But for a Slime

Chapter 647 - 2.134 - Badger Badger BadgerCAT!

Chapter One Hundred Thirty Four

Joe woke with a feeling of peace, stretching with a comfortable feeling before horrific realization struck again and he sat up with a gasp, hand slapping to his neck and glancing around with a rapid panicked gaze. His heart sped up uncomfortably even as he scrambled back a bit in his pile of poor, dirty cloaks. His panting slowly calmed and his memory rebooted to current reality. Relief hit and it was a struggled to keep his eyes from watering, tears welling up to trickle over down his cheeks. He grit his teeth and cut off any sobs, turning them to relieved deep breaths and took some time to recover before turning to other things just to escape.

The first thing he did was to recover his infused state. His rapid heartbeat and fired nerves proved counterproductive and he took much longer to recover his infused state but when he did, he found himself calming so much more. Right… gotta chance to fight back, now… or run… He flexed his will, flooding his system with mana for just a few seconds at about fifty percent power and kept an eye on his MP dropping. He grinned and dropped back out of infused state when he had guesstimated enough and allowed himself a small victory fist pump. Going to be able to last all day on this way real easy… especially if I never have to go full out for an hour or two… got close to almost an hour, full power… I think. Nice! Maybe less if I have to keep it running the whole day until bed time. Joe amended his earlier cheer when he saw his MP drop another point even at his lowest infused state, but he was still quite happy with his efforts. Easily all day… and yeah… still got an hour at full power, I think… got lucky today!

His joy kept him occupied for a short time until his thoughts returned once again to his current situation and his mind leapt at any distraction. He drove himself into defensive preparation for the future and focused upon the connection the collar had to him, or more appropriately, the two connections his collar had. One was the obvious and blunt control interface that allowed him to read the person collared and controlled them so utterly. There wasn't any real knowing what the other person thought, but Joe could already feel, to some extent, a sense of what he was feeling. Wonder if I was lucky and protected cause the slave master was not my master… but hired by Gunlan… Joe's thoughts stuttered as he raged at the new Patriarch who'd replaced the Matriarch and ultimately enslaved his own sister, Gwenvair. He took a deep breath and calmed.

But… I wonder if the … don't think the slave master could feel what I was feeling.. but if Gunlan knew, then … he didn't stop me? Or… The feelings seemed obvious to him, and even clearer than they had been yesterday. That realization clicked in place and his eyes widened. Ooh… gotta learn it… and… I'm going to know my own feelings a LOT better than some random other… and… put in my alien culture… lack of magic... huh. Joe put that thought to the back and dove into the two connections he had.

He cared little for the master control connection, only curiosity driving him to explore it. Instead, he wanted to understand the enslaving connection, the feeling of fighting against it causing very strange biofeedback to roil up within his gut, almost like nausea, but somehow held back because his master was allowing him to 'rebel' against the collar. Never again… never again… never again… He pushed against it, striving as best he could to figure it out and find away to fight against it. He didn't want to ever feel so helpless again.

A good hour passed as Joe explored the collar's various connection and he came to understand the connection in a much more intimate, if unwanted, way. It was the strangest sensation, the connection hiding its inner workings in a way that left Joe fumbling. It was only because he had access to the master connection as well that Joe was even able to explore it. Despite his efforts, it became very apparent that Joe was only scratching the surface. When his head began to ache and he began feeling an echo of the slave connection that seemed to pound in a counter beat on the opposite side of his mind space from the slave connection and in counter beat to his rapidly escalating headache, Joe sighed and ended his efforts with a groan. Oow… ow ow ow…

To escape his head ache, Joe rose and did a short and slow Taichi set of one of the Taekwondo jeongs, pushing for perfection in form instead of speed or power. He wasn't sure he could handle speed or power with how much his head was aching.

He ended rather quickly and easily so tentatively went into another and was surprised that he was feeling pretty comfortable. He increased his efforts and once again was surprised to feel no change in the pain he was feeling. His head still hurt; or at least it felt like his head hurt and he had some kind of strange headache. He increased the speed, then power as he felt no negative effects until he was going at both full speed and power. He did this for a time, somehow not feeling any exacerbation to his pain but the effort still somehow put some kind of strain upon him he couldn't understand. He completed his latest jeong, a Korean word for Taekwondo move sets essentially equal to the Japanese word kata, and paused.

Huh… I wonder… He turned to mana manipulation and put in some effort to work with some pretty tricky mathematical problems. However, like before, the headache was unaffected and Joe frowned in thought. It certainly wasn't pleasant, and much like physically working his body, mentally working his mind was an unpleasant exercise because he was in pain, but it didn't make the pain worse. If I've torn a ligament, sprained a leg, overworked my mind, studied to hard… any physical activity would immediately exacerbate the physical injuries and any mental work would fail almost immediately… but I can work out and figure out that math pretty easily… Joe frowned and then tried to pose himself a riddle, an incredibly tricky thing that had him thinking of possible connections between two disparate concepts like a wiki-race than a real riddle, but found himself rather easily able to think through the process without any real loss of thinking capabilities. This… is weird… what am I feeling then? This…

Joe spent another ten or so minutes on struggling with what was really injured within him before he finally gave up, the feeling of strain or a bad headache had faded to barely being felt by then so he called an end to it and knew it wasn't the last. He would be exploring the connection he was feeling with rabid curiosity, hoping to shred it to pieces and understand it in time. But for now, he shelved it and stood and left his tent. He took everything that he cared too, sucking into his inventory which required he took out some from there and shoved it into his personal space, tossing it in through the door. Want this stuff easy to take out when I need.

He stepped outside and found two people guarding his tent, staring back and forth between the two before nodding at them, "Thank you, much."

He offered with sincerity before turning his gaze to the tent. This one… or the one the aliens gave me… The thought had him pull out his backpack he'd long left in his inventory and took a look at the survival gear he had before nodding. Right.. don't need this tent…

Joe turned and looked around, most of the camp already up and waiting for him except for the gang group. Joe was actually glad they were gone, not wishing to have them around nor have to deal with their poor behavior. He sighed and nodded to everyone.

"All good?"

Dulan smiled, laughing a bit, "Very good."

"If a bit hungry," Klannard offered back with an odd twist to his lips.

