The orange do filled with every symbol and shape under the sun fades away shortly after that disheartening interaction with one of the people running the show here. Still annoyed how that played out, that Elder Julian must have so kind of ability to show up at the worst possible ti! While I'm still moping slightly with what I can tell is a pout on my face, the humongous stone walls surrounding this place co into full view. It looks very well made, almost as if the stone bricks are manufactured and the mortaring seems pristine and perfect. Ancient Ro or dieval Europe would have killed for sothing like this.
Several figures co out of a large wooden double doorway cut into the side of the wall, the doors must be at least 15 ft tall, which makes the walls upwards of 50 ft in height. These guys don't ss around on defense it seems! Although, if people can fly the value of static defenses like this does kind of drop off... Maybe Akiko was being more than truthful in that she is one of the strongest people around here. Either that or they built this a long ti ago when it was still relevant to have and just kept it around for the vibe.
As I pull myself from my daydreaming, I really need to get so more sleep it seems, the figures get close enough that I can easily make out they are guards of so sort. Even in a different universe, the annoyed look at having to stand around all day is easy to pick up. A slightly older looking fox woman with jet black hair and tail, with black ears having white inner fur, approaches us. Her getup is a bit more intricate than the two other foxes behind her, who look like they would rather be anywhere but here right now going by their disinterested faces.
"Madam Akiko, the Elders sent word ahead of your arrival. Welco back. They asked us to escort you to the Sect Hall for your eting." the older fox clips out in stoic professionalism after giving a rather deep bow. I get the sense she must be so much fun at parties. She glances my way, and finally her stone cold face shows a crack as she raises a curious eyebrow at my presence. Before she can ask any questions about
being here, I feel Akiko gently place a hand on my shoulder and I turn to look up at her. She gives a soft smile to
before turning back to the guard lady.
"Jillean, always a pleasure and thank you for the welco. I may not leave my estate much these days, but I believe I can still find my way to the Sect Hall without issue. My new disciple and I will be heading there now, as I am already aware of the Elder's want to et but you lot may remain at your posts, thank you for your offer." Akiko says with a calm detached tone. Wow, she must absolutely hate dealing with politics like this. I know we've only known each other for a night, and not all of it good mories right now, but even I can tell she is pissed that the Elders basically sent soone to collect her. Maybe she has a reputation of sticking it to the man and doing what she wants? Wait, isn't she the man in this scenario? Well, she probably does stick it to herself sotis... No! Bad Alia!
The lead woman, Jillean apparently, looks a bit displeased at that answer but eventually nods and gives another deep bow before saying in her stiff voice, "Very well, Madam. I shall relay to Elder Xu that you are enroute on your own. Thank you for your consideration of our ti." With that done, she turns heel just as quickly as she arrived, the two guards shrugging to themselves before trailing behind her back behind the still open wooden doors.
I hear Akiko huff. "I swear, if it is not one thing with those bags of bones, its another. To think they'd send a minder to escort ! I apologize Alia, but this eting may be a bit more exciting than I was planning. You would have discovered this sooner or later, likely from myself as well, that a majority of the Elder's that preside here over the Village tend to think rather highly of themselves. I often have to co in and ground their lofty expectations, and it seems this ti is going to be no different.
Until we get back to my estate, I'd rather keep a hold of you. No doubt Jillean is communicating with Xu as we speak, so other eyes and ears will be upon us as we make our way to the Hall. Do not let go of my hand for any reason, okay?" She says as she lets go of my shoulder and then holds her hand out for
to take. I nod and give her a smile as I take her hand in mine, better to be safe than sorry! Hopefully it doesn't get too rowdy during the eting or debriefing or whatever it is we are about to go through. I've had enough excitent for one 24-hour period, thank you!
She smiles back at
when our hands grab onto each other and then begins moving into the gate and beyond the walls. As soon as we clear the entry way, I'm t by wide streets lined with paper lanterns on posts spread out evenly down the road, but they don't seem to have any flas inside of them producing the light. The architecture of the buildings that hug up to the curbs remind
a lot of Edo era Japan, right down to the slanted and flared rooftops. Maybe another transmigrator went around promoting their favorite aesthetic in the past? Also, calling it a 'village' is ridiculous, this place is huge!
In the pre-dawn light that is beginning to peak through the horizon I can see the massive U-shaped building on top of a hill that I can only assu is the rumored Sect Hall I've heard so much about. As I continue to take in my new surroundings, I turn to Akiko. "This place is beautiful Ak- *ahem* sorry, Madam Akiko! How many people live here? This seems closer to a small city than a village, right?" My excitent must be bleeding through my nervousness, because she turns to give
a fond smile as we stride down the street.
