The Heavens Shall Fall

“Where are we going?” Siu asked as Seloryn was leading him clearly towards a less frequented part of the sect. Ruben had already said his goodbyes, so it was only them and, of course, Arya and Marly. Siu expected they would go to where he had previously entered the sect proper, but apparently that was not the case, as they were scaling one of the mountains along a constantly narrowing stone stairway.

“We will have to request permission to go down. Without it, we can't access the outers' territory, for obvious reasons.”

“That is stupid,” Arya muttered, rolling her eyes, but Seloryn just shook her head.

“It is so because inner disciples have authority over outers merely by the power they have, Arya. The sect separates us, not only because of that, but also to protect the outers' mental state. They have to focus on their foundations, and if the fear of us is constantly hanging over them, their foundation would be shaky, and it would ruin the sect as a whole."

"They do that without Blood Resonance people lording over them anyway," Siu added, his thoughts slipping out a little.

"That's how humans are," Seloryn continued, “Well, after your intervention, I heard from Dui that it changed a lot, but I can tell you now that your change, in time, will revert to how it was before. Anyway, inner disciples cannot simply wander into the outer territory to interfere in their disputes either. Even if they have connected organizations down there, they are forbidden from acting in any way. We can visit only with a clear purpose, and that purpose has to be recorded beforehand. Not to mention, if it is refused, you can't use it later.”

“What if I just want to see my friends?” Marly asked, and Siu translated.

“That is going to be denied.”

“Oh...”

"So, we are here to see Dui." Siu nodded, making Seloryn smile a little.

As they arrived at a flattened part of the mountainside, Siu recognized the distortion in the distance at once, like looking into a rippling mirror, revealing the distant scenery of the outer disciples' area. To his surprise, it wasn't just Dui who was present; there were multiple storage buildings and caves, with several inner disciples and servants moving about, handling resources that would be sent down to the outers' territory. Siu finally understood where Dui was most of the time: he was clearly the leading figure, ordering the others, checking on their work, and enjoying his position very much.

He was ready to turn around and speak to someone else when his eyes fell on Seloryn, immediately beginning to smile, but he stopped himself when he noticed Siu.

“Ah, Senior Seloryn.” Dui stepped towards them while he glanced at Siu, giving him a simple nod.

“Dui.” She smiled at him, and Siu wanted to laugh, seeing him straighten himself up, posturing like Cinna. “We would like to go down for the day, and we have a valid reason to do so,” Seloryn added without any preamble.

"Well, I am glad to allow you to go down, but," Dui pointed at Siu. “Whenever he is involved, that means trouble for me. His damn group shifted the powerscales so much down there that it made my job almost useless.”

“Excuse me?” Siu asked, feeling surprised as it wasn't that long since he had been gone. A few months only... What could have changed?

"You heard me," He snorted, eying Siu with a very angry look, "There are barely any conflicts; if there are any, they are settled in duels, and most of the groups they are forming now are working together. Where is the competition? Where are the late contributions that I can smooth out with the elders? Nobody comes to me to ask for resolutions anymore! How am I to earn favors like this, huh? I'm running dry here!"

"That sounds like a you problem," Siu answered simply, his voice losing any respect towards Dui in that moment alone.

"Master, we should kick him in the balls," Arya spoke up suddenly, making Dui look at her, squinting.

“Oh,” He muttered after a quick recognition, “Of course, she became a person. Why would anything around you remain simple? Why would it, eh?”

“I was always a person,” Arya said, putting her hands on her hips, “Now everyone else can see it, and I don't like your tone. It smells of being weak! Laughable.”

"I agree!" Marly lifted one paw from Siu’s head. “Even if I am still a squirrel, I can still smell that he is weak!”

"You can't say no to this," Seloryn stepped closer to Dui before things would escalate and placed the black founding tablet in his hands. “We are here on official business. Let us through, or I'm getting an Elder involved. You were crying about it just a moment ago, so let's make it into reality then.”

"..." Dui’s eyes moved to the tablet, reading the words 'Spirit Warden,' making him grimace, “Again?”

“Yes, we have established the main branch,” Siu said with a flat tone. “We are here to link it to my outer association. Have an issue with that?”

"I have," Dui said as he picked up the tablet and examined the scrolling record, looking for anything he could argue about, but... the more he read, the uglier his expression became. “You have been an inner disciple for how long? Don't even answer.”

“We would be grateful if the sect’s most experienced outer liaison could arrange it without making us wait through a full review.” Seloryn tried again, sounding sweet, and finally Dui just shrugged and handed it back.

