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  Maddox trotted down the moonlit path, sliding seamlessly through the brush as Percival yelped behind him, another burr clinging to his snout. He shook it off, wiping his nose;

  “Are we almost there? I don’t see why we had to leave the village just to meet Sylvie and Trench…” Percy glanced over his shoulder, his brows furrowed in a worried stare.

  “You’ll be fine you overgrown fluffball, it’s not like the whole valley will burst into flames.” Maddox rolled his eyes, even if Percy had grown, his childish whining had yet to retire. He shook his head, unable to hide his smirk— “You remind me of myself when you first came into my care, every time I looked away you’d be off somewhere doing who knows what.” —he shook his head. “I still remember when you and Kip got Amber’s staff, don’t you, Percy?”

   Fortunately, Percival faced him, treading faster to match the fox’s pace. “Heh, yeah...” He raised a brow at Maddox. “...you looked super weird without your messy tail…I don’t know about you but I prefer your current over the former.”

   Maddox rolled his eyes, scrunching his nose. “Of course you would, you know how hard it is to get spacedust out of merchandise?”

   Percival laughed, bumping Maddox’s shoulder he almost knocked the fox over. “Can’t be any harder than somehow dropping an entire box of fresh Essence!”

   The older nebulruff huffed, flicking a burr onto Percival's head. “The only reason I dropped that crate is because you—” A branch snapped, and the pair threw their heads up to look further up the path. Percy puffed up his chest, his jaw tightening as the rumble grew closer.

   “...Maddox? What are you doing out here you ol’ herring!” Trench appeared between the spruces, a ruffled, mud-covered Sylvie at his tail.

   “Walking all this way to make sure a certain fish-faced behemoth doesn't hurt himself.” Maddox met the pair, inspecting their current status. “What did you do? Drag yourself through thorns, swim through the infested rivers, and finish off rolling in some onions?” He reached Sylvie’s side, the phoeline trying desperately to pick a rather large branch entwined with a knot in her pelt.

   “Mm, basically.” Trench shrugged. “Sylvie can handle it can’t you?”

   “No!” Her yelp made Maddox and Trench burst into laughter, Percival rushing forward to help clean the foliage.

   “...I thought the onions bit was just a joke…” Percival scrunched his nose, the already chuckling pair falling into another fit of howling. “Poor Sylvie, suffering the cold, vicious outdoors. “He feigned a pouty lip.

   “Ah shhh, she’ll naturally clean off as we make our way to the town.” Trench waved a paw, him and Maddox matching paw steps as they swapped insults and stories.

   Percival and Sylvie were left to follow, the only sound being Sylvies creaky, hanging-by-a-thread wagon until she cleared her throat.

   “So…how’ve you been? Last time I saw you you were barely up to my shoulders!”

   He chuckled. “You sound like a grandma.” His smile faltered, his expression falling into solemn. “I’m not sure… I don’t think anyone is, to be honest. Well…anyone minus Amber.” His voice hardened with annoyance.

   “Hm? What happened?” Her voice pitched with curiosity and worry.

   “That’s the thing, no one knows. Amber hasn’t left her house in months and Kip hasn’t been talking to anyone. Even when I get him to say anything it’s always dry like I say ‘Hey how’re you doing?’ and all I get is a ‘Fine.’ or ‘Okay.’ or ‘I dunno.’!” Percival shook his pelt, fluffing it up against the cold. “It’s not like either of them and nobody knows what happened!”

   “Hey, relax.” Sylvie hushed his raising voice. “I’m sure it’ll work itself out…if Kip really wants to talk I’m sure out of everyone he’ll turn to you. You’ve got to trust that he’ll find you when he needs you…not you chasing him trying to make him want help.” Her reassurance seemed to help a bit, though worry was plastered on his face. “Amber is her own grown self as well, she has Cherry, Yippers—” She nodded toward the fox ahead. “—Maddox…Trench and I now too since we’re moving in.”

   “Yeah, yeah…you’re right.” Percival sighed, “Moving on, how’ve you been?”

   “Oh y’know, trying to build a business isn’t really the easiest thing to do nowadays.” She softly smiled. “I still love doing it though, even if I’m not the most perfect at it.”

   “Well I’m sure Cherry can—” The ground shook with such force it nearly sent Percy toppling, Sylvie dug her claws into the loose soil, and her wagon screeched a painful metallic rattling pitch.

