Jack woke up. Pain spiked in his gut that quickly spread throughout his entire body. Hunger, primal and deep, gnawed at his backbone. His body stiffened and he forced each muscle to unclench one by one. Both of his hands gripped deep into soft sheets. His eyes widened then narrowed into thin slits. Coffins don't have silk sheets! One finger traced the word for blood onto the soft fabric. There was a thick blanket over the silky sheets, warm and thick. None of his coffins ever had a blanket this nice. A deep calm resided over him, heavy and thick, and he warred with calm that dampened his world. His brain scrambled to figure out where he was, what happened to him. Like fog at dawn, the calm lifted with it gone a few memories returned.

Oh…Oh shit! The Blood Pox! It's not dead… The knowledge cast away the peace that lingered on him. At some point the Pumpkin King brought him here and put some sort of… spell on him. He licked his lips, his tongue seeking magic not his own. No other magic taste came to him. Goosebumps ran down his spine. Jack hissed and glared at the darkness above him. How dare the Pumpkin King! Presumptuous asshole! There wasn't trickery, spellwork, runes, hexes or curses he could detect. How could I be calm? With the harmony gone the hunger chewed through his stomach and started to nibble on his ribs and spine. Red eyes looked around to look for anything to eat. Jack could tell he was on a bed, not a coffin, perhaps there were servants nearby he could feast off of? If he didn't kill them or fuck them the Pumpkin King won't get too mad at him. Right?

Despite not knowing what happened warm, almost fuzzy feelings washed across his skin. Safe, I feel safe. That is why I feel calm is because I'm...safe. It's odd not being on edge. His bed had a canopy that blocked out daylight just as effectively as a tightly lidded coffin. Space to move around, he wasn't trapped on this bed like in his sleeping arrangements at Athena's. He liked that he was surrounded by large black velvet canopy while resting on top of a king sized mattress. A lot more comfortable then a tight, tiny coffin. Intricate details were woven into the fabric, carved deep into the black wood, a subtle elegance. Jack refused to think about or voice his admiration of the setup he woke up in. Perhaps he could figure out how to replicate this back at Athena's! Hunger now chewing on what felt all his bones and organs drove him up right. Jack's stomach growled in protest loud and clear.

Not certain what to he should do, Jack threw off the crimson silk sheets and midnight cover. Cold air hit his skin. He glared at his lack of clothing. All that he had on were black boxers. Those weren't his boxers! Rude! He could at least feed me before getting into my pants! Where are my pants? A loud yawn came from the end of the bed. He glanced down and froze at the sight he hadn't noticed before now.

Jack wasn't alone and his bed mate had been been hit by the covers he tossed off. He had thrown the blanket and sheets on something. A large, fire, smoke and brimstone, something that gave him a confused stare before another yawn erupted from a very toothy mouth. At the foot of the bed was a red and orange hell hound who peeped at him from under the covers. That wasn't a sight he had expected to wake up to! The hell hound, Death Blossom, stirred and wiggled out from her position under the sheets and blanket he tossed over her. Ooops, I didn't realize she was there! Smoke curled out of her nose in faint wisps and her tongue dripped molten drool that harmlessly disappeared before it hit anything. How?

More memories filtered in slowly. Jack couldn't move, helpless against the flood of memories crashing into his mind. They drove out even the hunger coiled in his gut. The girl, Dawn. Her sister who had the Blood Pox, Twilight. A vow he kept without setting anything ablaze. He remembered now that the Pumpkin King had freely given him power to call the Blood Box to him without asking for his freedom. Shortly after he got the power he needed the memories ended. All that bothered him was hunger, nothing more or worse. He blinked a few times and stared blankly ahead.

Which… wasn't he had thought would be the outcome. Quickly he pulled out his magical core. He glared at the runes not of his own creation, but he couldn't find anything bad about them either. Why? Why would the Pumpkin King be kind to me? I don't need to power these runes… Jack felt trickle goosebumps go down his spine. His gut turned and twisted. Hunger faded away, a dim dull ache. Uncertainty tugged at him, like itch he couldn't reach. His hands scratched lightly at his arms. There were too many unknown variables for his liking. He snapped his focus away from the curtains. Red eyes glared at the hell hound. I can't be going soft now!

