James watched the world come to life as Forsaken left their dens and started searching for food. The carnivores hunted down the smaller Forsaken, working in packs or stalking as predators. One particular panther snuck up on him, creeping along the underbrush to approached his boulder.

Turning towards the monster, he tried not to judge it harshly. It's soul wasn't very strong and it felt malnourished as it crept closer. With a frown in place, he pulsed his soul and watched the creature freeze. Before it could flee, he darted forward and grabbed the scruff of its neck. Pulling it from hiding, he carried the large monster over to the boulder while it kicked its back feet into his stomach, hoping to carve him apart.

"Stop that!" he growled, making the monster freeze in place.

Setting it down, he held it tight so it couldn't run. Meeting the black monster's eye, he found the slitted pupils wide and full of fear. Despite that, he could hear its stomach rumble from lack of food.

Rubbing his forehead with his off hand, he sighed. Summoning a chunk of dragon meat, he set it down near the panther and let it go. Looking between him and the offering, its hackles were raised. Cocking his brow, he crossed his arms as if daring the panther to shy away.

Lowering itself onto its stomach, it picked up the meat and started chewing, tearing it part with its sharp teeth. Slowly, its stomach settled and he summoned another piece of meat.

"You're not a bad monster, are you?" he murmured.

A rumbling purr rose in the chest of the panther as it ate its second piece. Running his hand along its back, he petted the panther before walking away.

"Stay safe, little one!" he called out as he headed back towards the city. The gates were still closed when he arrived and the guards eyed him with worry as he stepped out of the forest.

"What are you doing out of the city?" a guard called out to him.

"Going for a stroll," he answered. "Is that a crime?"

"How do we know you aren't a Forsaken?"

Frowning, he jumped up onto the wall. "Really?"

The guards staggered back as they raised their weapons. With an annoyed glare, James pushed out his soul, forcing them back further.

"Lower your weapons, you fools. I could kill you right now and your elder will brush it off. I'm tired of you people treating me like trash."

Quickly lowering their weapons, they bowed their heads.

"Sorry, Master Cultivator…" most of them mumbled.

Rolling his eyes, he hopped down and headed towards the fields. The farmers were just getting started for the day, scything through the grown wheat and bundling it.

With a smile, he walked over to a group and raised his hand. "Good morning!"

"Good morning, cultivator," a man said, raising his hand in greeting.

Smiling, James made sure his soul was pulled in. "I don't understand any of this," he said, gesturing at the fields. "How do you all know how to plant and grow your crops? I know there's more to it than simply tilling the fields and praying for rain." He made sure he chuckled at the end to ease the tension.

The group laughed with him, relaxing as they rested their tools on their shoulders.

"I don't think I've ever heard of a cultivator taking interest in our work," a man said stepping forward. His black hair and eyes spoke of his eastern descent as he looked James up and down.

"I'm unorthodox," James stated. "How do you know when to harvest? I don't understand these plants at all."

Chuckling, the man offered his hand. "Jared."

Taking the hand, James introduced himself.

"Well, James, it takes years to fully understand our trade. Our families have been farmers for centuries; ever since this city was founded. I have been growing wheat since I could walk. It started out by knowing the wheat changes to a golden color when it's ready. See how it's starting to grow golden, brightening, but not turning brown?"

"Yeah?"

"That's when you know it's ready," Jared said. "It takes months for the wheat to mature and pollinate. Once it does, we harvest for the season and process the grain at the mills. From there it's packed and sent into the city for bread and pasta. Things like that."

"There's a whole chain?" James questioned.

"Yes," the man said with a chuckle. "In fact, our farms are the backbones of the whole city. We grow the herbs, produce, and grains for the entire city. We work from dawn to dusk, everyday."

Whistling, James crossed his arms. "I never knew it was that much work. I guess I've been taking advantage without understanding."

"Humble," Jared said. "But not untrue. Most people go their whole lives without questioning where their food comes from. Just like they don't question their meat or iron. We have workers for all of the basics. I bet they would die of shock if they knew how the sewers worked."

Chuckling, James raised his hands. "You got me. Until I started traveling, I didn't know any of that. Still don't understand most of it, but journeys to know one self has given me time to reflect on the world. How have I been blind to all of this?"

Smiling softly, Jared waved the other farmers over. "It's odd hearing that from a cultivator. But a welcome statement all the same." Handing over the scythe, Jared gestured to the fields. "Why don't we show you a bit about what we do. We have to get started for the day, and I bet you'll work muscles you didn't know you had."

