The two week journey to Settling Stone found James nervously standing before the gates. Elder Veronica was with him, while her people stayed just inside the forest. It was only going to be the two of them to enter and talk with Elder Tim to see what could be accomplished.

"Ready?" he asked.

Snorting, Veronica crossed her arms. "I should be asking you that."

Pursing his lips, he took a moment to calm himself. Once he was ready, he stepped up to the gate and waved at the guards. It wasn't hard to realize that the cultivators recognized him and quickly waved him through.

Veronica sighed as they walked through. "Did you scare those cultivators as well? Is everyone going to flee from us?"

Not liking the questions, he wanted to dispute her, but honestly couldn't. The last time he was here, he couldn't control his soul nearly as well, and terrified everyone he came across. Whole blocks were cleared as residents fled. It wasn't a memory he was proud of.

Walking past the farmers, he found several of them waving in greeting, making him smile. Waving in return, he watched a frown grow on Veronica's face.

"Do you know the farmers?" she asked.

"I helped in their fields last time."

Not commenting further, Veronica picked up their pace until they reached the inner gate. The guards waved them through and James noticed the shadows shifting near him. Spreading out his soul slightly, he noticed Zenaria following them, her soul nervous.

She must be worried about me. I promised to protect her, and yet she seems to be doing the same for me.

Checking on Amber and Linda, he found them entering the city as well. He didn't know why, but Grace was with them, and all three felt like they were laughing and happy. Caressing all three of them, he made sure they knew that he was nearby to help with anything they needed. All three of them promptly pushed him away, not wanting to be bothered.

Poking Amber a few times, he felt her laugh at him before rubbing against him and then harshly pushing him away. Luna was the odd one out as she stayed in the forest in her wolf form. She had hardly left her form over the last two weeks, stating she needed to think through some things. It didn't bother him, and yet it did. He found himself flipping between worry and acceptance nearly every hour.

"We're here," Veronica stated.

Pulling away from the others, he found the elder stepping onto the elevator as she waited for him. Joining her, he nodded to the operator who started up the contraption.

"He'll likely be waiting for us," James said.

"Why would he be?"

Holding up his finger, James stretched his soul into the sect and poked Tim a few times, letting him know that he was back and nearby. Frustration and annoyance were reflected in the man's soul before he started making his way toward them.

"I just let him know that we are here." James's answer had the intended effect of making Veronica's jaw drop.

He didn't bother explaining further as they soon reached the sect. Sure enough, Tim was waiting for them, his brows raised.

"Where's Elder Bo?"

James felt his whole body sag as he prepared himself to share what happened. Tim sensed right away that Bo was gone and grew angry until James held up his hand.

"He saved your city," James said, bending the truth slightly. "We ran into a Forsaken that was a massive organism that made up a city. He helped kill it, but I couldn't save him." He could tell that Tim knew there was more to the story, but when Veronica gasped, he held back.

"An entire city?" Veronica questioned.

"Yes," James answered. "It was packed with mutated and non-mutated Forsaken. When we attacked the host, everything swarmed Bo and me in the center. My companions had been drained of energy and couldn't help. Bo fought to the last of his strength, but thousands of Forsaken were too much."

Tim closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer for his friend. When he opened back up, he focused on Veronica. "Why is another elder here?"

"Running River is gone," James said.

"Gone?"

Now it was Veronica's turn to slump. "Only a few hundred of my cultivators are still alive. None of the population made it."

Tim's eyes widened as he turned back to James. "Explain!"

James started with the story of finding the king of the demi-human district and the life bonded enchantment that released the Forsaken experiments. After confirming that the city lord and Elder Paul were part of it, he went into the confrontation and how he killed Paul and released another enchantment.

"So you screwed up twice," Tim stated. "Why doesn't that surprise me."

To James's surprise, Veronica held up her hand. "It was only a matter of time before something happened."

Glancing at her, James furrowed his brows. "That was our thought as well."

"I'm guessing you need a new home." Tim hit the mark quickly. "I'll take the help, but you will have to encourage your cultivators to blend in with mine. We don't have easy access to water, but we can figure something out."

Knowing his work was done, James turned back to the elevator.

"Will we see you again?" Veronica asked before he could step on.

"I'm heading for Africa," James stated. "There's a nest that I need to take care of."

"Good luck," Tim said earnestly.

Nodding, James didn't look back as he rode the elevator down. Touching on his friends again, he started making his way through the city. Several vendors called out to him, which he ignored as he reached the demi-human district. Some of the residents recognized him, and waved. Returning the greetings, he found himself arriving at Mason's tavern.

