From Little Flame to Raging Fire

I don't own anything but my OC's.

Chapter 9

Maverick giggled and laughed as the man ran through the woods. Trees and bushes were blurs as they zoomed passed. Maverick was being held in both of the man's hands. Finally, they came to a stop when they reached a small, hut-like building made of smooth rock. The man carried Maverick inside and placed him in a little basket on top of a little pedestal. Maverick reached out for him. The man picked up Maverick's wolf toy and observed it. "Apparently," He said. "This is supposed to entertain you." He held it out. Maverick took it, then threw it to the floor; giggling. The man looked at it. He tilted his head. "It is a throwing thing?" He shook his head as he went around the small space, collecting things. "You remind me of all the stupid people I have met in my life. Too many to count, unfortunately. And, every time I look in the mirror, I see the biggest one of them all." He stooped down and picked up a tub of what looked like black powder. The tub must've been knocked over before as the lid was off, some of the powder spread out in a small handful on the floor.

The man picked up a cloth and dipped three fingers into the powder. He began drawing on the cloth. Maverick watched him with big, curious eyes. The man turned back to him. "This is going to hurt." He said. He wrapped the cloth around Maverick's right arm and Maverick could feel the powder on his skin. "Try not to scream." The man applied pressure and used magic to heat up the cloth.

Maverick screamed.

…

Arachnid tiredly walked down the stairs of his home. Someone was knocking- well, knocking wasn't the right word. They were probably trying to hit his bloody door down! Arachnid yawned and stretched his arms. He scratched his back, then opened the door.

Amanda almost knocked into him. "Arachnid, you have to help me!"

Arachnid's jaw dropped, noticing her tears. "Amanda?"

"Arachnid, Maverick's gone!"

Arachnid gasped. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"What do you think I mean!" Amanda yelled, sobbing. "He's gone! He's really gone!"

Arachnid grasped her biceps in both hands. "Ok, Amanda, calm down. He couldn't have gotten far. He's a baby, after all."

"Arachnid, you idiot, Maverick didn't just walk off! Someone's taken him! The window was open! Someone climbed in and took him!"

Arachnid shushed her. "It's ok, Amanda. We'll find him, I promise." He ran passed her and down the steps of his home. He could hear Amanda running behind him. The skeleton stopped when he saw footprints in the mud. His eye sockets narrowed in concentration, then widened. "No…Don't tell me it's-"

He was cut off by a baby's wailing.

"Maverick!" Amanda exclaimed, running towards the source.

There was a basket in the mud. Inside was padded with bright coloured fabric. Maverick was laying in the padding, crying and wailing. His wolf toy was tucked in next to him. Amanda rushed over and picked up her baby, soothing him and whispering to him. She kept muttering "Thank God…"

Arachnid glanced at the baby, then looked out at the bushes and trees. He tried to look for the person. Just a silhouette in the distance would've been enough. But no, nothing. Arachnid turned back to his friend and gently placed a hand on Maverick's head. He'd find the culprit, he decided, and make sure they were put behind bars. But if the footprint belonged to who he thought of…No. It couldn't be.

Arachnid sighed through his nose.

Unbeknownst to them, the kidnapper was sitting in the tree above them; watching them. He blinked his reddish-brownish eyes and nodded, then turned and leapt away. His movement made a branch snap and Arachnid heard this, quickly looking up. His eye sockets didn't see anything. He sighed.

…

Montarg was not having this.

He almost stormed into the kitchen. He was not having Rodney ignore him any longer. He didn't like to be ignored, especially not by his first ever friend. Montarg slowed his pace as he entered the kitchen. If he was just outright angry with him, he'd never be forgiven. Montarg walked into the little kitchen and called, "Morning, Rodney."

Rodney didn't even turn. Montarg frowned. "What're you cooking?"

No response. Rodney turned and Montarg suddenly felt hopeful. He actually wanted to smirk as Rodney walked toward him. Yes. Finally. He knew Rodney couldn't stay mad at him for long. Rodney looked straight at him as he walked over…then passed him to get the jug that was sitting on the table. Montarg's frown deepened as Rodney walked back to the counter and placed the jug down. The rock sorcerer poured milk in to the jug. Montarg growled like a dog as he approached him. "Rodney," He said. "Talk to me." He pointed to the ground, staring intently at the back of Rodney's head. "I order you to talk to me right now."

