Chapter 718
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Chapter 718
Lungs burning and muscles aching, I gather my wits and steel my determination in a desperate attempt to fight on in this continuing conflict. Working in tandem with flawless coordination, my assailants grind away at my resolve without mercy, lost in the moment as our back and forth plays out in a haze of reckless abandon. Our movements harmonize to the beat of our pounding hearts and panting breaths in this struggle of strife and unity, a conflict and collaboration akin to both duel and dance. Soon enough, our continued efforts pay off in dividends as we all reap the harvest of our endeavours before collapsing in breathless exhaustion to bask in the afterglow of a match well played, with all participants appeased and contented for yet another night.
Yans throaty chuckle and Milas appreciative murmurs stoke my ego as I sink heavily into the bed sheets and gasp for air like a fish on dry land. Hardly the most dignified demeanour one can present, but if there ever were a place where I could do away with dignity, it would be here in the bedroom I share with my two beloved wives. Say what you will about the perks of being a Martial Warrior, but superhuman strength and stamina only matters in comparison to regular humans, and I find my vitality just barely up to snuff when it comes to satisfying these two wonderful and formidable women.
But where theres a will, theres a way. As I bask in the heat of their bodies and gaze upon their bared flesh in the dim gloom of the moonlit room, I find my second wind and ready myself for yet another bout. Enough, Mila pleads, but her weary, plaintive tone only sets my lust aflame, especially when her movements fail to match her words. Yan is also more than ready for more as we lose ourselves in lust yet again, our bodies intertwined and hearts interconnected in so many ways. Only once we are all wholly spent and exhausted does our ardour cool and abate, and as I collapse into the embrace of my beloved wives for the umpteenth time, I curse the Heavens above for burdening me with this feeble mortality and a libido that cannot be matched. The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak and spongy, even flesh that has been Refined into a Spiritual Heart. Though Yan and Mila seem close to their limits, I suspect they could both keep going long after I fainted from exertion and are only feigning their feeble enervation for the sake of my manly pride.
Then again, maybe not, as Mila falls fast asleep and Yan seems soon to follow suit, though alas, life is not so kind as to oblige us all. Sex is not at all like in the movies, where the man and woman do the deed then just roll over and go to sleep. Its a sloppy, messy, sordid affair and doubly so when more than two parties are involved, so I drag myself out of bed and over to the washbasin to wipe down and freshen up so as to avoid any unpleasant messes the next morning. Yan follows suit while sticking close to me, her pale skin glistening with sweat as I wipe her down, an act which makes me curse my frail mortality once again.
An added benefit from the herbal baths, one that showed after two weeks of steeping in Spiritual Plant water, as now both my wives have flawless, silken skin, so soft and smooth to the touch with a pleasant, natural fragrance that I cannot get enough of...
You are insatiable. Yans husky laugh only stokes the flames of ardour as she pulls me into her naked embrace for a deep and passionate kiss, one which leads to yet another bout of frenetic lovemaking that is understandably hampered by our lack of bed and exhausted bodies. Never one to be outdone, Mila wakes from her stupor and rejoins the effort with renewed ferocity thanks to her competitive nature, leaving me weak in the knees and revealing that her earlier concession was all an act designed to stoke my furor.
Some time later, when our passions are played out and our bodies are wiped clean, I finally get around to changing the bed sheets and hold off sleeps warm embrace long enough to throw on a robe and shuffle over to the bedroom door. Cracking it just wide enough for Aurie to fit through, I welcome the yawning wildcat with a hug and a kiss while Mama Bun and Ping Ping trundle on in, bearing Pong Pong and Guai Guai atop their backs respectively. Ginger, Cinnabun, Pepper, and Peanut (or the Spice Bunnies as Ive taken to calling them, even though ginger and peanuts arent actually spices) were supposed to be parked out here as well, but theyre not yet used to this new system of napping by the door until happy fun times have come to an end. Though Peanut is laid out where I last left him, the other three have absconded to sleep among the flowers in the courtyard garden, and no amount of Loving Aura or gentle Sending will rouse them. Chuckling beneath my breath, I close my eyes and envision myself fading out of reality, not to turn myself invisible, but to make my presence less palpable to the human senses. A strange skill, Concealment, one which I do not wholly understand, but in my minds eye, I conceptualize it as taking the material and making it more immaterial, the physical made metaphysical if you will. A complicated effect that should really not be possible utilizing the laws of physics as I understand them, but the Energy of the Heavens works in mysterious ways I have yet to even begin to unravel.
What I do know is that Concealment does not affect my actual physical form, but rather the signs my passing leaves behind and the ability for others to perceive those signs. Were I a ship upon the waters, my sails would still flap and the ripples would still spread, but the disturbance would go unnoticed thanks to the lessened impression of those signs. The strange thing is, Concealment doesnt seem to have a maximum range of effectiveness, which put to rest my first theory that it was similar to an alternative Domain that affects everyone within its sphere of influence. It made sense in so many ways, but it turns out, my theory was wrong, because Concealment is effective even from several kilometres away while being watched through a rudimentary telescope, one of Diyakos latest inventions that has made its way from the pages of my book and into the Azure Empire proper. Considering this was much further than even the largest Domain could conceivably stretch, I could only accept that my initial theory was wrong and try again from there, though Domain is another iffy concept I have yet to wholly comprehend, as recent developments have raised interesting questions regarding previous perceptions.
Such as the whole Domain Manifestation thing and how Hongji was able to cover the entire Central Citadel with his Domain when even Akanai can barely cover more than a full metre around her. In diameter, not radius, and not perfectly circular of course, as her Domain stretches out from her skin rather than a central point, but the measurement still stands.
Either way, all my testing led me to believe that Concealment isnt actually affecting anyones perception directly, but rather covering up the signs of an individuals passing before said signs escape beyond the area of Concealment for others to perceive. To put it simply, signals like sound, light, smell, and whatnot are able to make their way into the area of Concealment, but it simply passes through without impacting on the Concealed individual. Thats why even though I wasnt able to see Mahakalas Concealed form, I was able to notice the missing stars which should have been present behind him. I wasnt looking at him per se, but rather at something his physical form was blocking which should have been plainly visible to my eyes, and luckily my mind registered the objects as missing. Its like looking at a painting of a familiar landscape that left out an important feature, like a distinct house or tree or whatever. Only someone familiar with the setting would really notice, or someone clever enough to spot signs of absent objects, while most would only see what the artist painted.
How Concealment actually does any of this is a question I have yet to answer, not to mention I have no idea how one finagles the skill to hide specific objects, like say clothes and weapons, while leaving others untouched like the grass beneath their feet. Ive eliminated one possibility at least, namely that it is able to directly affect an outsiders perspective. A minor difference, but an important one, because if it was possible to use Concealment to hide things from people, we could theoretically also use it in reverse to show things that arent really there. Thankfully, this isnt the case and I dont have to worry about real-world illusions just yet, unless you have the unknown Elemental Blessing shared by all Wraiths. Even then, they're not exactly solid illusions, since they don't affect me, so it's still up in the air as to how they do what they do. Maybe someone with the Blessing of Light could craft illusions, but there hasnt actually been a recorded instance of a Demon or Martial Warrior Blessed by Light in several millennia, even though Lightning is one of the most common Auxiliary Blessings in history, followed closely by Sand and Metal. Technically, Fire and Air can result in either Light or Lightning, which begs the question as to why the former is so much less prominent than the latter. In fact, Im confused as to why Fire and Earth make Metal instead of Magma, though I suppose the second one totally exists in some way, shape or form. Maybe with a bit of water splashed in or something. Who knows.
