Walking Disasters and Me

The door slides open with the familiar scrape of wood on wood, revealing a breathtaking sight. Akiko in a gorgeous purple kimono with white trim adorned in etched flowers and patterns of the same white color. Her hair done up in a bun with two long black sticks that are capped in silver, two long strands of bangs coming to frame the side of her face. A deep, winged eye liner of smokey violet that tapers just past the edge of her violet eyes. Cheeks dotted in a soft red blush while her lips pop with a vibrant maroon.

A simple effort were this Earth, but either because its on her or the makeup she used was magical, those subtle changes make her natural beauty almost painful to experience up close. Something that makes those newly glossed lips curl in amusement as she saunters past the doorframe to me. In an amused chuckle, her finger comes to rest under my gaping chin and firmly raises it back to its shut position.

"My thanks for the compliment, love, unspoken as it was~. But come, I will need to fly us to the Sect Hall as the city has already seen fit to clog the streets in anticipation." She begins in a purr of satisfaction before helping me to my feet. Ios rising alongside us while giving the kitsune an approving up and down viewing.

Akiko giggles a couple times before leading us out of the room and then out of the estate. My mind doing its best to keep the overall anxiety about showing myself off to the Village as contained as it can. At least we're doing this now, after I've already come so far. I think the Aims of even a month ago would probably be a blabbering mess if she had to take part in this whole fiasco. As it stands, I'm just dreading it as opposed to being terrified of it.

As soon as we pass the Torii arch, Akiko scoops both Ios and I into an arm each and then lifts off the ground. I feel a small bubble of her icy Qi come to envelop us as she takes off into the sky, likely to shield us from the temperatures and wind and also not ruin all her hard work at looking so sexy~.

I take the small quiet before the storm to look over the Village again in awe. Its Japanese styled buildings and layouts sprawling nearly as far as I can see as the sun washes it in amber warmth. Parks and squares filled to the brim with the overflow of foot traffic from the streets, some folks sitting on the curved arches of this or that roof. Street vendors hawking food and trinkets in some spots, the scent of their cooking wafting through the air. Citizens of every age talking amongst themselves in a low roar of indistinguishable chatter, yet all facing toward the hill housing the Sect Hall in eager anticipation.

Considering no one has snapped their heads up to our skyward direction, I assume the Qi bubble must also be masking us for now. Either that or these folks are too weak to sense us. "W-wow..." I quietly whisper out in Akiko's grip as I gulp down a knot of nervousness, "There must be at least 10,000 people down there..."

Akiko nods back before replying with a seemingly impressed tone, "Indeed, though it is likely closer to 15,000. Reports say that nearly every business has shuttered for the evening, and all of the Branches are similarly manned by skeleton crews as they move to attend the event. The whole Village, save a few, are assumedly in attendance as of this moment."

Heavens. No pressure, I guess. Still, why such is this such a big deal? "I get that 3rd Ranks and above are considered the cream of the crop, but surely this is overkill, right? I can understand the Branch Leaders and stuff wanting to meet me since I'm basically your disciple at this point, but why should some random civilian care that much about this?"

"While you are correct in regard to the Branch Leaders as well as the status of cultivator's Ranks, you are perhaps underestimating the situation somewhat, my love." Akiko answers back knowingly as a tail comes to pat my head softly. "It is because you are my disciple, an occurrence that has not happened for a several decades now, that the populace is eager. An unknown, powerful entity that is personally being reared by the head of the Village that suddenly appeared out of nowhere? Just the type of gossip and news that makes the dreariness of the day-to-day pass by with ease for months to come, especially once name is put to face."

While that does make a bit of sense, it still seems a kind of... overblown. These people need a hobby or something...

"So, what should I be expecting? Do I need to make a speech or something? Because if I do and you didn't tell me before hand, I'll actually be kind of upset with you." I say trying to avert my eyes from the mass of people below.

Akiko shakes her head as she navigates above the countless rooftops, "I would not ambush you that way, love. At most, you will have to greet the three remaining Elders as well as some of the Branch Leaders who have not risen to that rank, but I shall be handling most of the formal aspects such as any public speaking situations. Since it will be obvious to most, I will also be informing those at the feast afterwards about you and spirit Ios' integration into the harem."

"Wait, really?" I ask out incredulously before following up in the same tone, "Why would that even matter?"

The white furred kitsune smirks as she looks down to me, "It will keep future annoyances to a minimum. You have not interacted with many outside of myself, spirit Ios, and the girls, but beauty can drive people to make... poor decisions. Announcing your placement at our side will both shield you and give us proper recourse should more... enterprising individuals still seek you out even after rejection. While I hold little worry about something happening inside the walls of the Village, the same cannot be said for the nations and Sects for the rest of the world."

