The Path of Ascension PoA The Concept of Death Chapter 2

PoA The Concept of Death 2

linda had no idea who the woman was, or why she was even here. Her instincts scread for her to be wary of the intruder.

She was easily identifiable as over Tier 15. The woman had no darkness around her, like the normal people who still suffered from the effects of aging. No, the woman seed to radiate warm energy and charisma.

Her team thankfully picked up on her glance as the woman bustled in and pressed a kiss on top of lindas head.

How the woman managed that when linda was taller than her was a mystery.

Well hello, everyone.

The woman visibly counted each of them and clapped as if she had won a prize when she found them all there. Her next words confird that, and imdiately caused linda to go on the defensive.

Wonderful, youre all here.

linda missed what she said next, as she shot a glance out of the still-open door and saw two identical n in suits. They seed to be standing guard in front of their rented hos door.

Things had gotten too far out of hand, and linda didnt trust the situation. Being kidnapped was her greatest fear, and no matter how friendly the woman seed as she smiled, linda sent a panicked ssage to Baxter.

Her heart rate picked up when the woman paused in her speech to look through the wall and smile. She called out, Baxter! I havent seen you in years.

linda looked at her wall and found nothing, but she expected the higher Tier man to co barreling through the door at any mont, and stop whatever this was.

She was sorely disappointed.

The woman cocked her head in a movent that resembled a bird watching prey, more so than linda felt comfortable with. The woman only needed to give one of the identical n a look for him to vanish, clearly sent off on so task.

It was only then that linda noticed each of the n was wearing a different colored tie. Blue tie was still standing at the door, and purple tie reappeared a mont later, with Baxter held up by his shirt collar.

lindas panic was held at bay when Baxter smiled and warmly greeted the woman. Aunt Helen. Its been too long.

He shot linda a death glare over the womans shoulder, but returned his smile as he pulled back.

She patted his arm and said, You run away every ti you hear Im coming to the capital. Dont worry so much. After all, I promised I wouldnt make that recipe anymore.

The man looked like he had been given a stay of execution, but the womans next words seed to be worse than the threat of a al.

Ive been aning to have a luncheon with your wife. Ill set that up with her after I take care of everything here. You will be there, wont you?

Baxter flinched as if a knife was placed at his throat, but nodded. The woman, Aunt Helen, smiled and turned away. He glared at linda with an unspoken ssage that she would be hearing about this tomorrow, but he didnt stick around any longer.

The feather-haired woman gestured, and the door shut at her command. She smiled apologetically at them before continuing.

Sorry, Matt talked so much about you all. I felt like I already know you. I apologize. Let cook you a al before I give you the present that young Matthew sent over.

You know Matt? How? linda was satisfied that the woman wasnt a threat, judging from Baxters reaction. But she was still trying to catch up with the whirlwind that had descended on her ho.

Oh yes. Hes really co into his own, and I make it a point to visit the future powerhouses of the Empire while they are young. She then grinned like a kid who got a new toy. He also made a team with my niece, so...

That made more sense, and linda started to truly calm down. She just wished Matt had warned her that a woman would barge into her house. She made a note to lecture him about proper etiquette when they ssaged each other next.

Her husbands eyes flicked to the kitchenette, and linda moved to cut that off. Interacting with higher Tiers never ended well in her experience.

While we appreciate your graciousness, you dont have to go to the trouble. Miss?

Oh, I insist. I also insist that you call Aunt Helen. Everyone does. Aunt Helen pursed her lips at their kitchenette and continued, Well... have to go to my house if we want a proper al.

Finally, Tara couldnt hold it in anymore and squealed, Youre Helen of Helens Hearth, arent you?

linda couldnt help staring, as her normally unflappable teammate seed to lose all reason.

Your restaurant is legendary. Ive heard it costs Tier 40 plus mana stones to get your personally cooked food.

linda scoffed at the idea that food could be worth so much, but the rest of her team seed to be on board, so she quickly queried the EmpireNet. From the results, she guessed that Tara might have undersold the value of this Aunt Helens cooking.

