{Alex}

I bought a larger bed the day after Lily, and I had our cuddle session on the couch. She agreed to be a little more open, but I had more important things on my mind. Today was the metal shipment. I kept looking at the main door like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning. The booming knock I had been waiting for finally came and I jumped up. Two large Knights walked in pulling three carts loaded with wonderful iron, copper, zinc, and is that a tiny, cute bar of silver steel? I tried not to scream like a teenage girl at a boy band. After I fixed these junk piles, I could start work on my nightmare. Such a beautiful nightmare it will be. It took the rest of the day for Gorloth and I to fix one of the two Knights. It was a cute red one, nothing special on the looks though and it didn’t even have a weapon. We packed up and left for the day.

{Shadow}

Shadow sat against a chimney looking out over the small town. His target would be walking through the alley soon. He had just gotten the message that his prey had left his job. “Oh there they are,” he said with a slight chuckle. The small man with the big orc walked calmly talking. They turned the corner and an extra with a crossbow stepped out, pressing it into the orc’s back. He stopped and his prey kept walking, talking about something. Shadow crawled across the roofs slinking his way to get a closer view of his prey. The thin man stopped when he saw a tall man step out blocking his path. He could almost hear the outrage so clear on his prey’s face. Hegoy had cost a small mithril to hire to do this job, but it would be worth it. The pilot was a gifted mage, but they could get at least two small mithril for his prey. The other was just a loose end that Shadow could mop up later. The orc could be turned loose or mopped up if he wanted. Shadow watched Hegoy toss a mana nullifier at the feet of his prey. In the other hand, he started letting a fireball spin to life. Hegoy knew he couldn’t kill the prey, but hurting was okay so long as they got a collar on him. Prey looked back at the orc and growled. He turned to Hegoy and the man took a step back. It was like looking into a living mirror. Prey had the same face that Shadow’s mask had. It was disturbing. Shadow had a chill and felt something he had not in a very long time. He felt fear, this was a new thrill. He had faced lords and monsters, thugs and things, but this man standing before a man twice his size who was holding a fireball. This man scared him. Who was he? Prey leaned down and picked up the bracelet and turned it to fit more comfortably. Hegoy smiled, letting his fireball go as he walked confidently up to Prey. Prey just stood there waiting for him. Hegoy pulled out a collar and went to place it on Prey’s neck. That wouldn’t work you fool, the target has to be fully awake and willing for it to work. He heard Hegoy speak,

“Little man, you are going to put this on or my man over there is going to put one in the back of that ugly fucker.” Shadow got chills when he heard Prey reply.

“No. You are going to die and then my friend is going to rip his head off.” Hegoy laughed as he reached out grabbing Prey’s arm. Suddenly Hegoy froze as Prey reached up pressing his palm against Hegoy’s chest the smile sent chills up Shadow's spine. It was right in the center, and he pulled out something small and red. A stream of blood came with it and Prey let him go, just looking at a small sightly glowing gem. Prey turned when he heard a sound. Shadow had to admit he had forgotten about the other two. The orc had torn the head off of the extra. It was almost poetic the way Prey had pointed out how things would pan out. Shadow gave a slight nervous chuckle as he tried to hide begging not to be seen by that strange Prey.

“I didn’t mean really rip his head off.” Prey said to the orc

“Seem like a good idea. We loot?” The orc asked.

“I guess. Maybe they have something good on them to make this worth something.” The orc picked over the extra and Prey looted the lifeless hunk of Hegoy. Shadow had killed men with stabs to the heart in the past and the blood was the right amount, but the way that Hegoy didn’t struggle was wrong. It was like that little gem was doing something. Shadow’s eyes nearly bugged out when he made the connection. That was a human core. Humans have cores too. This was a thing he would have to take to his grave. Shadow waited until the two had fully gone before moving from his hiding place. Nothing on the bodies would lead back to him or his master. He had made sure that they were safe. Leaping down, he slid into a shadow, the face behind the mask doing anything, but smiling. Today he had tasted fear, and he wasn’t sure who would live if he faced the small man in combat.

{Alex}

We made a report and returned home. My hands were still covered in blood, but it wasn’t a total loss. I had a new collar to take apart, a few trinkets that were on his body, and a half-dismantled mana nullifier. The fool hadn’t noticed me erase the runes as I put it on. It was almost too easy. I washed up and took my trinkets to the table. One puzzled me and I wanted Lily to look at it. It was two control coins linked with a strange silver steel, mana wire braid.

“Lily, what is this?” she looked at it and frowned.

“A linked collar. It is used to link two slaves together. Normally it’s done with outlaws. Where did you get it?”

