Evening, Rain. Mila's chipper voice rings out from above , from the top of my poorly dug pit. Staring up at her happy grin, I resist the urge to leap up and drag her into this pit, inwardly dreading her next words. What are you doing down there?
Pausing in my work, I let out a slow sigh, unable to keep her question from bothering . I am digging a latrine with a spoon, because I cannot be trusted with anything more dangerous. The reply is dry and well rehearsed by now, spoken hundreds if not thousands of tis within the last two weeks. This has been a shitty month, but at least it's almost over, with tomorrow the start of a new month and full of endless shitty possibilities. Probably more latrine digging.
Oh, I see you have a new spoon, did your old one break? Yes, twice in fact, and she knows it. The first ti, the handle broke and I was read out by Akanai for not taking proper care of my 'issued equipnt', sending back to dig with only the spoon bowl. After that snapped, I almost had a panic attack and kept digging for half a day with the broken pieces, until she returned and read out for being inefficient.
Not bothering to answer, knowing that it will only encourage her teasing, I continue to dig away, one spoonful at a ti, eking out yet another latrine, 1.5m deep, 3m long, and 60cm wide. Mila cos by to make jokes every ti she needs to use the latrines, which is surprisingly often, sothing I didn't really need to know. She continues to watch dig, relentless in her harassnt. Oh, I recognize that spoon, it's made from red sandalwood. It used to be a chair leg, but Papa accidentally broke it one night and Mama was furious. To make it up to her, Papa took the broken remains and carved a whole set of cutlery for Mama. Be careful, it has sentintal value so Mama will be most upset if you break it.
Staring in disbelief, I look for a sign that Mila is lying, but all I can see is her toothy smile, supportive and encouraging without a hint of deception. Why did Akanai give such a valuable spoon? Is she looking for another reason to be angry at ? Gingerly returning to my work, I carefully scrape away at the dirt walls, my mouth dry as I do my best not to break the spoon, worrying over what might happen to should the worst co to pass.
A fit of giggling earns Mila a dirty glare from , but it only makes her laugh harder, gasping as she collapses to the ground. The look on your face. Her words are forced out with difficulty as she mis my careful scraping. So gullible!
Another sigh escapes as I thump my head against the uneven dirt walls of my handiwork, trying to clear my head. Stupid, should have seen that coming. Between the exhaustion, the terrible sll, my healing, and the pain, I am at the end of my rope and ready to call it quits, which I think is what Akanai wants. I beca a Sentinel because I liked the idea of helping and protecting people, but it's hard to care about that anymore. This world sucks, it's full of terrible fucking people who almost make the monsters seem bearable. I can't even give away information that would raise the standard of living, it's so depressing.
rcifully, Mila leaves alone after her cruel prank, allowing to dig in peace. Other Sentinels co by and ask the sa question, and I answer each of them the sa way, getting the sa stupid laughs and smirks as always, their opinion of dropping lower by the day. It doesn't really bother except for the fact that it bothers Alsantset, making feel ashad for having been a burden to her ever since she brought back, but that changes now. From here on out, I'll carry my own burdens, she doesn't need to look after for much longer.
After a few more hours of mindless digging, Akanai returns from her patrol, inspecting my work and waving off without a word, allowing ti to bathe before dinner. Not for my benefit, no I've gotten used to the sll, but my odor had been 'upsetting the other diners'. Watching the swimming roosequins isn't enough to put a smile on my face, none of them friendly enough for to approach and pet without any fruit to offer. Turns out, hunting and killing Defiled for weeks on end turns them into giant furry jerks that make Zabu seem friendly, so I simply hop into the water off to the side, fully clothed since those need washing as well.
Subrging myself, I absently fight the easy current to keep myself from drifting away, my body suspended in the cool, clear water. The sweat and dirt sluices off of my body, refreshing my mind and clearing my thoughts as I float aimlessly, enjoying what little pleasures I can. The quins dart about, uplifting stones and plants as they hunt and play, their sleek forms moving gracefully in the water in a stuttered rhythm, short bursts of speeds and long glides, their powerful back legs moving lazily until in place to propel their bodies forwards. They move along the currents for extra speed, fighting them to catch fish and crustaceans, voracious creatures always looking for more food, watching them fills with a peaceful sensation, driving out all my other thoughts and worries.
