Chapter 502
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Chapter 502
Sitting on the sidelines is the worst.
With nothing to do besides twiddle my thumbs, I sat and watched the battle rage on for the better part of three hours while praying everyone would make it out okay. Alsantsets tactics were textbook examples of minimizing risks and striking when the enemy is weak, but even the best laid plans can go awry, and I spent the entire time imagining just how it might happen. Sure, the Defiled have no ranged weapons or cavalry to respond to her ride by shootings, but all it takes is one Demon to form or one Defiled Peak Expert in hiding to turn the tides of battle, or at the very least inflict casualties on people who are only here to protect me. On the Imperial side, Peak Experts rarely take a direct hand in massed battle because doing so leaves you vulnerable to sneak attacks. Eccentric Gam is the exception, as most lack his Earth-blessed defences, but even he mightve died to Goujians ambush if Jukai hadnt spotted the Confessor first.
And even then, Jukai paid the ultimate price, which sort of makes me more understanding about why Peak Experts sit around on their asses most of the time.
I havent been this close to a battle since the last time I was in Sinuji, and I gotta say, I hate being a passive observer. If I were in the thick of battle with everyone else, Id be focused and alert, with things to do and people to kill instead of chewing my fingernails ragged and resisting the urge to piss. Gotta sit tight in my rickshaw, because if things go wrong and we need to leave in a hurry, I dont want to slow people down with my heavy crippled ass. With how far we were from the action, I could barely see a thing through all the dust and chaos, but that didnt stop me from imagining the worst. What if a powerful Demon is born? What if there are Wraiths hidden among the Defiled? What if the Defiled Commander is there too, with all his Elite champions to guard him? Alsantset hasnt been in a battle for years now, so what if shes out of practice?
As the battle slowly came to an end, I was understandably relieved when my sister returned with her retinue none the worse for wear, with no casualties and only non-life threatening wounds to show for it. Had she been an Imperial light cavalry force without bows to harass the Enemy, I doubt she wouldve been so lucky. The Defiled are savage, murderous, and downright deranged, but theyre not stupid. If it werent for the arrows, they wouldve just ignored the Sentinels until they charged in and then ground them down with superior numbers. A shame I couldnt do the same with my crossbows; with their reduced range and rate of fire, peppering the Enemy with bolts while running is both less effective and more difficult to pull off. The crossbows work best from an elevated position against a mostly static enemy force, meaning youd need your own infantry to hold the Defiled tide in place. The Death Corps do a fair job of it most of the time, but here on the outskirts of Sinuji, wed be surrounded in a matter of minutes.
Which begs the question, why didnt the Defiled come for us? They wouldve taken massive losses from Alsantsets harassment while making their way over, but an attack here wouldve forced her to commit to a head on fight, where her advantages of range, speed, and mobility would be sorely limited while allowing the Defiled advantage of numbers to finally come into play, not to mention all the tempting wagons filled with provision and whatnot for them to loot. Im not really complaining, since Im pretty happy they left me well enough alone, but if the situation were different and I was trying to lure the Defiled into a trap, it would be nice to know why they ignored such a big juicy target.
With no answers to be had, I set the musings aside for later while we regroup and resume our journey to Sinuji, where it appears the clean up is now underway. Theres still pockets of fighting on the battlements, but the excitement has largely died down and everything should be in order by the time we arrive. After giving Zabu and Mafu the order to follow, their squeaks of excitement are cut short as the Abbot raises a Sound Barrier around us. Do you see, Junior Brother, the harm that comes from this needless bloodshed?
Honestly, it never ends. I dont revel in death, I reply, my tone snippier than intended, But your way would see even more lives lost. The fort couldve fallen without intervention, and tens of thousands of soldiers lost, soldiers we need to hold the line. You think the mundane people of the Empire would survive the onslaught of Defiled? If you truly believe so, then Ive got a bridge in the Western Province Id like to sell you.
Deplorable as all this death is, that is not the harm this monk speaks of. Gesturing at my sister, he gives me a knowing look without clarifying a thing, but no matter how I look at it, theres nothing wrong with Alsantset. Aside from the bloodstained leathers, she looks positively glowing, her eyes bright and cheeks rosy as she rides ahead of my rickshaw with bow in hand. Unlike me, the battlefield is where she thrives, though to be fair, Ive never seen her struggle at anything she set out to do. Whether it be sewing clothes, cooking meals, or slaughtering Defiled, she does everything with the same natural grace and majesty few can mimic, the embodiment of confidence and competence no matter what the task may be.
Its like seeing a real tiger out in the wild, one close enough to touch. It could be sprawled out on its side and fast asleep, but itd still be an imposing creature when seen up close, and Alsantset is the same way. Even when she smiles, most people feel an unintentional hint of danger in her expression, the instinctive, intimidating pressure one feels in the presence of a predator.
Honestly, shes so cool. I wish I could be all steely and imposing like her. Mom and Dad are the same way, so maybe I could learn, but Lin says I look goofy and nonthreatening when thinking happy thoughts, and Ive lost count of people whove mistaken my worrying for constipation...
Unable to make heads or tails of what the Abbot is talking about, I raise an eyebrow in silent question and he responds with a raised brow of his own. Well, not an eyebrow, since he doesnt have any, but same thing. You cannot see them? he asks, his surprise evident. How can this be?