“I killed a man who was trying to enslave me.” I just said it with the air of someone who had just taken out the trash. She put her hands on her hips and beamed at me.

“Thankfully I won't have to clean this one up.” I laughed and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed and covered her eyes with her ears in that cute, wonderful way. With the moon waning, she was back to being shy, but at least now she wasn’t afraid of me.

“Strange questions. Does this mean I own these two and do I have to give the order to the person or can I give it to the coin? She peeked out at me, still blushing badly.

“I think.” she cleared her throat and turned away. “I think you do own them and yes you can command the coins, the slaves will get those commands. They won’t hear your voice but will follow the order. That is how some lords can be killed or messages sent over long distances.”

“Good to know.” I sat down and started thinking. Holding up the strange twin coins I said clearly into them. “When you know it is safe and you can get away unnoticed, come to me.” Both coins started glowing. I took them to my room and inside a box hidden in a beam of my bed, both encased in metal, I put the twin coins with the two others. Only a metal mage would be able to remove them. They would be safe with the others. I would keep what belongs to me safe.

{Gen}

Across town in the caravan camp, Gen sat looking blankly out. He would sit there no matter how much it hurt, no matter how hungry he was. He would just sit there waiting for his mean master to come get him. Suddenly he felt something as the collar around his neck started glowing. He didn’t notice the glow. He just stood and started walking. He walked through the town, not noticing anyone or being noticed by anyone. He just walked until he got to where he was ordered to be. Something large and warm picked him up and pulled him somewhere. People were talking around him, but he couldn’t understand what was going on. Suddenly someone said something, his collar glowed, and the world came into focus. He looked around and saw two large orc people. One was a woman who looked like she had been hurt. A big smiling orc man looked at him making him feel safe. He turned to see a weird thin man looking at him worried. Arms moved, holding him close and he looked up into the face of a pretty bunny woman. She had long white hair. It looked like winter. Gen hated winter because it was cold. The thin man looked at him and smiled.

“Can you understand us now?” He looked scary but seemed nice. Gen just nodded. “Good. Orga please fix this lad some supper.” Gen would get to eat today? This made him very happy. He didn’t know when the last time he had eaten was. “Why couldn’t you understand us before?” the scary man asked.

“Master say no know. So I no know.” the bunny rocked slightly, and this made Gen happier. She was nice, soft and warm.

“I think his old master took away his ability to understand the world.” When she said that the scary man got even scarier his hands started to throw off blue sparks. Gen’s master would do that right before he would beat him or big sis. He tucked into a tight ball and started crying. The bunny woman started petting his hair. “There, there. It’s okay. Master isn’t going to hurt you. He is mad at your old master.” Gen tucked his tail in and started holding it close shaking with fear. “See, you are safe.” she was rocking holding Gen and petting his head. A smell hit Gen and he turned to the stove; his belly hurt from being empty for so long. A small cup of stew was placed in front of him, and he clawed for it. “You will get some but look at me.” He looked up into those clear red eyes. She smiled at him, and it made him feel loved. Like when Mama and Papa would look at him. “You have to eat slowly, or you will get sick. Do you understand?” Gen nodded and she handed him the cup. He sipped it and cried out; it was too hot. He wanted it through and cried when the bunny woman took it away. “Orga, can I have a spoon please?” She was given a small metal spoon, and the nice bunny dipped it in. At first, Gen thought she was going to eat it herself. It wasn’t fair. He was hungry. She just blew on it and handed it to him. It tasted so good. A small chunk of meat slid down his throat and he coughed trying to keep everything inside. She pushed a glass of water into his hands, and he took a big drink like a big boy. He looked up smiling at the bunny woman. This was a nice bunny woman. She just sat there feeding him while the others talked. He was happy to sit in her lap and be fed by her. He wondered where big sis was. She should be hungry too. He looked around the room and didn’t see her.

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“Bunny lady, where is big sis?” She beamed at Gen.

“She will be here later. Would you like me to bathe you so you can be nice and clean when she gets here?” Gen nodded and smiled. He liked baths. It had been a long time since his last one. Once he was nice and clean, he was given more stew and got to eat until his belly was full. The scary man came to him with something behind his back. Gen just clung to big sis bunny and tried to not shake.

“And here I was going to give you a toy and you are acting like that.” Scary man said. Toy, Gen had not had a toy in a very long time. Gen looked at big sis bunny.

