Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Light on my feet after a good night's rest, I stand tall as I make my way to the cooking fires for breakfast, so delighted by my newfound success that I can almost ignore the sharp, searing pain in my arm. Even with the new healing process, the newly grown nerves take time to acclimate but that is a small price to pay for a brand new arm.

Arriving at the same time as Alsantset, I give her my best smile, arms open for our morning hug, something she insists upon. Most mornings, I find it mildly embarrassing, like being treated like a child, but I still enjoy them. Normally, it is a single arm slung around my neck for a brief second before we continue with our day, but today it is a full on bear-hug lasting for several seconds, with my feet dangling off the ground from Alsantset's over enthusiasm, making me feel smaller than I am.

Ignoring my inquisitive look, she moves away to begin cooking breakfast, and I approach to help as best I can, silently puttering around with utensils and platters while Alsantset works quickly, humming as she prepares a lavish breakfast, everything I need to continue healing my arm. Despite being in charge of the entire camp while Akanai is gone, Alsantset seems none the worse for wear, even with cooking two full-course meals a day for four people with limited cooking tools. Amazing what you can create with little more than a fire pit, a pot, and a ladle, every day cooking something a little different.

As much as I would like to take over some of her responsibilities, I'm mostly limited by my single arm, only capable of washing wooden plates or turning the meat on a spit. Soon, that will change as now that I've come up with my new technique of healing, I am on track to finish fixing my arm in a month, give or take, a big step up from the previous estimate of 10 months. Taduk's beastly speed at regeneration shows that I still have a long way to go, and Tokta kept me up for almost another hour after Akanai dismissed us, alternating between heaping praises on me and sternly warning me to never experiment so recklessly again, but never actually delving into why. I should probably ask, but I was too tired yesterday and if it really was dangerous, it would make me seem kind of stupid for not knowing.

When breakfast is almost complete, Alsantset going above and beyond this morning by making fresh bread buns from scratch in an impromptu steamer, stuffed with assorted minced meats and veggies, Sumila and Song arrive, a little later than usual. Contrary to her normally ruffled and laid back look, today Sumila's hair is carefully brushed and done, with a tiny clip holding her bangs to one side, looking adorably neat and prim. There's something to be said about her usual, casual appearance, that she manages to look so attractive despite looking somewhat messy, but she cleans up very well, giving me a small, shy smile, another glaring difference from her normal, straightforward nod.

Li Song also looks lovely, her long, brown hair flowing down her back in a lovely single, neat braid. Her demeanor seems unchanged but for the fact that her eyes are locked onto me, a far cry from her usual, timid attitude. She isn't outright glaring at me, but the way she stares at me makes me feel like a mouse before a cat. There is no hatred between the two animals, but the latter is hell-bent on killing the former, almost an instinctual conflict.

After a short bit of preparation, we load the food onto the quins and head out, leaving me wondering where we're going and wishing I could pet one of the quins. It takes a lot of time and effort to get on a quins good side, and I have yet to make friends with Alsantset's new quin. Sumila has repeatedly asked me to leave her quin Atir alone, as well as Li Song's, citing training reasons. I hate to admit it, but I actually miss Zabu, even if he did leave without any hesitation, carrying a stranger no less.

Feeling more than a little maudlin at the reminder of Adujan's departure, I continue after the ladies until we reach Akanai's tent, a larger than normal affair. I would almost call it a cloth hut, easily fitting ten people inside, the site of all of her meetings. Inside, a small table and chairs are set up, and we begin setting the table, the smell of this remarkable breakfast making my belly rumble in anticipation.

After we are all seated, Alsantset raises her teacup and speaks, her smile almost glowing in the dimmed interior of the tent. Rain, congratulations on your impressive discovery.

Is that what all this is for? You didn't have to do all this sister, thank you so much. I'm touched, especially knowing that food is running low, so she would have needed to trade dearly to obtain these ingredients. We all drink from our cups, and begin to eat, too intent on devouring the delicious meal to make conversation. After a single taste of the food, even Li Song is too distracted to continue her quasi-glaring, her ears quivering in delight as she eats slowly and methodically, savoring each bite. When her plate is cleared, she sits still, staring at the rest of the food with undisguised gluttony, until Sumila urges her to take more. She's an odd mix of endearing and aloof, likely her real attitude overshadowed by her teachings, but I think Sumila is doing a great job at breaking down her walls and Li Song's real personality is slowly emerging.

The four of us eat every scrap of food there is, my belly full to the point of distention, feeling ready to return back to my tent for an early nap. Tokta told me to rest for the day and implemented a strict ban on training and exercise, so I have little to do until Akanai returns for our training appointment. As much as I complain about her, Akanai has always done right by me and her training is top-notch, so I am looking forward to our first training session in months now. Waving goodbye to Alsantset, I watch as she leaves with Li Song in tow, while I help clean up with Sumila, stacking the platters in one hand and carrying them towards the river to be washed.

Our chores complete, Sumila surprises me by gesturing me to follow her, leading me to the empty clearing I usually train in, sitting in the shade with me to watch the beautiful scenery. Don't you have to go be a scribe for Alsantset?

I asked for the morning off so we could talk. She says the words with a feigned indifference, but it makes my heart skip a beat as my imagination goes wild, envisioning everything from a risqu morning tryst to a stern lecture about well anything, Sumila loves to lecture me, and I actually don't mind too much, so long as it isn't regarding the morality of prostitution. After her declaration, she goes silent, staring out at the river while I watch her, waiting for her to gather her thoughts. It's not just her hair, her clothes are nicer than normal, a white-furred, black-leather vest that leaves her sun-kissed shoulders bare, looking lovely and inviting.

