when he thinks that a woman is only for his fun.”
„Actually, Inmar, let’s not forget that Pakai was controlling them somehow. It could be also because they weren’t thinking normally.”
„No, Keṉṉal, they were thinking and clearly actually,” Inmar hissed through her teeth. „I saw this in their eyes when they started to provoke Ahi. Thus, as I won’t ever allow anyone to make fun of us or of my brother, they have died as they have deserved it.”
„You are right, Inmar, for those who trust the devil can wash their sins only with fire. More than that: if someone saw us doing what we did to them, it would help us. At least they will learn that „playing with fire” aren’t just words eventually,” said Alena cunningly.
„I also think so,” said Keṉṉal smiling, just as the other foxes did.
Only Inmar didn’t laugh, for she was preoccupied: with Mayar, who was God knows where in Rophion Forest, controlled by Parca, and also for Ahi, who she felt was also in danger. Yet, as it had passed more than six months without knowing anything from Mayar, she was more concerned with her, for Ahi was right that he could defeat Pakai and Tenebre eventually. With Mayar it was different, for they never knew what power she had in fact. Yet, as there wasn’t anything else to do, they decided to wait till the sunset. Then, if Ahi hadn’t turned back, they had to return to the Mountain, even though this was something Inmar disliked.
Even so, that Mount was the last chance for the red foxes. As the Kingdom of Ice. Yet, Inmar decided not to take the final decision until the right time. She only looked at the sky and started to pray in her head, „Helyos, don’t rush today! Please, don’t rush the carriage of the sun toward the sunset today. Thus, you will help us not to take drastic decisions that can change Fate.”
***
Passing through Pakai’s Portal, Ahi carefully looked around. Yet, he saw nothing out of the ordinary, only a round room, large enough, with 13 wooden doors around it. However, namely those wooden doors, with strange gravures on them, which were unknown to him, made Ahi finally ask, „Pakai, what place is this?”
He winced eventually, hearing Pakai’s voice in his left ear, „They call it Karuvil.”
„Karuvil? The one found in front of the Purgatorium Door?” Asked Ahi, confused, while staring at Pakai, very carefully actually, seeing that one surrounding him.
„Not… really,” replied Pakai, suddenly, stopping in front of him. „Only… something similar to that. A special Karuvil in fact because it will help us to win this war. It will… protect us if necessary.”
„Or it would help you vanish as you always did,” Ahi said in mockery. After that, he started to walk up and down that room, carefully analyzing each of those wooden doors. Thus, he saw that they had different symbols engraved on them and a different texture of the wood. That’s why he asked again, „Yet, what’s the meaning of this place?”
„To create the illusion, what else?” Replied Tenebre instead of Pakai. Nevertheless, it didn’t amaze Ahi, for, while passing through that tunnel, that started from the Portal created by Pakai on earth till there, he felt her presence, and he was right, for namely she followed them there.
Thus, turning to the left, Ahi saw her next to Pakai. It was something strange at her, the blink in her eyes, as though it wasn’t the same Tenebre he had known once. Yet, he decided not to alarm, thinking that maybe it was because of that place. That’s why he asked her calmly, „What kind of illusion, mother? More than that, don’t you think that’s too late for illusions?”
„Why too late?” Said Tenebre, smiling and taking a few steps toward him. „It’s never too late if you have a well-defined aim to reach eventually.”
„And that aim, which you want to reach, is definitely Mannar’s freedom, isn’t it?” Ahi asked, still walking through that room.
„Yes, for… his my masterpiece eventually!”
This made Ahi frown, hearing her talking like that. Then, gnashing his teeth while heading toward her, he asked, „What about me, mother? Can’t I be your masterpiece? The only child that has always been by your side actually.”
„Well… you too. To a certain point,” said Tenebre somehow dryly. „Yet, let’s say I trust Mannar more. Thus, you will do all of us a favor if you understand that at once. More than that… I dislike seeing the disappointment in your eyes, Ahi,” she added, in a sweet voice that time, touching his left cheek.