Jack decided he needed food first, then answers. Experience told him that dead meals gave no answers. Fear and hunger fought each other in his stomach. Think! Don't give into emotions, I have to stay focused! How he got naked without being aware of his surroundings was near the top of the list of shit to learn ASAP. Also near the top of his to learn ASAP list was how in the seven levels of hell did he not notice a hell hound sleeping at his feet?

The hell hound kept up her stare with a hopeful look but stayed away from him for the moment. He searched his memories for the last time he was this off balance. Gabriel was the last one to put him into a similar state! Jack hadn't felt this confused since his lover had been a part of his life. Warm eyes and smile sweeter than honey came to mind. Long forgotten laughter, deep and rich, echoed in his mind. A pang went through his heart like a wooden stake. Gabriel… Jack bite his tongue and a bitter metallic taste swamped his mouth. He swallowed the blood down with the lump stuck in his throat.

Hunger for answers kept the need to eat at bay, but the taste of blood brought it back. Jack sighed and ignored the pangs stabbing his heart and stomach. He forced his thoughts away to more recent problems, like his lack of pants. Even when in the daytime slumber he should have woken up when being undressed! Jack shook his head. Light headed and dizzy, he dismissed his magical core and his fears. Whatever the Pumpkin King wanted from him was a mystery, but not one that put him in danger.

Jack felt a soft laugh crawl up his chest. It came out low and soft. He grinned and his fangs slipped out. His hands balled into a tight fist that he pumped into the air. Finally something challenging to figure out! THUD! THUD! THUD! Jack's world shook as the hell hound started to wag her tail against the bed. Jack glared at the source and his fangs slide back inside his lips.

Eyes full of adoration and fire gazed back. Jack knew his human dog breeds, the hell hound looked a lot like a pitbull. All the pitbulls he owned while human were goof balls, did that hold true in the hell hound version? Death Blossom jumped up and bounded over to him. Both of his arms flew up to defend his face. It wouldn't do if he attacked one of his host's pets. Oh shit! Right before she barreled into him, the hell hound skidded to stop. A long wet and hot tongue licked his hands with fast, eager movements then she… flopped onto her back. Those crimson eyes full of fire stared at him with an expectant look. The black and orange butt wiggled vigorously, tail wagging hard and fast. Jack allowed a tiny grin to cross his face and his eyes softened. She's just like my pittie Isabella… I haven't owned a dog since I was a kid…

Jack swallowed his previous fears hard. An emotion, light and warm, rested on his heart. His heart melted at the hell hound begging for belly rubs. She's adorable! Isabella did that exact same stunt! That long black and orange tail wagged against the bed hard enough to cause it shake and sway. Jack hadn't owned a dog since he had been human. An ache, a deep longing to own a dog, lodged in his throat. He gulped down the emotion. It slide into his gut like a heavy stone. Hell hounds didn't act much different from mundane hounds. His fingers itched to rub the belly before him. That peach fuzz fur on the exposed belly looked soft to the touch. Jack ignored the itch to pet the hell hound. He grunted at the animal and increased his glare.

"No," Jack informed his voice harsh backed hard stare. His arms crossed over his chest. Her head cocked to the side slightly and those jaws opened a little. Her black tongue flopped out between sharp, white teeth. Molten drool hit the bed but dissolved harmlessly away. Her ears perked forward and her butt wiggled again, harder this time, thumping against his thigh. Jack remembered Isabella begging in a similar manner. His red eyes softened and his arms uncrossed. His shoulders slumped and he turned his gaze away. "Look, it's nothing personal Death Blossom. I'm not nice, I have to be a jerk. I would ruin my asshole rep if I gave you a belly rub."

A hot, wet lick against his arm drew his attention back. Death Blossom gave him another look of complete and total love. It looked a lot like unconditional adoration. Her eyes grew wider and those damned ears flopped back against her skull. Her mouth drooped and she sighed deeply. Her head rolled away from and her tail stopped wagging. Jack felt his heart strings tug. Damn it! First that human girl, now a damned dog! He sighed even deeper. With a shake of his head, Jack dropped one hand to the bed. Slowly he reached out to the hell hound. His index finger lightly touched the velvety belly. Hesitantly, then with more enthusiasm, Jack rubbed the fuzzy belly. Soft black peach fuzz fur felt pleasant against his skin. A grin spread across his face. This felt good, it felt right. That ache and longing melted away along with his heart as he started to rub the hell hound's belly with both hands.

