Walking Disasters and Me-Evolving Matters – Ch 126

Walking Disasters and Me-Evolving Matters – Ch 126

The morning greets me, belly still full and head only
lightly
throbbing as my senses readjust back from the heavy woven blanket of sleep. I yawn, eyes scrunched as my arms and legs stretch to the point of shaking before my bleary vision reappears and begins to regain focus. I check the bed as well as my memories, I don't
think
I forgot anything about last night, but it wouldn't be the first time I got...
surprised
by having a cuddle partner after a dinner with the girls.
To my relief - as well as disappointment - I am indeed the sole occupant for this morning's adventures. Well, in the flesh anyway. "Good
morning
Aims~!" Ios' high-pitched peppy voice punctures through the morning haze, her projection fluttering to life as she appears in a kimono of her own, one of dark black with green trim and her hair dun up in a beautiful bun. I go to ask about the wardrobe change, but another yawn makes itself known as I once more succumb to the bodily response. Mornings suck sometimes.
"Well, in the 'spirit' of things - hehe, get it~? - I figured I'd dress the part. Ya know, since you're going to be having your first real cooped up cultivation session, essentially~. Why don't you do whatever you need to do to get comfortable and then we can start. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the sooner you can dip out of here and go hang out with Jun Li~!" She replies to the mental question that was interrupted, even twirling in the air a couple times at the mention of the black furred kitsune.
"Yes, yes, you're very clever." I respond in a scratchy voice, giving her a side long glance as I stand and begin to make my way to the bathroom to do as she suggested. "Good to see you're still as excited as ever to have me spend time with Miss J, even though you were the one who put the kibosh on it this time. Or is it that you're wanting to live vicariously through me while I do so?"
I hear a huff in my mind as I enter the now steaming shower, Ios' tone making it easy to imagine her four arms crossed against her chest as she continues the back and forth. "Maybe I am! She's the
sweetest
. Besides, haven't we already
had
this conversation before? And! It's not like I
wanted
to postpone it! We're on a
timer
here, a real one! Like I said to the others at dinner, I would have put my foot down about
yesterday's
training too if it didn't involve you learning about your new techniques!"
I adopt a coy smile on my face, sending the projection a smarmy wink before answering back, "We have, but its cute to see you get so
flustered
over her~. We really need to get you the body after this tribulation, let the both of you finally have a chance to see if all this for now one-sided angst is going anywhere."
A tsk of the tongue is followed shortly after by, "You can be such a
brat
in the mornings... Where's my cute Aims who is all shy and nervous,
huh?!
What have you done with her,
imposter!!"
A pair of hands comes forward, tickling me under my soul avatar's arms while the other latches on like a vice to my waist to keep me still. The sudden attack makes me squeal, any lingering bits of grumpy tiredness flying out of the window... er... shower as I writhe, laugh, and scream mercy to no avail. Ios finally relents when my stomach can barely press inward to regulate my breath, the aftershocks of the attack sending phantom spasms across my abused body.
"T-That was
so
rude! And
right
after I woke up, too! I'll remember this, mark my words!" I say with as much determination as my stuttering voice can muster. Which, turns out is not a lot as even I can tell how un-intimidating it was. Ios just stands and or floats across from me, the victorious smile on her face reinforcing how much my little promise didn't land.
After I manage to get back to my feet, I strangely notice that I feel immensely more... relaxed? Almost like I had just gotten the best full body massage of my life... I give the evil spirit an accusatory glare, her eyes shining with success as she nods her head. "It's not like Jun Li is the
only
one who knows how to make tension leave a body with her touch~. Even more so for a being like me considering it was your soul avatar. And I thought you deserved to have a
nice release
of said tension before you sat down and focused for a few days~. The cheekiness from you just now had no factor in that choice, obviously."
"Uh huh. I'm sure you had
no
ulterior motives
whatsoever
to put me through a round of tickle torture instead of an
actual
massage then. Meanie." My voice mumbles back as I finish up my tasks for the shower.
"Maybe, maybe not." She shrugs before sending me a prideful wink, "But you'll never be able to prove it~. Hehe~." I debate trying to enact some revenge on the woman as she gloats right in front of me, but memories of the last time I attempted such a feat - and the resounding yet pleasurable defeat of such an action - quiet my vengeance... for now. Instead, I maturely stick my tongue out to the accused and give a mighty huff in a very adult-like manner. I
even
cross my arms in a responsible and wise fashion to sink the point home.
Some time and banter pass back and forth between us, and I eventually find myself dressed and ready to begin with the deep diving session. "Alright, seriously now. Do I just... do this
here?