Joe's eyes widened and he quickly replied, "Oh! Shoot! I got all the food, don't I?!"

The odd twist to Klannard's lips smoothed out to a genuine smile and he nodded, "Yes, you do."

Joe quickly apologized and began pulling out a bunch of food, passing it out to a sudden plethora of available hands that Klannard seemed to have magically had ready and able. After Joe finished handing out what he thought would be enough, he looked up to see an impromptu chef's kitchen formed with food quickly being prepared for breakfast. One chef, seemingly a bit braver than the others, quickly and very politely stepped forward and asked for a few other items. Most, Joe knew and quickly pulled out for the man. A few took a more careful description and explanation before Joe was able to pull it out of his inventory. Luckily, none of it was in his space and he didn't need to open up his door. He'd kept all the food in his inventory anyway, the almost frozen time proving a great boon to keeping the food fresh.

This broke the dam and many other chefs came asking for various ingredients and spices. Joe simply provided what he had available and soon several of the chefs simply had a runner next to them who they barked orders at before the runner would come up to Joe and obsequiously ask for whatever the chef had called for. Joe watched this for a bit, finding some humor in finding Gordon Ramsey in another universe before turning back to Klannard and Dulan. Cassia and many of the others stood nearby, taking up a respectful but encircling formation around them all. Joe found a decent place to sit and soon all were sitting as they all had, although there were four individuals that Klannard and Dulan point out and they stood with their attention on their surroundings.

For reasons Joe struggled to understand, that brought a deep peace to him and Joe found himself able to relax into the camaraderie the group had had while they were still all enslaved. This time, the others seemed to struggle with Joe now interacting with them, but they quickly came to find a joy in interacting with him. Despite that, Joe quickly noticed a very subtle distance that the seemed to be between them and Joe simply made a note of it, leaving. A short time after they'd all settled and came to enjoy one another's presence, Klannard interjected.

"Eccentric?"

Joe glanced over at Klannard and nodded, but spoke up first, "You know. I would really enjoy it if I was simply called Joe."

Klannard stared at Joe for a time before nodding slightly then offering a compromise, "Maybe while we are in private and in informal situations?"

Joe smiled at that, nodding, "That makes a lot of sense. Sometimes the pomp and ceremony is necessary."

Klannard nodded, "Ceremony is vital."

Joe's grinned grew, "Ceremony is not well enjoyed by my people… to some extent."

Klannard grinned in response, "Except when you find it important."

Joe paused at that, pondering before nodding, "Yeah… I can see that."

Klannard nodded, "Then, Joe. Chefs. Cooks are rather vital."

Joe felt his eyebrows then smooth quickly as he understood what Klannard was saying, "Oh…"

He glanced towards the chefs then back at Klannard, "Do you think they would want to join us?"

Klannard laughed, a soft scoffing huff, "Everyone would wish to join… most likely."

"Oh…" Joe thought back to the small village he was going to before visions of grand plans came to him and he nodded and continued, "OK. If they are willing to work hard and put effort in growing and developing, invite everyone who wants to come."

Klannard nodded, standing before pausing as he parsed Joe's statement once again, "Everyone? Or… all the chefs?"

Joe grinned, "Everyone… if they want. Although most probably just want to go home."

Klannard seemed to grin at Joe's statement, a soft rebuke of Joe's naivety and Joe's smile turned to chagrin before he shrugged. Klannard seemed to pull back with something like shock, his face smoothing before nodding and turning away, leaving Joe a little confused by Klannard's behavior.

But, Klannard seemed to understand, going out to speak with and ask everyone what they thought so Joe slowly forgot Klannard's reaction and simply turned back to enjoying a moment of peace in the midst of everyone else speaking. Sometimes, silent relaxation in the middle of a group was Joe's greatest peace and he relished it.

* * *

Klannard moved off from the eccentric with a thudding heart as fear laced its way through his being. The eccentric's apparent false humility had shown through and Klannard had responded with hidden disdain. How can the powerful with easy wealth ever understand the truth of just what it meant to be so completely weak. But even as he still believed so, the eccentric had easily seen his rebuke and offered a self-recriminating mockery and even an acknowledgement of his inability to understand. And that self-awareness left Klannard terrified while the tiniest shiver of hope slithered its way through him, twining with his terror in a hopeless battle. The powerful are never to be trusted... Yet… It was only the man's kindness for the slave kids and other slaves that had him entertain joining the man. His response to the guards after cemented the decision.

Klannard shook his head clearing his thoughts and turned to his task, speaking up softly to the best chef there, "The eccentric seeks followers, if you are willing."

The chef froze, turning his gaze to look at Klannard before hope burned through everything else, "He is willing to accept?"

Klannard nodded, "He claimed he would accept any willing, as long as they work hard and desire growth."

The chef's excited breathing vanished as the chef's breath caught in his throat, "Growth?! He offers growth!"

Klannard nodded but said nothing. The chef panted in excitement before nodding, "If he would have me."

Klannard nodded again, simply accepting. As if there could be any other outcome.

"Please ask if any other are interested."

"Any?"

"The eccentric claims he will accept any."

The chef snorted, "As if any would deny."

Klannard grinned. I like this one!

"It is as I thought as well!"

The chef glanced back up at Klannard and joined in with Klannard's humor, "And you want an evaluation?"

"Of the staff. I think I can handle the rest and any other guards. The ex-slaves…" Klannard trailed off with that, uncertain who to seek for that and the chef glanced back towards the eccentric.

"I would think the two with you already, that knife woman and the close friend, Du-something?"

"Dulan?"

The chef quickly nodded, "Yes. He would have a very good understanding of the slaves."

Klannard nodded, "My thanks. Your advice and knowledge of the people here, it is as impeccable as ever."

The chef grinned, "Bah. I told you that you need to know the people more."

Klannard grimaced, "Maybe."

The chef nodded then grew serious, "Be careful of any of the women, especially the beautiful, the young. The eccentric seems quite… young and naïve. Any woman would take him in a heartbeat if they knew he was so easily accessible."

