Zenaria caught up to Amber as the nekorian started to the north, hoping to run into the queen. Dropping her Phantom Form, she startled the cat enough that she spun with her claws drawn.

"What the fuck, Zenaria?" Amber shouted.

Giggling, Zenaria pushed the clawed hands away from herself. "Just checking your reflexes."

Growling, Amber emitted more anger than she had any reason to be showing. Putting away her claws, she stomped her feet as she walked away.

"Did he piss you off that much?" she asked.

Amber nodded. "He was using magic."

Whistling, Zenaria glanced toward the new structure that was clearly not part of the natural canyon. "Did you slap him?"

"Tackled him to the ground and shouted at him." Huffing, Amber stopped and rubbed her temples. "That man is giving me an ulcer."

Smiling softly, Zenaria took Amber's hand and pulled it away from her head. "It's okay, Amber. He wouldn't do anything to hurt himself further. We have to trust him."

"I know…" Sighing, Amber pulled Zenaria into a hug. "I just don't know what I would do if he…"

Zenaria didn't need Amber to finish the sentence. They were both worried about James, and after everything that had happened, they couldn't bear it if anything happened to the man. He was their anchor.

"Want me to go make sure he's fine?" Zenaria asked after a minute.

Squeezing one last time, Amber shook her head. "No. We need to find the queen."

"I know, but taking a day off to help our mate relax and heal wouldn't hurt either."

"No," Amber repeated. "The sooner we can confirm the queen, the sooner he will honestly relax. Trust me. If we don't do this, he's going to march off on his own."

"Okay." Letting Amber go, Zenaria peered out over the canyon floor. Monsters were starting to draw closer, but were wary enough to mostly avoid the duo. With both of them nearly at level eleven, there wasn't anything down here that could challenge them.

"Let's walk together," Amber suggested. "I could use a reprieve from fighting."

"I sent Everest to the new home," Zenaria stated before taking the lead. "I'm sure the others will be along before long."

"Hopefully they don't wake James."

"Wake him?"

Nodding, Amber explained that she tucked James in and made sure he was resting before leaving. Giggling, Zenaria could picture it clearly. Amber had always been worrying about James and checking on him. When his mind cracked, she had panicked more than anyone. She was desperate to help him, even going so far as enticing him with her body. Zenaria hoped that James would worry about her as much as he had Amber. Those two were clearly soulmates.

"I know that look," Amber whispered before pulling her to a stop. "James loves you, you know. He was attracted to you pretty quickly. The tails?"

Laughing, Zenaria nodded. "I don't think it was my tails. I just did what I could be there for him, in a different way than you and Luna. That won him over."

"Yeah…"

Continuing their walk, Zenaria scanned every nook and cranny of the jagged path. Tall boulders dotted the canyon floor, sprinkled with divots, small rises, and plenty of monsters.

The ramps weren't consistently placed along the sides. They were on both sides, but were sporadic. They were simply lucky that they found an entrance to the Underworld when they came down.

"How far away do you think the queen is?" Zenaria questioned.

"Probably at the very end." Kicking into a jog, Amber hurried to their destination.

Matching her pace, and then racing past, Zenaria turned it into a game for them. The world started to blur around them as they giggled and tried to outdo one another. A few hours passed before they could see the end of the canyon.

"We haven't found anything yet," Zenaria stated.

Amber pointed at the black vines that were slowly turning to dust. "They are thicker down here."

Zenaria also noticed something that was more disturbing. The Qi in the air was dense. Very dense. And it was a mixture of every element she could think of. Worry started to build as she watched the base of the vine shift in the distance. "I think we found the queen."

Slowing their pace as they reached a hundred feet from the wall, they hid behind a boulder. Out before them, the ground was covered in a thick blanket of vines, while a blob of flesh twenty feet tall and nearly twice as wide slid across the ground. It didn't have any apparent orifices, but it was pumping out more Qi than anything Zenaria had ever felt before.

"That's not good," Amber whispered.

"No, it's not," Zenaria agreed. "If that thing is pumping Qi into the world, then if we kill it, will we lose the ability to cultivate?"

"We won't," Amber assured her. "But others…possibly. Are all of the queens filling the world with Qi?"

Zenaria started backing away. "I don't know, but if we leave it alive, it might keep creating monsters."

"Just not as many." Amber joined her as they started jogging back. "We'll leave the decision to James. The rent is officially shut down and the wastelands are healing."

Nodding, Zenaria kicked up the pace. She wanted to see James as soon as possible.

***

James groggily opened his eyes, his body was numb and mind fuzzy as he found a gray haired woman looking down at him. Her gray eyes held power as she smiled before kissing his forehead.

"You're awake," she whispered.

"Mom?" he asked.

"Yes, Honey."

Sitting up, James found himself in his adult body for the first time. "Am I dreaming?"

