Seated in my lap, Lin leans back and presses her cheek against mine while I hug her close, enjoying the fresh scent of ground herbs and soothing warmth emanating from her petite, delicate fra. Light as a feather, she settles into my embrace with a contented sigh before falling still and silent, her slow breath brushing ever so softly against my skin. So trusting and unguarded, it takes every ounce of self-control I have to leave her be instead of tickling her sides until she cant breathe, or faking a fart so shell laugh herself silly. As darling as her petulant scowls and furious frowns might be, its Lins bright smile which I love the most, making up the sun, moon, and stars in the sky of my heart.
Hubby, how co I dont feel anything?
...Oof. Words no man ever wants to hear, regardless of the circumstances. There goes the tattered remains of my pride and self-esteem, but at least were in a private setting. Before I can answer, my sweet, innocent wifey turns to Luo-Luo and asks, Do you feel anything?
Breasts pressed against my arm, Luo-Luo blushes and averts her eyes at the inadvertent innuendo, but her shaky, mirth-filled voice gives her away. No Lin-Lin, Luo-Luo does not feel a thing.
How about you Li-Li? Did you feel anything?
No. Huddled with Banjo and Baloo on the other side of her tea table, Songs cat ears lay flat on her head while she rests her chin atop the sleeping bears nestled in her lap, brow furrowed and lips pouty as she watches with predatory focus. Under the table, her bare foot brushes against mine ever so slightly as if terrified the re touch of skin to skin contact will be too alluring for to resist, especially while the four of us are alone in her yurt. I felt nothing, Song says, her disappointnt clear. Were it not for the Abbot, I would not have even known anything happened.
Resisting the urge to gnaw on Lins shoulder for setting off this deluge of ambiguous and distressful statents, I roll my eyes and explain, For starters, you need to have Spectres before I can Devour any, which none of you do. At least not anymore, according to the Abbot. It wasnt just Song, because apparently Luo-Luo picked up a hitchhiker or three before the battle began, but it too disappeared into my broken Core to never be seen or heard from again. Besides, Im pretty sure the whole process doesnt include a tactile response, else I or soone else wouldve noticed by now.
Mm... True. Turning in my lap to sit sideways, Lin snuggles in closer while looking up with her big, brown eyes, so wide and clear I could get lost in them for days. Hubby, Im scared of Spectres, so Im gonna stay with you alllll the ti now, ya? You co sleep in my yurt, just to be safe.
So chard by her request and tempted by visions of night-ti activities, I open my mouth to agree before my brain lurches out of the gutter and catches on to her nefarious ga. No wifey, you will not be joining on the outer wall, because not only will I feel better with you safe in camp, I also dont have the authority to bring you with , so too bad.
Puffing her cheeks to chipmunk proportions, Lin scowls and mutters, Stupid Rainy, and I graciously pretend not to hear while inwardly delighting at her devious cunning. Its always been there, lurking just behind her adorably charming smile and childish innocence, a colder, more calculating mindset which never blinked when loosing arrows at delicious bunnies and other delectable and lovable prey. Its not that she hides the darker part of her personality, but rather its intertwined so closely with the rest of her that its hard to tell where the innocence ends and the darkness begins. Food is food, pets are pets, and she makes the distinction much easier than I can, able to snuggle with Mama Bun while eating skewers of grilled rabbit at while smiling in unconflicted contentnt.
Sweet and bloodthirsty, thats my little wifey, and I love her to bits for it.
Honestly, even with her staying in camp, Im still worried for Lins safety. Being stationed inside the fort walls ans everyone is safer from the Defiled, but it puts us in a dangerous position should our allies turn on us. If Nian Zu is sohow distracted or incapacitated, whether it be by traitorous sches or Enemy antics, that would leave Watanabe and his goons free to make trouble for my people in camp, aning Lin, Luo-Luo, and my Death Corps Honour Guard. Alsantset and the others should be safe, but because of how efficient and impressive her quin riders proved themselves, theyll likely be called upon to muster out at the first sign of a Defiled force approaching, which ans there will be exactly zero Officers in camp to protect my people. Watanabe could literally order his soldiers to run straight through my camp with weapons swinging and claim the situation was so dire he couldnt wait for my people to move out of the way. It would likely cost him his rank in the end, not to ntion a hefty fine to replace my Honour Guard, but I doubt hed get more than a slap on the wrist with the crooked Disciplinary Corps looking the other way.
Its aggravating to think the Justicars believe theyre carrying out justice while railroading like this. Id file a complaint, but itd probably just go to another of Jixings lackeys and the Justicars will be found innocent of all charges. I can see it now. Weve investigated our actions and cleared ourselves of all wrongdoing. Who judges the Justicars? Who?
