James entered the sanctuary and scanned the open space. The guards that were normally present had quickly retreated upon their entrance.

Bo led him over to a low table with a pot of tea already waiting for them. Pouring for both of them, Bo took his seat and James joined him.

"How has the sect been?" James asked.

"Purged," Bo stated. "We found nearly a hundred cultivators that were in league with Jing and the Running River Sect. They have had their dantians destroyed and were cast out of the sect."

"Good. What did you learn about the sect? How are we going to strike?"

Sipping his tea, Bo looked deep in thought for nearly a minute. "Your plan to use the others to scout is what I'm going with. I will work with Luna to secure a safe space in Running River. We don't dare bring you in until the end."

"I understand." Drinking his tea, James waited for Bo to continue.

"We will start with learning the news and rumors from the common folk, the mortals. Jamie and Amber will study the underworld and learn what they can. Luna will loosen the lips of all she can, if what you explained is true. Mender will work the hospitals and heal through the slums and more demonstrations. That is phase one."

"What about Linda and the brothers?" James asked.

Rubbing his chin, Bo didn't answer right away. "I believe they should recruit more crafters for you. Or even more fighters. You cannot expect to start a sect with only nine people."

Smiling, James nodded. "Ain't that the truth. Okay, the plan is sound for now. What about phase two?"

Setting down his cup, Bo sighed. "That will be the tough one. We need to infiltrate the sect itself and build followers. Just like they did with us, we need to turn their people against them. It will be challenging, but Luna and Jamie can do it."

"What about arming citizens?" James questioned. "We will have the weapons to do it."

"That will be a last resort." Shaking his head, Bo added, "I don't want mortals getting killed over sect politics."

"And phase three?"

Bo took a moment to drink more tea. "You are phase three. The elders will retaliate and try to crush us, but not only will Luna fight, but you will enter the city. The moment they feel your soul, they are likely to lose their nerve. At that point, I will negotiate with them."

"I'm going to pretend that doesn't bother me," James mumbled.

"It's the curse you bear," Bo said softly. "You are death incarnate, James. The only thing I've felt that was stronger than you was that Forsaken that simply left. You will rival it soon. I can tell."

Setting down his cup, James sighed. "This isn't what I wanted when I discovered this power. I thought I would one day return to civilization and maybe learn why my sect cast me out. The elder was my friend, or so I thought. He at least worked with my father and took care of me."

Bo leaned back and regarded him. "Could it be possible that your elder discovered that you could cultivate your soul?"

James shook his head. "Not likely. If he knew I had this power, he would have killed me instead of crippling me. He probably doesn't even know I'm alive, nor that I plan on coming for him in time."

"That would involve crossing the ocean," Bo pointed out. "That's not a feat that is easily accomplished. Let alone, you still have to get to Africa and learn more truths."

"Speaking of Africa, I need a map of our location in the world. I also want to know how far away Running River is."

Nodding in understanding, Bo summoned a worn map from his ring. Pointing out their location, James found that they were somewhere in the middle of China. They had a long way to go to reach Africa.

"Running River is to our north by three hundred miles. A small distance to cross," Bo said.

Touching the map, James frowned. "The rents aren't marked."

"They are not. When I acquired the map, I didn't have the time to verify the rents and only had hearsay to go by."

"Can I take this?" James asked. "I see that you've marked other sects in the area."

Bo pushed the map toward him. "Take it. A gift for helping me with this plan."

Rolling it up, James added it to his storage. "When do we leave?"

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Bo finished his tea before standing up. "I believe that your people will be ready tomorrow. We can leave at first light. It'll likely take us a few weeks to reach Running River if your people are going to fight along the way."

Getting up, James bowed to Bo. "We will be ready. I better go and prepare the camp for their return."

Bowing in return, Bo gestured for James to take the lead. Walking together, they crossed the sect. It didn't take long to reach the elevator, nor for Bo to chastise the operator when he tried to flee. James could only hold his head high as he fought against the somber emotions that he had about his soul.

***

Luna helped Josie clean up the stall as afternoon began to settle over the city. The clouds were growing stormy as the wind turned chilly. It was a bad sign for the city.

By the time she was done, she found Amber waiting for her with a worried expression. A moment later, Jamie and Mender arrived, followed by Linda and the others.

"Where's James?" Amber asked. "We need to get inside!"

Luna shook her head. "I don't know." Turning to the sky, she shivered. "I'll go find him. Get to Mason's for the night."

Amber nodded. "Follow me. I'll skin him if he tries to cheat us."

Luna noticed the blood covering Amber's cloak and outfit. The dark cloth shirt and pants smelled distinctly of demi-human. Although there was a slight tinge of Forsaken blood on her as well.