"You are." Keeping her hand on his back, she hummed a soothing melody that he couldn't place. The white, misty surroundings of his soul made sense as he turned to her.

"Why am I dreaming of you?"

Smiling, she stopped humming. "The same reason you received a message when you first awakened. I implanted what I could while sealing away your soul. What you are seeing is a very small fragment of my soul that has been entwined with yours."

"Why didn't you come sooner?"

A gentle smile graced her lips. "This was a gamble, James. Everything I have done for you has been a gamble. I only prayed that you would survive and grow up to be a powerful man. And I can see violet in your soul. Is that true?"

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"It is," he answered. "My family helped me reach violet when The Pact attacked."

Tutting, his mother clenched her fists. "Those bastards. I can feel someone sharing your soul. That's not normal, but she's full of love."

"Luna." Smiling, he started talking about the Fenrir and explaining how they met and how it ended.

"I'm sorry, James," his mother said softly. "I should have been there to raise you. I never wanted to let you go, but The Pact had found us."

"I'm going to kill them, mom," he promised. "And I'm going to destroy the rents and nests. I'll free our people's energy."

Patting his cheek, his mother nodded. "I have no doubt that you will. But I'm worried that you aren't strong enough to defeat the Council. You need more levels, James."

"I'm nearly to the immortal soul," he said. "How much more power do I need?"

"You need to be immortal. Head to the rent in Europe and Australia. Once you level up from both of those, head to the Americas and close the last rents. They will push you into the immortal soul. Avoid the capital until then."

"Australia doesn't have a rent." James was more than confused by her statement.

"It does. It's small and only opened a few decades ago. The world is still breaking, James. Collect our people's energy and secure our future. I feel your love for Luna and the two others. Are you sure you can handle three?"

Chuckling, he nodded. "I'm sure. Amber and Zenaria are all I have left…"

"My sweet boy." Sniffling, his mother grabbed his arm. "You have suffered more than I ever wanted you to."

"You wanted me to suffer?" he teased.

Wiping her eyes, she huffed. "No mother wants their child to suffer, but I was a realist. I knew having you would only bring problems to your future. I prayed that you would be strong enough before they arrived."

"I nearly was." Forcing a smile, he took his mother's hand. "I have a wonderful family now. I'm going to bring them back, mom. Luna wants more kids than I'll ever be able to handle."

"I like her already." Closing her eyes, she whispered, "I'm out of time, James."

"I'll kill them all, mom. They won't walk this world for much longer."

Smiling, his mother cupped his cheek. "Crush their souls, James. Grind their bones to dust as you shatter their lives. I wish I could be there. I truly do."

"So do I," James whispered in return.

Her hand slipped from his cheek as she started to fade away. The misty surroundings broke apart, leaving him in a black void. Closing his eyes, he felt his soul settle and when he next blinked, he was awake in his newest home.

"I want to wake him," Amber said from nearby.

"You can't," Zenaria argued. "He needs his rest."

"Fine, I'll just cuddle with him."

"What if you wake him? I won't let you risk it."

Smiling, James sat up and found both of his ladies standing in the doorway. "I heard something about cuddling."

Amber pushed Zenaria away before rushing over. Hoping into the bed, she landed in his lap and forced him to lay back down. Pressing her head against his chest, she started to purr.

"I missed you too," he said with a chuckle.

Zenaria walked over a little slower and sat near his head. "I'm sorry I couldn't control her."

"It's fine." Rubbing Amber's back, he yawned, trying his best to wake up fully. "What did you two find?"

"The queen," Amber stated. "There's just one problem."

"What would that be?"

Zenaria picked up the explanation. "The queen is filling the world with Qi. An intense amount is flowing out of her, and we think the other queens are doing the same."

Pursing his lips, he nudged Amber off him. "I'll need to see for myself. We'll go after I've recovered."

Amber propped her head up with her hand as she claimed the spot by his side. "We are worried what will happen to cultivators if we kill the queen."

"On the other hand, she'll keep spawning monsters, meaning the world will never be safe," Zenaria added.

"Do you think the world will stop putting out Qi if the queens are gone?" James questioned. "Maybe the queens started the influx, but plants and water create their own now, don't they?"

"How should we know?" Amber snorted before adding, "Not even the elders know how cultivating started. One day, they simply could."

James knew that as well, but he didn't like that this choice was put on his shoulders. He wasn't going to make any decisions until he saw the queen."

"What time is it?" he asked instead.

"It's past the time the sun would set," Zenaria answered. "Don't expect time to make much sense now that we are down here."

Frowning, James changed subjects again. "I had another dream of my mother. She said I need to reach the immortal soul before confronting the Council. That means heading to Europe and Australia before crossing under the oceans."

"That's fine," Amber said. "As long as I can steal some of that energy to reach violet, I'll be happy."

Rolling his eyes, he sat back up. "I'm going to take a bath. Care to join me?"

Zenaria giggled. "I would never say no."

