Luna strode through the forest, leading the way for her group. Amber tried to keep up with her, hoping to talk, but she simply increased her pace and used her soul to push the Forsaken away.

James is different again. Stronger. Scarier. I need to adjust so he doesn't think less of me.

Nearly an hour passed before they reached the city walls. It was then that Amber stopped her.

"Did I do something wrong?" the nekorian asked.

"No," Luna answered. "You wouldn't be you if you weren't flirting with my husband."

"Ahh…" seeming to understand, Amber bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I'll tone it down."

"You do that." Waving for everyone to leave the forest, she stopped at the edge. "You all know what you are supposed to do today. James expects a certain level of perfection. Don't disappoint."

Luna watched everyone enter the city as she turned her attention to the sky. Whistling, she only had to wait a moment for one of the vultures to land. "Do you need me to get you food?"

The vulture shook its head.

"Very well. I have plenty of corpses in my ring. If you need food, let me know. James won't be able to help much until we leave the forest."

Bowing its head, the vulture waited until she did the same before taking to the air. With the bird gone, she glanced over her shoulder. "You might as well come out."

A growl filled the air as the skinniest panther she had ever seen walked into the open.

"Knock it off," she warned. "My husband has been feeding you, hasn't he?"

The growls cut off as the panther's tail started to sway. Snorting a laugh, Luna summoned the corpse of a boar. "Eat up, kitten."

Inching forward, the panther sunk his teeth into the carcass. Luna watched for a few moments before turning her attention back to the city.

"You need to stay safe, kitten. James would be very upset if his favorite panther was killed." Glancing at the panther one last time, she felt a vulture land next to her again. This one eyed the panther with a tilt of its head. "The panther is with us."

The vulture bowed its head in understanding.

"He's very weak," Luna added. "James has taken a liking to the kitten for trying to attack him in its hunger."

Nodding again, the vulture took to the air, likely to tell the others about the panther. With that handled, she started toward the gate. The guards acted like they wanted to talk to her, but she simply hurried through before they could stop her.

The farmers waved at her in passing, seemingly unaffected by her aura. Maybe that is why James spends so much time with them.

Reaching the inner gate, she was nearly stopped by the guards, but with a burst of speed, she left them behind and started toward the market. This time when people tried to stop her, she directed them to the market. Within minutes, she had a following of a hundred people.

It never gets better. James would think this is a good curse, but how am I supposed to do anything in the city if people follow me everywhere? I'll need to stick with one of the others, just to get some basic shopping done.

Rubbing her temples, she was suddenly handed a potion. Glaring at the man, she took the drink.

"F-for your headache," he stammered.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Luna drank the potion and did feel better if only for the moment. A few minutes later, she reached the same stall as before and found her partner setting up her jewelry.

"I brought a few things," Luna announced.

Josie smiled at her before gesturing to the quickly filling market. "I see you've brought some customers as well."

Groaning, Luna quickly moved behind the counter. "They are like leeches. I can't get rid of them."

"As long as they buy your stuff, what should you care?"

Sighing, Luna nodded. "You're right." Pulling out a small box of rings, she handed them over. "Storage rings with a small space."

Eyes wide, Josie picked out one of the rings. "May I?"

"Go ahead." Luna watched the woman slip on the ring and marvel at the simple use of the gold and white ring.

"It's beautiful and I don't need Qi to activate it," Jose marveled.

"My husband made them." Setting a few out, Luna waved for the first person to step forward. "Storage rings! Only five gold each, and you can store all of your shopping bags with ease! I only have ten, so you better come quick."

Several people surged forward.

"Only five gold?"

"How do you use them?"

"They are beautiful."

Holding up her hand, she stopped the questions. "Anyone can use them, I guarantee it. And for five gold, you can try it out yourself. Who wants the first one?"

A well dressed man stepped up. "I'll take one." Handing over the coins, she happily picked out a silver and white band. Slipping it on, his eyes widened as his purse suddenly entered the ring. "It really works!"

"Do you think I would fool you?" Luna exclaimed. "Do I look that dishonest?"

Anger rolled through the group as they directed their ire at the man. He was forced to quickly back up. "I knew it would work! I just wanted others to know to spend their money!"

Crossing her arms, Luna glared at him. "I'll believe you for now. Anyone else want to store their belongings with ease?"

Another three people surged forward and handed over their gold. Taking it all with a smile, Luna let them pick out their rings. Josie watched with wide eyes as Luna claimed all of the business.

Knowing that Josie would want sales as well, Luna spoke up. "You all aren't buying only from me right?" her question was aggressive as she turned her attention to Josie. "Are you all playing favorites?"

