[Sorted for now] Need boost circuit - from 8.4Vdc to 9Vdc (up to 12Vdc max)

You can look for a [u]boost or step-up regulator[/u], or a DC-to-DC Converter.

You can buy ready-to-go DC-DC converter modules, whereas you'd probably have to build the step-up regulator. Either way, I can't imagine that these solutions are going to be faster than obtaining a different battery.