Chapter 735

Chapter 735

Heart pounding and head light, Song wavered between anxiety and excitement as she hid in the dark, cramped confines of the cabin to evade detection from watchful eyes.

Difficult to do with so many boots marching about, both outside on the ship proper and below under the decks, not to mention how she had yet to learn how to Conceal. At least the animals were inclined to huddle in around her, thinking this all a great game thanks to Lin-Lins phenomenal training. Song only had to give the command hide alongside the appropriate gesture and most of the pets tucked themselves away, though generally in terrible hiding spots because they didnt understand they were trying to avoid being seen. They only knew that the command meant it was time to lay still and be quiet, which was still more than Song couldve accomplished, and she envied Lin-Lin for her natural aptitude in connecting with the animals. The half-hare had this way of making all their pets willingly dance to her tune, treating their lessons like games and giving it their all to earn their prizes. A simple concept in theory, to reward the desired behaviour with food and attention while repeatedly giving the same command, but it was hardly as easy as Lin-Lin made it look. Patience, consistency, and a firm will were all required in order to find success, as it was all too easy to give in to the animals pleading looks or disgruntled frustration, which would only reward them for the wrong behaviours and set them back even further from whence they began.

A transgression Song was most guilty of, for she could hardly hold firm before their pleading gazes...

Aside from the laughing birds who were all too smart and independent to submit to Lin-Lins lessons, Mama Bun was the best at avoiding her education, for her anger was utterly adorable to behold. It didnt take much to set the rabbit off either, whereupon shed spin around in circles and thump her feet while gently headbutting everyone and everything in her path. Then, if she still didnt get her way, she would either react with more anger and aggression or give up entirely and go find someone else to play with, depending on the value of the reward. In this case, it was the latter as mere fresh berries were not enough to drive her into a fury, but thankfully, the silly bunny was a simple creature who equated darkness with bedtime. Even though she had yet to learn the command to hide and only wanted to eat, she was more than happy to fall asleep cuddled in Songs embrace. The other rabbits were much the same, burrowing under the bears and wildcats or in Georges case, under Rakkys paw, while the rest of the animals lay still and watched Song with wide, expectant eyes, knowing they would be given a treat once the game was up.

Except it wasnt a game, and it was vital they all remain still and quiet for at least an hour, possibly longer depending on the speed of Rains retinue.

How did matters even come to this? It was all because Song took it upon herself to ignore Rains... not command, but request, out of her own selfish desires. Her accomplice Lin-Lin was nowhere to be found, and they had yet to convince Rakky to Conceal anyone other than himself, and he wouldnt even do that on command. The diffident tiger all too happy to be groomed, bathed, and spoiled like a prince, but unwilling to heed any commands whatsoever unless they suited his mood. In Songs eyes, Rakky had long since learned all of Lin-Lins verbal and somatic commands, but simply enjoyed doing the opposite for the sake of being contrary. How else to explain his refusal to lie down like the rest of the animals? Instead, Rakky sat like the proud and regal feline he was, albeit in a somewhat tilted fashion as he kept all his weight off of his front left paw to avoid squashing sweet George underneath. It was clear the tiger was fond of the rabbit, else hed simply move his paw, though it could just be that Rakky was tired of Georges stubborn persistence and found it easier to give in than to keep shifting about.

The fact that Rakky had yet to eat any of the pets was a miracle to be sure, though Rain was adamant Pong Pong kept the tiger firmly in check, preventing the tiger from hunting anything besides sea creatures Pong Pong considered food. Oh how Song wished the tiny Divine Turtle was more comfortable in her presence, but aside from Rain, Lin-Lin, and the Medical Saint, he rarely showed himself to anyone else. A damn shame too, because if Song could convince Pong Pong to hide them all, that would all but ensure success in this most nerve-wracking of endeavours. Kukky was another option, but the silkie rooster was too scared of Rakky to ever stay in a room with him, even with Pong Pongs admittedly unreliable guarantee of safety. If only Ping Ping could learn how to Conceal, then that would be the best solution, as the sweet girl barely needed any training at all since she was always happy to help.

