RuffWriter
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Chapter 503
🕑 Added 2019-08-28 00:01:12 +0000 UTCSo it's Break Time! Today marks the last chapter before I lose myself in Path of Exile, and then probably total war warhammer once the new DLC drops. I'll be back in two weeks (or thereabouts), so the next chapter should be same time as always on Sept 22. It's kinda shitty leaving this on a cliff, and I'm sorry, but I must go. My video games need me. Goodbye for now, and take care.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IsbiPs06SgZ32ygIwtbjL644Vatldzs96mJmqdmEcfg/edit?usp=sharing
Though a hard-fought battle had only just taken place in Fort Sinuji, the familiar clamour of marching boots and bellowing Officers set Songs mind at ease, for she was once again within her element. A bouquet of blood, bile, and burnt flesh filled the air with a stinging, metallic tang which set Luo-Luo and her handmaidens to gagging, but Lin-Lin paid no mind to the unpleasant stench as she ran off with the Healers to aid the beleaguered medical Army staff. The Bekhai aid would be most welcome, because wherever Song turned, she saw dented helmets, notched breastplates, and bandaged faces a plenty, and those were the lucky individuals who made it through todays battle relatively unscathed. At the very least, they were still healthy and fit enough to move about, unlike the injured souls they ferried over to the hospital tents by stretcher or the unfortunate corpses piled upon the burgeoning funeral pyres.
A heavy toll to pay, but such was life, a struggle from beginning to end. Clear Temple, the first poem in the Classics of Poetry, alluded to such a fate which awaited them all.
Solemn is the Clear Temple
Reverent are its illustrious adherents
Dignified are the gathered officers
Adhering to the virtues of Nobility
Praising our Mother in Heaven
They Hurry swiftly into the temple
Greatly illustrious, greatly dignified
She safeguards Her children forevermore
Reverence, dignity, and nobility mattered not, because in the end, all humans would share the same fate. The solemn Clear Temple was death, and only in death would humanity know true safety and dignity, resting in the arms of the Mother above, or at least thats how Song interpreted the poem. Whether one was a dignified officer or reverent adherent, the Mother loved them all the same, regardless of status or ability. A message obviously lost to most, but a touching one, considering itd been written by a former Magistrate whilst laying on his deathbed.
But even death is only a brief respite from the endless trials and tribulations of life...
Or perhaps Song was completely wrong. Perhaps there was a Clear Temple somewhere in the Empire, and the poem was simply describing the Magistrates visit. Poetry was more difficult to interpret than music or painting, though she found dance the most incomprehensible of all...
Knowing the half-hare was well protected, Song left Luo-Luo with the pets and followed Niece Alsantset to help the exhausted soldiers with their labour, guiding Erdene around with a borrowed cart to carry away the fallen. Stuck at Rains side for the duration of the battle, she was fresh and well-rested despite the full day of travel, and she worked in silence alongside the other Khishigs on the walls, where their kind intentions were welcomed with mixed reactions from the battered soldiers of Sinuji. Some were genuinely grateful, but most seemed suspicious or even downright resentful of the Bekhai presence, despite the fact that the fort might well have fallen without Niece Alsantsets four-thousand plus cavalry force to aid them.
The soldiers resentment was not without reason, since Rains arrival in Sinuji heralded disasters to come. The last time he was here, the largest Defiled force to take the field since the Western Province fell gathered to lay siege to the fort, and it was obvious theyd come for him. Now, not only were people worried about Emissary Gen returning at the head of an even larger army to finish the job, there were also rumours of a feud between Rain and an Imperial Scion, which meant the soldiers of Sinuji might soon become collateral damage in games of Imperial politics.
The lives of the many outweigh the needs of a few. Broken as he was, Falling Rain was being selfish by clinging to life now that matters had come so far...