...Whom? No, that doesnt sound right.
Cutting short my confused inner rant, Happy barges in without knocking while dragging a dishevelled and disoriented Altan alongside him, Yans little friend from the orphanage and a stalwart soldier of my (forr) retinue. Closing the door behind him, the Abbot strides in last and leaves Kuang Biao and Lins veiled guards to keep watch outside, though I wouldnt put it past Guard Leaders arrogant underlings to have soone hidden inside the yurt without letting us know. Up on your feet now, Happy says, grinning from ear to ear while keeping the guests by the door and away from . This ti, do it slower if you dont mind.
Suppressing a sigh, I try my best not to sound rude or snippy. I dont have control over the speed. Im not even actively doing anything. It just happens. Weve already Cleansed the people who were worst off like Awdar, Ulfsaar, and a few others, but it seems like Happy and the Abbot intend to bring every single Tainted person from my retinue and Alsantsets in for Cleansing.
Im just glad they arent abducting random, Spectre-infused soldiers, though I have no doubt theyll eventually get there.
Waving aside my excuses, the Abbot interjects, Not actively, but it is highly possibly you are reacting in a passive or instinctive manner. Calm your mind and focus on nothing, yet be aware of every action, every thought, every emotion and sensation so you can better experience and describe the process.
Thoroughly confused, Altan sneaks a glance at Song and asks, Uh... Whats happening here? Aw, hes blushing. Hes got a crush on her. Thats adorable, but I will end him if he makes a move on her.
Patience and silence would be much appreciated, young warrior, Happy admonishes, not even looking at Altan while gesturing for to get on with it. Gently sliding Lin off my lap, I groan with the force of a senior citizen while pushing myself to my feet, feeling the aches and pains after days of riding my rickshaw over dirt trails and grass fields. After shuffling over to the far end of the yurt, I turn to face Altan who stands between the Abbot and Happy while they wait for my signal, so I figure its best to get it over with as quickly as possible.
Who knows how many other Tainted individuals are waiting outside the yurt...
Taking deep breaths to calm my mind, I close my eyes and draw my awareness inwards, stopping one step short of reaching for Balance and the agonizing pain which cos with it. Once there, I nod to signal the Abbot and Happy while recording every detail I perceive. Darkness from behind my eyelids, the warmth of the brazier, the weight of my cloak hanging heavy on my shoulders, nothing really jumps out and says Devouring. Theres no emptiness within, no rush of Spectres without, no sensation of flow, suction, or any movent whatsoever, just standing in Songs yurt with my eyes closed and wondering how many Spectres Ill have to passively Devour before the Abbot lets go to sleep.
Happys delighted giggles gives the ending away and I open my eyes to see Altans discomforted expression only centitres away from my face, straining against Happys steely grip and terrified of what might happen next. Even though I expected as much, I still instinctively flinch away from the young warrior, unhappy to have my personal space so egregiously violated and inwardly dying at the thought of what rumours will crop up after today. I an, just think about it: standing here with eyes closed while two eunuch monks force a young man closer and closer towards my face...
Nothing, I report once again, as I have almost a dozen tis before. Undeterred by this failure, Happy drags the confused orphan Sentinel out the door with a perfunctory thanks before coming back inside with Lang Er, who stands stoically without a care in the world as if this were all perfectly normal. Again, I close my eyes and focus my thoughts, and when I hear Happys giggling away for a second ti, I keep my eyes closed and say, Nothing.
I can see why Jorani calls him Happy. Dude legitimately enjoys life and finds joy in almost everything. Its an enviable mindset, and his exuberant smile always brightens my day, though I kinda wish hed stop hiding his giant rooster and let play with it for a bit.
...Thats what she said. Ha! Eunuchs with a giant cock, I still cant get over that.
The Penitent Brotherhood are nothing if not stubborn, which I suppose they have to be considering their outlook on life in general, so we continue this experint several more tis with the other Tainted mbers of my retinue, of whom there are more than Im really comfortable with. Lang Er was no surprise, but Altan is a new face who likely succumbed to the Enemys whispers just this week after Tomor and Mugi beca an item. My sympathies go out to the lonely, heartbroken young man, but I doubt anything wouldve co of his Spectral infection. The People are made of sterner stuff than most of the Empire, and I bet Altan wouldve been fine after another week or so of moping around. I an, hes still one of the most outstanding youths of his generation, not including , Mila, Yan, Song, Huu, and a few other superlative Sentinels, and the ladies love a young hero, so Im sure hell find another lady love to moon over soon enough.