The ti during my baths are pretty much all the free ti I can get lately, to be alone and without company, sothing I sorely miss. Solitude is highly underrated, sotis you just need to be alone, mute out all the outside world and just think about nothing. Unfortunately, my ti is limited so I begin removing my clothes, which is much easier now that I have 1.25 hands, my healing almost complete. I seem to have lost a significant amount of muscle mory, my movents from the shoulder down feeling awkward and cumberso, sothing that I don't recall from when Taduk healed , so it seems like my way isn't as amazing as I had hoped, another thing that hasn't worked out too well for . At least I get to stay tumor free, so I have that going for , which is nice.
After indifferently scrubbing my clothes and body, I wander back to camp still soaking wet and settle down by the fire, quietly ditating to fix my minor injuries. Maybe I'll catch a cold and be left alone for a while, my wrist, shoulder, and neck are all afla with tension from the repetitive strain. As easy as it is, lifting a spoon from the ground to eye level a few thousand tis is not exactly invigorating or stress free.
Dinner is simple camp fare, filling and nutritious but little else, as not even Alsantset can work her cooking magic with the available ingredients. Finished with my al, I leave cheerlessly and head for the clearing where my next assignnt awaits. The others are already there when I arrive, Tokta sitting quietly to one side while all seven soldiers-turned-sentinels wait patiently for their latest lesson, which will be exactly the sa as the others. A barrage of none-too-friendly glares greet as I enter and I weather them as best I can. I can't really bla them for hating , since I did inadvertently force them to choose between death and quasi-slavery, and a simple apology just doesn't really cut it in that sort of situation. Even though Mila assured that it wasn't the sa sort of oaths that Song took, I still feel the guilt eating away at when I lie awake at night, wishing I had just kept my damn mouth shut.
Skipping the greetings, I start my lesson without any fanfare. Alright, start ditating, focus on the blood in and around your injury, and try to have your body create the panacea in that general area. It's a simple matter of control and direction, sa as always. Any new questions? The emphasis is because they have asked the sa ones, over and over, and for the most part, I lack answers. It's there, it's derived from your blood, that's all I know, just do it.
Moving to sit in front of Tokta, I find Balance and continue to regenerate my hand while he observes, his presence an irritation while I cultivate, like a fly that buzzes around your head while you try to concentrate, impossible to ignore. My failure to teach the soldiers is more of life shitting on , but knowing that Akanai will help them regardless of my failure leaves very little motivation for to work harder, not to ntion I don't really know how to teach them better. It cos easily to , with just a bit of ntal focus, and none of them are proficient enough with inner examination, so ripping teeth out would be useless. Then again, that didn't help Tokta either, and that's made him less than amicable towards as well, full of gloom and lancholy.
An inhuman scream breaks my concentration and I burst into action, rushing towards Ravil right behind Tokta, both of us working quickly to assess the situation. The bald, dark-skinned blind man starts to tear at his bandages, raving about pain as Tokta grabs his wrists while I lay atop his legs, the two of us trying to keep him from struggling too much and injuring himself. Stop screaming soldier, talk to . Tokta's calm, bored voice cuts through the noise, in control and without worry, but Ravil continues to yell and stamr, unable to speak coherently. You two, hold his hands steady so I can check him, quickly. As Pran and Saluk co take his place, Tokta unravels the bandages and looks quickly into the empty sockets, checking for tumorous growths or worse, likely also inspecting him with chi, and I hold my breath in anticipation, praying for good news. I need a win now, so badly.
Long seconds pass as Tokta does his work, calming Ravil and asking questions, and down at his feet, my heartbeat pounds in my ears, obscuring all of his mumbled replies. Finally, Tokta motions for us to leave him be, and I stand up and brush myself off, asking, So? What's wrong?
Nothing, far as I can tell. It seems your lessons have finally borne fruit, his eyes have begun to heal. Despite the good news, Tokta wears a frown on his face as he studies the pained Ravil, who sits with his hands on his forehead, rocking back and forth as he deals with the pain. I guess it really is an unconventional healing thod, and nothing to do with your Awakening.
My tiny fragnt of pride quickly dissolves into irritation. That was an option? That I wouldn't be able to teach anyone because it had to do with so bullshit divine inspiration? When were you going to tell that little nugget of information?
