Year 72

  *Emma returns home to the Manor and her master. Kevin managed to make it out without any major injuries. With the Lesser Oni’s horn, they managed to get the deal for free. The party took the extra Greater horn as hush money about Emma. After the rally, the people were too afraid to raise again, so for now, her job was done. As the Carriage opens up, Kevin bursts out excitedly. Followed by Emma, who assists Denise out of the carriage.*

  Kevin: Mother! I’m home!

  *Kevin runs to his Mother and they hug. He then turns back, remembering to introduce.*

  Kevin: Allow me to introduce my future bride-to-be and your future Daughter-in-law. Denise Thompson!

  Caroline: Excuse me?!

  Vern: Now, Carol. This is the whole reason we sent him. This is a good thing.

  *Denise stands before Caroline and Vern, and she curtsies.*

  Denise: If I may say. My mother was not a fan of Kevin when he first arrived. But we all grew to love him. *Smiles*

  Vern: So, Lady Thompson. It’s a pleasure to have you here. Please. Please. Come in. Come in.

  *Caroline glares at Vern, and they all head inside. Emma hears Argon.*

  Argon: Come to your room.

  *Emma sneaks away to her cell, dropping her disguise along the way. As she enters the room, she notices a new window.*

  Argon: Slave or not? I reward good work. Since you excelled, I’ll allow one request. Just know if it offends me. I’m filling up your window.

  *Emma smiles and thinks long and hard.*

  Argon: Ten… Nine…

  Emma: Why am I special?

  *Emma flinches with her question, closing her eyes. She suddenly feels as Argon lifts her chin with his hand. She opens her eyes to see him standing close enough to smell the ale and smoke on his breath. The scars on his face show years of dangerous fights. His eyes look brown with a golden hue. *

  Argon: They always ask. *Smiles*

  Emma: They? You mean the other elves before me?

  *Argon Kisses Emma, she doesn’t fight it, but she forgets her question, and he leaves her in the room. After a moment, she looks to her window, outside she can see the sky and she can smell the soil. The sound of birds makes her ears twitch.*

  Emma: Lily! I’m so happy.

  *The Gem pulses. Emma’s state makes her believe Lily appears before her, cleaning herself while she talks to her.*

  Imaginary Lily (I)Lily: Why? What happened?

  Emma: *Whispers* Master praised me. I even got a kiss from him.

  (I)Lily: That’s great and all, but he’s human. It’s not like you can have children together.

  Emma: I know… But I get to stay by his side forever.

  (I)Lily: He looks probably in his forties. With the way of life he lives, he’d be lucky to get another twenty. What’ll you do when that day comes?

  Emma: I’ll look for a way to help him live longer. Maybe I can use my magic.

  (I)Lily: Just don’t go killing us. Okay?

  Emma: Of course… You’ll always be my favorite.

  *The gem pulses, and Emma waits for her Master to call her. Each day, she is brought food and water. Not much better than the scraps she would get before. But there was enough to fill her now. After a week, Argon opens the door to her cell. Emma smiles and kneels before him.*

  Argon: After what Kevin told me. I want to see how strong you really are. Come with me.

  *Emma follows Argon downstairs, where they reach a door with a guard. Argon nods, and they open the gate. The smell of blood fills the stairwell as the door opens. They enter an enormous underground cellar full of cells with different types of creatures, monsters, as well as some other races.*

  Argon: Not even Vernie boy knows what goes on in here. Told him if he wants to avoid execution, he should leave me be. Most of them will be sold off, but for the ones we end up keeping. For whatever reason. We have a fighting arena. Once we get enough of them, we have them fight. We’re a few months out from the fights, but I’ve decided. I’m going to have them all fight you, one by one.

  *Emma looks at Argon with some panic behind her eyes.*

  Argon: I told you. I need you for something before. So don’t worry. I’ll stop the fights from killing you.

  Emma: Thank you, Master, I don’t deserve your generosity.

  *As they walk through the massive manmade tunnels, the smell of blood becomes stronger until they enter an open room. Argon takes out a red magic crystal, shatters it in his hand, and flicks his wrist toward the back of the room. A large brazier ignites, and the room lights up. A group of slaves enters the room and begins cleaning. The slaves are a mix of all races. The gnomes clean the smallest spaces, while the dwarves repair the walls. The elven, demon, and beastkin all have magic collars, so they clean the areas too high for the other races. The human slaves handle the main sweeping of the area.*

  Argon: It’ll be ready in a couple of nights. So I’m going to let you use this room to train. Once they finish the main stage, you’ll stay in here until then.

  *Emma nods.*

  Argon: The sleeping quarters are in the north room.

