Walking Disasters and Me-The Demon of Winter – Ch 127

Walking Disasters and Me-The Demon of Winter – Ch 127

The cleared forests and remaining conifers around the Village fade below us as I carry our troupe through the air. Past the jagged edges and snowcapped mountains that form the boundary of the valley we call home and into the open and arid plains on the other side of the rocky walls. An effect of air currents and moisture, or lack thereof for the latter, leaving the area leading towards the ocean some hundreds of miles off still a veritable desert, just of grassy make.
Tyler was often confused on
how
those air streams could still be a factor considering the planar make of this world, but some things are just outside the bounds of natural law when one considers cultivation and the effects it can have on the fabric of reality. I hold in a giggle at remembering him saying out in frustration in that unusual voice of his, "I don't care
how
many times you explain it, mum, it still makes
no bloody sense!!"
A smile crosses my face at happier times, all of us together in the past including Tyler and Zephyria...
We soar in blistering speed directly toward the still approaching signals of power, having realized that there are more than just one shortly after leaving the Village proper. Clouds burst and scatter in our wake, the tempestuous air created by my Qi envelop pressing back any and all detriment to flight while I keep an eye out for any rouge beasts or the like. The lands here may be dominated by Bisoonses, but that does not mean that nastier creatures use the crags and caves of the mountain's behind us to launch their hunting parties from.
I spot a herd of said herbivores running on the ground below us as we traverse some leagues away in the distance. Their number creating a miles wide stretch of black and brown from the sheer number of their fur covered bodies, a dust storm kicking up behind them as they travel in unison. I shall have to join Gerra on one of her hunts out in these pastures again, it has been far too long since I enjoyed the thrill of downing a worthy prey. Usually
multiple
, if Bisoonses are the target. Perhaps Amelia will be amenable to joining us too, though I do not think she has much experience in such endeavors just quite yet.
I return my thoughts to the present as the distance between myself and my dears and the newcomers grows ever shorter, the voice of Jun Li piercing past the whipping wind, "Madam, I believe we should set foot soon. If things become violent, Gerra and I will need to be on the ground to assist you properly."
Wordlessly agreeing to her proposal, I scout around the terrain until I find a rare raising of earth still within the trajectory of the now inevitable meet. Arcing downward to begin landing, I balloon out my spiritual pressure like a warning, attempting to scare or scatter any nearby animals or creatures as well as firmly make my presence known to whoever is approaching. A flash of teal tinted Qi results from this, a few far off birdsongs and yelps from various critters signals my success as three pairs of feet land atop the mound.
"Jun Li," I say as I deposit both her and Gerra back to the surface, "Take to my shadow for now and observe whoever is talking with me. I am confident I can detect any falsehoods, but more eyes on the matter is never a bad decision. And, if things
do
become strained, having you appear as a surprise would play to our advantage." My black furred lover nods fiercely before her entire body shifts into inky blackness and melds into my sun-cast silhouette.
"Gerra," My voice begins as I turn toward the catkin with a smile, "Look intimidating~. Keep an eye on the entourage and whoever I am not speaking to. If anyone does anything suspicious, detain them. If they overtly begin to act hostile, kill them." A feral smile exposing her exaggerated canines stretches across her face, eyes brimming with the promise of violence that she delights in as she hefts the massive hammer to a shoulder.
"
Yes, Ma'am~
! Here's hoping I get to
use
that leeway~." The smirk on my face is the only reply I can offer before I feel the presences slow their arrival, changing course subtly to begin heading directly to our location. Good. They are at least not attempting to flee. I have had
enough
of tracking down and eliminating powerful cultivators after the attack on the Village for now.
We do not stand waiting for long, as barely a quarter of an hour passes to reveal a handful of outlines on the horizon making fast progress in our direction. Twelve, if my counting stands correct, with three of those at the front being the cause for the powerful energy signatures. I flick an ear to Gerra in silent command, after which she stands back up from playing with some grass, grabbing the maul which was resting on the ground next to her once more into both of her hands.
As the shapes get more and more into view, I realize who is approaching with a dawning recollection and a noticeable twinge of worry in my core. "It seems Queen Siceil has acted sooner rather than later to various events. Your orders remain the same, but try not to resort to lethal violence if possible. Not until we know the reason for this visit." I say to my girls, a displeased huff coming from Gerra but silence from Jun Li. Not that I expected her to answer, given the situation.
My vision focuses on the much closer group of approaching individuals who are on the last leg of their journey to us. A beautiful yet aloof seeming owl-harpy dressed in a robe of constellations, a rugged turtle human with an eye patch and soft patch of blue hair, and another person who does not ring a familiar bell in my mind. A young human woman with tanned skin and an orange and red kimono, the signature of her Qi having the tone and hue of fire.
