Chapter 661

Chapter 661

Mama Bun, Mama Bun, Oh Mama Mama Mama. Mama Bun! Ba boom boom boom boom...

With the wind in her hair and her pipa in hand, Tali played a silly little tune while riding to the bamboo grove. Though there was still a ways yet to go, her cheeks were already hurting from smiling so much, because for the first time in forever, the whole family was getting together for a group outing. They werent going anywhere new or exciting, just to silly mister Taduks garden and maybe their manor in the district, but it was still better than meeting everyone in the Citadel, where the streets were loud, cluttered, and stinky. Granpa and Rainy had to live there because of work, and Tali loved them both to bits, but she was happy when Mama and Papa announced they were moving out to the countryside, even before there was a district to visit. Things were just so much better away from all the crowds, and while the flat, boring plains were no match for the majestic sights and calming sounds of their mountain village, anything was better than living under constant guard back at the stuffy Citadel.

Chittering as she ran across the open fields, Paku most certainly agreed. Following hot on the heels of Mama and Suret, sweet Paku was having the time of her life as she huffed and puffed to keep up with her dams speedy pace. This was how Tali knew Mama had something on her mind, else she would have slowed down so the younger quins could keep up and so she could sing along with Talis playing. Something had happened with the family, which was why Mama was in such a big rush, but this was all the more reason for Tali to sing and play louder though, to help keep Mamas spirits high. Aside from Tates naughty antics, Rainy was the only person who could get Mama so anxious and flustered, which meant whatever the problem was, Talis trouble prone uncle was sure to be at the centre of it.

She wasnt worried though, because even though no one said anything, she could already tell it was good news, and not bad. Though Mama was in a rush to get to the bamboo grove, it wasnt because they were running late, but because Rainy and everyone else had left the Citadel early. If there really was an emergency, Granpa and Granma wouldnt have brought Rainy out to visit mister Taduk, mister Taduk wouldve gone to visit them instead, and Mama would be bringing them to the Citadel rather than the bamboo grove. Too bad Tate didnt believe her and was scowling up a storm, his pinched and broody scowl almost an identical match to Surras. At least his quin had an excuse for his foul mood, seeing how his poor shoulder was still sore and chafed from a twisted harness the last time they rode, but Tate was just fretting for no reason.

There was no talking to him though, not when hed already made up his mind, so Tali kept playing and singing while ignoring his pointed glares and directed scowls. He didnt like her singing and said she was bad at it, and truth be told, Tali knew he was right, but that didnt matter. She wasnt good at singing now, which wasnt the same as saying she would be bad at singing forever, but she would never get better and sound as good as Luo-Luo if she didnt practice. Even though he was in another coma again, Rainy was living proof that hard work paid off, because no one worked harder than he did, and now, he was even higher ranked than Granpa and Great-Granma.

Falling Rain, Legate of the Outer Provinces, thats what everyone called him, but when the other kids asked what Rainy was really like, Tali often had to lie, but only because no one ever believed her when she told the truth. Everyone saw him as this big, brave hero and warrior, a brilliant leader who would lead the Empire to victory against the Defiled, but the Rainy Tali knew was a crybaby, a big scaredy cat who worried about everything and anything. He hated fighting, hunting, training, and doing chores, and he loved complaining about them all the time, even though Mama and Granma never forced him to do his chores like they did with Tali and Tate. To hear Rainy say it, he would sit around all day playing with his pets and never leave home if given the choice, but even if that was what he really wanted to do, he was always working hard to help everyone else. Thats just the sort of person Rainy was, which made him even more of a hero in Talis eyes. It was easy to be brave when you were confident like Mama, or fierce like Granma, or scary like Granpa could sometimes be, but for a scaredy cat like Rainy, even basic courage didnt come easily to him, so he had to work twice as hard as everyone else to find it.