"Indeed, young Alia. The current total population of Fox Village is likely near 15,000 based on the last population reports that I looked over. Although, that was roughly 7 years ago so we shall see how that number fluctuates in 3 years' ti when the census is completed again. And thank you for your kind words dear~, we have worked very hard to maintain its cleanliness and functionality for several centuries now. It would warm the Sect Leader's heart to know your first impression was one of appreciation. She was always so fascinated by the culture that this style of buildings ca from, perhaps you two would have gotten along while discussing it!" Akiko finishes with a small but good-natured chuckle, bringing her other hand briefly to her mouth with her eyes closed.
"Maybe! The style is... familiar to
if you know what I an. I would have loved to talk about how it even ca here, or if you guys went full tilt and did wooden slat fittings instead of more common screws and nails. I didn't study historical architecture per say, but I know enough about... older style construction thods like these from various places. More of a hobby than anything." I tell her, passing the ti on our early morning walk in pleasant small talk.
Eventually though, we fall into silence as I continue to admire the scenery and structures before
with Akiko having a thoughtful expression on her face every ti I look her way. When she notices
observing her, she quickly gives a small smile and squeeze of my hand before turning forward again to look pensive. I try my best to not let the anxiety build from her attitude change, telling myself that even if shit goes sideways Akiko will be able to handle it no problem. Which does help sowhat.
Before long, we arrive at the entry path to the Sect Hall, its 30 ft wide, perfectly paved stone road lined with cherry blossom trees evenly dispersed down the street greet us. I blink confused, having spaced out the last little bit apparently, and turn to see that we had indeed hiked up probably 200 ft along a winding, zig zagging stone pathway cutting into the hillside where the Hall rests. Wow, even my un-dressed modified strength is really putting in work, I'd be a sweaty, worn-out ss if I just casually hiked so of those steep inclines back ho.
Akiko turns my attention back to her with a gentle touch on my shoulder. "Alia, I noticed several spying eyes on our stroll through the Village. I know not what is going to happen once we cross the threshold to the Hall, but I fear I may need to remind these Elders why the Sect Leader put
in charge in her stead. Have no fear, I will protect you from any harm that may try to befall you, but it may indeed get violent and bloody. I know you are new to this world, and from what I assu is a peaceful world by how you react to things, but you will have to quickly adjust to this reality.
This world can be cruel and violent, often at the sa ti, for people who are weak or do not have powerful backing to ward off the threats in the first place. All this to say... please do not think less of
in the event that I have to do my duty that the Sect Leader gave ." She looks deeply into my eyes, her purple, fox slitted pupils boring into my azure, golden frad orbs. I feel it, the worry and fear she has about pushing
away. It's... this world moves so fast it seems. I've barely had any ti to collect myself or process what is happening around or to . But its becoming obvious, even to a dense person like , that that is the normal way of this world. At least, until I make it have so peace for myself.
I hold her gaze as I give her a firm nod, saying, "I understand Madam Akiko. To be honest, I'm still not used to the violence this world has, but I would be a hypocrite if I judged you for laying down the law and being violent when I have already killed here. Sure, they were wild animals and looking to kill , but I know that is how this world operates. Do or die. Just... try not to get my robe too dirty." I end with a wink and a smirk, which she seems to love if the way her ears flutter when I do it is any indication.
"Cheeky~." She replies with a soft smile, as she gives both of my shoulders a small squeeze and then once more takes my hand. We quietly arrive in front of the massive, 30 ft tall wooden doors that fit perfectly in the road before Akiko simply pushes against them as they open inward without any issue. My girl doesn't skip arm day it seems.
The sight that greets us inside is a well-lit open space, with a huge U-shaped table in the center. Various dangling crystals hang from the tall, arched ceiling probably more than 50 feet above us, as two large staircases at the rear of the room flow upward to a landing, and then outward to the second floor. Several columns raise up from the floor to the ceiling on the outskirts of the open space, with large green drapes of fabric flowing from the tops of each pillar to the next one. It's like if the mines of Moria got a fashion upgrade.
I'm pulled out of my interior design critiquing by Akiko guiding us to the center of the room, in the bucket of the U table. Along all sides of the odd piece of furniture are various animal people, a couple humans, and one person that vaguely looks like a dinosaur. Ok well, at so point I'll stop getting surprised every 5 minutes in this new world, I'm sure of it!
An ancient looking fox woman stands next to the person who sits directly in the middle on the short side of the table, the part furthest from Akiko and I. Her raspy, chain smoker sounding voice reaches out into the room as she says, "Akiko, the Elders of the Fox Village and the Heavenly Flowing Pen Sect have been gathered to hear of your investigation beyond the mountains and also to inquire as to this stranger you have brought into our ho. If you would, kindly give your report now." She slowly sits back down as she finishes the opening statents. Why do I feel like I am on trial right now?
