James kept a slower pace as Everest struggled to keep up with him. Her panting breaths made him frown as they grew distant from the dome. He could still feel Amber and Zenaria fighting, even from miles away. Their souls so familiar to him that he could even feel their desires to grow stronger.

Amber didn't think she was good enough and was pushing herself far harder than Zenaria. The kitsune on the other hand thought she was catching up to Amber, and was killing her fair share of monsters. It just wasn't enough to close the gap.

"Can I fight now?" Everest pleaded.

Coming to a stop, James scanned the area and found that none of the monsters were approaching him. In fact, they all retreated the moment he drew near. "You'll have to run out front if you want to fight."

Tail waving, the little dragon bounded past him. Her white soul ablaze with excitement as she reached the first monster several hundred feet away. Keeping an eye on her, he was ready to Devour any enemies that overwhelmed her.

Burning Soul Flames exploded from her mouth as she Siphoned all she could. Five monsters were burned to ash in seconds of the fight starting, and he pushed a little to thin down the numbers approaching her.

With her handled, he stepped away from the edge of the rent, and waited until a dozen insects crawled over the edge. With a snap of his fingers, he activated Setting of a Thousand Suns on the first creature. It's body started to glow with brilliant violet light before beams pierced through its flesh. The fighting all around stopped and watched as the body reached a critical limit.

An explosion of violet energy washed over those around the insect, infecting them with the same energy. Their bodies started to glow, and the monsters scrambled to flee. With another snap of his fingers, he sped up the process, and soon a chain reaction took hold of all of the monsters in the area. One by one, they exploded in violet energy as Soul Energy flowed into him steadily. The steady drip wasn't remotely enough to increased him by a single percentage. But he did notice that the explosions were descending into the rent, little by little.

Even the monsters around Everest exploded, coating the dragon in sticky, black blood. Snarling, she marched back over to him and slashed her claws into his leg.

"Jerk!"

Wincing as his pants were shredded, he touched the fabric. "I don't have that many clothes left. Can't you spare my pants?"

Slashing his other leg, she huffed before walking away. Her tail whacked his side, making him stumble as she continued to grumble under her breath.

Smiling, he caught up to her as they put the death behind them, or at least tried as the violet explosions came back out of the rent and crossed in front of them to another group. Keeping count, James reached one thousand souls before it stopped.

There's a limit at least. Devour is pretty powerful as well. I wonder what some of my other skills can do.

"You're still a jerk," Everest stated. "I'm supposed to be the one getting stronger."

Holding up his hands, he apologized. "I'll stay out of the next fight. I only slow down their advance a little so you aren't overwhelmed."

Racing past him, she glanced over her shoulder and stuck out her tongue. Chuckling to himself, he made sure she didn't go too far and kept the monsters from overwhelming her position. As he watched her used her claws and fangs to rip apart the insects and humanoid monsters, he found himself smiling. Flames washed over ranks of creatures, and yet he was thankful he could watch the rise of another friend. It felt like it had been months since he saw such a low level soul trying to grow.

I wonder if I should recruit more disciples. Would they be willing to join my family? Would I want them to? Where I am going, it might be too dangerous to bring more people into my ranks.

He didn't want more of his family to die. It hurt too much, feeling a piece of his soul be ripped out each time. He never felt the same afterwards, even if he knew they found refuge in his soul afterwards.

Turning back to the dome, he stopped and reached out to Amber. The moment he made contact, she started to purr. Deep inside her, she desired him and wanted to tear off his clothes. That small part was under control, but did he want her to control it any longer?

They hadn't shared any kisses since Luna pushed him towards her. He knew he wouldn't be betraying her for swooping Amber into his arms, and yet, he was scared. Amber really was his soulmate and they belonged together. They always had, since the moment they first met. But he chose Luna instead. Luna became his soulmate, rather than Amber, even if that connection remained and grew stronger over time.

