“So you let possible merchandise get away?” The question was icy, controlled, but dangerous as a blade. 

The man sitting at the desk had his hands steepled. He peered over them with a heated gaze, shooting daggers at his company despite his one green eye, the right covered by an eyepatch. His long, wavy brunette hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, falling past his high white shirt collar, pristine against his black jacket. 

His office was neat, lined with shelves filled with numerous items that were certainly not found in the day markets, boasting his dubious lifestyle. It was his den, his horde, and his company knew they were in the dragon’s lair. And the dragon was furious. 

“We’re so sorry, boss!” The thugs Kasla had beat-up bowed their heads, cowering. Even the strongest of the three had sweat rolling down the side of his face, a mere child before their leader. 

“Useless! All of you!” their boss roared, slamming his fist against the table with a profound bang. The sound made the three flinch, wincing as if they had been struck. “I had to watch your failure! I have no need for dumbasses!” The crystal ball on his desk flickered with movement as the man glared. 

“We’ll get the merchandise for you, just give us another chance! You won’t be disappointed!” begged the bald thug, a bandage over his nose. His eyes were turning a purple-black thanks to Kasla’s kick. His companions seemed to be faring better, nodding rapidly in agreement, though the “Beastman” nervously fiddled with his horns, managing to righten them.

“If you fail again I will personally cut off your heads!” their boss grounded out through his teeth, staring them down, daring them to look him in the eye.

“Yes, boss!” the trio shouted in unison, offering bows as they backed away. Hurriedly they scooted out the door with a lowered gaze, drops of sweat sprinkling the ground. 

“Idiots, all of them. I swear.” The one-eyed man’s attention was gone from the door before it even shut. His focus was on the crystal ball. “Still, they did find good merchandise. It would be a waste to let this one go, especially with competitors… He’d pay good money indeed. What’s the cost of an arm for this little rare treasure?” 

A predatory smile broke across his face as he stroked the crystal, shifting the image on its surface. Reflected in its surface was a small white haired boy with striking red eyes looking scared in an alley.

⁜

“Do people here tend to stare at newcomers? Practically daggers.” Kasla glanced at the various eyes on him and Rabbit as they sat. They had found a nearby restaurant and entered it, sitting at the first available table. As he caught the eye of some diners they turned up their noses with a sour expression. It wasn’t as if they had waltzed into an expensive restaurant—not that he could afford such a place anyways.

He frowned slightly, confused before looking back at the boy across from him. “You alright there, buddy? You seem uncomfortable.” 

Rabbit was silent, nervously eyeing the others as he seemingly shrunk into himself, his chin disappearing into the collar of his cloak.

Before Kasla could press the question an Elf in waiter attire walked over. He regarded the two and flashed a polite smile, looking at Kasla. “Good evening. What will it be, sir?”

“Ah, do you have any burgers here?” Kasla asked, trying to scan for a signboard that indicated the menu. “First time in town.”

“Certainly! What about your… ‘friend’ here?” The waiter glanced at Rabbit who was nearly disappearing into his chair.

“Let’s see... Hm, how about a kid’s meal? If you’ve got that then one for the kiddo.” Kasla grinned at the waiter, oblivious to the waiter’s polite but tentative tone.

“Alright, that will be done in around five minutes. Anything to drink…?”

“Just water for me and maybe some milk for the kiddo. Thanks.”

The waiter nodded, committing the order to memory. “Very well. That will be three small gold coins.” Kasla pulled out the due amount and handed it over. With another glance towards Rabbit the Elf leaned towards Kasla, whispering. “Also, sir, please be careful around here. Especially with people who look ragged like your ‘friend.’ You’re fine here, but people do not like ragamuffins, especially in establishments, and might turn you out. To them your wallet’s your worth.”

“Thanks for the warning, I’ll keep that in mind,” Kasla whispered back, eying Rabbit who quickly looked back at the ground, clearly trying not to eavesdrop. The waiter gave a nod, smiling politely before walking away.

What was that about? The kid’s alright, he’s nice. Just because his clothes look a bit dirty and ragged doesn’t mean you have to be rude. Sure he could use a bit of a wash, but couldn’t we all? It’s not like he smells like a trash heap.

“Hey, Rabbit, don’t worry about those mean jerks. I know you’re a good person. Don’t let it get to you, alright?” Kasla smiled reassuringly before shooting a glare in the direction of the pointed gazes; a spark of anger sprung to life in his gut, shoving hunger to the side. After a deep breath he looked at Rabbit who was absorbed in his cloak. He had half a mind to remark about sticks and butts, but held back given the earlier occurrence. 

Rabbit didn’t offer so much as a nod. He continued fiddling with his cloak and Kasla let out a hum, unsure what else to do except hope the food arrived as swiftly as the waiter promised. Thankfully their waiter soon returned, placing their dishes down. 

“Man, I’m starving! Let’s dig in!” Kasla’s mouth watered at the warm food, the smell wafting through the air. Enticed by the delectable aroma his stomach let out a grumble, urging him to hurry up. He grabbed his burger and took a bite, an explosion of flavor dancing upon his tongue. “Try it, it’s really good!” he urged, taking another bite for emphasis.

Rabbit picked up his food, a mini burger. He tentatively took a bite, chewing slowly. His eyes brightened and he took a bigger bite. Kasla smiled victoriously as Rabbit’s eyes seemed to be sparkling, unable to get enough of the burger.