Minutes passed in stifling silence as boredom replaced tension as her most pressing emotion, so she settled in against Banjos warm flank and cuddled with Mama Bun and Sarankho to pass the time, unable to resist kissing Mama Buns twitching nose every now and then just to see her open her eyes and stretch her neck to give a little bunny kiss back. Rain had long since trained the bears and wildcats not to give kisses, the former because they were too wet and slobbery, and the latter because their barbed tongues were wholly capable of abrading unprotected flesh and leaving wide, bloody gouges behind. Thankfully not a trait Song inherited from her Ancestral Beast mother, as she imagined it would make eating and speaking difficult to say the least, but it showed that Rain was more than capable of teaching his pets obedience, but simply chose not to for some reason or another.

Likely because he enjoyed their mischievous antics, as no one laughed louder than he when Blackjack snuck into the pantry and devoured an entire smoked duck Charok set aside for dinner the next day. He also giggled when the groundhogs or rabbits got into the Medical Saints herbal garden but he respected his teacher too much to laugh directly at his face. That didnt stop Lin-Lin from laughing out loud though, which only made the Medical Saint stomp around and exaggerate his anger more just to keep hearing her laughter, a family dynamic which warmed Songs heart to see.

And also took her completely by surprise, for there was nothing about the Medical Saint that even hinted at the fact that he was an Ancestral Cloud Chaser Hare. It wasnt just her either, as Sister Mila, Yan, and Rain were similarly astonished and bore no suspicions beforehand. Putting aside all else, was there ever an Ancestral Beast who raised their daughter with so much love and affection? According to Guan Suos last will and testimony, hed himself entertained the notion of keeping Sister Mila as a child, but hed been utterly incapable of repressing the urge to grant the mercy of death to his weakened progeny, and thus indirectly gave her up to Mama and Papa. It was clear there were other Ancestral Beasts trying to raise their children as well, such as GangShu, Lady Gam, and to some extent, the Peoples Old Wolf who refused to answer to any other name, but none of them had a relationship as warm and genuine as the one Lin-Lin shared with her beloved daddy. In fact, it was difficult to find a fully human relationship so earnest and saccharine, though perhaps the Medical Saint was simply the exception to the rule when it came to not only Ancestral Beast behaviour, but human as well. He was... eccentric to say the least, and he loved Rain and the rest of the family almost as much as he loved Lin-Lin, so it was difficult to say if the Medical Saint was a paragon of virtue or simply an outstanding individual in more ways than one. Perhaps both, though that didnt make it any easier for Sister Mila, whod been visibly saddened upon learning the news and stayed away from Guai Guai for a day or two, but then she overcame her melancholy all on her own and went back to loving the grumpy red panda, who seemingly failed to notice her absence now that he had Tai-Tai to keep him company.

In fact, Guai Guai seemed rather discontent having to play these games, though he expressed it in the most helpful way possible, hiding himself under the cot where he glared at anyone and everyone who dared make eye-contact.

Alas, Songs efforts to keep them hidden were all for naught as she heard the tell-tale cries of Lin-Lins best efforts at keeping their foe distracted, but he would not be swayed. Marching down the corridor as quickly as he dared, Rain burst through the door with a scowl etched across his face as he took in the sight of Song hiding with all of the pets he so callously intended to leave behind. No, he declared, more statement than rejection, and Song fought the habitual urge to obey his every command. Instead, she hugged Mama Bun close as the sweet bunny woke with a start, only to discover that her favourite person was nearby and might well give her the treat Song denied her earlier. Rain wasnt having any of it though, standing in the doorway with arms crossed in petulant refusal, though Ping Ping spoiled the mood by rushing in to bury her face in Rakkys soft belly fur. No, no, no! You arent coming with us Lin-Lin, and neither are the pets.

Yes I am and so are they. A woman as stubborn as the man she married, Lin-Lin engaged Rain in a daring contest of agility, flexibility, and acrobatics as she endeavoured to push her way past him, and after a few seconds of amusing struggle, she gave up and simply clung to him instead, her arms wrapping around his midsection while locking both legs around one of his. Youre my hubby now, were married and everything, so I go where you go.

Absolutely not. I forbid it.

I forbid you from forbidding me, so nyeh.