“There will be conditions.”

“Naturally,” Seloryn nodded, passing the tablet back over to Siu.

“You remain only until sundown. I am not staying up all night waiting for your return to log it.”

“Until complete sundown, right until all its light is gone.” Siu clarified, making Dui roll his eyes but nod.

“You may make one formal announcement tied to the association registration," he continued, ignoring Siu, "but there will be no open recruitment beyond explaining the advancement route open for their members.”

“Naturally.” Seloryn nodded again.

“Do not interfere with anything or tell them anything about how the sect works, or I'm using the fact to disband the outer version of your group,” Dui added, looking at Siu finally, "It is against sect rules, and I'll know if you break them."

“You have my thanks,” Seloryn said before Siu could open his mouth, and began walking towards the shimmering image. Siu followed her, dragging Arya along, and without hesitation, it was he who stepped through it first.

With the same feeling he once experienced, for an instant, the world stretched out endlessly around him and then came back to normal. However, after only two more steps, he could sense how the rich essence of the sect thinned a good amount, although not as much when they traveled outside. Looking around from their vantage point, hidden from the view of the outers, he realized how weird it felt to be back. He had not been gone very long, yet it felt like years.

“The air is weird...” Arya spoke up suddenly, sniffing loudly, “I don’t like it!”

“You get used to the good too quickly.” Seloryn chuckled, appearing behind them, "What will you do when you get positioned away from the sect for years, hm?"

“I won't go.” She answered proudly, only to receive a light slap on the back of the head from Siu, making her head bob back and forth.

"That won't be an option. Let's go, we only have a few hours."

The path didn't take long to rejoin the outers' territory, making them 'appear' at one of the trails leading out towards the forest. To the outers, it seemed as if they walked out from the trees, appearing amongst their midst from nowhere. Even without the silver sashes, recognizing them happened almost instantly.

“Senior Siu?” Someone exclaimed, as all the heads turned towards him, making him feel self-conscious all of a sudden, as one disciple nearly walked into a wall while looking back at him.

“Hello...?” Siu answered, raising a hand as he didn't even know the man who spoke his name.

Of course, that made it worse, and by the time they reached the road leading toward the Spirit Wardens’ tower, a proper crowd had begun following them. They were both trying to ask questions and not at the same time, making it a very, very awkward trek. Despite it all, Arya enjoyed it immediately, swinging her hips and tail proudly, sometimes striking poses out of nowhere, making Marly clap like some cheerleader.

“They are looking at me!” She spoke to Siu through their contract, immensely enjoying her little show, "Loving my butt! I knew I could swing it in a way that makes everyone stare at it!"

“They are looking at Master's butt.” Marly offered as most eyes were on him indeed.

“No, they don't.” They answered in tandem but for different reasons.

Just then, the Spirit Wardens’ tower came into view, and it looked exactly as Siu remembered. Well, almost, as there were more people around than before. Of course, everyone noticed the approaching group, with a young Warden leaning out of the second-floor window, staring at the commotion and almost falling out when recognizing Siu.

“Boss?!” He yelled, as it was Varren, disappearing back into the room. Something heavy had fallen when he pulled himself back, making it crash loudly, and a moment later, he appeared in the doorway, panting for air. “Welcome back, Senior!”

“Hello, Varren.” Siu nodded with a smile, and he heard more footsteps as Rinmei pushed through from behind, looking irritated until she saw who stood in the yard.

“Damn," She chuckled, looking over him, "You were gone for a few days, and you are already back?”

“A little longer than that, but yes.”

"Get out of the way!" Kira’s voice came from behind the crowd, "Did I hear right?! Siu! Are you here?!" She yelled as she squeezed herself through between two members. She was wearing a training uniform, while her hair was damp with sweat, and there was dirt sticking to her face along one cheek. "Damn, it is really you! I do hope you have some tips and tricks to share!" She just walked up to him then and punched him in the shoulder. “Who is the child?” She asked next, looking at Arya.

"I'm not a child!" Arya’s ears flattened, snorting loudly, and before Siu could answer, Varren leaned closer to look at her, but it was Rinmei who spoke up.

"Arya has already transformed?"

“Yes!” She yelled as she puffed out her chest proudly. "Anyone doubting it is just stupid."

“Siu?”

It was then that the voice he was waiting to hear appeared, coming from a different path. She sounded clearly out of breath as she rushed up here the moment news reached her, still wearing a bloody apron. She was working with beast carcasses just a moment ago, dropping everything at once, running like she never did before. For several seconds, neither of them moved while everyone else was watching as if it were the best play they would see in this decade.