No, the fault lay with Yang Jixing and the Legate. Rain was merely a victim and his death would solve nothing. Burying her errant thoughts, Song focused on the task at hand, piling corpses onto Erdenes cart until it was full before bringing them away to the pyres. The dead lay thick on the walls and she was soon caked in gore from her diligent efforts, but atrocious as the horrors of war might be, she hardly batted an eye while digging through piles of the dead to separate Imperial heroes from Defiled savages. They looked so similar in death, she soon began to wonder why it even mattered.
Who cared if they burned on an Imperial pyre or a Defiled one? Why even burn them at all? They were dead, their souls destined for the Clear Temple, so what did they care about their mortal remains?
There was no honour or glory to be found here, but this came as no surprise. Battle was her aspiration, the Peak of the Martial Path her lofty ambition, and death part and parcel of it all, including the unsavoury and unsettling bits the bards and playwrights never cared to cover. Still, it was strange how the mind worked, always wanting what it could not have. When Rain took injury in Sinuji little over three months ago, she worried it would be years before she returned to the battlefield once more, but while she was grateful to be here, there was little joy or excitement in her heart. This conflict was a righteous one, yet another chapter in the unending war between the Fathers foul minions and the Mothers children, and though she counted herself honoured to wield her blade in the Mothers Holy name, she found she no longer ached for the thrill of battle. Though she spent the last several months yearning to revisit the front lines, now that she was here and experiencing it all again firsthand, she found she missed the peaceful, serene view from her fifth-story window, looking out over the green and white sea of frost-dusted grass while the rising sun cast an orange glow over the skies above.
How nice it would have been to fall asleep on the ledge, and perhaps never wake again...
But then Mama, Papa, and Sister would be saddened by her passing. Song would be sad too, if she learned of it after the fact.
Usually, Song ignored her desires and emotions because she only had to obey her orders, but ever since Rain speculated her difficulties with Aura might stem from her constant suppression of emotions, she paid more mind to her state of mind, hence her earlier uncharacteristic attempt at poetic interpretation. Rains advice had been simple, to smile when she was happy and frown when she was sad, but Song found it difficult to embrace her emotions after a lifetime spent guarding against them. Even as she stood covered in the blood of fallen Imperial and Defiled, she was neither mournful nor enraged, bitter nor impassioned. Death no longer held the same allure it once did, but in Songs eyes, these peaceful souls now lay resting in the arms of the Mother, no longer troubled by the red dust of the mortal world, which wasnt the worst fate imaginable.
Red Dust? What did this even mean?
Repressing a sigh, Song pursed her lips at the too familiar phrase, one heard often whenever the Abbot deigned to let others to hear him preach. She was ambivalent to the aged ascetics presence and cared not for his lectures, but she found the steady droning of his deep, booming chants oddly reassuring, which might account for her emotional uncertainty, not to mention the many hours of the Abbots sermons she had lurking in the back of her mind. If life was suffering, and Song suffered because of her desires, then was this not contrary to Rains advice telling her to embrace her desires and emotions? Whats more, if life was suffering, then what meaning was there in the struggle for survival? The Abbots dismissive attitude towards the war efforts was plain to see, more concerned with matters of the eternal soul rather than insignificant and impermanent concerns of life and death, yet here he stood offering comfort and solace to the living while giving funeral rites to the dead. Absurd as the concept seemed, if one believed in reincarnation as Song and most of the Empire did, then the Abbots viewpoint made perfect sense. What was one life measured against a potential infinite lifetimes?
Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo. Though startled by monk Happys sudden appearance, Song let none of her surprise show as she turned away from her work to stare at the chubby-cheeked ascetic. His grey robes untouched by dust or blood, monk Happys peaceful smile seemed out of place amidst the death and carnage as he bowed his head in prayer and said, Khishig Song, this monk senses much conflict within you. Speak your mind and unburden your worries so that this one may listen and offer his humble advice. Straightening up, his smile widened until his eyes disappeared into his rosy cheeks while he gestured around them, adding, Speak freely with confidence, for this monk guarantees that unless Khishig Song desires it, then no third person shall ever know what is said here today, or if she would prefer, we could speak in a more private setting.
