"Fragments of Night"
After completing the laps both the Toddles's headed to the shelter for nap . Ezekiel, who had always faced hardships, found himself in a much freer and safer environment. However, this newfound comfort came with an unexpected consequence: he had developed a habit of snoring as loudly as a dog barking at the end of the street.
While Ezekiel slept soundly like a baby, Vizz, who usually resided in the chief's small castle, was experiencing a whole new world—one that felt more like a nightmare than a dream. Half-asleep and fully bothered by the cacophony of snores, Vizz sat up in the middle of the night.
"Ezekiel! Are you trying to wake the dead? Like before blood magic u wanna learn necromancy " he grumbled as he rubbed his eyes.
But there was no response from Ezekiel, who continued to snore blissfully. Frustrated, Vizz decided to escape the noise and slipped out of their shelter into the cool night breeze. The air was refreshing, and he took a moment to admire the vibrant red full moon hanging low in the sky.
As he walked around, his gaze fell upon a small cliff next to the wall. He stood still, captivated by an enormous figure covered in white fur that seemed to glow under the moonlight. It looked almost ethereal—like the first rays of dawn breaking through darkness.
Suddenly, their gazes met. The creature's eyes glinted with an otherworldly light, and before Vizz could process what was happening, it leaped toward him. That moment of admiration quickly turned into sheer terror.
"AHHH!" Vizz screamed as he turned on his heel and sprinted back toward their shelter. His heart raced as he reached the gate and leaned against it to catch his breath.
Just then, he felt a shadow looming behind him. Panic surged through him as he fell to the ground, dragging himself backward with fear etched across his face. In that instant, a sharp pain pierced his heart, and everything turned black.
In that pitch black space, he found himself surrounded by an ominous aura .A red-colored fragment floated beside him amidst swirling mist. Instinctively, he reached for it.as soon as his fingers touched it, a blinding light erupted from his body, illuminating the dark space.
His eyes turned crimson as power surged through him. He lifted his hand and shouted, "Get away from me!"
With that shout came a wave of red mist and conical red arrows that shot forth like arrows from a bow. As the shadow approached the gate, he unleashed them all in rapid succession. Two misty red wolves materialized beside him and lunged at the shadow.
But just as quickly as it began, everything faded away again—leaving vizz unconscious on the ground while .
Meanwhile, Master Smith sensed something ominous and entered their shelter only to be welcomed with a Strom of Those conical long arrow one of them even gazed his face causing a drop of blood or two to fall . Just then two magical wolf attacked him . "Graciious" with a chant his hand had a scythee in a moment he took care of both summon ripping them apart in two parts .Then he found Ezekiel shaking Vizz desperately but getting no response.
"Vizz! Wake up!" Ezekiel shouted frantically.
Hearing footsteps approaching, Ezekiel instinctively drew his dagger and positioned himself protectively in front of Vizz. Master Smith paused at the entrance and raised an eyebrow at the sight before him.
"Easy there," Master Smith said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm not here to hurt him."
As Ezekiel looked up at Master Smith with wide eyes filled with concern and tears welling up, he noticed Vizz's body was covered in mist and radiating mana.
"What happened?" Ezekiel asked breathlessly.
Master Smith sighed heavily as he assessed Vizz's condition. "It seems our little friend has tapped into something powerful—and dangerous."
Ezekiel's eyes widened further. "What do you mean..?? "
Master Smith knelt beside Vizz and examined him closely. "He has some kind of blood magic flowing through him—corrupted mana in his veins. Strange !! "
Ezekiel felt a cold grip of fear tighten around his heart. " Tell me !! he is going to be okay? Right ??"
"I need to take him to Yin Li," Master Smith replied firmly before standing up abruptly. "Stay here. I'll be back."
"No! I'm coming with you!" Ezekiel insisted stubbornly.
Master Smith looked down at him with an expression that mixed concern and respect for Ezekiel's determination. "You really want to follow us .? This could be dangerous."
"I don't care! I'm not leaving him alone behind !! " Ezekiel declared fiercely.
With a resigned sigh, Master Smith nodded. "Alright then. Let's go."
---
They hurried toward Yin Li's house, where she lived in the library a bit away from their shelter . As they approached her home, they noticed her door slightly ajar.
"Yin Li!" Master Smith called out as they entered.
Before she could respond fully, Ezekiel burst through the door like a whirlwind. His little sister stood inside.she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"Ezekiel! I was so worried about you!" she exclaimed.
"Hey! Easy there!" Ezekiel chuckled awkwardly while patting her back gently before glancing back toward Yin Li.