You cant forbid me from forbidding you. I forbid that.

Not allowed.

Says who?

Me!

Their adorable bickering continued for a little longer as Song doled out the rewards, a necessity now that it was no longer possible for the animals to keep hiding. Even the rabbits got a treat, though Song worried this would only reinforce their spoiled behaviour, but they were likely too far gone to train properly anymore. Rakky also demanded his fair share of dried meat, which was amusing since there was never any need for him to hide in the first place seeing how Rain always intended to bring the tiger with him on the expedition West. No matter though, as Song was more than happy to feed him since it meant Rakky was eating. The tiger was a picky creature and preferred to catch his own meals, which was fine while they were staying on the coast of the Azure Sea where there were fish aplenty, but there was precious little game in the Citadels themselves or the fields surrounding them. For a time, Rakkys meals consisted of whatever pests he could catch before Pong Pong put an end to the cats murderous mornings, for much like his larger counterpart, the tiny Divine Turtle was fond of all creatures floofy, whether they be large or small.

A real problem when it came to rats and other vermin, but at least Pong Pong wasnt hoarding all his furry friends like Rain and dissuaded them from visiting the manor instead.

Song could hardly blame Pong Pong for his caring ways and wished she could see him indulge his fondness for floofs, but alas, the only clue to the Divine Turtles arrival was a slight tensing in Rakkys shoulders followed by a resigned huff as Pong Pong made his presence known to him and him alone. Stifling a sigh, Song crawled over to the cot and reached under to pull Guai Guai out, but the temperamental red panda yowled and gave her a love tap to let her know he was in no mood to come out, so she had to resort to softer tactics. Any berries she put down were stolen away by Mama Bun, while apple, mango, and various other slices of dried fruit failed to catch Guai Guais fancy, so Song had to bring out the higher value Spiritual Plant snacks she kept hidden away inside the footlocker, one which was latched shut to keep the rabbits from breaking in. The mere sound of the latch moving was enough to have Guai-Guai scamper out of hiding, and for a moment, Song wasnt sure if she was training the animals or if they were training her.

All the while, Song saw no sign of the Enemy from within the crumbling fortress, nor did any of Rains scouts Scrying on it from above. All of them reported the same thing, that the walls lacked any positions for defenders to stand upon, and encircled a large, canvas tent that no one could Scry past. This meant someone was present, either a pack of Domain-capable Defiled working in concert to block Imperial Scryers from moving past the tent and avoiding detection at the same time, or a single Divinity fending off so many intrusions all on his own.

Likely the latter, which was far from ideal considering this was but the first hurdle along their path. If the Enemy dispatched a Territory Lord to claim these lands, they might well be ready to break the Treaty in its entirety just to send this massive fleet down into the depths of the Azure Sea. Of course, given the forces Rain had brought along with them, the Enemy Divinity would not survive the attempt, but that would prove no solace to the hundreds of thousands of dead Warriors, or any hapless survivors lucky enough to avoid death from the initial blow, only to likely die in the aftermath as the Imperial Divinities responded in kind.

Or the millions of innocents that would be caught up in an all out war between Divinities, one which would lay waste to the Azure Empire and the lands beyond.

Standing on deck in full regalia, Rain stood tall and proud as he gazed upon LuZhuo harbour, eschewing Concealment in naked contempt of his formidable foe. After a lengthy period of silent deliberation, Rain rattled off his orders for all to hear. Fleet, standby ready to engage while I negotiate terms with the occupying force.

So Rain himself intended to play the part of sacrificial goat, a decision that would not sit well with Brother Baatar, but logically, he was the best choice. Not only was he the youngest and least experienced representative of the highest echelons of command, he also had the best chances of survival should he come up against a suicidal Divinity. Not only would he have Pong Pong to protect him, but there was also the Azure Sea sitting nearby, which hed bound to his Core through the Heavenly Tear, Blobby. While his chances of surviving an all-out attack from a Divinity were still slim to none, it was better than anyone else short of a Divinity, and sending him meant keeping their greatest strengths in reserve and out of danger for a little while longer.

