It's pretty. A beautiful rainbow color cloud came to life few minutes ago. It circles, solidifying more and more into a solid form above our heads. Constantly moving, shifting, swirling or merging together. It is bringing both joy as well as dread. That mysterious fog, sparkle and shine creating a kaleidoscope of colors, making the ground below a true show of mesmerizing play. That isn't all. You could even glimpse a bit of a long tail swinging in the mist, taking form and dispersing seconds later. The mist was expanding. It would soon swallow whole of the prison grounds, threatening to spill to the rest of the city. I was admiring this magnificent sight, when an iron grip of skinny fingers forced my head to change its direction. A pair of pretty, but also very angry lips were shouting abuses at me, without their owner caring to even open them. Shortys eyes were beautiful in their own right, but were also gates to torrential rain of constant slander if you looked to deep when she was raging. She didn't need for her mouth to utter a single word for her to let people know how pissed off she was.

I already knew why she was looking at me like that. She made if very clear, but I am still hesitant to take her previous words for granted. I might have summoned something. Maybe this truly is a dragon, but I can't be entirely certain. Not until I see it. For now, it just looks like it's just a nice mist of different colors. However, there certainly is something afoot. I might be slow witted, but even I can see that people around are barely holding on. Whole courtyard is filled with collapsed men, panting and trying to endure whatever it is that is afflicting them. I thought that maybe that fog is poisonous, but I breathe the same air they are and I do not feel a thing. Also, five tails is communicating with me unhindered.

"Ian, we should move while that thing of yours is still materializing. Grab March and lets run."

I have to admit, that girl has nerves of steel and she even came up with an obviously brilliant plan of just 'run'. However, if she thinks I will just 'run', like some frightened little kid, then she is mistaken. I did panicked, for just a tiny, fraction of a second, but that is already an old story. I am old enough not to show such embarrassing sights, so I won't 'run'. I would like you to Imagine a grown up man running away with his tail between his legs, carrying a young girl on his shoulder or under one of his arms. How would it looked like if not like a villain kidnapping little girl and running away with his prize. There is no way in hell I will allow something like that to happen. I would sooner burn up in flames rather than show such shameful appearance to people. I am going to do this majestically, with my full repertoire of gentlemans dignity.

I stood up from the ground, placed my hand on four tails head, petting it gently and spoke up to give her a bit of a grown ups wisdom.

"Relax Shorty, just leave it to me and learn from my behavior."

"What could I possibly learn from you? The best way to offend people? I remind you that this mess is your doing!"

How rude? As far as I remember I have never offended anyone on purpose and it is her that forced me to do something in the first place.

"I am a hundred and eighty two so I am not short! And stop touching my head!"

Six Tails was muttering something to herself, but I was already looking to the prisons entrance gate. It is an obvious escape route. Guards and gymnast wizards are in no condition to stop us. Alright, lets do this like a pro.

Strengthening my back, I walked up to Catnip and bridal carry her in my arms. Its very embarrassing, but it is still far less than tossing her like a bag of potatoes onto my shoulder. I won't mention that piggyback is a 'nope' option too. The girl is stacked, so I'll omit my reasons. let's just say that my cloak is in the way of that particular form of transportation. Also, she is surprisingly light. Judging from her...build, she should weight a bit, but she is as light light as a feather.

Having picked Catnip up, I started walking in direction of prisons exit. Scenery was enchanting due to myriad of ever changing colors above our heads. With that majestic sight, I made my footwork methodical, slow and firm to match.

"Whats with the duck walk? Are you in pain or something? Ian, we have no time for childish games!"

Five Tails was mumbling something again, but I had to make myself look respectful and humble. I might have fumbled previously, but I'm fully intending to not make any more mistakes when dealing with other people and my first test when it comes to humans of this world is about to come. A guy with braids and blonde hair was making an attempt to get in our way. He wasn't very steady on his feet as his gait looked rather comical.

If he is an administrator of this prison, then I would very much like to say few words to him about how he should treat his prisoners in a civilized manner. He beat me to a first move however with his strange actions. He took out a black flute from somewhere and was trying with all his might to play a song. This was really strange. I do not know the norms of this world yet, so as far as I know this might be a standard greeting.

I came face to face with him and looked down straight into his eyes. He must really have been sick, since he instantly paled. Second later, his face changed to all different shades of green. Still, this is my chance to get few words across and I didn't want to lose it. I corrected my posture, as much as potato sack in my arms allowed and poured my emotions of humility onto my face. It already worked with the girls so I tried it again. I don a wide business smile showing up all my teeth. I wanted to show sincerity and honesty, but with a business tone since I hoped to negotiate. With little breath I opened my mouth.

