Walking Disasters and Me A Path Set to Reunion – Ch167

I open my eyes and am t with each of the three girls looking mystified toward their own chests. A kind of silent awe that I assu is probably the erm... natural reaction to becoming a soulmate. With a warm smile, I send each of them a ping of love through the nubile connection, all three of them jumping slightly in a startle as I feel the emotions being received.

My smile shifts to playful as I lightly tease, "Wow~. You guys are so coordinated already~. Truly impressive~."

In response, a veritable flood of emotional responses shoot back to completely unfiltered. Shock, embarrassnt, wonder, and a not so small return of affection. The tsunami of intents crash against my sanity as I beco wobbly despite my still sitting position, my hand going towards my temple as my eyes squint shut. Brain and heart trying to parse through the sudden influx even as a new contender nad 'worry' filters in.

Raising the other hand to alleviate the latest addition, I grimace slightly as I do my best to reassure them. "I-I'm fine, its okay. Just... a lot at once. I'm getting all three of your emotional feedbacks simultaneously and it's just a bit... disorienting. Kind of my fault for teasing you in the first place."

With obvious concern still in her tone and through the portion of my soulspace that holds her bond, Jun Li slinks closer and wraps in a hug. "A-are you sure, Alia? This does not seem pleasant for you..."

The others follow suit and close in on , doing their best to try and reign in their emotions which I appreciate. With a head no longer feeling like its in a multicolored blender, I manage to give them a reassuring smile. "I'm alright, I promise. It was just a very new and very powerful situation that I kind of didn't think about before hand. Akiko and Ios are the only ones that have been able to share emotions like that with , but it's always been one-on-one.

Well, Sandra too obviously, but our situation is a bit different. Her emotions feel like my emotions whereas I can wholly tell when Akiko or Ios was sending sothing to , intentionally or not. It's just sothing we're all going to have to work on going forward, I guess. I don't want to trip you guys up either after all."

Speaking of Akiko, the motherly voice chis out softly from over my shoulder making turn my head to see her and Ios now sitting directly behind . All six of us now sitting in an oddly shaped circle on the picnic blanket. "What dear Alia states is true, you all are going to need training on how to not constantly advertise your inner selves to each other. Well, to Alia and then vice versa. To be honest, all of us save spirit Ios would likely benefit from such a service, myself included."

Seeing determined nods all around, Akiko smiles to our more than ever connected group and continues on after placing a hand on my shoulder. "But now is not the ti to for such things. For now, simply do your best to keep your inner workings steady and simply enjoy this newfound connection that binds us all together~. I love all of you, and I am so happy that you can now share in sothing that is both marvelous and fabled. A toast~."

With that, one of her wintery tails cos to wrap dexterously around one of the stone worked cups holding a familiar and fruity red liquid. The lingering worries quickly dispelled and replaced by a much tar yellow glow of happiness as we all copy her movents and procure our cups. Fitted for the ritual, Akiko raises her cup in the air as her hand slink around my waist and pull into her lap.

"When this one first landed here," She begins before nuzzling her head on the top of mine and then continuing, "I am sure we all had our own thoughts on it. If only the faces of our only months younger selves could see us now~. Let this mont mark not just a new beginning between each of us, but the promise that co Heaven or Hell, we are each other's rocks.

We are the flas in the night that warm us, we are the hands reaching down to pull us back to right after stubble or fall. We are unified and unique, and the love we share for each other shall shield us through hardship and dazzle us in triumph till the end of ti. The sa being true for Sandra who is yet present, of course. Cheers, my loves~."

A curious mix of what I can only describe as 'weepy love' filters through amidst the sea of growingly intense and fuzzily warm yellow, my eyes shifting over to see the teary eyed Samantha doing her utmost to keep her composure after Akiko's speech. An affectionate and easy smile pulls my lips upward as I raise my cup in the air, "Hear, hear~!"

Everyone gives various rounds of the sa, even Sam whose voice still cos out steady. Mostly~. Ritual complete, we knock back our drinks and I lean back into the soft cushion of the perfectly chilly body holding . Warm rays of sun filtering through the cherry blossom leaves as everything finally starts to feel... right. Whole. The only thing missing being the most obvious and important person to , but... the foundation is set. It feels as though the house of our love - all of our love - is ready to fully take shape~.

