Fox Recon

Three men in black robes were fighting a giant bear-like creature in the deep forest. Their master, a demon named Kelbraga, had sent them out on a mission. They were to use their newly contracted lesser demons to capture magical beasts. This mission's purpose was to increase their ability to fight using their new demon familiars and acquire beasts to use in a plot against Asperitus.

The tallest of the men, Victor, was enjoying his newfound power as of late. He never imagined that he would be able to wield magic and control a demon familiar. All this newfound power was intoxicating, and he revelled in the destruction that it could cause. It was this revelry that annoyed his fellow cultists. That's another thing he never expected, joining a cult of demon worshippers. As his familiar used a final blast of negative energy to knock out the bear-like beast, Victor was pulled from his thoughts by the complaints of his colleagues.

"Damnit victor, this thing's half-dead. You were supposed to use an enchantment to charm it or make it sleep!" Desis, the shortest of the three yelled.

"Agreed, your continued disregard for orders is becoming a problem. If you do not change your behavior, I will change it for you." Grant, the leader of the group, glared at the man.

The three demons that finished fighting, walked back to their summoners. They were short humanoid creatures with black and ashen skin. Their features slightly resembled the person who summoned them. This trait would only become more pronounced as they grew in power until they were almost an identical copy of the summoner. This was a result of feeding on the summoner's existence.

Victor scoffed and walked towards the beast to cast a spell. Desis and Grant did the same. They were casting a combined spell to lift the creature so that it could be moved to their encampment.

"What the hell is this thing anyway? It looks like a bear, but way bigger and uglier," Desis asked

"It's an Ursa," Grant answer.

"Doesn't that just mean bear?" Desis laughed.

"Yes, it does. However, an Ursa is also the name for this type of bear."

"What, the big ass eat a car type of bear?"

"Pretty much," Grant chuckled.

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"I'm surprised you guys want me to do this," Zeph said as he started channeling spirit magic. Bernard and Eli decided that it would best if Zeph used Rin to spy on the cultists.

"I think it's the safest thing do to as well. We don't know their numbers, how powerful their members are, or if they have any traps prepared. If one of us were to go, there would be more risks. They've also been using concealment spells, so scrying on them would most likely not work," Alex said.

"The best way to get around their defenses and still scout out their base is with a familiar. Out of the three of us, you are the only one with a familiar," Eli said.

"Okay then," Zeph said as he started casting the spell that would summon his familiar to him. A faint magic circle appeared on the ground. Alex used earth magic to create some cover so that the light from the spell wouldn't catch attention. From within the magic circle, a ghostly figure emerged. It was Rin, but there was something missing.

"Hmm, I guess the Aether doesn't come with her," Bernard said. "Interesting."

Rin looked upset and gave Zeph a grumble of complaint. This was the second time he used this spell because Rin hated being out of her body. After he learned it, he told his kitten that he wouldn't use it unless he had to.

"Sorry, Rin, just a second." Zeph pointed at the ephemeral kitty cat and a stream of liquid Aether flowed from his hand towards the spirit. "Use this." Rin's spirit form possessed the Aether and changed into her usual cute self. She shook her body and looked around to adjust. "Rin, we're going to need you to change into your fox form and follow those guys over there." Zeph pointed to the group of cloaked men in the distance. The Ursa was sliding on the ground, following them.

Eli watched as the kitten shapeshifted and went after the cultists. "We'll follow from further away to avoid any detection spells they may use." Then he led the group through the woods after waiting a few minutes.

Bernard was holding Zeph's shoulders as he guided him. Zeph was connected to Rin and at the moment needed his grandpa to take care of his body. "How's she doing?"

Zeph saw the world through the kitten turned fox. "She hasn't been noticed, and she's having an easy time staying on their trail. I don't think we'll run into any problems until we get to their base."

"That's good. Hopefully, we'll be able to get the location of their leader and take care of this whole mess. Depending on the situation, we may have to organize a raid on the location," Bernard said.

"Hopefully, it's something we can take care of by ourselves. Then we can put this whole mess behind us," Eli said.

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"I don't like this. It feels like we're being watched," Desis whispered while he looked around.