Luna on the other hand grew into something more. She was his anchor and driving force that kept him grounded. She watched over him and commanded everyone when he couldn't. She might as well have been something beyond a soulmate for how much they loved each other.

Chuckling, he shook his head. There can't possibly be something beyond soulmates. Although, when I bring her back, I know Amber is going to have a hard time being alone with me.

Turning his attention to Zenaria, he smiled as he touched her. Like Amber, she wanted more from him, but was stopping herself. She didn't want to step on Amber's toes and had instead dedicated herself to writing a story of his life and adventures.

He wanted to read what she had written so far, but every time he reached for the book, she stabbed him with her pen. Literally stabbed him. She hadn't been able to break his skin but tried and that was enough to make him back away. He could still hear her growls of anger.

Turning his thoughts away from that, he focused on her fighting. She wasn't using her claws like Amber was. Instead, she wrapped her opponents in wires and ripped them apart. And despite killing less than Amber, she was growing fast. For some reason that didn't make sense to any of them, Zenaria had a very strong soul. She grew faster and her skills were more powerful. Her flesh was tougher, and she could hardly be injured. If anyone could grow stronger than him with time, it would be her.

Happy with their current goals, he returned his attention to Everest. The dragon was purposefully taking damage every few monsters and letting herself heal in order to level her skills. Her icy blue scales were blacker than anything, and he already knew she was going to beg him to wash her after they were done. Unfortunately for her, they still had hours left to their day, and he wanted to venture as far north as he could before having to turn back.

Taking Everest with him was slowing him down to a crawl and if he truly wanted to find the facility, or start of the rent, he was going to need to go off on his own. He didn't want to spend weeks fighting never ending monsters. His goal was to get into the Underworld as soon as possible.

***

Luna kicked her feet up on the table, watching James follow Everest. "I miss that dragon."

"She didn't like you," Jamie pointed out.

"Meh." Giggling, she continued to soothe James's soul. Her happiness carried over to him as she helped calm his mind. When he switched to checking on Amber, she tried to push lust toward him, but it didn't work.

"You really want him to sleep with her, don't you?" Jamie asked.

"I do," Luna admitted. "At least for now. He needs someone to take the edge off since I can't be with him."

After a few moments, he switched to Zenaria, and she was surprised by the lust he felt for the kitsune. It was odd, knowing that he wanted both women, yet wouldn't take them both.

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"Him and I are going to have a talk soon," she mumbled.

"I can't wait," Jamie said dryly. "Should we all carry earplugs for when you are with him?"

Laughing, Luna waved her off. "I'll take him to his dreams, not here. He's not ready to visit the temple yet."

"Do you think he'll make a move on Zenaria?"

Shrugging, Luna didn't honestly know. If he did, she wouldn't be mad. She was just another soul that could keep him happy, and she was family. James was only allowed to sleep with those two and herself. Especially herself.

"You're getting turned on again," Jamie groaned.

Luna blinked a few times and noticed the air growing warmer and slightly heavy. "Sorry," she said sheepishly.

"Go upstairs and rub one out." Sighing, Jamie stood. "You're impossible to be around when you are watching him."

"I want what I want." Waving to Jamie as she left, Luna focused on her mate. The man was catching up to Everest and laughing and her dirty state.

I'm glad he's still having fun. I was worried when I died that he would break. I'm thankful that I was able to talk to him. How would he have reacted if I was simply gone?

She didn't want to think about it. His mind would have turned dark and he would have stormed the Underworld. Everyone in his path would have died, but now, he was only focused on The Pact, just as he should be.

Make them bleed, my love. Use their souls to grow strong enough to bring us back.

***

Amber sunk to one knee as she fought to catch her breath. The sun was passing the sky quickly as she made her way back to the dome. Blood coated her body, both black and red. She had purposefully taken damage on multiple occasions. Her reserves had hardly been touched as Regeneration did most of the work with healing her.