Several people looking to curry favor quickly started looking through the other wares. Josie started calling out prices as Luna turned towards the farms. Her husband would be entering the city before long and she wanted to feel his soul against hers again.

***

James finished the laundry in record time as he hung it out to dry. Most of it was still blood stained, but serviceable. With a soft smile, he spread out his soul and found the vultures hunting further into the forest. And to his surprise, his panther was inching closer to him, sneaking through the bushes to stalk him.

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Rolling his eyes, he walked towards the large cat and pretended he didn't notice him. Letting his guard drop, he felt the soul of the panther surge with happiness just before he leapt.

Taking the blow to his side, James rolled with the attack and let the panther pin him down. Play growling, the large cat bit onto his neck, pretending to kill him.

Laughing, James ruffled the panther's ears. "You got me."

A smug feeling filled the panther's soul as he climbed off James. Sitting at attention, the cat's tail was swaying with happiness. James climbed back to his feet, and ruffled his ears again.

"You're starting to get meat back on your bones," James stated. "Another few weeks of good eating and you'll be the healthiest panther in the forest." Smiling, James brushed his soul against the panther's feeling that it had grown slightly. Crossing his arms, he felt confusion from the cat. "Sorry," he said, "I'm testing your soul. You're growing stronger as you eat my food. The vultures did the same. Soon you might be able to enter the city with me."

Jumping up, the panther placed its front paws onto his chest. James laughed as excitement and happiness flowed through the soul of the cat. Patting the cat down, James recovered. "Stay out of trouble today. I'll be back before night settles in."

Huffing, the panther got down.

"Don't be like that," James said. "You know I have to figure out what's going on with my enemies."

Nodding, the panther started walking back into the forest. Left alone, James turned his attention to the city. Knowing the panther would be fine, James started jogging towards the outer wall.

His pace took him the miles in a little over a minute. The guards quickly waved him through as they kept their distance, their souls shuddering as he passed. He wanted to pretend he didn't feel their fear, but when he felt everyone so easily, it was hard.

Slowing his pace to a more normal walk of the mortals, he passed through the farms before coming to the inner wall. The farmers waved at him in passing, their souls light. It wasn't until he neared the wall that he felt souls scatter. Even the guards shuddered as he walked through the gate.

The street he entered on dispersed like the plague had settled in the city. It was always unsettling, feeling everyone run from his presence. Only one or two souls stuck around, seemingly not bothered in the slightest.

Heading toward the elevators, he kept his pace easy so that people could run. He felt Luna's concern as she worked the market. The moment he touched her, she pushed as much love through the link as she could, caressing his soul with hers. Yet there was a lingering hesitation that pulled at him. Something he wanted to question when he had time.

Pushing out further, he found Jamie in the sect of all places. His sister was in her old workshop and her soul was mixing with some item as she practiced her enchanting.

Mender was back in the clinic, helping calm patients as his soul sent curiosity over to him. It wasn't until he touched Amber that he startled back. The cat was filled with rage and hatred that she quickly tried to calm as she felt him. He knew she was procuring more weapons for them, but it seemed it wasn't going as well as she hoped.

Reaching the elevators, he lastly searched for Linda. To his surprise, she was leaving the city with Bronson. Her soul was filled with elation and hunger, while Bronson was nervous.

Has the woman started enjoying hunting? That's what she's likely doing.

He felt the other two brothers moving apart from each other, but he didn't have time to keep track of their growing auras as he entered the elevator. The cultivators that were on it, quickly jumped off.

Sighing, James turned to the mechanic and nodded. "Get me up there."

Nodding right away, the man abandoned the rest of the supplies and people to raise the elevator.

The trip up the mountain took a few minutes. He could feel the trepidation in the souls of the weaker cultivators as he approached the landing and them backing away. With furrowed brows, he reached the landing and stepped off. Thankfully, Elder Bo was waiting for him.

"It seems your growth has caused a problem," Bo stated.

Offering his hand, James said, "it has. I won't be able to enter the city very often. It's a good thing I plan on leaving society before long."

"I can't imagine how it must feel." Taking his hand, Bo glanced around. "I wish it wasn't so. The others all have their own curses as well?"

"Yeah." James let the man go in order to rub his head. "If we are together, it's not as bad, but it's the sacrifice we made for our power. Well…the sacrifice they made. I didn't have a choice."

"At least you will have love, no matter where you go."

Finally smiling, James nodded. "Yes. Luna will always be with me. I now have a brother and sister that enjoy being around me. Not to mention a nekorian that likes to flirt just to tease Luna."