Rodney didn't respond.

That was it.

Montarg grabbed his shoulder and spun him around, then pushed him against the counter. The fire sorcerer put his hands on either side of Rodney and leaned down; their faces close together. "I don't like being ignored, Rodney."

Rodney frowned. "And I don't like promises being broken, Montargo. Seems like we've both done something to annoy the other."

"Oi, lads, when - Woah."

They both looked over Montarg's shoulder.

Richard stood in the doorway, staring at them. His eyebrows were raised. He looked over his shoulder and called, "Oi, Marcus! You owe me money! They are secretly dating!"

"Aw, bugger!" They heard Marcus exclaim.

"What? No! Cousin, it isn't like that!" Rodney tried to explain.

Richard grinned. "S'ok, cuz. I won't tell no one."

"B-But!"

Richard turned and jogged out. "Try not to make too much noise, lads!"

"Oh, great! Now look what you've done, Montargo!" Rodney exclaimed, pushing him away. "What if Cameron hears about this? He'll think I've cheated on him!"

"Let him think that." Montarg muttered.

Rodney sighed irritably. "Montargo, can you just get out, please? I'm trying to make breakfast."

Montarg's brow furrowed. "I am the leader, you do not -"

"Montargo, please!"

Montarg paused, then sighed through his nose and turned; walking out. Getting Rodney to forgive him would be more difficult then he thought.

Montarg looked out at his men. "Men, assemble the tables!"

"Yes, Montarg!" Some called back, like they always did.

Montarg stood back and watched as his men did their jobs. He heard Rodney call for them to help him and suddenly there was food and drink on the tables. Montarg barely noticed all of this going on. Soon enough, the sorcerers were all walking over to take their places. Rodney was standing in front of his chair and Montarg went over to stand in front of his own. As Christopher approached, Montarg frowned. "What're you doing?"

Christopher looked at him. "Taking my seat, sir."

"That is no longer your seat."

Everyone went silent.

"Montargo?" Rodney asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"It is now Marcus's seat."

"What!" Several sorcerers yelled out.

Marcus's jaw dropped. Him?

"Marcus is now my advisor."

"W-What? But, sir-" Christopher tried.

"But nothing. Marcus is now my advisor. I have decided upon this now."

Marcus stared. Richard nudged him. "What ya doin', man? Go to ya new seat!"

Marcus gulped then slowly walked towards Montarg. Christopher glared at him and Marcus did his best to ignore him. The water sorcerer paused. "Wait." He held up an index finger. "On one condition."

Montarg appeared to be taken aback slightly and Rodney's mouth made an 'o' shape. Their leader nodded slowly. "Very well."

"Richard's allowed to come and sit next to me."

Several little gasps rained throughout the cavern. Montarg stared at Marcus, whose hardened gaze almost threw him off. Montarg took a quick glance at Rodney. If he allowed Rodney's cousin to sit by them, maybe it would make Rodney forgive him quicker. Montarg looked back at Marcus. "Very well." He repeated. He clicked his fingers in Richard's direction, then pointed at the seat next to Marcus's new one. "Richard, there."

Richard shot up from his seat and jogged over. Montarg watched as Christopher went and sat down in Marcus's old chair, baring his teeth. Montarg almost smirked. "Men," He called out, gesturing to their food. "You may eat."

The men immediately tucked in.

Montarg looked at Rodney. "There," He muttered. "I got the homophobic sorcerer away from you. Are you happy now?"

Rodney glanced at him through half-closed eyes. "Perhaps I can consider forgiving you."

"Thanks for that, mate." Richard muttered, elbowing Marcus in the side. "I owe ya one."

Marcus grinned. "No problem, man. Least I could do."

Montarg reached out with his fork, ready to grab some strips of bacon. He paused and glanced at Rodney, who was staring at his plate. Montarg stopped, then gently nudged the plate of bacon toward Rodney. Rodney looked up, then looked at Montarg; frowning. "Ah, yes. Bacon. The perfect 'please forgive me' gift."