Only then did Song realize the monk had already erected a Sound Barrier around them, blocking out the din of labouring soldiers and the Abbots droning chant. Further study revealed theyd also been Concealed as humans and beasts all moved unerringly around Song and Happy without ever noticing their presence, a handy trick she desperately desired to master, if only to reduce the stress of public events and remain hidden until called upon. The only exceptions were Tenjin and Tursinai who looked straight at her, both wearing comforting smiles while non-verbally conveying their support and encouragement.
Why? Song didnt think she looked particularly troubled, but perhaps they noticed something she didnt.
Neither accepting nor rejecting monk Happys offer, Song deliberated whether or not she wanted to share her troubles with a complete stranger. Though she had yet to learn the measure of the Abbot and monk Happy, she was impressed by their fallen brother who exchanged blows with an Ancestral Beast, and she wondered how these two would fare in comparison. Still, despite respecting their strength and knowing that their teachings were directly responsible for her current misgivings, she didnt feel comfortable opening up to monk Happy, and especially not while standing ankle deep in blood and gore.
So instead, she asked, May I meet Kukku?
Even Rain had yet to meet the reticent rooster, as Kukku knew how to Conceal and monk Happy kept the birds morning crows from rousing everyone within ten kilometres. To hear Jorani tell it, the rooster looked no different from regular silky chickens, only larger in every way. It seemed like forever ago when she sat idle in SuiHua and dreamed of having a pet chicken to call her own, but this seemed as close as she would ever get, so she hoped monk Happy would agree to her request.
Alas, the rotund monk shook his head and bowed in apology. Apologies, Khishig Song, but this monk is merely Kukkus attendant, and not his master. He chooses whom he reveals himself to, but he is unused to travelling abroad and all this blood and death has sent him deep into hiding. This monk fears he will not emerge until we return to the monastery, but perhaps he will reveal himself to you in time.
With that said, he bowed and told her he was available to talk at any time if she should ever feel the need before fading away from perception. The world came to life once again with wheels turning and boots marching to the steady cadence of the Abbots wooden-fish drum his soothing chants, so she let the sounds drown out her thoughts as she returned to her grisly, but necessary work.
Worthless, wasteful work. Unnatural business, burning bodies. Better to leave them for the scavengers to serve purpose in death.
...Drown out most of her thoughts, save for the most nonsensical ones. Bodies needed to be burned so Defiled and Demons would not eat them, a simple fact even children knew.
It was almost dark when Niece Alsantset called Song away, and while her task was not yet finished, there were fresh soldiers coming in to relieve their weary comrades, so she knew no fallen heroes would be left behind to fill Defiled or Demon bellies. Even then, she hesitated to leave, though she didnt know why until she arrived at their campgrounds, a prime location which sat inside the fort walls and just west of the commanders tent, no doubt so Lieutenant Colonel Watanabe could keep a close eye on Rain. Seeing him silently arguing with Colonel General Nian Zu, Song realized she didnt want to see him, though she could not say why, but she trusted her instincts and shuffled off without a word.
Instead, she lined up at the partitioned washing area where the female Khishigs waited their turn while the male Khishigs stripped down and washed in plain sight. The women would have done the same if not for Mamas specific orders to contrary, given long before they even left the Northern Province. Still unused to the Bekhais shameless attitude towards nudity, Song averted her eyes and waited for the better part of an hour before her turn arrived, after which she scrubbed herself clean with cold water alongside Tursinai, Maral, and young Tomor from Rains retinue. Despite removing every speck of congealed viscera from her person and even using a knife to scrape her fingernails clean, she still felt soiled by the days events, her heart heavy and mind jumbled without the Abbots chanting to bolster her spirits. Struggling to come to terms with her mysterious melancholy, she reluctantly made her way to Rains paltry soldiers tent, where he sat eating dinner with Lin-Lin, Luo-Luo, and Niece Alsantset while the pets romped and ate around them. Hey Song, Rain said, greeting her with a tired smile and waving his uneaten hardtack about. This is one thing I definitely dont miss about the front lines. Dont think I can even chew this without breaking my teeth. What I wouldnt do for a warm bowl of tofu pudding...