"Hello, good sir."

And... he fainted. Before spectacularly hitting the ground, he made a very gurgling sound and his eye sockets went all white, while at the same time his mouth produced a large amount of foam. It took me a second to register but I heard a flat voice near my side.

"Wow, master, your brilliance astounds me. Please, enlighten this humble insignificant little wolf as to what exactly should she learn from this." Two Tails was barking something, but I wasn't listening. I was sure however, not to meet her flat eyes. Not so long ago, this girl was a cool queen ready to blow up with self importance, but it turned our that she is just a cheeky little brat with some anger management problems.

"What are you doing Shorty? Are you going to rob from an unconscious man? What do you need that flute for?" Furry just stole a black flute that the administrator was holding with clenched fist. I am sure he wouldn't be keen on parting with it, so he will be sadly surprised when he wakes up.

There were two more people besides us that were still standing. A guy with a very, very big sword and a man in his already older days. Both of them were keeping their distance.

"Three Tails, that flute looks good in your hands. It matches your crooked beautiful smile and fashionable ragged clothes."

She smiled sweetly. I must say, that smile could captivate anyone, if only that person was suicidal. I must have said something that stroke a chord with her favorability and my points went down few notches, but that is most likely a temporary thing.

"I'm gonna murder you in your sleep."

Ups, I think that is enough for now. We should move on I guess. Catnip was happily sleeping in a bridal carry. She must have passed out due to all this chaos and stress. I'll pet her head when she wakes up.

First step however is for us to visit a magistrate building in the marketplace and find her little brother. I promised her that and adults do not break their promises, no matter the cost. If it's possible at all, that is.

***

"Say, furry, are the houses in this world normally like that? How should I say this. They look like they are meant to impose rich look, but at the same time, they fail at it." We just passed a house that looked like a futuristic space rocket with a pointy roof. It wouldn't look that bad if not for boomerang like antennas strapped to its sides.

Since we are at this topic. You could ask me If I am knowledgeable about modern architecture, or any other kind of architecture at that. I would have only one answer for your question. I would have to admit that I don't know squat about it, but I am not totally clueless. Even to my eyes buildings I am currently seeing look odd at best and bizarre at worst. The best example would be a mansion that looks like it is built out of damn pancakes and having a hobbiton main gate. For your information, we have already seen three houses of such design.

"I have a name you know? As for the houses, I don't know. I am not a human and never lived in human cities. I am guessing this is nobles district. At the forest that I used to live, mother and other beast kin built houses out of enchanted wood and stone. This should also be true for most beast kin settlements."

That picked my interest. This place didn't tickle my fancy one bit, but a forest full of furry eared people is another matter entirely.

"Enchanted wood and stone? Is that some kind of special magic?"

Furry Ears cast me a questioning look and followed with her explanation.

"We build our homes differently. Humans use crude tools like hammers and axes to chop wood into forms they see fit. They force their incantations into objects or items. They make iron and steel using strength of their hands and hot forges. In summary humans brute force almost everything they do. On the other hand most beast kin around the world use a more sublime methods."

Furry looked happy reminiscing about her home and her family. It was nice seeing her smile rather than listening to her abuse throwing tantrums.

"If we want to build or create something, we sing it into form. We gently ask the wood to bend or stone to change shape. Spirits in our forest listen to our song and help with conversion too, making the process faster, more precise and beneficial to all sides. It's very simple. We give the ether in the air and in our bodies in exchange for wood and stone to shape the way we need. Our homes are the trees and earth itself."

So its a kind of symbiosis. I wonder, what their civilization looks like. I would ask if they have canalization and toilets, but that would be inappropriate, wouldn't it? Sticking to those girls could give me information about this world and help me decide what to do next. It could be quite a fun way of spending time too. After finding Catnips brother, first thing for me would have to be finding a way not to spontaneously combust whenever I concentrate on striking a match. Touring this world would have to wait until I figure out how to do it.

We have been on our way for the past fifteen minutes, but to tell the truth, I have no idea where we should be going. The first thing people on our way do when they see us is just scream and run away. I have no opportunity to ask anyone for directions. There are no policemen and even guards just scurry away without looking back. We are walking blind without knowing our way around. Catnip being our only guide is currently out cold in bridal carry.

"So, Long Tails, my dear furry friend. You were able to have a lengthy conversation with Canitp before. Did she happen to tell you how to get to that magistrate building that is suppose to hold slaves?"