  *Argon points to a small cell, just enough room for sleeping and a chamberpot. The slaves finish prepping the area, and Argon heads to the doors of the arena.*

  Argon: Whenever these doors open, you’re to wait in that cell.

  Emma: Understood, master.

  *Emma lowers her head as the sound of the doors echoes through the arena. She looks around the room, void of sunlight.*

  Emma: This feels… Comfy for some reason.

  (I)Lily: The blood-stained arena or the mountain of stone over our heads?

  Emma: I don’t know.

  *Emma feels that her magic is returned to her; she places her hand over the bracelet. *

  Emma: Thank you, Master.

  *The Imaginary Lily rolls her eyes before disappearing. The first night, she dreams of riding Lily. They run through a dark abyss. Emma holds her tightly, feeling her muscles move. The two feel as one. Emma awakens to her cage opening. She looks out and sees a plate of food awaiting her. She decides to save some for later, hiding it under her pillow. That night, while Emma is finishing up her training, she hears the doors close. Argon walks toward her, clapping at her performance, the smell of alcohol Reeks from his body. He calls her over, offering her a drink.*

  Argon: Here. Take a damn drink.

  *Emma takes a drink, and the spiced drink makes her nose wrinkle up. Argon laughs as he takes the drink back.*

  Argon: Not a fan? It’s the spices, you either love’em or hate’em.

  Emma: I like spicy, but that flavor.

  Argon: It’s called Cinnamon. *Smiles* It was her favorite.

  *Argon flips a stool over and sits down. His head wobbles as he struggles to keep it up.*

  Argon: Have you ever met a halfling before?

  *Argon waves his hand at Emma.*

  Argon: You wouldn’t remember anyway.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Emma: I saw some while staying with the count.

  *Argon’s head lifts as he smiles. He slurs as he talks.*

  Argon: Wh-W-Wh.What! Wash your opinion?

  Emma: I didn’t deem them as a threat, from what little information I gathered, they’re generally weaker than any race.

  Argon: No. No. No. Not as enemies. *Drinks*

  Emma: I only have eyes for my Master.

  *Argon rolls his eyes as he takes another drink, finishing the bottle. He tosses under hand toward Emma. She catches the bottle, balancing it on its mouth. Argon smiles.*

  Argon: Come. I want you to meet someone.

  *After following her Master for an hour, they finally reach a door. As Argon turns the key, a voice rings out, a young voice.*

  Voice: *Gasp* Father, is that you?

  *Entering the room, there is a young boy who has Argon’s eyes. The boy is covered in beige scales. He runs over to Argon and jumps into his arms. Argon laughs while lifting him and begins to spin around.*

  Boy: *Grumpy* You’ve been drinking again, haven’t you?

  Argon: I know. *Smiles* I know.

  *The boy turns and looks at Emma.*

  Boy: *Whispers* Who is she?

  Argon: Well, Emma? This is my boy, Arthur.

  Emma: He has your amazing eyes, Master. *Smiles*

  *Argon stands up*

  Argon: Good answer. Anything else and we’d have to put you back in training. *Laughs*

  *Argon looks down at Arthur.*

  Argon: She’s going to help me keep my promise for your mother.

  *Emma watches the two play for a moment. Argon eventually stands up and walks over to Emma, where he sits down on a nearby footstool.*

  Argon: Demons aren’t meant to have live births. And most people despise Halflings. Treating them lower than. Well. Someone like you.

  *Emma looks around and notices a collection of dragon sculptures, including some stuffed dragon toys. One of which is a. Red. Stuffed. Dragon. Her bracelet lights up, and Emma sees a vision of a chair with a boy sitting down. She blinks and shakes her head a little. Argon snaps his fingers in her face.*

  Argon: What’sh up? Damn it. Did it wear off? I thought it couldn’t.

  *Emma looks at Argon with confusion.*

  Emma: I’m sorry, Master. I just felt like I had seen that toy before.

  Argon: I’m…

  *Argon stops mid-sentence and looks over his shoulder. he turns to Arthur.*

  Argon: What’s that one's name again?

  *Arthur picks up the dragon and holds it tightly.*

  Arthur: Bubba!

  Argon: I got it for him when he was born. It had scales like his mother's. But he always called it that instead. *Scoffs*

  *Emma holds her head in pain for a moment as the bracelet glows again. Argon sighs, then taps his. Emma calms down after a second.*

  Emma: I’m. I’m sorry, Master. I’m not sure what happened.

  Argon: Well, get over it. As I was saying. I want you to disguise his scales. Make them look like flesh.

  *Argon taps on his bracelet, and Emma feels her magic return.*

  Argon: Arthur. Come here.