Tali still remembered a time when Rainy would lock himself in his room for days and refuse to come out, or she would find him fast asleep in the quin pen because he had a nightmare and didnt want to sleep alone. Mama and Papa said it was because Rainy went through a really bad tribulation before finding his way back to their family, but Tali only recently learned the details after Rainy told the entire Empire hed once been a slave. A terrible thing, slavery, one which wasnt allowed back in the village, and she couldnt understand why the Emperor allowed such horrible practices, but Mama said such is life. Still, despite everything hed been though, Rainy never gave up, and instead threw himself into his training. Tali once overheard Mama say Rainy worked hard to become a Warrior of note because he didnt really trust anyone else to keep him safe, but Tali knew better. He wasnt afraid for himself, not really. He just didnt want anyone else he loved to go through what he did, so he faced his fears and worked hard to become strong enough to protect everyone else. That was Talis kind, hardworking, cowardly uncle Rainy, and it made her sad how no one ever believed her when she told the truth about how amazing he really was.

Of course, she still thought he was silly to work so hard at something he obviously hated, especially when he was so talented in so many other areas. Rainy didnt know how to play any instruments, but he was always humming one pleasant tune or another that no one had ever heard, and he told the most imaginative stories about people in strange lands with unbelievable customs. He was also an amazing cook, brilliant physician, successful merchant, shrewd inventor, and all-round gifted individual, but he just had to pursue the Martial Path. Everyone supported Rainy with all their heart, but Tali thought Rainy wouldve been better off if theyd all come together and told him that he would be better off doing anything besides pursue the Martial Path.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Well, maybe not painting or calligraphy. Rainy had terrible brushwork, but then again, if he really worked hard at it, Tali was sure he would become one of the best painters or calligraphers ever. Knowing this, even though it was embarrassing to see Tate wince every time she started singing, she was determined to be more like Rainy and practice until she became better. Strumming away at her pipa, she sang and listened for the strange warbling that cropped up when she tried to match her voice with her instrument, but she couldnt quite get it right all the time. Dissonance, Luo-Luo called it, a mismatch in harmonies, so Tali focused really hard on the notes and worked to improve just a little with each passing day. Even though she wasnt good at it, she loved singing, dancing, and playing the pipa, so she would work hard to become the best singer, dancer, and musician she could be. If Rainy could work hard and become the Number One Talent in the Empire, then Tali could at least become a passable singer, ya?

Singing wasnt all she worked hard at though, and this trip wasnt just for fun, because she had a super special secret ready for Rainy. All too soon, their little race came to an end as they arrived at Mister Taduks garden all together. Granpa and Granma were waiting outside to greet them with big, bright smiles, smiles which had been all too rare these past few weeks. Unable to resist, Tali urged Paku into one final burst of speed before stopping short to launch herself off the quins back and into Granpas waiting arms. Bursting with laughter as he twirled her about, Tali buried her head in his chest and pretended not to hear Mamas tch, having been warned too too many times about how dangerous that could be. That was silly too, because Granpa was one of the strongest Warriors in all the Empire, and he would always catch her and keep her safe.

Dizzy from all the spinning about, Tali giggled and gasped until she caught her breath and found her feet again, only to find herself wrapped in Granmas warm embrace while Granpa stalked over to wrestle with Tate. No one ever believed Tali when she told them about her fun-loving grandparents either, which was a shame because they were the best, just like the rest of her family. Tate, sweetling, Granma called after Granpa and him had their fun. Be a dear and help your sister bring everything inside please. Theres something we need to discuss with your parents.

Probably the reason why they came to the grove so early instead of waiting until lunchtime like planned. With Tates help, Tali grabbed the saddlebags off of the quins back and set them loose to frolic before heading into the bamboo grove. Huffing from carrying too much, Tate stopped to listen to Luo-Luos music, though Tali was certain he was more interested in making moon eyes at her instead. Not that she could blame him really, because Luo-Luo was so beautiful even Tali sometimes found herself staring. Mi-Mi, Yan-Yan, Li-Li, and Lin-Lin were all pretty too, but they were like a beautiful, natural landscape, while Luo-Luo was an impossibly perfect painting of the same. Both were nice to look at, but there were plenty of landscapes out there, but only a few paintings more beautiful than the real thing.