"You win. Just don't tell anyone I caved in to puppy eyes and gave you belly rub," Jack replied. His eyes gazed down softly at Death Blossom as her eyes closed partially. She panted softly and glanced up at him with something Jack knew to be love. His heartstrings tugged harder. Love. Unconditional, real, and wholehearted. How long has it been since I've gotten unconditional love? That tail wagged hard and the entire bed rocked. "It's our little secret girl."

Death Blossom stopped wagging her tail. Her eyes flicked over to the black curtain. Jack looked over to see what had caught the hell hounds attention. Magic washed over his skin and he tasted something hot on his tongue. His eyes narrowed and a new, heavier weight settled in his gut. His stomach growled loudly. The curtains shifted slightly.

"Oh trust me... I won't tell anyone our little secret," Sombra replied and her hands yanked open the canopy. Purple lips smirked at Jack. "We're friends, right? No one needs to know the mighty Jack Morrison is weak to puppy dog eyes."

"If I don't get something to eat soon I won't need to worry about secrets," Jack snarled his fangs bared.

"Here," Sombra replied with a sigh while both of her eyes rolled. Long fingernails painted the same purple as her lips tapped in the air over a magical screen. Magical energy crackled and buzzed at the back of Jack's skull and he tasted hot spices burn his tongue. A goblet appeared in one hand of Sombra's hands. Jacks nostrils widened at the rich smell of copper.

"Mine," Jack growled loudly, his red eyes lost in bottomless black pupils. His hands yanked the goblet out of Sombra's grasp. He guzzled it down in one go, blood running down his lips. When he pulled it away from his lips, a faint smell of pumpkin spice rose up. With an orange glow, the goblet refilled. Jack laughed softly his eyes back to normal. He twirled the cup once between his fingers before he gulped down his second drink.

"You done," Sombra demanded. Her eyebrows narrowed down to a harsh point. She forced grin over her lips and kept it plastered on her face. "You're a messy eater. Symmetra was right."

"I was hungry," Jack replied with a bored tone, his voice bland. He rolled his eyes and gave a deep shoulder shrug. His hands wiped off the spilled blood from his face and chest. His eyes flashed and kept both fangs out while he slowly licked his hands clean. Jack graced Sombra with his best toothy smirk. "Thanks."

"Don't thank me," Sombra retorted and held out a hand. Her eyes flicked from Jack's smirk and the goblet he held. Her hard grin cracked and gave way to a frown. She motioned towards the goblet with a single finger. "The Pumpkin King is the one who made that goblet just for the likes of you, but it's not a gift."

"I'll give him my thanks," Jack answered with the same bland tone. His fingers clung tightly to the goblet, knuckles pale. Her eyes held his and held. Her eyes flashed brightly for a second. Jack swallowed his snarl and forced his grip to loosen.

"I'm not afraid of you old timer," Sombra said with lips that curled into grin. "We can be friends and play nicely together or… we don't."

"Thank you for being brave enough to bring my meal. Hungry vampires aren't the best at… self constraint," Jack replied with friendlier tone of voice. Slowly he brought his fangs back inside his mouth. He held out the goblet to Sombra with a small nod of his head at her. Jack ignored the delighted tickled that grew in him. The Pumpkin King has excellent taste in Slaves!

"I accept your thanks," Sombra said with a tiny nod of her head. A snap of her fingers caused the goblet to vanish. "I'm supposed to take you to your proper meal. The Pumpkin King has a human male ready for you."

"Supposed to," Jack repeated back and he went back to petting Death Blossom. He forced his eyes to stay focused away from the enigma. His fangs slipped out and he bared them again. He tasted more of that hot spicey magic unique to Sombra. "What do you mean?"

"The Witch ordered a check up before you left the Castle," Sombra replied with a smirk, her words rolling off her tongue thick and sweet like honey. "I can't let my friend ruin things by eating the first person he encountered on the way."

