Walking Disasters and Me

"We should have acted when we had the chance! Now a second eruption from Heaven has occurred and even more horrifyingly, was repelled!" A hot headed feminine voice echoes inside a grand meeting hall framed by intricate and beautiful stained glass portraits. Several rounds of outraged acknowledgement follow after the outburst, along with hands and tankards slamming down on the long darken wood table that sits more than two dozen.

At the head of the table, a lone woman sits with resigned exasperation held in her eyes. Framed by a motif of a gorgeous woman slipping the bonds of the ground below - masses reaching forward with pleading hands - as she rises and ascends into the Heavens above.

"I acted," She begins coldly, instantly silencing the uproar unfolding in front of her, "as I thought best at the time. And, lest we all forget, the action was given consent after discussions in this very room not one month prior. And if I recall, Ambrodia, you were part of the mission meant to issue her your sought after summons. Tell me, how did that expedition fare again?"

The human woman in fiery robes instantly stills, a heat not from Qi rising to her cheeks as she reclaims her seat. "I thought so." Continues the commanding voice at the head of the table, Queen Siceil taking her place back in the gilded throne after casting her eyes around the gathered sect leaders and people of power.

"Now, if there are no more pointless interruptions, perhaps we should return our focus to the matter at hand instead of petulantly casting blame in order to save face. Our spies within the [Ten Thousand Blades Sect] report that roughly six days ago, 'Acting Sect Leader' Akiko and her harem forced them out of the site of the initial outburst from Heaven.

This new woman at her side, called Amelia by all accounts given, single handedly and decisively defeated the rising star of that sect in a spar with terms of the Thousand Blades to withdraw on her success. Shockingly, it was confirmed by a [Truth Stone] of Heaven Rank that Amelia was only at the 1st Realm of the 3rd Rank while her opponent was on the cusp of ascending into the Apogee Rank."

Shocked gasps of disbelief and fear ring out, punctuated by faces that fall into stunned silence. Siceil lets the room absorb the information for a few moments before raising her voice again. "And that is not all. While infiltrating the Fox Village has proven to be... difficult, some of our entrenched assets and dryad allies from the war prior confirmed just yesterday that there has been a total of five half-step ascensions in the past ten days. Two of which they initially thought were attempts to ascend into Immortality given the ferocity of the tribulation.

However, a disturbing fact of these occurrences belies that assumption. All the tribulations seemed to only last - at most- only a few minutes each."

Astonished gasps once more fill the space as the Queen raises a hand and continues over the stupefied crowd of leaders, "Along with that information, there have been several tribulations thought to belong to lower Ranked attempts within their walls during the same time frame. We know who three of those higher events belong to thanks to information obtained from the affronted sect upon their return to Manamoto. The exiled princess of the House Serento accused of cavorting with demons, Jun Li. The banished and disgraced nomad Samantha Armenest Royunblok. And the wanted criminal Gerra Lionscrest.

The other two powerful tribulations are unknown, as they only just occurred the day prior and no one has left that estate since. It can be assumed that irksome kitsune used valuable resources to ascend prominent figures within that Village to bolster her ranks for what is about to come."

A voice made of grinding gravel and stone rumbles to life from the farthest end of the table, a scarred and weary turtle kin sporting an eyepatch rising up from his seat. "And what, Queen Siceil, is about to come if I may ask?"

She regards him for a few moments before turning to the rest of the assembled with a heavy, hard expression. "War, Wairdlur. Akiko and her followers can not be allowed to continue angering the Heavens thusly. She threatens to bring untold wrath upon the planet and all those who dwell on it, and this second occurrence has confirmed as such. We will not be meeting her to inquire or seek information regarding Amelia or why the skies have lashed the earth without care twice now, but to end her toying with powers beyond her control."

The turtle man gives a look of complete resignation, those closest to him - a snakekin woman, a human male, and an owlkin female - all do the same. With regret in his movements, he sits back into the audibly protesting chair that struggles to hold his mass.

The reactions of nearly all else, however, are ones of jubilation. Greed. Bloodthirst and the promise of glory.

"About damn time, I say!" A human woman dressed in opulent blue robes says loudly.

"Those upstarts have been let off the leash for too long! Time to put them back in their place!" Another human female shouts along side her compatriot.

"We will finally avenge the dishonor that bitch of a fox marked us with a century ago!" Exclaims another human, though male this time. Thoughts darker than simple battle obvious in his greedy eyes and smile briming with tainted lust.

The sound of a gavel hitting wood rings out three times in crisp, clear *Clacks!* that silence the growingly confident crowd. As everyone collects themselves, Queen Siceil lowers the small hammer back to the edge of the table by her throne.

"This will not be a certain victory. One hundred years ago, that woman nearly sundered this capitol and razed close to a dozen sects to the ground. On her own. And now she has three other half-steps as well as two unknown figures who are likely more powerful than a typical cultivator at peak mortal strength.

