"Here" I say, passing around plates of food to refugees. When the zombie attack started, I retreated to my factory and opened my doors to survivors. My factory is made of multiple buildings on good soil, and well-guarded, making it an ideal place for people to shelter. That's not to say we're perfectly safe, but with the resources available, we're decently prepared.

After passing out the food, I take a look through my periscope to see how the situation is. Sometimes the zombies just roam around aimlessly outside, other times they can be close to climbing over and getting in. There have been times when a few zombies managed to breach security, which are always scary.

It seems like right now, a few try to grip the wall, climb a tiny bit, then give up. I frown; this could be a bad sign... before I can consider my options, I see something moving through the horde. All the zombies seem to notice as they begin making their way to it. Must be a human... but then why doesn't it seem to be affected?

As the zombies fall, I see there is indeed a human... being protected by a group of vampires! I open the door, ready to let the refugee in. "Humans only" I state. Understanding what I mean, the vampires step aside and allow the terrified girl to enter. I step outside and shut the door.

"That was very kind of you all to do... but why didn't you just, I dunno, bite her or something?"

"We had to restrain" one of the vampires speaks up. "We thought she was the only human left, and we were going to feed, but she begged for us to let her go so she could get to 'safety'."

I nod. "Right. So you're using her and wish to feed on everyone in here? Not happening."

"We're not barbaric" the female in the group says. "We did want to help her, genuinely, but our desire to bite her was because our colony is starving! Once we heard there was still a stronghold, we realised we could help everyone."

I raise an eyebrow sceptically. "Explain."

"You see" the first vampire responds, "as undead creatures zombies are nothing to us, but zombies are deadly to humans. However, as humans you can eat anything, while us vampires need..." he seems to sniff the air. "...we need to feed. It's so hard... I..."

"Easy, son" an older vampire says. He turns to me. "As you can see, we also suffer from this nightmare. Our needs are just different. If you can allow us entry so we have blood to feed on, we can assist in protecting you all from the zombies. I'm sure you could use the assistance. We could even be the ones to go out and look for resources and supplies. There's a lot of medical stuff still available. We could search for materials and stuff."

I look behind me. We've not exactly had full bellies ourselves... and several of us have fallen ill, it... it's painful to watch... even if the zombies don't get us, how long will we last?

I turn back. "No trickery. You aren't to turn anyone. I'll agree to let your whole colony in and feed on blood, in return you will grant us protection and go out to look for supplies." I have a think. I produce a picture of a house, another picture of a teddy. "Prove to me that you will fulfil your end. There's a scared little girl in here. She keeps saying how Peach must be scared."

The vampires have a quick discussion, then look back at me. "Two of us will go and inform our colony. The other two will recover the toy. We won't be more than half an hour." With that, the vampires are off, and I slip back into the compound to share the news with everyone.

Responses are mixed, but it's ultimately agreed by everyone that this may be our best chance. I keep an eye on things outside the compound. I notice a zombie has almost breached defences. I begin to prepare an attack, when suddenly the zombie falls. "WE'RE BACK!" I rush to open the door. Suddenly, there's about 50 vampires. The female from before passes me Peach. Every other vampire has some sort of offering - food, tools, materials. I can't help but smile.

"Guys... this is incredible... thank you..." I step aside to let them all in.

The next day, everyone - human and vampire - are in good spirits. The supplies have helped to heal and to provide entertainment, and we now have plenty of food for the upcoming winter. The vampires seem to be less drained than yesterday, a sign they've been feeding, but a head count confirms that no-one has turned. It seems like things are looking up.

One of the younger vampires runs up to me. "Thank you so much mister!" He decides to give me a hug. In my shock, all I can do is hug back.

"No... thank you..." I begin to cry with joy. Humanity will survive after all.

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Glad you liked it :)

Anyway, even if you didn't care for the second half, I'm glad you liked the first half at least!

No I get that. And when I said 'explain', I meant make the reasonings in the story clearer. I edited the story slightly to hopefully make it more obvious how and why certain things work lol.

I did my best to explain everything lol, maybe I could make it a bit clearer...

What didn't you like about it?

You misunderstand slightly. Warper is a former villain who started something where people can go to him for help to locate to a new area. It's all explained in my series.