The others seem to be at some stage of the Apogee Rank, yet only those three truly fly across the sky like I am able. The rest are using various treasures to keep them aloft and in tow of the leaders of the group. I place my katana point down into the ground before me, resting both my hands on top of the ornate hilt as all twelve begin their descents. My tails fan out behind me, purposefully making sure that each tip is but a hairs breath away from pointing toward whatever or whoever is needed of me in a moment's notice for a strike or use of technique. If it comes to such.
Finally, twelve impacts to Mara sound out across the desolate plains, the dried dirt cracking beneath a few individuals including the three frontrunners, before they all stand and close the remaining two hundred or so feet between us. As soon as they reach the final hundred, I voice out with authority, Qi flaring behind me in icy waves as I speak, "Perimini, Wairdlur. I will not say it is good to see you again given the unknown circumstances of your arrival, but I am glad you both are well. And while I do not know your name, Madam, I greet you thusly." I say toward the owl woman, turtle man, and then human. "I had thought the matter of capital intrusion onto my lands settled a century past. Tell me why agents of the court and vassals of the Queen gather and fly so close my doorstep?"
Perimini goes to step forward but is interrupted by the fiery woman in her coterie, the lithe form barking out as small flames arc around her, "My name is Ambrodia Lenoux, Sect Leader of the Flaming Fist of the Tigress, and you
will
show respect and deference to the Queen and her followers, fox!"
With aching slowness, I angle my head toward the arrogant woman. Fire based cultivators can be hot-headed at the
best
of times, but truly
this
is beyond the pale. "Ambrodia Lenoux." My voice slides out with glacial coldness, the temperature of the environment dropping to frigid depths for miles around us as her pathetic flames sputter and die. My eyes go to slits as my spiritual pressure and bloodline flare to life, dominating the space around us in an iron hold. "I have offered no slights to those gathered here. Yet. But your actions are
quickly
making that a tantalizing prospect. Still your tongue or see it ripped from your mouth, boisterous child."
Her eyes widen a touch at the instant overpowering of her Qi, her body - along with all those assembled before me - begins to shiver in the frosty atmosphere before she gathers her wits. To her credit, she
is
able to reproduce a faint outline of warmth around her to shield herself from my Qi just enough to stutter out, "Y-you dare t-threaten and b-belittle me?! I d-deman-!" Gerra goes to intervene before I shoot a hand to the side to stop her, a different reaction to the outburst occurring before us.
A leathery and weathered hand shoots out at a blinding speed, striking the loud and obnoxious woman squarely in the mouth with a thunderous
*SLAP!*
. A surprised groan pulls from the woman's throat, a small tickle of blood ebbing down from the corner of her lips as she looks over toward her attacker stunned.
"I
told
you to shut your mouth and let Perimini do the talking when we got here, welp. And I warned you that I wouldn't be as kind and patient like I was in the capital. I don't know what string you pulled to be added to this group, but
shut up
and stop sabotaging this
DIPLOMATIC
mission
. Or I can put you to sleep and carry your undignified ass all the way back to that desert you call home. Choose." Wairdlur's gravelly voice says with a dangerous edge. Bad blood, I assume.
The woman looks as if she is about to start up again with the large turtle man, making me roll my eyes before I focus all my pressure on the immediate vicinity. The effect is monstorous, as only Perimini, Wairdlur, and this Ambrodia are the only ones not instantly thrown to the ground in small craters beneath themselves. Although the annoying human
does
have to fall to both knees to avoid the fate, much to my internal satisfaction~.
"Enough." My frozen tone rings out with absolute authority, shaking the very ground beneath us. "I have not traveled from home and hearth to be witness to political bickering, nor the words of an arrogant woman who knows not when to show
respect
to power. Another outburst that comes from either one of you will see Gerra make true the threat of forced slumber, do I make myself clear?"
Wairdlur seems mostly unphased, both from the threat as well as pressure I am exerting on him as he bows deeply and perfectly towards me. He always was a strong one, a person I respected as well as had to keep my eye on when I was
last
at the capital. Perimini seems equally perfectly fine, but I notice instantly that is due to her using some kind of star attributed technique to bolster her own strength and fortitude, as well as create a small bubble of twinkling darkness around her. Yet
another
person who I would not lightly consider if this meet comes to a confrontation.
As my head turns back toward Perimini, or rather the shielded bubble she finds herself in, I say aloud, "Those are my terms to continuing this meeting, whatever its purpose is. If you find it lacking or too harsh, then I will simply tell you lot to cease trespassing on my lands. What happens after that, who can say."
"Your words are fair and just as always, Madam Akiko. I apologize for that one's demeanor and lack of respect, and I will be sure to note it in my to the Queen. Could you please ease your pressure for our juniors and so that we may discuss matters in a more comfortable environment?" The owl woman replies in a neutral and matter-of-fact tone from inside her technique, like something you would see from a lecturer rather than the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Keepers Sect.