She wanted the resistances that came with being attacked. And she had gained a number of them.

Poison Resistance: Level 6/10 (+2)

Corruption Resistance: Level 6/10 (+1)

Piercing Resistance: Level 7/10 (+1)

Slashing Resistance: Level 8/10 (+3)

Soul Resistance: Level 4/10 (+1)

Looking over the increases, she realized she might have let them slash her more than was healthy. Although with each increase, the wounds grew shallower and less apparent. She would never be immune to damage, but she could lessen how much the wounds were.

Pulling up one last notification, she smiled.

Souls Absorbed: Soul Strength: 9.3507 (+0.2637)

Over the hours of the day, she had killed over two thousand of the weak monsters. It was the growth she desperately needed to catch up to James. She was slightly worried that Zenaria was catching her. The woman grew faster than everyone else, and it was honestly scary how she was a phantom in the world of the living.

Getting back to her feet, she jogged the last few hundred feet to the dome. Dragons had formed a circle around the dome, protecting it from the never ending tide of monsters. Amber even caught sight of dozens of animals tearing apart their foes. With a quick search of her soul, she could tell they were growing stronger. In fact, Shadow Paw was already equivalent to level eight. It was startling to know a panther was nearly stronger than her.

Mother and Father guarded the main door, both of them overlooking the battle. Amber hadn't really talked to Father all that much, but the red dragon towered over Mother, even if she was stronger. He was temperamental at the best of times and preferred silence over conversation.

Mother was the one that lowered her head. "Greetings, kitty mate."

Rolling her eyes, Amber patted Mother's snout. "I'm trying to break Everest of calling me that."

"Is it working?"

"No." Shrugging, Amber started to walk inside. "Has James come back yet?"

"Not yet. But I'm sure he'll be back soon. Everest isn't used to fighting for hours on end."

Amber could agree with that. "I'm going to bathe. Send Zenaria over when she gets back."

"I will."

With one last wave, Amber hurried into the dome and adjusted to the low light of the building. James had set up their spot in the middle, so that he could react to any breaks or attacks as needed. That meant there were already four baths set out and clean for the afternoon.

Pulling at her sticky shirt, she grimaced. It was going to be a nightmare to clean her clothes. With the greatest frown, she peeled her clothes off and dropped them into the washbasin. Once everyone had returned and added theirs, she would clean the clothes.

Tail swaying happily, she started the hot water for her tub. Steam rose from the porcelain, making her savor the fresh scent of James's Soul Water. Pulling out soaps and shampoos from her ring, she set them on the side before yawning and covering her mouth.

"Hurry back, James," She murmured.

Slipping into the water, she kept the tub filling as she slowly submerged. She was happy with her growth for the day. It would be at least a week before James was ready to move on, and she had that much time to reach level ten.

***

Zenaria passed into level eight with ease, and even tipped over into level nine before she reached the surface again. A third tail was flickering behind her, and she knew James was going to be all over her once he found out.

Both of her Soul Tails were gold now, and they waved with her happiness as if they were real. Her black and white tail was the perfect contrast that she savored. In fact, she knew she could entice James enough to keep his interest if she really wanted to.

Reaching the top of the rent, she found dragons parting for her. Hurrying past, she stretched her arms above her head as she found Mother and walked past. With a few passing words about Amber and a bath, Zenaria picked up her pace.

It wasn't hard to find the nekorian nearly drowning in the tub. It couldn't possibly hold any more water as her head barely stuck out. Giggling, Zenaria stripped out of her clothes and dropped them in the washbasin. With Amber's eyes closed, Zenaria turned on her water, startling the cat.

"Wha…" Amber yawned.

"Hey, love," Zenaria greeted with a smile. "Your soul feels stronger."

Amber nodded before her eyes widened. "You reached gold…"

"I did," she bragged. "When I reached level eight, I gained a new skill that allowed be to kill dozens at once. It was easy to descend deeper to harder monsters."

