Glutton
"Why are we here?" Anna hissed, pulling her hood closer around her face. She said 'here' like she was talking about something distinctly unpleasant that you might find at the bottom of a dumpster. She wouldn't be far off, Hao mused.
"Practice," he replied.
The festival was bright and exciting. Set in a soft glow by stained lanterns (expertly placed near brothels to blur the blemishes of aged whores) that hid the cities poverty. Loud, boisterous voices of salesman permeated the air - promoting their product with pretty lies and slimy charm. The foul taunts called by pushy drunks were echoed by the tittering of nervous prostitutes, while at every corner eager food merchants hollered, "Hot fish! No dog! Real cheap!" to whoever would listen.
It would be a good challenge for her. Over the last two years, he'd taught her how to muffle the ever present hum of thoughts around her by honing her Reishi. She'd improved swiftly, but still avoided crowded situations, opting to remain at their camp while he went about gaining followers. His mind suddenly filled with the image of Anna's ass. He listened in amusement as she slapped the man who'd unknowingly projected his thoughts.
"Anna," he called, turning to see her scandalized expression. He smirked before continuing on. "Come. I have someone I need to see."
The greasy man seated like a giant dumpling fiddle nervously with the sleeve his robe. Sweat ran down his face as he eyed the two cloaked children his servant had brought into his office. "Master Hao. What do I owe the pleasure?"
The boy smiled, taking off his hood. "Good evening, Meng." He sat down in the cushioned couch and indicated his companion to do the same. Meng's eyes drifted to the pretty blonde, who was she? His girlfriend? His eyes tried to find hints of what her body looked like under the thick fabric of her cloak. When he looked back up at her face he noticed she was glaring. He dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, glad his arousal was hidden by his desk.
Hao cleared his voice softly, smiling when he received the older man's attention. "It has come to my attention that you've been gathering information for my competition in the Shaman Tournament. While it poses little threat, I can't very well allow betrayal among my followers." Hao's smile remained pleasant. "You understand don't you?"
How had he...? "Master Hao, I would never dare do anything to betray you! Your informant must be lying to you!"
Hao's eyes never left the man infront of him, the smile on his face like a mask. "He says you've been lying to me, Anna."
"Could be," Anna murmured.
"You see!" the large man cried, his lust blinding him to his foolishness. "She's the one betraying you! I would gladly take her off your hands, Master Hao. I would pay top dollar and my brothel is of the finest quality!"
"Top dollar?" Hao repeated darkly, his tone amused. "Oh my."
Anna remained stoic, staring blankly at the man currently licking her neck in his mind.
"It would seem it's your word against Anna's," Hao said pleasantly, his hand lifting to play with the blonde hair that brushed his companion's shoulder. His eyes suddenly went cruel as he casually examined the strands. "Unfortunately, Meng... I like her a lot more than I like you."
Hao smiled at Anna's profile, watching with amusement her lack of emotion as she watched the Spirit of Fire burn the merchant alive.
He caressed her cheek in a way that might have been affectionate had he the capacity for such emotion. He leaned in, whispering in her ear, "You are improving." Hao then turned, watching with his ward as one more life was absorbed for the sake of salvation.