Back in the Wild, Nicky hopes that he and Mags can finally settle down and get King Tiger's magic under control. The mantle of kingship drops on Nicky's shoulders yet he is tied to the Empire by a defective implant. Natural remedies and healing magic can only keep him mobile and it becomes clear that Neko and his Golden Tigers would have to make it back to the Shambles to get the help needed. Only the last time they left, The Grim Reaper was less than impressed and they were unsure of their welcome.