Yin Li raised an eyebrow at them both with an amused smile on her face. "It's rather strange timing for you to greet your sister like this," she teased lightly before her gaze shifted to Master Smith.
"Well, handsome what's with the scar on you face ?" she continued with mock seriousness, "what trouble have you gotten into tonight?"
Master Smith didn't respond immediately; instead, he focused on Vizz lying unconscious in his arms wrapped in a blanket.
"It's not time for your mockery," he said seriously. "I want him fine and so that he will be hopping around me for lesson's by the morning."
Yin Li's expression shifted as she took note of Vizz's condition more closely. She knelt down beside them and carefully lifted Vizz into her embrace while casting her healing spell:
"Oh! Esprit des ancêtres et divinité de la forêt mère, aie pitié de cet enfant!"
The air shimmered around them as her magic enveloped Vizz; however, just as quickly as it began—the spell broke unexpectedly!
"What happened?" Master Smith asked sharply, alarm evident in his voice.
Yin Li frowned deeply as she examined Vizz more closely now. "He has some corrupted mana flowing through him—a sense of blood magic that shouldn't be there."
Master Smith stepped back in shock. this was not what he had expected at all from their little apprentice! "Is he alright?"
Yin Li shook her head slowly. "We need to act fast. if we don't contain this soon… it could become dangerous."
Without another word spoken between them—Master Smith dashed out of Yin Li's house and leaped toward the chief's castle across town!
---
Inside his castle room, Chief Standhart was sleeping soundly when suddenly—CRASH! The wall broke open!
Rubbing his eyes groggily while sitting up straight.Chief muttered under his breath"So you've finally gone crazy."
Master Smith didn't reply instead—his expression remained serious as he approached Chief directly now! "Beast attack ? Or security breach ? " Then his expression changed " Or is it about the child?" Chief asked sharply while taking notice of Master Smith's demeanor immediately!
Master Smith nodded gravely without hesitation when he mentioned children.
"Which one?" Chief pressed further; concern etched across his features now deepening even more!
"If it's that elf kid—you're dead."
"It's Vizz," Master Smith replied simply but firmly!
The chief's serious expression hardened even further.his gaze turning sharp toward Master Smith now filled only by intensity!
He clenched his fists tightly before raising one hand up high flickering fingers—next second they were standing right outside Yin Li's house!
They entered without another word spoken between them, tension thickening around them both like fog settling over ground…
---
Inside Yin Li's home—no one spoke a word initially, silence filling room heavily until finally—Yin Li attempted break ice gently: "Hey hey!! It's easy! It's fragment!"
But Chief ignored everything else around him completely instead focusing solely on Vizz lying there unconscious still—his expression unyielding now!
Yin Li continued trying calm situation down further: "The fragment pushed corrupted mana through mana circuit luckily there are some blockages other than that—it's all right! Power of fragment is healing him!"
Chief remained unfazed by any reassurances given, ignoring all explanations entirely while stepping closer toward Vizz himself now placing hand gently upon forehead feeling warmth radiating off body…
"I gave you responsibility for taking care of him," Chief said firmly while looking directly into Master Smith's eyes now filled only by disappointment!
Master Smith struggled finding words for a proper answer but ultimately fell silent instead unable meet gaze anymore…
"It's last time," Chief warned sternly raising finger high above head threateningly now! "One more scene like this—and I will take him away—and leave village!"
With those final words spoken—Chief flickered fingers once again disappearing from sight entirely leaving only silence behind…
---
Afterward—Yin Li sighed deeply shaking head lightly feeling burdened by weight carried upon shoulders now too heavy…
"You should be careful," she warned softly looking toward Master Smith again thoughtfully now! "If Chief leaves then charge falls upon you!"
Master Smith seemed lost in thought for moment longer before finally responding quietly: "I know… I just wanted what was best for them both."
Yin Li nodded understandingly watching him closely while sensing sadness lingering within heart too heavy bear alone right now…
"It won't be easy," she said gently placing hand upon shoulder reassuringly hoping ease burden slightly if only just enough help lighten load carried today…
As night deepened over Arcanvane—a soft glow emanating from lanterns hung throughout village—
The sun rose over the village of Arcanvane, casting a golden hue across the landscape. Vizz, feeling refreshed and invigorated, sprang from his makeshift bed in Yin Li's house. Today was going to be different he was determined to embrace every moment of freedom. With a mischievous grin, he bolted out of the house, while finding Ezekiel meanwhile leaving Ezekiel still-sleeping behind in yin li's hut.
