"It's him." Kiri, one of my saurian followers pointed at the man walking down the road with a couple of companions.

It was surprising to see a two meters tall Edenian with a body of culturist and the face of a fashion model. It was... strange, yet somehow, it fit.

"Your sure?" I asked as I observed. He had six companions, more like bodyguards.

"Yes." the woman answered. "He was boasting in the inn about his exploits, as he and his companions drank."

Drinking, huh? Well, it certainly would make things easier. Alcohol has a tendency to influence performance. But, I couldn't be too sure of myself. That kind of arrogance was a quick way to defeat. I have thought myself years ago not to ever underestimate any opponent.

"Kiri, Ankha, Sabe. The three of you will take care of the man's bodyguards, while I will deal with the leader myself." I ordered my Wraight and two Saurians. "Khameleon, you will stay in the back – kill anyone who would try to run." I turned the most skilled from my retinue. "This is important. No one can escape." I kept my eyes on her, as she nodded, silently accepting my command. Khameleon faded from sight as she camouflaged herself.

I turned and with a deep breath and walked out of the forest, Sabe, Kiri and Ankha silently following me, barring the way of the Edenians.

"Well boys, it looks like we have our entertainment for tonight." The leader grinned to the laugh of his companions.

Overconfident fool. A smile crept over my face.

"I will take care of the big dumb. The rest is yours." As soon as I said that, three women run past me, staying away from the leader. The man didn't even look back at his companions, as the sounds of combat filled the air.

We both started circling each other, carefully observing, evaluating each other. He carefully stalked, his steps were surprisingly light for someone of his built.

"Not that I have anything against meeting such a beautiful woman," He said as he eyed me. "but, wouldn't a warm bed in an inn be a better place for a meeting?

I took off my robe and allowed it to slowly slide down my frame. That left me wearing a loincloth with thongs, halter top and thigh-high boots.

"Ah, want this body to heat you, Harun?" I asked, arching. As expected – his eyes roamed over my curves.

Hook.

"Ah, a bounty hunter. And a... 'gifted', one at that." He commented as we approached each other. His eyes were still on my chest.

Line.

"I'm more of a collector." I commented.

He clicked his tongue, as we were about arms reach.

"I never understood. Why the females insist on those impractical heels and clothes that leave little to no protection~ Not that I am complaining, mind you." He chuckled.

"Mhm~" I hummed, putting my index finger to my lips. This was disappointingly easy. "Allow me, to educate you~" I said hotly, as my finger travelled from my lips, down, between my breasts. Harum's eyes moved, glued to my finger.

Sinker.

My free hand shot forward, open palm striking man's nose. There was a satisfying crunch.

As the man grabbed his face and stumbled back, I kicked the side of his leg. Already unbalanced, he fell on his knees. I spun around and my foot hit the unprotected abdomen – it was rather painful. The man's hand let go of his face and travelled to his stomach. I grinned savagely as my fist darted, aiming at the man's now unprotected throat.

But as it was about to connect, the man suddenly was two meters away. It was as if the wind blew him away.

"Tsk." A smile dropped from my face. Edenian magic. It would be reckless to attack now. I was not entirely sure what the bastard could do.

As the man shook his head, regaining his composure. He spit out blood and got up. His nose was bleeding rather strongly. I guess I broke it.

I dropped my stance and started circling him, arching my body.

"Usually, a woman cannot compete with a man in matters of strength." I started speaking, my voice sensual. I had forged an image that helped me numerous times. One of a woman filled with sensuality, lust and sex. That made my opponents to generally underestimate me. More interested in what they would do with me after the fight, instead of considering me a threat. "That's why armour would only hinder us. Instead, light clothes give us mobility and allow a... visual distraction." I finished with a smirk, my hand sliding down my bear side.

"Well, I will be sure to enjoy that body you so proudly put on display... Before I remove your head from your neck." He said, somewhat warily. But there was rage there and desire. I could use it.

"Hm~" I purred. I smirked as I saw him shiver. "I wouldn't mind that, after all-" I moved my hand to the sides of my chest, down, to my abdomen, then lower. "-to winners go the spoils." I finished.

Harum's eyes again traced behind my hands again.

Idiot. I just told him that clothes were a distraction that I used as one of my weapons and he still fell for it.

My leg darted up, in a roundhouse kick, travelling straight at the man's jaw.

He blocked it.

A moment later he was right next to me, our faces almost touching.

"!" I grunted as his fist landed on my stomach. He spun around and backhanded me. The hit had enough force to make me spin around.

I threw a fist blindly, but as I faced the man again, my hand went over his head. Harum was again inside my guard. His open palms right next to my stomach, forming a sphere of wind.

"Ugh!" I grunted as the wind magic threw me several meters back. I rolled on the ground, stopping with my face in the dirt.

'He tricked me. He used my overconfidence and tricked me. That little bastard played me!'

The magic was already healing my wounds but not my pride. To think that after I thought myself careful, I would become so overconfident. I gritted my teeth.

"!" The man grabbed my hair and raised me to my knees. The bastard thought it was over?

Pure rage washed over me.

I grabbed his hand and using my own weight, threw him on the ground. I rolled with him, holding his hand. As we both stopped and started getting on our knees, I spun and threw a kick straight at the man's face.

His wail filled with pain brought me immense satisfaction.

"This is why I use high heels." I got up and kicked the side of his head, stunning him. "A flat would leave you just a bruise. But a high heel?" I let go of his arm and grabbed him by the throat. I held my open palm in front of his face. "Well, now you are a one-eyed bandit."

I reached out with my magic and grabbed his soul. I wouldn't be delicate. Having your soul ripped out while you were alive, was extremely painful. It couldn't be done on a strong warrior in his full strength. But now, when the man was broken? He would resist – but that would only enhance his pain.

And I wanted him to suffer.

Because he has humiliated me. Because he has tricked me. Because he has reminded me, about the feelings, I wanted to stay forgotten.

But he also gave me a lesson about my overconfidence. I would not make the same mistake again.

The man's screams finally cased, as his soulless body fell on the ground. It took a little to subjugate him. My retinue gathered around – all of our opponents were dead. I waved my hand, sending a fireball to the dead body.

"Burn the bodies. We will leave no trace." I commanded. My followers moved, to execute my orders.

As the fire started eating away the carrion, I changed my shape, now looking like the man I just killed.

"Harun, the leader of the host of thousand bandits... your soul is mine." I closed my fist. "And so is your army."