Enjoying summer break

Max fell to the ground, groaning in pain. How in the world did he lose to a kid with such funky hair? Yeah, that's right, he thought Nakata had funky hair, in spite of his own hair style. Alistair remained twitching on the ground, although once things quieted down a bit, the clear sound of snoring could be heard coming from him. He mustn't have been that badly hurt, then.

Max had somehow managed to remain conscious, but he didn't look too good. Clearly had little experience in actual fighting, likely winning any of his "fights" through the sheer force of his powers. One had to admit that they did carry amazing potential, but just because someone has a sword does not mean they can defeat an unarmed person. Max managed to lift himself up off the ground, trembling on his hands and knees. He looked up to Nakata with a dirty scowl. "You.. just got lucky." He managed to spit out, cocky to the end apparently.

Electricity exploded from his body and he managed to push himself up off the ground in a way that propelled him dozens of feet backwards, away from Nakata. He landed on his feet but seemed to have trouble with balance, nearly falling over.

"This isn't over..." He called out before electricity surrounded him again and he sped off back into the treeline. He would not be seen again.

"WAAAAARGH" He cried out when the spell hit him, immediately causing him to jump to his feet and perform a military-style salute for no apparent reason. The serious face on him faded when he noticed Nakata standing in front of him, and he put down his hand. "Oh, right. Apologies for my nap, but I decided that you would have no trouble handling him, and I am rather tired after my encounter with that bear." He looked around expecting to see Max somewhere. "Did he run off or something?"

—

He arrived at the location just as he was told to. It was a strange abandoned factory building at the edge of the city, and to be honest he was rather uncomfortable. But he had no choice, he had to do this. The large door opened and out came a man and a woman. The man was over six feet tall, and was overweight. He dressed in a fancy tuxedo and had a top hat, which he always seemed to keep on even inside. Max wasn't sure if he was hiding a bald spot or if the hat meant something to him. The woman was much smaller, with messy blonde hair and dirty street clothes. They were a completely odd couple, and Max had no idea who she was or why she would be with this man. When he got a good look at her though, her eyes were strange. She seemed to be blind, but despite this moved with complete confidence.

The man he knew only as Vardas. Vardas and the woman made their way over to him, the woman staying a bit behind Vardas as if trying to keep out of his way. She didn't say a word or even look at Max, if she could even look. "So then, you look a bit beat up. Our little friend is dead, I trust?" Vardas said, looking at Max with an evil smile."

"Y-yes... he is dead. He won't bother you anymore. Now about my si-"

"Catherine." Vardas said, moving his head in the direction of the young woman behind him, although otherwise keeping his eyes on max.

"He is lying, sir." Was all she said.

Fire exploded out of the ground without warning and consumed Max.

"Perfectly fine! Thank you." He looked down at his once-again ruined clothes. This time, they were charred from the heat of the lightning. "But I think I require a change of clothes once more. Apologies for ruining the items you so graciously gave to me, Master Nakata. However, my apartment is not far from here. We can go there to clean up before heading out once again for food." And hopefully not encounter anything else that was strange.

Why did that guy dislike him so much anyways?

—

His eyes opened. His body was rather stiff but he didn't feel any pain. In fact, he didn't seem harmed at all. The last thing he remembered was Vardas' eyes as fire consumed him. He knew Vardas had some sort of pyromancy ability, so he could only assume it was him. It was then he realized that Vardas was actually in the room with him. He sat up quickly but Vardas laid his firm, strong hand on his shoulder.

"Fail me again, Max, and I won't have my people heal you." He said in his deep voice.

"I'm.. I'm sorry! Please, give me another chance!" He said. "He had some other guy with him! Some really strong guy!!"

Vardas snorted. "Oh, you will have another a chance alright. And this time, you won't fail. You know full well what is at stake if you fail me again, don't you? She only has so much time left."

Kate...

"Yes, I know.. please, don't let her die! I'm begging you.." His sister had been terminally ill, and Vardas promised that he could save her life. If Max did only a single thing for him. Bring him a man known as Alistair Fordren.

"To show you I'm a man of my word, I'm going to give you a gift, Max." Vardas reached into his pocket and revealed a small ring with a beautiful pearl-like object upon it. "This ring will allow you to accomplish what I require of you."

Max took the ring and examined it. Hesitantly he placed it upon his finger, and instantly he felt the power it contained.

"And Max." Vardas started. "I want that 'really strong guy' dead, too. I don't need any friends of that kid coming for revenge."