Our chatter dies down as I contemplate what Akiko said. Both Ios and I hanging on to her as she flies us the rest of the way, landing at the rear of the Sect Hall in a small clearing of trees and benches. A still ornate entrance into the building proper opened wide to reveal rows upon rows of tables all being set in preparation for the feast to come later. As soon as we set down, a familiar ground shaking voice comes to greet us as its hulking carrier shadows said doorway.

"Acting Sect Leader, it is a pleasure to see you again. And you seem to have somehow become even more powerful than before in my absence." Elder Julian says cordially, moving with a swiftness to close the distance some before giving a full, proper kneeling bow. His ursine features relaxed but professional as he wears a deep, earth green garb that still shows off his bulging muscles.

"Rise, Elder Julian." Akiko says with easy air, continuing on as soon as he is vertical once more. "The pleasure is mine. I am glad that your mission was not only successful, but that you were able to come back to us safely and swiftly. As for your last statement, well... some things have transpired as of late."

Julian gives a nod of his head before moving his eyes to both Ios and me, a sense of surprised recognition lighting in his eyes as he studies me in particular. Taking that as my cue, I step forward slightly and give him a small bow. "H-hello, Elder Julian. We met on my first day here, but I am Amelia Dufort. I have been training with Ak- *Ahem* the Acting Sect Leader since then under her and her harem's guidance. It is nice to see you again."

Nailed it~. Well, minus that hiccup at the start and being too informal for a second. Still, 8/10!

Since my eyes are closed in momentary self-congratulations, I miss the genuine small smile that crosses his lips before a tail comes to poke me in the side making me yelp. All that hard work at being cordial and professional gone in a flash. I give Akiko a small pout who only seems to take delight in the little outburst before she nudges her head towards Julian again.

Resisting the urge to cross my arms and huff, I give her a look of 'I'll get you back for that' before letting the troublesome energy slip off me and regard the bear man stoically once more. Thankfully, he seems to either take the little scene in stride or is just much better at hiding his emotions than I am as he simply holds a little curl of his lips on his face.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance yet again, young Amelia." His chest rumbling voice replies back in a friendly tone as he gives a small tilt of his head toward my direction. "I am also glad to see your explosive growth, as well as the lightened burden on the Acting Sect Leader's shoulders."

He flashes his eyes over to Akiko and gives her a cheeky wink. Not in a seductive or alluring manner, but more one that speaks of teasing friendship borne from long years spent together. Following his line of sight, I can't help but smirk a little at the now much more pronounced blush on Akiko's face at the little comment before she rallies and replies back.

"Yes, she has certainly brought back a new life into myself and the estate at large. These past few months have been... eye opening in many regards and on many subjects. I will be sure to fill you as well as Fei and X'Cos in on some of those details after the ceremony."

The cordial mask slips onto his face again as he nods his assent, now shifting his vision over to Ios who also steps forward like I did. But for some reason I get a bad feeling about that smirking grin on her face... "Hello~. I am Ios, Amelia's companion as well as lover and guardian spirit~. Nice to meet ya!"

My hand flies to my face near instantly, remembering how rare that last part of her statement is around here. Not to mention Akiko literally just telling us she was supposed to be announcing the 'romantic' aspect of our situation later. Akiko, surprisingly, just chuckles and shakes her head while Julian's eyes widen a fair touch. Those same eyes look over to his leader in a questioning gaze to which Akiko meets with a shrug.

"She is telling the truth. As I said, the situation around my youngest disciple is... eye opening. Widening, in this specific case, I will admit." She turns to give Ios a stare that only half feels like a reprimand - the other half being amusement - and then continues, "I said I was going to reveal our relationship status to one another in the announcement to the Branch Leaders, but it seems you couldn't resist~."

"Nope~!" Ios says back with a wide smile. "Elder Julian here is so stoic, I just wanted to mess with him a little~."

I guess its good to know that no matter what situation, Ios will always be a troll. At least its just us four in this rear courtyard at the moment too, though I don't doubt that at least someone might have overheard us.

Akiko shakes her head at Ios' antics, something my own mirrors before getting she gets us back on track. "Well, I suppose repeating myself shortly will not matter much. Amelia is part of my harem now, while spirit Ios will likely join in due time."