She couldnt find a single person saying that having the woman cook for you was anything less than the best al of their lives.

Seeing her team looking at her, linda nodded, giving her approval. It didnt seem dangerous, and she hated to deny them.

There was a chorus of cheers, and Tara was already at the door, holding it open for the feather-haired woman.

Mathew moved to take her hand. She leaned into her husband, who whispered, If Matt knows her, she cant be all bad. Besides, she said he wanted to give us sothing. Even lower, he said, And her cooking seems to be amazing.

linda stopped herself from making a jab about how he would be eating leftovers if he kept insulting her cooking, even indirectly. She had only ruined als a few tis.

They exited their house to look around, and Aunt Helen pointed up to where a small and quaint cottage seed to hover in the air. linda was impressed, but confused about how such a small house could fit all of them, let alone a kitchen better than their little one.

As they were lifted into the air and walked through the small gate, she got the shock of her life. Where she expected a small area around the house, she found miles of perfectly manicured lawn stretching out in all directions. The house remained innocuous until they entered it, and they found themselves in a formal entrance that could have fit their entire house twice over.

There was another identical man standing at the entrance, who took Aunt Helens jacket and disappeared in an eyeblink. The only distinguishing detail that linda was able to catch was that this man had a green tie.

Against her better judgnt, linda found herself gawking like so country bumpkin reaching a city for the first ti. She had done that once, and that experience hardly prepared her for this sight.

There was a chandelier that she swore was made from mana stones. How extravagant was that? It didnt feel like they were low Tier mana stones either.

linda was aghast at the extravagance.

Co, co dearies. I have just the al for you all.

With that, they were led through opulent halls that had pictures of young people and groups. So even seed vaguely familiar, but linda didnt have ti to search the EmpireNet for the information as they were hurried along.

They passed a dozen doors before they entered a banquet hall that linda swore was larger than so sports fields.

Whats the expansion ratio in this place? It must be insane.

They were hurried through with a running comntary about so of the past als that the woman had cooked for people. linda didnt recognize any of the nas, but noted them down for future review.

Finally, they passed through a kitchen that seed endless. After they made their way through the industrial behemoth, they reached a smaller, more cozy area. It contained a kitchen and dining room separated by a half wall.

Sit. While I cook, we can get to know each other a little more.

The woman flicked her feathers behind her ears and smiled at them. Tara seed like she was going to squeal again, but bit a knuckle to restrain herself. The rest of the team perked up in anticipation.

So Matt said that you all ca from the sa world. Lily, I believe. I wasnt in that part of the Empire when it was settled. Dreadful thing that the local nobles did. She tapped a wooden spoon like she was going to slap them upside the head.

linda took it for a comical gesture, but considering Baxters reluctance, she revised her opinion about the woman only speaking idly.

Unable to hold back any longer, linda asked the question that had been bugging her.

How is Matt doing? He hasnt responded to our ssages in a while.

The woman paused and looked down through the floor, like she had done when finding Baxter.

With a bright smile, she laughed. Hes doing fine. Better than fine. You could say he found a new path to follow.

That was cryptic enough to cause lindas heart to clench for her friend.

Quickly she asked, Hes ok though, right?

Her husband, the traitor, laughed. Im sure hes doing fine.

Aunt Helen winked at Mathew. Hes doing great. Recently he was given an opportunity to push forward on The Path, and he took it. Now, hes in a race to the top.

The woman had started cooking during the short conversation, and a divine sll wafted out of the half-wall kitchen. linda had to wipe her mouth to make sure there wasnt any drool.

Checking her team, she saw that Tara was the worst, and noticed her visibly licking her lips. While linda couldnt bla her, with all the amazing slls bombarding them, everyone else at least had the self control to keep their hunger under wraps.

So, have you all decided to take the war declaration?

That got the team talking, but linda noticed how the woman skillfully guided the conversation around, and asked questions of anyone who seed to get left out of the discussion.

linda was taking notes. The woman knew how to be charming, as well as disarming. It made her wonder how this woman would make a blunder like bursting into their house. It didnt make any sense. But as she was about to question the oddity, their first dish was served.