Ezekiel stirred awake, rubbing his eyes and realizing that Vizz was already gone. Panic set in as he jumped from his bed. "Vizz! Wait!" he called out, but Vizz was too far ahead, blissfully unaware of his friend's concern.
As Ezekiel rushed to catch up, he muttered to himself in frustration, "How does he not know I'm in here? He's so dense sometimes!"
When Vizz reached their shelter, he was greeted by the sight of Ezekiel* sitting on a chair next to the window, looking deep in thought. Vizz crept up behind him and covered his eyes with his hands, adopting a ridiculous voice. "WHO AM I?"
Ezekiel* didn't respond verbally instead, he reached up and touched Vizz's hands. They were surprisingly soft, and an odd aura surrounded him today—something warm yet unfamiliar.
Vizz went along with his antics.
Vizz pulled his hands away and exclaimed proudly, "See? I can use magic now!" He then dramatically recited a spell he thought would impress Ezekiel* "Leviation—levando!"
With that incantation, Vizz attempted to lift off the ground but instead flew straight up to the ceiling with a loud thud. "Ouch!" echoed through the room as he crashed down.
Ezekiel* couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Vizz upside down right behind him. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Vizz noticed something strange about Ezekiel—his expression was flustered, and there was an odd glint in his eye and scar on Ezekiel 's eye was gone.
"So close," Ezekiel* muttered under his breath.
Flustered, Ezekiel* turned to escape through the window but tripped awkwardly over his own feet. As he stumbled forward, he fumbled with his skirt—wait, skirt? Confused, Vizz blurted out, "Why is he wearing a skirt?"
______________
Vizz is too dense to undersatand that he had mistaken Raya, Ezekiel's sister, for Ezekiel himself!
Just then, Ezekiel entered the shelter and threw playful jabs at Vizz for running away from Yin Li's house. "You're not going to get away that easily! You think you can just sneak off?"
Vizz laughed nervously as he tried to explain himself. "I swear I saw a ghost of *Ezekiel* running away through the window while wearing a skirt!"
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow skeptically. "A ghost? Really? You must have hit your head harder than I thought."
"No! I'm serious!" Vizz insisted with wide eyes. "It was like you were trying to escape or something!"
Ezekiel crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall with a smirk. "Well, if I were wearing a skirt and running away from my own house like a scared cat, I'd probably want to escape too!"
Vizz couldn't help but chuckle at that image. "You'd look ridiculous!!"
"Not as ridiculous as you!" Ezekiel shot back playfully .
Just then, they heard a soft knock at the door. It creaked open slowly to reveal Yin Li standing there with an amused smile on her face. "What kind of ruckus are you two causing in here?" she asked playfully.
"Just discussing fashion choices, why don't u try wearing a skirt . " Ezekiel replied with mock seriousness.
Yin Li laughed lightly. "Not interested but if you're going to wear skirts, at least make sure they match your tunic next time."
Vizz blushed slightly while Ezekiel rolled his eyes dramatically. "I'll make sure to take fashion advice from you next time , old lady" he quipped sarcastically.
"Good idea,hatchling " Yin Li said with a wink before her expression turned serious. "But really, you two need to be careful. The night can be unpredictable."
Vizz nodded earnestly while Ezekiel added mischievously, "Especially when you're wearing skirts."
Yin Li shook her head with an amused smile before stepping inside fully. "Now that we've had our fun, I need your help with something important."
"What is it?" Vizz asked curiously.
"I need you both to gather some herbs from the forest for me," she explained. "They're crucial for healing potions."
"Herbs? In the dark?" Ezekiel asked skeptically.
"Don't worry; I'll guide you," Yin Li assured them.
"Not on my watch," Master Smith interjected firmly as he stepped in the shelter while stepping closer to yin li .
Yin Li confronted him directly. "Even you are forbidden from entering the forest at night—especially now." Mastersmith added
"And who are you to decide that?" she retorted with a hint of sass .
Master Smith replied with a slight smile, "I don't need to be anyone special to tell you that, dear."
At those words, Yin Li's cheeks flushed bright red as she struggled to find her voice while her heart raced triumphantly.
Vizz didn't flinch at all instead, he looked between them curiously while Ezekiel started giving Master Smith side-eye.
Master Smith noticed both their gazes and added quickly, "You think too much! There's a werewolf in the forest. it's not safe for anyone other than me or Chief to leave."
While rubbing her head in exasperation, Yin Li implied defensively, "I am as good as an archmage! Are you doubting my skills?"
"It's not about skills, it's about traits," Master Smith countered firmly.