As long as its not Song. Thats just setting the poor boy up for another round of heartache, so maybe I should warn him off. I an, Song froze up like a deer in headlights when Happy grabbed her by the shoulders, and I can only imagine how shell react to a confession. I can see it now, Altan shyly expressing his feelings of love only for her to retreat and draw her sabre in warning. Not what you want to see, and the shock might even be enough to turn poor Altan full Demon. Then again... what if shes receptive to his advances? Shes wary of n in general, but shes gotten a lot better of late, and even though she had a traumatic past, it doesnt an shell never recover and will always hate n. I an, it probably wont go well for Altan if he tries to make a move, but Song can take care of herself and deserves to make her own decision on the matter, so who am I to interfere?
Okay fine, Im utterly infatuated with Song and feel intensely jealous at the thought of her with soone else. Is that really so terrible? I cant control who I have a crush on, and its not like Ill do anything. For one, Mila would kill , and then Akanai would kill , and then Husolt would most definitely kill , so yea.
Putting aside my feelings for now, I concentrate on the task at hand which ans standing with my eyes closed while the monks bring Tainted individuals over and watch Devour the Spectres. No one knows what were doing besides Song, Lin, and Luo-Luo, but only because I havent had ti to tell Alsantset about it. While Im doing my best to temper expectations, the re fact that Im still able to Devour is just fantastic news, the best Ive heard in forever. If I can Devour Spectres and have been doing it all this ti, then it ans I have a source of Heavenly Energy just sitting inside waiting to be Cleansed and harvested. With Heavenly Energy, I could probably Heal my Core, which ans all I need is Water Chi to Cleanse Spectres and get this whole thing going. Ive got a few gourds of Chi Tea, which the Abbot says is just Water Chi by a different na, so as soon as I figure out how to pour Chi Tea into my broken Core, then Ill be well on the way to recovery.
Theres still a lot to puzzle through and issues to deal with, like the minor fact that I have a possible army of Spectres chilling inside and I have no idea what theyre up to, but this is the first real, tangible sign of taphysical recovery Ive seen, and Ill be damned if it doesnt feel good to have hope again. I spent the last three months believing I would recover to full strength given ti, but now I actually have an actual, credible lead to follow as opposed to just promising options to pursue. A difference almost without distinction, but faith feels so much better when backed by fact.
Seventeen Tainted warriors later, my feet are sore and my knees ready to give out, but the worst part is I only have the monks word that sothing is happening. I dont feel a process, I dont feel better, I dont feel more murderous, and theres been no change whatsoever, but Happy and the Abbot are unrelenting. When they bring in the next patient, my stomach sorsaults in protest as I greet the newcor with a strained smile. Hi Huu.
Uhn. Responding with a non-committal grunt, my old friend glances around the yurt with a wary gaze, his wolfish eyes noting every detail and obstruction. Theres no smile or nod, no proffered hand or opened arms, just an inarticulate noise made to acknowledge my greeting, a far cry from the happy reunion Id hoped to have. Bigger than I rember, Huu stands head, shoulders, and chest above , a towering Sentinel who has to hunch over so not as to bump into the ceiling, and wide enough that he has to turn sideways to get through the door. Poking out from over his shoulder, Huus massive saber almost looks too dainty for him to use, but he still has yet to bind a second weapon despite my standing offer to supply one ever since we got back from Sanshu. Probably so he wouldnt owe the Tainted foundling anything, which is... a reason, but it feels like forever ago when we sat together in the sa room and shared a drink or three.
In his defence, ever since he lost his Uncle Kalil and his quin Jaga, Huu hasnt really been the sa, and finding out I was almost Defiled probably didnt help things much, so I can understand why he ghosted , even though Im not particularly happy about it.
Finished taking in his surroundings, Huus gaze finally ets mine as he asks, So? The monks said you needed to see .
...Do I tell him? Or should I just ask him to play along and keep quiet about his Spectres? Gotta say, Im tempted to spill the beans, but not for the right reasons. I want him to realize he made a mistake and feel bad about abandoning our friendship over sothing I had no control over, and Id be lying if I said I wouldnt feel good about throwing this in his face, but that wont change things. Im still bitter and he probably still wont want to be my friend, so telling him would just be unnecessary cruelty.
Clearing my throat, I just shake my head and say, Please follow the Abbots instructions and well be done soon enough.
A tired yawn clues in to an unseen guest, but after looking around the yurt three tis for signs of Concealnt, I realize the hidden party was brought in by Huu. Literally brought in, as the slly old half-wolf geezer pokes his head out from behind Huus other shoulder, lounging in his adult-sized sling without a care in the world. Answer the question boy, he says, scratching at his scraggly white beard with an irritated grimace. What you need the pup fer?