"She didn't, but I am sure you'll figure out the way since you are such a responsible and wise adult."

This brat... fine. I'll prove that I can manage things, even in different world. The solution to our problem is very simple. All we have to do is knock and ask some residents where the marketplace is. I'll have to choose one of those silly buildings first, so lets pick one that is a little bit more decent.

We walked for ten more minutes before a nice looking mansion built out of red brick came to view. It was a two story building and the only thing out of place where the windows in the shape of horizontal ankh sign. Mansions main gate had two guards standing by, but the moment we came close they run inside not caring to even close it behind them. It's like an open invitation so I passed it and approached the door. I was hopeful, because they were simple and of standard shape, not like most I have seen so far in this world. Having a potato sack... I mean Catnip in my arms was a bit troublesome so I placed her against the wall and took a deep breath. There was no knocker, so I decided to use my fist to make a loud sound and inform people inside that we are here.

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I gathered my strength and knocked against the door... which made a flip, hitting me square in the shins and then returning to their original position. Ow.. That hurt a lot. I crouched down and tried to massage my legs. I don't get it. I have pieces of sturdy metal almost all over my body including boots, so how on earth wooden door could hurt so much.

"Pfft... hehehe" I looked behind me to see Three Tails on her knees. She was laughing while holding her stomach.

"Laugh while you can Two Tails, If you knew this would happen, you should have warned me. Only an immature kid behaves like you do. No wonder you are so short." She was still laughing but a moment later looked at me with outrage and fury in her eyes. Yes! My little revenge completed. That's what you get when a kid starts a fight with a grown up.

We have waited few minutes but there was no response to my knocks. Even if unwelcomed, I decided to just enter and make myself a guest. I took hold of the doorknob and pulled it. However, as strange as it sounds, the door just remained in my hand. Doorknob and all. I was puzzled. Maybe there is a different way of opening doors in this world. "Hmm... how peculiar. I understand that nobles in this world prefer doors that are easy to carry around?"

"Pfft... hahahaha, easy to carry around, you're killing me..."

This time Short Tails was throwing a laughing fit on the ground holding herself with both hands, crying, giggling and generally making inarticulate noises.

"Those were, pffft... those were magically enhanced doors Ian, hahaha. You can't normally rip them off their door-frame, you know?"

What a stupid kid. I took the door under my arm and waltzed inside with my head held up high. I wont be belittled by a frigging kiddo.

What greeted me inside was a short corridor with a big hall at its end. It had a beautiful red carpet and rows of paintings on the walls. To my delight, there was an old guy in what must be a butler outfit, standing in the very middle of said hall. Butlers are normally stoic and easy people to get along with. At least that's the preconception I have. He was holding a sharp looking sword in his hand. I am not knowledgeable about sword fighting but even to my eye he seemed to be a veteran and a master of sword play. He was loudly trying to dissuade a man next to him from greeting me. That man had a princely outfit. He must be the young master or the very master of this house himself. There were no visible maids or guards, so those two were the only people around.

I took a deep breath, again. Holding the flip doors under my arm, I locked my eyes with the young master and started to cross the corridor. I thought it best to return them properly. Four Tails as the kid she was, was toddling right behind me. This was a serious moment, but she was still giggling, proving her character to be very childish.

Seeing me slowly traversing red carpet, the two gentleman hastened their heated exchange.

"Young master, please I beg you! Take young miss and run while I'll be stalling the intruder. You stand no chance against this individual. Your father will surely understand!"

"Baldrick, I am not some common rabble to run away at first signs of trouble. I shall face this threat to our honor and family with full dignity of a noble stature. Do not stand in my way."

"Please, young master at least take the rings!"

"Don't be daft. What would patriarch say if he knew I relied on magic trinkets."

"Those rings are worth more than this mansion! Please, young master."

Huh... I think I'll like this guy. He knows how important it is to keep a dignified appearance and how to hold respect. Maybe I've just found someone I would be able to hold a civilized conversation with. I smiled involuntarily and focused my attention on young master. He stiffened all of a sudden, but this is still a reaction that tells me he is prepared to hold a dialog. I am going to be as polite as possible. First thing I ought to do is to apologize for the broken door, unless its some kind of portable door custom. They are so easy to just pull out of their frame that I wonder if its common to walk with them around neighborhood.