As I come too, I see some strangers around me. I sit up. My head is killing me. I hear the flow of the river behind me. One of the strangers, a sweet lady, comes over to me with some rags. "Here. To cover yourself."

"Thanks. Got any water? Or food? I'm exhausted..." I begin wrapping myself up.

"Soup should be just about ready. Are you hurt?" one of the men asks.

"I... I don't think so..." I slowly begin to stand up. I'm escorted to a simple bed, clearly prepared for me.

"Are you sure you're not hurt? That mark looks painful" the lady replies. I look to my wrist where she's indicating. Something suddenly feels off... like I should know what it is... but...

"It doesn't hurt. May be an old injury or something." I slowly lay down, thinking, before sitting up again, my legs still stretched out. "I... I think I have amnesia... does anyone know who I am?"

"Couldn't tell you" a particularly energetic teenage girl says as she passes me a bowl of soup. "We were all trying to figure it out just as you began to wake up. Truth be told... I wish you were someone else."

"Someone... else?" I inquire, unsure what that could mean.

"The king" a slightly older boy states. "He was killed a while ago. News normally takes a while to reach our little settlement, but this was big stuff. Some guy just announced that the king was murdered and he'd be our new king. The king was really kind and fair, always making sure everyone has what they need. It was often said he'd starve himself to protect his people. No-one trusts this new guy."

Why does that sound familiar...? "But if the king is dead, then how could I have been him?"

"It's a case of hope" a lady sitting with a baby comments. "We're scared of the future... but if our king were alive, and he were found..." I nod in understanding.

As the evening progresses, I settle in for the night. I have some horrid nightmares. Some people cast a spell at me... my entire face changed in an instant... none of my soldiers believe me when I tell them who I am and that I didn't kill the king. I have to flee. I escape through the hidden passageways, diving into the water. I'm a pretty good swimmer, so I'll be fine... I'll be fine... I'll be... fine...

I wake with a gasp. I remember everything now! I look at the people who were so kind and generous to me. Could I tell them? I have the royal birthmark... the very mark that's on my wrist... but would they know? Would they believe me? Even my own men turned on me. I have no choice... I must leave...

I gather some supplies and begin to sneak out, when I overhear something. "Do you think that killer could have washed up so far?" "We have to check. At the very least, put up wanted photos."

I gulp, when I feel a hand pull at my arm. The teenage girl. "Why are you leaving?"

I need to think of an answer, stat. "Some bad men are after me. Do me a favour and distract them for me. I believe there are some just around the corner there."

"I don't know... will they hurt me? Why are they bad?"

"Look, you'll probably hear more tomorrow. Please, just do me this one favour. I promise you'll be ok."

"...Ok." She goes over to where I pointed and begins chatting away. Now's my chance! I slip away as quickly and quietly as I can. I overhear the conversation. "So he's not here?" "I didn't say that. I just said I'm no good at matching faces. I may have seen someone like him..." "Where would it have been?" "Well, earlier we found this ma-" "HEY!"

I've just been spotted, but I'm far too far away now. In the distance I hear ^("Oh, that's the guy? Yeah, he wasn't drawn well, I could have otherwise told you that we found him!")

Clever girl... covering herself like that... I just keep running. Though, I begin to realise I have nowhere to go... what do I do?"

=WARPER=

"I really need to get out into the field more often! I'm in my office way too much!" I smile at Purge. Ever since I admitted my feelings for her, we've been spending time together.

"It's fun! It was quite thrilling when I teamed up with Morpha!" We both laugh, then I spot something.

"Hold on, Purge, I think..." I run over. A man, clearly dehydrated and exhausted. "SIR! Please, tell me, what happened to you?" The man looks at me blankly. Purge joins us and gasps.

"Tha... that mark..."

"What is it, dear?" I ask.

"I had a friend a while ago... this was before I became Purge... she worked for the royals in a kingdom... she knew everything about the royal family... she told me about this mark... this mark is a royal birthmark! Sir, why are you so far from your kingdom?"

The man blinks. "I was chased out. Damn spellcasters changed my appearance. I was the king... now the traitors have all my men thinking I killed the king, and the mastermind took over the kingdom. Been running for my life. I don't know if I can even reclaim the throne..."

