Walking Disasters and Me

The cold sting of mountain air whips past me as I exit the estate, leaving Amelia in the safest room of the compound that is left standing from her violent tribulation. The girls are shaken from what they've seen, although it is obvious Samantha deigns more toward the fight rather than flight of aspects. I approach them as they gaggle around the crater that Amelia scorned into the earth from her violent assault on Heaven's emissary, my steps sure and six tails waved behind me as her shed impurities sink into the earth.

"We will not be the only ones to have seen this." I begin in authority, their heads snapping to meet my gaze as I continue, "Enact defensive preparations. Samantha, activate the Village barrier until I say otherwise. Gerra, fortify the estate and make sure Amelia does not require any further aid. Jun Li, gather the militia as well as the men-at-arms. We are all on rotation until I am convinced the threat has passed. I will assemble the other Branch leaders at the Sect Hall, meet me when your tasks are done."

They bow in the same heartbeat that they depart, small whispers of wind the only sign of their previous location as I shudder out a breath. Such destruction. Such violence. All from such a young, lost woman who I have grown to love so dearly. Still I see the feral smile drawn across her face, skin made of pure darkness only illuminated by the maniacal grin filled with serrated teeth. Her devious laughter as incorporeal flesh and bone was rent asunder beneath those razor talons.

The fear of losing her to that state once more shakes me, whispers in my mind suffusing my thoughts until I banish them with a scream. No. I will not lose her like Zephyria. I shake off such ramblings, my mind returning to the task at hand as small bits of rock, timber, and Qi begin to weave themselves back together. The beginnings of restoral to the estate happening before my eyes as the material lifts and slowly falls into place all amongst the courtyard that was so recently devastated.

In no time at all, I am at the Sect Hall. The three women I love behind an opulent and overly exaggerated chair as the various Branch leaders and their seconds sit in tow. Their nervous looks no doubt a reaction to the macabre history I have now renewed.

"I have gathered you here tonight," I begin in resolute tone, "to explain what has happened and the disturbance you no doubt felt." I stand, my six tails waving behind me as I begin to pace around the table. "Some of you have likely inquired or used sources to gather information into the event I will disclose. Some may just be learning of this for the first time. Others may only be seeking which side of the fence they should fall upon once they hear my answer. But know this: What happened tonight is a state secret. A Village and Sect obligation that will see any traitors strewn from rope or worse in a matter of a closing of eye, their families included. Do I make myself clear?"

Silence reigns in the room as I turn on heel to ask again, "Do. I make. Myself. Clear?"

All heads lower, some smacking the table as every voice in the room echoes out in unison, "Yes, Acting Sect Leader!"

"Good." My voice replies icily as I resume my seat. "My newest disciple has advanced to the 2nd Rank. The outburst from Heaven was due to her rapid growth, and the resulting display was her innate skills and abilities to defend against that tribulation. We have without a doubt angered the more... fanatical elements of our continent and likely the world at large. Once they can stop their bickering and put brain to task... Our task, however, will now be to secure this Village and prepare to repel those misguided fools who cannot listen to reason."

No one says anything, their eyes and ears all fluctuating between disbelief, confusion, and growing apprehension. I exhale softly before easing the tension, "Know this, I would not keep such a threat close to our homes if I did not believe in the person whole heartedly and their immense potential to the Village as well as cultivation in general. Now, we are shifting to a war time stance. The civilian population will be kept in the various Branch headquarters as well as this Sect Hall for safety.

Food rations will be initiated, and a complete tax on any grains and meats will be passed so that the Village can distribute resources as best as possible. All cultivators assigned to any Branch will report for mustering by daylight, and Branch leaders will form back here in..." I pause as I remember the time, "8 hours, with rotations established. I will assign those rotations to various sections of the wall once we have the numbers accounted for."

A scared, black furred kitsune with white fur inlays stands from her spot. The new Shadow Branch leader. "A-Acting Sect Leader," She begins in stilted voice, "I would be more than happy to assist in any endeavors to aid the civilians, but I wish to issue my personnel to the field for scouting purposes. I-if that pleases you."

I give her a stern look, watching her wither under my gaze as she slowly resumes her seat before I huff and reply, "Very well. I was going to issue a similar decree soon enough, but your initiative is welcomed. You may assemble two teams, one will be led by Jun Li, the other by Samantha. They will be tasked with force reconnaissance until the enemy is upon us and then switch to sabotage and leadership extermination."

She ducks her head in deference and leaves the Hall to see to the task. "Now then, you all have your assignments. Go."

Within the next sunrise, the walls are manned in all sorts. Gleaming armored knights, leather chested archers, robe wearing cultivators. Some on the ground floor riding various beasts between horse and drake. All of us watching the entrance to the valley, the one where Jun Li's team had been trailing the encroaching of troops were destined to come. As the sun breaks, its amber rays distorting on the shimmering barrier, hundreds of thousands of bodies begin to press upon the skyline in question.

"Remember this day." I say out to the assembled defenders, "Remember those forces that would seek us ruin and death for difference. For failing to adhere to their code and conduct. They wish to strip away any and everything that makes you unique, to form you to the system that only benefits themselves!"

A roar cries out from the massive stone walls, echoing into the dip of land before the invaders. "Remember our values! Remember that all here are blessed with the means of life, of hope! That no soul shall be forsaken so long as they ask for help! That these people wish for that hope to be dead, buried, and faded into memory!"

Another roar as the black silhouettes begin to rush into the crater, smoke clouds forming behind the mass of thousands of feet and hoof. "Remember that we are strong. That we are mighty! That we have never known defeat so long as we band together! That no force on Mara can break our walls, our spirits, or our strength! Remember who you are!!"

Cultivators cheer in blind fury as they begin charging long range attacks, specialized missile troops doing the same with gleaming arrowheads while the foot and rider fix their helmets in blood lusted glee. "Remember your Sect Leader! And show these stains of Mara what it is to be remembered! For death! For valor! For glory!"

The violent and deafening screams silence all but the last command as the invading force grows closer: "LOOSE!"