Still lost in thought, Tokta simply shrugs dismissively, answering absent-mindedly. We thought it was better for you to try without knowing, we wouldn't have let you waste too much ti on this. Rember, you were the one who wanted to teach others, although I was rather hungry for the knowledge as well. This is good news though, if anyone can learn your thod, then we should find a more effective teaching thod as soon as possible. He continues to stand in place, lost in thought and ignoring my questions about Awakening, waving off as if I were a nuisance.
I have no idea how Awakenings work, and at this point, I'm afraid to ask. What if I'm just another failure? Is that why no one bothers to answer , because they're sparing my feelings? I'm supposed to have so innate knowledge about chi manipulation, but nothing has changed. I can Hone and Guide just like always, but I've made no real progress in Lightening and Amplification. Giving up in exasperation, I wander over to Ravil, who is still trying to deal with the new, agonizing sensations as his eyes regenerate. Hey, I have a few instructions you need to follow, now that your healing has started.
At the sound of my voice, his head snaps up and he lunges towards , held in place by Pran and Saluk, the two of them looking as if they would prefer to just let Ravil assault instead. Both look like scruffy bandits aside from their prim hairstyles, the front of their heads shaved bald, leaving their filed down horns on display, with a long braid at the back and so hair around the sides, an odd look in my opinion, but common enough for many. After a short struggle, Ravil finally calms himself enough to speak, but he has nothing kind to say to . Fuck your grandmother you lying sack of shit, it feels like there are hot coals stuffed behind my eyelids. Not enough to get forcibly conscripted into your Sentinel bullshit, but now you need to experint on us too? He spits at and I dodge dramatically, his aim impeccable despite the lack of sight.
Swallowing hard, I let go of my sword hilt and struggle to rein in my temper, trying to rember what I ca to say. The pain ans that the healing process has begun, so do whatever it is you're doing, the faster you work, the sooner the pain ends. Try to start now, rember the feeling that you had right before the pain began. From here on out, keep your bandages on at all tis, unless you are in complete darkness. Eyes are a tricky thing, too much light too soon and you'll end up with broken eyes that see nothing, but don't worry, I sharpened a spoon just for you, we can pop those eyeballs right out and try again.
I might as well ask for a spoon for my next weapon, at least that would make a few things simpler, wouldn't have to worry about breaking my spoon, at least. Ignoring his muttered curses, I grab his hand and I pour out a few pills into his palm, trying not to think about the lost profits. Get soone to cut those up for you, take half a pill at night if you have trouble sleeping through the pain. Make sure your tent mate knows, they'll have to carry you around if there's a night attack or sothing, you won't wake up for at least 6 hours. That's all you get for the next week, make them last.
My instructions complete, I return back to my spot, sitting down to continue my healing, ignoring the looks around and fighting off my depression. What should have been a happy success has done nothing to improve my mood. Woo, I was right, I'm holding on to a secret that could get everyone I love killed. Not exactly a happy thing to be right about. I'll just go ho after this, quit the Sentinels and never leave again. I can build myself a tiny hut on the outskirts, and just pay soone to bring stuff, or maybe even live a bit further, like on a cliff overlooking the village. Close, but not too close.
The rest of the lesson wraps up without incident, and I return to my tent without fanfare, exhaustion starting to kick in once again, almost asleep before my head hits the pillow. A quick check on Other shows that nothing has changed, and I close my eyes and wait for sweet oblivion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Against her better judgnt, Mila carefully stepped into Mama's tent, announcing her own entrance with good cheer. Hi Mama, we found so chestnuts and roasted them, I thought you'd like so while they're still hot. Song and I already shelled them for you. And ate more than their fair share, the sweet treats too good to pass up. Only a handful remained and Mila hoped that Mama wouldn't think them too few.
Oh? Mama's smirk seed to see right through her as she waved Mila in, moving so docunts from her desk to make room. Here to try to bribe into letting your betrothed go free? You shouldn't have gotten so greedy, there are still crumbs on your faces.
She and Song both wiped their faces, Mila's cheeks turning red at Mama's smile. No Mama, I just thought we could chat. Damn it, there were tis it seed that she could read minds, it was uncanny.
Ah, I see, how sweet of you two. Her eyes twinkled as she ate a chestnut, smiling from the natural sweetness, a cup of rice wine to go with it, carried in by Song. Taking a slow sip, she made a great show of savoring the taste while dragging out the inevitable, Mila fidgeting in her seat while she waited, knowing that Mama was playing around. It was a favored tactic of hers, remaining silent and reading the situation, letting the object of her attention speak out of fear. So, what would you like to talk about, oh filial daughter of mine?