Klannard grimaced, grinding teeth but did not deny it and he nodded to the chef without responding. It was one of the greatest worries Klannard had. Any woman who could get in the man's bed would twist the man to her way almost immediately and Klannard had little desire to be under the thumb of some greedy whore who would twist the man's naivety to their benefit. Klannard looked back at the people that crowded around the eccentric and considered. The chef would take care of weeding out the best amongst the staff and he would take the last of the guards, although to be frank Klannard was only happy with the group that was already with him and the eccentric. The others were poor or disliked or both. The truly bad ones had already left with the slave master. But the girls. Who… Klannard's gazed drifted across the field and passed by Cassia before his eyes widened. Oh! That might work! Klannard headed back to Dulan and Cassia, a plan already forming.

* * *

Breakfast was one of the best he'd had in a long time since Joe had dipped into the slave master's stuff. He was tired of the gruel or whatever the fare the typical slave received. Somehow, it was nutritious and health as he hadn't lost an muscle mass and the slaves that were on it also seemed to be healthy and in excellent shape with it. Despite its nutrition value, the bland taste and poor texture more than made up for the seemingly perfect diet. Still, taste was actually vital for Joe to enjoy a meal and he splurged and enjoyed a good egg based breakfast.

He ate and actually finished rather quickly then waited till everyone seemed to have eaten before standing. Time to go, I guess. Joe stood and everyone around hushed, glancing at him before all stood to join him. Joe looked around the field, not in any nostalgia or loss now that he was leaving, but with a passionate hatred he found shocking. A few breaths later he was able to move and he turned. The people, especially the various support staff, had their belongings piled up and Joe noticed, nodding and arriving next to their pile before he opened the door to his space and walked in, beckoning after him for the others to bring their belongings.

It was quick work, and surprisingly, Joe still had a significant amount of space left, especially if he could start making shelves to take advantage of the upper reaches of his space but he put that off for another time and place. He took one last long sigh and glanced around after he left his space, allowing it to slide shut behind him.

"Right. One last thing, then we're out of here."

The crowd of people followed him off into the forest and at first, Joe was going to stop them but then shrugged and allowed it. They were all young and healthy, which made sense. Best product I guess… But even as he thought it, he struggled to keep the rage down. He'd always understood the reality of slavery from his education but it had always been a sterile topic, the cruelty of it comprehended logically, without emotion. But now, just the thought of it curdled his stomach, tensing it to nauseous levels and leaving him struggling to withhold the bitter rage that burned through him.

That rage left Joe silent, and the massive crowd of people following behind him, joyful in their merriment, quickly grew silent and tense. For Joe, this was normal. He'd always stalked the woods here alone, silent and cautious. It wasn't even that unusual for his time hunting back home with his father. But the crowds grew tense and the soldiers amongst them began glancing around into the woods without understanding why Joe remained silent. The continued on like this for a time until they reached the odd tree house construction that he'd made oh so long ago to save the first boy. None really saw it since Joe had hidden it pretty well and they weren't out searching for anything, but when Joe stopped and looked up, several surprised cries rang out followed by many whispers and curious questions.

Joe remained aloof, staring up at the tree house before sighing and stepping forward. Just a little bit… should be enough. His mind took over evaluating what power he needed, and just like he seemed to have some kind of instinctual knowledge of just how high to jump and just how much power was needed, he pumped mana into his being just a bit more than he thought he would need to make the leap up to the tree house a good twenty or so meters above him. About twenty yards… should be... half effort and full power? Half power at full effort… hmm… are they functionally the same?

Curiosity drove him so a quick experiment came to mind and he immediately tested. Two jumps later and it became pretty apparent that functionally, there were the same thing. He made it just about twenty five meters or so much, easily clearing the roof of the tree house above. Huh… but full effort at half power is probably the much better option… Joe mused to himself as he took in his MP levels. Granted, it effect his SP much more to go full effort and half power versus half effort and full MP power. But his stamina, and SP, recovered much more quickly than his MP did and he had much more personal stamina just from the fact he existed without it and still exercised his body religiously. That did beg the question in his own mind: Why was his SP so much quicker and faster than his MP? Was it really simply related to the effort he'd put into developing his body, and by definition his stamina, which extended, possibly, to his SP pool?

Joe's thoughts chewed on that even as he jumped one last time and caught the edge of the tree house, pulling himself into the entrance, mind whirling with possibilities. Need to really get my MP and exercise my personal mana and magical skills as well, then. Huh. Then… Even as his mind whirled through possibilities, mana erupted from him, spell formations formed, and mana points erupting their own mana spewed out, creating their own mana formations and mana constructs, all while orbiting around his body. Joe dove into his mana practice, unwilling to loose even a day.

* * *

Cassia felt chills running through her, both excitement at the possibility of one day doing the same herself even as fear twined its way around that excitement. Just one moment of pissing him off… A shuffle behind her had her turning back to see several of the more conniving of the women looking on with plans she knew she had to put a stop to. However, before she could turn to leave, Dulan softly breathed out.

"Don't think I could ever get used to that."

Klannard huffed in humor beside them, "You're a clanner now; so am I. We have to."

Cassia grinned at that, wide with glee, added her own whisper, "Yes. Yes we are, aren't we?"

The three glanced at one another, grins widening before all three laughed quietly before Cassia turned away. Time to speak with those two. Her glee turned to a grimace, a duty unwanted but with no small amount of bitterness as, to be very honest, she herself was deeply tempted to do the same. Only, she was at least wise enough to know she had no possible chance. Clanner beauty standards could not possibly be understood by the lowest.

* * *

Joe slithered into the tree house with caution, worry driving him but he wasn't foolish enough not to be cautious. Can't just leave the animal here… stuck in a tree. Obviously a burrower, so… hope the food was enough… that it didn't go bad… Joe felt a bit of guilt twist through him but then forgave himself although he never would excuse what he did.

He came in and paused, surprised to find the small tree house still in quite the good condition and clean for what it was. He almost thought it was abandoned as he found no scat on the floor anywhere until he suddenly heard the well-remembered hissing challenge of the badger cat creature. It floofed up as it had before, although not quite as much and Joe stared on as the thing stared at Joe. The two remained so until Joe took a step back.

"Well. What do I do with you? Seemed to have made a good home and certainly not starving."