Or does Akiko have some special room setup that she didn't tell me about during dinner?"
Ios thankfully picks back up her attitude, leaving the playful trolling to the side. Whether that little shift lasts
long
is another story though... "I heard that." She says as she bops my soul avatars forehead before continuing on, "So, it's up to you honestly. The best place to cultivate needs to be a mixture of elemental balance with forces you are attuned with, serenity, and personal comfort. Since we are...
lacking
on natural void and soul elements here, we'll have to focus on the other two aspects."
I nod as I rub the spot above my eyes on instinct as she explains, even though it doesn't hurt in the slightest. "Therefore, you could just stay in here like we did for your body path techniques, but if you're wanting to directly test them out
after
you learn them it may be better to have whoever is here at the estate setup a training room for you. I know you're very smart with inscriptions, and you likely know a good deal of how those doors function already now, but I don't think Akiko would sign off or be happy with you arbitrarily setting up a room without some supervision still."
Well... she has me there. I could probably do a good deal of the leg work in making a scenario, but even
I
wouldn't feel confident about doing it solo just quite yet. Sure, they won't like
explode
or something if I get it wrong or mess up, but it could still go wonky in a hundred different ways even if I succeed. Best to just let them keep showing me how to do it for now.
"Let's just stay here then. The bed is comfy and still smells like Akiko from when she hopped over to cuddle me last night before dinner. If that's not serene, then I don't know
what
is." I only half-joke back to Ios. She gives a knowing nod along with a similarly tempered smile before floating her projection over to one of the chairs at the table.
"Sounds good then, sweetie~. I'll keep an ear and eye out, but unless its urgent I won't wake you up for anything. Take all the time you need, and learn as much as you can, okay?" I give her a nod back in answer, arranging myself in my usual habit before closing my eyes and pulling my focus inward. With the faintest sense of the ground falling out from under me, darkness pulls and tunnels my vision once more as my consciousness returns to the soul space.
My snowy white hair falls behind the back of the chair as I lean to stare up at the wooden arch ceiling of my Sect Hall office. Rather, the office of the Sect Leader, but it is mine in all but true name these days. Breath, heavy and long, pulls from my lungs as I keep my gaze lifted, hands coming to rest in my lap before I voice out, "It has been nearly a week, but we are
almost
at the end of this torturous journey."
"Indeed, Mistress." The lovely voice of Samantha envelops the room, her stern tone belied by the warmth it brings me. "Another day or so of combined effort, and I dare say we shall be thoroughly done with this fabled opponent~. Are you still planning on returning to the estate when that time comes? The other Branch leaders should be back soon, no?"
I bring my vision back down to level, the mountain of completed assignments, inventory, inter-Branch planning and activities. All that and more, standing tall like a monument. One whose meaning is a reminder of folly and mistake, rather than pride or joy. Something that ensures I shall be having some...
administrative
lessons for those returning Elders upon their return. I detest form filling as much as the next person who has to maintain cultivation and responsibility, but that is
no
excuse for the seeming collapse of so many functions without some figures present and attentive.
"Perhaps another fortnight or so, and we should see the return of at least Julian and Fei. X'Cos had a more elusive target, the remaining band of mercenaries as well as the removal of their seat of power, but he should be back in between the return of those two and the others. At least, that is what I am led to believe given the
sporadic
nature of progress s that comes from clandestine missions." I reply as I turn towards Samantha.
Like always, she is
ever
radiant.
My little sun~
. Glowing blonde hair shaped by curls to her shoulders, a charming silver kimono obscuring her taut and muscled body. Just enough to
feel
, never enough to distract away from her natural and abundant femineity. But the truth of her beauty reaches deeper than something as pedantic as
looks
, though again she has those in spades. Always a kind, caring soul who braves through the thickest of battles to offer her support and strength. To shield those whom she loves with a tenacity that few if any can rival. A
true
warrior and protector, even if some scars on her heart have given rough edges to what was once a young, idealistic woman. Or so she describes herself in her youth.
But such is the nature of life when one lives in the span of centuries. I am immensely proud of her, for reasons beyond count, but one important one is that she has always stayed true to herself after enduring such heartbreaks and betrayals, even ones we shared together. If Samantha were not by my side during some of those events, I shudder to think of the person that I would have become. If I would have even been here at
all
to ponder such things...