“It’s okay. Master won’t hurt you.” So scary man was master. Gen nodded and turned back to look at Master who pulled something from behind his back. It was a Knight toy. He used to like Knights as his mama and papa would tell him Knights keep people safe and keep the monsters away. This one was small, and he reached for it. “Master, dull the edges. What if he hurts himself?” Master gave a shy smile and pressed his fingers to the sharp spots. Gen saw the edges dull. Master had magic. He handed it to Gen who held it looking at the Knight. It was mostly green with gold in places. He gave a shout of joy when he saw that he could move the arms and legs. Master laughed and Gen looked up at him smiling. Master looked scary but was nice. His last master looked nice but was scary. Gen didn’t care though. He had a toy, he had food, and he had big sis bunny. Where was big sis Uta though? There was a knock at the door and the big orc man opened it. Big sis Uta was on the other side. She looked sick and very worried. She was very thin and even fell down when she came in. Master told big orc man to go get a healer. Master picked up big sis and took her somewhere. Gen was scared, but big sis bunny just held him and rocked. “Orga, do you think he can handle that thing you made last week?” She spelled out some letters, but Gen didn’t know what she was talking about. The orc woman nodded and went to a strange box. She reached in and pulled out something strange. It smelled so sweet. She pulled off a small chunk and handed it to big sis bunny who tore off a small piece and gave it to him. It was something sweet that Gen had never had.

“What this?” Big sis put a bite into her own mouth and smiled.

“This is carrot cake.” Gen reached up and was given another chunk. He chewed on both pieces. This place was nice. He hoped he could stay here with the people for a very long time.

{Es Von Declos Bullock}

Chief Constable Es Von Declos or as some of the townsfolk had started calling him Bullock sat in his office. He had another headache on his hands from that monster Alex. He and that big orc had killed two more people. It was clear self-defense again and once more he had to fill out the paperwork. He wanted to be mad at the young man, but he couldn’t. If he were in his shoes and someone threatened to take his friends and family, he’d rip them apart too. His door flew open with a bang and Es grabbed for his Shot Spear. He loved the weapon and would have to ask for a smaller one for indoors. He still had enough time to point it at the man storming into his office. The tall man built like a shit house froze as he barged in. His anger faded to fear quickly when he saw the spear an inch away from his face. If Es had to guess, the only reason the man was not shitting himself would be how tight his asshole had become. Es smiled at the fat bastard who had nearly knocked his door off its hinges. “Can I help you?” He asked coldly, his eyes promising violence. What had to be the captain of the newly arrived caravan started blustering.

“I was hoping to have a word with you.” Es let his spear charge up.

“Words can be nice. You kicking in my door, less so.”

“Let’s talk about this.”

“Two of yours tried to kill and kidnap two of mine. I don’t feel talking is a courtesy I can offer at this time.”

“That is what I’m here about.” Es sighed but kept the spear pointed at the man.

“Contract magic. For the duration of the time you are in here, you will be unable to lie. If I determine you are not guilty, you will be free to go. Agreed?” The fat man just nodded. Why were most of the caravan captains fat like this porker? “I need to hear you say it.”

“Agreed.” Es lowered his spear and sat back down. The fat man sat down in the chair across from him.

“Tell me your side,” Es said.

“I was looking for my missing men and two missing slaves.”

“Your men are dead. Killed as they tried to take two of ours. Your slaves I know jack shit about. You got their control coins. Bring them to you.” The fat man squirmed in his seat.

“One of the men had the coins.” Es nodded and smiled. It was not a kind smile, but one Alex would be proud of.

“No control coin, no slave. You know the law on that point. As far as your men go. One was a pilot. You going to take the blame for what he tried to do?” Piggy tried to lie and failed badly.

“He was not one of my men, but just someone who signed on for the trip.” Es just kept smiling.

“You can’t lie remember. Fighting it will only force it out. So, if he wasn’t one of your men, that means you have no claim to his Knight. As for the other, I can give you his crossbow, unless you want his body.” Piggy looked pissed. Es now knew why Alex did this. Giving them names made things a little easier. Also, it was kind of fun.

“You can do that.” he blinked. Probably meant to say can’t, but he can’t lie right now.

“You know I can. Now that being said, your man attacked a very.” He touched his spear to make sure the point made its way home. “VERY prominent member of this town. A lot of folks will be upset when they hear it was your boys that attacked our hero.” Piggy started to wiggle. Es could almost smell the bacon. “If I were in your shoes, I’d pack up tonight and run before they find out. Without the extra Knight of course.”

“You can do that. It is fair.” he tried and failed to protest. “We can just leave out.” He started raging at his inability to lie. Es would have to play poker with this one someday.

“We are in agreement then. Pack up before me and my boys show you what we do to those who hurt ours.” Es stood and Piggy nearly fell out of his chair. Piggy stood, shaking in rage as he ran out of Es’ office. Time to go see Alex again. He was sure the missing slaves were there.