His step back seemed to have calmed the badgercat. Badgercat? Catbadger? Which… huh… they both sound so cool! Heh. The thing still had its fur flared outward but it did seem to calm its hissing and watched on with complete focus. Joe frowned but made sure to keep his teeth covered. His eyes moved from the creature to look around the room once again and found it as good as it could be for an animal den. Joe grimaced. He wasn't any kind of vet nor zoologist. Is it zoologist? Or are those the people who work at zoos? Joe shook himself free from his distracting thoughts and looked at the creature again.

It looked fine. It looked more than fine, healthy even. None of the food he'd given the creature remained, not even scraps, which had Joe wondering at the things biology and feeding style. Like a snake? Gorges then rests for awhile? Would work with a burrow I guess? Although… could it get in after gorging? Or…

With that thought, Joe grew a bit concerned, "If you are a gorger, then you don't have any food left. You able to get out of here, big guy? Not sure you can. Burrowers not really known for climbing."

Joe fell silent for a bit before finally sighing, "Sorry about this, but I can't just leave you up here. Probably starve. Please don't get pissed!"

Mana flared and the thing reacted almost immediately, its floof rapidly flaring out in its own response as well but then slowed to almost frozen as the mana wave hit Joe's head and spun its way through his skull. Sound muted and dove dozens of octaves even as light dimmed slightly. Joe stepped forward very carefully to stand over the creature then with even greater caution, reached down to pick it up. That spear I threw… if I moved this catbadger at that speed… Joe dismissed the gory image that appeared in his head and very very carefully gathered the creature in his arms.

Even as he began to do so, mana flared around and through the entire creature and Joe grew concerned, but then calmed as he saw it seemed to reinforce the badgercat's body. Joe took a few moments to stare on in wonder but then shook himself free from the moment when his MP gauge caught his attention. Joe stifled an outcry and turned to what he'd intended to do.

He moved with steady and slow caution, carrying the creature from the corner it had placed itself into and back to the door before leaping out with an over-abundance of caution. He'd wanted to hop off, but realized a tiny hop in this infused state would probably be way too many G's so went more for a drop off the edge to land on the bank of the river below. Not too far… and I can bend my knees and roll. That'll protect the badgercat from any of that.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Gravity took effect so very slowly, Joe hanging in space for several moments before he finally began to feel like he was actually falling. It was the strangest sensation to just float through the air. Even the fall felt more like a floating sensation and the several minute fall, subjective time, left Joe very bored by the end of it.

Luckily, or unluckily, the badgercat was now starting to respond to its abduction and claws were coming out to snag at clothing or skin several times throughout the fall, and he had to shift its position several times, very cautiously and very slowly. When they hit the ground, it was almost too easy to easy the fall with bent knees and a careful roll onto his back. The fall and roll took almost as long as well and it was with a bit of an impatient sigh that Joe finally released the badgercat onto the ground beside him before standing and stepping away a good half a dozen steps before turning to face the badgercat and dropping his infused state. He couldn't help but glance at his MP as he did so, nor could he help the small smile appear on his face as he'd only used about ten or so percent of his MP. Nice…

Time snapped back into existence even as sound and movement returned to the world around him with an abrupt clarity that was rather shocking. The cries of the people who'd followed him reminded him that he was not alone, but he ignored it all, watching the badgercat with caution. The badgercat seemed quite put out, and almost as confused. It hissed, staring around in shock before locking its gaze upon him for a time. The two held a stare off even as the people behind him calmed but turned to whispered wonder and confusion. Joe ignored them.

The badgercat hissed for several more moments before backing away cautiously and Joe let it, backing away as well.

"Sorry about that, but now … well… you won't starve."

They held their gazes for a time even as Joe walked backwards before the badgercat suddenly flipped on itself in a shocking display of agility and speed and Joe just saw it disappearing into the bushes behind it. That… was fast! Joe remained where he was for a time before feeling calm return and he stood fully up while still backing away.

"Well. That was that. Let's head out now. Time to get out of here before any authorities come."

* * *

Dulan remained frozen, staring at where the eccentric had fallen. His strange behavior seemed a bit more strange than average, even for an eccentric, but when the skeelt suddenly faced off against the eccentric, Dulan found himself confused until it vanished into the depths of the woods at a speed that was shocking. Dulan glanced over at Klannard with shock. Klannard looked back, as disbelieving. Neither said anything but were grateful the eccentric had been there to deal with the animal. Shock slithered across the whole crowd, but when the eccentric called for them to go, all did so with quiet hushed movements and no small amount of fear. Klannard glanced back at him, mouthing an unsounded question.

Mana Beast? Klannard mouthed clearly, although no sound nor whisper escaped his lips.

Dulan nodded, certain of what he'd seen. Both frowned, Klannard gritting teeth before both turned to look at the eccentric, following behind. Neither wanted to be anywhere near the beast. That would be a death sentence.

* * *

A pair of eyes glowed, watching on and thoughtful. More of the others followed after the other. Strange creatures, upright on two legs. Not all the same, somehow, yet all the same, somehow. The eyes glanced across the creatures before it and dismissed all of them. None of them were a concern. But the other was the scary one, and the eyes watched, wonder and confusion at why the other had released it.

But it also wondered what else it could learn from the other. It had already learned an amazing skill from watching the others power. Hunting was easy now. So very easy. It watched, eyes glowing. It watched, then shifted and moved to keep an eye on it once again, then watched some more.

* * *

The return back to camp proved actually quite difficult, his collar no longer giving him the sense of direction he'd gotten used to. He almost got lost, but was able to fumble his way back, his many explorations of the forest proving useful. Once he was certain of his way back, the true walk to return to his nominal home began and he started feeling exhilarated as he knew he was returning home. It wasn't so much for the others as they remained hushed for a time until they returned to the camp, confused. Confusion turned to excitement and joy when Joe continued on, leading them out the only exit. A couple of questions from Dulan and Klannard revealed his intent to leave and the joy swept down the long line of people following behind. Joe grinned himself, reveling in that joy.