You all are to return to your sects and gather everyone near the 5th Rank and above. For those on the cusp of ascending into the 5th, force their tribulations through and give them alchemical agents to aid in their recovery as well as foundation stabilization. The crown will reimburse you for the expenses to your materials so long as you provide a truthful and detailed list after the war has concluded. Once that task is done, we shall all meet at the rendezvous spot before daybreak."

Everyone's eyes go wide. Forcing someone to endure a tribulation before they are naturally ready can be a deadly encounter, and nearly always traumatic. The first woman who started the earlier clamor rises from her seat once more, but this time looking much less sure of herself. "Q-Queen Siceil, surely that won't be necessary? Between all of our combined sects - even those pacificists down the way - we have more than a thousand true 5th Rank cultivators and close to two hundred half-steps."

"Marianne," The Queen begins as she levels her gaze to the woman, the - objectively - very beautiful blonde with amber eyes wilting under her liege's stare, "You and your sect were not incorporated into our hegemony until about 75 years ago, so I will not fault you for your ignorance. At the time, we had nearly that same number of combatants including nearly fifty half-steps. It mattered not. Akiko razed and pillaged in a wanton rage for close to ten years unopposed."

A shocked gasp comes not just from Marianne, but several of the apparently new additions to this council. "B-but then-" The stunned woman tries to continue before the Queen raises her hand to silence her.

"Last time, I and several key figures were forced to stay back and dissuade the rampaging fox from trying to destroy the capitol proper. It was a hard choice to make, but the close to ten million souls who reside under our protection forced me to prioritize them over facing her directly. This time, things will be different. We will face her at the previously agreed upon location devoid of innocent life with a mighty force under our banner out in the open. And I will personally be embroiled in the fighting."

That seems to return some confidence to the spirits of those around, even the older ones that had survived the previous calamity breathe out a sigh of relief. Looking around, the

Queen continues on in a stoic tone, "But that does not mean we can be complacent. She has just as mighty of a force at her disposal and an intricate knowledge of talismans. By all known reports, her harem were also monstrous on the battlefield even before their ascension into the half-step.

Their general forces are also, by and large, better trained and equipped than most of our own as well. While there may be fewer of them, likely no more than 1/3 of our combined might, their quality will be superior to ours. While it is doubtful that she will have mustered all of them for this encounter, we cannot rule it out. Take this moment to put affairs in order and do as I have asked. The more high-tier combatants we field, the surer our victory. Dismissed."

Nearly everyone rises within a blink of an eye and gives the Queen deep bows before filing out of the audience chamber with inhuman speed. All save six.

With an exasperated sigh, the Queen drops some of her imposing presence to raise a hand to cover her brow. "Wairdlur. I have issued my decree. I patently know your disapproval of it, but my word is law and I expect you to follow it regardless."

A beyond beautiful woman with bark colored skin and wavy green hair stands and gives a glare to the four at the end of the table. "You heard her, turtle. Take your little troupe of cowards and obey your liege. Or are your treasonous colors finally starting to show now that danger is at our doorstep?"

A hiss comes from the snake kin before a feathered arm gently comes to rest on her shoulder. With still slitted eyes, the angered woman looks over toward the owlkin who replies, "We hold no such feelings Myerial, and it is bordering on seditious for you to claim as such. As ever, we are loyal to the Queendom and its people."

The dryad gives the owlkin a knowing look, critical and analytical as no real mention of being loyal to the Queen was implied in the owl's rebuttal. Before the green haired spirit can say as much, the Queen intercedes in a tired voice that should belong to a war weary veteran. Not a ruler about to embark into glory.

"You four have been our oldest pillars of support for centuries. Your sects were there when my grandmother etched this Queendom from the war ravaged lands with her own two hands nearly a millennia ago. I know your feelings on this matter, all of yours, but please continue to give me your support regardless of the harsh choices I once more have to make."

The four glance to each other before the dashing human male steps forward and gives a slight bow, "Of course, my liege. As Perimini said, we are loyal to the Queendom. If you say you know our thoughts on the matter, and have chosen this path in spite of them, then we shall return to our sects to gather our forces as asked."

The nature spirit twitches at the wording yet again, but just as she opens her mouth, she is once more interrupted from exposing them by the Queen. "Very well. I shall see you all - and your warriors - on the field come the morrow."

Without waiting for them to exit, the Queen stands and quietly makes her way to the adjoining hallway leading further into the opulent castle. Her long, wavy brown hair cascading down her shoulders and back as her silky royal purple robe dusts the ground ever so faintly. Within a few moments, she is joined at her side by the dryad.

