“Hey, do you want to earn that favor?” Taylor asks with his feet on the sofa. There was some work in store for him but while he was at home he wanted to relax.

“That favor is locked in, my friend; no need to earn it. But I can throw you a bone if you want. Depending on how much of a hassle it is, of course.” Raz says before lounging back and taking a sip of something purple.

“Not sure of the hassle level. There's possible squatters at my dad's place. Might need to clear the bums out. That being said, these could be super bums; not sure where they would stand level-wise.” Taylor says before letting out a yawn. Being at home is nice. He says as he closes his eyes.

“Alright. Just let me know and I can pick you up. I can be there in a moment.” He says casually.

“Oh, that’s right. Space is like your thing.” He says, watching as Jesse walks near and collapses onto his stomach. Taylor lets out an, “Oof.”

“Going on a trip?” She asks as she cuddles her body into a fetal position.

“Ugh, yes.” He responds.

“I’m coming along. I’m bored.” She says as she closes her eyes. “Let’s go now.” She mumbles.

“You want to go now?” Raz asks over the phone.

“Ugh. Whatever. Can you make it here then to the mother continent? Or is it an issue?” He asks, curious. Might as well get it over with… He thinks with a sigh.

“Yeah. I can sense you from here. Just a moment.” He says before suddenly appearing in front of Taylor.

Taylor puts the phone down. “Damn. That’s convenient.” He says with a raised eyebrow.

Raz down looks down on the girl and also raises an eyebrow. “Who’s the sleeping beauty?” He asks, interest in his casual gaze.

Taylor smirks and pushes Jesse’s shoulder, causing her to open her eyes. “Jesse, there’s a suitor here to visit you.” He says with a smile.

“Raz. A pleasure.” He says with a bow.

Jesse smiles and sits up. “Purple. Cute.” She says, a hint of teasing in her voice.

“The color of royalty, m’lady.” Raz says playfully.

“Well, let’s get going, I guess. You two can flirt later.” Taylor says with another yawn.

…

…

Taylor felt the air. “There’s definitely a cultivator here.” He says, moving forward to follow the flow of energy. “Squatters! Come out to play!” He yells out, ignoring the pedestrians.

“So crude. And you’re with this dude?” Raz asks, looking unimpressed. “A practitioner of the dao of karma is too good for someone like him.” He says, implying a question as he gazes into Jesse’s eyes.

She smiles, slightly intrigued. “You’re probably right. Can you offer something better?” She asks, curious how far Raz’s intentions would go.

“I can offer you the world, m’lady.” He says casually, with some intent. In his mind he was certainly willing to try.

Oddly enough, Jesse saw it in his eyes and she smiled. This one is a fighter. I like that. She says, now wondering how far she would go.

Taylor takes a backward glance and smiles. Ah, love is fickle and the world determines when spring blooms. He says, feeling a hint of happiness tinged with bitterness. He had no intention to stop the natural flow of the world. Possession is an ugly idea anyway. He thinks with a sigh.