Just before I can respond, two more men, dressed as soldiers, turn up. "HAND HIM OVER! He is to be executed for treason against the kingdom!"

"For the love of- show them your wrist, your majesty!" Purge commands. Startled, the man does so. The soldiers, confused at first, recoil in shock and shame.

"Don't bother asking for forgiveness" the man says. "You all lost my trust the moment you listened to the real traitors. It's not like I can go back anyway..."

"Actually" I jump in, "maybe you can... magic changed your face, magic can change it back! I'm sure we have-" the man looks at me.

"I've just been running from the very kingdom I worked hard to support. I feel really bad leaving my people like this... but as far as I'm concerned, everyone who threatened me is a traitor. I don't want to go back to ruling over the very people who just threatened to kill me." He turns back to the soldiers. "Remember: a kingdom's might is only as powerful as its people. Do right by the people, you do right by the kingdom."

We escort the man back with us. After some well needed R&R, I present a client for him, considering his life is at risk and that he doesn't even have anywhere to go. Much more humble than his previous occupation, but he seems ready and willing to be the cleaner for a household. "I have one request" the man says. "I've heard from visitors about things called 'tattoos'... I want to cover up this mark. I want no reminder of this horrid part of my life."

I nod. I call over a former villain, Spill, known for using ink as his weapon and defence. He had said once before if he wasn't a villain he'd be a tattoo artist, so he'll be able to do this.

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This story is a part of my series, It's Not Just Business. Please check it out!

Ah, ok. In other words, I'm overthinking it XD thanks though!

I asked because I like a sense of setting - I personally was imagining some women found him by a riverbank a fair distance from the kingdom, but I see you were thinking closer to the kingdom where people would know who he is. I guess that was the biggest thing - would these people know who he was lmao.

Wait, so... who woke him up?

I look out, past Purge in another bed, still fast asleep. The boy waves at me. He appears to be carrying something... wait a minute... is that Steve Mugort?

I dash around outside to greet him, still in my PJ's. "STEVE! What are you doing here? And is this your baby sister?"

"That's right" Steve says proudly. "She's already a year old! Say hi to Warper, Michelle!" The baby, Michelle, responds with a giggle. Steve puts the girl on the ground, and she begins toddling about, a bit unsteady but confidently. Steve is holding onto the rein. "I just wanted to thank you again. You... you gave my life meaning. I also heard that you've been saving others from my 'village'. How's that going?"

I chuckle. "Seems like the people who refused to believe in magic are in such a state of panic and crisis that the very people who were ostracized, as well as some of the children who are old enough too, are the ones keeping the place from collapsing! I remember you said they'd never change... but now, everything is changing!"

"That's great to hear" Steve responds.

"How are things on your end, Steve?"

"Amazing! All the other parents are so jealous of my adoptive parents! After all, what parent DOESN'T want a free live-in babysitter? Government tried to force me to go to school, and CPS were on my parents case for letting a child look after a child. But I proved myself responsible enough to CPS, and we managed to convince the government that I'm being home-schooled. Well, that isn't a lie - when I have time, I take some time to educate myself! I also record everything I've done in a diary. It started out as a 'babysitter diary', but it ended up including my full daily routine. I don't get much time for myself, but I don't care! I love looking after my little sister! I couldn't be happier, really!"

I can't help but beam. "Always happy to help. And it was very nice to meet little Michelle" I say, bending down and stroking her hair. With a wave, Steve is off, once again carrying the small bundle of joy.

Just as I watch the pair run off, a man arrives with a gift basket. "Thank you so much for sending me Neal! Do you know what happened? Two days after you sent him, my daughter was coming back home from school, and a pair of kidnappers tried to ambush her! I'm not wealthy, but I have a decent sum, and these men must have known that. If it wasn't for Neal, I... I don't know... she could have been hurt, or worse! Neal has also decided to teach her how to defend herself. He's such a blessing! I already consider him part of the family!"

"Well... that's sort of the idea..." I reply, blushing.

"Neal took a battering protecting my sweet girl, but he acted as if he weren't even touched! Great person he is. My daughter has also told me how she feels so much safer... she admitted to me that she didn't want to say anything before, but it turns out she had been scared ever since her mum was attacked! Neal is amazing, if just being there makes her feel safer!" The man passes me the basket. "Thank you." With tears in his eyes, he makes his way back.