The pieces fall into place once I remember who Im talking to. Oh, Spectres? Nope. Havent seen any since the whole crippling thing. Shrugging, I add, I figured it was because Spectre-vision is Chi powered. She have a lot of them? Ugh, if only I could still Devour... Well, shell be fine. Shes tough and can handle a few intrusive thoughts. Anyone else?
Many of your companions have attracted the attentions of the Enemy, though there are a few more concerning than others, like your sister. Pointing at Awdar, the Abbot frowns and says, This one in particular is favoured, as Spectres slip in and out of his Core with impunity which speaks of an erratic mind. That one as well, he adds, gesturing at Ulfsaar in the distance, Though the Spectres are less eager to enter and quick to leave. The half-bear behemoth has yet to regain his calm composure despite not taking part in the battle himself, but Neera is beside him doing her best to soothe his agitation. Gesturing at another rider in the distance, the Abbot adds, That young man there, he is the worst off and bears watching, one who is used to the Enemys nefarious presence and no longer fears them. A tea-drinker as you would classify it. Hai, such absurdity, such sin, even this monk has been affected by your needless complexities.
Ignoring the Abbots low-key jab, my mind blanks in disbelief as I follow his finger to see it pointing at Huu. I dont understand, how can Huu be worse off than Ulfsaar? After a long battle, the half-bear would have dozens of Spectres hanging around him, or at least theyd hang around until I got to Devouring, and even though I cant see anything to make a comparison, to say Huu is worse of than Ulfsaar is worrying to the extreme. ...Only a tea-drinker, you said. Hes not full... he isnt too far gone, right? What should I do? Douse him with what little Chi Tea I have left? Would that even work? I doubt it, but what other options do I have? Make him drink it?
Patting my shoulder, the Abbots tone softens in response to my obvious distress. Calm your mind, Junior Brother, lest more Spectres seek you out. Injured and vulnerable as you are, you may be particularly susceptible to their lies and this monk fears you would not survive this ones treatment.
More? Meaning some Spectres have already latched onto me? Great, just great. The last thing I need are more things to be paranoid of. Dammit, think happy thoughts. Blackjack with a hat. A banana hat. A bunana. Ha, I love it. I should really learn to knit. Not just for silly animal costumes either, but also so Ill have something to do in all my idle time. Lets be honest, if it werent for all the new years festivities, dealing with Jixing and Justicars, and doing my best not to throw up while reading Zhen Shis notes, things would be pretty boring. Having a hobby wouldnt be the worst thing in the world, and my floofs would look adorable in matching or thematic outfits...
...
Besides, who in their right mind, would ever choose to be vegetarian?
Our argument comes to an end and we sit in silence for the rest of the short trip. Once through the gates of Fort Sinuji, the Abbot slips away to help with funeral rites, chanting a prayer in a strange language while hammering a slow and steady beat on his wooden fish-drum thing. Indecipherable as the baritone intonations are, the chant is oddly soothing and reminiscent of the stuff I heard in Mahakalas Natal Palace, probably because theyre more or less the same thing. Jorani called them the Sutras and described them as the Forms for the Mind, but the Abbot refuses to teach me until Ive said my vows so I have yet to have any firsthand experience with them aside from the brief interlude prior to Mahakalas death. Had I known how useful they might be, I wouldve spent more time mulling them over, but now that my Cores been shattered, my memory isnt what it used to be and I dont remember the specific Sutra anymore.
Then again, Im not sure the Sutras are as miraculous as Jorani claims they are, considering the Brotherhood recite them every day and have yet to see how stupid some of their ideas are...
As much as Id like to stop and help the weary soldiers with their clean up efforts, Im no longer a Warrant Officer and lack the freedom which I once enjoyed. As an Imperial soldier, Im supposed to report to the commanding officer as soon as I arrive, since I am technically the ranking officer in my regiment of one soldier, a dozen condemned slaves, and three-hundred and sixty some odd Death Corps. Being under Nian Zus command, Alsantset has no need to report alongside me, but she still comes along to keep me safe, and I bring Kuang Biao as well just for good measure. Signalling for Ping Ping to stay off to one side, I announce my name and rank to the two soldiers standing guard at the command tent and wait to be called inside.
And wait. And wait. And wait. A stupid power play I assume, because how could the commander be busy after Nian Zu took over his command?
After half-an-hour of standing outside in the cold, a sharp, effeminate voice screeches, Send in Private Falling Rain. As I make my way inside, the guards stop Alsantset and Kuang Biao, or at least they try to. Before my fierce sister can even scowl, both guards crash to the dirt as the former Royal Guardian summarily knocks them both onto their asses without blinking. Having been forewarned of his intentions during the lengthy wait, I hobble in without missing a beat and come face to face with the enraged glare of a face-painted fool wearing a puffy white jacket laden with jewelled accessories. You dare?!
Sticking closely to protocol, I bow and salute my new commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mitsue Watanabe, son of the Obsidian Shadow, Mitsue Juichi, and uncle to Mitsue Hideo of the Hwarang. Unfortunately, this puffed up clown is sorely lacking compared to his father and nephew, a fifty-something year old silk pants who only made it this far due to his familial connections. Private Falling Rain, reporting for duty, I announce, before glancing at Kuang Biao and back at Watanabe. Apologies for the injuries, but your guards should know better than to get between a Death Corps and his duty. Kuang Biao here is Oath-sworn to keep me safe, and without prior warning, this Imperial Consort could not stop him in time.