Ahi, outraged, seeing that his own mother once again left him behind, grabbed her by the arm. Then, moving her palm away from his face, he hissed through his teeth, „What will be better, mother, is to stop pretending to be a good mother. More, to stop showing everybody this fake love for Mannar, for… who knows?! Maybe you will need it if Mannar turns back one day.”
The Titanide smiled, „Fake? Why the love of a mother is fake? I love you the same as I love Mannar. The same… because you are my son, too.”
„A son you never loved. Why? At least now tell me why you love my brother so much and you can’t even feel a small part of that love for me?”
Only then did Tenebre carefully look into his eyes. Then, in a sure voice, she told him, „Because he has what I need. You instead… no. That’s why I don’t feel the same love for you.” After that, she approached the door that was in front of her and, gently, she touched the carvings seen on it, something that reminded her a lot about the Underworld.
Yet, not this made Ahi attentive, that Tenebre was approaching each door and was gently touching the carvings, but her words. That’s why he murmured eventually, thoughtful, „He has something you need. Let me guess: something that will help you have the throne of the world?”
„Why not?!” Replied Tenebre, laughing like a mad person. „More than that, you aren’t wrong. A shame actually, that you aren’t what I need because I’m sure that we have made a good team if it has been so.”
„Something that makes me think differently. Why? Because If I had been what you needed, you would have used me eventually, just as you always did with Mannar,” said Ahi disappointed. „Even so, I don’t understand why. You say you love him, right?”
„Right, son, I love him so much. He is my ideal. Only… for success, you must sacrifice something. Eventually, this is why I gave birth to you, right? To help me to reach my goals.”
„Moreover, to make sure you will succeed, you have chosen madness instead of wisdom. Just to release Eris from her dungeon.”
„Why not?! I don’t see anything wrong in releasing my mother.”
„Yeah, except for the fact that you forget that you are a mother too,” Ahi yelled at her reproachfully. „You forget that a mother protects her own children first. After that, she protects others too. You instead always did the contrary. Just like our father did. That father who isn’t more than smoke and ashes now, covered by rocks, after his grotto…”
„…simply blew up,” shouted Tenebre, very happy. Moreover, her eyes were shining because of madness, a hint that she wasn’t normally thinking and since long ago.
Nevertheless, this was something that made Ahi attentive. He always knew that his mother was crazy and was acting like she wanted. Yet, that time she seemed to exaggerate. That’s why he looked at Pakai eventually. Thus, he saw him also passing in front of the doors, touching them with his body while sweetly yawning. Only that yawning seemed strange to Ahi, more when he noticed that Pakai seemed to murmur a spell. That’s why he looked at Tenebre again, who was touching the carvings of the wooden doors as though someone controlled her.
Even so, Ahi wasn’t sure that Pakai was to blame for Tenebre’s madness. That’s why he decided to test them first and check if it was right what he was thinking about. For this, he secretly formed a knife in his right hand, which he finally threw toward Pakai. That one, however, vanished the moment the knife was about to hit him and fell eventually to the floor. Even so, Ahi was sure that Pakai didn’t leave that place, but only hid. Yet, it was strange where exactly he hid. Until he noticed Tenebre, who was yawning just as Pakai did not long ago.
Thus, confused, while carefully looking at his mother, he asked, „You two… are you one right now?”
Tenebre, however, stretching her body to chase the numbness away, yawned again. Then, she said, „Who knows?! Maybe yes, maybe no. Or maybe this is only a dream you have while sleeping?!”
„While I sleep?” Asked Ahi, more confused than before. „I… I am awake and…” A hit over the back of his head left Ahi unconscious eventually.
This made Tenebre laugh, like a crazy woman, murmuring, „Yet, you are sleeping. I see it. With my own eyes.” After that, suddenly cracking her neck, she threw Pakai out of her body.
This sudden reaction of the Titanide took Pakai by surprise. That’s why he rolled on the floor when they split up. Yet, after he stopped rolling, he saw someone’s feet. That one was standing next to Ahi, supporting his arm on the same stick he used to leave Ahi unconscious. Even so, Pakai didn’t look at that man, but murmured, „I hate this childish game of hiding.” After that, worshiping in front of the one with the stick, the jackal murmured, „Even so, I’m proud to serve you, my master.”