"How very kind of you," Jack answered back and he snorted at the faux aura of innocence that came off Sombra in waves. Her smug grin dug into him and he grimaced at the taste of magic that she gave off. "I don't suppose your kindness extends to returning my clothes?"

"I'm the best friend you'll ever have," Sombra threw the statement at him. Her hands summoned another magical screen and she tapped at it quickly. Soon she tossed a set of black clothes she pulled out from some pocket dimension at him. "I don't have your regular outfit. The Pumpkin King gave them to The Witch for… sterilization and sanitation."

"I'll go see her," Jack snarled back his fangs barely contained. His hands examined the clothing which appeared to be tailored to fit someone his size. His fangs slipped out at the expensive materials. "I wanted to talk to her anyway."

"I'll see you outside," Sombra said at him with a mocking tone. "Unless you've lost your edge and need help getting dressed?"

"Perhaps I should sharpen my edge against your bones," Jack remarked with an indifferent voice. He let out a yawn and waved a hand towards the door. His red eyes glowed lightly before they returned to normal. "If you doubt my skills, you're welcome to test them. I'll be gentle. I know not break the Pumpkin King's toys."

"I'll pass," Sombra replied through a softer, smaller smirk. Her body vanished while her voice lingered in the air for a few moments. "You're an interesting one, Jack Morrison. I'll let the Witch know you're awake. I'll be waiting for you outside."

Jack set down the borrowed outfit. His fingers lightly danced across Death Blossom. He sniffed the air and tasted it. All traces of Sombra's spicy magic was gone. He removed his hand from the warm body of the hell hound and grabbed the clothes. Simple, elegant, almost certainly expensive, the outfit she provided was amazing. Jack liked the design. He carefully pulled it on. It clung his body perfectly, like it had been tailored for him.

Death Blossom sighed and wiggled under the blankets. Sorrowful eyes peeked at him from her new vantage point. Jack looked away quickly. He snapped his fingers and summoned his magic mirror. Jack took a moment to admire his reflection. His hands straightened the collar of the borrowed shirt, then combed through his unruly white hair. Satisfied with his appearance, he dismissed the mirror. He strode out of the room, stride long and confident. Just outside of the wide double doors was Sombra. Her eyebrows rose slightly at him. She muttered something in a language Jack didn't know.

"Follow me," Sombra instructed with a louder voice. She walked forward and Jack followed by her side. "So, friend, how'd you sleep?"

"How long was I asleep," Jack countered with a smug tone. The candles that contained souls of the dead flickered rapidly for a brief second when he went past them. He waved one hand at the candles briefly as he walked by.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I don't give up information for free," Sombra admonished and wagged an index finger at him. "I'll trade you answer for answer."

"Ladies first," Jack replied and returned her finger wag with rude finger gesture. She looked over her shoulder. That hard smile returned. He returned her expression and used his other hand to make the same rude gesture.

"Five days," Sombra answered with a quirk of her lips. "We were beginning to wonder if the spell knocked you into a Deep Slumber."

"I slept okay," Jack replied. His eye brows inched towards his hairline. That long! No wonder I was so hungry. He smirked at the tiny frowned that crossed Sombra's face before it was replaced by more confident grin. I'll play your game, for now! "Where's the Pumpkin King?"

"Two days ago he went off on official King business. I'm not certain where he is currently. Why do you care," Sombra retorted with a low laugh. She turned down a hallway Jack had never been down before. It lead to a steep spiral staircase.

"I don't care," Jack lied his voice cheeky and bright. He smirked at her and looked away. He refused to met her eyes. He studied the various candles that lined the stairs at set intervals. I do though, which doesn't make sense! I don't trust Sombra with the truth. "When will he get back?"

"Since you lied I'm not telling," Sombra exclaimed through a frown. Her long fingernails dug into the stone and scraped down them. "I don't want your bullshit. We'll play by my rules, not yours."

"You never asked for the truth, you asked for answers," Jack replied through gritted teeth. His hands clenched into fists. The grating sound of nails on stone echoed loudly. Sombra went up the stairway, her fingernails dragged along the walls with each step. "I didn't break any rules."

"Sombra, that's enough," The Witch commanded through a closed door at the top. Her crisp voice clearly rang down the stairwell. "You're dismissed. I'll make sure Jack gets to his meal after his check up."