Stepping inside, he found the ladies sharing a drink while laughing. Grace was the first to wave him over, smiling brightly. "James!"

Not having talked to Grace in two weeks, he walked over cautiously. "Yes?"

"I loaded up on more ale and spirits," she announced. "Got a good deal from Mason."

Meeting the gaze of all three women, he frowned. "Are you coming with?"

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"I am," Grace said, her smile growing. Getting up, she walked over and hugged him. "I missed you," she whispered.

Smiling, he returned her hug. "I missed you too. Thank you for this."

Resting her hand against his said, she said, "we're ready when you are. I was hoping we could make some decent time and share a drink tonight."

"I'd like that." Pulling away, he turned to the others. "The cultivators are handled. We're free to leave whenever. Is there anything we need while in the city?"

Everyone finished their drinks before getting up. Amber yawned once before muttering, "let's go, Master."

Rolling his eyes, he led the way out of the tavern. With a final goodbye to Mason, they made their way out of the city.

***

Veronica stood at the edge of the mountain with Tim. "He doesn't seem to care that he killed all of those people."

"It's a good thing he's leaving."

She readily agreed. Putting space between her and James needed to happen. The man was powerful to the point that he didn't have to concern himself with others. He truly was one of the Valiants, gathering Forsaken to him. The demi-humans swarmed to be around him, and she couldn't help but notice they were female.

"Do you think he'll destroy the nest?" Tim asked.

"Yes." Veronica didn't have any doubts that he would. Only a Valiant would be strong enough to turn the tide of the wastelands. If they could keep him on their side, humanity might stand a chance.

Tim seemed to agree as he voiced as much. Standing on the edge for another few minutes, they agreed to leave together. They had a few hundred cultivators to rehome, and the sooner they could get started, the better.

What will your future hold, James? Will you bring even more death with you, or will you be our savior?

***

James stopped in the clearing where he found his new followers waiting on him. Amber promptly ran over to the horned rabbits and threw her arms around the youngest.

"You are so cute!"

Chuckling, James found Grace stepping up to his side. "You have a few more animals than I expected."

"Yeah." He didn't know when or why so many Forsaken had gathered around him once he left Running River, but he found that he had wolves, rabbits, badgers, and even a few raccoons. Apart from his panther and vultures, he was gaining quite the following.

"They feel stronger than I expected," Grace commented.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he nodded. "They are. Being around me boosts my followers into growing faster."

"Is that why I leveled up so quickly?"

"Yeah."

Humming, she said, "I'm sorry, James."

He knew she was talking about how she left, but she had every right to. A lot happened in Running River. "It's okay."

"No, it's not. You're the first man to help me in a very long time and I abandoned you. You gave me the power and ability to not be corrupted like the rest of the residents I called neighbors. If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead."

"I'm glad you lived. I don't know what I would do if I didn't get to fluff your tail again," he teased.

"Oh?" Rubbing her tail against his back, she teased him in return. "I suppose you can help me tonight."

Amber cleared her throat. "Tut, tut, James. Luna is barely out of sight and you're flirting with another lady."

Rolling his eyes, he stepped away from Grace. "You know I wouldn't cheat on her, but it's also my job to take care of all of you. That means tails, baths, and checking your wounds and health."

Smiling, Amber rubbed the rabbits one last time before stretching. "We are burning daylight. Let's get going."

"Is she in charge?" Zenaria asked as she stepped out of the shadows.

Smiling, James shrugged. "It's hard to say." Stepping up to the kitsune, he whispered, "thank you for following me today. I'm glad you were there to watch my back."

"How would you protect me if you aren't around?" she whispered in return.

Chuckling, he turned back to the group and found Linda with a raised brow.

"I'm not going to flirt with you too," she claimed.

Scratching his cheek, he shyly shrugged. "Is it really flirting?"

"It is." Linda waved him off. "Just remember, you have Luna for your base needs."

Sighing, James started walking away. He didn't realize what he was doing was considered flirting. He'd need to tone back his interactions with the girls.

Shaking the thought from his head, he gathered the group and started south. They had a long walk ahead of them before they met up with Mother and Everest. He also had the kittens to see again, and them any dragon children to play with. He also needed to find time to spend with his new companions and make sure they were eating well and that he packed enough food for the rabbits.

Shadow Paw stepped up to his side, a low thrum coming from his chest.

"I need your help," James said softly. "I'm worried about the rabbits."