The one with the stick kept silent, however. He only pushed Ahi with the point of the stick to see if that one was moving. Yet, seeing that the Mago was as hard as the wood was, the stranger threw the stick on the floor. Then he approached Tenebre, who was in front of a door, staring with blind eyes at it as though she was an alive statue. After that, looking into her eyes, Maranam murmured, „Yet, Pakai, sometimes playing might be fun. Don’t you also think so?”
„Of course, master,” murmured Pakai, crawling on his feet almost next to Maranam. „I only… think that we can do greater things if to focus only on them. More than that, I don’t understand why we brought Tenebre and Ahi here.” After that, he bowed his head, seeing Maranam’s bitter face, staring with hatred at him.
„You definitely don’t think with your own brain, just as Ahi said, do you?” Maranam hissed through his teeth. „More than that, you still haven't learned that the only one who asks questions here is me while you only answer them,” he shouted eventually.
„Of course, master, of course,” stuttered Pakai, bowing to the floor. Even so, the moment Maranam turned his back on him, still analyzing Tenebre as though he found a treasure or something, Pakai showed him his fangs.
Actually, Pakai was right to be upset, because Maranam not only used his power as he wished, but also his body, because not Pakai went to Tenebre Forest to look for the Titanide, but Maranam, having the jackal’s body. Yet, not being able to convince the Titanide to join their plan the easy way, for she was body and soul by Eris’s side, Maranam controlled her will. Thus, he had been able to bring her to Pakai’s village where he kept brainwashing her just to convince her to fight by their side. Nevertheless, seeing that Tenebre kept trying to run away when she was normally thinking and more when he saw Ahi and the red foxes passing by that village, Maranam decided to use her just to make Ahi weak. Thus, he made it, for Ahi, seeing that his mother didn’t love him, was vulnerable. That’s why he didn’t feel the danger approaching him and lost consciousness when Maranam hit the back of his head.
Eventually, Pakai winced and decided to think about that later when he heard Maranam, who was still in front of that door next to Tenebre, saying, „Yet, it’s weird to see this place.”
„Why, master?” The jackal asked, with a flattering voice. After that, at a slow step, he approached Maranam.
That one, without watching him even for a second, replied, „Because I never thought that I am capable to create such a place that seems so real.”
„Do you mean the copy of the Purgatory?” Asked Pakai, confused.
„That’s right, for this place is perfect to place the Balances after restoring them. Thus, when all thirteen will be controlled by me, I’ll be undoubtedly the only Master of the Universe.”
Pakai cooked his nose, hearing Maranam talking like that. Yet, he flattered that one again, when Maranam looked at him, „Still, master, you will make it eventually. I’m sure about this. That’s why I never betrayed you, being more than convinced of your success. Just as I always fulfilled your orders without a word against them.”
„I know, Pakai, I know! You really did a great job!” Said Maranam, caressing the jackal’s head. That one, feeling that he was loved and appreciated, grinned in pleasure. „Now that I have seen this place with my own eyes, I say that it’s the perfect time to start our work.”
„Of course, master! Let’s do it!” Then Pakai headed toward the Portal that had opened not that far from Ahi. Suddenly he stopped and stared thunderstruck at Maranam, mumbling, „Yet, Master, what should we do now?”
These words enraged Maranam so much, who yelled eventually, „Don’t you understand such a small thing, Pakai? If no, then you are really worthless.” After that, he vanished as fast as he appeared.
Pakai, however, having no answer to his question, sat eventually on the floor. Then, changing into a human, while he was lying on the left side of his body, supporting his head with his hand, he looked at Tenebre, who was still looking like an alive statue, and asked, „Yet, what should we do now?!" Not even this time he received an answer. This made him cook his nose. „He definitely didn’t say that. Never. I’m sure about this. Or… maybe not?!” After that, laying on his stomach, supporting his chin on the back of his palms placed one on top of the other, Pakai looked at Ahi’s sleeping face. After that, sighing, he closed his eyes and vanished.