“You came back...” Neya muttered.

“I only have time until sundown, but yes.”

“Then you’re wasting time standing there!” She ran forward, and Siu barely managed to open his arms before she struck him, wrapping both arms around his chest and burying her face against him. "Ah!" She wanted to pull back, realizing she was bloodying him and for sure, she smelled bad, but Siu just held on tightly, not wanting to let go. “I missed you,” she whispered, inhaling as much of his scent as she could.

“I missed you, too,” Siu whispered back, while even Arya remained silent, just standing there, hands on her hips, watching.

They only separated when they realized that around them, the Wardens and everyone else had grown suspiciously quiet.

"Khm!" Arya cleared her throat, stepping between them as she lifted her chin at Neya. “Recognize me?”

“Of course, Arya.” She reached out, rubbing her head, "Who wouldn't?"

“You would be surprised," She groaned, rolling her eyes, but her tail was wagging like that of a dog's, "I have human form now! This is not even my final form; I have an even sexier one at night! But it only comes out at night... But you should see it, my boing-boings are... GIGANTIC!”

"Really...?" Neya asked, still smiling, throwing a look at Siu.

"No." He answered simply, and Neya knew what he meant by that, but Arya didn't want to play a guessing game.

"What, no?! I do! They are bigger than your head, Master! If we can just stay, just a bit over the limit, you will see! It is... FANTASTIC! I am fantastic!"

“I missed you, too.” Neya chuckled again, hugging her, making Arya grimace, but her tail began moving like a windmill in a storm.

"Stinky..."

"Well, well, well!" Rinmei clapped multiple times, stepping in, "Order, please! Neya, go, take a shower. Siu, go help her. Then we can get to business, because I guess you are here for a reason."

"I'll explain that until the two catch up," Seloryn joined the conversation, and although Neya turned bright red, instead of complaining, she simply hurriedly led Siu away.

"I'm coming too, I can wash your butts!" Arya hopped after them, only to get caught by Seloryn, lifting her up by the scruff. "Oi!"

"Not in this form, you don't." She whispered, throwing her at Rinmei, while Marly floated and landed on Arya's head.

"Should I invite everyone else?" Rinmei asked, smiling at Seloryn, who simply tilted her head.

"This is Warden business, so... Only the current leadership of the Wardens, please. The others can say hi after."

"Mhm," She nodded, already beginning to organize everything, "Leave it to me."

...

....

......

In the end, Siu and Neya took an hour to reappear, but both of them looked... refreshed. Ignoring the gazes they were getting, and Arya's open questions about how many times they did it, because Siu closed her out for the whole hour, he placed the black tablet on the table between them with a loud thunk. The room on the top floor of the tower quieted down at once, watching the words appear on it, spelling Spirit Wardens.

“That is an official-looking... tablet.” Rinmei muttered, watching it, "So, we are now the outer branch, huh?" She smiled, looking at Siu and Seloryn.

“Yes.” He smiled back, tilting his head slightly, “Didn't you tell me to establish the continuation?”

"I didn't think you would be this quick!" Rinmei stared back at him in answer, shrugging.

"Not many people are in yet," Varren muttered, reading the scrolling names, and when Seloryn’s Paragon rank appeared, he and Kira looked at her curiously.

“What are... Paragons?” They asked at the same time.

Siu looked at Seloryn, not knowing how much he could reveal, and even she was a bit unsure.

"You can't talk about it?" Varren asked, quickly catching on.

"Paragons are the top 100 disciples in the sect," Seloryn said in the end, signaling that she couldn't and wouldn't say more.

“And we have..." Rinmei leaned forward, checking again, "Rank Eighty-Eight and rank Ninety-Nine? Damn! Are we that strong?! That will make the members go crazy.”

“You can't advertise it.” Siu said suddenly, "We don't want to get penalized. Only reveal this to core members and those who are ready to advance and become Inner Disciples, okay? Make it so that after advancing, they are ready to immediately join back up with us."

"Understood." Rinmei nodded seriously, "I will make sure that it's like that."

“We could come down because we have to make it official that you are linked to us,” he continued. “You can advertise the fact that we now have future prospects for those members who advance with our help. I leave that part to you all.”

"You should announce it to everyone, out in the open, Senior." Varren offered, but Siu shook his head.