In fact, now that I think about it, Gen Shi was very specific about being the Emissary of Earths Fire, which just had to be intentional. Knowing what I know now, its clear his Blessing was of Metal, rather than just plain fire, but what would change if hed been the Emissary of Fires Earth? Fiery Earth? I dunno, but its worth a thought or two.
What I do know is that no one can see me as I stride barefoot out into the courtyard wearing little more than a loose robe. I also know that a Sound Barrier is merely a very specific form of Concealment, one which only hides sound and nothing else. With help from the Death Corps and some very large drums, I discovered that Concealment will block both sound and vibration, while a Sound Barrier will only stop the former and leave the wall-shaking vibrations unaffected and perceptible. It was a fun experiment which proved exceptionally useful as I no longer rely solely on Sound Barriers to cover up my nightly sordid activities, because it does nothing to stop the creaking floorboards or shaking walls from being sensed by others in the house. Instead, I utilize Concealment to keep our nightly bouts from affecting others in the household, which is more difficult and Chi intensive than I would like, but well worth the effort.
What can I say? My wives and I are three, passionate, athletic individuals who are very much in love and lust, so how can our trysts be confined to a single bed? Even a single room is almost not enough, but I can only sit and wait for the new manors to be built so my parents and in-laws can all move out to become neighbours rather than house mates and I can really start breaking my home in. A home isnt a home until youve made love in every single room and atop every single surface. Gross yes, but its my home and Ill do what I want here.
The sheer amount of flak I got for having sex in the baths was downright criminal, not to mention humiliating, and though I love my family dearly, I never want to have to sit through such a conversation ever again.
While I am able to utilize Concealment and should probably leave it at that, my curiosity knows no bounds and will not allow me to leave things be. I want nay, need to know how these Chi skills work, because only then will I understand how to best use them. What separates a good Concealment from a bad one? There is a discernible difference in quality between Pong Pongs Concealment and what everyone else can do, but its difficult to explain. Most Concealed Martial Warriors can remain unnoticed so long as they dont do anything to draw attention to themselves, but more skilled individuals can bump into or move other people aside without being noticed. Then theres Pong Pong, who is on a whole other level all by himself. Ive seen Peak Experts and brilliant minds alike sit down at the table with me, take note of the box of raw shrimp, and later notice the box has been emptied, yet dismiss it all without even thinking due to Pong Pongs Concealment, a feat which Ive never seen matched by any one else, not even Kukky who is easily noticed once you see the food disappearing from in front of him. To test the limits of Concealment even further, I asked MuYang, the sneakiest git I know, to help me with an experiment in which I invited him over for dinner without telling anyone except Grandpa Du and Kyung, mostly so they could help protect my spymaster should anyone react adversely to his hidden presence. As planned, MuYang arrived early without anyone noticing and took his seat at the dining table before anyone else arrived, Concealing himself and his seat from anyone and everyone, but Akanai took one look at the dining table and asked if we were expecting a visitor, as shed noticed the extra place setting and empty space meant for MuYang.
So what differentiates Pong Pongs Concealment from MuYangs? Why can Pong Pongs Concealment hide even the aftermath of his actions, while MuYang cant even hide the fact that theres an extra seat at the table? Once we understand what separates the two instances of Concealment, we can better study how to improve our abilities, an outlook which is not limited to Concealment alone. What makes Mitsue Juichis Mountain Collapsing Stomp so much more effective than mine? Or Mei Lins Lightening? Or Gongsun Qis Reinforcement and Amplification? Hard work and dedicated effort will ultimately still be required, but things would go so much faster if I knew what I needed to improve upon in order to progress along the Martial Path.
Lofty aspirations aside, I collect the sleeping spice bunnies and bring them back to the bedroom to snuggle in the comfort of my own bed, one which I share with two of the most beautiful and amazing women I know. Already fast asleep once again, Mila is laid out flat on her back and looking oh so adorable in her night robes with Guai-Guai in her arms, the clingy red panda snuggled tight in her embrace. Propped up on one elbow beside them, Yan silently awaits my return while restraining the all-too-excited Mama Bun, who is well-rested after a long day of napping and ready for an excursion into my Natal Palace. Ping Ping is equally excited but much more reserved about showing it, waving her butt from side to side while planting her chin against the bed in a downward dog pose, a mannerism she picked up from playing with Buddy these past few weeks.
Making room for me to crawl in between her and Mila, Yans fetching pout reminds me of the taste of her lips, but my weary efforts to secure a kiss are thwarted by Mama Buns enthusiastic headbutt of greeting to my chin. Settling for a kiss between the sweet rabbits nubby horns, I try to subtly extract a strand of stray fur from my mouth as Yan laughs and shakes her head. Even after so many nights, she whispers, laying her head down next to mine as we finally settle down to sleep, I still can hardly believe that you bring them into your Natal Palace every night, but its hard to argue when Mama Bun and Ping Ping are so excited for bedtime.
Yea, because bed time is play time for them, I reply, kissing Milas temple before turning to nuzzle Yans nose with mine. I dont think you can see him, but Pong Pong is equally excited too, tippy-tapping his feet about on the back of Mama Buns head. An Aura of impatient excitement thrums through the air as the tiny turtle responds to his name, eager as the others to visit my Natal Palace once more, because after a lifetime of trials and tribulations, hes finally found a place where he can cut loose and have fun without fear or apprehension. Home is more than a place to rest your head, and after a lifetime of searching, Pong Pong has finally found his, which is here by my side.
Touching as the sentiment is, Yans attempt to hide her pique does not go unnoticed and proves to be a hair in the soup of this sentimental moment. Whats the matter? I ask, teasing her a little. Jealous of two turtles and a bunny rabbit?
Yes. Contrary to expectations, Yan readily admits the source of her ire, smushing Mama Buns cheeks ever so gently before pulling Ping Ping into her embrace. Despite her hard, irregular shell with its rounded protrusions, Ping Ping is surprisingly squishy in a solid sort of way, not at all uncomfortable to hold and cuddle. A good thing too, because the sweet girl does so love her hugs, and a hug with Yan is no exception. Unable to hold fast to her grudge in the face of Ping Pings delighted squeaks, my wife smiles and throws a halfhearted, accusatory glare in my direction. You bring your pets into your Natal Palace, but theres no room for your wives? Weve been sleeping side by side for weeks now, and not once have Mila or I ever received anything that might be construed as an invitation, subconscious or otherwise.
True, that wouldve been less complicated. Pinching my side with a girlish giggle, Yan continues, Because then you mightve already bedded her by now, if not married her in truth. You always were the contrary sort, never happy to do as you are told. Sighing as if she were the aggrieved party, Yan shakes her head once again before finally relenting. On that note, I suppose I should stop talking now, though I will say that Luo-Luo is a sweet and lovely woman who has more than earned your trust by now.
Implying I need to stop keeping her at arms length in matters of love and intimacy. So I have trust issues, sue me, but Yans not wrong. I trust Luo-Luo enough to let her handle the business of running the outer provinces, so maybe I should trust her enough to let my guard down and get to really know her. Thing is, I resent the fact that she was dumped into my lap and I am contrary enough to not be affectionate with her based on resentment alone, which now that Ive thought about it, is neither punishing Shen ZhenWu nor is it fair to Luo-Luo. Though theres something to be said about being true to myself, I cannot overlook Luo-Luos contributions solely based on the fact that she was thrust upon me without asking, not to mention the fact that shes a dutiful, submissive, long-legged, big-breasted beauty who will do anything I ask of her, which is just all sorts of awesome.