“See, it’s delicious! You need a lot of food to grow big and strong! Maybe one day you'll be able to fight off monsters! Can you imagine fighting savage dragons and sea beasts? People will see you as a hero!” Kasla munched on his burger in generous bites. After a few more bites he had a thought. 

“Say, if you ever think about becoming an Adventurer, maybe once you’re old enough, you can find me and I’ll train you!” said Kasla before laughing joyfully as Rabbit kept eating, completely engrossed in the delicious treat though his red eyes lingered on Kasla’s joyous expression.

⁜

“Man, I'm stuffed! I couldn’t eat another bite.” Kasla let out a satisfied sigh as he walked out of the restaurant. He did a quick stretch to fend off the sluggishness caused by the delicious food and sitting. “Alright! Let’s go find your dad!” 

He looked at Rabbit who seemed sad. Despite his delight at the food he had quickly sobered once finished, still downcast as more looks were pointed in his direction.

“Hey, cheer up, bud! What others say doesn’t matter! You know who you are!” Kalsa assured, giving the boy a friendly nudge to get his attention. “To me you look like a good person so I trust you. You haven’t tricked me once, you know? You lent me a hand in finding the office and that’s very kind of you. So smile! They’re just judgmental jerks.” That seemed to cheer Rabbit up a bit, a small smile forming. 

Kasla smiled in victory, gesturing. “Come on, we’ll find your dad for sure! Then I can go become an official Adventurer!”

The duo resumed their search, showing a redrawn picture that was nearly identical to the first. Kasla was more persistent this time around, not sparing anyone from the drawing to ensure he didn't miss a possible lead. Yet they were still met with disregard, shrugs and various “maybe.” Despite their persistence it seemed as if the boy’s father was non-existent, a mere figment of imagination, save the child’s drawing as proof.  

“Man, I’m beat. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” he bemoaned as they walked. It was getting darker as the sun sank lower, people starting to disappear off the streets for the night. If they didn't locate Rabbit’s father soon they would have to resume their search in the morning and possibly involve the guards. 

He was beginning to think he was in over his head, to take a chance with the authorities when Rabbit gestured to his chalkboard. “Needle in a haystack?”

“It just means that your dad is hard to find. I mean it’s a big place… I shouldn’t be surprised.” Kasla let out a sigh, scanning the area that was nearly deserted as night crept in. “At this rate we might just have to check in with the Guild. Who knows, your dad might be at his wit’s end enough to actually go inside.”

Rabbit raised his chalk, about to write when he spotted something. His eyes widened as he dropped his board and chalk on to the pavement with a clatter, the slate fracturing into pieces. He reached out to Kasla, his expression one of terror.

“Wha—” Something large and hard connected with the back of Kasla’s head with a resounded smack. The force sent him crashing to the ground, head throbbing and world spinning. Kasla lay on the street, his vision spotty as darkness hovered at the edges. Blood trickled from where he bashed his forehead on the pavement, dripping into his eyes while the back of his head ached and felt wet. “Shit—!” He struggled to get up only to be forced to the ground once more, a boot connecting with his head. 

“Not so tough now, wise guy, eh?” The bald thug from before stood over him with a cruel smile, a large mallet in hand. He stamped on Kasla’s head a few more times. “Look what you did to my face! I’ll enjoy smashing your brains out!” The other two thugs had emerged from the deepening shadows, once more armed with a gag and what seemed to be a sack this time.

Kasla grunted at the pain, stars exploding before his eyes. The area seemed completely deserted except for them and his assailants. He caught sight of Rabbit’s terrified expression and his fists curled as he willed himself to get up. “Run!” he yelled. 

Rabbit launched himself at the bald thug, trying to push him off Kasla as another stomp connected with Kasla’s back, pushing him down. The thug kept one foot firmly on Kasla, the mallet slung over his shoulder as he let out a chuckle. 

“Oho, the shrimp is trying to help the bastard,” observed the buff thug as he closed in, holding the sack wide open, meaning to throw it over their intended prey.  

“Pft! His fault for being a busybody! Now he can’t get in the way if he’s dead!” The horned thug chuckled as he gripped the gag, advancing toward the small child as he completed the pincer attack, barring an escape route.

“No!” shouted Kasla as he felt a surge of energy as anger burst within him, gritting his teeth. He pushed to get up, moving to take a swing at the bald thug, but was rewarded with another dizzying kick.

“Oh, lil boy, sucks to be you!” The bald thug let out a cruel laugh, shrugging Rabbit off and causing him to stagger towards the other kidnappers. “Well then, since you want to be tough, why not stick around as I smash your friend’s brains out now, yeah?” A wicked grin flashed on the man’s face as he took aim and swung the mallet back. “Ever see an egg versus a hammer?”

What happened next was instantaneous. Rabbit’s eyes widened with horror before narrowing. A dazzling glow erupted from him and expanded outward, magic seemingly endless as if a dam had broken. The immense display of mana was like a beacon, nearly blinding in the encroaching night.

Despite the blood streaming into his eyes and fading consciousness, Kasla stared in amazement as mana poured out of his companion, half wondering if he was imagining it. Rabbit’s expression was hardened as some of the glow focused around his hand and within moments a staff appeared.

“What the—?” The bald thug staggered back while his companions gaped, dumbfounded. Staring them down with an enraged expression was the one they had thought meek prey. 

With eyes flashing dangerously, mana swirled around Rabbit as he glowered at the kidnappers. He raised his staff, red eyes piercing like rubies and as dangerous as a raging fire, sending a shiver down the thugs’ spines.

The child was no longer a scared little rabbit.