Julian seems to take the news without too much reaction, making Ios a little disappointed if that cute little pout is anything to go by. "I see," He says with another small bow, "In that case let me congratulate all three of you. Having the protection and guidance of a spirit is an incredibly rare and marvelous boon. I am also glad that you all have found comfort in each other, and I wish you nothing but happiness for all your days."

The sincerity in his words almost makes me blush a bit, but I'm able to at least fumble out a response as the two to my side simply return the bow. "T-thank you, Elder Julian."

A noise clamors from inside the building making all of us shift our attention that direction after which Julian intones, "With your permission, I shall return to assisting your other lovers with finalizing the preparations, Acting Sect Leader. I believe Elders Fei and X'Cos along with Gerra are coordinating efforts on the stage in front of the Sect Hall if you wish to meet with them before the announcement."

"Thank you, Julian. We shall do just that." Akiko says with smile, Julian once more bowing before turning heel and marching back through the open doors and barking out orders in an almost militaristic fashion.

Now that's an attitude shift if I've ever seen one. Isn't he supposed to be the head of the civilian government? Well, I guess that actually makes some sense now that I say it in my head. No matter the world, running a large group of people requires a certain level of 'get shit done' energy which he apparently has in spades.

Akiko nods approvingly at the scene before guiding Ios and I around the exterior of the large building, likely in effort not to get in the way of the last minute preparations. Honestly, its quite a soothing little stroll. The soft touch of manicured nature interspersed with comfortable seating here and there, the almost calming energy that resides here, and the dull roar of the Village at large kept at bay for the moment.

Whether that last bit is due to some kind of enchantment on the walls surrounding the property or some other thing, I'm not sure. But its appreciated all the same. The relaxing atmosphere sadly can't last forever though, and as soon as we finally crest the curve into the front of the imposing square building, it shatters all too quickly.

A sea of faces amasses at the entrance to the Hall, myriad reactions of eager anticipation, curiosity, and simple excitement. Species spanning from human to beast humans of all kinds. Ages ranging from wizened to child, though the youngest among them are propped up onto shoulders or carried in arms.

Thankfully, they don't go into an uproar or anything as I stop to gawk. Akiko chuckling as a tail comes to wrap around my wrist and continue guiding me along. "Worry not, my love. For the moment, they only see an opaque barrier that obscures the interior grounds and cannot hear anything transpiring inside the walls. Shortly, that barrier will lift and they will be ushered through the entrance. At least, as many as can safely fit after the Branch members fill the space first."

I can only nod and swallow a ball of social anxiety as I peel my vision away from the mass of bodies. Looking over toward the proper entrance to the Sect Hall instead, I notice that there are quite a throng of people darting around like mad. There must be at least a couple hundred all hanging banners, stringing crystal lights, and seemingly putting the final touches on a massive wooden stage that looks like it can hold a couple dozen people.

The stage itself is mostly wooden with a stone base, crossed support beams string underneath its flat-top surface that is ringed with wooden railings. In the center and towards the front is a large podium that has a small, clear crystal raised up to head height. A setup that brings back memories of press conferences from Earth, though with much fewer branded microphones.

There on the stage is also the familiar face of Gerra as well as the elegant looking Fei and the ruddy brown skin of the dinosaur... dragon... reptilian man, X'Cos. Still not quite sure where he falls on that spectrum and I don't want to be rude about finding out. Gerra seems to have forgone her usual tank top and short shorts and has wriggled into a much more formal soft pink gown for the event. Something that even from this distance I can easily tell she is not the happiest about, at least going by the way her tail keeps twitching awkwardly in annoyance. It is kind of cute to watch her struggle though~.

Fei meanwhile is in a beautiful kimono that almost looks to be made of midnight and trimmed in gold with her long wavy obsidian hair done up in a high ponytail. X'Cos to her left is in a simple but unremarkable flowing robe of copper and teal, but unlike Julian's this one seems to cover all the way to his arms and down to his feet.

All three of them seem to be in the middle of conversation as we approach, walking up a few wooden steps until we are on the platform proper. They are at least aware enough to notice us as soon as Akiko's sandaled feet touch on the first step, the two Elders quickly coming to that signature greeting of knee and fist to the ground.

"Acting Sect Leader!" They say in unison while Gerra simply trots up to us to press some coy kisses to each of our lips while they're distracted. Guess she isn't one for keeping up appearances and such~. I giggle a little when she reaches me, blush truly forming on my cheeks now as sends me a wink and moves back to stand with the three of us.