Nodding, Shadow Paw glanced at the rabbits. He seemed to understand the problem. Growling lightly and then chuffing, Shadow Paw split up the animals. A moment later, all of them scattered into the forest.

"What did you do?" James asked.

Shadow Paw regarded him for a moment before picking up his pace and disappeared into the shadows of the nearby trees. Spreading out his soul, he found the animals within a mile as they felt like they were searching for things. Leaving them to it, he turned to Amber.

"Yes, Master?" she asked.

"We are going to take on a nest. Are you ready?"

Linda and the others stepped up to his side. Even Luna padded out of the forest to listen. "What's a nest?"

The explanation only took a few minutes. Once they understood how the wasteland spread, they fell silent for a moment. Linda was the one to break the silence. "Are you saying we have a great chance at growing stronger?"

"There will be plenty to kill," Grace added. "I can test out my poisons more."

Frowning, James was about to comment on that when Zenaria spoke up. "I have to get stronger. James deserves my best."

Frown growing, James glanced at the kitsune and found her with a steely gaze. I'm no really sure why she's worried about that, but okay…

"I have to catch up to him," Amber stated. "That means James won't be fighting all that much. We'll leave the really bad monsters to him."

Luna transformed back into her human form, startling everyone. "I'm nearly level eight. I have to reach nine during the nest. It's not up for debate."

Eyes wide, James could only nod at her determination. When she walked over to him and took his hand, he felt her strong grip before she leaned into his chest.

"Stop flirting with everyone," she whispered.

"I didn't know I was flirting," he grumbled.

Linda summoned her crossbow, and changed the subject. "How far do you think I can shoot? I bet I can hit two hundred meters."

"Three hundred with less accuracy," Grace joined in.

Zenaria rubbed her chin. "Depends on your level I think. But three hundred should be possible. Why don't we have James run ahead and we can test it out."

"Hey!" He protested.

All five ladies giggled before Amber bumped her shoulder against his. "You better get used to this James. You don't have Mender or Tian around for your guy time anymore."

Sighing, he admitted that he would miss talking with Mender. He would even take Tian at the rate he was going. Thankfully he had Shadow Paw, and Strong Beak, he lead vulture.

"We should talk about the dragons," James suggested. "We will be meeting up with them in a few weeks. I have a feeling it won't be a simple reunion."

"Is anything simple with you?" Amber questioned. "You make a mess when ever you open your mouth, or we leave you alone."

"Oh, yes!" Grace added.

Zenaria didn't comment, but instead shook her head and merged with the shadows.

Sighing, James knew it was time to tell them everything. "Zenaria, come back. There's something I've been hiding from all of you."

The kitsune appeared right away.

"I'm not a human…" Taking them through the truths of his race and the few memories he had from his childhood and the fact his memories slipped away after his core activated. It was confusing and he admitted as much, but once they heard what he truly was, they all beamed.

"A god…" Zenaria murmured.

"Not a real god," he corrected.

"No, she's right," Grace countered. "I can't believe I slept with a god."

Groaning, he glanced at Luna and found her giggling at his exasperation.

Everyone ignored him as they pulled back to talk about him. Even Luna joined them as they formed their own small group, leaving him alone.

Sighing for the umpteenth time that day, he focused on his other companions. The rabbits were the first to return and dropped off several vegetables. Adding them to his storage, he didn't have to wait longer than another minute before the wolves came back with more. Taking them as well, he understood what Shadow Paw had ordered. They were foraging for the trip.

Shadow Paw returned after another hour and dropped off the carcass of a stag. He also had a female partner with him that wasn't there this morning.

"Found a mate?" James asked.

Nodding, Shadow Paw lightly bit down on his hand and dragged him over to the newcomer. Forcing his hand onto her head, he started to purr.

"Yeah, she can come with," James said. "Keep her safe and teach her what she needs. We are going after a nest next."

Growling, Shadow Paw nodded.

James hoped he was on the same page. Their next fight wasn't going to be simple and they would need every advantage they could get.

A hand slipped into his. "Coin for your thought?"

Raising his brow, he found Luna next to him. "Did you have a nice chat with the ladies?"

"Yes I did. But you don't need to concern yourself with that. We have another few hours in our day and we are splitting up to help forage. We want herbs and spices as well as anything else we can get for meals."

"You're the boss," he responded.

Smiling, she shook her head. "I may be their boss, but you're my boss. And tonight you can order me to do anything."

The way she emphasized the word made him gulp. He knew if he responded, things would spiral out of his control. That is if he had control in the first place.

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