Watanabes alabaster face twists in rage, not exactly unexpected, though I am caught off guard by his unexpected reasoning. Imperial Consort? A mere private dares speak so highly in the presence of his superior?
Great priorities there. Two injured guards and this idiot cares more about propriety. Private this Imperial Consort may be, but to set rank above Imperial Peerage would be an insult to the Imperial Clan. Probably. I mightve been more humble if Watanabe hadnt made me wait so long, but since hes already antagonistic, then theres no harm in reminding him that despite my low military rank, I am still his superior in social standing, and as such, cannot be bullied without repercussion.
Plus I have a Colonel General watching my back, so I can afford to speak highly.
When I heard the commanding officer came from a family I was already at odds with, I considered visiting a different area of the front lines, but Nian Zu convinced me otherwise. Even though the Mitsues hate me and Dastan because we embarrassed Hideo on stage, I doubt its enough to ferment a life and death enmity between us, and since Ill need every advantage I can get, we decided it was best to fight in an area my soldiers were already familiar with.
Bristling at the reminder of my Imperial Peerage, Watanabe glowers and glares for all hes worth, but Ive weathered worse during family dinners. When it becomes clear I wont be intimidated by looming silence, Watanabes grimace melts into a smile as he unfurls a scroll and displays the Justicars seal imprinted at the bottom of the letter. The Disciplinary Corps has warned this Lieutenant Colonel against showing Private Falling Rain any undue leniency due to his status as an Imperial Consort, so do not think your political influence or high-ranking friends can intimidate me. You will serve as a Private and obey every command given to you.
Private Falling Rain will obey. So long as the command is reasonable, but I keep the addendum to myself.
Grinning like a cat, Watanabe straightens up and declares, Heed my command. The traitorous slaves from Sanshu are hereby ordered to standby at all hours of the day and night, and at the first sign of Enemy attack, to make their way to the outermost wall. Once there, they are to hold and defend their position until such a time as they have paid for their grievous crimes against the Empire. With their lives, no doubt, but its not over yet. As their overseer, Falling Rain is to remain on standby beside them and subject to the orders of whichever officer holds command at any given time.
Detailed instructions follow and my spirits dip with each additional restriction which shows Watanabe or his handlers have thought this through. Not only will I be standing in the thick of the fighting, he has valid reason to restrict most of my Death Corps guards from joining me on the wall, since he can hardly be expected to leave enough room on the first line of defenses for three-hundred plus soldiers at all times, nor can my Death Corps stand ready for twenty four hours a day, ten days a week. Thisll leave me highly exposed and vulnerable not just to attacking Defiled tribesmen, but also to any lurking Wraiths, Demons, or Imperial Assassins waiting to strike in the heat of battle. Not exactly a death sentence, but pretty damn close without overstepping his bounds, though things could be worse.
I mean, it sure as hell beats digging latrines with a spoon, so theres that. Still, maybe I should send Kuang Biao to make sure Watanabe suffers an accident, like accidentally tripping on his sword and stabbing himself in the back of the head. A message of sorts, to show Jixing and his other lackeys I mean business. Bah, look at me, on assignment for less than ten minutes and already considering assassinating my commanding officer. Not gonna lie, I kinda enjoy abusing power and privilege, so I can see why people do it so often.
Its morally wrong, but since were playing by Imperial rules, then might makes right, so technically, Im in the right. Yea, it feels right, but maybe I should run the idea by Nian Zu first, just in case
...Then again, Nian Zu is a stickler for the rules, and its easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission...
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 502
Sitting on the sidelines is the worst.
With nothing to do besides twiddle my thumbs, I sat and watched the battle rage on for the better part of three hours while praying everyone would make it out okay. Alsantsets tactics were textbook examples of minimizing risks and striking when the enemy is weak, but even the best laid plans can go awry, and I spent the entire time imagining just how it might happen. Sure, the Defiled have no ranged weapons or cavalry to respond to her ride by shootings, but all it takes is one Demon to form or one Defiled Peak Expert in hiding to turn the tides of battle, or at the very least inflict casualties on people who are only here to protect me. On the Imperial side, Peak Experts rarely take a direct hand in massed battle because doing so leaves you vulnerable to sneak attacks. Eccentric Gam is the exception, as most lack his Earth-blessed defences, but even he mightve died to Goujians ambush if Jukai hadnt spotted the Confessor first.
And even then, Jukai paid the ultimate price, which sort of makes me more understanding about why Peak Experts sit around on their asses most of the time.
I havent been this close to a battle since the last time I was in Sinuji, and I gotta say, I hate being a passive observer. If I were in the thick of battle with everyone else, Id be focused and alert, with things to do and people to kill instead of chewing my fingernails ragged and resisting the urge to piss. Gotta sit tight in my rickshaw, because if things go wrong and we need to leave in a hurry, I dont want to slow people down with my heavy crippled ass. With how far we were from the action, I could barely see a thing through all the dust and chaos, but that didnt stop me from imagining the worst. What if a powerful Demon is born? What if there are Wraiths hidden among the Defiled? What if the Defiled Commander is there too, with all his Elite champions to guard him? Alsantset hasnt been in a battle for years now, so what if shes out of practice?