Jack gave Sombra's retreating back one final rude hand gesture. He knocked once on the door and it swung open under his fist. Familiar magic, almost as old as his own, brushed against him. He tasted Raclette on his tongue. It rolled gently down his throat. Angela's magic hadn't changed much over the centuries. Angela's office had changed in style since he last entered one she owned. She had fewer stacks of drying herbs. He graced his old friend with a warm smile. She gave him a hard stare and crossed her arms over her chest.

"This might hurt a little. Don't move Jack," Angela commanded from her chair. Both hands rose to chest height and magic flashed from outwards. Jack went still and braced himself. Bolts of magic slammed into him, painful and sharp. Magical ran through him before it pooled under him and returned to The Witch as information on scrolls of parchment. "Take a seat while I look over this."

"Nice to see you too," Jack grunted in reply while he stumbled over to the closest stool. He sat down, hands rubbing at the impact point. His fingers tapped against his chin while the silence drew on. Knots formed in his stomach and he blurted out his questions in loud, rushed sentences. "What's it say? Is the Blood Pox dormant?"

"Your magical core appears healthy. Nothing unusual in your magic levels. It appears that the seals have the Blood Pox contained. The Pumpkin King did an excellent job," Angela remarked with a calm voice. She ticked off each point on a finger tip. "However, due to the dangerous nature of the Blood Pox, I don't think you should leave Nuevo Muerte."

"What," Jack exclaimed with a yell. He jumped off the stool and stomped towards Angela, both hands curled into tight fists, slightly raised. "I can't stay here! I'm needed elsewhere!"

"Don't be stupid," Angela retorted back, blue eyes cold. She stepped forward and placed her hands over Jack's chest. "There's been reports of Hunters on the borders of Overwatch forest. If you die out there, it means the Blood Pox gets free."

"Athena needs my help protecting the forest," Jack replied his words echoing off the stone walls. "I have to keep them save! I need to leave now."

"Jack, you can't," The Witch spoke softly and her hands pushed Jack towards a stool. "To protect Nuevo Muerte from Hunters, the King placed a protective barrier. Until the Pumpkin King returns, no one can come or go."

"What do I do until he gets back," Jack demanded bitterly. He sat down hard and tilted his seat back. Red eyes glared at the ceiling. "I'm not a citizen of this place. I don't belong here! Where I will sleep?"

"The Pumpkin King has arranged for you to live in his personal quarters," The Witch smoothed. "Beyond the original agreement, meals shall be provided. As long as you don't attack anyone who resides here, there shouldn't be an issue."

"Why," Jack demanded his seat slamming down. He turned his eyes to Angela. The Witch returned his stare with a sorrowful one. "Why is he so… so…"

"Different, unusual, helpful, kind…" Angela supplied words helpfully, her voice light and playful. She laughed softly and shook her head slightly. "Why are you so afraid? What about the Pumpkin King scares you?"

"I'm not afraid," Jack snarled back with both fangs fully exposed. His words tumbled out from his lips hot and fast. Both hands formed tight fists then unclenched several times. The knots inside him grew tighter. "I'm not scared of him! I don't like not knowing what he wants from me."

"Why not ask him what he wants from you," Angela shot back. "I didn't think you were a coward."

"I'm not a coward. I don't think he'll provide answers without something in return," Jack muttered darkly. Both hands formed fists and slammed into the sides of the stool. The metal dented. "I don't have anything to offer him except my freedom."

"Oh, I'm not certain about that," Angela replied voice smug. Her eyes danced at Jack and she let out another round of laughter. "You're his type and I know he's lonely for companionship. Why not offer him sex?"

"I'm leaving," Jack shoved off the stool and rapidly strode towards the exit. Face a shade lighter than his eyes, he froze at the exit. Fingers dug into the wooden door frame, gouging deep. "Where's my meal? I need to eat and take care of personal business!"

"Ask for Wrecking Ball, he'll take you to your meal," The Witch answered with a slight nod. "He'll be waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs."

Jack took the stairs two at a time. At the bottom waited a large, round metallic golem. It turned around and stepped closer.

"Follow me," It commanded before walking away.