"Rise, Fei, X'Cos, and let me introduce you to my newest disciple." Akiko says cordially again, no doubt keeping up the professionalism at least until we are at the feast or maybe when the three Elder confidants are behind closed doors. As they respectfully rise, X'Cos and Fei both turn to look at me with wide eyes laden with surprise. However, it quickly becomes apparent that their synchronized astonishment is due to different reasons.

X'Cos marvels down to me - since he is pushing a good bit over 6 feet in height - in a raspy, hissing voice, "Incredible. I remember laying eyes on you when you arrived after the well-deserved deaths of those corrupted fools, and you were unquestionably mortal. To have such a leap in power and strength in a little over three short months... Simply astounding..."

Thankfully, the praise stays respectful, and he doesn't try to invade my personal space or something in his stupor. Though his long, reptilian tail does dust the ground as it sways side to side a couple times while he speaks. However whether that is from the shocked revelation of my power, or his own curiosity at the situation, I can't tell.

Fei, on the other hand, is much more obvious about things. A neat and tidy blush blossoms to her face as she takes in my physical form, literally having to shake her head a couple times before it fades away and is replaced by a cordial smile. In a much more eastern accented dialect - were this Earth - Fei raises her voice in an apologetic tone, "I apologize for the shameful display, junior madam. While I of course noticed the same as my compatriot here, I was struck by the natural beauty that exudes from you. Both bodily and presence. Even as someone who prefers the other gender, your attractiveness is truly enchanting."

Well that's one way to make an introduction, I guess. "U-uh, t-thank you both?" I awkwardly reply back, subconsciously taking a step back to partially shield myself behind Akiko from their intense gazes. Akiko merely chuckles at the scene playing out before her before one of her hands comes to rub the top of my head as she looks back over to the two Elders.

"While I do not dispute either of your words, I would ask you to properly introduce yourselves first before making my disciple uncomfortable at your impassioned praise. No one likes to be gawked at during a first meeting, no matter how respectful in tone it may be." The temperature around us dips precipitously as the two stiffen and form beads of nervous sweat before the bob their heads up and down a few times and turn back to me.

Fei is the first to regroup as she begins in a repentant voice and remorseful smile, "Once more, I apologize for my rudeness. I am Elder Fei Jiang, Branch Leader of the [Golden Crucible] which specializes in all matters pertaining to blacksmithing and the like. It is a pleasure to properly make your acquaintance."

X'Cos follows up with an equally abashed set to his words and face, "I also offer my sincerest regret at my discourtesy, young one. I am Elder X'Cos Quillontil and am the Branch Leader of the [Eternal Heavenly Flower]. My Branch is in charge of anything involving alchemy, poisons, and herb growing. I am gladdened to meet you."

I creep out from the shadow of Akiko's protection and give them a proper bow like I did for Julian now that they aren't staring at me like a puzzle that needs to be solved. "The pleasure is mine, Elders Fei and X'Cos. My name is Amelia Dufort, and am learning cultivation under the Acting Sect Leader and her lovers. Thank you again for your kind words earlier."

"So prim and proper~. The little bird here rarely talks like this in the estate~. Usually, its much more cursing and moaning~. What a treat to witness, hehe." Gerra's voice teases and breaks the fragile recently recovered polite atmosphere. I shoot her a glare that is met by a cheeky wink, heat returning to my face both from annoyance and her stupid, pretty face.

Seeing the instantly understanding gazes of the two Elders, Akiko sighs before rubbing her face with a hand. "Honestly, I suppose it was foolish of me to try and be formal about this considering the two troublemakers before me..." I faintly hear her mumble from underneath her hand before it slips away and gives a properly stern stare towards Gerra. Unfortunately, the chaotic cat woman takes it in stride with a sheepish, toothy grin and scratch of her head.

Another sigh, another turn of Akiko's head to regard the Elders once more. "Amelia has also joined our harem, something that I will ask you to keep discrete until I announce it during the feast." She says in a whisper just loud enough for those present to hear, the nearest foreign pair of ears decidedly very far away from all of the big wigs talking at the stage.

They both seem to have already figured that out but quickly reply in unison of both words and bows, "Of course, Acting Sect Leader."

Akiko nods before turning her vision over to Ios who seems to be having a grand old time at the whole situation. Catching the kitsune's eyes, Ios shrugs and steps forward slightly just as Fei and X'Cos rise back to standing. Thankfully in a still subdued sound, Ios cheekily greets the Elders with, "Hiya~. I'm Ios, spirit guardian to Amelia. I'm also her lover and will probably merge into the harem in the not-too-distant future~. Nice to meet you both!"

This time, an audible *smack* can be heard as Akiko's palm flies directly to her pain-stricken face.