Prologue cont.

Heinz returned with an even older man behind him. The man was approaching his eighties, yet he still had a kind twinkle in his eyes.

"Mr. Ward, this is Ryzer. He matches nearly all of your requirements, aside from being in perfect health."

Ward leaned in, his eyes scanning Ryzer. The young man could only nod lightly.

"Greetings, young man. I've been informed of your situation, and you do in fact check off my requirements. You are young, human and seemingly respectful and kind. According to Heinz, you have dealt with a fair deal of issues in your time since you were sold. Young man, I'd like to ask instead of force it upon you. May I buy you, with your freedom in mind?"

Ryzer felt his mouth fall open. He was no longer accustomed to someone speaking with so much kindness, nor respect. Ward looked towards Heinz.

"Is something wrong with him?"

Heinz had a small smile.

"This young man is quite scarred, emotionally. Even I hadn't heard him speak in three years, aside from his small mumbling from earlier. I believe he will break free of that shell in your care, Mr. Ward."

Ward placed a hand on Ryzer's head.

"I'll buy you, young man. We can go over all of the details later. Mr. Heinz?"

The two elderly men went to the door, discussing price.

--

"This is my home, now yours as well."

Ryzer stood behind Ward, his dark eyes glancing up at the simple, yet cozy building before him. The area was in a quiet part of the capital, decently far from the guild. Ryzer had a soft smile.

"You're a decently good looking lad when you're smiling. Enjoy your time here, for it will last a while."

Ryzer entered behind Ward, his eyes lighting up. The warmth that enveloped him was something he wasn't expecting.

"She may not be much, but this is my home. Ah, I believe I was told of a letter you wrote once. I know it would embarrass him, but Heinz took a look at your letter. He would have sent it out, but the words stopped him. Your dearest friend... I am sorry that you are unable to speak with her. I hope that shall change, someday."

Ryzer felt a little gloomy as he finally spoke to his new Master.

"She... is much stronger than she thinks, Master."

Ward turned and smirked over his shoulder.

"None of that now. Call me Gramps whenever you're comfortable with it. It's what I called my own Grandfather, and my damnable children won't be having children any time soon."

Ryzer felt his lip twitch upwards once more.

"I'll do that then, Gramps."

Ward began to laugh loudly, a true guffaw. He pointed to the nearby stairs.

"Upstairs, you'll find our rooms. You have the right, I have the left. Let's go ahead and go over what you'll be doing in your time here."

--

'It's been a few days, and I can talk to Gramps pretty easily now. The problem is public... he sent me to grab ingredients for dinner. Three tomatoes... two potatoes.'

Ryzer looked at the small slip of paper he had been given. Easily putting a nobleman to shame, Ward's handwriting was near artworthy.

His eyes peeked from under his hood. There was a large crowd ahead of him, leaving Ryzer feeling small as he approached a stand with potatoes and tomatoes.

'Lucky me. Only need to deal with one vendor.'

He had a tiny smile as he glanced upwards. Behind the counter, a semi-muscular build emerged. Ryzer stared for a moment before nearly slamming his face down. The build was a rather tall woman, her chest bound tightly in bandages.

"Hey there, kiddo! Whatcha buyin?"

Her voice was energetic and kind, leaving Ryzer feeling awkward.

'I'm eighteen... I know I'm small.'

Lifting his tiny note in one hand, as well a few silver coins in the other, Ryzer peeked upwards. The girl was stunning, causing him to blush as she leaned forward. She slipped the note from his fingers, giving it a casual glance.

"Uh huh... good thing I was taught to read. Cat got your tongue, kiddo?"

Before he could respond, Ryzer felt his feet lift off from the ground. A strong grip held his arm, twisting and wrenching it.

"You little prick! You come here to use my money on this little whore?!"

Ryzer's eyes flew open wide as he heard the large man yelling, his flailing causing him to slip free and crash down on his leg. He grit his teeth as a shadow covered his body.

"You dare, slave?! That little runt needs to be punished for stealing!"

The street was crowded with onlookers, yet no one interfered. Many seemed to agree, scorning Ryzer.

"Can't believe you slaves can still protect criminals! You should just go back and spread your legs for your Master!"

Ryzer attempted to get to his feet, his leg buckling. He fell forward, bumping into the woman that stood over him. She jumped, shoving him backwards.

"Oh! W-wait..."

She reached for her collar, leaving everyone confused. Kneeling down, she pulled back Ryzer's hood. Her short white hair and silver-black eyes gave her a softer look on her angular face. Sprouting from between her bangs, a pair of dark brown spike-like horns stood. She reached down, her fingers slightly touching Ryzer's own.

"He's a slave, a human one at that. Care to explain?"

Her glare was strong as she helped Ryzer stand. She looked down.

"Sorry, kiddo."

Ryzer sighed softly, his voice mouselike.

"You're barely older than me."

The oni didn't hear him, her eyes trying to focus on the man that vanished into the crowd. They all stood silent as they went back to their daily activities, ignoring the pair of slaves. Taking Ryzer in her arms, she disappeared inside of alleyway. She placed him down, sitting him against the wall as she checked his wounds. Her calm demeanor gone.