Silly Mister Taduk gave Tali a goofy little smile when she called out hello, digging in the dirt alongside so many bun-buns, while Great-Granma and Great-Granpa called her over to pinch her cheeks and slip her sweets, like she was still a six-year-old who needed to be charmed. Not that she minded, since she loved sweets, but what she loved more was how big her family had gotten in recent years. Great-Granma and Great-Granpa were both a little scary at first, especially Great-Granpa with his frightening scars, but Tali had long since gotten past that and knew they were both sweet and caring as could be. Besides, it was funny to watch Granpa and Granma act like kids around them, always on their best behaviour just like Yan-Yan and Mi-Mi were around them. Great-Granpa was really funny too, and he eyed Talis boxes with a greedy smile. Oh? he rumbled, his nose twitching with exaggerated sniffs. I smell something... delicious. Come lass, show yer Great-Granpa what ye got squirrelled away in there. A mans liable to starve after comin all this way, where there aint nothing but rabbit food to fill his belly.

Ah! This isnt for you! Hugging her box close as she moved to shield Granma, Tali puffed her cheeks and said, Papa has food for you, Great-Granpa, so be patient. This is for Rainy.

Ah, so thats how it is then?

Seeing Great-Granpas fake, sad expression, Tali sighed and said, Its just ingredients. Theres nothing cooked in here, ya?

Oh? So yer sayin its not all fer the lad, and that when its all done cookin, yer great-grandda here can have some too? Thats a good lass, proper filial you are. What is it? Dumplings, smells like. Pork and scallions, I bet, the lads favourite. Mine too, in case ye didnt know, so I cant hardly wait.

Rolling her eyes, Tali pursed her lips and huffed, just like Mama would. Fine, but only one okay? The rest are Rainys. It wouldnt just be one, because Great-Granpa was a glutton who would steal food off Rainys plate if no one watched him, but he mostly did it to pester Mi-Mi and Mama. Luckily, Tali had expected as much and brought more pork and dough than necessary, but there was still one last ingredient which she just had to save just for Rainy. This she got from Lin-Lin, who had to pick her way through a crowd of begging bunnies all clamouring for a treat, but Tali steeled her heart and ignored their hopeful stares, patting paws, and thumping tantrums because Rainy needed it more. Inside the linen pouch was the last of Mister Taduks Spiritual Coriander, which Tali was going to use to make something healthy and delicious for Rainy. Papa, Mama, and Granma had all given up on feeding him Spiritual Plants, but the bunnies wanted them so badly and Mama Bun thought itd be good for Rainy, so there had to be something there.

Hiya Rainy, she said, greeting him with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. Usually, he was all smiles whenever she saw him, but today he was still as empty and unresponsive as ever, sitting in the grass and staring at nothing at all. Tali hated seeing him like this, so wooden and distant, because it just made her miss him all the more. Poor Aurie was pressed up against him, cuddling close in hopes of a hug or a kiss, two things Tali provided for the wildcat in Rainys stead. Dont be sad, Aurie, she whispered, rubbing the big, silly kittys cheeks just like Rainy would. Hes just sleeping, ya? He hasnt left, hes just resting, youll see.

You havent heard have you? Beaming impishly as she hugged Rainy tight, Lin-Lin nuzzled his cheek and said, Hubby almost woke up earlier, when we were strolling through the market.

Really?

Ya! He unleashed his Domain and it was like Wah!, and then he started channelling all this Chi which made my skin all tingly and prickly. He also looked a little scared, but no one else saw it, so I think hes just gathering his courage to come back. Gazing at him with admiring eyes, Lin-Lin gave Rainy another squeeze and whispered, Its okay. Nothing to be scared of hubby. Were all here, waiting for you, so you dont need to worry about a thing, okay?

Lin-Lin understood Rainy best, even better than Tali. Gladdened by the news, Tali gave Rainy a small hug and made sure her things were secure from thieving bunnies, curious kitties, and hungry bears before heading off to say hi to all the animals. She paid extra attention to the birds, especially the fledglings because they were cute, curious, and refused to be ignored. A shame Rainy wasnt awake, because he would love to hug and scritch these roly-poly birdies who were so trusting and loving theyd snuggle up in your lap, but since he was still in a coma, then Tali would just have to spoil the birdies in his place. The bunnies too, but they were only swarming her because of the pack of Spiritual Plants tucked into her sleeves, and she refused to share any since she knew Mister Taduk gave them more than enough to munch on. He was a lot like Granma in this one regard, where he spoke ill of the bunnies but actually loved them to bits.