And for a time, everyone was ecstatic and excited. It didn't last long as the journey necessary soon dampened the shouts and over the top festivities but in the end, nothing could truly squash the joy of freedom and the soon return home. It took a lot longer than Joe realized, the march taking almost the entire day before they finally made it to the city walls. Huh… guess my memories pretty bad… it did take almost half a day on the cart... Joe glanced back at the large crowd following them, many of them children, and Joe stifled a sigh. He couldn't really be that angry, especially since they were already at the city.

Getting into the city was a pain, one Joe didn't relish at all and one that almost pushed him past any kind of polite interaction. Klannard and Dulan proved their worth, however, dividing the children up amongst various couple like groups. Joe wasn't sure he understood, but the kids got in free, or relatively free, if they entered with their parents. Still, the cost was exorbitant and left Joe fuming, sucking out a large amount of his liquid wealth. Gonna have to sell some of my cores. Hmm… gotta talk about where were going next, I guess.

Joe remained to the side, something that Klannard, Dulan, and Cassia insisted upon, only asking him to hide his slave collar if he could. That seemed to be the trick, as the guards very warily tried to not watch him but seemed to be hyper aware of his presence. Klannard and Dulan both worked to get the entire group inside the city walls and then found himself frozen with uncertainty when he realized there was no inn of any kind in the city that could handle several dozens of people. Dulan and Klannard again proved their mettle and promised to care for the people. The cost, however, proved worryingly low, even less than half the cost of entering the city itself.

"Are you sure this is enough?"

Klannard nodded, "It should be enough for their night."

Joe frowned, "And their food?"

"And food," Dulan nodded quickly.

Joe paused at that, then sought clarity, "Will they have a good night's sleep and good food?"

"Absolutely, Joe," Klannard replied.

Joe chewed on a lip, twisting them before continuing, "Well, here's double. Make sure they have a good meal and sleep. In fact, here's even more. Make sure they have reasonable clothing and they're able to handle any weather changes. We'll have to go to other planets, anyway."

* * *

Klannard nodded, hiding his shock behind a quick bow of his head as he accepted the cash. As he turned to get the people housed, he found himself frowning in confusion. Why would they need to concern themselves with weather… on the differing planes? He didn't mull on it long. There was a reason they were called eccentrics, and if the man was willing to spend his money, he wouldn't say no. He passed the duty onto several of his people and Dulan's, making sure to mix in a rounded group.

"And don't save any of the money for yourselves! Get the people what the eccentric demands."

The group quickly nodded, preparing to head out when one of them called out, "Where should we meet."

Klannard replied pretty easily, "The inn."

His man nodded and turned away, Dulan's men questioning him in confusion about what 'the inn' was but he was unconcerned. His men would know and lead them back. They would return to their normal inn they stayed in when visiting the city. It would simply be the easiest. He turned his attention back to the eccentric, ready to be of service.

* * *

Joe watched the group of men head off, leading the large crowd and found himself at a loss for what to do next. They had a plan: deal with the sacrificial kids, the halflings, free Cassia and Dulan, and finally pick up any of the people who wanted to bring their families along. That thought had him figuring he needed to setup a plan as well. The kids pulled at his heart the most as they seemed to be in the direst of situations and when Klannard returned, he continued their conversation.

"So, we need to figure out things about the kids, the halflings and I want to understand how the slavery system is set up here. Where do you think that would be best done?"

"Well, for the kids and halflings, we can check with the slave guild, but we'd have to get their fast. They'll likely close soon."

"And general set up?"

"I can give you that. I wouldn't recommend asking too many questions like that of the slave guild. It's a good way to get unwanted attention."

Joe acknowledged and nodded, "Then lead the way."

Klannard bowed his head quickly, and turned to the rest of the men, "Head to the inn. Lead the rest of Dulan's and Cassia's people and show them the inn as well. We will meet there for evening meal."

"Sir," the guards replied with propriety while the ex-slaves simply waved in a lackadaisical manner before turning and heading off down the street.

Klannard led Joe, Cassia, and Dulan in just about the opposite direction but it turned out both the inn and the slave guild were in the same open square, just on opposite sides of it. They arrived rather quickly and Klannard led the way in. As they headed in, Klannard spoke out softly.

"If you would, I'll ask of the halflings and the children for you."

Joe nodded, "That's fine."

Klannard seemed taken aback by Joe's easy acceptance, so continued after an awkward pause, "You can ask any questions I fail to ask."

"Thank you, Klannard."

They entered and Joe looked around in interest, but kept his curiosity dim, not wishing to reveal too much. Klannard stepped forward.

"We come for questions, receptionist."

The person manning the reception glanced up, then smiled, "Ah. Klannard. Good to see you."

Klannard smiled in reply, warm to see the person but Joe seemed to notice the brittle nature of his emotions, "And you. I never learned your name."

"You have no need of… oh! Uncollared. Interesting," the receptionist's reply turned from warm and cordial to a bit odd, the twist easily revealed as a surprise.

Klannard's grin grew much more real at this, even feral, "Hmm. My new master felt I was deserving of a reward," he replied while waving towards Joe.

"Ilyelanralo sold you?" the person replied with discomfort while turning a glance at Joe before suddenly straightening slightly and offering a subtle bow, "Oh! An eccentric. It is good to see you, mighty one. Do you seek other excellent workmanship?"

Klannard cut in, speaking for Joe and Joe found himself feeling a bit relieved that Klannard did so, "He seeks the children of Ilyelanralo, and the halflings."

The person paused at that, an eyebrow rising, "Ilyelanralo's children and halflings?"

Klannard nodded but said nothing.

"They are Ilyelanralo's," the person spoke flatly, but Joe noticed the hint of greed on the man's face but that brought a question to Joe's mind.

"Ilyelanralo owns all the children and halflings?" Joe interjected.

That brought the man up short with a small bitter quirk of his lips, "No. Such are not entirely his."

Joe nodded but said nothing, allowing Klannard to take over the conversation again.

"If you seek not Ilyelanralo's children, we only have three available. Ilyelanralo has dibs on his quarterly twenty. The halflings are much more readily available."

Klannard glanced up at Joe, obviously not having anywhere else to continue the conversation so Joe stepped in once again, "So where do you source the halflings?"

"There village is under guild purview."

Joe nodded, attempting to accept this as normal, "They own a single village."

"Yes, we do."

Joe paused, then replied, "I would like to purview all my options."