The soup was the first indication that this wasnt the simple al linda expected.

No.

They each received a different dish. Mathew had a soup with tomato and potato, as if she already knew it was his favorite. There was even a small corner of golden grilled cheese.

linda had a bowl of thick and creamy chicken noodle soup.

The first spoon removed any resistance that linda had left. She was returned to her childhood ho, and re-lived the mories of her mother feeding her when she was recovering from a sickness, along with the subsequent healing.

Still, the recipe wasnt the sa as her mothers. As much as she wanted to deny it, this was better in a million different ways, but it didnt diminish the mory. In fact, it improved it.

Before she knew it, linda had finished her bowl and was scanning the table, when a second plate ca for them. Everything after that was a blur, as each of them were fed individual, seven-course als.

The al ended with a small scoop of ice cream that tasted as if it was freshly made, and linda t eyes with their host. She wore a grin that was seven parts confidence. The feather-haired woman had the right to be proud.

Any questioning of the al being the best she had ever eaten was gone after the soup, and further shattered as each course followed the one before.

Finally, their host clapped her hands and bead, Now I believe its ti for Matts gift.

Suddenly, the woman pulled what looked like a piece of the sky from out of nowhere.

linda didnt know what the thing did, but her Concept tried to reach out for it like a child wanting candy.

Normally, she would resist anything that her Concept wanted, but this particular urge felt benevolent. But she quickly ran into what felt like a wall blocking her.

She received a wink from their cook. This helps people build their own Concepts, or beyond.

lindas mouth dropped open, but Vinnie got the question out faster. How did Matt get that?

Kyle got to the second thing that linda was worried about. Can we accept that? Since we are on The Path...

Aunt Helen caressed Vinnies cheek and smiled. Its fine. Youre both on The Path, so there are fewer restrictions, and I can verify that he got it legitimately. I was there when he picked it up, after all. You are well in the clear.

The woman shook the shard of cloud, leaning forward and whispering, I even happen to have a room that the five of you can use to ensure you get the most out of it.

Mathew cocked his head and asked, Not all of us?

Aunt Helen t lindas eyes, and for the first ti that night, it seed like the woman had seen right through her. It was as if the cook knew her better than she did herself.

linda is welco to use it too. It would help her reach for her Intent as well, but it would just an less for everyone else.

The look that followed was one filled with pity, and linda knew that the unspoken follow-up would have been, And she doesnt want to grow her Concept.

linda nodded, and the woman winked.

linda turned to her friends. Go, take it. I dont need it, and its better to make sure that the advantage isnt wasted. I cant imagine these would be cheap.

It ward her heart to listen as they protested leaving her out, but linda put her best mothers face on, and marched them into the indicated room.

There were cushions arranged in a circle that was surrounded by a series of lines and candles. When they all took a seat, Aunt Helen placed the sliver of sky into the center circle and stepped back. All the candles were lit, and linda could sll that they were special. Her Concept seed to turn to butter when she got a single whiff.

The shorter woman hooked her arm, and pulled linda along and to a cozy tea room.

When she sipped the tea proffered to her, linda sunk into the couch and tucked her legs under her.

As they sat in silence, she asked the older woman, You set up the bursting into the house, didnt you?

The woman gasped, and brought her hand to her mouth as if she was shocked, but linda noticed the twinkle in her eye.

Now, why would I do that?

I noticed the trance my friends dropped in. It was too fast to be just the candles. It was the als you made for them. They do sothing.

The woman cackled and examined her fingers, which were now talons. I cant keep my talons out of other peoples business when I feel its appropriate. Thats why I ca to see you. I was already planning on visiting, even before Matt gave the shard for you.

See ?

linda couldnt think why she would need to know the woman.

Oh, honey. I could feel you across the Empire.

linda was going to interject, but Aunt Helen spoke over her. Let get my story out, and well see if that doesnt answer your questions.

She cleared her throat, A few dozen million years ago, shortly after the calamity that destroyed the only great union of cultivators, and killed off the strongest, there were no Great Powers or large organizations. Even planets had more than one faction trying to take over.

linda tried to picture that, but couldnt. There had always been the Empire. Right?