One wife at a time though, and once my wedding and honeymoon with Lin-Lin has concluded, I expect Ill be off on a crusade to retake the Western Provinces soon after, so it seems Fate insists on having Luo-Luo wait just a little bit longer. Kissing Yan on the forehead and murmuring that Ill think on what she said, I close my eyes and sink into her warm embrace while Mila clutches me close on the other side. With Ping Ping, Mama Bun, and the Spice Buns all huddled against my chest, I have no idea how the bedroom logistics will work out once we introduce Lin-Lin, Banjo, Baloo, and Jimjam into the equation, not to mention the hypothetical addition of leggy Luo-Luo as well, but where theres a will, theres a way.
...
Im gonna need a bigger bed.
The sweet oblivion of senseless slumber seizes me without warning and time stands still as I revel in the peace and serenity of sleeps warm embrace, an addictive indulgence I crave more than I would care to admit. Life is exhausting, but even though I fear losing all that I have, there is no denying that I am happier than I have ever been. Much of it is due to my family, friends, and floofs, but I deserve some of the credit as well for finally allowing myself to be happy. While Ive been working hard to train and prepare for whatever might come, Ive been careful not to let myself be overwhelmed by doom and gloom as per usual. Ive been putting in a hundred and ten percent effort, but part of that has been learning how to relax and enjoy the journey along the way, to lose myself in the moment as I taste Talis latest culinary creation or appreciate one of Taduks Spiritual Plants in full bloom. Being forced to spend a few hours in the bamboo grove each day has done wonders for my mental well-being, not because the grove is a magical place of natural balance, but because the love and company of family is a balm for the soul, one I have finally learned to properly indulge in.
A lesson I learned from none other than the best boy himself, Buddy. Greeting me with a chorus of delighted yips, my long-eared, brown-eyed doggo runs circles around me as I arrive upon the concrete dock inside my Natal Palace. Though I feel bad for leaving him here all alone when Im awake, Buddy doesnt care about any of that, because hes just happy Im here. His excitement only grows as Ping Ping, Pong Pong, and Mama Bun arrive a few moments later, as he is particularly enamoured by the latter, who is more or less his size and equally enthused to see him. The dog and rabbit pair hop and roll about in joyous greeting as Ping Ping tippy taps around them, sharing in their joy and receiving more than her fair share of kisses while Pong Pong patiently watches from his place perched atop my head, the older, wiser, smaller turtle just happy to be in our company and impatiently awaiting our journey out to the Sea. Alas, the Spice Buns are nowhere to be found, meaning they either never received my subconscious invitation, were unwilling to accept, or simply unable to cross over into my Natal Palace. Whatever the reason, I heave a soft sigh of regret and steel my determination as I look up at the skyscraper which houses my room and Natal Throne. Yan expressed her frustration at being unable to join us here in my Natal Palace, and while I was honest about how I have no idea how these shenanigans work, I didnt share an inkling suspicion Ive harboured for some time now.
I believe its possible that I might subconsciously be reluctant to invite Yan or Mila into my Natal Palace because it could lead them to ask questions I dont really want to answer, like why do I have a modern condominium inside my Natal Palace or how come I look so different in here compared to my physical self. Maybe thats why theyve never received an invitation, because Ive never actually sent one. Then again, I could be barking up the wrong tree and my wives simply lack the ability to visit my Natal Palace, alongside all the other floofs Ive tried this with, so who knows?
Denial. Its a wonderful thing sometimes, but I doth partake too much.
Having failed to summon my wives and bunbuns, I set aside my worries for another time and give myself over to the moment. The animals take off into the water and I follow closely behind, laughing as Buddy runs over top the waves with Mama Bun bounding after him in hot pursuit with help from her magical flying raft. Ping Ping and Pong Pong both join in on the fun, helping one, then the other, then taking their own turns at being both predator and prey in this chaotic, unstructured game of tag. There are no rules other than to have fun and do no harm, and thats all they really need. This is a diversion in every sense of the measure, but even in their festive frolicking, I can see the subtle signs of training and exercise in the animals movements. Mama Bun is always on the lookout for danger, real or feigned, and her hops have grown more speedy and graceful in recent weeks, while Ping Pings Deflection has levelled up to the point where she can create literal whirlpools around her. Buddy has picked up a few tricks as well, and can now dodge, duck, and weave anything Pong Pong can throw at him, whether it be unexpected pillars of water bursting out of the sea, a sudden riptide to slow him in his tracks, or a barrage of non-lethal water bullets meant to bring him low.
As for Pong Pong, I can tell the tiny turtle is holding back quite a bit, but hes been having a grand old time playing with the rest. He especially loves pulling me down into the watery depths and being chased around the sea floor, but even though I have complete mastery of the currents within this Natal Sea, I have yet to come close to laying a finger on him, as hes just too fast and slippery for me to catch. If we were keeping track of winners and losers, Pong Pong would undoubtedly stand on top, but Im probably the only one who cares about winning, as the rest are just here for the love of the chase.
Which is something I tell myself every time I see Pong Pongs smug turtle smile, lording his superiority over me as he stays just out of arms reach. One day, I will catch that turtle and see him panic for just a little, then cuddle him for all Im worth. One day...
While we play our games, I keep one part of my mind occupied with studying just how Im doing what I do, but thus far, Ive nothing to really show for it. How does Buddy run through the waves without ever breaking the surface tension? How does Ping Ping propel her water bullets and keep them from just splattering harmlessly on impact? How does Pong Pong ride the currents and evade capture even when I have control of the water around him, or even manipulate them to his own advantage? Most people use their Natal Palaces to practice Chi skills, but Ive always found that those skills come too easily to me here in my own Domain. Raising a tidal wave is as easy as imagining it, but there are no opposing forces at work here, because this Natal Sea is not filled with water, but rather Chi masquerading as water. While I understand the basic concept of controlling Chi, controlling Water Chi requires more than an effort of Will, as Ive been unable to utilize my Blessing in any useful way whatsoever outside of my Natal Palace. The problem is even though Water Chi is easily controlled in here, thats not how things work out in the real world, so Im a little lost as to how any of this is supposed to help.
The answers are so close though, I can almost taste them, like a word on the tip of my tongue that Ive somehow lost and cannot find again...
At least these games are fun and the only thing I have to lose is my worthless pride, so Im more than happy to come back night after night. Of course, I still need to actually sleep, which means we cant play in here all night. Though time is difficult to track in here, Ive gotten the hang of feeling out when Im too tired to keep going, but long before that moment arrives, I cut play time short and bring everyone on a walk through my Natal Palace. Mostly because I genuinely enjoy walking with Buddy and watching him sniff every nook and cranny, but also because its an opportunity to give everyone the grand tour. Thats what Ping Ping and Pong Pong did for me when I visited their Natal Palaces, so it only seems right to respond in kind, sharing with them the sights, sounds, scents, and everything else I can remember from this life and the last.
See that? I say, pointing at a raised dais by the sea shore, where we last left our tour yesterday night, when I manifested some ice cream and shared the memory with everyone present. Thats where I stood when I declared myself as one of the People. Mom, Dad, Alsantset, Charok, and Taduk were all there to support me, as well as Gerel I suppose, and its still one of my most cherished memories.