"Very well." I answer back, slowly easing the mounting weight of my presence just enough so that the others behind them - as well as Ambrodia - can stand back to two feet. Perimini dismisses her technique, a small frown crossing her lips at my following of her words before she sighs and steps forward. I stop her before she goes to speak, to clarify one thing.
"Before you begin, Perimini, know that I have re-adopted the title of Acting Sect Leader and am here not just as a guardian of the Village, but its acting head of government as well. I do not mind you continuing to use the old moniker of Madam, nor you Wairdlur, but be sure to note that in your as well. All others of your group shall refer to me by my official title, including Sect Leader Ambrodia."
The owl woman nods as she adjusts her robe with her talon-like hands while the human glares towards me. Silently, thankfully. "I see." Perimini states, "In that case, I welcome you back to official duty and capacity, Madam Akiko. I am sure the Fox Village will see prosperous days ahead of it with you properly guiding it again. May we sit?"
I nod before a veritable camping set is ejected from her storage ring, chairs of fine make and a long wooden table sat under a large, triangle tipped tent. On one side, two chairs while the other seats three. Gerra and I make our way to the obvious spots, easing down to the cushions as Perimini and the others do the same. Even if the irritated human in their entourage does so with a gruff of annoyance.
Music to my ears~
.
"Madam Akiko." The owl woman begins again, "The Queen has sent us to inquire about what occurred roughly over a month past now. The event with the Heavens, as many are calling it and I am sure you are aware of what I speak. Sources have informed her that it originated from your Village, and the masses - as well as the vassals at her command - grow uneasy at its meaning.
Restless
even."
"Hoh?" I say back as I cross my arms, staring intently at the mature beauty across from me. "And what sources would that be, I wonder? Surely not just that viper masquerading as a dryad that bends your Queen's ear? Otherwise, I shall have to chalk this up to rumor and hearsay, ending this little gathering here and now. I do not understand
how
you lot let such a person so close to your liege..."
Perimini shows a brief look of dismay that Wairdlur shares before the cool mask of indifference returns. "I cannot disclose or speculate on such things at this time. Just know that the Queen has gathered enough evidence, in her mind, to ask this of myself and those assembled here for this meeting. I, as well as Wairdlur and a couple others you may remember, raised our voices against this."
I study her for a few moments, searching for any signs of insincerity or verbal pitfalls, wondering
why
she is verbally expressing division in their ranks. That brief flash of worry at the mention of their dryad 'spymaster'... Perhaps she is of the same mind as myself regarding her? I also sense truth when she speaks of arguing against this growing inquisition, which
does
ease my worry somewhat.
"I understand." I finally say back after letting the stillness of silence reign on the table, uncrossing my arms before continuing on, "I appreciate your candor, and transparency. In return, I shall hear out what you say next, for I assume Queen Siceil would not be satisfied with a single from a single meeting."
Permini nods her head, larger than normal eyes that hold specks of twisting and bright shining light around black sclera raising to regard me once more, "You are as insightful as ever, Madam Akiko. This meeting was a pretense; one intended to make you aware of her desire to personally meet in three week's time at the Shattered Plateau on the Eastern Continent. A location devoid of life of all make, and nearly equally distant from both her base of support and yours, in an effort of fairness."
I hold my tongue as she looks to have more to say, though the prospect of what she has uttered thusly has
already
begun to turn my mood sour. "This future official meeting would comprise the Queen and some of the concerned vassalage under her, along with myself, Wairdlur, Lan Xiou, and Vix'ilos. We are to provide a counterbalance to the more...
outspoken
members of her court. In return, Queen Siceil asks that you bring your harem along with anyone else you see fit. Among that number, she has imparted to me that it is required for your newest disciple, the young human woman, to be in attendance as well."
A heartbeat passes as I stare at Perimini, blood beginning to boil at the
indignation
. The
audacity
. The almost unquestionable knowledge that the capital has no doubt violated my borders and sent spies into our midst if they know of Amelia. Despite every warning I gave them a hundred years ago. Despite that treachery that led to Zephyria's death.
The air chills below freezing once again as the capital group look over to me with worry plainly visible in their hearts and eyes. Even the usual stoic and aloof harpy begins to bead frozen drops of sweat as they watch my face shift from neutral to murderous.
"
I see.
" I reply, my voice coming out colder than the darkest depths of space or tallest glacier, my pupils changing from violet to red as my heartbeat thunders in my chest. "
Very well
. I shall attend this meeting with those asked in attendance. And I
shall
be inquiring to Queen Siceil herself why she has sent spies into my home after our accords were signed. After what happened that
begot
such agreements in the first place. Please also to her that if I find her answers as to why she would so
blatantly
break our treaties unsatisfactory..."