As the battle slowly came to an end, I was understandably relieved when my sister returned with her retinue none the worse for wear, with no casualties and only non-life threatening wounds to show for it. Had she been an Imperial light cavalry force without bows to harass the Enemy, I doubt she wouldve been so lucky. The Defiled are savage, murderous, and downright deranged, but theyre not stupid. If it werent for the arrows, they wouldve just ignored the Sentinels until they charged in and then ground them down with superior numbers. A shame I couldnt do the same with my crossbows; with their reduced range and rate of fire, peppering the Enemy with bolts while running is both less effective and more difficult to pull off. The crossbows work best from an elevated position against a mostly static enemy force, meaning youd need your own infantry to hold the Defiled tide in place. The Death Corps do a fair job of it most of the time, but here on the outskirts of Sinuji, wed be surrounded in a matter of minutes.
Which begs the question, why didnt the Defiled come for us? They wouldve taken massive losses from Alsantsets harassment while making their way over, but an attack here wouldve forced her to commit to a head on fight, where her advantages of range, speed, and mobility would be sorely limited while allowing the Defiled advantage of numbers to finally come into play, not to mention all the tempting wagons filled with provision and whatnot for them to loot. Im not really complaining, since Im pretty happy they left me well enough alone, but if the situation were different and I was trying to lure the Defiled into a trap, it would be nice to know why they ignored such a big juicy target.
With no answers to be had, I set the musings aside for later while we regroup and resume our journey to Sinuji, where it appears the clean up is now underway. Theres still pockets of fighting on the battlements, but the excitement has largely died down and everything should be in order by the time we arrive. After giving Zabu and Mafu the order to follow, their squeaks of excitement are cut short as the Abbot raises a Sound Barrier around us. Do you see, Junior Brother, the harm that comes from this needless bloodshed?
Honestly, it never ends. I dont revel in death, I reply, my tone snippier than intended, But your way would see even more lives lost. The fort couldve fallen without intervention, and tens of thousands of soldiers lost, soldiers we need to hold the line. You think the mundane people of the Empire would survive the onslaught of Defiled? If you truly believe so, then Ive got a bridge in the Western Province Id like to sell you.
Deplorable as all this death is, that is not the harm this monk speaks of. Gesturing at my sister, he gives me a knowing look without clarifying a thing, but no matter how I look at it, theres nothing wrong with Alsantset. Aside from the bloodstained leathers, she looks positively glowing, her eyes bright and cheeks rosy as she rides ahead of my rickshaw with bow in hand. Unlike me, the battlefield is where she thrives, though to be fair, Ive never seen her struggle at anything she set out to do. Whether it be sewing clothes, cooking meals, or slaughtering Defiled, she does everything with the same natural grace and majesty few can mimic, the embodiment of confidence and competence no matter what the task may be.
Its like seeing a real tiger out in the wild, one close enough to touch. It could be sprawled out on its side and fast asleep, but itd still be an imposing creature when seen up close, and Alsantset is the same way. Even when she smiles, most people feel an unintentional hint of danger in her expression, the instinctive, intimidating pressure one feels in the presence of a predator.
Honestly, shes so cool. I wish I could be all steely and imposing like her. Mom and Dad are the same way, so maybe I could learn, but Lin says I look goofy and nonthreatening when thinking happy thoughts, and Ive lost count of people whove mistaken my worrying for constipation...
Unable to make heads or tails of what the Abbot is talking about, I raise an eyebrow in silent question and he responds with a raised brow of his own. Well, not an eyebrow, since he doesnt have any, but same thing. You cannot see them? he asks, his surprise evident. How can this be?
The pieces fall into place once I remember who Im talking to. Oh, Spectres? Nope. Havent seen any since the whole crippling thing. Shrugging, I add, I figured it was because Spectre-vision is Chi powered. She have a lot of them? Ugh, if only I could still Devour... Well, shell be fine. Shes tough and can handle a few intrusive thoughts. Anyone else?
Many of your companions have attracted the attentions of the Enemy, though there are a few more concerning than others, like your sister. Pointing at Awdar, the Abbot frowns and says, This one in particular is favoured, as Spectres slip in and out of his Core with impunity which speaks of an erratic mind. That one as well, he adds, gesturing at Ulfsaar in the distance, Though the Spectres are less eager to enter and quick to leave. The half-bear behemoth has yet to regain his calm composure despite not taking part in the battle himself, but Neera is beside him doing her best to soothe his agitation. Gesturing at another rider in the distance, the Abbot adds, That young man there, he is the worst off and bears watching, one who is used to the Enemys nefarious presence and no longer fears them. A tea-drinker as you would classify it. Hai, such absurdity, such sin, even this monk has been affected by your needless complexities.
Ignoring the Abbots low-key jab, my mind blanks in disbelief as I follow his finger to see it pointing at Huu. I dont understand, how can Huu be worse off than Ulfsaar? After a long battle, the half-bear would have dozens of Spectres hanging around him, or at least theyd hang around until I got to Devouring, and even though I cant see anything to make a comparison, to say Huu is worse of than Ulfsaar is worrying to the extreme. ...Only a tea-drinker, you said. Hes not full... he isnt too far gone, right? What should I do? Douse him with what little Chi Tea I have left? Would that even work? I doubt it, but what other options do I have? Make him drink it?
