**In an unknown location somewhere in Aetheria**
Three beings are sitting down in a dark room, each occupying a distinct throne that sets them apart from the others. Each throne is guarded by someone or something unique. And bowing down before all of them sits an image of a blond woman.
One of these beings, speaking in a feminine voice, asks the woman, "Did you find him?" "I have found traces, Mistress, but..." There is a slight pause as she continues, "I was distracted. I can assure you all that he will be found soon," says the woman, speaking respectfully.
"How soon is soon?" asked another of the beings, speaking in a more adolescent tone. "It will take two days at most, sir," responded the woman. "Well, hurry up already! It's annoying sitting with these oldies," said the being, much to the annoyance of the others.
"Well, get back to your work. I think we all know how good you are at your job," said the last being, speaking with an old male voice. "Unless any of you have anything left to say, this meeting is adjourned," the old voice said, looking at the others. As none of the others objected, the woman bowed once more, and the image disappeared.
**Back to Ironhelm**
As Malvin carries Xain, presumably to prison, Xain asks, "Um, is there not going to be a trial or something? Cause I don't think you can just throw me in prison," said the blue-haired boy, already contemplating how to escape.
"You know why trials are a thing," asked Malvin, continuing without caring if Xain actually answered. "To find out if the people we catch are innocent or not. You, on the other hand, with your extensive criminal history, do not need one."
"Oh, come on! I know I have done some stuff, but it can't be that bad," said Xain slyly. At that, Malvin took a deep breath and said, "Several accounts of assault, battery, damage to public property, damage to private property, stealing, and general misdemeanors." Malvin huffed and asked, "Should I go on?"
"Okay, I get the stealing and the misdemeanor, but the others were in self-defense," Xain quickly responded. "Really? Then tell me, how breaking through a window into a house, running through said house, and breaking through the backdoor," Malvin asked, using air quotes, "is self-defense?" He appeared quite annoyed. "I mean, it was in self-defense. I was defending myself from you," Xain said, thinking his wits would somehow save him from this situation. However, as Malvin's expression turned menacing, Xain quickly fell silent.
And then he resumed talking, saying, "Okay, but seriously, there are way more dangerous criminals out there than me. And by the way, I admit that I am a thief, but come on, do you realize how hard it is to live in a city like this?" Malvin, annoyed, responded, "Dealing with you constantly, yes, I do know how hard it is to live in a city like this. Now shut up!" Hopefully, his remark would finally silence Xain.
Malvin was well aware that there were far more dangerous criminals lurking in Ironhelm, but finding them proved to be a challenging task. He understood that most, if not all, of them operated outside of his league. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to his duty and resolved to do his best to maintain law and order in the city.
As Malvin was carrying Xain, he suddenly heard what he thought was a man screaming. "What the!" Malvin exclaimed as he dashed towards the location of the scream, still carrying Xain on his back. "Hey, if you're going somewhere dangerous, at least put me down!" Xain said as he started struggling to get out of Malvin's grasp.
Ignoring Xain's pleas, Malvin continued to run towards the source of the scream until he reached the area. There, he saw a man lying in a pool of blood, with someone standing over him, blood dripping down their hands. As the person probably felt Malvin and Xain's presence, they turned around, and both of them recognized who it was.
"What the heck is that The Fiend! Okay, we both have to get out of here now!" Xain exclaimed, fully aware that encountering The Fiend meant imminent danger and likely death.
The Fiend, notorious for committing everything from petty crimes to assassinations, murder, and drug trafficking, considered to be one of the most dangerous criminals in the city, perhaps even in the entire country. Both Malvin and Xain had heard descriptions of The Fiend, but this was the first time they laid eyes on him. He wore a sleek metallic mask and armor made from the same material, with hints of purple cloth protruding from the edges. His metal gauntlets featured serrated claws, and he completed his ensemble with a pair of heavy, black metallic boots.
Malvin set Xain down and warned him, "Do not move." He then turned to face The Fiend and declared, "You are under arrest. You can come peacefully, or I will have to use force." He brandished his police gear, which included a pistol and a gauntlet crackling with electricity. "Look, Malvin, I know you're tough, but I really don't think you can take him on," Xain said, thinking he should make a run for it.
Malvin, unafraid, responded to Xain, "I am an officer of the law. I'm not going to fear some cutthroat," as he approached The Fiend. The criminal stood motionless, observing both of them intently.
As Malvin stepped closer to The Fiend, a tense silence filled the air. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, and Xain couldn't help but feel a sense of impending danger. He watched anxiously, unsure of what would unfold next. "Considering who you are, I doubt you will come peacefully, so I will use force," Malvin declared as he charged towards The Fiend.