Struggling to find a topic, Mila simply gave up all pretense, driving straight to the matter. Fine, you were right. How much longer is his punishnt going to continue?
Mama took her ti answering, enjoying another chestnut slowly, letting Mila sweat in the silence. Even though she knew all of her Mama's tricks, it made them no less effective. Finally, Mama sighed and shook her head, leaning forward to speak quietly. Rain is sothing of a puzzle to , causing more than a little headache. I am at a loss on how to handle him, were he any other Sentinel I would have him lashed for insubordination, but I made a promise to my disciple that I will not break. What else am I to do?
I don't know Mama, but you can't have him digging forever, it's turning him so gloomy. He hasn't smiled in days, even though I visit often and try to cheer him up. She had thought her joke would at least elicit a half-smile, the sheer absurdity of it being hilarious, but he had actually believed her, making her feel terrible instead. Worse, she had still laughed. He had no ill intentions, he just wanted to help.
You think unfair, daughter? He knowingly betrayed a direct order from , even taking the pain to hide his actions with a ruse, albeit an ill-conceived one. He knew what he did was wrong, even if he did not know why. What would have happened if you had not discovered him?
Shaking her head, Mila tried her best to seem subdued and obedient. If only Papa were here, she could have gone to him and he could have convinced Mama. Not unfair, it's just... you're holding a dagger above his head, not allowing this to co to an end. I'm sure he's learned his lesson now Mama, and I'll watch him carefully from now on, I promise.
Sighing deeply once again, Mama ate her chestnuts while thinking things through, Mila swinging her feet in her chair, unable to stay still. How did Song do it all the ti, remain so motionless? One by one, the chestnuts disappeared into Mama's mouth, each followed by a tiny sip of wine until nothing remained. Slowly shaking her head, Mama looked regretful as she asked, What has he learned? Is it the value of honesty and obedience, or that he needs to be more careful in hiding his intentions? Shaking her head, she continued, His punishnt has been too light for to be sure. I first thought to have him bind or execute those soldiers, but if he refused it would have left with no further option but the cane. For now, he is to continue digging, until I can co up with a suitable punishnt.
Pouting, Mila slid off her chair and moved around the table to give her Mama a hug. While she had not gotten her desired outco, Mama had thought hard on the matter and Mila could not fault her decision as Rain had truly gone too far this ti.
Lieutenant General, Senior Captain here to report. Alsantset's voice sounded out from the tent flap, and she appeared almost imdiately after, Mila's hopes rising. Perhaps she was here to talk to Mama about Rain as well, chipping away at Mama's resolution to continue his punishnt.
Evidently, Mama thought the sa, sighing once again, her arms still around Mila. I supposed you wish to speak about Rain as well?
No, Lieutenant General, the boy made a grievous error and I have nothing but gratitude for your leniency. Alsantset's voice was carefully neutral about the subject, her face showing no signs of deceit. A scout has arrived with two ssages marked urgent.
After a short perusal of the two scrolls, Mama crumpled them in her fist, throwing it to her desk with a thud. Damnation, this is sooner than expected.
What's the matter? Mila peered at the bundled ss of paper, trying to decipher their contents.
An order from the Marshal. Martial Law has been repealed and we are to return to Shen Huo with all haste, relieved of our duties here. Along with it is a missive from the Disciplinary Corps, demanding the presence of Alsantset and the five youngsters with all haste. They are to et at the Bridge, so that their trial may take place.
Dread washed over Mila, worry suffusing her with every word and she looked to Mama for any sign of what would happen next. With a grim smile and a reassuring pat on the back, Mama sat back in her seat, looking resigned. Well, so good news has co of this, little Mila: Rain will no longer need to dig latrines, we break camp at dawn. Motioning for her stationery, Mila quickly moved aside to help while Mama began penning ssages, readying herself to close out their conflict with the Society.
Whether it was to fight or flee, Mila did not know, but either choice ant there were difficult trials ahead of them. With nothing else to do, Mila quietly prayed for the safety of those she loved, that they could all return ho safely.
All the sa, she eagerly hoped for a fight, to cripple the strength of the Society, perhaps even taking the stage herself. Rain and Huu had already made nas for themselves, and it irked her to be so ignored.
Sumila, daughter of Akanai and Husolt, was not an opponent to be looked down upon.
Chapter
Reviews
All reviews (0)