"It's the thought that counts." Montarg muttered.

"Oh, really? Did you think when you did that to your arm?" Rodney asked sarcastically. "No? Of course not."

Montarg frowned and grumbled. He stabbed several pieces of bacon deposited the strips onto his plate. Montarg reached over and picked up his coffee mug (which he had stolen just the week before) and stared at the inside. "What? No coffee?"

"We're out of beans, I told you that." Rodney replied.

Montarg growled. He stood and began walking over to the entrance of the cavern. "Where're you going?" Rodney called.

"Where do you think?" Montarg called back without turning.

"Does this mean I can have ya bacon?" Richard asked.

Montarg looked over his shoulder. "Touch it and you die."

Hm. In hindsight, it was probably not a good idea to threaten the cousin of the man you're practically trying to beg for forgiveness from.

…

"Sorcerer! Come back!"

Montarg sprinted away from the shop, bag of coffee beans under his right arm. He clutched it tightly with his left hand. The shop keeper ran after him, shouting. Montarg almost made it out of town when he heard another voice yell for him. "Montarg! Montarg, stop! Montarg!"

Montarg halted and looked over his shoulder as Arachnid approached. "Montarg."

"Arachnid."

"Montarg, are you aware that Amanda's child was stolen last night?"

Montarg raised an eyebrow. "Why would I be aware? I despise that woman and her child."

"That might be, Montarg. But while I searched for the culprit, I found a footprint that looked suspiciously like the design on the bottom of the boots you give to your men."

"Are you suggesting one of my sorcerers stole that child?" Montarg snapped as soon as Arachnid had stopped talking. He had turned to Arachnid fully and was scowling.

"It's just a possibility." Arachnid said quickly. "Please, Montarg, if you or Rodney or Richard or any of the other sorcerers know anything, please do not hesitate to talk to me."

Montarg grunted. "For your information, Rodney has not seen anything."

"And how are you aware of this?"

Montarg grounded his teeth. "Because he was with that damned lover of his."

Arachnid's eye socket elongated. "He has a lover?"

"What is it to you?"

"You sound unhappy."

"He is not right for him."

"You've met him?"

"No."

"Then how're you sure- Oh! We're going off topic here!" Arachnid sighed. "As I said before, please, if you know anything, tell me. That is all I ask, Montarg."

Montarg grunted. "Then you are asking too much."

"Another question," Arachnid said. "Are you going to pay for that?"

Montarg grunted again. "Of course not."

"And why not? No spare change?"

Montarg gritted his teeth. "You may get whatever you want by clicking your fingers, Arachnid, but I do not. I have to steal to survive. My men are dying, Arachnid."

"I…I thought you had plenty of food…?"

"But what happens in a year's time, hm? What happens when Rodney no longer has anything to cook? We can't live off rabbits and any other small animal I may catch forever." Montarg snapped. "You say you try everything you can to help us? Then why are there still people who send spears through the hearts of my men? Why are there still people I must protect Rodney from? Why do I still need to go and catch animals to eat?" Montarg turned so that his back faced Arachnid. "You have done nothing to help us." He began walking away.

"Montarg! Montarg, come back! I order you to-"

"I do not live in Halloween Town," Montarg suddenly snapped, stopping and looking over his shoulder at him. "You have no power over me." He continued his walk and soon disappeared into the foliage.

Arachnid sighed, then turned to pay back the man who had once owned that bag of coffee beans.

…

Rodney scrubbed the plate with the sponge. The water in the sink was soapy and had many bubbles. He sighed through his nose, then breathed in and smelt gunpowder.

Thud!

Rodney's head snapped up and he turned. A bag of coffee beans had been dumped on the floor. Montarg still stood there in the doorway, hands still out. Rodney put the plate he'd been washing down and walked over. "Oh, good. Thank you, Montargo. I'm so glad you-" He was cut off by his own high-pitched squeak as Montarg suddenly grabbed him by his biceps and pulled him to his chest; wrapping his arms around him. Rodney paused, blushing bright red. Montarg's heart made soothing beats which made Rodney's anger at Montarg melt away. "M-Montargo?"

