Walking Disasters and Me-Begrudging Rest – Ch 26

Walking Disasters and Me-Begrudging Rest – Ch 26

Akiko seems charmed by my eagerness to get started if her soft laughter is any indication. Since I'm still basically entombed by her breasts still, I also end up bounce along with her chest as she does so, which is quite nice~. Sadly, the ride comes to an end all too soon as I hear the owner of these comfy pillows speak out in response to my question with her soft voice, "While your enthusiasm is delightfully charming my dear, it would likely be best if you at least rested until morning time. I would even go as far as to say you should stay resting for the next couple of days, so as to give your mind time to process all that has transpired to you since you've arrived here on Mara.
Trust me, we shall have all the time that is needed to train and begin healing your sister in the future, but it shall do no one any good if your mind is still troubled by previous events when we begin. Rest here, talk with spirit Ios and clear your mind so that you shall truly be ready to start your training." She smiles caringly the whole time she explains that I'm grounded for at least the rest of the night. I resist the urge to put a pout on my own cute face because her reasoning is at least understandable. Still makes me annoyed but I get it. I let myself be laid back down onto the beyond comfy bed by Akiko while I think over what she said.
I really haven't spent any time to just... sit with all of this information yet have I? I feel like I've spent days here already, just from the amount of craziness that seems to constantly be happening, like every hour or so there's some new disaster or event that I have to process on top of all the rest. Even then I feel fine, even better than fine after reaching the peak of the 1st Rank in all my paths, but who knows how long that will last. It doesn't
feel
like I'm repressing anything or holding back how I've been feeling so far, but Akiko probably knows best when it comes to this stuff so it'd be smart to go along with whatever she suggests.
"Alright, I guess you have a point. It has been pretty intense since I landed here, and I haven't really had a quiet moment to myself yet. I don't feel bad or anything, even less so after beating the tribulation, but I guess there's no harm in playing it safe. I'm just excited to get started and begin healing Sandy. Also, you made it sound like you're going to be leaving? Are you going to be gone for a while or something?" I question back to Akiko who has just finished pulling the blanket back over my prone form.
She nods her head once in affirmation and then follows on, "Indeed, I shall be needed in various places in the next few days. I'm sure you remember my instructions to the surviving Elders as well as the newly promoted seconds after my display of power in the Sect Hall, correct? Well, I will need to prepare for those three Elders that I'm trusting to remain in power over how best to keep the Shadow Branch in line, as well as setting up inspection times for the other traitorous Branches. That is why I suggest you rest for the next couple of days, spirit Ios can help you make sure your foundations on your paths are perfected while you have time to relax before jumping into the training in earnest.
I will still be at the estate for the next day or so, so if something occurs that requires my attention, simply tap that Qi crystal in the washroom twice again and I will return to your side when I'm able. Now, return to your sleep my dear, if you require aid to do so let me know and I shall give you something that should help you." Akiko finishes by stroking my hair a couple times waiting for my response.
Right, I did kind of forget that she still has a lot of fallout to deal with regarding all the Branches and government of the Village now. Just another casualty to all the constant craziness, its hard to keep track of all of it! I think I'll take her up on her offer of sleeping meds though, I'm still a bit wired from breaking through and all of this existential talk. I'm sure if I tried to go back to sleep now my mind would just be a constant stream of thoughts that will keep my ass awake until well after sunrise.
"That sounds like it would help a lot, I don't think I'd be able to sleep again right now after everything we discussed." I nod back to Akiko who gives an understanding smile back as she pulls out a small pink pill bottle from her storage ring whose contents seem to clink and clatter inside of it. Oh right, I should ask her how to use the bag so that I can change underwear when I wake up. "Akiko, how do you use Qi for stuff like your ring or the bag? I don't want to be stuck in the same pair of underwear much longer, even if you guys have magic cleaning talismans or what not. It's the principle of the matter!" I give a mock expression of seriousness before both Akiko and I are laughing softly again.
