Isho: second chappie up, this the real one. srry not as long. i updated the chapter w/ correct spelling and grammar.

Slithe is bustling today, the slave auctions must be coming up soon. Not that it matters any; we will be gone with all of our supplies by nightfall. Our wagon soon stops next to a dried goods stall and all of us, except for Chafulumisa* who stays at the reigns, get out. I pull out several purses that jingle from the money inside.

"Alright everyone, we're leaving at dusk. So do whatever you want before then."

I hand one sack, containing 50 gold each, to everyone. After handing the last one to an excited Mana, I turn back to the cart and look up at Chafulu.

"Make sure to get plenty of supplies before you go off and do your own thing. Akil made a list of everything we need. It's in the strong box along with the money I set aside behind your seat."

He nods and reaches behind him.

"Sure thing."

I smile in thanks as everyone heads their separate ways. Velma, Dusty, and Abayomi* check what the middle aged stall venders have among their various wares. Akil* and Qwe** stride off to a deeper part of the city while Mana prances off to the crafting district. She always loves our trips into town.

"My Lord, could we, maybe, do something together?"

I look down at Maevis, who is timidly looking hopefully up at me while pinching at my sleeve.

"Sorry Maevis, I need to harvest blood. I'm running a bit low."

"Ah, o-ok. S-see you later."

Maevis dejectedly looks down at the gray cobbled street, her long dark bangs enshrouding her face. Poor thing, I know what she wants but I am simply not in the mood. She shuffles off after Mana and I decide to scout out the residential area to see if I can find any decent smelling donors for my blood reserves. I look around the bright and crowded streets to get my bearings then start heading right.

"My lord."

Confused, I turn around to see Qwe. Hadn't she gone off with Akil?

"Akil is at it again and he will not listen to reason."

I sigh in annoyance and cover my eyes with my hand, placing the other across my chest. I thought he knew better by now. I put my hands down and look at Qwe.

"Thanks, I'll go talk with him."

I smile at her and place my hand on her shoulder as I pass by. I look around, trying to remember exactly where the slave market was. Once I do remember I head off to the left and fight my way through the growing crowd. I soon come upon a large and crowded plaza. The plaza is surrounded by several red brick and stone houses that are only separated by small streets similar to the one I came down.

I sigh and look about for Akil, I didn't realize that the slave would be put on display so soon. Usually they wait a few days. After pushing my way past several people, I manage to spot his blond mass of hair. I take a deep breath in preparation and then yell out his name.

"AKIL!"

His head pivots and he spots me, and fights his way over. He finally makes it over looking timid, already knowing what I'm here about. I cross my arms and look at him sternly.

"Yes Master?"

"How many times have I told you that it is pointless Akil?"

He huffs.

"Hundreds."

"And you continue to try my patience every time we come to market because?"

He looks up at me, pleading.

"It's different this time!"

I groan and rub my temples in frustration.

"How, Akil? How could it possibly be different this time?"

He makes to protest but I raise my hand and he quiets. I calm down and continue.

"I have told you time and time again; don't waste your time and money on a slave."

His green eyes soften and tear up.

"But it's different this time. He looks so young."

I draw him into a hug to comfort him. He raises his arms and clutches at my shirt.

"I know you mean well, but where would he go? He has no home anymore. And if he is as young as you say, he won't be able to get a job anywhere."

He looks up at me.

"We could-"

I look down at him, frustrated.

"No! You know damn well that I don't take just anyone home with me!"

He looks downcast for a min. before perking up again, pulling away from me slightly.

"Then can you at least come take a look at him?"

I sigh.

"If I do this, will you promise to stop with this foolishness?"

He nods enthusiastically and I release him. He grabs my arm and heads towards the center of the plaza, where all the slaves are kept. Once we get to the edge of the crowd Akil looks around and then points to one of the cages.

"Look, over there. That's him. Poor thing, so young and being sold as a pleasure slave."

I look over to a cage that was being opened. The slave masters were currently dragging out a young boy that looked surprisingly like me. I was examining his soft features and purple eyes when a breeze wafted past. And that was when the smell hit me.

**v ch**

"So what do you think? Master?"

I look up at my lord and freeze. Master's pupils had morphed into slits, something that only happened when he was angry or hungry. That shouldn't be, he ate this morning.

I reach up and touch his arm.

"Master?"

He glances down at me then looks back at the slave I had pointed out.

"Akil."

"Y-yes?"

"Tell the others to head home without me tonight. And that I'll catch up later."

I scrunch my eyebrows, confused. He looks back down at me with normal eyes.

"Looks like you're going to have a new friend."

It takes a min. for his words to sink in. When they finally hit me, I light up and beam at my master.

Isho: I couldn't update the last few weeks b/c my dad didn't have internet at his new house so i couldn't update till now. hope u like it though.

*these characters belong to yayubaru1. not me.

*Qwe-Qu-ee