When I was close enough to hold a decent conversation, I leant the door against the wall and faced young master of this house. He was extremely pale on the face, if not straight out sickly green. I think I've already seen similar symptoms today. Anyway, he was a handsome man. Quite tall, with little facial hair. He couldn't be more than twenty and in his hand was a sheathed sword of rather intricate design.

Once again I donned an already tested on the girls, smile of honesty and sincerity, in an attempt to encourage this youthful man to have an amiable and polite conversation with me. I opened my mouth and started to introduce myself.

"Hello, good sir."

And... he fainted. Before he hit the floor with a dull thud, I heard an already known to me gurgling sound. Young masters eyes only showed whites and there was definitely foam gathering in his mouth. This corpse on the ground was still breathing, but the young man of this house was flat out unconscious. I must say, this is quite humiliating. I haven't had a single decent conversation with a human being since I came here. What's more, there is a girl that is now seriously testing my patience in holding back an urge to fondle those cheeky ears.

"Pfft... hahahaha I can't anymore! first the captain of the guards." She squinted her eyes and tilted her head to the side, sticking her tongue out. "Then the fortress doors..." She made an over-exaggerated jumps holding one of her shins, crudely imitating my first encounter with this mansions doors. "And now... pffttt hahaha" She tilted her head sticking her tongue out again. "Ian, you are a true master comed... ow ow ow ow ok ok, I get it. Stop! I won't laugh anymore!"

I released my hold of her ears and checked on young master, but he was already being dragged away by the butler. He was quite nimble for his age. I wonder if he is one of those ninja butlers you hear of every now and then. If not the master, then maybe the servant will be able to give us directions. I faced the butler and prepared myself. I think I will succeed this time. This old man seems to be very experienced and not quick to loose his composure. Feeling my gaze he swiftly moved in front of his employer and faced me with a trained posture of a seasoned warrior.

I was ready for the third round and opened but mouth to introduce myself, but I was interrupted yet again.

"What is this ruckus. Baldrick? Why is Leonard on the ground? What is happe..." The owner of the voice stopped abruptly. Seeing me and short tails in the middle of the hall with one men gurgling foam and the other with a face of determination ready to protect his care from armies of hell, must have given her a bit of a stop.

"Young miss, run! Hurry! You must escape while I'm still holding the ground!"

I think I heard him say something similar before, haven't I? Anyway, If she is a young miss of this house, then it means that she is my second target to ask for directions. Since young master is already down for the count, that leaves her or the butler and judging from butlers behavior it would be easier to hold conversation with the young miss. The girl looked very young, no more than fifteen years old. She wore scarlet pants adorned with silver rose patterns and golden chemise covered with a red vest. Her apparel looked more boyish than girlish. If not for the wavy long hair falling down to her waist, her attire would make her look like she was a boy. She was pretty, with cute little freckles spread around her pointy nose. Half of her face was covered by blond hair, so I can't really say what her eyes looked like. She was speechless, but despite the odd situation she held herself straight and didn't break eye contact with us.

Thanks to that I came to realize, that this is my chance! I grabbed her attention so I should start with apologizing before any more unexpected things happen. I'll ask about magistrate after I explain I mean them no harm. Once again I donned my business smile and was about start with introduction. And as you could have guessed, yes... I was interrupted.

"Don't you dare open that mouth of yours, Ian. That little girl wont be able to handle it."

"Listen up Two Tails, would you mind not butting in when an adult is about to speak? Kids like you should just sit down and not worry so much. I can handle myself pretty decently in a simple conversation."

"I have SEVEN tails you numbskull! Seven! Is it so hard to count, or are you incapable of even that?! And one look at your face is enough for people to pass out! Can't you get that? When was the last time you saw yourself in the mirror Ian?! I won't let that poor girl end up like the guy on the floor there!"

Well... that was cruel. She pointed her skinny little hand at foam stricken young man, who was now being resuscitated by the ninja butler. Alright, maybe there is some truth to her words. I'll let her have this one. It would weight heavily on me if that girl pass out because of me. To my surprise the young miss giggled and cast us a sweet smile.

"Do not worry my dear guests. I am protected from external influences, so his lordship should feel free to talk with me if he wishes so." This little adorable princess made a low, polite bow and made a formal introduction. "My name is Doeranaya Galedrianna Mongbock. You can call me Doe if you wish. I am seventh daughter of my father and second daughter of my mother. In the name of Mongbock family and the patriarch, I welcome you, esteemed guests to this humble abode."

"Young miss, these people are very dangerous! Please, you must escape while I hold them back!"