Turning towards the city gates, Luna started jogging. The residents were pushing each other out of the way to reach their homes as the clouds darkened further. It wasn't a good sign and her hair was starting to drift off her head.

Where are you, James?

Exiting the city, she felt his soul come closer at a casual pace. The guards had already sought shelter and the Forsaken were in their dens. It was only her and James that were stupid enough to be out in the open.

"James!" she called out.

The man strolled out of the tree line with his hands in his pockets. "Hello, Luna."

"Let's go!" Rushing forward, she grabbed his hand and pulled him back toward the city.

"I'll make things worse if I enter the city," he argued.

"Don't care!" she growled. "You are getting into a shelter with me!"

Sighing, he matched her pace as they hurried back into the city. Static was starting to jump between their hair strands as they drifted over their heads. Her body tingled as arcs of static were dancing over her chest wrap as they reached Mason's inn.

Pushing James in first, she was happy to find Amber and the others already drinking. On the roof of the building, a large, towering pole was rising into the sky, ready for the storm. Walking in after James, she sighed as the static dispersed from her body.

"Cutting it close," Amber tutted. "I was beginning to think you two had found shelter outside the city."

Pointing at James, Luna huffed. "This one didn't want to bother the residents of the city by coming inside."

Everyone gave James dull looks before Amber pushed a mug of ale into Luna's hands.

"Mason is charging us fair price tonight," Amber announced. "The only problem is, we are all sharing rooms. I'll be with you and James. Bronson is with Linda and Boris. Mender has Jamie and Brakin. We are not rearranging."

Not wanting to argue, Luna nodded and led her husband over to a table. Taking it for themselves, they were soon joined by Amber, who drummed her fingers on the table.

"What?" Luna asked.

Amber pursed her lips. "Are we leaving the city soon? I killed dozens of people today and don't want to kill more."

Eyes wide, Luna was about to retort when James reached across the table and laid his fingers over Ambers.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "We are leaving tomorrow morning if the storm allows. We'll be fighting along the way, so it'll take a few weeks to reach Running River."

Amber smiled softly while staring at their hands. "Good."

Letting her go, he straightened up. "I'll fill you all in on the plan after we leave. But for—"

The room sparked, their drinks steaming as a bolt of lighting struck the lightning rod. They all had only a moment to duck under the tables before the world shook with the resounding thunder.

Sparks shot off the walls, blanketing the bar before someone screamed out in pain. The lights flickered out for only a moment before everything calmed.

"I gained Lightning Resistance," Linda called out.

Luna couldn't stop herself from bursting out laughing. The absurdity of gaining a resistance when they could die at any moment was too much. Soon, the others followed and they raised their drinks.

"We are going to need to be drunk to survive this night," Amber called out.

James handed over some coin to Mason, who started pouring drinks for everyone. The lights continued to flicker as lightning crackled through the air and struck other, nearby buildings.

***

James rubbed his eyes as the night dragged on. The first person he had carried to bed was Luna, and then Jamie. After that, Mender wandered his way to bed with the oni brothers and Linda. That left Amber as the only one still in the bar with him.

"It's going to be a long night," Amber said. Her drink had barely been touched and she slid it aside.

"Why are you still awake?" he asked.

"Because you are," she answered with a shrug. "I wouldn't be a very good second if I didn't help you plan and plot our course."

"Stepping over Luna?" he countered.

Snorting, Amber shook her head. "Not a chance. But she's your wife and can't be your second. You need someone that others will look up to for answers that won't be terrified of angering you."

Crossing his arms, he leaned back. "Very well. But it's not going to be easy, Amber. You are level one already, but so is Linda and Jamie. How are you going to stay ahead of them?"

Copying him, she crossed her arms. "I'm going to take Luna with me to hunt larger Forsaken once we leave. Her and I need to become better friends."

Finally smiling, he asked, "why aren't you flirting with me?"

Sighing, she slumped. Pulling her drink back over, she said, "Luna asked me to tone it down. Also, I shouldn't be flirting with you if I'm your second. It'll leave the wrong impression."

"I wouldn't worry about that," he said with a smirk. "If I don't hear you throwing yourself at me, I'm going to get worried."

Snorting a laugh, she downed the last of her mug. "Let's go to sleep. I think the three of us can fit in the bed."

"This is the only time," he warned her. "And I don't want to feel you coping a feel."

Rolling her eyes, she got up. "Come on, James. You need sleep and I know cuddling with Luna will help you forget about the day. Soon you will be out of the city and away from all of these people."

"Thanks, Amber," he said softly. He didn't want to admit it, but all of the nearby residents were shaking with fear at him being nearby. What more, he could feel confused emotions from his friends over it. All apart from Amber.

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