  *Arthur runs over and sits on his father's knee. Emma focuses, picturing a small little redheaded child with soft hazel colored eyes. Freckles appear on his cheeks as his scales “Smooth” out. Emma hands him a small mirror. Arthur looks at himself, poking at his cheeks.*

  Arthur: I don’t feel any different.

  Argon: Well, yous scales.

  Arthur: Yous? *Laughs*

  Argon: YOUR scales are soft. Unless someone touches you for an extensive period of time, they’ll never know.

  *Argon looks at Emma again.*

  Argon: After I’m gone, I want you to show him the world. I needed an elf capable of an impossible task. You’re my last hope. The other slaves never got past the first mission. But you’ve excelled beyond my expectations every time. I know I said I’d call the fight if your life is in danger, but that’s just because I promised the boys a round if you lost…*Sigh* I always drink too much this time of year.

  *After a while, Argon takes Emma back to the Arena, where she prepares for tomorrow. The next morning, Emma wakes up to the sound of people entering the stands. She finds her breakfast waiting for her on the ground. She says good morning to Lily and eats, afterward she meditates. Her magic was still released. Did her Master forget? It didn’t matter. Emma spent the time thinking about her future. Occasionally, she would remind herself, using her imaginary Lily, to focus. By noon, she can hear them moving different beasts. Monsters. Some cry out, begging. Slaves. The slavers yell at them to shut up before leaving. As the doors go silent, Emma can hear the heavy breathing of one person. A girl.*

  Girl: It’s not my fault! Please!

  Male voice: You’re wasting your breath. From what I hear, the only way you leave this place is by winning or in tomorrow's slop for the carnivores.

  *The girl screams louder.*

  Girl: I don’t want to die!

  *As night falls, the stands above and around them fill up with less-than-desirable types of humans. Con artists, slavers, bandits, and corrupt nobles. Even The Count makes an appearance.*

  Argon: Alabasterd! Great to see you again!

  Alabaster: *Serious* Watch your tone, boy.

  *Alabaster pauses and looks around.*

  Alabaster: Where’s Goren?

  Argon: Who? Oh yeah, Emma’s disguise. She’s going to be our champion for the night.

  Alabaster: *Laughs* So, I know who to bet on. I always thought the man seemed… Is slender the right word?

  Argon: No, but I understand what you’re getting at. Don’t bet everything, though. We can only hope she’s ready.

  Alabaster: Hope?

  *Alabaster looks at Argon in confusion.*

  Alabaster: Since when have you cared about a thing like “Hope”?

  *Argon laughs*

  *As they reach the night's peak, Emma hears the announcer. As they introduce her, they open her cell.*

  Announcer: Before the bets begin, let's see how well our “Champion to be” handles herself. Up first, we’ve got goblins!

  *A gate opens swiftly, releasing a group of six goblins. They run toward Emma, and she feels her magic drain from her. She looks toward Argon in confusion. As he mouths the words from afar, she hears his voice.*

  Argon: Give them a show.

  *Emma blinks as the words give a sense of deja vu. One of the goblins closes the gap and bites Emma’s leg. She grabs the goblin, but it won’t let go. As the bets begin to take place, she jabs her thumbs into the eyes of the Goblin that has its teeth in her leg. Blood spurts out of its eyes as it screams, releasing Emma’s leg. She holds the goblin out until its legs stop swinging. The other goblins attempt to run away in fear, and another gate opens up. A pack of wolves runs out, and some manage to get hold of two more of the goblins. A total of ten wolves have entered the arena. Emma feels some of her magic return, and she reinforces her body as a wolf lunges at her. *

  Alabaster: So why is this slave so special?

  Argon: Trade secret, I’m afraid.

  *Argon smiles, and Alabaster squints his eyes at him in suspicion.*

  Alabaster: So what is she going to be fighting? She already looks to be struggling a bit.

  *The bodies of the wolves are scattered across the field, and Emma breathes heavily from exhaustion.*

  *A woman opens the door and calls for Argon. He walks over and she whispers to him.*

  Woman: Nearly everyone has put their bets in.

  Argon: Okay, make the call.

  *Argon walks over and sits beside Alabaster. he taps his bracelet.*

  Argon: After the announcement, I’ll release the rest.

  *Emma responds through the bracelet, and Alabaster looks at Argon in confusion.*

  Alabaster: Rest of what? The cages?!

  Argon: Just watch. I’m sure even you’ll be impressed, Count.

  *Alabaster smiles, sitting on the edge of his seat, excited for what is to come.*

  *Emma feels her magic begin to return as she hears the announcer again.*

  Announcer: With the second fight done and underway, we will be ending betting. I know I’ve seen some people already leave. I hope the rest of you made the right choice!