"What about the others?" Bo asked.

"My first followers." James turned back to the city down below. "They are the first of many that will follow me into the wastelands."

Resting his hand on James's back, Bo led him into the sect. Those with the weakest cultivation shuddered against his soul as they retreated. James was forced to keep his soul spread out, so he felt the inner sect cultivators as well. Those with liquid or solid cores struck out against him out of reflex, only to be crushed and pushed away. Very few of the cultivators didn't react to him, and those that weren't scared felt him with open curiosity.

Bo led him past one man with glasses in a small park. He couldn't have been older than twenty, with his nose buried in a book. He was one of the few that didn't fear him, and when he looked up, he smiled.

James held his gaze for a few moments. Why isn't he bothered by me? Why aren't the farmers bothered by me? What criteria must they meet?

It was all too much to think about. What he could focus on was Bo, and their coming trip. His followers would be coming with him as they hunted and grew stronger on their way to the Running River Sect. All James knew for now was that he would set up camp outside the city, while Luna took charge and led the others to find a safe place in the city for a base of operations. That was the extent of his plans currently.

***

Amber snarled at the man standing before her. She had already slashed through his two guards, spilling their entrails over the ground as she stalked forward. "You dare betray me?"

The dark elf skittered back, pressing his back against the wall. "I never thought you would find out!"

Flexing her hands, she felt her claws curl with her fist. "Didn't think I'd find out? When you were so willing to tell me yourself?"

Gulping the man tried to step along the wall, inching toward the door.

Slamming her fist into the wall by his head, she stopped him. "I want my weapons!"

"I'll get them!" the elf panicked. "I can have them in an hour!"

Removing her fist, she rested her claws against his neck. "One hour, and I'll be coming with you. I don't trust you enough not to betray me again."

Slumping, the slender man held up his hands. "Very well."

Growling, she grabbed him by the neck. "There is nothing 'very well' about this! Pick up your feet and take me to the weapons!" Throwing him toward the door, she pulled her cloak over her head and followed.

A soul was brushing against hers, making her pause for a moment. James was caressing her, making sure she was okay. He felt her rage and anger. Calming herself, she sent warm comfort toward him. She wanted to push more emotions towards him, but now wasn't the time. Not until she could explain a few things about nekorians.

"Move!" she snarled as she caught the elf stopping.

"Okay! Okay! Put your claws away!"

Resting her claws on his shoulder, she cut slightly into his shirt. "Do you really want to test me further?"

His soul shuddered against her as she cut him deeper before pushing him forward. The elf staggered a few steps before his hand came up to his shoulder to staunch the bleeding.

Their walk took them deep into the slums where Amber noticed more thugs around than normal. They all eyed her with anger, and she realized that the new queen was already exerting her reign. Amber was no longer welcome in the territory.

After half an hour, they stopped near a warehouse with several guards outside. The men and woman were ready with swords and clubs raised as Amber eyed them. Before they could strike, she threw out her hand and siphoned six of their souls. Her targets collapsed to the ground, screaming as they rolled around.

The other guards left them to come at her. With a smirk, Amber coated her claws in soul energy, extending them. Her Soul Weapon was indeed her claws. At level one she had already been given it and she stepped into the fight with her anger spiking higher and higher. The world started to turn red as her rage took over.

Claw met blade and sheered through the metal before ripping bodies apart. The souls of her victims was absorbed through her weapon and into her body, raising her strength.

Snarling, she cut down all of the guards, even the ones she was siphoning. Then she turned her gaze onto the man that continued to betray her. Before she could stop herself, she cut him down and felt that there were no more remaining souls nearby. Cutting off her weapon, her claws went back to normal and she frowned at all of the bodies.

Now I'm covered in blood…dammit.

Sighing, she moved to the door and kicked it in. The metal and wood shattered as she walked into the warehouse. Another six guards were waiting for her, but with one look at her, they dropped their weapons.

"Be good soldiers and fuck off," Amber growled.

Nodding, the took off at a sprint, pushing past her. Left alone with a warehouse of goods, Amber started searching the crates. The elf at least brought her to the right warehouse. There were bullets for her rifles. Bombs of all sizes. And enough bladed weapons and armor to sink a ship. She took all of it.

It wasn't until she added the last crate that she realized she had only filled half of her ring. Eyes wide, she held up her hand.

How big did you make this, James?

Shaking her head, she left. Her goal was to get back to the forest and grow stronger. She needed to stand by James's side. She didn't think she would ever be his equal, but she could at least grow stronger than the others and become his second, and if the Matron was right, something more.

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