   Maddox rushed back to meet them, Trench keeping Sylvie steady as Maddox used his body to keep him and Percy on their paws. The rumbling lasted for just a few seconds, ending abruptly a warm breeze whipped through their fur before the scenery settled as if nothing had happened.

   Trench took to first steps forward, dashing up the hill he stood still. The group waited, Percy opened his mouth to ask what in the world was going on before Trench stumbled back, turning back to the crew.

   “It’s a fire! Near the village!!”

   Maddox’s eyes widen, Percy and Sylvie following him as they stood at Trench’s side. Percy felt his heart drop, a rhythmic thrum echoing through his ears. Oh no…

   “AMBER!” Maddox sprinted down the hill, bounding over stones and leaping over fallen debris. “That’s Amber’s home!”

   “What!?” Sylvie gasped, looking on with new-found horror.

   Trench barreled down the hill, quickly followed by Percival and Sylvie as they made a mad dash to save their friend before it was too late.

   Trench and Sylvie trudged through the mangrove, the sound of a squeaky metal wagon accompanied by birds twittering and the occasional creak of wood.
  “I told you we should have come from the east…much drier that way. Less…muddy.” The small phoeline grunted as she yanked her cart from the muck, somewhat regretting offering to accompany Trench back to the village.
He snorted, moving much more smoothly over the twisted roots. “Maybe it’d be easier for you, but I find no problem in traversing these lands.” He looked over his shoulder. “The offer still stands.”
  “No no!” Sylvie yelped. “I’m okay! I can carry my own weight.” With a puff of her chest, she attempted to fake confidence, more for herself than her hiking buddy. “Just not something I’d prefer I guess…” Her voice trailed off, unsure of how to keep the conversation afloat.
  Trench didn’t seem to mind the silence, occasionally lifting a fallen log to allow Sylvie to slip under, keeping a close eye on the trees and burrowing holes. Something didn’t feel right, after being gone for so long, he hoped to speak with Amber about keeping the young’uns far away from this place. He stiffened as a snake quickly slithered away, flicking mud as it dived into the nearby river.
Shaking the tension from his shoulders, he quickened his pace. “C’mon Sylvie, I don’t want to be stuck here when the sun falls.”
  “Oh, okay!” Sylvie huffed, struggling to keep up with Trench’s hurried pace, practically running to stay close. “Though, I wouldn’t worry!” She paused to take a deep breath. “It’s barely midday and from Cherry’s notes we should be out within a few hours…then it’ll be smooth sailing from there.” Trench hastened, his tail disappearing each time Sylvie finally turned a corner or got her merchandise unstuck from the slippery ground or gnarled roots…
  Instantaneously she collided with a solid object, rubbing her nose she backed up to see Trench frozen in place, staring into the trees with an unmoving gaze. She squinted her eyes, trying to follow his line of vision…what was that?
  “Trench-?” Sylvie whispered only to be immediately hushed by the thump of Trench’s tail on her side.

   “Good afternoon, travelers…” A cloaked figure slid smoothly through the thorned branches, their clothing untarnished. “If you could spare some time, do you know where I could find the nearest village? I’ve been searching for weeks but haven’t had any luck sadly…” They kept their head tilted down, their hat covering any identifying features.
  “If you’ve been looking so long, why do your rags look untouched while we’re out here half-slathered in mud when we’ve only been out here for two days? ” Trench narrowed his eyes, he noticed too.
  The stranger paused, the tension becoming malleable in seconds as Sylvie lowered herself behind Trench’s domineering figure. Sylvie swore she could feel the daggers gleaming in their eyes. He inhaled, as if exasperated. “I must admit, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, I’ve been keeping myself off the ground with these.” They raised a paw from underneath their cloak, their clog was stained with dirt and by the height would reasonably keep their clothing far from the ground. “Sorry if I spooked you, I’m sure it doesn’t feel great having worms and bugs stuck in your fur. “They shivered, thinking the idea abysmal. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, could you answer my question?”
  “No.” Trench raised his head, his fin raising in a challenge. “I don’t think I can.”
  “Oh? But aren’t you heading someplace populated?” The stranger tilted their head, their voice a mock of innocence.
  Trench kept his jaw clenched, the two seemingly having a telepathic conversation as a growl grew in the back of the stranger's throat. Sylvie pressed closer, her movement causing the wagon to squeal forward and the stranger to break eye contact, clearing their throat.
  “Hm, I suppose not.” They threw one more glance at Trench as they slithered past the two. “Thanks anyways.” Soon the stranger disappeared into the forest.