"Of course my dear, here." She says after she stands up and grabs the bag off of the table in the center of the room before handing it to me, "Now, focus the Qi around and inside of you, and then push it into the bag. Once you make the connection, you should be able to 'feel' its contents and then you can use your Qi to make whatever you desire come out of the bag or focus your attention on an object or item to have it be stored inside of it."
I do as she says and focus the energy into the bag. It takes me a few seconds, as the whole sensation is awkward and new, but eventually I can feel a connection form as I funnel in Qi to the object. In my mind, I instantly know that my tiered up sleeping bag, the kimono that Akiko gave me, and a few other items are inside of it. I mentally search through everything until I find what I'm looking for as a fresh pair of lacy panties and a large, comfy frilly bra appear outside the opening of the bag and onto my lap.
"Nice! Alright then I think I'm ready to go back to dream land for a bit." I say as I look back up to Akiko, the thought of being separated from her even though we have only been together for a day or so brings a small drop of worry to me. "When you leave the estate, how long will you be gone for?" I ask with a little bit of concern coming through. Damn it, c'mon Aims! You know she's super important and needs to go do bad bitch things, quit the co-dependent crap!
Unaware of my internal admonishing, Akiko simply answers back in a calm, smooth tone with her face still having the gentle softness to it. "I should only need to be off the grounds for at most half a day, maybe a little more depending on the situation with Shadow Branch. After I organize a rotation among the trusted Elders for continued surveillance, my tasks and duties should allow me to be here. I will likely have to spend some time meeting various Elders or Branch Leaders in the coming weeks, and eventually I will have to go perform my inspections of the other Branches, but I can put that off for a time." She gives her honest answer before I see a glint of mischief twinkle in her stunning purple eyes.
"Why do you ask my dear? Do not tell me you would miss me so after our brief time together~" She goes even further as she sighs dramatically and raises the back of a hand to her forehead before continuing, "Why dear Amelia, you make my ancient, powerful heart skip so!~ It brings me much joy to know you care for my company so deeply!" She finishes her blatant attack on my character with her head still being pressed against her hand, but now she looks down at me with a shit-eating grin, the sparkle of chaos still in her eyes. This damn cheeky fox!
I blush and turn my head from her anyway, because even though she's just teasing me she is kind of right. I adopt my own mocking tone as I fight fire with fire, "Hmph! What if that's true then, and I just simply cant go without your presence for any long period of time now? Knowing that I'll be here, all miserable without your dazzling company will hopefully make you wrap up whatever nonsense those other idiots are up to and then come back sooner, right?"
Ios' voice pokes through our playful verbal spar, with a deadpan tone behind it, "Wow I guess I'm just chopped liver then huh? Really know how to make a girl feel appreciated, Aims~" I look over to see if I actually upset her with my joking around, but she has an equally smarmy grin on her face that tells me she is just looking to join in on the bullying! These women!
"Ugh its not fair when both of you gang up on me!" I say as I pout for real this time and cross my arms over my ample chest, making both of my tormentors erupt in small fits of laughter. I sigh as I wait for Akiko to get control of herself again, "Well, it is kind of true, I would miss you being around, but I know you have to go take care of business. Just... let me know when you're going to head out? I don't care if you wake me up, I'd rather just be in the loop. If you want to that is, not saying you have to, but I would appreciate it."
Akiko smiles back at me sincerely again before she pats the top of my head with a tail tip which makes me close my eyes in bliss, "Of course my dear, I had already planned on stopping by to inform you and spirit Ios of my departure when it is needed. The girls should be back in the estate by the time you wake up from this pill, and should be here when I am away on my tasks. If anything occurs that you need assistance with, simply call out for any of them from the hallway and they will come to aid you. I'll also let them know to keep an ear out for your voice, should you need them. Now here, we have tarried long enough and you need to get more rest."
I feel a bit better knowing that Samantha and the others will be around too, the thought of being the sole person in this pretty massive estate that I barely know is kind of terrifying. I look to Akiko's offered hand and on her palm is resting one of those little sphere candy pills that seem to be all the rage here. I gingerly take it from her palm before popping it into my mouth before a thought crosses my mind, "Uhm, how long will this put me... out... for..."