Conversation and laughter co back unstrained and with a more lively air, the obvious excitent from the girls still occasionally slipping through to but thankfully controlled enough to not be overwhelming. I simply... watch them from my comfy position for a ti. Their jubilant smiles, subtle shifts in their posture that give away the simring delight at this new change in life. The overall feeling of peace and togetherness that - while present before - now reaches new heights.

"It is tranquil, is it not my love? Watching those we fawn and cherish in these all too fleeting slivers of peace with contended gaze and easy words?" The warm breath of Akiko tickles into my ear as she lays her head atop mine.

I give a subtle nod so as not to disturb her too much, Ios coming to sit next to and rest her body on the both of us as well. "It is~." I reply back softly. "It's... It's almost everything I think I've ever wanted. To be , to be healthy and not burdened by my mind, and be surrounded by people who love and that I love in return. Not the fragile, walking on eggshells that I now see was my parents version of love. Treating like a porcelain doll monts away from breaking. Not that I can really bla them, but... it was suffocating in its own way."

The girls catch on to the conversation and let go of theirs, all their eyes coming over to et mine. I reach out my hands in invitation to which they all silently shift over and find their place among the most recent cuddle pile holding at the center~. "I know I've said it before, but I am truly thankful for all of you for giving this proper definition of 'family'. And I'm so happy that through fate and circumstance, we are now even closer together than I ever thought would be possible~. I love all of you, and I hope you don't get tired of saying it~."

"Never~." Cos the swiftest and sweetest response I've ever heard from Jun Li, her lips pressing against my cheek before she lays her head on my shoulder. Everyone else either nodding their heads in agreent or offering smiles that say the sa. Our newfound bonds easily transmitting the royal pinks of love as all of us simply exist together like that until the sun begins to hang low in the sky.

As much as it pains , that setting celestial body unfortunately spurs to action despite the near nirvana I find myself in. With precision, I lean over to everyone and give them a kiss each before gathering their attention back to .

"As much as I'd like to stay like this until that star in the sky implodes, I think we should also start talking about what's about to co next." My words seem to shake off their own small bits of regret at having to interrupt such a lovely scene, a seriousness falling onto their eyes that I both appreciate and feel guilty for.

With a sigh, I shift and turn in Akiko's lap towards Ios first. "When Sandy cos back, is it going to be like when I arrived here? Because I'd rather not have the Village get flattened like that forest did."

The adorable eldritch being leans back and puts a finger to her chin in thought before giving a sheepish look, "I want to say 'no', but I'm honestly not sure honey. Ilya might know more, but I know that her and Sandra haven't uh... started out on the best terms. At any rate, even if it does you should have more than enough points to buy the protection do that I used when you first got here. We may just need to find a more... suitable place to resurrect her, like you said."

"Couldn't we just go back to the forest? I doubt too much wildlife or whatever has gone back yet, especially since the whole ecosystem got nuked." I reply back in thought.

Instead of Ios, Akiko chis in to answer my question, "I am afraid that would not quite be the case, my love. While you are correct that any forr natural inhabitants that used to call the Cerulean Forest ho have likely not returned - or survived - the sa could not be said for the curious eyes of cultivators.

Such a... mark on the land is likely to still be causing quite the stir for local and governntal forces. If only to see if they could exploit any Heavenly augnted resources or natural treasures that may have arisen after your arrival. We would be better off finding a new location to return your beloved sister to the realm of the living... unless you wished to test your ttle before the upcoming hostilities."

I pause as I... hadn't really considered that to be an option. Turning my head up to face her while still in her lap, I ask her seriously, "I know I'm strong, but do you think I'm ready for sothing like that? I have no issue fighting the Queen's forces if and when push cos to shove, but I was planning on using the remaining ti to get back to weapon training and stuff as well as helping Sandra start catching up. I still feel kind of... unpolished when it cos to fighting."

A short, bark like laugh escapes her before she leans down and kisses my forehead with smirking lips. "My love, you sell yourself short in many ways if those are truly your thoughts. While your fighting style in and of itself is young, your instincts and raw power more than make you a top powerhouse on Mara. You switch between weapons with ease and employ so of the strongest inscriptions I've ever seen on the fly and in mid combat.