Yin Li resisted this notion while Master Smith continued "He is from my kin I don't need to imply anything more here."
Yin li nodded and replied " Sure ".and agreed .
Ezekiel realized something was off in the atmosphere around them—he could feel it—but for now, he insisted on giving Master Smith side-eyes.
Master Smith deliberately avoided meeting Ezekiel's gaze as tension hung thick in the air.
After their brief confrontation settled down into silence—the atmosphere shifted again "Why do we need these herbs again?" Vizz asked curiously
Yin Li turned to him with a serious expression. "It's important to gather them now because we might not be able to find some of these herbs for the next two or three months. The seasons change quickly here."Ezekiel nodded thoughtfully. "So we have to make sure we're stocked up before winter hits?"
"Exactly," Yin Li confirmed.
"And some of these herbs are crucial for healing potions."
Master Smith sighed but then nodded decisively. "Alright then I'll escort you through this journey."
"Not necessary," Yin Li said with a hint of defiance in her voice.
"You aren't leaving alone . Not on my watch," Master Smith replied firmly again.
Yin Li rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide her smile. "You're such a worrywart.".
"And you're reckless," Master Smith shot back lightly.
As they walked together through the forest path illuminated by moonlight—an unspoken tension lingered between Master Smith and Yin Li—a subtle dance of glances and smiles exchanged amidst their playful banter.
Vizz and Ezekiel walked ahead of them, oblivious to the budding chemistry between their mentors.
They were busy goofing off and making silly faces at each other while trying to imitate animal sounds.
"Look! I'm a bear!" Vizz bellowed while pretending to swipe at Ezekiel with imaginary claws.
Ezekiel laughed and retaliated by pretending to be a rabbit hopping away dramatically. "You'll never catch me!"
Unbeknownst to them both—their antics led them dangerously close to an old trap dug into the ground meant for catching monsters or invaders!
"Watch out!" Master Smith shouted just in time—but it was too late!With surprised yelps echoing through the night air—both boys tumbled into the hole together with thuds that resonated like drumbeats against silence surrounding them!
Yin Li burst into laughter at their misfortune while Master Smith shook his head in disbelief but couldn't suppress a smile either."You two are hopeless!"
Yin Li teased as she leaned over the edge of the hole where they had fallen in.
"We're fine!" Vizz called back cheerfully despite being covered in dirt and leaves.
"Yeah! Just taking a break down here!"Ezekiel added sarcastically while trying unsuccessfully to climb back up.
Master Smith sighed heavily before moving closer to help pull them out of their predicament. As he reached toward trap Yin Li tripped over a stone and he grabbed her by holding her from the waist —a momentary silence hung in the air—a brief connection formed between him and Yin Li as they exchanged knowing glances filled with unspoken understanding…
Just then Mastersmith suddenly let go of her waist and she fell " ouch " . He just walked straight. Yin li scorned his unusual behaviour . Yin Li always had feeling for mastersmith but while on a adventure mastersmith with chief and one more member of their group disappeared . For years she with the carter searched for them but after 50 years chief and master smith returned with their babies in their hand .
She suppressed her feelings for a long time but then suddenly master Smith started to act weirdly around her . But no-one knew the reason of this unusual change .
-------------------------------------------------------
"You're lucky there weren't any spikes or spears in it," Master Smith said with mock seriousness as he crossed his arms instead of helping them out right away.
Vizz looked up at him sheepishly while Ezekiel groaned from below. "Thanks for your concern!"
"I think this place suits you two well," Master Smith added with a teasing grin.
Yin Li stepped forward and waved her hand elegantly as she prepared her magic spell: "Oh! Frères et sœurs de la grande forêt, entendez mon appel et aidez ces enfants!"
As she spoke those enchanting words—the ground beneath them began to tremble slightly—a tree sprouted upward from within the hole!
Its branches stretched toward the sky like welcoming arms offering refuge!Both boys hopped onto its sturdy trunk as it grew tall enough for them to climb out of their predicament safely!
Once free from their trap—Vizz brushed himself off while grinning widely: "See? We totally planned that!"
Ezekiel rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling back at his friend's antics before turning toward Yin Li again: "Thanks for saving us!"
Master Smith watched this exchange with amusement before turning back toward Yin Li once more"You certainly have your ways."
"Just doing what I can, *perfectly*" she replied lightly and that perfectly at last was certainly a taunt towards Master Smith—their bond felt stronger after overcoming such silly mishaps together…
As they continued onward through moonlit forest—the playful banter resumed once more between all four of them now—filled only by laughter shared together…