   “Something ain’t right about this place.” Trench turned back to Sylvie, who had come from her hiding place. “Let’s hurry, even if it ain’t dark I don’t want to be here anymore.” The pair trudged off, their quick pace would soon set them free from these twisted roots.

  “Good afternoon.” Amber, with the use of her magic, brought the journal and pen closer to her as she got settled, knowing this would all end in vain.

 The “participant” stood firm as they always did, unmoving, staring out the small basement window they were allowed. Their wings shifted restlessly. With a sigh, she continued, “Can you please recall the events of July first, two years in the past?” Then waited, well aware of her already worn patience running thin. The pen hovered ever so slightly over the paper, hungry for information to write down.

 …After a few minutes of nothing but the sound of the cabin settling, Amber pressed on, hoping her blatant ignorance of the “participants” attitude would cause something more than just the occasional shift in weight. “Can you please recall the events of August fifth, two years in the past?” She’s spoken these words many times before, her own voice even sounding more and more the same each time. Just as last time and countless times before that, the “participant” was uncooperative. Rolling her eyes Amber tried once more. “Can you please recall the events of-”

“Will you shut your daft trap?” They snarled, turning to face Amber. Just by a glare, the room seemed to turn cold despite the warm orange hue gifted by the falling sun. Amber backed from the bars, not wanting them to be able to reach her.

 “We both know good and well I’m not spilling anything, just as we know these bars aren’t the thing savin’ you right now.” Amber’s eyes flicked to the faint glow of magic surrounding their wrists, keeping their paws grounded. “I suppose you’ve learned a bit of the defensive arts, eh?” They struggled to scratch underneath their chin, though they took the time to ensure Amber witnessed the length of their claws.

  “It’s too bad, you’d be a decent apprentice…” They grumbled to themselves as they settled back near the window, turning their back to amber as they prepared for the night. “Turn that lamp off when you go.”
  Attempting to keep a level head, Amber brushed back her tangled fur and kept her voice even, very even. “I don’t want to do you harm, I’m just trying to do some research, and as soon as you tell me what you know…I’ll let you go!” She gave an attempt at a polite smile. “We both know your actions looked quite…questionable… but I’m sure there was a good reason for it!” The participant stayed unmoving, with nothing but an ear flick. 

  Amber inched forward, lowering to meet them at their level. “If we can compromise then–” She was cut off with a gasp as she lurched backward, the participant's fangs slipping between the bars just inches from where her face once was. They hung there for a few moments, glimmering in the lamp’s faint light. The gleam of dark eyes just behind them pierced Amber’s heart as she stood frozen. A grave chuckle soon followed as the fangs and eyes receded into the darkening shadows.
“Maybe that’ll shut you up, now get the light before I start telling spooky stories.” They mocked, baring their canines in a wolfish grin.

  Just as Amber was about to bark back a retort, the knock on the door nearly made Amber shriek, having to cover her own maw as she glanced up the stairs.

 “Amber? Amber, it’s me, Cherry!” Why is she here? Why now? Her next steps raced through her mind as the knocking continued. “Please come out…we haven’t seen you in practically two months! How have you been eating?” The voice was faint but she could hear it well…and Amber felt tempted to climb the stairs and open that door despite what her brain demanded her to do.
“Amber, please! We’re worried for you…Kip has been acting so strange lately…” She furrowed her brow, what has that boy gotten into? She could feel herself creating distance between her and Cherry’s voice, she couldn’t see her like this, she wouldn’t understand. There’s so much work to be done.

 “Amber!... Amber, don’t make me break down this door!” Any other time Amber would have smiled, now Cherry getting through felt to be her worst fear. Stay outside where it's safe! You’ll ruin everything!

 “Please! Just open the door, and we can talk! Girl to girl? Please? Is something wrong?” Her begging was persistent, she’d give Cherry that. Amber could feel a small pit form in her stomach but she was clearly being emotional, thinking with her heart instead of her reliable head. “K-Kip won’t say anything! Percy has been worried sick!” The knocking grew louder before fading out again, Amber swore she could hear the doorknob jiggle. “We don’t know how to help him…and you know him best!” 

He’s fine, I’m sure he is, it’s Kip! Amber was positive he was alright, he’s a go-getter, isn’t he? 

 It was silent for a few moments, Amber almost felt relief before she heard what sounded like a thump, she could almost imagine Cherry’s fluffy figure settling against the door.

 “Did something happen, Amber…? Are you okay? Was it something that Kip did…?” Another pause, as if a sigh. “...was it something I did?” Amber pinned her ears back, trying to ignore the emotion in Cherry’s voice. Please just go away! You’re taking up precious time!