Patting my shoulder, the Abbots tone softens in response to my obvious distress. Calm your mind, Junior Brother, lest more Spectres seek you out. Injured and vulnerable as you are, you may be particularly susceptible to their lies and this monk fears you would not survive this ones treatment.
More? Meaning some Spectres have already latched onto me? Great, just great. The last thing I need are more things to be paranoid of. Dammit, think happy thoughts. Blackjack with a hat. A banana hat. A bunana. Ha, I love it. I should really learn to knit. Not just for silly animal costumes either, but also so Ill have something to do in all my idle time. Lets be honest, if it werent for all the new years festivities, dealing with Jixing and Justicars, and doing my best not to throw up while reading Zhen Shis notes, things would be pretty boring. Having a hobby wouldnt be the worst thing in the world, and my floofs would look adorable in matching or thematic outfits...
...
Besides, who in their right mind, would ever choose to be vegetarian?
Our argument comes to an end and we sit in silence for the rest of the short trip. Once through the gates of Fort Sinuji, the Abbot slips away to help with funeral rites, chanting a prayer in a strange language while hammering a slow and steady beat on his wooden fish-drum thing. Indecipherable as the baritone intonations are, the chant is oddly soothing and reminiscent of the stuff I heard in Mahakalas Natal Palace, probably because theyre more or less the same thing. Jorani called them the Sutras and described them as the Forms for the Mind, but the Abbot refuses to teach me until Ive said my vows so I have yet to have any firsthand experience with them aside from the brief interlude prior to Mahakalas death. Had I known how useful they might be, I wouldve spent more time mulling them over, but now that my Cores been shattered, my memory isnt what it used to be and I dont remember the specific Sutra anymore.
Then again, Im not sure the Sutras are as miraculous as Jorani claims they are, considering the Brotherhood recite them every day and have yet to see how stupid some of their ideas are...
As much as Id like to stop and help the weary soldiers with their clean up efforts, Im no longer a Warrant Officer and lack the freedom which I once enjoyed. As an Imperial soldier, Im supposed to report to the commanding officer as soon as I arrive, since I am technically the ranking officer in my regiment of one soldier, a dozen condemned slaves, and three-hundred and sixty some odd Death Corps. Being under Nian Zus command, Alsantset has no need to report alongside me, but she still comes along to keep me safe, and I bring Kuang Biao as well just for good measure. Signalling for Ping Ping to stay off to one side, I announce my name and rank to the two soldiers standing guard at the command tent and wait to be called inside.
And wait. And wait. And wait. A stupid power play I assume, because how could the commander be busy after Nian Zu took over his command?
After half-an-hour of standing outside in the cold, a sharp, effeminate voice screeches, Send in Private Falling Rain. As I make my way inside, the guards stop Alsantset and Kuang Biao, or at least they try to. Before my fierce sister can even scowl, both guards crash to the dirt as the former Royal Guardian summarily knocks them both onto their asses without blinking. Having been forewarned of his intentions during the lengthy wait, I hobble in without missing a beat and come face to face with the enraged glare of a face-painted fool wearing a puffy white jacket laden with jewelled accessories. You dare?!
Sticking closely to protocol, I bow and salute my new commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mitsue Watanabe, son of the Obsidian Shadow, Mitsue Juichi, and uncle to Mitsue Hideo of the Hwarang. Unfortunately, this puffed up clown is sorely lacking compared to his father and nephew, a fifty-something year old silk pants who only made it this far due to his familial connections. Private Falling Rain, reporting for duty, I announce, before glancing at Kuang Biao and back at Watanabe. Apologies for the injuries, but your guards should know better than to get between a Death Corps and his duty. Kuang Biao here is Oath-sworn to keep me safe, and without prior warning, this Imperial Consort could not stop him in time.
Watanabes alabaster face twists in rage, not exactly unexpected, though I am caught off guard by his unexpected reasoning. Imperial Consort? A mere private dares speak so highly in the presence of his superior?
Great priorities there. Two injured guards and this idiot cares more about propriety. Private this Imperial Consort may be, but to set rank above Imperial Peerage would be an insult to the Imperial Clan. Probably. I mightve been more humble if Watanabe hadnt made me wait so long, but since hes already antagonistic, then theres no harm in reminding him that despite my low military rank, I am still his superior in social standing, and as such, cannot be bullied without repercussion.
Plus I have a Colonel General watching my back, so I can afford to speak highly.
When I heard the commanding officer came from a family I was already at odds with, I considered visiting a different area of the front lines, but Nian Zu convinced me otherwise. Even though the Mitsues hate me and Dastan because we embarrassed Hideo on stage, I doubt its enough to ferment a life and death enmity between us, and since Ill need every advantage I can get, we decided it was best to fight in an area my soldiers were already familiar with.
Bristling at the reminder of my Imperial Peerage, Watanabe glowers and glares for all hes worth, but Ive weathered worse during family dinners. When it becomes clear I wont be intimidated by looming silence, Watanabes grimace melts into a smile as he unfurls a scroll and displays the Justicars seal imprinted at the bottom of the letter. The Disciplinary Corps has warned this Lieutenant Colonel against showing Private Falling Rain any undue leniency due to his status as an Imperial Consort, so do not think your political influence or high-ranking friends can intimidate me. You will serve as a Private and obey every command given to you.
Private Falling Rain will obey. So long as the command is reasonable, but I keep the addendum to myself.