With that said, Rain Cloud-Stepped away with an escort of Sentinels, Aspirants, Imperial soldiers, and Death Corps Guards, though only the latter were visible to the naked eye. Song knew about the rest because shed been present when they were planning their guard rotations, ensuring that there would always be a representative from each of the four groups to ensure Rains safety was never wholly in one factions hands. The sad truth was that even Mamas Sentinels could be bought or turned, to say nothing of the Aspirants or soldiers, as even religious fanatics and members of the Famed Fifty were not immune to greed or blackmail, a threat Rain seemed wholly unprepared for. Luckily, he had MuYang to watch over him, as well as Mama and Colonel General Nian Zu, all of whom had seen much in their years of service and knew how to best keep their Legate safe.

Except there was little they could do when Falling Rain charged headlong into danger, just as he did now.

Seconds turned into minutes as Song stood ready to fight, even knowing what meagre resistance she could muster would be swept away by the overwhelming might of a Divinity. Then, just as she had to remind herself to breathe, Rains scream tore through the air and stole her breath away. It wasnt a scream of pain or torment, nor one of fear or courage, but a scream filled with anguish and heartache laid over top a burning pyre of fury and rage. A scream so overwhelming, it reached deep into Songs past and dredged up all manner of dark memories, ones shed long since buried deep and tried her best to forget about. No longer was she Li Song, Free Sentinel of the People, and instead, she went back to being Li Song, slave and plaything as she relived her worst moments again and again as Rains scream continued to play out.

The beatings. The rapes. The crying. The shame. It all came back to her unprompted and unwanted, pushing her back into the memories and she could do nothing to stop it, the same way she could do nothing to stop them.

And then the scream came to an end, without warning or even trailing off, but her memories remained to haunt her. She was stronger than before though, strong enough to push past her pain and return to the moment, where a part of her panicked mind realized that someone must have thrown up a Sound Barrier to cut Rain off, and that was enough to keep him from Orating his emotions. That was one downside to Rains uncontrollable Aura, as it meant he shared the good and the bad, and at the moment, it was clear he was stuck in a dark and foreboding place. A quick glance around showed that everyone else was similarly rocked by the wave of emotions, one that set jaded Warriors to sobbing with empathy and compassion and others to trembling with barely restrained fury. All in all, most maintained discipline though many whispered consolations could be heard as they supported one another through this trying tribulation, but alas, Song could not do the same for Rain from all the way out here. Others would have to help him, for even though she failed to spot any individuals making their way over to him, Song knew Mama and Brother Baatar would not sit idle after hearing him cry out in such a manner, so she focused on finding Balance herself and reminded the sailors around her to do the same. STEADY YOUR EMOTIONS, Song said, her Chi-enhanced voice booming out over the empty harbour with a volume that surprised even her, a sign that she herself was still shaken. Reach for Balance. Seek the warm embrace of the Mother, for Her love shall shield us from the Fathers foul minions.

The once silent fleet muttered among themselves as they set out to follow Songs advice, though shed overstepped in giving it. Glancing over at Admiral Zhang He, she unexpectedly met his gaze as hed already been looking at her, and the honey-skinned man offered her a nod of thanks as he took a deep and shaky breath, before affecting the long-eyed stare of one adrift in the throes of Balance. Allowing herself a small sigh of relief, Song allowed the warm embrace of Balance to ease the trauma Rains emotions left behind, but she refused to scour it all away, for only then could she inure herself to this pain. Not all suffering could be avoided, so best to prepare for the worst when she could, and a good thing too, as Mama appeared next to Song and said, Come. We need your help, and little Mei-Lins help as well.

It didnt take long to find the half-hare, as she was hiding in Concealment nearby with Guard Leader Hua Lie, and Mama gathered Song up in her arms before Cloud-Stepping off the ship, though this time, there was no thrill or delight to be had. As soon as they arrived inside the fortress, Song understood why Rain reacted as he did, for there was no canvas tent in sight, and instead, only a horde of corpses in its place.