"Well, what a way to start the day, huh, sir?" I turn around to see Purge standing there, holding a laugh. I go beet red.

"PURGE!" I yell. All that does is send her into hysterics. I just smile and shake my head. "Do you want to go back into the basement?"

"I'm sorry, Warper, but you embarrass so easily! I guess you're not used to being seen as a hero, even though it's been a while." Purge is grinning.

"Darn it, I hate you!" I joke, as we go back inside to get ourselves properly ready for the day.

"I know you actually love me" Purge says with a wink.

"I called you 'dear' by accident the other day, you know!"

"Accident or not... why?"

I look away and at the floor. No... I can't admit it... we're doing a job, dang it! No workplace romances or drama! But... I let out a long sigh.

"Fine. You win. You make it hard to not hate you... but somehow, you've managed to rope me in this trap called 'love'."

Purge nudges my arm. "The truth always comes out, Warper. You could only hide it for so long!"

"Yeah, yeah, let's just start the day" I grumble. I really hope I don't regret admitting my weakness to her...

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This story is a part of my series, It's Not Just Business. Please check it out!

I'm interested to see what you'll do with one of my established characters.

His name is Drowl, previously viewed as a villain for wanting an empire. By this point in the story he's succeeded and goes by the name of 'Lord Drowl'. He's aggressive, but caring, kind and passionate, determined to be a fair and just ruler, like he promised the former hero and his now second-in-command, Naytar. In this universe superpowers don't exist. The most important thing is Drowl's reason for wanting an empire - he had been constantly bullied by his father, who was ruler of a kingdom, and his older brother, Daniel, who was next-in-line. Drowl was still ready and willing to support Daniel when he takes the throne, but the straw that broke the camel's back was his brother telling him that he's worthless and will never be as great as him. Drowl swore on that day that Daniel was right, he wouldn't be as good; he'd be even better. While I HAVE the defining moment, I never wrote a proper backstory. What did the conflicts look like? What made that one statement so painful? Why was Drowl previously still prepared to support Daniel? I have the backstory, but I never wrote the script.

The three of us enter the inn and look around. A man spots us, smiles and waves. He motions for us to follow him, and we do so, into his room. "Alright, buddy, explain what the hell is happening, NOW!" Don demands.

"Easy Don" I calmly say. I turn to the man. "I take it you are The Master?"

"That's right" he replies. "This world is under my control, but everyone just thinks I'm a curse."

"Why?" Sike asks. "Shouldn't you be, I dunno, a GOD to them? Instead, the God of Rebellion said we'd be trapped forever if we saw you!"

The Master chuckles nervously. "Funny you say I should be a God... because that is exactly correct."

"WHAT???" Don yells. "You're a GOD?"

"Well, that was the plan. Let me explain from the beginning. I created a video game a long time ago, so long ago I should be dead. Players start at the temple, which, after they destroy it, they meet the God of Rebellion. The player thinks they're in trouble, only to be praised for their handiwork."

"Just like what happened to me" I jump in.

"Exactly. Anyway, this sets up the tone for the game: the player's quest is to cause trouble wherever he goes. It all accumulates at the end. To complete the game, you have to destroy an unbreakable object. I could explain more, but-"

"Hold on" Don interrupts. "Are you saying we're in a freaking VIDEO GAME?"

"Sort of" The Master states. "You see, I expected the game to be a success, but I was laughed and mocked by everyone. One night, I saw a shooting star. On a whim, I wished to be taken to the very video game I created. My exact words were 'Can you get me out of this world and take me to the world of my own design? I'm sure they'll recognise me as their creator and I'll finally have appreciation.' Even IF it had gone as planned, it was a stupid, stupid wish." He sighs, wiping his forehead.

"So... we're in a video game... what does this mean?" Sike is very confused. I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"I'm not quite finished with my story. So, when the wish actually worked, I expected to be worshipped. When no-one believed me, I took to calling myself 'The Master' in a desperate attempt. Instead, I seemed to have screwed up the AI just by being a real person; I became The Master all right, and because I have direct access to the code, I can manipulate this world. But because AI doesn't die, and I've now made them aware of their existence, I'm believed to be the man who traps people here. It... it's been lonely..."

