36th Ymiden 717
"Time for me to go play the hero..."
That was the excuse F'mos had for his ward when he articulated his intention to subdue the Hyx which was tearing up the Underground. She was worried enough the first time he suggested it and questioned his reasons. Collecting materials, the mutagens responsible for Padfoot's Freakshow specifically was not going to be good enough, he knew. That was the reason why the Aukari decided to give the excuse he did as it played on Lizzie's impression of him as the first time they met, he was kind of her hero as he saved her from those detestable Shadows.
In any event, F'mos would not be alone. He would be with another 'hero' who was none other than the famous or infamous Doran, depending on who was asked. Doran too was interested in the Hyx and the bounty of alchemical material it provided. Somehow the man located the Aukari after their meet in the festival and the subject of the Padfoot which terrorized the Underground came up in their conversation that followed. Eventually both found they had a mutual interest and goal with the creature because of their mutual practice. A joint effort was also an appealing idea as there was more than enough Hyx for the both of them. There was no problem with that suggestion.
The only problem if any which the Aukari could think of was why him? One of the greatest swordsmen would definitely be able to subdue the beast as he would have no problem finding others to join him with his fame in Etzos. F'mos concluded in the end, that Doran probably wanted to test his usefulness after the way their conversation at the festival concluded, or maybe the man just wanted to keep their deed quiet. Either way, F'mos was in as long as he had a share of the Hyx. That said, it was a dangerous endeavour as he had learnt from both patrons at the Kettle and his peers in the Hare. The Hyx had already racked up quite the body count and F'mos was not about to add himself to that number which was why he had asked Doran to wait so both would be able to make preparations.
In those few trials, F'mos had what he felt he needed. One map of the Underground he had bought from the Smarter Charts although it was obviously incomplete as there were many rooms and passages there where no civilian was allowed into. Fortunately there were some at the Hare which were able to fill in the blanks but not that much either, as they were confined to what the members of the Fence knew. Even so, the Aukari knew the map he had was better than nothing in order to make a plan of action. Something he would show Doran so they would be able to plan where they could get the jump on the Hyx.
For the others, it was much simpler as there was nothing more for F'mos to prepare than the usual he would have made anyway should he have to face any dangerous quarry. Smoke bombs for a quick escape if he needed to, a firebomb if they ran out of options although the Aukari hoped it would not have to come to that, and a debilitating amount of Frostbite. He had considered making some Scarf Rot as well as a sleeping Hyx would be one unable to fight back but F'mos knew it would be too slow to act and time was not a luxury any had against a cornered beast.
All geared up, the Aukari was waiting at the meeting spot for Doran ready to share what he had learned and what he had prepared. He had no problem leaving it up to Doran to plan their attack and methods. After all, Doran was the hero to successfully wound Xiur. The Hyx did not have a chance.
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