"Why did you stop me from exposing them, Siceil? Don't tell me you've gone soft." She says with a more than notable bite to her words, her verdant eyes burrowing into the Queen's face with heat.

"Because I still yet believe them to be loyal. Foolish though that may be considering your every effort to isolate and disparage them these last few decades." The Queen replies off handedly, like it was the most obvious statement in the world to make.

Myerial's steps hitch - just for a fraction of a second - before a wide, inhuman grin splays across her face. "Hoh~? So you knew all this time and didn't once try to stop me~. How devious of you, pet. Were you really that afraid to inadvertently break our pact~?"

"Seeing as how you would lay claim to my soul if I obstructed your efforts, I would say yes..." Comes the still stoic reply.

Myerial lets loose a melodic laugh the sound of spring, but the undercurrents carry the harsh chill of winter. "So clever~! I knew you were smart when we met~. And don't make it out like you haven't gotten anything in return, pet~. Or do all of those nights shivering in indescribable bliss fade from memory upon your waking~? Or... have you forgotten how I saved your life~?"

Siceil stops dead in her tracks, the tips of her ears tinted red as she throws a glare to the dryad. "T-that is not the point! When we made our deal, I was bitter and angry at that fox and my powerlessness to stop her. I wanted revenge for the death and heartache she caused. I did not know that youwere the reason her rampage began in the first place!! And now you are forcing me to relive it all over again for your retribution! Placing yourself as my chief advisor and binding me so I cannot publicly refute you!

You drive us to a war of extinction! You isolate me from the only reliable people in my council! Your own sisters confirmed Akiko's harem has ascended, and they were the only ones close to capable of halting the mad fox's rampage a century ago! Now they are arrayed before us, united in purpose and drive!

While they have risen to new heights of power, you have fed my subjects nothing but shadowed propaganda and inflated their egos into thinking this is going to be anything but a slaughter! The blood of my Queendom is going to be spilt to empty in this upcoming war, a war of your making, and I know you care not one whit about it!"

Her voice gets higher and higher, more and more animated as a scowl slips onto Myerial's face. With a yank of her hand, a glowing green chain made of wood appears between them, collared around the Queen's neck as she is ripped to her knees.

"Be careful, pet. I won't take things kindly if you renege on our deal or raise your voice to your savior. I was crystal clear with you when you dropped your blood onto our contract: I would help you get your revenge, and you would allow me to accomplish that in any way I saw fit.

It matters not that you did not think further ahead to imagine the ways I would do it, including if I aimed to sacrifice worthless chaff to finally get that fox away from her precious Village~. Just be grateful I allowed you to experience my body - and that of my sisters - in that arrangement, as well as all the work I did to repair your dantian."

With a giggle bordering on insanity that bleeds out of the tension, Myerial puts a hand to her mouth to hide her laughing face, "Oh~! I always find it so hilarious when you claim you stayed back from the fighting to protect the capitol~. So honorable~! So noble~! If only they knew that you were essentially a powerless mortal because some assassin snuck in and nearly broke your cultivation during all the commotion~. Hahaha~!"

Siceil's face burns in shame, but as long as the collar remains she can not speak. So Myerial continues, throwing her head back in manic glee, "Can you imaginethe chaos that would have erupted if that little bit of information had slipped out during the destruction~? Hah~... Some days, I wish I could have seen that happen instead~."

One of her feet daintily rises up, her big toe coming to poke just underneath Siceil's chin as she begins to lift the kneeling woman's face upwards to meet hers. "Good thing I was in the room though, huh~? Got rid of that nasty old assassin like he was a fly to be swatted~. Had a contract all ready to go to save your life too~. All your pretty little self had to do was agree and give it a tiny pin prick's worth of blood~. So convenient, wasn't it~?"

All the once noble and proud Queen can do is tighten her glare, something that makes the dryad shiver in delight as a hand slips between her legs. "There's that fire~. I'll put you to work until its time for us to reclaim my home and avenge my grove's reaping. Now, stick out your tongue, pet. The night's still young and I crave a bit of... excitement before our victory~."

The anger bordering on hatred in the chained woman's eyes immediately fades into lust as the air becomes cloyingly thick with the scent of honey and spring, a soft breeze whirring to life in the hall as the Queen eagerly does as requested. The dryad gives one more look of utter satisfaction and pride before grabbing the kneeling head before her and shoving it between her legs, a cruel and wicked smile splitting her face.

---

By the time the sun dips below the horizon to reappear anew, a massive force of roughly 2000 cultivators amass on a dreary windswept and barren plain devoid of anything but the sparsest of desert grass. While mostly dominated by human women, several males and beast kin of myriad species fill their ranks as well as the assembled troops stand in crisp, clean columns.

At the head of each arrangement flies a figure that stands out from their respective subordinates, a total of thirty figureheads. Hovering just below them are varying numbers of other flying individuals, some having merely one or two while others sport seven to eight. In total, of all forms flying in the air without assistance numbers to nearly two hundred.

