Deep within the lands of the Darkside, the creature in eternal servitude walks up to his eternal master. Knowing that begging for his release is pointless, and often met with harsh repercussion, he simply asks for a small amount of respect.

Perhaps he asks too much.

"M'lady Maleria", he says with a flat face, "My service has been loyal, has it not? I would never ask for my freedom m'lady, never in a thousand years..."

His voice trails off, gathering his courage.

"But what of my family? Please m'lady, I do not wish to see my heirs living only a life of slavery. If you grant me just this one glory, I would never speak of such nonsense again."

Maleria responds with a sneer, "You should never bring such nonsense again, not because of a barter, but because it is my order."

The servant falls to a knee, a red mark across his face, "Yes m'lady" he replies with a bow.

The dark mistress continues, "But if you wish your offspring to be given into the care of fools, then your wish is granted. But consider this, those greedy and selfish patrons of yours will be the only ones who will be allowed to touch them. I hope you trust your offspring in their care."

Later that day:
A stranger walks away from Blackheart Hollow, less coin in his hand, but instead he carries a mysterious egg. To his surpise it hatches!



It was after the appearance of the Gatekeeper's offspring that mass hysteria spread to the shops of Subeta. It seemed everyone wanted to show their support for the Gatekeeper.



The Beanbag Shop was the first to jump into the hysteria with a full collection of Gatekeeper Beanbags.



The Book Nook thought it important that if people were going to be adopting children of the Gatekeeper, perhaps they should learn more about them, and had a book published especially in his behalf.



Next came the support of the Candy Shack, selling little hard candies that resemble the Gatekeepers gem. It was subtle, but it worked.



In their own twisted way, the Graveyard Shop also showed it's...erm...support, I think. You know what? Just never mind. You never saw these...



And lastly, wanting to encourage the spirit of the Gatekeeper, the Weapons Arsenal began stocking weapons and armor in celebration of his bravery.

Perhaps now, he will truly get the respect he deserves...