Not to ntion we would all be present as well. Even if sothing were to happen by so odd circumstance, we would be readily available to assist you. If I am being frank, I think it would likely be a great opportunity for you to gain so actual combat experience before facing down the capital. But, I know you are still new to such things so I will not force you."

I consider her words, turning my head to Ios to see her basically agreeing with everything said. "She's right, sweetheart. Up until now you've just been defeating illusory monsters or sparring with the girls or Akiko. Even that last bout you had was in a controlled environnt where both of you weren't fighting to kill for obvious reasons. If you want to hold off on shedding actual blood, I wouldn't bla you, but if there are other people there and they're hostile then it may be the perfect opportunity to wet your claws, so to speak."

"They're speaking truth, little bird." Gerra says even though she reaches over and squeezes my hand comfortingly. "Everyone's first ti killing is always... harrowing. Better to have that mont with all of us present just in case it affects you adversely. Not that I think that'll happen given that doozy of a fight you had with the Madam, though."

"Indeed." Sam says as she nods sagely from the side like she wasn't just a sappy ss a few hours ago. "This will likely be as 'controlled' of an environ as we could possibly be afforded. Best to begin becoming gradually accepting of proper bloodshed while it is still safe to do so."

Jun Li coughs into her hands once, an unsure expression on her face. "This is all assuming that other cultivators will be present and they will be hopelessly hostile. Unless we are proposing to have Alia strike without warning or dialog?"

I pout as I catch sothing completely unrelated to the conversation at hand, my free digits childishly tugging at the sleeve of the midnight black furred kitsune. "Hey. Why aren't you calling 'Miss Alia' anymore? That's twice you've dropped the nickna today."

Flashing the biggest hurt puppy dog eyes as I can to her, Jun Li actually squirms a bit in her spot. "W-well, since we are bonded now, I just thought it... strange to keep the honorific. I did not an for it to upset you, my dear."

I hum a little defeatedly as I hang my slightly blushing face down, "I guess that makes sense... I liked it though..."

Like a flip of a switch, her responding tone shifts from concerned to sultry as she leans in and whispers in my ear, "Perhaps I could continue to use it during... certain circumstances, MissAlia~. Would you like that?"

The blush flas to life even further as I just ekly nod my head, a round of giggles coming from everyone present even as Jun Li plants a doting kiss to my temple. "Very well then~. I shall rember to do so when appropriate, my love~. Now, let us return to the matter at hand, hmm?"

It's my turn to cough in an attempt to quiet the pink flas lapping at my core. It's always amazing how quickly everyone here can press my buttons, so to speak. And I wouldn't have it any other way~. "R-right *cough*. Well, I guess that settles the location then. I agree that I don't feel comfortable sneak attacking people who could just as easily be dissuaded from causing trouble, but if it cos to blows then... I'll do my best."

Everyone's previous mirth fades back into seriousness as they nod their agreent back to . I continue on with the last thought I had for tonight and for the imdiate future, "Let's get ready to do that co sunup then. I don't want Sandra waiting any longer, but I also don't revel in the idea of my first ti fighting being at night. Also, while we're all here, I want to ask the three of you sothing."

I pause as I focus back to the girls, "How close are you guys to advancing into the half-step? And how long would it take to face the trial?"

Each of them turns to face each other before looking back to , Samantha starting off first, "I am rely a hair's breadth away from breaking through. In all honesty, it takes more of my focus to not breakthrough than it would be to attempt it. Though the ti can vary, Mara's tribulations for the mortal Ranks are typically short and brutal affairs, even for soone without the ire of Heaven like yourself. Likely no more than a handful of hours for the half-step."

"It's the sa for about breaking through. I've been ready to ascend for at least five years or so. We've just been holding back to avoid making the Madam's political life more... complicated." Gerra says next as she awkwardly scratches her cheek.

"Likewise, I am ready as well. Though that is due to my recent efforts in the other paths of cultivation and not a situation I have been mired in long like dear Samantha and Gerra. Though I will add that we have also been abstaining from rising because it typically takes ti to adjust to the newfound strength." Jun Li gives her response after the catkin.