"So when you said there haven't been visitors for a while... we're the first after you?" I ask.

"Yes" The Master responds. "The arena that took you here... it's actually the exact same arena where the final challenge is, at least in this world. After I made this world real, the arena seemed to become real too. As a final area, everything except the player should be destroyed. The whole surrender thing is how you start the game over - I literally made the button to start over a surrender button. I knew that, eventually, someone would stumble across the arena, so I used my own abilities to put a surrender option. I can't be certain, but... I believe you three are still trapped in the arena, but if you complete the game, you'll all be free... possibly. That's the best we can hope for."

Sike looks at his phone. 23 missed calls from his mum. "Why... why can't I answer my phone?"

"I created this world without technology. I... I fear that trying to answer the phone could have nasty repercussions. At best a glitch causes the phone to be unusable. At worst, it's possible you die."

"So as The Master... you can't free us, but you can help us?" Don practically demands.

"I'm afraid I have to leave the journey in your hands" The Master replies sadly. "Theoretically I could help, but it may not work..."

"Alright, well, thank you so much for your time. We should get to work... cause trouble for this town." I smile awkwardly. Don...

"YES! WAHOO! MAYHEM HERE WE COME!" Don dashes out.

"Remember, this is a game. Everything has a purpose. Don can't do anything to sabotage the quest, don't worry. I'll use the stone crystals to communicate what you need to do etc."

"Understood" I reply with a smile. Sike and I leave, ready to get ourselves back to reality.

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This story is a part of my series, The Arena of Crystal. Please check it out!

Answer: have you MET Satan? No such thing!

Loved this! Jewish by accident!

Thank you!

Thank you!

An unexpected invite arrived at my home two months ago.

'Lon, aka my archnemesis Xarg,

as much as we are rivals, we are, in a way, friends.

That is why I'd love to invite you to my wedding.

I have the pleasure of being with a wonderful woman who enjoys adventure, so I know she is not afraid of our conflict.

Her name is Iva, and I couldn't be happier with her.

She's really looking forward to meeting you.

Trint, aka your archnemesis Valour.'

Of course it was my honour to accept the invite and meet my rival's bride, and soon-to-be damsel in distress haha.

I'm just arriving at the venue. It is absolutely beautiful! I get out of my car. "LON! YOU MADE IT!"

That unmistakable voice... I turn. "Trint!" I call with a grin. The two of us have a 'civilian greeting' where we give each other our best punch to the chest. As usual, his is stronger. As we laugh it off, I see a gorgeous woman approach.

"Lon, meet my lovely bride, Iva!"

I give her a smile and grab her hand, kissing it. I'm quite the gentleman when I need to be. "It is a pleasure, Iva. You've chosen a wonderful man."

She blushes. "Well, thank you! I must say, you're quite formal for a villain."

I shrug. "We know how to behave ourselves... we just choose not to!" I smirk, then motion for Trint to follow me to a quiet spot.

"You know I can't go a day without causing trouble" I start. "I thought just as the reception winds down, I could give Iva her first 'adventure'. You know, a beautiful wedding, followed by her being captured, with me trying to get on your nerves... I won't even stop you from saving her, at least this time, just give her a taste of what it's like to be married to a hero."

Trint smiles and nods. "I'll give you a signal. Wait for the signal."

"I know the rules" I say sarcastically, earning myself a punch in the shoulder. We both go back to join the guests.

​

The ceremony starts shortly afterwards. I watch as Iva, looking very angelic, is walked down the isle. I remind myself to wait, my chance will come. Just as the speech begins, the doors burst open, and some teen dashes over to the hero. "I got your invite, stupid! How did you mess up so badly?"

This kid proceeds to shove Trint against a wall. I watch as Trint tries, but fails, to move his arm. I know this ability - the ability to control the muscles of another person. Trint, I mean Valour, is helpless. The kid looks at me. "You're Xarg, right? Known for controlling the mind? Together, we can both crush this 'hero'!"

I stand up, casually walking over. I see the terror in Valour's eyes. But he is not my target. As I walk over, the kid is compelled to let Valour go, much to his confusion. I force him to his knees.

"What is your name? Both civilian and villain."