Finding his cavalier attitude more irksome than usual, she nodded and sat as far away from him as possible, while still being a part of the group. A part of her wanted to leave, but if she went back to her yurt now, none of the pets would want to come with and she would be stuck sleeping alone for the night. Though lacking an appetite, she knew shed need all the strength she could muster in days to come, so she chewed mechanically and ate her dinner without tasting while listening to Rain recount his meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Watanabe followed by his argument with Colonel General Nian Zu. His first day back on the front lines and already he considered having his commanding officer assassinated, only Rain could be so foolish. Chances were, the Yang Clan or the Disciplinary Corps had hidden Experts watching Lieutenant Colonel Watanabe around the clock, just waiting for Rain to make such an obvious blunder, but at least the Colonel General talked some sense into him.
Unfortunately, with Rains Death Corps Honour Guard taken out of the equation, the future looked bleak indeed. Without good reason, Colonel General Nian Zu couldnt countermand Lieutenant Colonel Watanabes orders, not without falling victim to the very same trap Teacher Du almost stepped into. As Brother Baatars direct superior, Colonel General Nian Zu was only here to supervise Rain, so if he took over command of Sinuji indefinitely, then the Disciplinary Corps would certainly step in to protest. Whats more, high ranking officers had been kept away from the front lines for good reason, because the current status quo benefited the Empire more than the Defiled. At the moment, only smaller tribes and scattered bands of loose savages dared to come east, as the more powerful and prominent Defiled Chieftains were busy carving up the West and indulging in their macabre delights, giving the Empire much-needed time to build up their defences. If too many powerful Peak Experts revealed themselves on the front lines, their presence might prompt those bickering Defiled to put aside their differences once again and march east in pursuit of a worthy challenge, and the consequences would be dire.
Emissary Gen almost took Sinuji with merely three-hundred thousand Defiled, but there were millions of Defiled congregating in the Western province. Only the Citadels could stand against such an army, as the rammed earth walls of fort Sinuji would be overrun in a matter of hours, if not minutes.
While still complaining about his lack of luck, a Death Corps guard arrived bearing a letter for Rain. Oh good, a reply, he said, sounding anything but pleased as he explained, I wrote to all fifteen officers scheduled to hold command of the outer wall over the next five days asking if we could meet, and so far this is the only reply Ive gotten. Reading it over, he smiled and added, I didnt expect anyone to agree, but it seems Tam Taewoong wants to talk.
Though the letter made no mention of restrictions, Rain asked Lin-Lin and Luo-Luo to stay behind and limited his Death Corps escort to no more than twelve. With nothing better to do, Song ignored the urge to stay behind and followed him to his meeting, mostly out of suspicion since the former Hwarang was not exactly friendly with Rain and the Bekhai. Back in Nan Ping, Han BoShui had used Tam Taewoong as a stepping stone and defeated him in an impromptu tea-house duel, a duel which Rain had no small part in instigating thanks to his glib tongue and lack of common courtesy. In all likelihood, the Central-born Martial Warrior was only calling Rain over to gloat, and if so, Song had no qualms about exchanging blows with the Benevolent Asura.
...Her mood was all over the place today, and Song didnt understand why. First she wanted to avoid Rain, but now she rode at his side to defend him and was even contemplating breaking military law over an insult which had yet to be delivered. Had she been gone from the battlefield for too long and lost her edge?