I nod before replying back with utmost sincerity, "I think you guys should breakthrough now. Like, right now. I don't think people are going to do sothing as suicidal as trying to leverage politics after the failed coup attempt when I got here, and the upcoming week can be used to help get you used to your new powers. I know it sounds rushed but given that my... *ahem*special dual cultivation technique basically perfects everything for us, the need to be cautious kind of just doesn't really apply to any of us anymore."

Though I get through most of the explanation with stoicism, but that damned rosy, pink heat flushing my cheeks at the end ruins the whole vibe. Thankfully, everyone else seems to be too busy considering my words except for Ios who gives a flirty wink as I gaze around at their reactions. Cheater.

"I think all of you should as well." Akiko says after a few quiet monts making all of us turn our attention to her gentle looking face. "While I appreciate your desire to not inconvenience , I have felt regret over essentially holding each of you back. I just... did not want to tarnish your efforts and in turn put you into an uncomfortable situation."

She pauses as she gives a little squeeze and then continues on, "But the lovely Alia is correct. With her incredible technique, we no longer have worry about perfecting foundations and the like. Having each of you ascend will only ease our burdens in the upcoming clash with the capital and in the future beyond."

A wide grin splays across Gerra's face, her feline features accentuating the growingly manic delight in her eyes. "Alright~! I won't lie; I've been looking forward to this~! I'll make us all a quick dinner for the effects and then we can head up to the mountain~."

"I shall also prepare so pills and such to assist us prior to starting the trials." Jun Li says as the energetic pink haired cat woman begins to stand and make her way out of the gardens with a wave over her shoulder, the black furred kitsune following suit shortly behind her.

Sam anwhile stays seated with the rest of us calmly sipping on her wine. I give her a raised eyebrow to which she just lets out a small laugh and replies to the unspoken question, "Those two's talents are much more suited towards preparation than mine. Making sothing that could assist each of us more than the gear and equipnt we already possess would take months, possibly years, of labor and large amounts of rare materials. Best to let their work shine and just accept the assistance when the ti cos."

"Huh, yeah I guess that makes sense. I could also buy things fo-"

I'm cut off by Samantha setting her cup down and giving a look. "Alia, love, I truly appreciate the thought, but you need to be saving your resources for your sister's return. She'll be needing advanced manuals just like you have for all her affinities, weapons that fit her combat style, robes or armor for the sa. Not to ntion any kind of helpful trinkets and pills like the ones you have already bonded to or imbibed."

I bite my lip a little, torn between wanting to help everyone I love and knowing that, well... she's right. A warm, firm hand caresses my cheek before a smokey, citrusy scent wafts into my nose. Our lips eting for a brief mont before she backs away and stares down at with adoration. The warm, glowing gold radiating from our new connection.

"You are preciousbeyond words, my love, but maybe not as selfish as you ought to be. There will be tis and places that your assistance will be welcod and needed, but this is not one of those cases. We are all long lived adults who have had centuries to perfect and refine such things whereas Sandra will literally be a babe in the woods in those regards. Prioritize her first. Sothing that all of us will do as well when she returns to this waking land, I assure you."

Those erald orbs glaze their affectionate light down to , the golden blanket of her care and love weighing down on my person like a quilt of perfection. With a sigh, I only bob my head up and down a couple tis and am treated by another giggle and kiss for my efforts.

The four of us turn to more idle chatter, or comfortable silence, as the sun wanes behind the horizon. The royal purples and oceanic blues mixing with the last vestiges of orange until twilight solidifies into soft starry black.

A pleasantly pleased pink haired head bobs back into the entry way to the gardens, brimming smile with sharpened canines greeting us as she hollers out, "Food's ready y'all~! Let's hurry up and get our bellies full and head up the mountain~. *Squeal~* I can't wait!!" After the notice, she darts back into the estate, only the briefest flicker of her happily sashaying tail left behind for the slimst of monts.

I can't help but smile fondly at the adorable yet chaotic energy, all of us gathering up the various bits and bobs left over from our lunch ti eting. With the now folded checkered blanket under my arm and a basket carried in the other, we all make our way back into the estate.