He looks at me, completely bewildered. "Umm... Milo, and... Bolt... what..."

I nod. "You're new to the game, aren't you? You've made a very big mistake today."

"Mistake?" I watch as Bolt's expression goes all over the place, his eyes fidgeting, his mouth trembling, his nose twitching.

"Valour, right now, is Trint. I am not Xarg, I am Lon. Trint invited me as his archnemesis... and friend. Who invited you?"

"Umm... Iva, my... my cousin... I thought she set this gig up... she knew I always wanted to-"

I look at Iva. "Is this true?"

Iva nods, her face red. "I didn't think he'd be stupid enough to ruin my wedding. I... I thought he knew..."

"Knew what?" Bolt is scowling, eyes glaring at me.

"Rule number 1 of the villain-hero conflict: know your time and place. You attacked a hero at his wedding. No-one will stand for that." I will him to his feet. "I'm going to have to break a rule myself, it looks like..." I look at Trint, who gives me the go ahead. I proceed to pound this kid until he's a bruised, bloody mess.

I then pick him up as I hear ambulance sirens. The kid is taken in. "He won't make that mistake again" I state, taking my seat. Just before I sit down, I get a quick hug from Trint.

"Thank you" he whispers. The wedding continues, and the rest of it goes off without a hitch.

​

Just as people are preparing to leave after the reception, I get the signal from Trint. I put on my evil grin, and tear off my tuxedo to reveal my villain outfit (tux bought, not rented, I'm not stupid), sending everyone into shock. "Well... this wedding was fun, but now the party's over, I'm ready to go back to being Xarg."

Trint gives me his angry stare. "You were waiting for this, weren't you, Lon?"

I cackle. "You didn't really think I'd leave without causing trouble? I even have something precious I can take from you!" Using my powers, I force Iva forward, walking towards me. Valour, dropping his civilian act, attempts to stop me, but I will him to stay put. I take Iva's hand, spin her so my arm is wrapped around her, and vanish.

"So, Iva... how do you like my place?" I've tied my captive to a chair, which is bolted to the floor. My hideout is dark, designed to be creepy. Despite this, Iva smiles at me.

"I was hoping for an exciting married life... and already you don't disappoint!"

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Who wouldn't go running back for cookies :D

Looks like I wasn't the only one thinking 'pet', but humans are too much a loose canon to be cats lmao

The robots took over the planet. Everyone feared the worst... what happened was very unexpected though.

At first, we all thought the plan of a scientist failed when programming A.I. into thinking we're cute and cuddly didn't stop the takeover of the planet. But... what happened was that we ended up being seen as pets. Aggressive humans were 'put down', deemed dangerous pets.

Humans which were chronically ill were treated to the best of the robots' abilities; those who couldn't be healed were also put down.

In the end, what we now have are humans who are all timid, shy, pacifistic or submissive, who are in great physical and mental health.

To my understanding, the robots put their own rules in place in order to have a human as a pet - adequate space for their living accommodation, plenty of enrichment, you don't need pairs but every human requires social interaction, make sure they have the opportunity to go out at least once a day, feed them three times a day, make sure to bathe them every day...

There's a bunch of other technicalities, but it's not my business to know. After all, I'm just a pet. I can't say I LIKE it, but I just don't care enough to fight back. Honestly... having someone look after me and treat me as if I'm the most precious thing ever... there are certainly worse fates.

But I want to live a normal life. I may get my chance... my 'owner' accidentally left my room door open... being slow, careful and quiet, I make my way to the front door... as soon as I open it, I hear shouting, and I run, as fast as I can.

If I'm fast enough, I can join the other escaped humans, known to the robots as 'wild humans'. I'm almost there... just a bit further...

"COOKIES!"

I freeze. Just like saying 'treat' to a cat, I cannot resist the offer of free cookies. No, freedom is RIGHT THERE! I keep going.

"SUNNY! COOKIES!"

ARGH! I always thought it was so silly for a cat to be so easily tempted... now I get it... I mean, I'm not going to pass up free cookies... I sigh, turn around and, like a loyal dog, run back to my owner, who promptly leashes me.

I'm taken back to my room, having been given a plate of cookies. Was it worth giving up my freedom for a quick snack? My owner gives me a scratch on my neck.

The answer... is yes.

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