Grinning like a cat, Watanabe straightens up and declares, Heed my command. The traitorous slaves from Sanshu are hereby ordered to standby at all hours of the day and night, and at the first sign of Enemy attack, to make their way to the outermost wall. Once there, they are to hold and defend their position until such a time as they have paid for their grievous crimes against the Empire. With their lives, no doubt, but its not over yet. As their overseer, Falling Rain is to remain on standby beside them and subject to the orders of whichever officer holds command at any given time.
Detailed instructions follow and my spirits dip with each additional restriction which shows Watanabe or his handlers have thought this through. Not only will I be standing in the thick of the fighting, he has valid reason to restrict most of my Death Corps guards from joining me on the wall, since he can hardly be expected to leave enough room on the first line of defenses for three-hundred plus soldiers at all times, nor can my Death Corps stand ready for twenty four hours a day, ten days a week. Thisll leave me highly exposed and vulnerable not just to attacking Defiled tribesmen, but also to any lurking Wraiths, Demons, or Imperial Assassins waiting to strike in the heat of battle. Not exactly a death sentence, but pretty damn close without overstepping his bounds, though things could be worse.
I mean, it sure as hell beats digging latrines with a spoon, so theres that. Still, maybe I should send Kuang Biao to make sure Watanabe suffers an accident, like accidentally tripping on his sword and stabbing himself in the back of the head. A message of sorts, to show Jixing and his other lackeys I mean business. Bah, look at me, on assignment for less than ten minutes and already considering assassinating my commanding officer. Not gonna lie, I kinda enjoy abusing power and privilege, so I can see why people do it so often.
Its morally wrong, but since were playing by Imperial rules, then might makes right, so technically, Im in the right. Yea, it feels right, but maybe I should run the idea by Nian Zu first, just in case
...Then again, Nian Zu is a stickler for the rules, and its easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission...
Chapter Meme
Chapter 502Sitting on the sidelines is the worst.With nothing to do besides twiddle my thumbs, I sat and watched the battle rage on for the better part of three hours while praying everyone would make it out okay. Alsantsets tactics were textbook examples of minimizing risks and striking when the enemy is weak, but even the best laid plans can go awry, and I spent the entire time imagining just how it might happen. Sure, the Defiled have no ranged weapons or cavalry to respond to her ride by shootings, but all it takes is one Demon to form or one Defiled Peak Expert in hiding to turn the tides of battle, or at the very least inflict casualties on people who are only here to protect me. On the Imperial side, Peak Experts rarely take a direct hand in massed battle because doing so leaves you vulnerable to sneak attacks. Eccentric Gam is the exception, as most lack his Earth-blessed defences, but even he mightve died to Goujians ambush if Jukai hadnt spotted the Confessor first.And even then, Jukai paid the ultimate price, which sort of makes me more understanding about why Peak Experts sit around on their asses most of the time.I havent been this close to a battle since the last time I was in Sinuji, and I gotta say, I hate being a passive observer. If I were in the thick of battle with everyone else, Id be focused and alert, with things to do and people to kill instead of chewing my fingernails ragged and resisting the urge to piss. Gotta sit tight in my rickshaw, because if things go wrong and we need to leave in a hurry, I dont want to slow people down with my heavy crippled ass. With how far we were from the action, I could barely see a thing through all the dust and chaos, but that didnt stop me from imagining the worst. What if a powerful Demon is born? What if there are Wraiths hidden among the Defiled? What if the Defiled Commander is there too, with all his Elite champions to guard him? Alsantset hasnt been in a battle for years now, so what if shes out of practice?As the battle slowly came to an end, I was understandably relieved when my sister returned with her retinue none the worse for wear, with no casualties and only non-life threatening wounds to show for it. Had she been an Imperial light cavalry force without bows to harass the Enemy, I doubt she wouldve been so lucky. The Defiled are savage, murderous, and downright deranged, but theyre not stupid. If it werent for the arrows, they wouldve just ignored the Sentinels until they charged in and then ground them down with superior numbers. A shame I couldnt do the same with my crossbows; with their reduced range and rate of fire, peppering the Enemy with bolts while running is both less effective and more difficult to pull off. The crossbows work best from an elevated position against a mostly static enemy force, meaning youd need your own infantry to hold the Defiled tide in place. The Death Corps do a fair job of it most of the time, but here on the outskirts of Sinuji, wed be surrounded in a matter of minutes.Which begs the question, why didnt the Defiled come for us? They wouldve taken massive losses from Alsantsets harassment while making their way over, but an attack here wouldve forced her to commit to a head on fight, where her advantages of range, speed, and mobility would be sorely limited while allowing the Defiled advantage of numbers to finally come into play, not to mention all the tempting wagons filled with provision and whatnot for them to loot. Im not really complaining, since Im pretty happy they left me well enough alone, but if the situation were different and I was trying to lure the Defiled into a trap, it would be nice to know why they ignored such a big juicy target.With no answers to be had, I set the musings aside for later while we regroup and resume our journey to Sinuji, where it appears the clean up is now underway. Theres still pockets of fighting on the battlements, but the excitement has largely died down and everything should be in order by the time we arrive. After giving Zabu and Mafu the order to follow, their squeaks of excitement are cut short