The person seemed surprised at that but then quickly nodded, "Of course, sir. Such a thing can be easily accomplished. We will send a man to…"

Klannard interrupted, "I know of the way. I will guide my lord."

The receptionist paused at that, gulped, nodded, then finally replied, "Certainly. That is acceptable."

"Third plane, fourth ring, correct?" Klannard verified.

"Yes. Exactly, Klannard," the receptionist offered.

The receptionist seemed to be preparing to say something more, but Joe didn't really want to spend too much longer in the building so interrupted him, "And the children?"

"Ah. The children. They are locally sourced."

Joe blinked at hearing this, the market lingo used to describe children and their lives screaming in defiance of everything Joe found acceptable and he struggled to maintain his calm in the face of rising anger.

"Locally… sourced," Joe replied, biting of his question with a bitter snap.

The receptionist understood Joe's concern very wrongly and replied quickly, "Ah! Of course. All legally and above board. I assure you. No theft or kidnapping of any kind."

Joe struggled to keep his face neutral, small twitches spiking across the muscles of his face, "Legal. How?"

The receptionist quickly bowed his head and smiled, seeming excited to explain how the slave guild was ethical in its slaving practices, "They are purchased from the local whores, children from failed protection spells. It's another extra way for the whores to make money. We take them in and train them, prepare them, for their future for their masters."

The receptionist smiled brilliantly at the explanation even as Joe's brain short circuited, struggling to comprehend what was happening, "They are sold to be ki… given to Ilyelanralo?"

"Many of them are. Some few are taken in by those who seek children. Others raised to be perfect servants in various households. Ilyelanralo takes a small portion of what we offer."

Joe found himself stuck, uncertain how to respond in any reasonable way. The halfling village was something he felt like he could deal with; offer a resolution to. But this was so much further above what he could comprehend. Ilyelanralo was taking about eighty or a hundred kids a year, and he was a small portion of what the slave guild was trading.

It wasn't like he could take the kids now and it would stop the problem. In fact, if he did do something, it would likely make the situation even worse, if he comprehended what was going on. At least I took care of Ilyelanralo's part of the problem, but… I can't tell them that. Ilyelanralo definitely didn't stop by here. His command would allow him to so I don't want to say anything else to give things away, but…

Joe spent another few moments digging further into the children's situation before ultimately calling it a night and walking away. He did pause and reconsider, turning back to look at the receptionist.

"How many children do you have right now?"

"About a thousand."

Joe struggled to hide his shock, even as his mind blanked at finding any solution, simply continuing despite the numbing impossibility set before him, "And ages?"

"The majority are quite young, at one or two years age; maybe eight or even nine hundred. The rest are at three years of age and finally we have maybe ten of the ages after that; four to fourteen years."

"How many four year olds?"

"Hmm. Give me a moment," the man's eyes glazed over as he lost himself into thought somehow and dove into his records before regaining his focus and turning to Joe, "Only one, at the moment. The next youngest is ten. The rest… another," his eyes glazed again before snapping back into focus, " eleven are, of course, aged between ten and fourteen."

"So twelve total?"

The receptionist quickly nodded, "Yes, eccentric."

Joe nodded then spoke, "Have them sent to my inn. I will purchase them."

At least I can do this for them… but… He struggled to hide his distraught sorrow and turned away. He didn't notice Klannard begin to negotiate with the receptionist, nor did he notice Klannard subtly insult the receptionist when Klannard chose to completely ignore the person's name.

The bargaining was rapid and completed quickly and when Klannard asked for the coin, Joe thought little of it as he handed over the price to the ex-guard. Even the walk back to the inn was spent in retrospection, and Joe lost himself in thought, struggling to find a way, but ultimately finding himself stuck.

If I close the camp down, the kids will all probably be tossed on the street; go hungry, cold and die. Just like Garnede… Joe's teeth clenched then quickly unclenched as he forced himself on … Just like Garnedell, living under the bridge. Can't really shut down the thing cause the kids will keep coming… and it seems the majority of the kids are getting placed somewhere, even if… Joe worried the placements were going to be very unpleasant, but then given the realities of the cold street and starvation, any placement as probably better than being ignored on the street. Of course…better if they stayed home… but I'm assuming the whore's would just dump them… if they're already willing to sell them for quick cash…

Shut it all down… lots of dead and starving kids. Buy all of them now… more come later. Buy them all in preptuity? Could I even do that? How could I? Even if I could, how do I get a thousand kids home even when I am here AND I have a good fifty or sixty people with me… No way we could take care of a THOUSAND kids! That's … twenty per person! And we still have the twenty kids I saved from the last round… so… more like another ten per adult… thirty one and two year olds per adult! How! Just… how!

An orphanage would be… that would be the thing, but…

"Klannard? Dulan? Cassia? Do you know what an orphanage is?"

The three looked at each other, confusion reigning on their faces before all three replied something along the lines of: "Is there such a thing?"

Joe sighed and turned away, having gotten his answer. Yay the translation works… but… Even if I set the thing up… I can't run it… not even manage it. Need someone hear to keep an eye on things, the report it all back to me… and if it's here, then it's… going to be a LOT of places… Need someone I can trust… and a way to get the wealth for it. Yeah, cores are a good start but if I spend them at the speed I'd need to to support such a massive thing… I'll just devalue them to nothing. Gotta… figure out a way to get the money first…

Guilt and worry warred with common sense and Joe found himself unable to find any meaningful answer. No matter what, there would be problems. There just wasn't enough infrastructure or man power under Joe's purview to make a reasonable dent in the problem. He could fix some of the problems with the older kids. But… for all of them…

Joe was quiet walking back to the inn, the others respectful of his desire to be silent although they seemed to converse with bubbling enjoyment with whispered soft tones. The other men and women joined in with them at the inn even as Joe's mind worried the problem, and remained silent. Long into the night, his people celebrated, and Joe chewed on his lip, frustrated at his helplessness but also unwilling to really let it go. But maybe… for now…

* * *

Gwenvair stood on the balcony of her extremely modest home, staring out over the small village her husband had suggested. It was so small, and in the moments of honesty, she found it a bit disappointing. But she would trust Joe and follow his lead. However, those thoughts were far from her at this moment for it was the first time in an incredibly long time that she felt Joe satisfied; happy. Purpose had returned to him and there was a sense of certainty that had been missing for almost a year. Nine long months of pain and still she was uncertain of what had happened. If things were normal, she would have believed he'd been captured and forced by his slavery, but he'd resisted her brother with ease; denying him to his face and walking out of the room with such strength her entire clan had cowered before him.