Almost an hour later, Tali was finally ready to get started on lunch, though she needed everyone else to help keep the animals away. Even Rainy lent a hand here, though not on purpose as Mama Bun had fallen asleep in his lap, clutching Pong Pong no less. He was the prettiest turtle Tali had ever seen, even prettier than the cute and adorable Ping Ping, and though this was a rare chance to pet the mysterious turtle, Tali would not let herself get distracted from helping Rainy. He was almost awake, but still scared, so she would cook him a delicious, Spiritual Meal just like the Imperial tofu pudding he kept going on about.

If the Imperial Clan could cook Spiritual Plants, then there was no reason Tali couldnt do it too, so after washing her hands, she settled down to work and did everything exactly as Rainy taught her. These days, all of her cooking lessons were taught by Papa, but Rainy was the one who introduced her to it, all those years ago back in the village. She still remembered the first time they cooked together, when he showed her how to crease the folds on the dumplings to make them look pretty. Wanna know the secret to making delicious dumplings? hed asked, smiling one of his rare, real smiles, not the fake smile he usually put on so no one would worry.

Ya, Tali had said, and Tate had chimed in as well, so happy to be helping even if he didnt like cooking. Tell us, tell us!

Gathering them both up in his thin, but strong arms, Rainy had hugged them tight and whispered, Love. Gotta put lots of love into the dumplings, else theyre just steamed meat and dough. Thats why you guys were such a big help, because I love you both so very, very much.

Glancing at Rainys blank expression, Tali held fast to the memory as she set to work, laying everything out just the way Rainy used to. Thats why she chose to make dumplings, instead of something easier for him to eat like soup or congee, because they were something they shared, a special memory between them, and she wanted him to remember this and come back. The dough was already prepared and the meat ground, spiced, and tenderized, so Tali chopped up the scallions, diced the Spiritual Coriander, and mixed it all thoroughly with her bare hands. Rainys method of gauging the perfect amount of filling was to take a big handful and squeeze his fist until a glob oozed out from between his thumb and index finger, giggling all the while. There were cleaner and better ways to measure the filling, like by using a proper sized spoon, but Rainy preferred using his hands because, Its more fun this way. A perfectly Rainy way to do things, not the best way, but his way, so Tali meant to honour that and follow through.

Besides, he was right. It was more fun this way.

Rainy was never someone who cared too much about appearances, but Tali believed food tasted better when it looked nice, so instead of doing the basic, three fold wraps like Rainy taught her, she decided to wrap the dumplings as prettily as possible. The first batch she wrapped as a three-pointed stars, and the second in what Papa called a round basket style, with a doughy bowl on top where people could drizzle soy sauce, vinegar, or hot sauce into. She also wrapped some with an open top for Rainy to eat first, and others like a folded pouch, because she knew Mama liked to bite through the dumpling skins to let all the steam and heat out first before eating them in one gulp. Lastly, following a bout of inspiration, she wrapped a dozen dumplings using three wrappers each and equal amounts of meat to make a bouquet of rose-shaped dumpling that were sure to have Rainy praise her.

While she worked, Tate got the cooking fire started and heated the water to a boil, so once Tali was finished wrapping, all she had to do was put the bamboo steamers into the pot and tend to the fire to make sure it didnt get too hot or too cold. It was a delicate thing, as differently wrapped dumplings needed different amounts of time in the steamer, and she didnt have a pocket-watch like Rainy. All she could do was watch the fire and use her best judgment, so she settled in and waited. When the dumplings were about three-quarters of the way done, she removed the three-pointed star and pouch dumplings from the pot before frying them in a pan of pork fat. Shed used the same filling for all the dumplings, so this would add some much-needed variety to keep things exciting. By the time everything was all ready and shed taken the steamers out of the pot, Great-Granpa and Tate were all but drooling as they sat by the fireside, while a pool of spit had already formed underneath Banjo and Baloos chins.