Sadly, I'm pretty much instantly knocked into sleep as soon as the pill dissolves in my mouth, and my question dies on my lips in a whisper as I feel the room go dark.
I wake up after who knows how long of rest, and I feel
amazing.
I'm star fished out on the bed, with the blanket wrapped up in various ways around my legs and arms as I yawn out happily before slowly opening my eyes. The room is just as I remember it before being knocked out with the best sleep aid I have ever had, take a hike melatonin~, and I sit up and stretch out my rested limbs. A few satisfying pops and shakes that happen when you stretch out
real good
later and I untangle my legs from their best attempt at a blanket version of the gordian knot. After being freed, I swing them over the edge of the bed and stand up to stretch once more.
"Good morning Ios! Are you there?" I call out to the seemingly vacant room. The overhead soft white light of the crystals still shine in the room, letting me look over to the big ass box that Ios uses to communicate with the outside world. After a few seconds, I hear her respond directly in my mind instead of showing up in her projection form.
'Good morning sweetie~! How are you feeling? That pill put you out for about another 10 hours, its close to noon time outside. By the way, it was hilariously cute how you went under, trying to ask that question
after
you had already taken the pill! I recorded it for Sandra and Ilya, so we can all share in your adorable antics~ Hehehe~' It's too early to be this cheeky!! Or at least I haven't been awake long enough for it!
"You giant troll! You have to know its not nice to ambush people like that right after they've just woken up! I'm going to go take a shower and change into some new underwear, and you think about your actions missy!" I fire back with fake authority that I know will only make Ios even more of a pest, but I can't help feeding her sometimes. Even when she's being a troll, her chirpy high-pitched voice just makes it too cute to be mad.
My prediction turns out to be correct as I hear her bubbly laugh spill out a few times, but thankfully she doesn't follow up with any more taunts to my behavior. I hop into the bathroom after getting my essentials kit out of the storage bag and get the shower to run at just the right temperature, which is a bit hotter than I usually would like thanks to
[Budding Nudist]
giving me some temperature buffs. Regardless, its a lovely affair as I use the fancy never ending shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to get me to that nice, clean feeling all over.
After that, I simply enjoy the feeling of the water falling on me, through my hair and down my back as the lovely scents of the soaps fill the space. I gently massage my arms and legs in the heat of the water, loosening them up as I can feel how much more muscle is laid underneath the skin now. I'm glad that I'm not getting definition as I like my plush, full body as it is, but it is nice to know that I'm getting stronger~ Speaking of which, I take this moment to sit in the bathtub and try and meditate, the warm soothing water helping me calm my mind.
It takes a few minutes, but eventually I enter that zen like state again and I'm able to push away all distracting thoughts and outside influences. After a bit, I navigate to look over my soul, dantian, and the connection running between the two. A small bit of pride comes over me, even though it was my first attempt at this, and no doubt I was being influenced by the manuals themselves during it, I can't help but admire my handiwork. The entire system so far looks to be running like a smooth, well-oiled machine as I gather some ambient Qi from my surroundings to test the flow model.
I can see my golden soul shine a bit brighter at the influx of Qi, before I will the connection with the dantian via the voided river to begin feeding both soul and body equally. The effect is instant, and soon the silvery moon like core of my body is shining out nearly as much as my soul. When I get to the point of permanently storing Qi inside myself, I think this will be quite the pretty scene~ Like a sun and a moon aloft in a sea of black, broken up by the glittering of rivers of Qi as it travels through me.
I continue to feed myself a slow, but steady stream of Qi while I observe the flow model, looking for any faults or places that need to be touched up but am happy to find that its not needed. I release a feeling of gratification, which seems to be returned from all three entities that now reside in my soul, before I turn my focus back to the outside world.
'Aims? You've been in the shower for like, an hour. It looked like you were deep asleep again after about 15 minutes, if you stay in there any longer you're going to look like a wrinkled lobster with how hot you like to run the water these days~.' Ios' voice chimes up in my head, her playful tone shaking me fully back to reality.