That betrayal still stung, and her gaze fell to her mother laboriously working a small garden to the side. Her mother betrayed, crippled, and cast out. And she, too, sold as a slave. Her mother and her were both grateful beyond bounds for what Joe had done for them, and so it was with a sense of peace and anticipation that she was able to stare out across their new clan hold, small and meaningless as it likely would be.

Bitterness swelled slightly but was easily put aside; the freedom she'd gained and a second chance was not something so easily ignored. She turned her thoughts from the past and gazed out upon the small village of Lakeside. Many changes had come to it, surprising and powerful if leveraged well, but not something such a small place without connections would be able to easily do. They were weak, despite Joe's apparent strength. The rest of the clans would only accept that when seen. But even so, personal strength only went so far. He could never leave the area if the only strength he had to rely on was his own.

This did not even take into account the lack of connections nor the fact that they were now a disgraced splinter clan with no oversight or connection to any of the greater clans. And it was very unlikely any would take them under their wing simply because the clan hold, an entire city, was still relatively intact and a useful source of income, resources, and man power. The only option she could think of was to sell themselves to the clan's rivals, or their overlord's rivals. That seemed a very poor option in light of the likely results and for now, what little she could get from the city, her brother still didn't even know she'd escaped, nor did he care. He'd seen his path to remove a rival and gain wealth and took it.

It should have been obvious, her brother taken in by their clan overlord, would have been the approved heir, but her clan had done well for millennia, maintaining their independence and choosing their heir. It was their right, but few could wade the paths of power and maintain what little freedom they had under the control of their overlords.

In the chaos to flee the city, so many were lost to the wilds; the sacking of the clan and to a lesser extent, the wealthy of the inner city, left few concerned about the roiling peasants of the outer city, so many of which fled to the wilds to escape. There was none there would could withstand the rogue cultivators and powers who came to steal what they could in the aftermath. Her and her mother had flown too close, and now they suffered the consequences.

But, they had also escaped relatively unscathed. The setback was massive, but the possibilities were still breath taking, if her husband was willing to lead them all upon his back. Before, she'd had something to offer him, albeit weak and meaningless to what he was used to: her clan and city. Now, it would be likely that he would abandon them all, but for herself and his wives, leading them back to his clan home. Gwenvair stifled the sigh of bitterness, but also refused to allow her hope to flare. Only a fool would stay.

Still, Gwenvair did her best to prepare and despite the knowledge and likely outcome, she prepared what she could. Maybe his clan would consider at least a small outpost! The small village had almost quadrupled in numbers, new buildings rising and changes occurring everywhere. They had almost everything they needed of the basics, and were blessed even with many of the artisans and craftsmen. Her people had done well to bring along those who would remain loyal to her and the clan. They were even doubly blessed when the dwarven smith Metalgrapple had shockingly shown up. She still couldn't believe that a Metalgrapple, Thamnerlum at that, was beholden to her husband. She'd been quick to bind him to Joe and only hoped Joe could find some way to keep the man here along with his brother and daughter.

What had shocked her more than that, however, was that the village blacksmith had known Thamnerlum personally, and she had significantly reevaluated the status of Kargallen, the village smith. That evaluation had been reinforced by the simple fact that Thamnerlum had refused to interact with any of the clanner blacksmiths that had come with them. Granted, the majority of the best had remained behind with her brother, and the master smith of the clan. Joe's conflict and resulting embarrassment of the smith didn't help; all the smiths of the clan siding with their own rather than an outsider that would embarrass them.

Still, a village smith that had the respect of a Metalgrapple, and Thamnerlum no less, was to be considered very carefully, although she was never able to learn much of the man. Both the village smith and the dwarf remained mum about their relationship refusing to speak of it.

But aside from that conundrum, the village was booming. New homes and buildings had risen, greatly expanding the village center into a full-fledged town. Even now, walls were being considered and a simple wooden wall of spiked tree trunks was in the works for completion. It would require some time, but hopefully be started shortly. The farmers were placated and their fields paid for, a choice Gwenvair found odd but was certain Joe would approve of when she consulted his spirit. His spirit seemed rather insistent of such, in fact.

Communing with Joe's spirit was a struggle. There was something difficult in understanding the man. He was alien in such an inextricable way that she struggled, many times, to understand him. At times, what he desired seemed to flicker between two things, or even three, and she struggled to understand. But this had been rather easy to parse; a certain expectation of how to treat others. There seemed to be an acceptance of expediency, but in this situation, his spirit was adamant to tree the farmers much better than she was used to.

So, their land was purchased and the farms pushed further back into the surrounding forests. This actually proved a boon, as clearing the woods was vital to maintain their source of food, but in so doing, the materials needed to develop the lands were also procured. It wasn't stone, something she was used to, but the log and wood homes proved cozy, in their own way. The farmers continued maintaining the fields even as the surrounding forests were cleared out under the farmers' guidance. Then, when the planting of the new fields had completed, the old fields were harvested then converted to new buildings after the harvest. Logs were brought in and piled up across the various fields and locations as building after building rose with rapid speed. A few fallow fields, lost due to farmers moving away or losing their farming class adult, allowed for immediate dormitories to be built up temporarily. Those farms were also paid for, and a new field cut out of the forests for them. Joe's spirit had been insistent.

But, the end results seemed to speak for themselves. Despite the upheaval, the farmers seemed rather happy, and the people on the whole satisfied. Or, that was the case until about a month ago, when the village smith had somehow suddenly grown cold. She hadn't known why, and her attempts to understand were met with gruff rebuffs bordering on the rude. Despite her kindness as a clanner, she might have found herself willing to take on the less desirable traits of her fellow clansman and retaliated. Normally, she'd assume it was due to all the competition, but having the backing of a Metalgrapple, even sharing a smithy with one, made that issue moot. Everyone, even her own clan, were willing to leave their clansman smiths in a bind at the hopes of gaining the work of a Metalgrapple. And any smith that had the approval of a Metalgrapple was almost as wanted, often just as busy as any Metalgrapple since there were only so many hours in the day.