Even though the animals dont actually understand my words, a deluge of emotions emanate from me as I tell the tale of my homecoming to my attentive audience. There I stood, upon that stage, where I introduced myself to everyone in the village as Rain, and they all cheered because a child who was lost had finally come home. Ive never really thought about it, but that moment meant so much to me, because it was the first time since coming to this world that I felt safe and accepted. I suppose thats also why it hurt so much when I was almost exiled, and why Im afraid to go back again. Outside of my family, Ive never really interacted all that much with the rest of the People, nor have I ever really considered myself as one first and foremost, but now that Ive had time to reflect upon my life, my Path, and the steps I took to arrive where I am today, I realized that this might well have been a defining moment in my existence.
Before I stood upon that stage, I was Rayne, a transmigrator who was lost and confused in a strange and unfamiliar world. Then, my family pledged to take me in and take responsibility for me, to feed and clothe me, to love and nurture me, to teach and guide me, and I was no longer just Rayne. I became Falling Rain of the People, no longer a stranger to this world, but a boy with a place to belong. A wise person once said, You dont know what youve got til its gone, and I cannot agree more, because I never realized how much the People meant to me until they tried to exile me. After my recent attempt to consign myself to oblivion, I also realized how much I wouldve missed out on had I truly succeeded, such as Talis delicious Spiritual Cooking, Tates continued growth and accomplishments, Rakkys adorable aquatic antics, or my upcoming marriage to my beloved wifey Lin-Lin, not to mention all the adventurous bedroom antics Yan and Mila have been cooking up. Theres still so much more I want to experience in this life, I can hardly believe I was ever stupid enough to want to run away from all that I have. Though I am still not sure where I stand in the grand scheme of things or how my existence in this world came to pass, I have finally learned to accept one, simple truth that I have denied for so long.
This world is where I belong. I am not Rayne nor Rain, not as the world knows me, nor am I Brother or Baledagh, but rather an amalgamation of them all. Without one, I would not have the others, and I would be someone else entirely, so I must embrace myself for who I am and accept my unconventional place in this world. Though there are trials and tribulations aplenty, I will fight to keep this life, to protect and safeguard both myself and everyone I care about, because I love this life. Its not perfect, but its pretty damn amazing if I do say so myself, so its high time I stopped wallowing in misery and sadness and focus on the good parts instead. The Brotherhood believes life is suffering because life is impermanent, but I say the fleeting, transitory nature of life is what makes it so precious, so I should enjoy what I have while its still here. Much like how Buddy doesnt mind being left alone so long as I come back, I shouldnt mind the lows so long as there are still highs to strive for and enjoy, a lesson that is easier said than done. Im trying my best to remain optimistic and enjoy the moment, so while I still have my moments of admittedly reasonable despair, I will never allow it to consume me once more.
Because when it comes right down to it, I have too much going for me to give it all up. I might not have bear hands, but I have a loving, supportive family, a menagerie of adorable and affectionate floofs, two beautiful wives with a third in the works, and a host of friends that would literally march into the Fathers Maw at my side. I am truly living the dream, which is a whole lot more than most ever have. I am both humbled and gratified to be so blessed, and I would be a fool to let it all slip by. A fool I have been, but that was yesterdays Falling Rain. Today is a brand new day with a brand new me, and I look forward to what the future has in store.
Chapter Meme 1
Chapter Meme 2
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Chapter 718
Lungs burning and muscles aching, I gather my wits and steel my determination in a desperate attempt to fight on in this continuing conflict. Working in tandem with flawless coordination, my assailants grind away at my resolve without mercy, lost in the moment as our back and forth plays out in a haze of reckless abandon. Our movements harmonize to the beat of our pounding hearts and panting breaths in this struggle of strife and unity, a conflict and collaboration akin to both duel and dance. Soon enough, our continued efforts pay off in dividends as we all reap the harvest of our endeavours before collapsing in breathless exhaustion to bask in the afterglow of a match well played, with all participants appeased and contented for yet another night.
Yans throaty chuckle and Milas appreciative murmurs stoke my ego as I sink heavily into the bed sheets and gasp for air like a fish on dry land. Hardly the most dignified demeanour one can present, but if there ever were a place where I could do away with dignity, it would be here in the bedroom I share with my two beloved wives. Say what you will about the perks of being a Martial Warrior, but superhuman strength and stamina only matters in comparison to regular humans, and I find my vitality just barely up to snuff when it comes to satisfying these two wonderful and formidable women.
But where theres a will, theres a way. As I bask in the heat of their bodies and gaze upon their bared flesh in the dim gloom of the moonlit room, I find my second wind and ready myself for yet another bout. Enough, Mila pleads, but her weary, plaintive tone only sets my lust aflame, especially when her movements fail to match her words. Yan is also more than ready for more as we lose ourselves in lust yet again, our bodies intertwined and hearts interconnected in so many ways. Only once we are all wholly spent and exhausted does our ardour cool and abate, and as I collapse into the embrace of my beloved wives for the umpteenth time, I curse the Heavens above for burdening me with this feeble mortality and a libido that cannot be matched. The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak and spongy, even flesh that has been Refined into a Spiritual Heart. Though Yan and Mila seem close to their limits, I suspect they could both keep going long after I fainted from exertion and are only feigning their feeble enervation for the sake of my manly pride.
Then again, maybe not, as Mila falls fast asleep and Yan seems soon to follow suit, though alas, life is not so kind as to oblige us all. Sex is not at all like in the movies, where the man and woman do the deed then just roll over and go to sleep. Its a sloppy, messy, sordid affair and doubly so when more than two parties are involved, so I drag myself out of bed and over to the washbasin to wipe down and freshen up so as to avoid any unpleasant messes the next morning. Yan follows suit while sticking close to me, her pale skin glistening with sweat as I wipe her down, an act which makes me curse my frail mortality once again.
An added benefit from the herbal baths, one that showed after two weeks of steeping in Spiritual Plant water, as now both my wives have flawless, silken skin, so soft and smooth to the touch with a pleasant, natural fragrance that I cannot get enough of...
You are insatiable. Yans husky laugh only stokes the flames of ardour as she pulls me into her naked embrace for a deep and passionate kiss, one which leads to yet another bout of frenetic lovemaking that is understandably hampered by our lack of bed and exhausted bodies. Never one to be outdone, Mila wakes from her stupor and rejoins the effort with renewed ferocity thanks to her competitive nature, leaving me weak in the knees and revealing that her earlier concession was all an act designed to stoke my furor.
Some time later, when our passions are played out and our bodies are wiped clean, I finally get around to changing the bed sheets and hold off sleeps warm embrace long enough to throw on a robe and shuffle over to the bedroom door. Cracking it just wide enough for Aurie to fit through, I welcome the yawning wildcat with a hug and a kiss while Mama Bun and Ping Ping trundle on in, bearing Pong Pong and Guai Guai atop their backs respectively. Ginger, Cinnabun, Pepper, and Peanut (or the Spice Bunnies as Ive taken to calling them, even though ginger and peanuts arent actually spices) were supposed to be parked out here as well, but theyre not yet used to this new system of napping by the door until happy fun times have come to an end. Though Peanut is laid out where I last left him, the other three have absconded to sleep among the flowers in the courtyard garden, and no amount of Loving Aura or gentle Sending will rouse them. Chuckling beneath my breath, I close my eyes and envision myself fading out of reality, not to turn myself invisible, but to make my presence less palpable to the human senses. A strange skill, Concealment, one which I do not wholly understand, but in my minds eye, I conceptualize it as taking the material and making it more immaterial, the physical made metaphysical if you will. A complicated effect that should really not be possible utilizing the laws of physics as I understand them, but the Energy of the Heavens works in mysterious ways I have yet to even begin to unravel.