Oh, okay. He wants me to squeeze his hand.

I squeeze. Or at least, I mean to, but after a while, Taduk speaks again. I parse through the message only to find he repeated himself, asking me to squeeze his hand and leaving me to wonder if I actually did. I thought I did. Or did I just think about doing it, and never do anything? If I squeeze twice, would that change anything? No, hes just checking how responsive I am, which at the moment, is not very. Squeeze his hand. Ah, I see the problem. His hand is in front of me. I wasnt already holding it. I have to take his hand first, then squeeze. Makes sense, makes sense. There you go. Lift your hand, take his, and then squeeze.

Pain and discomfort in Taduks expression. Why? Oh no, I squeezed too hard. Let go. Dude. Let. Go. Relax your fingers and let go. There we go. Now... now say something. I squeezed. Say something else, like youre sorry. Youre sorry. No, Im sorry. Say it. Sorry.

Taduks reply comes too quickly for me to catch, but he cups my cheeks and smiles, which is enough to tell me that all is forgiven. Whats going on? Why isnt my brain working? No, its working perfectly fine, its just not... synced with the rest of me. Oddly enough, everything works fine when Im not paying attention, because I only now just noticed Taduk kept asking me to do things, and Ive been doing them all without thinking. Raise my right hand. Close one eye. Close the other. Wiggle my ears. Tell him what two plus two equals. Going over what I just did and understanding what happened takes even longer than it took to do it, and when I finally come out of contemplation, I find myself facing a worried Taduk while the rest of my loved ones watch on. Again, it takes a moment for me to understand what happened, and I realize that while I was trying to make sense of things, I was ignoring everyone and everything, which made them think I slipped into another semi-conscious coma.

Sorry. The apology come naturally, even if my tone and expression dont follow suit. I got lost in contemplation, but I dont know how to express it, and after long moments of thought, I realize everyone is telling me theres no need to apologize. Course once I figure this out, it only makes me feel worse, especially since I can feel their palpable dread and tangible relief on this roller-coaster of misunderstandings and emotions.

Whats going on? Why cant I function properly?

As Taduk eases off on the health checkup, Tali brings me back to finish lunch, allowing me to mentally step back and let my reflexes take over. For awhile, it almost feels like nothing has changed, that Im back inside the void while my body runs on autopilot to eat and do other stuff, except this time, I am both in control and not in control of my actions. I dont entirely understand it, but after thinking it through for... well, a long time, I believe that all my problems are due to how I severed the connection to my mind and body. Its not that I cant reconnect, because Ive obviously already done it, but rather that because I spent so much time in the Void, Ive forgotten how to actually pilot this meat suit.

Way to go. You forgot how to be human. Good job, idiot.

Its not entirely a lost cause though. I can do stuff if I really, really, really focus on it and direct myself through every minuscule step along the way. Words are still a problem, because Ive stopped thinking in words, or at least, I think I have. Not sure. Its more like everything I think is more of a concept, one unique to my own understanding. Im not thinking these thoughts like reading words off a page, just experiencing it all at once.

And even then, I cant stop the monologing. Amazing.

I didnt notice it while in the Void, but this was how I adapted. I wasnt a corporeal being anymore, a person with bodily needs and sensations, but just a construct of thoughts and memories. Now that I think about it, if I cut myself off from my body and mind, how was I functioning at the time?

Oh.

A doi.

No body.

No mind.

Which only leaves one thing. I was subsisting in the Void as a Soul. Not a Natal Soul, but just... my soul. Weird.

Ha! Turns out, I am now living proof that you dont need a brain to think.

Hmm. Humour. I cant really say why, but I feel like thats a good sign. Probably is, for some reason or another. Maybe because Im remembering what it means to be a person? I dunno. I think theres less brain lag now too, or maybe it never existed. As a soul, there were no neurons to fire off in order to think, which probably means I was thinking at the literal speed of thought, which is why I lost track of time so easily. Im just adjusting to life as a person again, with all those minor needs like breathing and blinking to keep track of. Though it feels like forever, I dont think Ive been back in my body for more than... I cant really tell, but looking back on whats happened, Im currently eating my...