Ninja butler was speaking his common spiel, but this is a chance to finally get things moving. She said she was ok with speaking to her, so maybe this time I'll be able to hold a conversation with a human. I focused on the girl with double the concentration, ready to start my already prepared speech. At that moment, there was a loud sound in the hall as a ring on little Does hand cracked.

"Not a word, Ian. You hear me? Stand next to the door and keep your mouth shut. You screw this up and I will never let you pat my head again! I'll handle this. You hear?"

I heard. Mostly abuses and threats, but what was more serious was the fact that she was right. She said that just looking at my face made people pass out and I can't deny it. For now, apart from Furry herself, I have a one hundred percent rate of people foaming with their mouths when standing face to face with me. Coming to this world must have scarred me into some kind hideous form and my face must be really ugly for even men to pass out. This is quite sad. There is a bigger problem than that however. And it is a threat of no head-pats.

It took only ten minutes for Furry and little Doe to come to understanding. Even the butler standing next to them mellowed down and looked at Two Tails with pity and understanding. What in the world did she tell them?

"You were unjustly locked for so many years Lady Malay and also your feline kin friend. I was always against slave trade, but my position is very difficult for me to act openly. My house is not fond of my stance on the matter as I have already helped some beast people run away in recent years. I will do everything in my power to help you and your cat kin sister escape, moreover if you have such a powerful individual as his lordship on your side, it would be a lot easier for me to maneuver."

Does speech was passionate and really delivered on what she thought on our situation. She was ready to act on our behalf. That is commendable. I should pat her head. She really is a good girl.

"Baldrick, go and fetch us five concealment cloaks and two remaining rings of suppression for me."

"Are you sure about this young miss? Your brothers won't like it and if your father hears about it..."

Dark ninja in full butler mode had a grave expression on his face. It must have meant that if she was ever found out, she would have some major problems on her head and yet she was still determined to help us out.

"You might have forgotten, but I am a scioness of a noble and righteous house of Mongbock. I will do what I believe is right for the good of our honor and our family. Now please, just hurry Baldrick. Judging from what auntie Malay said we do not have much time."

I had to do a double take and look intensely between Doe and Shorty. I had to make sure I heard that correctly. Namely, what in all that is holy is an auntie Malay! What in blazes did I just hear. Furry ears mouth was twitching! She was called auntie but didn't say a word back! Normally she would be throwing curses at whoever said that. Little heiress of Mongbock somehow overpowered her and walked away scot-free! This deserves a solid reward!

Doe looked positively radiant in my eyes for achieving the feat of subjugation of such a fearsome beast. I walked up to the young girl, looked at her cute face and made a genuine smile. I slowly raised my hand above her head.

"Oh no you don't Ian. Don't even think about lowering that hand."

There was a mortified look on Shortys face. This told me everything I needed to know. My action will greatly piss her off, but a reward was in order, whether she liked it or not. Her and Catnip aren't the only people that deserve head pats for good deeds.

"Don't you dare!"

Furry was ready to jump me any moment now so I sent her a sweetly vicious smile and placed my hand on Does little head. After few head pats, she started to shake with joy, so I went with a little bolder move and started gently stroking her blonde golden locks. Of course I didn't forget to say the words of encouragement and gratitude.

"You are a good girl little Doe. Your words and actions moved me. I am very, very happy with you. Keep up the good work."

"Ian, you complete and utter moron."

Furry was mumbling something to herself just like she often does, so I didn't pay much of attention. She did however buried her hands in her face and few seconds later started banging her head against the wall which actually surprised me. Still, I couldn't care less about that kids tantrums. I focused on caressing little misses head. I never had a child, at least my hazy memory never pointed at me having one. But if I ever end up with a child I guess I would be having the same feelings I have now. Of a father praising his kid for doing a good job. I think this is a reward for both of us, Isn't it, little Doe.

''I brought the rings and the cloaks young... miss?" I didn't even hear him sneaking around. As expected of a true butler. He is a ninja in every essence of the word.

"His lll-ll-lord-ship made a m-mark, a cc-laim on me. He d-declared me to be his h-happiness-ss."

Hmm? That's strange. Normally head pats should be a happy occasion, but the girl is shaking more and more. Also, the atmosphere is becoming muddy and dark. Well, I am sure it will turn out to be ok. I am a bit concerned about Furry though. She is still banging her head, but now she is using the door instead of the wall, maybe because the wall already has several holes in it. I must say those doors are quite sturdy. Anyway, I hope we are finally ready to go find Catnips brother. I also wonder what is the situation with tatsu outside. I am sure it will be fine. I nodded to myself. It will definitely be fine.