What I do know is that Concealment does not affect my actual physical form, but rather the signs my passing leaves behind and the ability for others to perceive those signs. Were I a ship upon the waters, my sails would still flap and the ripples would still spread, but the disturbance would go unnoticed thanks to the lessened impression of those signs. The strange thing is, Concealment doesnt seem to have a maximum range of effectiveness, which put to rest my first theory that it was similar to an alternative Domain that affects everyone within its sphere of influence. It made sense in so many ways, but it turns out, my theory was wrong, because Concealment is effective even from several kilometres away while being watched through a rudimentary telescope, one of Diyakos latest inventions that has made its way from the pages of my book and into the Azure Empire proper. Considering this was much further than even the largest Domain could conceivably stretch, I could only accept that my initial theory was wrong and try again from there, though Domain is another iffy concept I have yet to wholly comprehend, as recent developments have raised interesting questions regarding previous perceptions.
Such as the whole Domain Manifestation thing and how Hongji was able to cover the entire Central Citadel with his Domain when even Akanai can barely cover more than a full metre around her. In diameter, not radius, and not perfectly circular of course, as her Domain stretches out from her skin rather than a central point, but the measurement still stands.
Either way, all my testing led me to believe that Concealment isnt actually affecting anyones perception directly, but rather covering up the signs of an individuals passing before said signs escape beyond the area of Concealment for others to perceive. To put it simply, signals like sound, light, smell, and whatnot are able to make their way into the area of Concealment, but it simply passes through without impacting on the Concealed individual. Thats why even though I wasnt able to see Mahakalas Concealed form, I was able to notice the missing stars which should have been present behind him. I wasnt looking at him per se, but rather at something his physical form was blocking which should have been plainly visible to my eyes, and luckily my mind registered the objects as missing. Its like looking at a painting of a familiar landscape that left out an important feature, like a distinct house or tree or whatever. Only someone familiar with the setting would really notice, or someone clever enough to spot signs of absent objects, while most would only see what the artist painted.
How Concealment actually does any of this is a question I have yet to answer, not to mention I have no idea how one finagles the skill to hide specific objects, like say clothes and weapons, while leaving others untouched like the grass beneath their feet. Ive eliminated one possibility at least, namely that it is able to directly affect an outsiders perspective. A minor difference, but an important one, because if it was possible to use Concealment to hide things from people, we could theoretically also use it in reverse to show things that arent really there. Thankfully, this isnt the case and I dont have to worry about real-world illusions just yet, unless you have the unknown Elemental Blessing shared by all Wraiths. Even then, they're not exactly solid illusions, since they don't affect me, so it's still up in the air as to how they do what they do. Maybe someone with the Blessing of Light could craft illusions, but there hasnt actually been a recorded instance of a Demon or Martial Warrior Blessed by Light in several millennia, even though Lightning is one of the most common Auxiliary Blessings in history, followed closely by Sand and Metal. Technically, Fire and Air can result in either Light or Lightning, which begs the question as to why the former is so much less prominent than the latter. In fact, Im confused as to why Fire and Earth make Metal instead of Magma, though I suppose the second one totally exists in some way, shape or form. Maybe with a bit of water splashed in or something. Who knows.
In fact, now that I think about it, Gen Shi was very specific about being the Emissary of Earths Fire, which just had to be intentional. Knowing what I know now, its clear his Blessing was of Metal, rather than just plain fire, but what would change if hed been the Emissary of Fires Earth? Fiery Earth? I dunno, but its worth a thought or two.
What I do know is that no one can see me as I stride barefoot out into the courtyard wearing little more than a loose robe. I also know that a Sound Barrier is merely a very specific form of Concealment, one which only hides sound and nothing else. With help from the Death Corps and some very large drums, I discovered that Concealment will block both sound and vibration, while a Sound Barrier will only stop the former and leave the wall-shaking vibrations unaffected and perceptible. It was a fun experiment which proved exceptionally useful as I no longer rely solely on Sound Barriers to cover up my nightly sordid activities, because it does nothing to stop the creaking floorboards or shaking walls from being sensed by others in the house. Instead, I utilize Concealment to keep our nightly bouts from affecting others in the household, which is more difficult and Chi intensive than I would like, but well worth the effort.
What can I say? My wives and I are three, passionate, athletic individuals who are very much in love and lust, so how can our trysts be confined to a single bed? Even a single room is almost not enough, but I can only sit and wait for the new manors to be built so my parents and in-laws can all move out to become neighbours rather than house mates and I can really start breaking my home in. A home isnt a home until youve made love in every single room and atop every single surface. Gross yes, but its my home and Ill do what I want here.
The sheer amount of flak I got for having sex in the baths was downright criminal, not to mention humiliating, and though I love my family dearly, I never want to have to sit through such a conversation ever again.
While I am able to utilize Concealment and should probably leave it at that, my curiosity knows no bounds and will not allow me to leave things be. I want nay, need to know how these Chi skills work, because only then will I understand how to best use them. What separates a good Concealment from a bad one? There is a discernible difference in quality between Pong Pongs Concealment and what everyone else can do, but its difficult to explain. Most Concealed Martial Warriors can remain unnoticed so long as they dont do anything to draw attention to themselves, but more skilled individuals can bump into or move other people aside without being noticed. Then theres Pong Pong, who is on a whole other level all by himself. Ive seen Peak Experts and brilliant minds alike sit down at the table with me, take note of the box of raw shrimp, and later notice the box has been emptied, yet dismiss it all without even thinking due to Pong Pongs Concealment, a feat which Ive never seen matched by any one else, not even Kukky who is easily noticed once you see the food disappearing from in front of him. To test the limits of Concealment even further, I asked MuYang, the sneakiest git I know, to help me with an experiment in which I invited him over for dinner without telling anyone except Grandpa Du and Kyung, mostly so they could help protect my spymaster should anyone react adversely to his hidden presence. As planned, MuYang arrived early without anyone noticing and took his seat at the dining table before anyone else arrived, Concealing himself and his seat from anyone and everyone, but Akanai took one look at the dining table and asked if we were expecting a visitor, as shed noticed the extra place setting and empty space meant for MuYang.
So what differentiates Pong Pongs Concealment from MuYangs? Why can Pong Pongs Concealment hide even the aftermath of his actions, while MuYang cant even hide the fact that theres an extra seat at the table? Once we understand what separates the two instances of Concealment, we can better study how to improve our abilities, an outlook which is not limited to Concealment alone. What makes Mitsue Juichis Mountain Collapsing Stomp so much more effective than mine? Or Mei Lins Lightening? Or Gongsun Qis Reinforcement and Amplification? Hard work and dedicated effort will ultimately still be required, but things would go so much faster if I knew what I needed to improve upon in order to progress along the Martial Path.
Lofty aspirations aside, I collect the sleeping spice bunnies and bring them back to the bedroom to snuggle in the comfort of my own bed, one which I share with two of the most beautiful and amazing women I know. Already fast asleep once again, Mila is laid out flat on her back and looking oh so adorable in her night robes with Guai-Guai in her arms, the clingy red panda snuggled tight in her embrace. Propped up on one elbow beside them, Yan silently awaits my return while restraining the all-too-excited Mama Bun, who is well-rested after a long day of napping and ready for an excursion into my Natal Palace. Ping Ping is equally excited but much more reserved about showing it, waving her butt from side to side while planting her chin against the bed in a downward dog pose, a mannerism she picked up from playing with Buddy these past few weeks.