 … “Well…if…if you need me…you know where I am!” A cheery voice was attempted before falling right back into a meek, uncharacteristic one. “Please come back Amber, we need you…. Kip needs you.” Finally, a shuffle and Cherry was gone, Amber couldn’t ignore the doubt in her mind. She had to think rationally, even if she did open that door she couldn’t explain the participant, she couldn’t explain what kept her for so long. What she was doing was correct. What Amber was doing was correct, it was the safest option for everybody.

  “Thank everyone above and below that nuisance is gone…now, get the lamp like I’ve told you before!”

MYO EVENT  
Nebulruffs have survived another year, HUZZAH! Though this year we have many more faces to celebrate with the introduction of Merruffs and Phoelines, they’ll be playing a big role in how this event will run as time moves forward! To commemorate the community that is the lifeblood of this species, at the end of this event all submissions will be collaged into one big piece and connect everybody, (and every sub-species) together!

How will this MYO Event work exactly?
During the month of January, each week minus the last will be dedicated to a specific sub-species, it goes as follows:

Jan 1st - Jan 7th Week of NEBULRUFFS!  

Jan 8th - Jan 14th Week of MERRUFFS!  

Jan 15th - Jan 21st Week of PHOELINES  

To receive your MYO, you will need to only submit art for ONE week! Though..it only includes 3 uncommon traits... How do I upgrade my MYO?

To upgrade your MYO, you can either;

Join the discord server  for +1 Uncommon Trait Or

Tag 3 people for +Rare MYO Upgrade

You have the ability to choose any subspecies for this event, no matter which week you decide to create art for!

discord.gg/3qWWJe2wV9 - Join the discord, more information there!

Yes it is that time of year for the Howloween event to return! go here if you want to read the story lore! (optional)

https://nebulruffs.com/news/2.howloween-event-story-lore 

This event will be different from last year! If you were here last year, you would know we had a crafting mechanic.  I am glad to say that is no longer in service, instead you will be drawing halloween themed art as submissions for this event and you will receive some of the following items

- Treats

- Tricks

- MYO tickets

- Items

- Star tokens

*NOTE* you are NOT gaurenteed all these items, rewards will be random with the most common rewards being tricks and treats!

--

You may have noticed a new currency on site, this is called Treats and Tricks, these currencies are exclusive to this month and event only!

https://nebulruffs.com/world/currencies

Treats and Tricks can be earned by drawing halloween themed art for this event, this event (unlike other events) allows for UNLIMITED SUBMISSIONS! which means grind to your hearts content! 

Treats are more valuable and a bit harder to obtain, whereas tricks are less valuable and slightly easier to obtain.  The rewards ARE random so theres no gaurentee what you will get!  You can also use these rewards to transfer to other users, much like star tokens!

Much like last year, this year we will be using a calendar! however, unlike last year, you CAN draw these themes for the prompts without needing to wait for the date!  The dates marked on this calendar will grant x2 rewards if you draw/submit that prompt on that day! Yes you are allowed to draw for the prompts before that day and submit them on that day!

This event lasts all month and during that time, shifty MYO tickets have a chance at getting random limited edition traits.  limited edition potions will be able to be bought this month from Frankies cart

https://nebulruffs.com/shops/3 

your rewards for art submitted will depend on the effort put into the art, so for example, uncolored lineart will grants much less rewards than fully shaded background art!  So it is encouraged you put effort into your art for this event!  If your art is too low of effort it will be denied and example for this would be if you make extremely sketchy, uncolored, art that is obvious you didnt try.

if there are any questions please ask here or in the discord server!

It is time, theres fog hanging heavy in the air, the day time slowly turns to night and it seems impossible for the daylight to return anytime soon.  Rumors go around about seeing a strange patch-work nebulruff toting a cart around town explaining a holliday known as "Howloween". 

"Maddox, I was able to score some tickets to the Howloween Carnival this year! and youre invited!" the cheerful Amber explained, she handed the fox two brightly colored orange tickets that had a pumpkin print on it.

"Oh, thank you Amber! I'm sure Percy will enjoy this, I havent been to a carnival in a while." Maddox said with genuine happiness in his voice

"One more thing- is uhm... By any chance, Cherry coming with us?" Maddox said with slight hesitation hung up in his voice.  Hes grown to admire the malamutes companionship and generosity towards him, he hadn't felt that way towards anyone in a long, long time.  Of course, he loved him son Percival, but this was a different feeling he had for the fluffy dog, Maddox isn't entirely sure what it is but he knows he would do anything to make her happy.