Not a single cadaver had been thrown haphazardly into the pile, and instead each one had been meticulously placed and posed, propped up and held in place by makeshift wooden posts and piles of stone to portray a gruesome and grisly sight indeed. Erect Defiled tribesmen loomed over naked Imperials of all ages and genders, many transfixed in the violent act of sexual assault, while others watched on with their dead features frozen in a mixture of glee, fascination, repulsion, and horror. Other were posed in different acts of gratification, and Song saw kneeling Imperials feasting on one of their own in the streets, while children dug knives into the tender belly of other children, with their child-like expressions frozen in murderous glee or sorrowful agony, sometimes both on the same face. Others worked over tables and ovens to prepare a feast for their fellow Imperials made up of the same, the unfortunate souls chosen to be devoured posed in a manner that left no question as to whether they were still alive when the preparation began. Some had been chopped and portioned like pork on a butchers table, and others boiled alive until their skin burst and flesh came apart at the seams, and still more had been butchered in ways Song could not even fathom.

All this was merely scratching the surface of the horrors the Enemy wrought here in LuZhuo, ones they unveiled to Rain in their full entirety and left him heaving with rage and sorrow, but the worst was yet to be said, for every last body present here in this gory spectacle of death and depravity was still fresh and bleeding, dead for less than a single day.

He said theyd all be like this, Rain uttered, his voice hoarse from screaming so loud. That every harbour and city we visit, death is all we will find. That he cant fight me on the sea, so hell just kill every last Imperial and Defiled who he has to leave behind, all just to deny me the satisfaction of victory.

A daunting prospect considering one such discovery almost broke Rain and the army behind him, but Song just had to ask. Who said this?

Him. Curling his lip in a snarl, Rain spat out the name with a hatred and vitriol shed only seen from him once before. Zhen Shi.

Anger, wrath, guilt, and shame, all these emotions and more rolled off of Rain in near unbearable waves, and only now did Song realize why Mama and Brother Baatar had not come. Instead, Mila and Yan were here, alongside Lin-Lin, all of whom had already made their way over to Rains side and wrapped him in their embrace, but their quivering bodies betrayed their inner fear and aversion. This was a place of death and suffering, one tainted by the Fathers minions most foul, and Song could not stand to see it stand. Oil, she said, holding firm as Rains gaze snapped over to her, his amber eyes burning with hate and blame as she stared into them to avoid seeing anything else. We will need more oil if this is what our Enemy has planned, oil and tinder to set it all ablaze. Unable to draw a deep breath for fear of the stench, Song stopped fighting her emotions and instead shared them with Rain instead. Much like him, she was scared and furious, but underneath it all lay a foundation of control, one she would not have survived without. A foundation laid by the Oaths she swore, but one that remained even though she was bound by them no more, and it was this she shared with him, not an emotion exactly, but the ability to move past without allowing the darkness to consume her. There should be enough on the ships to lay these poor souls to rest, but we will have to send for more.

And then, without meaning to, Songs Aura pulsed to something else, an emotion that was once unfamiliar to her at best, but one she knew well enough from her time spent among the People. It was love, pure and simple, warm, accepting, supportive love, because she loved him like family and it pained her to see him suffer so, a sentiment which she felt needed to be shared. Though his eyes were still wide and wet with tears of rage, his gaze softened ever so slightly as he nodded in thanks, though he was unable to respond in kind. Love was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment, which was a shame, because in trying times like these, love could help ease ones passage through, but Rain would realize it soon enough.

Moving over to pat his head, Song hugged Sister Mila, Yan, and Lin-Lin while continuing to emanate her Aura of love as Rain reined in his emotions and took control of the situation. Her Aura persisted while dozens of monks arrived to take apart this unholy tableau and prepare the slain for their funeral rites, and continued as they chanted their sutras over the readied pyres while proud nobles and hardened veterans alike disregarded face to weep for the dead in a heartfelt sendoff to their fellow people. Hours passed before the first flames burst into existence, but her Aura held strong until the last flames sputtered out and died, leaving naught but blood and ashes in its wake, and still Song continued to share her love with everyone and anyone involved, without ever having to fear she would run dry.

For love was not finite, like water in a bucket, but rather a source of love itself, like how the sun provided warmth to all who basked in its presence, who in turn warmed those they touched, and on this dark day, Song knew they all could use a little more light and love in their lives.

Chapter Meme