I respond back quickly, just to make sure she doesn't worry about me, "Oh shit, sorry about that! I was just trying out meditation again and checking in on the... I've been calling it my flow model, but I don't know if there's like, a word for it around here. Anyways, I was just testing it out by gathering some Qi and letting it flow around, looking for any gaps or places that may have needed some more attention. I didn't really get a chance to have a good look at it before Heaven started my tribulation."
'Thats wonderful honey! I was actually going to suggest we do that very thing when you got out of the bathroom and changed, but you beat me to it you little over achiever~! So, how was it? Did you need to patch anything up? Thats usually the whole point of the entire 1st Realm, forging the basic connections and learning how to draw in Qi to your various spaces correctly.' She says back with a questioning tone. Yeah, I guess I did just kind of... skip all of that. I went straight to what the manuals showed me how to do and created the loop system right out of the gate.
"It runs really well! I didn't notice any cracks or flaws that were leaking Qi, and the process to change where and how Qi is being used is pretty straight forward with the way I built it. Or well, the way the nearly-people manuals showed me how to build it. I could probably advance to the next Realm and not have to worry about missing out on anything from this Rank. I'd honestly consider the model to be perfect as it is for the basic stuff that this Realm covers." I say back with confidence.
'Hmm it may feel like that right now but let's see how it holds up once Akiko starts your training. Nothing better than a proper stress test, right? Besides, we need to get you a shit load more points for your tribulation into the 2nd Realm going by how nasty your last one was. I've already got some quests lined up, mostly ones related to training that you'll be doing anyway so you know, two birds and a stone, but a few are crafting related that still have some good rewards. You'll need to turn off Luck's activation powers for those though, we don't want to bother Akiko with having to deal with quasi-Transcendent rank items popping up all of the sudden.' She says back to me in a serious voice.
I guess that makes sense, there's only so much I can do to test the model with just ambiently brining in Qi. Not to mention, I need to learn how to build a connection to Sandra, or how to use the features of
[Intertwined Soul]
to feed the Qi directly to her. Ugh, I just want to get started already!!
With a bit of frustration in my voice, I give my reply aloud to Ios, "Alright, I get it. I need to take it slow and do things the right way, and I can't really deny that having more points is probably going to be needed to breakthrough to the next realm as well. It just sucks; I want to get this show on the road! If I just sit here doing nothing I'll feel like I'm wasting time!" I turn off the shower and dry off with a small huff of annoyance before picking up the frilly underwear I had plinked out of the bag earlier. I put them on, enjoying how comfortable and soft they feel, before brushing my teeth and hair and then re-donning the gorgeous battle dress. In the meantime, Ios keeps chatting to me through it all.
'I know sweetheart, it has been nonstop for you lately so having a moment to finally decompress is going to feel weird at first. But trust Akiko and me, this is good for you. Sure, you could probably keep going full tilt like this for a while. Throw yourself into training, studying, crafting, all of it. But if you do it that way, you will eventually burn out and it would be totally natural to. If you want to do something productive, why don't you come over to the projector and we can talk about how some of the crafting skills work here? I still want you to learn directly from Akiko, or her girls I guess, when you can but just getting to the basics shouldn't be an issue. After that we can go over all the changes to your status page that you got from your ranking up~' She calmly replies in my head. At least she sounds understanding of my feeling on things, like usual. I really did luck out with both her and Akiko.
I open the bathroom door and then make my way over to Ios' box and scoot it directly in front of the couch that I plop down onto, my crimson red hair bouncing behind me as I get seated. "Yeah, that doesn't sound too bad. Apparently Akiko thinks I'll be some kind of savant when it comes to arrays and stuff. I'll be honest, I was kind of lost in her reaction to catch everything she said at the time." I finish with a blush, the memory of Akiko pressing up into me intensely coming back to mind.
'Hehe~ Indeed, you gave her a good startle that's for sure~ Okay! We can look at the written crafts first so that you have an idea of how they work.' Her high-pitched voice laughs out before she pops up in her projection form and begins another lecture for yours truly. Yay.

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Begrudging Rest – Ch 26