Making room for me to crawl in between her and Mila, Yans fetching pout reminds me of the taste of her lips, but my weary efforts to secure a kiss are thwarted by Mama Buns enthusiastic headbutt of greeting to my chin. Settling for a kiss between the sweet rabbits nubby horns, I try to subtly extract a strand of stray fur from my mouth as Yan laughs and shakes her head. Even after so many nights, she whispers, laying her head down next to mine as we finally settle down to sleep, I still can hardly believe that you bring them into your Natal Palace every night, but its hard to argue when Mama Bun and Ping Ping are so excited for bedtime.
Yea, because bed time is play time for them, I reply, kissing Milas temple before turning to nuzzle Yans nose with mine. I dont think you can see him, but Pong Pong is equally excited too, tippy-tapping his feet about on the back of Mama Buns head. An Aura of impatient excitement thrums through the air as the tiny turtle responds to his name, eager as the others to visit my Natal Palace once more, because after a lifetime of trials and tribulations, hes finally found a place where he can cut loose and have fun without fear or apprehension. Home is more than a place to rest your head, and after a lifetime of searching, Pong Pong has finally found his, which is here by my side.
Touching as the sentiment is, Yans attempt to hide her pique does not go unnoticed and proves to be a hair in the soup of this sentimental moment. Whats the matter? I ask, teasing her a little. Jealous of two turtles and a bunny rabbit?
Yes. Contrary to expectations, Yan readily admits the source of her ire, smushing Mama Buns cheeks ever so gently before pulling Ping Ping into her embrace. Despite her hard, irregular shell with its rounded protrusions, Ping Ping is surprisingly squishy in a solid sort of way, not at all uncomfortable to hold and cuddle. A good thing too, because the sweet girl does so love her hugs, and a hug with Yan is no exception. Unable to hold fast to her grudge in the face of Ping Pings delighted squeaks, my wife smiles and throws a halfhearted, accusatory glare in my direction. You bring your pets into your Natal Palace, but theres no room for your wives? Weve been sleeping side by side for weeks now, and not once have Mila or I ever received anything that might be construed as an invitation, subconscious or otherwise.
True, that wouldve been less complicated. Pinching my side with a girlish giggle, Yan continues, Because then you mightve already bedded her by now, if not married her in truth. You always were the contrary sort, never happy to do as you are told. Sighing as if she were the aggrieved party, Yan shakes her head once again before finally relenting. On that note, I suppose I should stop talking now, though I will say that Luo-Luo is a sweet and lovely woman who has more than earned your trust by now.
Implying I need to stop keeping her at arms length in matters of love and intimacy. So I have trust issues, sue me, but Yans not wrong. I trust Luo-Luo enough to let her handle the business of running the outer provinces, so maybe I should trust her enough to let my guard down and get to really know her. Thing is, I resent the fact that she was dumped into my lap and I am contrary enough to not be affectionate with her based on resentment alone, which now that Ive thought about it, is neither punishing Shen ZhenWu nor is it fair to Luo-Luo. Though theres something to be said about being true to myself, I cannot overlook Luo-Luos contributions solely based on the fact that she was thrust upon me without asking, not to mention the fact that shes a dutiful, submissive, long-legged, big-breasted beauty who will do anything I ask of her, which is just all sorts of awesome.
One wife at a time though, and once my wedding and honeymoon with Lin-Lin has concluded, I expect Ill be off on a crusade to retake the Western Provinces soon after, so it seems Fate insists on having Luo-Luo wait just a little bit longer. Kissing Yan on the forehead and murmuring that Ill think on what she said, I close my eyes and sink into her warm embrace while Mila clutches me close on the other side. With Ping Ping, Mama Bun, and the Spice Buns all huddled against my chest, I have no idea how the bedroom logistics will work out once we introduce Lin-Lin, Banjo, Baloo, and Jimjam into the equation, not to mention the hypothetical addition of leggy Luo-Luo as well, but where theres a will, theres a way.
...
Im gonna need a bigger bed.
The sweet oblivion of senseless slumber seizes me without warning and time stands still as I revel in the peace and serenity of sleeps warm embrace, an addictive indulgence I crave more than I would care to admit. Life is exhausting, but even though I fear losing all that I have, there is no denying that I am happier than I have ever been. Much of it is due to my family, friends, and floofs, but I deserve some of the credit as well for finally allowing myself to be happy. While Ive been working hard to train and prepare for whatever might come, Ive been careful not to let myself be overwhelmed by doom and gloom as per usual. Ive been putting in a hundred and ten percent effort, but part of that has been learning how to relax and enjoy the journey along the way, to lose myself in the moment as I taste Talis latest culinary creation or appreciate one of Taduks Spiritual Plants in full bloom. Being forced to spend a few hours in the bamboo grove each day has done wonders for my mental well-being, not because the grove is a magical place of natural balance, but because the love and company of family is a balm for the soul, one I have finally learned to properly indulge in.
A lesson I learned from none other than the best boy himself, Buddy. Greeting me with a chorus of delighted yips, my long-eared, brown-eyed doggo runs circles around me as I arrive upon the concrete dock inside my Natal Palace. Though I feel bad for leaving him here all alone when Im awake, Buddy doesnt care about any of that, because hes just happy Im here. His excitement only grows as Ping Ping, Pong Pong, and Mama Bun arrive a few moments later, as he is particularly enamoured by the latter, who is more or less his size and equally enthused to see him. The dog and rabbit pair hop and roll about in joyous greeting as Ping Ping tippy taps around them, sharing in their joy and receiving more than her fair share of kisses while Pong Pong patiently watches from his place perched atop my head, the older, wiser, smaller turtle just happy to be in our company and impatiently awaiting our journey out to the Sea. Alas, the Spice Buns are nowhere to be found, meaning they either never received my subconscious invitation, were unwilling to accept, or simply unable to cross over into my Natal Palace. Whatever the reason, I heave a soft sigh of regret and steel my determination as I look up at the skyscraper which houses my room and Natal Throne. Yan expressed her frustration at being unable to join us here in my Natal Palace, and while I was honest about how I have no idea how these shenanigans work, I didnt share an inkling suspicion Ive harboured for some time now.
I believe its possible that I might subconsciously be reluctant to invite Yan or Mila into my Natal Palace because it could lead them to ask questions I dont really want to answer, like why do I have a modern condominium inside my Natal Palace or how come I look so different in here compared to my physical self. Maybe thats why theyve never received an invitation, because Ive never actually sent one. Then again, I could be barking up the wrong tree and my wives simply lack the ability to visit my Natal Palace, alongside all the other floofs Ive tried this with, so who knows?
Denial. Its a wonderful thing sometimes, but I doth partake too much.
Having failed to summon my wives and bunbuns, I set aside my worries for another time and give myself over to the moment. The animals take off into the water and I follow closely behind, laughing as Buddy runs over top the waves with Mama Bun bounding after him in hot pursuit with help from her magical flying raft. Ping Ping and Pong Pong both join in on the fun, helping one, then the other, then taking their own turns at being both predator and prey in this chaotic, unstructured game of tag. There are no rules other than to have fun and do no harm, and thats all they really need. This is a diversion in every sense of the measure, but even in their festive frolicking, I can see the subtle signs of training and exercise in the animals movements. Mama Bun is always on the lookout for danger, real or feigned, and her hops have grown more speedy and graceful in recent weeks, while Ping Pings Deflection has levelled up to the point where she can create literal whirlpools around her. Buddy has picked up a few tricks as well, and can now dodge, duck, and weave anything Pong Pong can throw at him, whether it be unexpected pillars of water bursting out of the sea, a sudden riptide to slow him in his tracks, or a barrage of non-lethal water bullets meant to bring him low.