as the Abbot raises a Sound Barrier around us. Do you see, Junior Brother, the harm that comes from this needless bloodshed?Honestly, it never ends. I dont revel in death, I reply, my tone snippier than intended, But your way would see even more lives lost. The fort couldve fallen without intervention, and tens of thousands of soldiers lost, soldiers we need to hold the line. You think the mundane people of the Empire would survive the onslaught of Defiled? If you truly believe so, then Ive got a bridge in the Western Province Id like to sell you.Deplorable as all this death is, that is not the harm this monk speaks of. Gesturing at my sister, he gives me a knowing look without clarifying a thing, but no matter how I look at it, theres nothing wrong with Alsantset. Aside from the bloodstained leathers, she looks positively glowing, her eyes bright and cheeks rosy as she rides ahead of my rickshaw with bow in hand. Unlike me, the battlefield is where she thrives, though to be fair, Ive never seen her struggle at anything she set out to do. Whether it be sewing clothes, cooking meals, or slaughtering Defiled, she does everything with the same natural grace and majesty few can mimic, the embodiment of confidence and competence no matter what the task may be.Its like seeing a real tiger out in the wild, one close enough to touch. It could be sprawled out on its side and fast asleep, but itd still be an imposing creature when seen up close, and Alsantset is the same way. Even when she smiles, most people feel an unintentional hint of danger in her expression, the instinctive, intimidating pressure one feels in the presence of a predator.Honestly, shes so cool. I wish I could be all steely and imposing like her. Mom and Dad are the same way, so maybe I could learn, but Lin says I look goofy and nonthreatening when thinking happy thoughts, and Ive lost count of people whove mistaken my worrying for constipation...Unable to make heads or tails of what the Abbot is talking about, I raise an eyebrow in silent question and he responds with a raised brow of his own. Well, not an eyebrow, since he doesnt have any, but same thing. You cannot see them? he asks, his surprise evident. How can this be?The pieces fall into place once I remember who Im talking to. Oh, Spectres? Nope. Havent seen any since the whole crippling thing. Shrugging, I add, I figured it was because Spectre-vision is Chi powered. She have a lot of them? Ugh, if only I could still Devour... Well, shell be fine. Shes tough and can handle a few intrusive thoughts. Anyone else?Many of your companions have attracted the attentions of the Enemy, though there are a few more concerning than others, like your sister. Pointing at Awdar, the Abbot frowns and says, This one in particular is favoured, as Spectres slip in and out of his Core with impunity which speaks of an erratic mind. That one as well, he adds, gesturing at Ulfsaar in the distance, Though the Spectres are less eager to enter and quick to leave. The half-bear behemoth has yet to regain his calm composure despite not taking part in the battle himself, but Neera is beside him doing her best to soothe his agitation. Gesturing at another rider in the distance, the Abbot adds, That young man there, he is the worst off and bears watching, one who is used to the Enemys nefarious presence and no longer fears them. A tea-drinker as you would classify it. Hai, such absurdity, such sin, even this monk has been affected by your needless complexities.Ignoring the Abbots low-key jab, my mind blanks in disbelief as I follow his finger to see it pointing at Huu. I dont understand, how can Huu be worse off than Ulfsaar? After a long battle, the half-bear would have dozens of Spectres hanging around him, or at least theyd hang around until I got to Devouring, and even though I cant see anything to make a comparison, to say Huu is worse of than Ulfsaar is worrying to the extreme. ...Only a tea-drinker, you said. Hes not full... he isnt too far gone, right? What should I do? Douse him with what little Chi Tea I have left? Would that even work? I doubt it, but what other options do I have? Make him drink it?Patting my shoulder, the Abbots tone softens in response to my obvious distress. Calm your mind, Junior Brother, lest more Spectres seek you out. Injured and vulnerable as you are, you may be particularly susceptible to their lies and this monk fears you would not survive this ones treatment.More? Meaning some Spectres have already latched onto me? Great, just great. The last thing I need are more things to be paranoid of. Dammit, think happy thoughts. Blackjack with a hat. A banana hat. A bunana. Ha, I love it. I should really learn to knit. Not just for silly animal costumes either, but also so Ill have something to do in all my idle time. Lets be honest, if it werent for all the new years festivities, dealing with Jixing and Justicars, and doing my best not to throw up while reading Zhen Shis notes, things would be pretty boring. Having a hobby wouldnt be the worst thing in the world, and my floofs would look adorable in matching or thematic outfits......Besides, who in their right mind, would ever choose to be vegetarian?Our argument comes to an end and we sit in silence for the rest of the short trip. Once through the gates of Fort Sinuji, the Abbot slips away to help with funeral rites, chanting a prayer in a strange language while hammering a slow and steady beat on his wooden fish-drum thing. Indecipherable as the baritone intonations are, the chant is oddly soothing and reminiscent of the stuff I heard in Mahakalas Natal Palace, probably because theyre more or less the same thing. Jorani called them the Sutras and described them as the Forms for the Mind, but the Abbot refuses to teach me until Ive said my vows so I have yet to have any firsthand experience with them aside from the brief interlude prior to Mahakalas death. Had I known how useful they might be, I wouldve spent more time mulling them over, but now that my Cores been shattered, my memory isnt what it used to be and I dont remember the specific Sutra anymore.Then again, Im not sure the Sutras are as miraculous as Jorani claims they are, considering the Brotherhood recite them every day and have yet to see how stupid some of their ideas are...As much as Id like to stop and help the weary soldiers with their clean