{Alex}

I looked over at the far too skinny girl lying in Lily’s old bed. Lily had taken it upon herself to move all her stuff into my room the day she started sleeping with me. I had been worried when the sickly-looking four-year-old dog boy showed up. This girl had to be near sixteen, but was pale, far malnourished, and was covered in sores. Someone had been beating her regularly. It made my blood boil and I wished I had taken my time with the monster core idiot. The healer was looking after her. It cost me two silver but was worth it if she lived. I would make sure Healer looked at the boy too. I was out in the hallway talking with Gorloth. He seemed a bit upset at me.

“How come you not tell me name Al-ex?” I shrugged.

“I’m okay with Runt.”

“All this time, I think name Runt.” I patted his shoulder. My mind was going through his body. Now that I knew what a core looked like inside a person, I was checking everyone. He didn’t have one though. He seemed to calm down and looked at the door worried. “What do with new ones?” I sighed and put my hands in my pockets.

“I’m going to take care of them.”

“That one not look good."

“I know. I hope she makes it. today was rough. “Are you two going to stay the night for a while?” My friend just nodded.

“I go get our bed soon. Orga working on dinner.”

“I can hold down the fort. Go before it gets too late.” I ordered.

“Friend Al-ex good person.” He stumbled over my name as I frowned at him. “Gorloth please call me Runt.” He smiled, nodded, and left. I just stood there waiting on the bad news. Healer came out and looked at the ground. He spoke quietly,

“She is safe for tonight, but I’m almost tapped out. I could do more if I had some more mana. If only Gaven hadn’t broken his leg.” I held out my hand.

“If you need mana, take mine.” He gave me a questioning look but took my hand. No core in him either. He started pulling on me and I drew on my bracelet. Nine drained cores later and the man was looking much more energetic as he went back in. How bad was mana if it only took three to five to fill me. I just kept waiting. It didn’t take as long this time. He came out and I topped him off before going to look at the boy. He was in a much better state, but that isn’t saying much. He still had a few sores, and both needed lots of food and care. I jumped as there was a knock at the door. Gorloth couldn’t have returned that quickly. I opened the door ready for a fight. Bullock stood on the other side.

“May I come in Alex?” I stepped back. He put his Spear Shot near the door and removed his hat. “I wanted to come tell you that the matter this evening is settled and if the Piggy who captains that shit show.” He stopped when he saw my face.

“Please watch your language in front of children.” He looked around the room and saw the small child playing with two dolls on the floor. The boy was making crashing sounds as he pretended to make them fight. It was cute. Bullock nodded and turned back to me.

“The unkind men should be leaving tonight if they are smart.” I nodded. “Can we step outside? I’m not sure I can watch my mouth.” I followed him out. “How fucking old are they?”

“He looks like he’s four and the other one is half dead and maybe sixteen.” Bullock rubbed the back of his neck and growled. “Fucking kids. I’m thinking we may have to tell that lot to stay away for a very long time.” he put a hand on my shoulder, and I looked inside him. No core. “Are you going to keep them?” I growled and brushed off his hand.

“Try to take them if you want to die.” He backed off and looked actually scared. I was smiling at him as I growled lightly.

“Never. Now I know why the bunny passed out. You are a scary fucker.” he said with a nervous laugh.

“While I have you here, is there another way to open someone’s mana channels?”

“Other than eating the fruit?” I just blinked at him.

“What?” I asked coldly.

“Yeah, just eat some Pearas fruit. They grow like wildfire around here; we even export them to the city. How do you not know about them?”

“So, you just have to eat this fruit.” he nodded.

“How did you open yours?”

“A mage flooded my channels with his mana.” he winced.

“Ouch, that has to hurt like a bitch. No just eat the fruit. About three a day for a week should do it.” I just sighed.

“Fucking hell. I may kill that mage when I see him again.”

“Do you think I can get a smaller Spear Shot for indoors?” He asked sheepishly. I thought for a moment. I could easily work up something.

“Sure.” He beamed at me.

“Good man. You keep those two safes. Good night, Alex.” Healer left as Gorloth came in. I was just watching the boy play on the ground with Lily. It made me feel like his dad and she made a cute mom. I may have to pay Woodcutter for some building blocks for him.

“What is your name?” I asked the boy. He looked up at me,

“Gen.” he said blankly. I smiled at him.

“What is the name of your big sister?” he pointed at Lily and smiled.

“Lily.” she blushed and pulled him into a hug. I just laughed.

“The other big sister.”

“Big sis Uta.” So Uta was the sleeping one. Tonight, should be a better night with the house as full as it was.