As for Pong Pong, I can tell the tiny turtle is holding back quite a bit, but hes been having a grand old time playing with the rest. He especially loves pulling me down into the watery depths and being chased around the sea floor, but even though I have complete mastery of the currents within this Natal Sea, I have yet to come close to laying a finger on him, as hes just too fast and slippery for me to catch. If we were keeping track of winners and losers, Pong Pong would undoubtedly stand on top, but Im probably the only one who cares about winning, as the rest are just here for the love of the chase.
Which is something I tell myself every time I see Pong Pongs smug turtle smile, lording his superiority over me as he stays just out of arms reach. One day, I will catch that turtle and see him panic for just a little, then cuddle him for all Im worth. One day...
While we play our games, I keep one part of my mind occupied with studying just how Im doing what I do, but thus far, Ive nothing to really show for it. How does Buddy run through the waves without ever breaking the surface tension? How does Ping Ping propel her water bullets and keep them from just splattering harmlessly on impact? How does Pong Pong ride the currents and evade capture even when I have control of the water around him, or even manipulate them to his own advantage? Most people use their Natal Palaces to practice Chi skills, but Ive always found that those skills come too easily to me here in my own Domain. Raising a tidal wave is as easy as imagining it, but there are no opposing forces at work here, because this Natal Sea is not filled with water, but rather Chi masquerading as water. While I understand the basic concept of controlling Chi, controlling Water Chi requires more than an effort of Will, as Ive been unable to utilize my Blessing in any useful way whatsoever outside of my Natal Palace. The problem is even though Water Chi is easily controlled in here, thats not how things work out in the real world, so Im a little lost as to how any of this is supposed to help.
The answers are so close though, I can almost taste them, like a word on the tip of my tongue that Ive somehow lost and cannot find again...
At least these games are fun and the only thing I have to lose is my worthless pride, so Im more than happy to come back night after night. Of course, I still need to actually sleep, which means we cant play in here all night. Though time is difficult to track in here, Ive gotten the hang of feeling out when Im too tired to keep going, but long before that moment arrives, I cut play time short and bring everyone on a walk through my Natal Palace. Mostly because I genuinely enjoy walking with Buddy and watching him sniff every nook and cranny, but also because its an opportunity to give everyone the grand tour. Thats what Ping Ping and Pong Pong did for me when I visited their Natal Palaces, so it only seems right to respond in kind, sharing with them the sights, sounds, scents, and everything else I can remember from this life and the last.
See that? I say, pointing at a raised dais by the sea shore, where we last left our tour yesterday night, when I manifested some ice cream and shared the memory with everyone present. Thats where I stood when I declared myself as one of the People. Mom, Dad, Alsantset, Charok, and Taduk were all there to support me, as well as Gerel I suppose, and its still one of my most cherished memories.
Even though the animals dont actually understand my words, a deluge of emotions emanate from me as I tell the tale of my homecoming to my attentive audience. There I stood, upon that stage, where I introduced myself to everyone in the village as Rain, and they all cheered because a child who was lost had finally come home. Ive never really thought about it, but that moment meant so much to me, because it was the first time since coming to this world that I felt safe and accepted. I suppose thats also why it hurt so much when I was almost exiled, and why Im afraid to go back again. Outside of my family, Ive never really interacted all that much with the rest of the People, nor have I ever really considered myself as one first and foremost, but now that Ive had time to reflect upon my life, my Path, and the steps I took to arrive where I am today, I realized that this might well have been a defining moment in my existence.
Before I stood upon that stage, I was Rayne, a transmigrator who was lost and confused in a strange and unfamiliar world. Then, my family pledged to take me in and take responsibility for me, to feed and clothe me, to love and nurture me, to teach and guide me, and I was no longer just Rayne. I became Falling Rain of the People, no longer a stranger to this world, but a boy with a place to belong. A wise person once said, You dont know what youve got til its gone, and I cannot agree more, because I never realized how much the People meant to me until they tried to exile me. After my recent attempt to consign myself to oblivion, I also realized how much I wouldve missed out on had I truly succeeded, such as Talis delicious Spiritual Cooking, Tates continued growth and accomplishments, Rakkys adorable aquatic antics, or my upcoming marriage to my beloved wifey Lin-Lin, not to mention all the adventurous bedroom antics Yan and Mila have been cooking up. Theres still so much more I want to experience in this life, I can hardly believe I was ever stupid enough to want to run away from all that I have. Though I am still not sure where I stand in the grand scheme of things or how my existence in this world came to pass, I have finally learned to accept one, simple truth that I have denied for so long.
This world is where I belong. I am not Rayne nor Rain, not as the world knows me, nor am I Brother or Baledagh, but rather an amalgamation of them all. Without one, I would not have the others, and I would be someone else entirely, so I must embrace myself for who I am and accept my unconventional place in this world. Though there are trials and tribulations aplenty, I will fight to keep this life, to protect and safeguard both myself and everyone I care about, because I love this life. Its not perfect, but its pretty damn amazing if I do say so myself, so its high time I stopped wallowing in misery and sadness and focus on the good parts instead. The Brotherhood believes life is suffering because life is impermanent, but I say the fleeting, transitory nature of life is what makes it so precious, so I should enjoy what I have while its still here. Much like how Buddy doesnt mind being left alone so long as I come back, I shouldnt mind the lows so long as there are still highs to strive for and enjoy, a lesson that is easier said than done. Im trying my best to remain optimistic and enjoy the moment, so while I still have my moments of admittedly reasonable despair, I will never allow it to consume me once more.
Because when it comes right down to it, I have too much going for me to give it all up. I might not have bear hands, but I have a loving, supportive family, a menagerie of adorable and affectionate floofs, two beautiful wives with a third in the works, and a host of friends that would literally march into the Fathers Maw at my side. I am truly living the dream, which is a whole lot more than most ever have. I am both humbled and gratified to be so blessed, and I would be a fool to let it all slip by. A fool I have been, but that was yesterdays Falling Rain. Today is a brand new day with a brand new me, and I look forward to what the future has in store.