"I'm sorry." Montarg muttered, though even he didn't know what he was apologizing for. Either it was the fact that he had burnt himself, or it was because he had forced Rodney to live in a cavern. Nevertheless, he was sorry for both.

Rodney sighed through his nose softly and put his hands on Montarg's shoulder blades. He breathed in Montarg's scent. "I forgive you, Montargo…But if you ever test those theories out on yourself again, I will kill you." He felt Montarg's chest rumble with a silent chuckle.

"Yes." was all Montarg muttered.

…

Arachnid's heart broke when he saw Amanda packing. "W…What do you mean…?"

"I'm sorry, Arachnid." Amanda said as she closed another suitcase. "But I'm leaving Halloween Town."

Arachnid felt the broken pieces of his heart fall to the floor. "B…But why?"

"My baby got kidnapped, Arachnid. I want to raise Maverick in the Human World."

Arachnid rushed forward and tried to grasp her hand. "Amanda, you and Maverick are perfectly safe here. I promise we'll find the person who took your baby and they will be punished!"

"Arachnid," Amanda sighed softly. She turned to him and gently kissed his cheek. "Thank you. It's been wonderful here. But I have to go, Arachnid. I'm sorry."

And she was gone. Just like that. Arachnid almost crumpled to his knees. It was all his fault. He should've protected that poor little baby and its father. Arachnid felt tears swim in his eye sockets.

Xavier was dead.

Montarg didn't trust him.

Maverick had gotten kidnapped.

And Amanda was gone.

Everyone Arachnid cared for was gone. They left him some way or another and Arachnid was sure he was not getting them back.

…

Author's note:

Me: Well, this took a long time. Damn you, writer's block! *Shakes fist* But I'm glad that you guys can finally see Montarg and Arachnid properly interact. Yeah…their 'friendship' was stronger when Montarg was still 'Montargo'…But I think Montarg's actually kinda ashamed of who he's become. But he's too stubborn and proud to admit it. *Sigh* I keep forgetting to write this. You know when Arachnid was suggesting names for baby Maverick? Those names have specific meanings, and this is them:

Edward- Maverick's original name before it was 'Maverick'. I also have a character called Edward, who Maverick is slightly based off of in both looks and personality. Maverick is not an exact clone of Edward. Far from it, actually.

Stephen- Another character from my books, Edward's godson.

Samuel- Ok, that one's kinda random. Samuel is also the name of a couple of classmates of mine. They're my acquaintances, we don't talk much. I was stuck for names, ok?

Jack- The name of Jack Skellington and also the name Maverick was going to name his son, if he ever had one. Obviously, he named his kid Edwin and Eleanor named Maxwell. Also the name of a character from my books. Coincidentally, Edward and my Jack are best friends, like Maverick and Jack Skellington.

Oliver- Character from my Corpse Bride stories. Also a character from my books.

Russell- Character from my Corpse Bride stories. Also another character from my books. Coincidentally, both Russells are villains.

Atticus- Favourite character from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a book we had to study in my English class.

Ichabod- A character from Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane. Tim Burton did a version of Sleepy Hollow.

Benjamin- Sweeney Todd's real name. Tim Burton did a version of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Victor- Name of Victor Van Dort from Tim Burton's Corpse Bride.

Montarg- That was just a joke.

Michael- Name of Michael Jackson, who sang Thriller. I was listening to that song soon before writing that part of the story.

Mitchell- A classmate I had in primary school. He moved away ages ago, but we were good friends.

Maverick- Bit obvious, that one.

Montgomery- A character who will later appear in We Tend to Save the Town on Halloween. Bear in mind when I'm planning a story, I tend to take out scenes and characters, so if Montgomery doesn't appear, that's why. But the way the planning's going, it's more likely that he will appear.

Me: Yeah, those are the meanings. So, Montarg's been forgiven!

Mav: Me an' Mum are going to the Human World!

Me: And Arachnid's heartbroken! What'll happen in the Human World?

Mav: Will Arachnid be ok? (Eh, whatever. I don't really care!)

Me: And how long 'til Montarg does something stupid again?

Mav + Me: Find out next time!

Mav: *Rubs the back of his head* Yeah…I guess killin' people and fightin' ain't all that cute…