"Wrecking ball," Jack guessed while he followed the golem. His tongue licked his lower lip, seeking for tastes of magic. Faint hints of fruits and grains came. Huh! Golems never taste like that, usually their magic tastes like metal and stone!

"That's me," Wrecking Ball confirmed and picked up the pace. "Hurry up, I have better places to be."

Silence, thick and heavy, lay between them. Jack kept up and he kept note of which hallways they went down. His eyebrows inched towards his hairline when he was lead outside of the Castle. Wrecking Ball took Jack into parts of the city he had never been before. Shop signs grew more frequent, as did the traffic of humans and nonhumans. They parted for Wrecking Ball and Jack. Ahead of them was the wall that encircled Nuevo Muerte. Near the base was a building whose shop sign didn't include any words or letters. It was denoted by red and pink lanterns strung along outside. A large lotus blossom made from thin transparent slices of obsidian resided over the archway at the entrance.

"I didn't know Nuevo Muerte allowed for such establishments," Jack commented with a dry tone. Wrecking Ball paused at the entrance. "Most cities ban them."

"That they do, but our King is more open minded than most," Jesse replied from nearby. The centaur was inside the gateway one hand holding a large glass mug filled with amber liquid. He rose the mug at Jack before he gulped down several mouthfuls.

"I don't always need a damn babysitter," Jack snarled and his fists balled up.

"Ain't here for you, Ah'm here for the best beer in Nuevo Muerte," Jesse snapped back his eyes glued to the beverage. "Not everything is about you."

"I…," Jack gulped hard. He felt his heart sink. His hands unclenched and he ran one hand through his unruly white hair. Jack looked at the centaur and he dug one foot into the loose gravel path. Why do I care what he thinks or feels? I shouldn't care but… I do! "I apologize. I shouldn't have said that Jesse. It's a pleasure to run into a familiar place in a strange town."

"Ah'm glad to see you too," Jesse replied slowly and he guzzled more beer. "What brings you here?"

"My promised meal," Jack answered and shrugged slightly. He glanced between the entrance and Jesse. Jack pointed his thumb towards the Castle. "If you're going to hang around for a bit… I would enjoy some company walking back to the Castle when I'm done eating."

"Sure, Ah reckon that's possible," Jesse said with a wide grin. He waved towards a human woman dressed in strings of beads. "Refill, please!"

"Thank you," Jack hollered at the centaur before he ran the entrance. Inside the ornately carved door was a room full of tables. Various patrons sat the tables, some alone, others in groups deep in conversation. It went silent and people turned to stare at him. Another moment passed before regular banter resumed. Before he could walk further in, an older man walked up to him, hands clashed together.

"Excuse me, you must be Mr. Morrison," The man spoke with words slick. Slick as slime, both of his hands twisting together. His eyes refused to met Jack's. "Follow me!"

"If I'm following you into trouble, I'm claiming an additional life tonight," Jack muttered dark and low. He followed the man down a hallway. The man stopped at a door decorated with a single, black lily. The thick scent of lilies and almonds clung to the door. Jack held in a frown at the heavy, coy smells.

"Your meal is inside," The man replied with a rush. He turned and on his heels quickly and started to dash down the hallway.

"Don't run away. Wait for me by the centaur outside. Don't leave until I say so," Jack commanded with his natural magic. He applied every once of his magical ability behind his words. The man stiffened and walked away slow and deliberate. In his old age, his natural ability to enchant and ensure others came naturally. It became inescapable trap around his 600th birthday or so, if memory served him.

Jack pushed open the door. It was dim insight. One lamp hung on the far wall cast soft light. A young male sat glassy eyed on the bed. He was naked. Jack's lips curled up in disgust at the heavy scents of almond and lilies that covered his meal. He knew what those smells meant, but he hadn't thought this was what the Pumpkin King had planned!

"How old are you," Jack demanded from his meal, like he had since the beginning. The human twitched and his mouth moved but nothing came out. Eyes dull and glassy, they focused on Jack briefly before going unfocused. Poor kid, drugged out of his mind! "SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"Oh! Ah! Where a-am I? W-who are you," The boy chocked out his body scrambling backwards. He ran into the wall and glanced between Jack and door, eyes white with fear. "Please don't kill me!"