"Of course we're being watched. It's the middle of a beast infested forest, and we're surrounded by things that want to eat us. If it wasn't for that repellant Grant brought, we would have been attacked again," Victor said.

"He's right, It's taking most of our magic to keep the Ursa moving. We don't have enough to make a mobile barrier. Keep an eye out like you've been doing and we'll be fine." Grant used his magic sense to check the area. "The only thing nearby are a few raccoons, bugs, and a fox. It's nothing to worry about."

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Meanwhile, at Zeph's mansion, Keva was trying to persuade Ashley to come out of the guest room. The girl hadn't come out since she'd arrived at the mansion. Keva was worried about her continued isolation from the world in her grief. At least she was talking to her friend, Jasper.

"Miss Keva, I'm still not ready. I don't think I can handle talking to everyone yet," Ashley said.

"There aren't that many people in the mansion right now. Other than myself, Bianca and Semara are the only ones here. I would like you to introduce yourself to them at the least. If you don't feel up to talking to them after a few minutes, then I'll let you hide away again," the old dwarven woman said, in a gentle yet commanding tone.

Ashley pursed her lips. No servant had ever talked to her like that. Then again, these weren't her servants. It seemed that Lord Malston was much laxer when it came to social hierarchy. She could still remember the scolding the old woman gave her when she ordered her to clean her room. Keva did not take kindly to haughty behavior. Instead, Ashley ended up cleaning her room and the bathroom under Keva's strict supervision. "Fine, I'll introduce myself and then I'll come back up here." As the pair made their way downstairs, Ashley could hear the sounds of two women arguing.

"I think you should wear more dresses, or at least something other than a pantsuit," Bianca told her friend.

"Why? I like that look," Semara said.

"Because it's not sexy, or at least not the way you wear them."

"Hey!"

"C'mon, you'd look great in a dress, ooh maybe a nice bright summer dress to show off your legs."

"It's the middle of winter."

"Big deal, we have magic."

"Again, NO."

"Semmy, I just want you to be happy. If you just added a bit of sexy to your wardrobe, he'll be sure to fall for you."

"I don't want to try and seduce him, Bianca."

Bianca crossed her arms. "You're obviously suffering from a severe case of denial, but don't worry. Your best friend, Bibi, is on the case."

"Damnit Bianca I-" Semara was interrupted.

"Excuse me girls, but we have company," Keva said as she led Ashley into the living room.

Bianca and Semara looked at the unexpected guest. They were surprised because Ashley was very adamant about being left alone in the time that she's been here. Bianca or Semara would usually leave her meals at the door on a portable table. When they returned later, the empty plate would be waiting for them.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Ashley. I'm Bianca," Bianca said while she walked over and held out her hand.

Ashley slowly lifted her arm up to shake the fox-kin's hand. "Um, yes. It's nice to meet you as well."

"Hello, My name is Semara," the silver-haired held out her hand as well.

"Hello, Semara. My name is Ashley." After shaking Semara's hand, there was an awkward silence. "Well then, I'll be heading back to my room"

"Hold on," Bianca called to the young lady.

"Yes?"

"We could use an outside opinion on Semara's fashion sense."

"I'm sorry?" Ashley asked in confusion.

"Semara is interested in a man, and I think she needs to dress to impress. She usually wears pantsuits, jeans, and regular shirts, or plain old sweats. In your opinion, does she stand any chance in gaining said man's affection?"

"Hey!" Semara complained.

Ashley looked at the wolf-kin, paying more attention to her. She had waist length silver hair. Her face was more beautiful than cute. Her stature was firm and gave her a professional appearance. The woman was attractive, but Ashley couldn't say whether or not she could attract a man. "I'm sorry. I don't think I could say one way or the other.

"See, Bianca. I'm just fine the way I am," Semara said.

"Hold on, let me show you a picture of my brother. He's the one we're talking about." Bianca tapped her pendant and projected a picture of her and Zeph standing next to each other in the living room.

One look at the attractive fox-kin in the room and Ashley came to a conclusion. She looked at Semara. "You should consider a wardrobe change because you might have a lot of competition."

"See, told you." Bianca stuck her tongue out at her friend.