  *As Emma waits for her next opponent, she hears a familiar voice. The female screaming from before, as a group of human slaves walk out with nothing more than a couple of clubs.*

  Alabaster: More than usual. Side business not working out?

  Argon: Nah. Just more elves. Which means fewer repeat sales. Even without their magic, they make great slaves. Not as durable, but they don’t require as much to maintain as long as their spirits are alive.

  Alabaster: I’ve never met a fat one. *Laughs* But the only ones I’ve laid eyes on have been slaves.

  *Emma, having killed the rest of the slaves except the female hiding in the corner. As another gate starts to open, an Elemental bull breaks through. Its rock-like skin turns back to a black leathery hide as the stoneskin spell it had cast on itself wears off. As the Elf screams, the bull focuses on her. Its eyes turn red as it begins to glow with fiery yellows and reds. Emma casts confusion on the bull. The bull starts to stumble around dizzily for a moment, then shakes its head to focus again. Emma has moved the female across the field, and the bull now focuses on her. Using lightning speed, the bull zips toward the two. Emma leads the bull away, but the force from the bull's mass moving causes her to stumble, as she crashes into the ground, the bull begins to thrash and stomp about. The ground beneath her begins to shake violently. Emma manages to get her footing in the unsteady terrain, but notices it has started to heat up. In a desperate attempt to get off the ground before it cooks her alive, she runs toward the bull and jumps onto its back. Even though most of her memories were gone, Emma’s muscles still remember all the years of riding Lily in extreme conditions. The bull attempts to buck her off violently, the temperature of the area begins to drop quickly, and just as the bull attempts to cast Frost Nova, its body cracks from the extreme temperature differences. Everyone looks at the arena in wonderment.*

  Alabaster: What was your original plan for that fight?!

  Argon: I only informed her of some of the fights. She’s choosing to protect that slave herself.

  Alabaster: You know dman well I was meaning the Bull.

  Argon: I’ve allowed her to read Beasitarys. I needed her to be able to protect someone for me in the future.

  Alabaster: Next, you’re going to tell me you’re going to be dying soon. *Laughs*

  Argon: *grins.* Depends on your definition of “Soon”.

  *Argon takes a drink from his glass, and Alabaster raises his eyebrow.*

  Argon: *Laughs softly* Just the booze talking.

  Alabaster: *Laughs loudly* For a moment there, I thought we’d have to deal with a change in leadership. And I am not a fan of either of your two picks, honestly.

  Argon: Well, luckily, that wouldn’t be my problem anymore. *Chuckles*

  Alabaster: True enough. *Laughs* I just hate the idea of needing to look elsewhere.

  Argon: They’ll either fuck up immediately or survive like a parasite. *Smiles* I personally would go elsewhere as well.

  *As the bets are divvied up, Argon and Alabaster go their separate ways. Alabaster happily carries a large bag of gold with him as he exits the dungeon-like area.*

  *After all the audience has left, Argon approaches Emma and the female slave she protected. He claps slowly, and with each one, the slave shivers.*

  Argon: Good job. *Pause* Now clean up the rest...

  *Argon senses Emma’s hesitation.*

  Argon: Lavitakis.

  *Emma’s eyes gloss over as the word triggers her to act like a robot, accepting any command. She turns toward the other elf, and she sniffles in fear. Emma walks up to her with a smile. She kneels to the elf's level and looks into her orange eyes.*

  Emma: Don’t worry.

  *The elf looks at Emma with a smile, and the color slowly leaves her eyes. Emma has severed the elf's brain stem, a smile still on the elf’s face. Emma blinks and looks down. She closes the elf's eyes and lays her down.*

  Argon: I’m impressed, even under the command spell, you still gave them a merciful kill. Why?

  Emma: For their spirit. I do apologize for hesitating, Master..

  Argon: Now that we’re alone, I can tell you. Why you’re here.

  *Emma looks at Argon in confusion.*

  Emma: For your son's protection.

  Argon: Yes, because I’ve been marked.

  *Emma looks even more confused as Argon lifts his shirt to reveal a dark mark on his left shoulder blade.*

  Argon: judging by the location and size, I’ve got anywhere from a year to another five, all depends on the direction it decides to spread. Not even Arthur knows. Which is why, regardless, next year I’m going to have you take him away. I don’t want him to see me die as well.

  Emma: Understood, Master. I will raise him to be the strongest and smartest human of his time.

  Argon: *Angry* NO! I want him to avoid that life. I want him to be safe. Take him somewhere far away and let him believe I’ll come to him one day. He already blames himself for his mother.

  Emma: I apologize. I misunderstood, master.

  Argon: That’s fine. I’m going to have you stay in a cell beside him, get him more accustomed to you. He doesn’t like other people around when I’m gone, so that it might take some time.