Getting up, he moved to the far wall and set up three tubs. Starting the water, he said, "defeating the next two rents and nests will push me to the immortal soul, or very close to it. We might need one rent in the Americas, but they will likely have guarded it by then."

"Consolidate their people? Do you really think they will?" Amber asked.

"Yes, without a doubt." Pulling off his clothes, James added, "once they learn we are hunting them down, they will do anything to gather enough people to kill us. You two will have to absorb the nests to reach violet. We don't dare go into this without strength and assurance."

Zenaria nodded and slipped out of her clothes. Turning her back to him, she lifted her tails to tease him, making him stare without shame. "Oops," she teased.

"Vixen." Slipping into the water, he did his best to turn away from her.

Amber clucked her tongue. "It's my night with him, Zenaria. Don't rile him up and crave you."

"We have more to talk about," he cut in. "The first city we reach, we are going to need to clear it out and learn how to reach Europe. The Underworld will likely be all tunnels and a giant maze."

"We'll need a guide," Amber suggested. "I'll look for someone that will deal with us honestly."

"How many days will we be in town?" Zenaria asked.

"Two, maybe three," James answered. "I want to get in and out as quickly as we can. I'll need you to sneak in first and get us money. Rob some people if you have to."

"I'll join her," Amber said. "What are we going to do with the dragons and animals?"

"They will follow us until the final battle. That's when we'll need them. That and clearing the rents of monsters. The nests too. Without the rest of our family, we need the help."

Closing her eyes, Amber sank lower into the water. "Good. We really do need the help."

"We'll let the elders and dragons clear out the rest of the rent over the next couple of days," James stated. "When I feel ready, I will find the queen and make a decision."

Zenaria moaned as the steaming water relaxed her. "Sounds good, James. Now, come over here and wash my beautiful tails."

Laughing, he splashed her with water, making her sputter. "I'll wash you when I'm good and ready."

Pouting, she laid her ears flat and widened her misty eyes. Lip quivering, she pleaded, "please…"

Groaning, he started to get up. "Dammit…every time."

Giggling, the kitsune pulled her shampoos out of her ring. "Take your time, my love. I have three now and my back needs scrubbing too."

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled.

***

Opening his eyes, James found himself back in the familiar white, misty void. "Another one?"

A voice chuckled behind him. Turning, he found Mender walking over. The healer looked exactly as James remembered him. Only instead of a robe, he wore white pants and shirt.

"You look surprised to see me," Mender said with a smirk.

"I am," James admitted. "I had a dream with my mother earlier."

"Oh?" Sitting down, Mender crossed his legs. "Tell me about it."

Sitting with his brother, James told him about the time with his mother. The slight change in their destination, and what it meant for everyone.

"If you reach the immortal soul before the final battle, you'll be able to bring us all back to help you," Mender commented.

"I will." Smiling, he took Mender's hand. "I'm going to rush through each city, nest, and rent. I'm not wasting any more time, taking weeks to clear monsters."

Smiling, Mender squeezed his hand. "Thank you, but make sure you let Amber and Zenaria get stronger."

"I will." Chuckling, he shook his head. "Those girls…"

"Sealed things with Amber tonight?"

"I did," James answered. "Tomorrow, I'll have Zenaria to myself. I wonder if she'll write our first time in that book of hers."

"She will," Mender said with a laugh.

Meeting his brother's eye, James said, "I miss you."

Mender smiled; warmth in his eyes. "I miss you too, James. When this is all over, I expect you to settle down and build us a nice home."

"Should I drop you off in a city first so you can find a girlfriend?" he teased.

Snorting a laugh, Mender flipped him off. Turning serious, he said, "Luna won't be able to visit for a little while. She did her best to help you channel all of that energy you gained, but it did a number on her. The temple too."

"Temple?" James questioned.

"Yes. Your soul appears as a temple to us. We live pretty well inside, even if Luna pushes us around a little."

"Of course she does."

Mender started to fade away. "I have to get back. Luna will kick my ass if I don't help clean the library."

"I have a library?" Mender laughed at his confused expression before disappearing entirely. Huffing, James crossed his arms. "Since when do I have a library?"

"You have more than a library."

Turning, James watched Grace walk out of the mist. "You're here tonight as well?"

"I am." Walking over, she pushed him onto his back, only to sit on his waist. "I've been waiting a while to see you again, James."

"Grace?" he questioned with even more confusion.

"Don't worry, Luna won't let me have sex with you in your soul. But just so you know, I'm looking forward to when you get out. Just don't tell Luna that I'm going to sneak into the relationship."

Chuckling, he was about to comment when Grace started to fade.

"Shit," the skunk cursed. "I think she just found out. I'll visit again soon, James. I have a lot I want to talk about."

"Good luck." Laughing, he watched Grace fade the rest of the way. "Are people done showing up now?"

The white mist faded away, leaving him in the void. It would seem his visitors were done for the night.

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