It was long ago. As people and factions recovered, they grew in power and expanded out. Its what we call the unification wars now. Similar ideologies flocked together and joined up. It was around that ti when my husband and son died. My son just never ca out of a rift, and my husband never recovered. He eventually dispersed his spirit and died.

The woman looked off to the distance for nearly ten minutes, but linda didnt want to disturb her. She found it hard to wrap her head around that length of ti that the woman had lived, but could sympathize with her losses. They were reminiscent of her own.

What you need to understand is that evolved beasts like are given a Concept at Tier 5. Its reflective of our bloodline or elental affinity, sotis both. But Concepts arent permanent. I never resonated with my fire Concept, so I willingly broke it and ford a Concept around the idea of family.

When my family died, I was left adrift. When sothing like that hits you, and is so dissonant with your Concept, it can shatter. Mine did. And Ive spent the last few million years trying to rebuild a vase from the dust that has scattered in the wind.

linda blanched at the revelation. Thats horrible. Im so sorry. I

The older woman patted her hand and gave her a bitter sweet smile. I could have dismissed my Concept and started over again. Even made another family Concept. But I chose a much harder route, and slowly rebuilt my Concept over the years. I refuse to give up my last connection to my family. But my age and experience have changed my definition of family. These days, I consider the Empire my family. Now, I can feel when people who will change the Empire are rising up, and get a feeling for what they need. I knew when your friend Matt was leaving the Training planet he was on. He needed a little push, and it was the right ti to give it. The Emperor wasnt happy with how much I gave him, but its not like he didnt get a helping hand in my kitchen.

linda nearly dropped her teacup when the woman in front of her talked so casually about the strongest man in the Empire.

Aunt Helen continued, Today, Im here for you. Barging into your house was an accident that happily let repay a slight. Funny how that happened.

But youre here for ? Why?

Oh, I can feel that you hate your Concept. Im here to tell you its okay if you wish to break it and start over. Ill even show you how. If you dont want to do that, Ill act as an ear to talk to who understands. No pressure or judgnt.

linda didnt know why, but she started to cry at the womans words. The pain and frustration she had been tamping down further and further all slipped out in a wave of emotion. The more she tried to control it, the more she broke down, until she was a small ball of tears being rocked back and forth.

She managed to get out through her sobs, I dont know what I want to do. It feels so evil. It makes see so much pain in the world. But it also helps heal. I dont know... I dont know.

Thats perfectly fine.

***

The next day, linda went to her morning shift at the hospital as if nothing was wrong. She even ate a breakfast that made everything else she had eaten feel like it was prepared by the deaf and blind. She was slightly surprised at the revelation that her friends would be in their trance for at least another two days. Apparently, the formation they had sat in would ensure that they got the full effect from the fragnt of the ascension.

linda owed Matt.

She knew they were friends, and there should be no debt, but she had worried about her friends not getting their Concepts. It was the final hurdle to immortality. Now, even if they didnt get their Concepts, they would be halfway through the race. It was invaluable progress, considering they hadnt even known where the starting point was before.

She stopped by a coffee shop and refilled her cup. Aunt Helen had seen how tired she was, and made her a cup of coffee that tasted like fluffy clouds on a spring day. The one she bought at the shop tasted like dirt in comparison, but it was hot and had caffeine.

As she passed the streets, she saw cri scene barriers blocking off a bakery. A quick search on the CityNet told the story. There had been a series of murders in the bakery last night. Supposedly local cri lords were to bla.

linda just hurried her walk into a jog. She had a feeling that would an the ER would be packed, but when she arrived, there were hardly any people.

Even though she was nearly an hour early, she checked in and got to work. Baxter was there and already glaring at her.

linda just smiled at him. After their heart-to-heart, Aunt Helen had told her all about Baxter and how to handle him. The woman had dirt on everyone apparently, and had been happy to share over a night of giggles and whispered plans.