Second dumpling.

...

Really? Thats it? I could swear Ive been sitting here for a while now...

Man... time is slow.

No, thats not true. Time is constant, its just my perception of time is skewed. Im used to doing everything at the speed of thought now, and Ive forgotten how to keep track of all those cues I use to denote the passing of time. Like breathing, blinking, heartbeats, and all those other constant rhythms I used to subconsciously keep track of. Whats more, I keep fixating on my thoughts and nothing else, ignoring the waking world around me and causing it to feel like time just... skips. Its as if Im watching my life unfold in slow motion before my own eyes, with little to no agency to affect it, and every time I stop focusing on the here and now, time either slows or accelerates without rhyme of reason. This more than anything is causing a disconnect between me and reality, because its hard to feel grounded when everything keeps changing.

Lin-Lins sweet laugh draws me out of my thoughts, and it is the most beautiful sound Ive ever heard, one that fills me with love and longing for my sweet, delightful wifey. Meeting her eyes sends butterflies fluttering through my belly, and I follow her gaze down to my side, where Ping Ping is squeaking up a storm as I absently stroke her head. I didnt make myself do that, it just happened, and the sweet girl is delighted by all the attention, and her skin feels so smooth and soft I cant stop touching it. Perking up even more as she directs a burst of Loving Aura towards me, I belatedly realize this was in response to a directed Aura of my own. My emotions just slipped out without me noticing, which is something Ill need to keep an eye on. In fact, right now, Im still using my Aura to tell everyone I love them, yet somehow delivering a unique emotion to each and every person. The love I have for Lin-Lin is different from the love I have for Ping Ping, and the same can be said for any other two people here. Everyone else responds in kind, though aside from Song who is surprisingly receptive and responding with a loving Aura of her own, no one else is tapped into their Aura. Im simply picking up on their emotions somehow, and its really, really great.

Especially Mama Bun. I mean, I pretty much knew it even before she visited my Natal Palace, but having proof that the sweet bunny actually loves me is just incredible. Plus her fur just feels so velvety soft against my cheek, I just want to hug and hold her all day...

Basking in the love and affection of my family, I do what I can to assure them of my good health and ease their troubled minds. I cant explain it in words, but I know that my problems will fade with time. The sabbatical from my mind and body took a toll on me, and adjusting my Soul to fix my Core while separated probably didnt do me any favours either, but things will mesh back together soon enough. Its like... putting on a new pair of glasses. Things look weird for a little bit, but eventually, the body and mind will adapt.

Lunch goes by slowly and I savour every bite of the delicious meal, the highlight of which are Talis delicious, Spiritual Dumplings, a dish she somehow successfully created while Mom and Charok failed. Curious as to how she accomplished this, but I expected as much from my bright, talented, hardworking niece, and I suspect shell have an easier time figure this out than I will. Though Tali has no love for the Martial Path, the same cannot be said in reverse, as she is beloved by the Heavens and blessed with Talent whereas poor Tate only has hard work going in his favour. Its alright though, I was the same way, so Im sure Tate will succeed at whatever he puts his heart into. Id be happier if he gave up his dream of a soldiers life and pursued a safer job instead, but regardless of his choices, I will be there to support him every step of the way.

When the meal is finally over, I spend the afternoon drifting in and out of focus while lazing about with my loved ones and following all their instructions as best I can so that they can maybe figure out whats wrong with me. I listen to Luo-Luos music and lean on Milas shoulder, bury my cheek in Auries fur while Yan strokes my hair, hold Lin-Lins hand and smile while Mom fusses with my hair and clothes, and sit in the comforting shade of Dads back as he sits with Alsantset, Akanai, and Husolt so they can watch over me in silence. Throughout it all, Charoks warm smile and Taduks big grin welcomes me back from my absence, and my beloved floofs demand all my love and attention to make up for lost time.

This is my family, and I was a fool to ever abandon them.

Its good to be back.

Chapter Meme