Smiling, James took the offering. "Treat me like a child. My understanding is nonexistent."

Laughing the group of men led him over to the field.

Luna followed Amber through the busy streets of the demi-human district. Slowly, the worn buildings grew even more destitute as the crowd thinned and the atmosphere became tense and dark.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

Amber glanced back at her. "Somewhere to get information."

Nodding, Luna didn't question it further as she started shifting her gaze to the men leering at her. Many of them held weapons they shouldn't have and scars that spoke of many fights. Shivering under their gaze, she stuck close to Amber as they stopped before a building that was more maintained than the others around.

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"We're here," Amber announced before pushing open the door. "Let me do the talking."

Nodding, Luna followed as Amber stood straight, her tail unwaving behind her. Each ear twitched from side to side, swiveling as the cat's soul was prepared for a fight.

"Ah…Amber," a soft voice said from the darkness.

Eyes adjusting to the dim light, Luna found a crone of a woman sitting at a counter. Her eyes were milky and teeth crooked. It was hard to tell her heritage as she smiled.

"Matron," Amber greeted.

"You've brought a guest. A foreigner…"

Nodding, Amber stepped up to the counter. "We are looking for her husband. He left in the middle of the night last night and hasn't come back."

"And your payment?" the woman asked.

Pulling out a dozen gold coins, Amber set them down.

Scooping them up, the crone nodded. "The cultivator you seek has just come back into the city. He is safe."

"That's it?" Amber questioned.

"For what you paid, yes."

Luna started to growl. "Tell us where he is!"

Tutting, the woman raised her hands and shrugged. "Alas, dear cultivator, I do not work for free. You never asked a question, and I have already provided information. The transaction is complete."

Amber grabbed Luna's wrist before she could angrier. "Let's go. We know he's in the city now and unless he snuck you gold last night, we are broke."

Grumbling, Luna relented and left the building. When Amber kicked a stone out of the way, she wasn't ready for the cat to growl.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Amber took a deep breath. "Where would a man like him go?"

"I don't know," Luna admitted. "I don't think he's ever explored a city on his own."

Grabbing Luna's hand, Amber started pulling her out of the destitute district.

"Why do you care so much?" Luna asked.

Amber didn't answer.

Pursing her lips, Luna let the woman lead her away. They had miles of city to search and hope they found him. If her Soul Senses were more developed, it wouldn't be hard. Sadly, Luna had focused on fighting more than her senses. A mistake she was regretting.

Hours passed for James as he helped harvest the wheat before he had to stop. Sweat soaked his brow as he laughed and talked with the farmers. He felt relaxed and satisfied for the first time in a long time.

"I have to get going," James announced. "Thank you for letting me join you."

Jared waved from nearby. "Stop by any time, James. We always have work for you."

Chuckling, James dusted himself off before heading towards the inner gate. The fields and orchards were alive with activity as bees buzzed from here to there. The nearby children were harvesting seeds and churning butter from some sort of milk that James didn't understand. It was just another thing he couldn't comprehend about the city.

With a smile on his face, he reached the gate within a few minutes. The guards let him pass after sensing his strength. Entering the city for the second time, James took a deep breath. The scents of roasting meats, baking bread, and body odor was nearly drowned out by sewage.

"I don't like this," he admitted. "It's too much. Too many different scents. What happened to death and rot?"

A passerby eyed him with caution as he mumbled to himself. With quick steps the man hurried away.

Sighing, James started walking. The main street he was on was lined with shops of various goods. Jewelry was on display alongside clothes of all styles. From western design, to eastern robes, everything looked comfortable as the density changed to more winter versions.

Women were moving through stores, picking out outfits for children or their husbands as if it was a normal part of their day. Couples were stopping by jewelers, trying on rings and necklaces. Food vendors hawked their products as they were freshly cooked and seasoned.

James was tempted to stop for skewers when he remembered he couldn't eat. What he did stop for was several bottles of wine and liquor. Adding it all to his storage, he thought of Amber. She liked to drink, but not the point of Luna. She had shared the most nights with him since he had come to the city.

Why has Luna been drinking so much? I don't understand why she wouldn't want to spend more time with me in the bar. We could have gone for walks at night, but she passes out before we can really do anything.

They weren't thoughts he was used to. He loved Luna, but lately, it felt like she was spending all of her time drinking to drown some sort of sorrow. Jamie and Mender were doing the same, while Amber was keeping him company. It was confusing.