"There's harder monsters lower down?"

Nodding eagerly, Zenaria pulled out her soaps and shampoos. "Plus, we need less souls to grow stronger than James. Although, I don't think we can pass him."

"I can assure you, we cannot." Amber sat up, splashing some of the water from her tub. "We will always be below him."

"I bet you wouldn't mind being below him," Zenaria teased.

Gawking, Amber splashed her with water. "Like you are any better!"

Shrugging, Zenaria turned so Amber could see her third tail. "What do you think?"

Eyes growing wide once again, Amber whistled. "I'm so happy for you, Zenaria. How does it feel to have them back?"

"I feel complete," she whispered. Shaking her head, she forced a smile.

"I'll make James wash them tonight."

Smiling for real, she slipped into the bath. Keeping the water running, she started wiping off the blood and grime from the day. Spreading out her soul, Zenaria could feel that James was on his way back, and moving quite quickly.

"Is he okay?" she asked.

Amber shrugged. "It's James. It's hard to tell. But he did have Everest today and she likely collapsed because he pushed her too hard."

"Ahh…"

"Yup." Closing her eyes again, Amber blew out a slow breath. "Do you want to be washed first tonight, or me?"

"You can." Zenaria really wanted more attention and she knew if James washed her first, it would be cut short. "He really takes care of us doesn't he?"

Amber raised an eye at her. "He does. He always has, even though we weren't romantic with him. I don't know why though to be honest. I think he just likes the small levels of intimacy and reassurance that we are there for him and we aren't leaving or pushing him away."

"Makes sense." Laying back, Zenaria closed her eyes. "Would you mind if I slid my sleeping mat up to his other side?"

"Not at all."

With a soft smile, Zenaria kept track of James as he hurried back to the dome. She only had to wait a few minutes before he burst through the doorway, followed by roaring growls and yelling from Mother.

"She's fine!" he yelled back.

"She's not awake!" Mother snapped. "So help me, James! You won't be waking up tomorrow!"

"She's stronger now," he argued. "With a good bath, she'll be back to normal. Just let her sleep for a few hours."

Another loud growl filled the air before James yelped and ran toward them. Opening her eyes, Zenaria found James touching the shredded remains of his shirt that Mother had just clawed through.

"I don't think you'll need to wash those," she teased.

James gave her a dull look. "I have two more outfits left. I'm going to have to enchant them before I wear them."

Amber giggled. "I much prefer you in nothing."

"I bet you do," he said dryly. "You're cut off."

"What?" Amber quickly sat up. "Are you serious?"

James held back his smile, but it was clear he was trying not to laugh. "I think I'll give Zenaria your bathing time tonight."

"James!" Amber pleaded. "I need you…"

Chuckling, he tossed the remains of his clothes to the side. "Fine, I'll start with your tail, but I'm not going to tease you tonight."

Zenaria rolled her eyes. James had been caressing her more and more with each passing day. The little whimpers that Amber let out were driving him to do more.

"Zenaria asked to be second," Amber said while opening one of her shampoo bottles. "She has a big surprise for you."

James turned to her and his eyes widened. "You're gold!"

"I am," she said softly. "But that isn't the surprise."

Walking over to her, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Let me see."

Rolling over, she held onto the tub as her three tails breeched the surface. James gasped and grabbed the base of each one in turn, sending shivers through her body. Zenaria didn't know if he knew that being touched in such a way was near torture with how it made her feel.

"I promise to clean them soon," James said before helping her roll back over. "You'll have an hour of my time."

"A whole hour?" she asked. "I guess I do have a lot of blood on me. Are you okay with cleaning all of me?"

"I am," he said firmly.

Once again, she didn't think he knew what exactly he agreed to. She might have to remind him that she was interested in him and guide him away from certain areas to protect both of them. He was slightly clueless at the moment without Luna telling him bluntly what was right in front of him.

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