She could only hope the man would grow more satisfied in time.

* * *

Kargallen grumbled as he worked his forge. Normally, he would be ecstatic from all the new people in the village. And he had been. And for the business, he was. But he wasn't one that enjoyed being used. Granted, he himself hadn't been used, but the village itself was. It was an unpleasant feeling.

The people who'd come, all good. Except for maybe one… Kargallen glanced over at Thamnerlum Metalgrapple who worked with ease, the metal shaping under his guidance in a way that was always mesmerizing for any smith. The work of a Metalgrapple was incredible. And Thamnerlum only added to the skill. Kargallen sighed, not especially annoyed with Thamnerlum. He'd done his best, but dwarves were dwarves.

"You've been chewin' iron and spittin' nails nigh on two weeks now. What has yur forge drafted cold that ye be campin' in it 'stead of usin' it?"

Kargallen stopped, looking towards Thamnerlum, "You have little to speak of. Dwarves invented chewing iron and you be… are the king o' it … of it yourself!"

Thamnerlum guffawed, a sharp bark of a laugh, "Can't rid yurself o' the lingo!"

"Bah! All of you speak like ye… you haven't learned proper Common!"

"Why should we?" Thamnerlum suddenly spoke with a clarity that was jarring, "It's a waste of time to add all the ridiculous extra words when there is too much work to do, too much iron to forge, and mythril in our dreams!"

It was a common saying amongst dwarven kind, but the time he'd spent there learning under the dwarves, even from Thamnerlum himself, he'd learned to subvert it rather bluntly, "You dream of mythril. I'll dream of palladium!"

"Bah!" Thamnerlum replied, bluntly with some heat, but a smile curved just the edge of his lips hidden by the beard that flowed full around his mouth flush up against his nose, "That is fantasy, not a dream."

Kargallen's smile grew, "It's the only dream I truly desire. Besides, you've worked mythril already!"

Thamnerlum snapped his gaze at Kargallen with narrowed eyes and a hint of real anger, "Only once!"

Kargallen's smile turned wistful with a hint of bitter, "At least you have."

Thamnerlum's anger vanished, face calming as he stared at Kargallen for a time before grunting and returning to his iron, "That… that is true."

The two fell into silence for a time, the only sound the noise of thudding hammer against anvil, both even falling into a counterpoint with one another easily. This allowed both to hear their own iron, but did not slow their work. There was a certain camaraderie in being able to hear the other's iron, and so they fell into the silent rhythm with an old ease and a joy.

Kargallen interrupted, "Besides, I need to up you at least in one area."

"Bah! You yung uns… c' never just e'joy de peace! Can ya?" Thamnerlum replied grumpily, but there was a hint of humor in it as well even as he slipped back into the speech, and they returned to silence.

Neither had even stopped hammering in the exchange, and they remained silent this time for a good half a Great Bell, the time slide by and the work completing with ease, even as the iron flowed like silk under their masterwork. Thamnerlum allowed Kargallen his space for a time before he interrupted once more.

"Still waitin'. What's wi' the chewed iron?"

Kargallen sighed deeply again, sighed once more, then spoke. It came out brief, blunt, and harsh, just the way the dwarves preferred it. Thamnerlum listened on for a time, nodding along but careful to hear what was said. When the story ended however, it took a rather surprising turn, and the two fell silent for a time until Thamnerlum finally responded.

"Seems t' be … not the man I know."

Kargallen grimaced, a bit bitter, "He sucks you in. Seems good. Then…"

Thamnerlum remained silent for a time before replying, "Ye' know why I'm here?"

Kargallen grunted, saying nothing for a few heartbeats before replying, "Figured you'd tell me when yer ready."

Thamnerlum huffed in reply, both falling silent until he began his story in turn. He spoke of the despair of his daughter, the soon loss that would come as she was cursed. Kargallen had been shocked and worried, immediately responding with concern until Thamnerlum waved him off and pointed out his daughter was there with them, even then. Kargallen calmed at that, but then grew curious.

"How? The poison… there's no cure, least as I know."

Thamnerlum nodded, continuing his story but careful to enunciate as what he wished to pass on to Kargallen was important; he was a good friend, "Not certain myself. But the man found the cure, guess one of his own was poisoned the same. But when all was said 'n done, ye' know how much the man made selling the cure?"

Kargallen grimaced, grunting in acknowledgement before sighing, accepting both the need and reality of a person being paid for good work well done, "Well, he's greedy. Must have cost you yur fortune. 'tis the only way I can see as to how you are here."

Thamnerlum said nothing to that, simply smiling wide enough that Kargallen could see it, even if he never lifted his gaze from the iron he was working. Kargallen noticed, then grew curious, but respected the dwarven forge enough to remain silent, returning to his own work, hammering in careful counter sync to Thamnerlum's. He only need to wait till the man was ready.

Thamnerlum let the moment sink in, pushing the boundaries of propriety even by dwarven standards before he spoke again, "He got nothin' as he gave the cure for free. All clans, people, and temples know it. And I be here not for the cost of the cure, not as you see it. I owe the man a life debt."

That froze Kargallen, his strikes, for the first time in decades, out of sync and failing to match the rhythm of those in the forge. The idea the work was given for free slammed home against his image of the man, and warred with it. It made sense. Everything the man had done was quite kind. But then… why would he leave… Kargallen sighed, cutting off his thoughts. He obviously felt different from the dwarf. A dwarf willing to go into life debt; this was not an easy or regular occurrence. And one he knew personally.

Kargallen's swings had stopped, but Thamnerlum still hammered on with equanimity, unbothered by Kargallen's faux pas. He saw his calm continued swings and Kargallen dug back into his memories and spent a careful moment reevaluating his conclusions. The memory of what Joe had done really was in stark contrast to the last. But Kargallen struggled to find a reasonable explanation that would exonerate the man. Still, it was enough for him to reconsider, just a bit. Maybe… when he comes back…

* * *

It watched the scary one slip into the large burrow for all the strange two legs, curious.