"How old are you," Jack commanded, but he suspected he knew.

"I'm fourteen," The boy droned out dull and monotone. "I turn fifteen in spring."

"I'm not going to kill you," Jack replied voice deep. He rubbed his hands in slow circles against his temples. "I have no desire to snack on children. What's your name?"

"Mikel. Mikel Oxenhandlerson. W-what are you going to do," Mikel asked his eyes glued to Jack. "Can I go home?"

"Who brought you here," Jack asked in a soft, gentle tone. He walked towards the boy, who scooted away from Jack. Jack grabbed the top bed sheet and he started to tie it at certain places. When he finished, he tossed the improvised tunic towards Mikel.

"I don't know his name," Mikel answered back each word growing stronger. He looked at the tunic and turned over a few times before he tossed it over his head. Suddenly he froze and he jumped off the bed. "I have warn the Pumpkin King! The guy who took me talked about tricking the Pumpkin King! Please, you have to help me warn the Pumpkin King!"

"Calm down Mikel. Follow me," Jack commanded and he walked out the door. Mikel followed behind him, eyes wide and unfocused. The room Jack came through was empty. Outside the brothel was a crowd around Jesse. "I'm going to kill the man responsible. Then I'll warn the Pumpkin King."

"What's the meaning of this," Jesse demanded with a hard thump of fore hoof against the ground. He jabbed a thumb at the man beside him. The man was pale and shaking, body drenched in sweat. "Ah'm not okay with taking yah meal to go."

"That's not my meal. He was supposed to be," Jack reassured Jesse and pointed at the man. "The meal he provided is a minor, Jesse."

"Shit! Ah'm sorry Jack, Ah'm dead certain the boss doesn't know," Jesse backed up, all four legs dancing in place. His tail swooshed rapidly and he grabbed the man with both hands. "Ah'm glad you didn't dig into the poor kid. That'd been bad for the boss."

"I don't eat or play with minors," Jack said in a dark tone. "Mikel mentioned a trap for the Pumpkin King. Where is he?"

"The boss is out hunting the Hunters, not too certain where he is," Jesse retorted his grip on the man grew tighter. The man struggled his pale face taking on a blue color. His grip shifted slightly, the man's throat free before Jesse slammed a hoof over one of the man's leg, then he repeated the action to the other leg. A loud crack, then another loud crack snapped over the crowd, soon drowned out by loud screams. The crowd dispersed quickly.

"Can you take care of Mikel for me," Jack pleaded with a pinched look in his eyes. "I'm going to warn the Pumpkin King. I'll kill any Hunters in my way."

"Only if yah tell me why," Jesse looked at Mikel for a long second before he returned his gaze to Jack. He gave the man a rough shake. "Tell me why don't yah eat minors and Ah'll take good care of the kid for yah."

"When I decided to become a nonhuman… my human self didn't want to lose all my humanity," Jack spoke in a low voice, tone deep. He looked away from Jesse, his eyes centered on the wall close by. His gaze could barely make out the magical barrier in place. It sat on top of the wall. "I vowed to never become the kind of monster that hurts children. No matter how many terrible things I would do… that wouldn't be one. I made the vow while human and again when I became nonhuman."

"Ah see. Ah'll make sure nothing bad happens to him. How're yah going to get past the barrier," Jesse inquired while he stepped towards the nonresponse boy. He dropped the man on the ground. Carefully he picked up the boy with both hands and set him on his back. Then he leaned down and grabbed the man.

"I'm going to break the wall," Jack said with a manic grin. He summoned his favorite weapon, a pulse rifle made from technology long gone. Lazily he aimed it at the wall and fired off some magically created helix missiles. They slammed into the wall that crumbled under the assault. A nearby building that had been build against the wall soon fell as well. Jack ignored the curses that sprang from his companion. He walked over the rumble and outside of the city. Without looking back, Jack traced some runes above him. They grew in size and went over the gap. Once over the opening, they solidified into new material. Now that the weakness in the city defenses had been sealed, Jack marched into the dark night. Shadows cast by the moonlight gave Jack a rough estimate of how much time he had. Let's see if I can track down the Pumpkin King in under four hours!