I shake off the brief flare of melancholy, reminding myself that such a future is false and holds no power here among the living. I am surrounded by warmth and love at nearly every turn, a fact that grows more and more undeniable as my soul finds itself truly rekindled with another mate~. Truly, I must have had a blessed life in the past to be showered with such amazing people who care and love me so, despite my failures, stumbles, and weakness.
Speaking of, another of my little troupe rests in the lap of dear Samantha. Her pink tail lazing side to side as the blonde headed woman strokes the side of her vibrant rosy hair, adorned in her usual dress of a similarly shaded top and short bottoms. A little sleepy mewl escapes Gerra's mouth after one such pass along her head, the thumb and forefinger of Samantha petting and pinching the inside of her cat like ear. Near instantly, the catkin tucks her head into Samantha's stomach, curling into a ball as she latches her arms around the waist in front of her and begins to purr loud enough to nearly make the frames on the wall shake and rumble~.
Cute
~!
Samantha notices my lingering gaze to her blissful passenger and smiles down toward Gerra. "If only
this
one were as helpful with this task as she was adorable~. We would have been rid of this curse several days ago."
I giggle a little behind a raised hand. "Perhaps~. But she is... what did spirit Ios describe it as? Ah! She is a
'moral support'~
. A
wonderful
term to describe how even when not on task, just the presence of my lovely girls eases my soul and mind~."
A chuckle sounds out from the blonde woman, her smile widening a touch as she pats and pampers the subject in question. She goes to reply back verbally as well, but all three of our heads instantly snap to the same direction on the horizon. Without having to ask, I know that they both feel what I sense. A powerful group of individuals approaching rapidly from the opposite direction as our previous invaders. A flightpath that would make the setting off point presumably be on the capital continent. Either that, or a
mighty
ruse is unfolding before us since there are only oceans between us and them.
We all stand nearly as one, the previously lazing Gerra full and attentive as armored gauntlets surround her fists. A large and unwieldy maul takes shape next, the dual hammered square head of the implement of destruction nearly half as wide as she is tall. Her pink tail whips behind her, nearly breaking the sound barrier as her feline eyes become slits of the thinnest margins as a growl starts to rumble in her throat.
Samantha is but a heartbeat behind her, a suit of dazzling armor etched in gold and enchanted to all Heavens materializes around her form, her classic sword and shield taking root in their respective holds. With a metallic
*Snap!*
, she folds the front of her helm down into place, turning to face me as her voice echoes in its protective shell, "Orders, Acting Sect Leader?"
I resist the urge to sigh. Even though this is a...
tense
situation after such a flamboyant and failed assault, I
do
wish Samantha did not always default to her more militaristic upbringing so quickly. Well, not that it is not warranted at this moment. "Samantha, return to the estate and send Jun Li out to meet with Gerra and myself at the south gate of the Village. The three of us shall interpose our new interlopers before they make it to the valley proper. Once you have secured Amelia, use message talismans in the vault to inform each gate's messaging orb to raise alert and man the defenses. You shall be in charge while I am away. I will be activating the barrier once we are past the security of the walls."
The stoic woman looks like she wants to argue, a brief hesitation in her response sounding louder than the largest bell ever could in regards to the order. I relax my posture and place my hand on her shoulder with affection as I explain my command, "You are likely the second strongest fighter on Mara. Tied with me, if the situation permits it, and I
need
you to keep Amelia
safe
. I can feel through the bond that after some...
playful
morning antics, she has already entered into a trance and is likely not to wake until she has completed the task set before her by spirit Ios. Please, my love."
I slide my hand down to meet her gauntleted one that grips her sword, pleading understanding pulling from my core and beamed through my eyes as we hold our visions together. The faintest lowering of the helm is all the answer that is needed, but Samantha is kind enough to make her thoughts known regardless. "I will protect her with my
life
, Mistress Akiko. I
love
you, and eagerly await your return with news." She says with conviction before fixing Gerra in her eyes. "Give them hell if ordered, kitten. Remind these
reckless
fools not to intrude on
our
lands."
Gerra scoffs before wrapping an arm around Samantha's waist. "Pfft. As if I needed
you
to tell me sunbeam. You just make sure the little bird is all tucked in and safe. I'll make sure to come back with plenty o' tales of valor and heroics,
even
if I have to make them up for ya~."
With smiles all around - assumed in Samantha's case due to the metallic covering - the three of us set out in a flash of motion. Gerra hops along rooftops at blinding speed, using her wind Qi to elevate and propel her between the arching tiled surfaces with ease as I fly headlong toward our destination, katana in hand. The morning shift of the guards at the gate snaps the fogginess out of their eyes upon our sudden arrival, all of them snapping to deferential bows in the proper form as they hail in unison, "Acting Sect Leader!"
