“What?” Taylor says with a hint of displeasure as he picks up the phone. He was in the middle of watering the plants and he didn't want to be distracted through the process. These plants had their own awareness and Taylor didn't want them to misunderstand his intent as he nurtured them.

The year had ended on a quiet note for Taylor. He was able to focus on defining himself for his cultivation technique and he was able to cultivate his plants in peace.

Taylor's backyard was already sizeable, but with a plant cultivator and a witch living in the house there always seemed to be less room than necessary.

Witches had their own way of raising plants; they started from the seed and worked their way from there. Taylor's method involved cultivating the natural qualities of the plant and encouraging it to grow beyond its limits, while it didn't seem to matter what kind of seed Sylvie started with. Her method involved communication with the plant and an offering of magical energy for its future services. In a way her method involved more freedom of choice for the plant and if it had a certain dream for itself, Sylvie was more than willing to offer the possibility.

Together, Taylor and Sylvie worked to create a variety of magical and spiritual plants and they had become something of a household name among small circles in the supernatural world. If it wasn't for wanting to live a peaceful life, the offers of wealth and favors for their services would create more work than either of them were willing to do. Also, it would take the fun out of the gardening process, which was a very big part of the incentive.

“Don't what me, Taylor.” Johan responds with annoyance in his voice. “Come to think of it, you've been quite blunt with me lately. What happened to the meek and obedient Taylor? What happened to my baby boy?” Johan says with some amusement.

Taylor groans. “I'm in the middle of something Johan. If you need to say something just say it.” Taylor says with a sigh.

“Alright, fine.” Johan says, getting to the matter at hand. “My fair lady has requested your services, my dear Taylor. If you're willing we'll send the jet over right away and you'll be in the South in a couple days."

Taylor presses a hand down on his furrowed brows with his eyes closed. He lets out an exasperated breath before replying, “Why the fuck would I want to go to the South? Also, on another note; since when did that bitch begin to think that I owed her any services?” Taylor asks with strong reluctance. Nothing good ever happens when I'm around that girl, Taylor thinks as he looks back at their previous experiences. The impression of negativity was so strong that he naturally thought of the word ‘bitch' when anyone mentioned her or the idea of her crossed his mind. “Unless this is coming from you, Johan? Please, god, tell me it's not coming from you.” Taylor says with some hope; he wasn't in the mood to do a favor today.

“Language, my dear Taylor. I don't know when your relationship with her had gotten so bitter but you guys have to patch it up quick. She’s starting to become deeply involved in my life so you'll have to put up with her whether you like it or not.” Johan says in an attempt to broker a sort of peace. “As for whether this is coming from me, it's not. This request is straight from her; I'm just the mouthpiece.” Johan explains, easing some of Taylor's worries.

Taylor lets out a breath of relief. “Alright, I guess that settles it; you can kindly tell that bitch that I said no. Talk to you later Johan.” Taylor say, intending to end the call.

“Taylor, just a moment.” Johan calls out, causing Taylor to pause. “If you're going to be this way, I might as well told you what she told me.” He says with a sigh.

Taylor hesitates, sensing some bad news. “What did she tell you?” Taylor asks, hoping for an easy ‘no' to the request.

“She senses something unnatural happening in the South. And something against nature is against the world, so I have a feeling that this is a job request for you; but that's just my take on it. She said something different; she said that she sensed your karma involved in the situation.” Johan explains, expecting an exclamation of curses.

“Fucking shit.” Taylor exclaims. The situation was starting to not look so good; it seemed he would be forced to do another job. “What does she sense exactly? If she doesn't have details I'm not sure I can put so much trust in a second stage cultivator.” Taylor says, running for an excuse.

Johan lets out an amused smile. “You can try to run if you want, Taylor. But I thought I'd offer a ride before this whole song and dance goes down.” Johan says with a laugh.

Taylor was almost ready to break his phone again. “Then why the fuck aren’t you going? Don't tell me you're too busy to protect your girlfriend?” Taylor asks with frustration.

“I'm about to breakthrough. It's going to take a moment.” Johan explains nonchalantly.

Taylor's eyes open wide. “Holy shit. The seventh stage? Are you prepared? Is it going to be okay?” Taylor asks with some worry.

“I'll be fine. I don't expect anything too crazy. There will probably be a lot of thunderstorms happening across the continent but I wouldn't worry too much.” Johan says, an easy confidence in his voice.

Taylor takes a moment to appreciate the ease in Johan's voice. Is this fucker fazed by anything? Taylor thinks with some annoyance. The closest thing to worry that he sensed from Johan was before that dinner date.

“Okay. Whatever. I'm still saying no. If the world wants to force me, it's going to have to drag me there. Bye Johan.” Taylor says, his decision firm.

Johan chuckles again. “Okay, Taylor. Call back soon. We'll delay a few days just for you.” Johan teases before ending the call.

Taylor looks at his phone before shaking his head. There’s no way I'm going all the way to the south, Taylor thinks defiantly. But as he was about to set the phone down, it started to ring once again.

“Fuck. What?” Taylor says as he answers the phone, annoyed.

“Taylor it's me. I need your help.” Daryl's voice says from the phone.

“God fucking dammit.” Taylor exclaims, frustrated but with nowhere to let it out.