Happy and the Abbot are no help, leaving the decision to . Asking the Abbot to explain through Sending feels like too much of a cop out, so I choose my words carefully and explain, Were... conducting an experint regarding my... rehabilitation and Huu might be able to help. It wont take long, just a minute of his ti and then were done.
Hmph. Eyeing with undisguised suspicion, the old half-wolf geezer asks, This have to do with yer Talent? What do ye call it? Suckin?
Oh for fucks sake... Devouring. How many other people know about it? Is he another one of the mysterious bigwigs behind the People like Guard Leader? I an, hes old enough for the job, but he doesnt strike as managent material. Dirty and dishevelled, Id pegged him for the village slacker due to his favoured ans of transportation and love of sleeping, unwilling to even ride a quin and preferring to be piggybacked like a child. To be fair, it looks kinda fun, and since Im only a little taller than the old wolf is, I could probably get away with doing the sa. Strap a harness on Huus back and we could go into war together, with him sweeping away the chaff while I fire spring-powered bullets at Defiled leadership, an unstoppable duo for the history books.
...Except Unity wouldnt have survived the trip to Sinuji, much less an attempt to fire it, not to ntion how Huu and I arent that close anymore. Reality sucks.
Well?
Well what? Oh right, I didnt answer his question, but if I do, its giving Huus Tainted status away. Instead of answering, I ask Huu, How much do you trust him?
Unconditionally.
My old friend answers without hesitation, so after studying him for a mont longer, I sigh and nod. Yea, it has to do with Devouring.
Okay then. Patting Huu on the head, the old geezer says, Lets go pup.
...Good sir, if you would please wait. Polite as can be, the Abbot blocks the doorway and offers a half bow in apology. Perhaps you are unclear, but this experint can only be beneficial to Khishig Huushal here.
Says you. With Huus back turned to, I get to see the old geezer tuck himself back into his sling, which looks oh so snug and comfy. Sure, maybe the boy can handle any Spectres the pups got on him now, but what happens after the boy dies? With luck on his side, the pupll outlive the boy a few hundred years, and them Spectres aint going nowhere, so its best he learn to deal with the Fathers whisperers now before the pups too old and set in his ways. Lose an uncle and a mount and the boy goes to pieces, Pei. Too fragile, these younguns, but we work with what weve got.
You knew about the Spectres already?
Yes. Turning around to face , I can see the sha and regret in Huus eyes, his pain and fury lurking just beneath the surface and burning to be unleashed, but he reins it in tight with his iron will. It has been difficult, but I am managing my affliction. I ask that you leave my Spectres alone, for this is the path Ive chosen, to use them as a forge wherein I can temper my ttle. I will endure, or I will break, such is life. No need to worry, because if the latter should take place, then Great, Great, Great... Great Grand-ntor here will put down before I hurt anyone.
Without waiting for an answer, Huu shoulders his way past the Abbot and leaves Songs yurt, his head raised high and shoulders squared as he carries his burden with grace. I dont an the old half-wolf, because I know first-hand how difficult life with the Spectres can be, but Huu is facing them head-on despite knowing theres an easier way out. Is this why hes been avoiding ? Why I havent seen hide nor hair of him since he left Sanshu? Because he knew I could Devour Spectres and didnt want to ss up his training?
...
Or has he been avoiding everyone because he doesnt want to infect them with his Spectres? I an... I heard he was often out in the wilderness training with Ghurda, so maybe it wasnt just ...
Hmm. Intruding upon my revelation, the Abbot says, What he said is not without reason. Perhaps this is why Junior Brothers retinue holds so many susceptible individuals, because their willpower has no chance to be tested. Lips pursed in thought, he sighs and says, This monk will ponder on this during ditation, but for now, perhaps Junior Brother should get so rest; the night is late and your health is of the utmost importance. Before I can point out hes the reason Im not asleep yet, the Abbot makes his escape with Happy close behind, leaving Lin, Song, and Luo-Luo and myself to clean up the dirt and mud splattered across Songs floor.
Many hands make light work, so soon enough, I crawl into my tent and find Mama Bun already fast asleep beneath the covers. Tucked in her arms is sweet baby Blackjack, and the sight of them snuggling together is almost enough to make up for Mama Buns unwillingness to move aside and make room. Such are the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, so I crawl into bed and lay at a bent angle while doing my best not to think about the horrific nightmares to co.
I dont an actual nightmares, or the horrors of war either. Collecting Spectres is the first step to get better, but since my Devour range has been nerfed to touch only, this ans that if I want to go about Cleansing Sinuji and collecting Spectres, then Ill need to be proactive about it, which ans using celebrity status to set up a et and greet with various strangers so I can make small talk and shake their hands.
Ugh. I would rather march out to fight the Defiled with only a rusty knife. eting new people is the worst...
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