Though Tam Taewoong didnt come out to receive them, his second invited Rain into the command tent for tea, which was a warmer welcome than Song had expected. Leaving his Death Corps outside, Rain brought Song into the tent with him and introduced her as his Martial Aunt before they all sat down for tea and snacks. Having only eaten a quarter of his hardtack, Rain helped himself to the more palatable refreshments with gusto while Song sat ready to strike at the first sign of treachery, but there was no trickery or poison involved. Taewoong looked different from the last time theyd crossed paths, wearing much less makeup while carrying the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Dark bags hung under his eyes and he sat favouring an injury on his abdomen which had yet to wholly Heal, but he made polite conversation as decorum demanded until Rain cleared the table of food and drained his teacup thrice. Flashing the barest hint of a smile, Taewoong said, Judging by your appetite, it seems the rumours of your infirmity have been grossly exaggerated.
No, not at all. The Legate recently provided me with a miraculous elixir which did wonders for my health, and I am exceedingly grateful for his generosity. Delivered with the enthusiasm of a wooden puppet, Rain certainly didnt sound exceedingly grateful, but Song couldnt fault him for it since the elixir was akin to fattening the goose for the slaughter. Had they taken this trips two weeks prior, Rain might have died on the way here, but now he was just healthy enough to travel yet still utterly weak and helpless. Switching topics with the grace of a donkey, Rain said, Anyways, thank you for meeting with me. I wanted to greet my new superior officers and say... well, you know about my dilemma, correct?
Rumours and gossip mostly. The most popular stories say you offended an Imperial Scion over a woman and have now been sent here to die.
...Surprisingly accurate. Leaving a pause to let his words sink in, Rain soon continued, So yea. A word to the wise, if -
Hmm, let me guess. Taewoongs tone took on a hint of steel as his knuckles tightened around his armrest, and Song shifted closer to Rains side just in case. If I betray you, then pain and unpleasantness await me and everyone I hold dear. Close enough?
Ha. No. Not even close. Undaunted by Taewoongs sudden hostility, Rain chuckled and asked, Oh Mother in Heaven, is that why no one else would meet with me? Because they think I want to threaten them?
Then why are you here?
To tell you to do whatever you need to do. Shrugging, Rain explained, Youre here to fight the Defiled, not meddle in politics. Hell, youve been here longer than most, and even stayed over the new years festivities when you didnt have to. Youre a soldier first, and I respect that, so if youre bribed, take the money and Ill pay you double to do nothing, but if you or your loved ones are threatened, then theres nothing I can do to help, so go along with their wishes and Ill handle whatever may come. Clearing his throat, he added, Or I wont and Ill die. Either way, you do what you think is necessary to keep your people safe, and Ill understand. No hard feelings.
His piece said, Rain reached over the table to shake hands, but for long seconds, Taewoong sat utterly still and stared in shocked silence. After a long sigh, he took Rains hand and clasped it tight. You are a strange, strange man.
I get that a lot.
Their meeting done, Rain bade their stunned host farewell and left with Song at his side. Waiting until they were out of the camp, she took Rains hand and Sent, It would have been wiser to threaten him. Now he will think you and the Bekhai weak and fangless.
Unable to Send, Rain answered out loud while interlacing their fingers as he did with everyone who held his hand, a habit she didnt quite understand or hate. Maybe, but I meant every word. Let them do what they will. I am Falling Rain, the Undying, and I wont threaten innocents to keep myself safe. Even if he leaves me isolated on the wall, Im confident Dastan and the others can hold out until help arrives, so whats the worst that could happen?
Despite his frail body shivering from the nights chill, Rain spoke with the confidence of a warrior born, and if truth be told, his words filled Song with warmth and pride. His actions were still stupid beyond belief, but if he died here, he would die a good man. Still... What if his family is captured and hes forced to openly murder you and bear the punishment himself to secure their safety?
...Not gonna lie, that particular scenario did not occur to me. Would they really do something like that?
An idiot, but a noble idiot, so she would stand by his side with saber in hand to help him handle whatever may come.