"Shit, shit, shit! How the hell do I explain this to someone that bought a human slave?! Not to mention a child! Dammit!"

Ryzer brushed her hand away, his patience broken.

"Cut it out! Gramps won't punish you. Also, I'm NOT a child! I'm eighteen."

The oni shut her mouth, her eyes opening a little wider.

"F-forgive me!"

Rolling his eyes, Ryzer grabbed her hand.

"You've done no wrong. I'm not mad at you."

He gave her a small smile, calming her down a little.

"Can you do me the favor of... well, can you carry me home or to the slave trader? Mr. Heinz has a few healers in his employ."

The oni took a moment before shaking her head.

"I'll take you to the temple! An acquaintance owes me a favor! Erm... how should I address you? Kiddo is out... I'm only three years older than you. Hehe."

She was alarmingly beautiful to Ryzer, her shyness making it all the more powerful.

"Ahem. My name is Ryzer. And hey, we're on even footing. Be casual."

Unknown to him, the smile he gave her left a mark on her heart.

--

"All the way here... and I realized two things. Miss Oni, you never gave me your name."

Her soft eyes seemed a little stunned.

"Ah. I'm so used to being called oni or slave. I'm Nora, an Earth Oni. What's the other thing?"

Ryzer let his hand fall onto his face.

"You're cute, but you're an airhead. The shop!"

Ryzer could almost swear that Nora had been poisoned. The sickened look on her face was filled with terror.

"Ah, um, shit! Just tell them I sent you! I need to get back. That lady is scary when she gets mad!"

Her abrupt disappearance left Ryzer stunned for a moment. Chuckling under his breath, he slowly made his way to the temple entrance.

"You there! Disgusting, lowly ant! Move aside!"

Ryzer turned his head and rolled his eyes. A pretty boy, followed by two enslaved dog girls, came closer. His sneer was that of the privileged.

"Did you not here me!? Dispose of him!"

The two girls were thrust forward, their clothing shifting heavily. Their raglike clothing left them barely covered, leaving nothing to the imagination. They were covered in scars, some not even healed properly.

"Excuse me, you were with Nora, correct? Come with me. Mr. Nico, you are no longer welcome here. You have harmed your belongings too often. We will no longer accept your donations."

The voice came from behind Ryzer. A thin, beautiful elven woman was there. She began to turn away, Nico gritting his teeth.

"Come now, Aya! Don't be so harsh! Girls, get rid of him. I want some time with Aya."

The two beastkin didn't move, slightly twitching as they hesitated.

"W-we c-can't, M-Master."

Nico went red in the face, throw his fists at both of his slaves.

'Their collars... they have a Permanent Contract. I can't intervene.'

Ryzer looked away, his collar making noise.

"Ah. He's a slave! Child, get away from Aya. You're not my opponent."

Ryzer winced as his leg tried to give out, stumbling towards Aya.

"Hmm? Ah!"

She quickly knelt, catching Ryzer and holding him against her chest.

'I'm being treated like a child again.'

Ryzer attempted to move away, only to feel her hold him tighter.

"Careful. You're hurt, sweetie."

Ryzer could only huff to himself as he leaned on her.

'May as well make use of her support. I'm still hurting.'

Nico's mouth fell open. He opened his hand, muttering to himself. Before he could finish his muttering, a guard stepped forward.

"Mr. Nico, you are in town. Please refrain from using magic, especially against someone else's property."

Aya began to lead Ryzer towards the church, Nico shouting at the guard as he halted his advances. Ryzer followed for only a few minutes before she led him into a side room. She had him sit, followed by showing her where he was injured.

"So, how did you meet that silly Oni?"

Aya had a soft smile as she looked at Ryzer. He sighed a little before speaking.

"I've only just met her today. She made the same mistake that you are making."

Aya's soft gaze became troubled.

"How old do you think I am?"

"Thirteen or fourteen?"

Ryzer laughed to himself.

"I'm eighteen, Ms. Aya."

The elf turned pale as she knelt her head, hands clasped. Her voice was barely a whisper as she prayed. Concerned, Ryzer touched her hands. She looked up, her smile slightly returning.

"Forgive me, just a habit I grew accustomed to. I pray for forgiveness, rather than asking those I offend. Thus creating another offense, or confusion. Forgive me."

Ryzer nodded as Aya placed her hands over his leg and arm.

"I'm actually a year younger than you, so I'm incredibly embarrassed."

Ryzer noticed that she avoided his eyes as she whispered the chant for her spell. Before long, a soft green light began to wash over Ryzer's body.

--

"Welcome back, Ryzer! How was your trip?"

Having taken much longer than necessary, Ryzer felt a little conflicted by the warm greeting he had received.

"I ran into a little trouble, Gramps. B-but don't be worried! Two kind people helped me out."

Ward simply smiled as he welcomed Ryzer into their home.

"Go ahead and relax. We can cook together in a few."

Ryzer sat on a stool nearby, watching as Ward busied himself with prep work for dinner.

'He's stupidly energetic at his age.'

---

Thank you,

Anna Haig!