“This is still your association, and I am not allowed to come down here and interfere. Rinmei remains in charge of the outer branch, so she will have to relay this to the others, because Dui has it out for us. Apparently, he is angry with me for creating the Wardens... He should bring his beef up to Toban, really.”

"Should we be... worried?" Rinmei studied him seriously after hearing it.

"No," Seloryn answered for him, "Dui won't dare to do anything to you and lose his position of power because of it. At best, he can complain and prevent Siu from coming down."

“It is way too easy to make enemies," Siu shrugged, while Neya reached over under the table, squeezing his hand. "That's another advantage for you all now. If a Spirit Warden advances," Siu continued in the meantime, "they will not have to start over alone, and there is somewhere to go. They won't need to be afraid of getting used or trampled on.”

"You can send word if someone is coming up," Seloryn spoke up again, "And we will be there to welcome them and set them up. The first month should be cost-free, but everyone must know that the inner contribution rates are also higher. However, all that will be talked about when, well, you graduate.”

A collective groan moved through the room at the sound of her, making Siu chuckle and cast a look at the others.

“That was her idea,” Siu said, raising his hands, pointing at Seloryn.

“After learning the basics, they will understand why,” Seloryn replied coolly. "So, make sure you work hard to advance, because being an outer is just the preparation phase."

After her little speech, the rest of the afternoon passed too quickly for Siu's liking. When it was made official, and the tablet reacted, it began displaying all the outers as members, too. With their business done, they shared food in the lower hall while Warden members rotated through the room to greet Siu. Everyone was eager to tell him what had happened while he was gone, or just shake his hand. By the end, he was both tired and curious about how they could manage to squeeze so many things into just a few months. By the end of the dinner, he was listening to Kira as she described the latest joint hunts with Ember Circle while being interrupted multiple times by Varren, who clarified that the newer members were being assigned to experienced teams and that there were now more beast-capturing groups than hunters.

Later, even Tian and Lorean had shown up, the former wanting to spar with him, and when that got shot down, he was asking over and over about how it was up there, finally feeling satisfied when learning about the Paragon list. Suddenly, he was no longer interested in fighting Siu, but preparing himself for climbing that list... As for Lorean, she barely asked any questions, which was the weirdest part for Siu. However, it was also the most telling, as it meant Toban had probably already made contact with her. Which made Siu curious... How much Lorean knew?

Of course, he didn't ask, and instead, spent the last few hours with Neya, just walking with her, watching the sunset.

"So..." Neya asked suddenly, "How's it going?"

"Weirdly." Siu chuckled, "But I made more friends than enemies, so that's something."

"Girls?" She asked, making Siu almost choke and trip.

"No, weirdly not. There is an old man, a pair of half-brothers, but they are nothing like the twins, mind you."

"Yeah," Neya sighed quietly, "Nobody could be like them. Um... So, who else?"

"We also have a fugitive... Aaaand Seloryn."

"Oh." Neya exhaled, actually surprised, "Oh... So... It's only Seloryn and... Arya?"

"I'm not doing it with either of them," Siu answered simply, making Neya raise an eyebrow.

"You know I wouldn't mind. Hearing Arya boast, I was actually curious how she looks at night."

"Haaah..." Siu shrugged, pinching Neya's side, making her squeal and jump before giggling, "She looks fine."

"So she is fantastic, and she isn't just boasting!" She muttered, nodding her head, then touching her own chest, "Well, she is a fox, so I am not surprised. Still... I may grow a bit..."

"What about you? Let's talk about you for a change."

"I am talking about me." Neya answered, letting go of her chest with a giggle, "But, well, nothing much," She continued, hugging his waist, leaning against him as they walked, "It hasn't been long anyway. But things became pretty pleasant and calm, you can actually feel it. And..."

"Hm?"

"I think Rinmei is close to advancing." She said quietly after looking around, "She has been preparing me to take over, because I think she is getting ready to take the test. I don't know if it will be before winter or after it, but I'm pretty sure she is close to it."

"That's good. I expect seeing you up there soon enough, too!" He joked, leaning down and stealing a kiss.

"I'm working on it," She nodded with a happy laugh, "But I'm not rushing. That would just ruin it for... everyone."

"Yeah, and I don't want to rush you either, I just..." He muttered, realizing what he had just said, "I missed you."

"I know." She whispered as they stopped, watching as the sun was almost gone behind a mountain, "But, we have time, and as cultivators, a lot of it."

Siu said nothing, just stood there with her, enjoying the moment, watching the sun go away. Even though he knew she was right, in Siu's opinion, time felt as if it were passing way too quickly...