I don't understand people. Is this what friends do? They drink and party every night? They eat their fill and pass out?

Frowning, he was lost in thought when he came upon the apothecary he had frequented the day before. Stepping inside, he found the same ten year old girl watching the counter. Her expression brightened when she noticed him.

"Master Cultivator!" she called out.

Smiling, he walked over to the counter. To his surprise, the alchemist stepped out of the back before he could say anything.

"Just in time," the old man said. "I have finished your supply of care products. The ladies will be greatly happy for you."

Still smiling, James could feel it didn't reach his eyes.

Humming, the old man rested his hands behind his back. "Something troubles you, young man."

"Yes," James admitted.

"Come." Waving for James to follow him, the master returned to the workshop in the back.

James followed, his eyes roaming over the counters of herbs and jars of ingredients. The smell of spice and herbs was stronger in the back as the master pulled out two chairs.

"You have never been inside an apothecary before yesterday, have you?" the master asked.

"No. I didn't get out much before recent events."

Nodding, the old man rubbed his chin. "Yet you have a wife that is demi-human and your proclaimed sister desires her own demi-human. And you are picking up supplies for both of the ladies."

Sighing, James ran a hand through his hair. "Life is confusing."

"It often is." Chuckling, the master hummed. "What troubles you, Master Cultivator?"

"Many things," James stated. "I don't understand this city life. Why is my wife drinking so much every night? In fact all of my friends are, apart from a certain cat who keeps me company. Why don't they trust me to shop on my own? Am I that hopeless in life?"

Closing his eyes, the man rubbed his chin, pinching his beard between his fingers. "You have to ask yourself if they are trying to protect you, or themselves. You have the look of a man that is new to life, yet you reek of death and destruction. You've killed man and beast many times in your life, yet shopping is new. Are they afraid you will lose control? Or are they embarrassed by your actions? Do you know which?"

"I don't," James said softly.

Humming again, the master opened his eyes. "Have you heard the story of six eggs?"

"No," James said slowly.

"A mother bird gave birth to five eggs yet one day a sixth appeared. To the mother, there was nothing to question, it was often that they fostered another's child. Days passed and the eggs hatched. The mother took the time to feed all six of her children, day and night. One by one, the chicks left the nest never to return. One day, the mother left as well, never to return.

"The farmer down below heard a chick chirping, having been left behind. Climbing the tree, he was shocked to see the nest filled with blood and feathers. The sixth chick had eaten all of the others."

"What does this mean?" James asked.

Holding up his hand, the man continued. "The farmer was scared and burned the nest and chick inside. Whatever that chick was, it wasn't a bird."

James sat in silence as the story ended.

"You are the sixth chick," the master explained. "You are death and destruction, as that is how you feel. The question you have to ask yourself is, will you follow the same path as the demon, or will you leave the nest as any other bird?"

"I certainly don't want to be burned alive," James mumbled.

Chuckling, the master nodded. "I don't know of anyone that would. People are scared of you. Terrified of your hunger. Yet, you have people that are close to you, just like those chicks were close to the demon. Can you become more than your hunger? Are you more than death itself? Or will you eat those around you?"

Closing his eyes, James sat back. "I don't know. I try to remain in control, but it's hard. My wife helps, but I turned on her once already. Will I do it again?"

Opening his eye, James found the master staring at him with a sad expression. "Your life is not an easy one. Do you have enough love to keep you from feasting on those you know? Are your friends enough to stop you? Or are they afraid of what will happen when you are left alone? You need to decide what kind of bird you will be."

"I don't want to hurt them," James whispered.

"Then it is time you talked with them. Wandering the streets alone, left in thought, will only drive you mad with questions. A man that lacks freedom is a man without purpose. You'll become the demon in the story, devouring those around you until you are burned."

Nodding, James got to his feet. The master joined him and summoned several bottles. "The orange ones are for your cat. The brown for your wolf. Don't let your hunger define you, cultivator. You know how that story ends."

Adding the bottles to his storage, James bowed deeply. "Thank you, Grandmaster."

Bowing in return, the master showed him out. They didn't need to talk more as James turned back to the demi-human district and started searching the souls of the city. His senses spread far and wide until he found Luna and Amber moving together. They were looking for him, but stopped suddenly as Luna felt him.

Knowing they would find him; he started walking towards the inn. It wouldn't take long before they joined him, and he would be questioned. Many questions were drifting in his mind. Many questions with no answers.

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