She just smiled and let the man stew.

linda felt good. She had gotten nearly zero sleep, but felt like she had made a friend in the older woman. She hadnt co to a decision about her Concept, but sohow, knowing she could remove it lightened her outlook on the whole situation. Now there was an option, and she wasnt in a hurry to decide either way.

Aunt Helen provided a valuable lesson. If she broke through to Tier 15, she didnt have to worry about ti, and then linda could decide without added pressure.

Her first patient ca in while snacking on a box of assorted donuts.

Eclairs? Theyre great. Try one. Mr. Millson offered one, and as she chewed on the proffered treat, she scanned him for any maladies.

Rembering his idle chatter on the train, she asked, Did you have your wild orgy last night? You seem chipper this morning.

Oh, it was delightful.

linda kept up the small talk as she healed the mans extensive cancer. She was honestly impressed that the man was up and walking. It was an impressive showing of will power and drive.

He walked out imdiately after he was healed, still munching on the savory sweets.

Baxter took that opportunity to speak up, You know that hes a contract killer, right?

She turned and raised her eyebrow at the grumpy man.

Did you notice the label on the box of eclairs?

linda had to check her AI, but it was the sa as the bakery involved in the killings the night before .

She shrugged. Its not my business to judge people. Ill heal anyone who cos in.

Does that change if his victims were brought in? What if the person was truly evil?

Then I would heal them and happily watch them be handed over to authorities. If youre so concerned, why dont you capture the man and send him to prison yourself?

Baxter just scoffed at her, and linda smiled.

Today was a good day.

***

Aunt Helen had been wrong about when her friends would exit their seclusion. It had taken more than the estimated three days. Only after the fourth day passed did they all seem to wake up and stumble out, at nearly the sa ti.

Aunt Helen, the miracle of culinary perfection that she was, stuffed sandwiches in their hands before sending them off to bed.

The next morning, they were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. They all had their phrases and ideas on their images.

linda kept Mathew busy for long enough that they were catcalled by the others.

She just flipped them all the bird and sat on his lap. They were married, and she knew they were happy for her, but they teased them all the sa.

As they sat around the comfy couches, linda asked the looming question.

Are we still doing the war? She hoped getting closer to their Concepts would an they didnt want to, but she knew it was foolish. They all eagerly jumped at the chance.

Sam looked to their host and asked, Do you know if Matt will be there?

Aunt Helen laughed, Oh, he wasnt given a choice. Hell be fighting.

Vinnie looked around, So what side should we choose?

Sam kicked him. The alliance of Queens. Everyone knows Queens are better than Kings.

linda laughed at the reasoning. It really didnt matter which side they chose. It was largely a nonissue. She had read the provided information while her friends were in their trances, and it seed like it would be heavily monitored. Points were dependent on participation, so it was what they did that mattered, not who they did it for. Apparently, the AIs watching the event could account for disparity in numbers and such, so it might be better to be on the losing side from a pure points perspective.

But, she still threw her vote in with the other girls. That made it a tie, as the boys used the sa logic to say that the kings were better.

Kyle tried to add so logic. We should choose whatever side Matt is on. If hes participating, we want to be on his side.

They all looked to Aunt Helen, who simply sipped her tea. Oh, that would be telling.

The older woman winked at them, and linda was pretty sure that Tara was uncomfortable.

Sam kicked the balance once again by adding, Think about it. The Emperor allowed this war, so he must not be happy with the Kingdom. Otherwise, why would he allow this?

That was enough for Vinnie to change his vote, to the caterwauling of the other two. linda gleefully pressed accept and watched it be confird by the other four.

Mathew tickled her, and it turned into a little brawl.

Two days later, they were seen off by Aunt Helen, and dropped off at the eting point for everyone who was on The Path.. According to Aunt Helen, teleporting from planet to planet would be too slow, and they would enjoy this one form of transportation.

linda tried to turn Tara around, who hadnt talked her eyes off the portal Aunt Helen had sent them through.

You ok, Tara? Youve seed off the last few days. Did you not like Aunt Helen?

Tara looked at her like she was stupid. Like her? I intend to marry that woman!

...What?