I stand up in frozen movements, exiting the tent before pulling a talisman out of my storage ring and sticking it to one of the poles holding up the tarp above. A bubble of protection surrounds everyone inside, their worried eyes growing ever wider as I exhale and step off into the distance.
I turn back to those assembled, my eyes fully frosting over as ice and snow coalesce and fall around me. My ethereal voice, harsh and cutting, filled to the brim with righteous rage echoes and reverberates in the space around us, "That
this
shall be the fate of the entirety of the capital and every vassal's homeland."
"
[9 Tailed Ice Goddess Kitsune: Everlasting Winter].
"
Power snaps and shatters the landscape in a violent whirlwind of blue and teal that rockets across the air, the plains turning to tundra, then to barren icy wastes as all life for a hundred miles freezes and breaks upon the wind. Centuries old ecosystems brought low and ripped from existence as ice, snow, and sleet destroy and maim. The ground cracks and shatters in deafening chaotic sound, thousands of spikes of crystalline ice jutting from their depths that pierce miles into the sky, jagged and cruel with razor sharp edges.
Untold numbers of hailstones larger than houses begin raining from suddenly pitch-black skies, denting and cratering the ground in bursts of destroyed earth that tower thirty stories tall in thunderous
*BOOMS!*
of impact. Funnels of raging wind mix and merge together, their conical shape touching down to the ground. There, they pick up and whip around countless shards of knife sharp ice on every breeze of maelstrom current. And all of it under my direct control. The environment now forever changed under my whim.
I make sure to limit the effects to spare the Bisoonses herds and their stomping grounds, but that is all I can manage as the thunderous rage crackles within me, my form rising to the sky as sheets of ice, snow, and freezing rain shower the land in its frozen embrace. The very
thought
of something like what happened to Zephyria happening to Amelia nearly blinding me in absolute fury. Arctic winds violently swirl through the air, carrying those icy particles around me to create a shimmering barrier of energy as my six tails, arms, legs and katana become coated in a thick frosted layer of jagged ice.
A holy kitsune mask appears on my face, its white wooden make holding two lines of red under the holes for my ice-covered eyes baring blazing red pupils, a fox's snout protruding from its center with large fox ears sat atop its head. As it slips into place, the surrounding air snap freezes in its entirety, the winds becoming stuck and locked as if they were painted on canvas. The only patch of green left in this wasteland of my making is the small section which my talisman protects, every other square inch bathed in blinding blue and white. The frozen soil cold enough to make even a half-step Apogee cultivator catch frostbite within
seconds
if unprotected.
Like an ancient deity of ice, I command from above down toward those now shivering capitol cretins in a voice filled with the unbridled rage of winter bounces off the frozen wind and devastation around me, "
Tell her
!
Tell her
what is in store for this world if she deigns to mince words or hide behind excuses when I come to ask! Tell her that if she has
broken
our
pact
, that if her or her minions have sent murderous spies and whispering lips into
my
home, that
no
quarter shall be given as before! That all those who ally themselves with her will
DIE! BEGONE FROM MY LANDS, AND TELL HER THAT THE DEMON OF WINTER AGREES TO HER AUDIENCE!!"
The protective talisman ejects the emissaries on my last thundered syllable, throwing them upward with enough momentum for them to either fly or bring out their implements for flight. Panicked eyes and sweating faces, the salty liquid freezing to scratch their skin, hold the majority of their group. Even more so for the formerly arrogant Ambrodia as she jets off in a streak of flagging fire as fast as she can. Perimini and Wairdlur both look to me with regret in their eyes before facing each other and then following after their fleeing vagabond group as my chest heaves in barely restrained Berserker intent.
I watch them fade from view, and then wait until I can no longer sense their spiritual pressure before I finally let the effects wither and die. Though the landscape is now forever one of ice and snow. Anger still holds in my heart, but I eventually manage to reign in my blazing blood and steady my heaving breath before I return to the tent they so graciously left behind still protected by the talisman. Once landed, Gerra rushes up to me in a
monstrously
strong embrace, almost knocking the recovered wind from my chest as she nuzzles her head into my neck.
"It's
okay
, Akiko. Amelia is safe with Samantha, and we are right here. Everything is alright." She says with her unique accent, my mind confused until I feel a drip of warm liquid begin to dribble down my cheeks behind the mask. I take it off with shaking hands and let it fall to the ground with a dull *thunk*, raising my trembling fingers to inspect the river of tears streaming from my face in surprise. As my emotions begin to untether, I feel the soft touch of kitsune tails not my own crush around me as well, my shaking body being held tightly between Gerra and the revealed Jun Li as I begin to wail.

The Demon of Winter – Ch 127