Farthest away from the center - positions that are given to slight whoever holds them and deny them glory - float four frowning leaders and their assembled forces who wear the respective colors of their sect. With tension palpable in the air, Wairdlur gives the slightest of glances down the row toward the other three. Each of them subtly nodding their heads in return just before two figures appear on the crack of sound breaking.

Everyone standing kneels to the ground while those floating mirror the action while staying aloft as their Queen and head advisor materialize in front of all of them. Queen Siceil adorned in a silver breast plate etched with purple and white trimmings and runes, a thin rapier nestled in a sheath at her hip. Bracers and shin greaves of the same colors adorning her wrists and calves. A purple robe padded with thick fabric fluttering underneath the protective wear.

To her side is the all too familiar face of Myerial, her arriving clap of sound not due to immense speed, but because a massive oak suddenly rips reality apart in its birth while she steps through its bark. Clearing the trunk, she waves her hand casually and the tree fades from existence, her only stitch of clothing or armor being a gorgeous green robe trimmed in dark, earthy brown.

"Rise for your Queen!" Comes the elegant, empowered voice of the nature spirit as the thousands of cultivators oblige. As their eyes peer upwards into the rising sun, Queen Siceil unsheathes the long, thin blade of her sword and raises it to the air. As she opens her mouth, Qi begins to form along her throat and cast her voice to every assembled ear.

"Subjects of the [Jade Dragon Queendom], we are gathered here today to right a malicious wrong. A century ago, Yuki Akiko who leads the Fox Village brought death and destruction to our lands. Unprovoked and without warning. While eventually repelled, the damage wrought to our glorious people was incalculable. Entire sects, cities, and villages forever erased from the fabric of our great future.

Now, nearing on the eve of such a calamitous and cruel anniversary, we are once more called into action to face her tyranny. However this time, her actions have not only endangered our families, our people, and our subjects, but the entirety of Mara.

Twice now she has angered our Heaven, and twice now has she used some foul workings to survive its wrath. This cannot be! Without regard for the countless lives walking the soil of our world, she seems content to see its scouring!"

Various cheers raise from the forces arrayed below, nearly all of the floating leadership joining in on the chants and yells before the Queen continues. "We will not allow her to jeopardize the safety of our lives, nor the sanctity of Heaven any longer! This field of battle will stand testament to our resolve of peace, prosperity, and the stability of our world!

Hold courage in your hearts! Hold pride in your mind! And strike true with the intention to save all you cherish from annihilation from a woman bent on its destruction! Fight with me, and let us end this dark stain on the tapestry of our world's history once and for all! For the Queendom!"

Just as it appears that a more fervorous call to action is about to ensue, three devastating cracks of air sunder the space opposite the feudal army. The pressure in the space grows so heavy, that reality begins to warp and fracture under the strain. Those who can remain floating are few, and those on the ground suddenly find their faces buried into it as their bodies visibly crater into the earth.

Eyes wide with dread, the monarch defensively flares her Qi and turns to see six women flying before her. Four are known to her by sight alone, while the other two look impossibly identical with long, flowing crimson hair and color swapped robes. The two identical women floating on large, silver discs seemingly without effort.

Before the Queen can reply or rally her forces, the kitsune Yuki Akiko slips her hands down her face, a wooden fox mask weaving into existence after the movement. As it completes, the warped and straining air cracks and finally breaks, ripples of torn reality springing to life in any and all directions.

Next to her, the twin in a mostly black dress sees all emotion drain from her face as a malevolent explosion of Qi bathed in crimson erupts from her. Those same fractal distortions appearing all over her comparably smaller form like a broken, Heaven defying silhouette.

Within the same moment the others, even the unfamiliar red head standing next to the impossibly powered one who wields a manic grin, flare their auras in unison. Those who have not flared their Qi yet are sent even further into the dirt, and several of those below the half-step do not even have time to register the pain before becoming piles of crushed, pulverized flesh. Hundreds ripped from the realm of the living faster than the blink of an eye.

Horror takes hold of the battlefield suddenly marred with death. The Queen and her forces still struggling to recover from the sudden display of power, an almost sickly sweet and motherly voice filtered by a wooden mask echoes across the barren landscape. "Hoh~? It seems you and I had the same idea for once, Siceil~. And you were even kind enough to gather your strength all in one location~!"

A giggle that turns into unrestrained delight weaves across the plains, shaking the spine of everyone present due to the joy and hatred it carries. As the floating fox comes back from the spell, the corners of her lips can almost be seen poking at the edge of the fox-like mask. "I am glad we will not have to perform the sordid dance of diplomacy after all~. Since we agree to terms, I hope all of you are ready to die~."

What follows next... is carnage.