"My name is Toby, your owner." Said the child, grinning up at Alfred. "You will be my servants and do as I command til I am satisfied."

"Right." The American said in monotone.

He was lead down a short set of stairs to a pair of glass doors. He squinted his eyes against the sun. It had been ages since he had seen the light of day. The kid pulled at Alfred's pant leg motioning towards the limo that sat waiting just outside.

"Come on then." He said, holding open the vehical door.

Alfred got inside, careful of Ivan's head. The youth began to climb in after, but the boy was stopped.

"Sit up front." Said the kid's father.

"What? No."

"Now." The man said sternly.

With a scowl, Toby got in the passenger side and Kirkland got in sitting across from the two men.

"I am Arthur Kirkland." Said the man crossing his legs. "You cost me half a month worth of salary, worthless trash. Are you listening?"

"Yeah." Grumbled Alfred, watching out the window as they drove through the busy city flooded with traffic. Allot of what he saw was blurred beyond recognition.

" The boy has problems attending school, you and the cripple will escort him their and back. I also expect the chores to be done around the mansion, understood?"

"Sure."

"I have called a doctor to do a full physical on you both. He will be waiting when we arrive."

"What is the point in that?" Mumbled Alfred. "Not like I am a person to you."

"You have quite a mouth, for a piece of property."

"I am, not, property."

"According to the law and your papers, you are." The Brit leaned in, intertwining his fingers. "By the looks of your mate, they did a number on you both. I doubt either of you retained any of your training."

"Training?"

"Yes. As a natural Soulless, reconditioning is a must. The more resistance, the harsher the training. You must have put up a fight."

"Wouldn't you? I was beaten for god knows how long, til I could not even remember my own name."

"This is the point, to rid you of memories. Barbaric, but, effective." The Brit raised his hand and Alfred flinched. "I will not strike you. There has been enough of that." He said, gentle touching the American's scared cheek. "How bad is your vision?"

Kirkland's green eyes shone bright with care and sympathy. Alfred trembled , then turned away his face.

"I can see just fine."

"Lying is not your strong suit. I will get your eyes examined as well and purchase a pair of spectacles for you. Cannot have you running into walls." He sighed.

Ivan moved his head, face burying its way into his stomach. Alfred jumped, startled. The sun shone against his death white skin, frightened it may burn, Alfred shifted to shield him from the raze.

"There is another thing."

Alfred snapped up his gaze.

"If you lay a finger on my boy, I will euthanize you both without an ounce of empathy."