Wondering which of the bunnies she should bring back to snuggle, Song was jolted out of her thoughts as monk Happy appeared out of thin air and grabbed her by the shoulders the moment she dismounted from Erdene. His frowning face frightening to behold, she didnt dare move a muscle while he leaned this way and that, not until Rain stepped in and forcibly separated them, or rather monk Happy allowed himself to be separated. Whats going on? Rain demanded, standing protectively in front of Song. Why you being so handsy?
A thousand apologies, Khishig Song. This monk was so surprised he forgot himself. Wiping away his frown, monk Happy erected a Sound Barrier only moments after the Abbot appeared, then the two monks fell into a silent exchange, their gazes filled with wonder and disbelief as their gazes moved from Song to Rain and back again.
Smoothing his robes which did nothing to the wrinkled cloth, the Abbot cleared his throat and said, Junior Brother, this monk does not begrudge you your secrets, but some questions are too important to be left unasked. Are you certain you can no longer Devour or Cleanse Spectres from Tainted individuals?
...Pretty sure Id notice if my Core wasnt shattered, but yea.
Then... Pointing at Song, the Abbot asked, How did you Cleanse her?
Trading glances with Rain, she saw her confusion mirrored in his eyes as they simultaneously asked, What?
Comments
wanderer117
He is hearing them. "Still, maybe I should send Kuang Biao to make sure Watanabe suffers an accident, like accidentally tripping on his sword and stabbing himself in the back of the head. A message of sorts, to show Jixing and his other lackeys I mean business. Bah, look at me, on assignment for less than ten minutes and already considering assassinating my commanding officer. Not gonna lie, I’m kinda enjoy abusing power and privilege, so I can see why people do it thought. It’s morally wrong, but since we’re playing by Imperial rules, then might makes right, so technically, I’m in the right. Yea, it feels right, but I should run the idea by Nian Zu first, just in case..." It feels right really clinches it for me.
Malcolm Tent
Oh very cool. I'm super excited for a Song POV and we got an important new clue to. I figured when the Abbot mentioned specters slipping out of Alsantset and into Rains core that he might be passively devouring them. This confirms it, and if he isn't hearing them that might mean he's been unconsciously stockpiling heavenly energy, which might be used to repair his core. God I hope that's the case I can't wait to see him start training with his domain. He lost his powers as soon as he got access to it. Either way loved the chapter always happy to see Songs chapters.
At this rate it will still be 10 more weeks till anything happens though
Technically weaker, slower, and with no range to speak of. Literal touching range lol
Arnon Parenti
Actually he can't be openly murdered, because killing an imperial scion is punishable by nine filial generation execution, like like the old marshal did, there is literally nothing that could bribe or threaten someone to do that particular crime, and Rain made sure Watanabe understands that, so not an option.
Tis a mighty. Mighty cliff.
Emmanuel Martinez
Unbeknownst to anyone, Rain has been sucking bad juice out of those near him. Yes, Infinite Succ has been upgraded to Constant Subtle Succ. Rain will no longer need to wash everyone before he does the succ, for no one will know they've been spectre blowed by the Mother's chosen son himself.
Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo
Incraze
Oh im just loving this developement. Whats the best place to devour spectres if not the frontline where everyones antsy and downtrodden.
Arnon Parenti
The devourer returns, stronger, faster, and with better range than ever before.
Morog T Tiny
Rain needs energy to repair and for him the specters are nom nom nom.. energy.
Finally strong rain is coming back, I might cry
Kirvin
Guesses about what? Not following.
hahaha, if rain can do anything, he can succ at all times, lol!
ThePolarParadox
His Holiness, Falling Rain shall cleanse the lands with his purifying touch. Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo.
it was love..nobody can stop love..it's love, love, love~~
ParadoxMike
There were guesses this was happening all the way back from the first two or three chapters after rains core was shattered...
Tyrell Facey
I knew it