Without any preamble, she simply drops the news on me. Last night, Mama made a formal offer of betrothal for me.

A twinge of jealousy flares up inside me, but I quickly swat it aside. She doesn't belong to me, there is nothing more than friendship between us. Oh? Who's the lucky man?

You are. Her eyes flick over towards me, shyly watching for my reaction.

I feel like I do an alright job hiding my panic, which quickly subsides and transform into indignation. Um... so... we're getting married? Do I not get a say in this?

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, she shakes her head. No, we are betrothed. Noting my confusion, she sighs, and explains slowly. We are promised to one another by our guardians and will marry when we are both twenty years of age, but it is contingent upon the agreement of both parties, meaning if you or I disagree with the arrangement, then we can annul the proposal with a single word.

I see... So since we are still betrothed, that implies that you agree with this arrangement.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Maybe. Her impish smile makes me think about kissing her, the idea of marriage to this lovely, red-haired panda-girl not so bad at the moment. I know about your feelings for Lin and Yan. Opening my mouth to object, she holds a finger up to silence me. Allow me to speak, just listen for now. I know you have your doubts but you love them both, despite your protests otherwise. I also know that you don't feel that way about me, because even after I dressed up nicely today, you spent the entire time ogling Song. Her frown deepens as she stares at me, as if wondering why she even bothers. Even with all that said, I am not willing to annul our betrothal at this time, for my own reasons. Now, you may speak.

Good, good. A hard clap on the shoulders sends a lancing pain through my stump, leaving me with little choice but to grit my teeth and bear it. I was wrong... I think she's actually happy. What have I gotten myself into? Tell me of your problems.

Hesitation grips me, but at her impatient glower, the words explode out of my chest. Well, see, after the demon thing and the multiple illusionary lives, I'm having a bit of trou- Her upturned palm and frowning grimace stops me mid sentence.

Your cultivation problems, boy. Speak to your sister about your personal problems, she is better equipped to handle those than I.

Ah. Right.

After detailing my issues and answering several of her questions, she gestures for me to begin meditation while wearing the ring. After my lengthy preparation process, I fall into the State of Balance and immediately the torrential downpour of Heavenly Energy surges through me, taking me by surprise. It's been too long since I've done this but even then, it feels as if it has gotten worse as I struggle for control, putting up barriers and attempting to divert all the energy away from me, drowning in the deluge without any aid.

A sharp jarring wedge of chi interrupts me, and as if I were thrown onto dry land, the cascade stops and I am left gasping as I collapse onto the grass, my chest heaving from my all too brief attempt. Akanai hovers above me, looking down both literally and figuratively, as if disappointed by my failure. Silent and grim, she watches as I catch my breath, and I sit up gingerly, ready to try again.

That was only struggling, there was no surrender.

I noticed. It seems worse than ever, as if it were waiting for me, ready to bring me down. These fucking rings are a deathtrap, I should gut that stupid OuYang patriarch for giving away faulty goods. We should have just tossed those fucking jars into the sewers and taken a hammer to these damn rings for all the good they've done us.

I have a question for you. Why do you feel the need to control the Energy of the Heavens?

Snorting loudly, I reply, Because otherwise it will kill me.

And that is what I am here to prevent. So again, why do you try to control it?

...So I don't die?

Is that not why I am here? Do you not trust me? Her words are spoken plainly, without accusation or anger, a questioning tone as she watches me. Seeing that I have no answer, she asks another question. Do you fear the Energy of the Heavens?

The simple question causes me to jolt upright in understanding, the lesson taught to me so long ago by Charok fresh in my mind once again. From the very first time I used the ring, I was afraid of what would happen. My lack of control over my fear caused me to react instinctively each time, pushing away the heavenly energy, breaking it apart so that I can control it, rejecting it even as it flows through me. My eyes turn towards Akanai, and she nods once, understanding my unspoken question. She will offer protection, should I need it. I have nothing to fear.

This time, Balance comes quickly and so too does the infusion of Heavenly Energy. Centering myself, I accept everything that comes, feeling my body heat up as the energy crashes violently against me, forcing itself into my core as if it were a sinkhole waiting to be filled. Fear rises up in me, but I let go of it, transforming myself into an anchor within the storm, a rock beneath the waves, battered but unmoved. The energy ebbs and flows, like the coming and goings of the tide, and I sink deeper inwards, with no thought of struggle or surrender, only acceptance.

Without me noticing a change, the Energy of the Heavens now circles around me and through me, tempering me in its embrace. A foreign energy tugs at my awareness and I detect it entrapping what I have already claimed while also funneling more towards me. Reassured by Akanai's presence, I sit in quiet meditation, my mind blank and without thought. No needs or wants, fears or joys, only emptiness within, and fulfillment without.

My eyes open slowly and I note the position of the moon, soon to set and a new day almost upon us. Akanai's presence can be felt behind me, her palms pressed against my back, leaning heavily upon me after a long night of arduous effort, my shirt and brow dripping in sweat, the chill of the nights air causing me to shiver. Her voice tired and strained, Akanai speaks in a slow, slurred drawl. Well done boy, you've finally Awakened. Now show me what you have learned.

...

Um... sorry, but what?

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