up efforts, Im no longer a Warrant Officer and lack the freedom which I once enjoyed. As an Imperial soldier, Im supposed to report to the commanding officer as soon as I arrive, since I am technically the ranking officer in my regiment of one soldier, a dozen condemned slaves, and three-hundred and sixty some odd Death Corps. Being under Nian Zus command, Alsantset has no need to report alongside me, but she still comes along to keep me safe, and I bring Kuang Biao as well just for good measure. Signalling for Ping Ping to stay off to one side, I announce my name and rank to the two soldiers standing guard at the command tent and wait to be called inside.And wait. And wait. And wait. A stupid power play I assume, because how could the commander be busy after Nian Zu took over his command?After half-an-hour of standing outside in the cold, a sharp, effeminate voice screeches, Send in Private Falling Rain. As I make my way inside, the guards stop Alsantset and Kuang Biao, or at least they try to. Before my fierce sister can even scowl, both guards crash to the dirt as the former Royal Guardian summarily knocks them both onto their asses without blinking. Having been forewarned of his intentions during the lengthy wait, I hobble in without missing a beat and come face to face with the enraged glare of a face-painted fool wearing a puffy white jacket laden with jewelled accessories. You dare?!Sticking closely to protocol, I bow and salute my new commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mitsue Watanabe, son of the Obsidian Shadow, Mitsue Juichi, and uncle to Mitsue Hideo of the Hwarang. Unfortunately, this puffed up clown is sorely lacking compared to his father and nephew, a fifty-something year old silk pants who only made it this far due to his familial connections. Private Falling Rain, reporting for duty, I announce, before glancing at Kuang Biao and back at Watanabe. Apologies for the injuries, but your guards should know better than to get between a Death Corps and his duty. Kuang Biao here is Oath-sworn to keep me safe, and without prior warning, this Imperial Consort could not stop him in time.Watanabes alabaster face twists in rage, not exactly unexpected, though I am caught off guard by his unexpected reasoning. Imperial Consort? A mere private dares speak so highly in the presence of his superior?Great priorities there. Two injured guards and this idiot cares more about propriety. Private this Imperial Consort may be, but to set rank above Imperial Peerage would be an insult to the Imperial Clan. Probably. I mightve been more humble if Watanabe hadnt made me wait so long, but since hes already antagonistic, then theres no harm in reminding him that despite my low military rank, I am still his superior in social standing, and as such, cannot be bullied without repercussion.Plus I have a Colonel General watching my back, so I can afford to speak highly.When I heard the commanding officer came from a family I was already at odds with, I considered visiting a different area of the front lines, but Nian Zu convinced me otherwise. Even though the Mitsues hate me and Dastan because we embarrassed Hideo on stage, I doubt its enough to ferment a life and death enmity between us, and since Ill need every advantage I can get, we decided it was best to fight in an area my soldiers were already familiar with.Bristling at the reminder of my Imperial Peerage, Watanabe glowers and glares for all hes worth, but Ive weathered worse during family dinners. When it becomes clear I wont be intimidated by looming silence, Watanabes grimace melts into a smile as he unfurls a scroll and displays the Justicars seal imprinted at the bottom of the letter. The Disciplinary Corps has warned this Lieutenant Colonel against showing Private Falling Rain any undue leniency due to his status as an Imperial Consort, so do not think your political influence or high-ranking friends can intimidate me. You will serve as a Private and obey every command given to you.Private Falling Rain will obey. So long as the command is reasonable, but I keep the addendum to myself.Grinning like a cat, Watanabe straightens up and declares, Heed my command. The traitorous slaves from Sanshu are hereby ordered to standby at all hours of the day and night, and at the first sign of Enemy attack, to make their way to the outermost wall. Once there, they are to hold and defend their position until such a time as they have paid for their grievous crimes against the Empire. With their lives, no doubt, but its not over yet. As their overseer, Falling Rain is to remain on standby beside them and subject to the orders of whichever officer holds command at any given time.Detailed instructions follow and my spirits dip with each additional restriction which shows Watanabe or his handlers have thought this through. Not only will I be standing in the thick of the fighting, he has valid reason to restrict most of my Death Corps guards from joining me on the wall, since he can hardly be expected to leave enough room on the first line of defenses for three-hundred plus soldiers at all times, nor can my Death Corps stand ready for twenty four hours a day, ten days a week. Thisll leave me highly exposed and vulnerable not just to attacking Defiled tribesmen, but also to any lurking Wraiths, Demons, or Imperial Assassins waiting to strike in the heat of battle. Not exactly a death sentence, but pretty damn close without overstepping his bounds, though things could be worse.I mean, it sure as hell beats digging latrines with a spoon, so theres that. Still, maybe I should send Kuang Biao to make sure Watanabe suffers an accident, like accidentally tripping on his sword and stabbing himself in the back of the head. A message of sorts, to show Jixing and his other lackeys I mean business. Bah, look at me, on assignment for less than ten minutes and already considering assassinating my commanding officer. Not gonna lie, I kinda enjoy abusing power and privilege, so I can see why people do it so often.Its morally wrong, but since were playing by Imperial rules, then might makes right, so technically, Im in the right. Yea, it feels right, but maybe I should run the idea by Nian Zu first, just in case...Then again, Nian Zu is a stickler for the rules, and its easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission...Chapter Meme