"Yep! I already invited Cherry, Yippers, and Kip is coming with me aswell!" Amber replied.

"KIPS COMING!?" A loud voice yelled from the back of Maddox's tent, a young yet somewhat older scruffy gray fox came bounding between boxes to rush up to Amber, tail wagging a mile a minute.

"Percy! were you easedropping?" Maddox scolded

Percivals ears went low as he sat down, avoiding his fathers eyes, "Sorry, papa." He sounded despondent, before his ears swiveled back up and he gave Amber a hopeful look.

"Yes, Kip will be joining." Amber said, her voice sounded so happy and you could tell she had genuine love for her friends.

"Alright, thank you so much Amber, and when is this carnival?" Maddox asked

"October first! its here all month!" Amber replied to his question, she was just as eager as Maddox to go this carnival.

---

It is now October first, the carnival has been preparing for its grand opening to the citizens of this town, and a strange patch-work dog has made her appearance once more.  This year, she decided to set up store at the carnival.  Whats odd about her, besides appearance, is that she refuses star tokens from other nebulruffs, instead she insists on trick or treat candies.

Out of the carnival entrance, stands our group.  Kip and Percy already getting dressed up for Howloween, Percy claims hes a "monster hunter" who catches creatures inside of balls and uses them to fight for victory.  Kip explained (many times to Amber) that he is a dragon-frog who is purple, and orange, and green, and can breathe fire and survives off of Howloween candies.   Amber and Maddox stood by the entrance together, waiting for Yippers and Cherry to show up.

"Where are they?" Maddox asked for the hundreth time.  

"I dont know, maybe they slept in late?" Amber replied, she doesnt lose her temper easily but she was finding Maddoxs questions a tad annoying, as she had no answers for him.

Maddox looked at the kids playing together, they chased each other and seemed to have no concerns over the other half of the party not showing.  Had Cherry changed her mind? Maybe she didn't want to be seen with a fox afterall 

no, thats not like Cherry! She doesnt care that i'm a fox, right? Maddox thought to himself, doubt creeping in to the backs of his mind.  He sighed and looked at Amber.

"We can text them saying where we are at in the park, if they show, they can meet up with us there, but the line to get in is only going to get longer, lets just go inside now."

"I dont like the idea of ditching them, but..." Amber sighed "Yea, ok good point, lets go." She got up and beckoned the kids to follow her. 

Inside the carnival, were loud attraction noises and bright lights, the sun had already started setting an hour ago and the entire area had been lit up with jack-o-lanters, ghost lights, lamps, and other decorated items to keep the festivities in place.  Amber noticed how even the trees had fake plastic bats hanging from them.  The night was cold but because of all the nebulruffs in one spot, they were able to keep warm.  The atmosphere seemed surreal, as if they had walked through a portal to a howloween dimension.

"You see that weird looking neb back there?" One nebulruff said to their friend as they passed by the group

"Yea! she was totally scary! I'd never seen a nebulruff look like her!" They replied

"And who doesnt take star tokens?"

"Right!?"

Amber didnt like it when nebs judged other nebulruffs for their appearance, she felt bad for the mysterious girl and she decided to be on the lookout for an odd looking nebulruff that refused tokens.

---

Off in the distance,  a giant fluffy nebulruff with overgrown teeth gruffed towards a smaller, just as fluffy, nebulruff.  Her tail wisping away like smoke, electricity enveloped her tail as she maniacally rubbed her paws together, the once bright pink dust now turned into a red-orange.  The heart on her chest flipped upside down, this was Sherry, Cherrys alternate self that only appears during the month of October.  Last year, Cherry and Yippers were struck by lightning which caused this change in them.  The once tiny yellow dog was now the size of a bear, Massive paws and thick strong legs, this was Barkers.  Barkers does not have the ability to talk, instead he makes gruffing noises and howling sounds.  He is intimidating for other nebulruffs but be not afraid, its still Yippers in there.  

"Barkers this year, were going to make it howloween, FOREVER!" Sherry cackled maniacally "Each day on this calendar, we are going to ruin the fun and make howloween rein supreme for years to come!"

"Grrft" Barkers agreed with a gruffing noise

"Just you wait, Barkers, today we will ruin the carnival!"

"Grrft" 

"Yes, I agree with that plan." Sherry nodded her head and ran off into the distance, the big fluffy dog slowly following behind.

---