Max's POV
We didn't know where he came from. He didn't materialize in front of us or anything. He walked out from behind a tree. Yet I feel that with The Flock's heightened senses we would've been able to sense him if he was simply casually walking around. He seemed innocent enough. He had a pleasant face, and looked to be around Angel's age. He had short cinnamon colored hair. His innocent appearance put everyone on edge. We would've preferred an ogre, or some other creature. When monsters looked nice, it was usually because they had some supernatural powers or some sort of a secret weapon. He smirked at us. Angel scowled. He raised his arms in defense.
"I want no trouble," He said calmly.
"Then you'll let us pass," Jeb said, mimicking the boy's calm demeanor.
"Well sure," The boy said. "Not without a price," I laughed bitterly.
"Does it look like we have anything of value?" I said, gesturing to my companions, we were all dressed head to toe in peasant clothes.
"That's what I thought at first," The boy said. "But then I noticed your friend back there trying to hide his cheap wristband," He said, glancing over at Fang.
"It's sentimental. My father gave it to me." Fang lied smoothly. "Nothing that would interest you, I'm sure,"
"Yet it interests you enough to not want to lose it," The boy said, his smirk widening. Fang raised an eyebrow.
"I see. Are you implying that you want it simply because I do? That it doesn't matter if it's silk, or a gem, or a rock, or a bug, as long as it is of value to me?" Fang said, struggling to keep his voice even. The boy didn't blink.
"You know," The boy started, circling us, like a vulture. "there was a time that when the people of the world wanted to show their idols or gods their love and respect for them they would sacrifice something," The boy finished.
"I highly doubt anyone here loves or respects you," Jeb said calmly. The boy shrugged.
"Many civilizations did it out of fear. For if they didn't sacrifice something, their god would punish them," The boy's eyes glittered.
"It's amusing how you talk as if you are a god. Not simply a thief," I said.
"The difference between a thief and I is this. A thief takes something he desires. I take something you desire. I can measure desires" The boy cocked his head to the right. "Did you know that that little thing," He said, pointing at Fang's wristband. "Is the second most important thing to him?"
"What's the first?" I asked. The boy stared at me, incredulous, as if I was playing dumb.
"A person," He finally said, when he decided I was serious. "But I am merciful. I'll just take the wristband,"
"What or who are you anyway?" I asked.
"I am a Mreeed, child, I am known by many names but you may call me Neko," He said. "Give me the wristband, and you shall have no trouble," Fang stiffened.
"You say that you are merciful because you don't take a life. You take an object," Fang said.
"Yes," Neko said, sounding impatient.
"What if," Fang looked around and sighed, knowing he would have to reveal his secret. "What if this thing is what gives me life?" Neko raised an eyebrow. Jeb, Gazzy, and Nudge stared at Fang in confusion and shock.
"Well, that would explain it's importance to you. Nonetheless it's not my problem. Give it to me or everyone Turns," Neko said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a coin. It was gold, with something engraved on to it.
"Turns?" I said. Jeb exhaled, his eyes were hard.
"The way that Mreeds cause harm, is they turn humans -" Jeb started.
"Or people who are more than human," Neko interrupted, winking at the Flock. So he knew. Jeb continued as if he wasn't interrupted.
"-into their mindless servants or warriors by the flip of a Surollo, or basically a magic coin. They feed off desired materialistic things," Jeb finished.
"I'd rather have the wristband. I'm hungry, but I wouldn't mind a few servants" Neko said, rolling the coin, between his thumb and forefinger. "So," Neko's eyes shined. "What'll it be?"