The massive stone towers that butt against the gate itself and cast their shadows deep into the residences behind me swing wide one of their oaken doors facing into the Village, a larger male human shape quickly jolting forward to join his brethren in their prostrating positions. "Hail, Acting Sect Leader! How can I and my comrades be of service to you this morn?"
"Rise along with those assembled here and share with me your name, and I shall do just that." I reply officially yet without any pride or malice. I myself have been on the receiving end of an impromptu visit by those above my station. No need to make the poor man's life any harder unless prompted otherwise.
He quickly does as ordered, along with the other guards donning various kit of leather and steel protection. He himself fitted with a well-made breastplate with the Village symbol on it: A forward-facing fox head in front of a Torii Gate as Tyler had called them, a perfect example standing at the entrance to my estate. The rest of his body sports reliable protection as well, leaving the joints freedom to move and clink against the spiked mace at his hip. With a rugged face, shaggy brown hair, and equally rugged voice, he answers my prompt. "I apologize for my rudeness, Acting Sect Leader. This one is named Gerionfiel Hu, and I am the sergeant of the south gate. 7th Realm of the 4th Rank."
I study his body language instantly as he talks, judging him to likely only be nearing his 150th year or so. Impressive, when one does not consider the
astronomical
absurdity that is Amelia Dufort. "Well met, sergeant of the south gate Gerionfiel. I will be taking another of my companions to meet with an encroaching force coming from further south." The guards all straighten their posture instantly, even this burly human in front of me.
"Fear not, it does not resemble another attack like we have overcome some weeks ago now. They are, however, led by strong individuals and I wish to see who
exactly
that may be. I will be activating the defensive runic array after we exit the gate. Samantha Armenest Royunblok will have control over Village defense should I not return on time. She is coordinating from my estate. If any new situations develop, send runners there and give the . Likewise, expect changes relayed from myself to Samantha to be handed down to the gates and guard positions. Her voice is my will while I am away, and I expect it to be followed to the letter,
unquestionably
."
"Yes, Acting Sect Leader!" They all cry out in unison.
"Excellent." I affirm to them, the sound of rushed foot fall and climbing ladder as they disperse and begin to take positions on the fortifications. Gerionfiel once more kneels in a salute before rushing around like a headless chicken to organize his forces into the perfect formation while I gaze on approvingly at his candor. I shall have to speak with the Towering Branch who govern the guards as to why they have hidden such a talented person from their s.
Nary a mere minute later from the exchange with the sergeant finds Jun Li towed to my side along with Gerra. "Madam Akiko." She says as she bows, only sporting her usual black and purple kimono. However, only a true fool would assume she unarmed, as I know for a fact that countless sebons, kunai, daggers, and various vials of homemade poison and antidote among a multitude of other items are strewn across her person. Sparring with her can truly be a
nightmare
...
"Samantha has informed me of the situation, I am ready to depart at any moment." Jun Li continues before raising back to standing. I give her a soft smile and a kiss on the cheek, not ignorant of how despite her serious attitude, those three jet black tails begin to wag in satisfaction~. Sadly, now is not the time to enjoy such a display.
"Gerionfiel, we are departing." I simply call out before taking to the skies once more. A streak of pink and black bound over the stone barricade, breaking the limits of sound around themselves as they barrel up and over the wall. With various cheers at the display, the fading voice of the patrolman on the wall sing to silence around us before I turn back to the place I have called home for centuries. I retrieve a talisman from my ring, etched in golds and the finest of inks, intricate beyond measure and understanding, even for myself. Though we are far from any danger of running out of these talismans, I do hope that beloved Amelia can learn to replicate these before we depart Mara...
Qi flows from my body into the enchanted parchment, flames of gold and silver bathing the area around us in a blinding light as tendrils of sparkling amber begin to feed to various points along the inside of the wall in the distance. There, several symbols glow to life, just as detailed and connected as the talisman was. Likely more so. The process takes but a few moments before the it is complete, instructions transferred from paper to symbol in the distance, and the growingly familiar orange glow of the defensive array springs to life once more.
Gerra and Jun Li step to my sides, their hands finding mine before we all turn to face the still encroaching presence some hundreds of miles out. "Well then." I say as I squeeze both their hands in return, "Let us give these newcomers the Village welcome, shall we."
With that, the three of us streak across the sky as I lift both women in a carry, shooting straight for whatever new surprise is surely bound to appear.

Evolving Matters – Ch 126