"Elder Miko. I have been lenient with your less than cordial attitude as of late but know that my patience is wearing thin. You did not bow or show proper respect in your tone, and you presu to tell
what I can or must do. I will say this to all assembled here; I am not your whipping fox for errands." Akiko sneers with an icy cold tone. I briefly look up to her face and find she is actually sneering too! I'm glad she was just intense and horny when she was trying to interrogate , that face is actually pretty scary!
She continues on, "Regardless, I will shed light on what I witnessed to ease your oh so troubled hearts and then leave this mockery to give you all ti to ruminate on what I have said. The Heavens indeed were beyond agitated, and struck an area in the Cerulean Forest with enough strength to surpass a 6th realm tribulation attempt. It destroyed nearly all of the forest for several hundred miles, plant and animal life alike from what I could see at the ti. I followed clues of soone traversing out of the forest near where the Heavenly Lightning impacted, until I ca upon a cave with two dead Mid Earth Rank Cerulean Bears outside. At least, from what I could identify as the bears themselves were little more than various chunks of at by the ti I arrived.
While searching the surroundings around the slain ursines, I ca across this mortal person. She was stranded and alone, but I can see great promise in her, so I vowed to take her as a disciple and train her since she was without ho or family to return to. We rested briefly, since as a mortal she was exhausted from whatever ordeal led her there, and then I flew the both of us back here as soon as we were able to travel.
She has already shared her story with , and I did not and do not sense any form of trickery or ill intent from her. I state plainly for all those gathered here now, she is under my protection and care and is not to be accosted in this Village or by any person in it." She ends her 'report' looking around at the assembled leaders of the Village with a deadly serious stare. I can feel the sweat forming as I try my best to play along and keep a straight face. It's not that she was lying per say during her little speech, but she sure as shit left out a lot of details! On top of that, she basically declared that even if they want to be nosy, they'll obviously be picking a fight directly with her. God, what a bad bitch... not going to lie, this is doing things for .
The assembled crowd absorbs the information for a few monts, before loudly talking amongst themselves. I can't make out what anyone is saying, as their voices loudly overlap and make it difficult to focus. I definitely have not had enough sleep for this. The gossip crowd is silenced when the person at the center of the table next to Miko abruptly stands with his hands slamming down onto the top of it.
"Madam Akiko! You cannot seriously believe that we can accept such a tale full of missing information! We deserve to know the truth of what happened beyond the mountain, and how it pertains to what I can only assu is simply a new whore to add to your harem! If she is as talented as you say, then she sho-" He doesn't get to finish whatever bullshit he was going to keep spouting, as an insane and heavy blanket of pressure crushes him down to the table, breaking it in half on his descent to the tiled floor. I look around and nearly every single other person gathered has had the sa thing happen to them, although it looks like so are rely smushed against the table and able to keep themselves from kissing the ground.
The air in the room seems to move in shimrs, and I swear I can see fractures of space rip through periodically in random spots where the air seems to beco too heavy to exist anymore. Akiko's voice rings out in a fury like I've never heard from anyone before, her voice echoes through the chamber and seems to be slightly overlapping itself as it rings through the massive open room like a thunderclap.
"BOLD! You Elders sat here in your luxurious trappings, failing to cultivate, failing to administer properly, failing to treat
with RESPECT! While the Sect Leader is off world recovering and cultivating, she appointed
to rule in her stead. I see now that I have been wrong, I thought that after the events of 100 years ago, surely no further idiocy would arise amongst your addled brains. I secluded myself and tried to play the part of the amicable and dependable acting leader for this Sect, giving all of you space to do as you please so long as you didn't break our trust or our laws. But it seems, even cultivators have short mories. As both the right and left hands of the Sect Leader on this world, it falls to
to reeducate you on your place here in this Sect."
Her voice filled with hate; Akiko slowly pulls out a paper talisman and places it on my chest before I can feel her flare so of what I assu is her Qi into it. Once it begins burning, a shimring field of energy surrounds my silhouette. She breaks her near demonic visage long enough to give
a small, reassuring smile, before she calmly walks to where that loud mouthed Elder tried his luck. The air continues to ripple and distort around Akiko as she moves, her sensually swaying hips and tails almost making it seem like she is swimming while walking before she reaches the downed man. Even from here, I can hear him make so kind of pitiful sounds or attempts at words before Akiko summons a long katana like sword.
"You think you have the RIGHT to speak to
or one of my disciples in such a way? YOU ARE COURTING DEATH!"
And with that, she brings the sword down through the downed Elders head, impaling him on the shiny tal. Akiko turns to look at the other assembled leaders, before I feel her power flare again and the corpse simply explodes, reminding
of the bears.
Before I can process what happens next, I look around and see that the entire room is painted in red.
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