Chapter Meme 1
Chapter Meme 2
Chapter 718Lungs burning and muscles aching, I gather my wits and steel my determination in a desperate attempt to fight on in this continuing conflict. Working in tandem with flawless coordination, my assailants grind away at my resolve without mercy, lost in the moment as our back and forth plays out in a haze of reckless abandon. Our movements harmonize to the beat of our pounding hearts and panting breaths in this struggle of strife and unity, a conflict and collaboration akin to both duel and dance. Soon enough, our continued efforts pay off in dividends as we all reap the harvest of our endeavours before collapsing in breathless exhaustion to bask in the afterglow of a match well played, with all participants appeased and contented for yet another night.Yans throaty chuckle and Milas appreciative murmurs stoke my ego as I sink heavily into the bed sheets and gasp for air like a fish on dry land. Hardly the most dignified demeanour one can present, but if there ever were a place where I could do away with dignity, it would be here in the bedroom I share with my two beloved wives. Say what you will about the perks of being a Martial Warrior, but superhuman strength and stamina only matters in comparison to regular humans, and I find my vitality just barely up to snuff when it comes to satisfying these two wonderful and formidable women.But where theres a will, theres a way. As I bask in the heat of their bodies and gaze upon their bared flesh in the dim gloom of the moonlit room, I find my second wind and ready myself for yet another bout. Enough, Mila pleads, but her weary, plaintive tone only sets my lust aflame, especially when her movements fail to match her words. Yan is also more than ready for more as we lose ourselves in lust yet again, our bodies intertwined and hearts interconnected in so many ways. Only once we are all wholly spent and exhausted does our ardour cool and abate, and as I collapse into the embrace of my beloved wives for the umpteenth time, I curse the Heavens above for burdening me with this feeble mortality and a libido that cannot be matched. The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak and spongy, even flesh that has been Refined into a Spiritual Heart. Though Yan and Mila seem close to their limits, I suspect they could both keep going long after I fainted from exertion and are only feigning their feeble enervation for the sake of my manly pride.Then again, maybe not, as Mila falls fast asleep and Yan seems soon to follow suit, though alas, life is not so kind as to oblige us all. Sex is not at all like in the movies, where the man and woman do the deed then just roll over and go to sleep. Its a sloppy, messy, sordid affair and doubly so when more than two parties are involved, so I drag myself out of bed and over to the washbasin to wipe down and freshen up so as to avoid any unpleasant messes the next morning. Yan follows suit while sticking close to me, her pale skin glistening with sweat as I wipe her down, an act which makes me curse my frail mortality once again.An added benefit from the herbal baths, one that showed after two weeks of steeping in Spiritual Plant water, as now both my wives have flawless, silken skin, so soft and smooth to the touch with a pleasant, natural fragrance that I cannot get enough of...You are insatiable. Yans husky laugh only stokes the flames of ardour as she pulls me into her naked embrace for a deep and passionate kiss, one which leads to yet another bout of frenetic lovemaking that is understandably hampered by our lack of bed and exhausted bodies. Never one to be outdone, Mila wakes from her stupor and rejoins the effort with renewed ferocity thanks to her competitive nature, leaving me weak in the knees and revealing that her earlier concession was all an act designed to stoke my furor.Some time later, when our passions are played out and our bodies are wiped clean, I finally get around to changing the bed sheets and hold off sleeps warm embrace long enough to throw on a robe and shuffle over to the bedroom door. Cracking it just wide enough for Aurie to fit through, I welcome the yawning wildcat with a hug and a kiss while Mama Bun and Ping Ping trundle on in, bearing Pong Pong and Guai Guai atop their backs respectively. Ginger, Cinnabun, Pepper, and Peanut or the Spice Bunnies as Ive taken to calling them, even though ginger and peanuts arent actually spices were supposed to be parked out here as well, but theyre not yet used to this new system of napping by the door until happy fun times have come to an end. Though Peanut is laid out where I last left him, the other three have absconded to sleep among the flowers in the courtyard garden, and no amount of Loving Aura or gentle Sending will rouse them. Chuckling beneath my breath, I close my eyes and envision myself fading out of reality, not to turn myself invisible, but to make my presence less palpable to the human senses. A strange skill, Concealment, one which I do not wholly understand, but in my minds eye, I conceptualize it as taking the material and making it more immaterial, the physical made metaphysical if you will. A complicated effect that should really not be possible utilizing the laws of physics as I understand them, but the Energy of the Heavens works in mysterious ways I have yet to even begin to unravel.What I do know is that Concealment does not affect my actual physical form, but rather the signs my passing leaves behind and the ability for others to perceive those signs. Were I a ship upon the waters, my sails would still flap and the ripples would still spread, but the disturbance would go unnoticed thanks to the lessened impression of those signs. The strange thing is, Concealment doesnt seem to have a maximum range of effectiveness, which put to rest my first theory that it was similar to an alternative Domain that affects everyone within its sphere of influence. It made sense in so many ways, but it turns out, my theory was wrong, because Concealment is effective even from several kilometres away while being watched through a rudimentary telescope, one of Diyakos latest inventions that has made its way from the pages of my book and into the Azure Empire proper. Considering this was much further than even the largest Domain could conceivably stretch, I could only accept that my initial theory was wrong and try again from there, though Domain is another iffy concept I have yet to wholly comprehend, as recent developments have raised interesting questions regarding previous perceptions.Such as the whole Domain Manifestation thing and how Hongji was able to cover the entire Central Citadel with his Domain when even Akanai can barely cover more than a full metre around her. In diameter, not radius, and not perfectly circular of course, as her Domain stretches out from her skin rather than a central point, but the measurement still stands.Either way, all my testing led me to believe that Concealment isnt actually affecting anyones perception directly, but rather covering up the signs of an individuals passing before said signs escape beyond the area of Concealment for others to perceive. To put it simply, signals like sound, light, smell, and whatnot are able to make their way into the area of Concealment, but it simply passes through without impacting on the Concealed individual. Thats why even though I wasnt able to see Mahakalas Concealed form, I was able to notice the missing stars which should have been present behind him. I wasnt looking at him per se, but rather at something his physical form was blocking which should have been plainly visible to my eyes, and luckily my mind registered the objects as missing. Its like looking at a painting of a familiar landscape that left out an important feature, like a distinct house or tree or whatever. Only someone familiar with the setting would really notice, or someone clever enough to spot signs of absent objects, while most would only see what the artist painted.How Concealment actually does any of this is a question I have yet to answer, not to mention I have no idea how one finagles the skill to hide specific objects, like say clothes and weapons, while leaving others untouched like the grass beneath their feet. Ive eliminated one possibility at least, namely that it is able to directly affect an outsiders perspective. A minor difference, but an important one, because if it was possible to use Concealment to hide things from people, we could theoretically also use it in reverse to show things that arent really there. Thankfully, this isnt the case and I dont have to worry about real-world illusions just yet, unless you have the unknown Elemental Blessing shared by all Wraiths. Even then, they're not exactly solid illusions, since they don't affect me, so it's still up in the air as to how they do what they do. Maybe someone with the Blessing of Light could craft illusions, but there hasnt actually been a recorded instance of a Demon or Martial Warrior Blessed by Light in several millennia, even though Lightning is one of the most common Auxiliary Blessings in history, followed closely by Sand and Metal. Technically, Fire and Air can result in either Light or Lightning, which begs the question as to why the former is so much less prominent than the latter. In fact, Im confused as to why Fire and Earth make Metal instead of Magma, though I suppose the second one totally exists in some way, shape or form. Maybe with a bit of water splashed in or something. Who knows.In fact, now that I think about it, Gen Shi was very specific about being the Emissary of Earths Fire, which just had to be intentional. Knowing what I know now, its clear his Blessing was of Metal, rather than just plain fire, but what would change if hed been the Emissary of Fires Earth? Fiery Earth? I dunno, but its worth a thought or two.What I do know is that no one can see me as I stride barefoot out into the courtyard wearing little more than a loose robe. I also know that a Sound Barrier is merely a very specific form of Concealment, one which only hides sound and nothing else. With help from the Death Corps and some very large drums, I discovered that Concealment will block both sound and vibration, while a Sound Barrier will only stop the former and leave the wall-shaking vibrations unaffected and perceptible. It was a fun experiment which proved exceptionally useful as I no longer rely solely on Sound Barriers to cover up my nightly sordid activities, because it does nothing to stop the creaking floorboards or shaking walls from being sensed by others in the house. Instead, I utilize Concealment to keep our nightly bouts from affecting others in the household, which is more difficult and Chi intensive than I would like, but well worth the effort.What can I say? My wives and I are three, passionate, athletic individuals who are very much in love and lust, so how can our trysts be confined to a single bed? Even a single room is almost not enough, but I can only sit and wait for the new manors to be built so my parents and in-laws can all move out to become neighbours rather than house mates and I can really start breaking my home in. A home isnt a home until youve made love in every single room and atop every single surface. Gross yes, but its my home and Ill do what I want here.The sheer amount of flak I got for having sex in the baths was downright criminal, not to mention humiliating, and though I love my family dearly, I never want to have to sit through such a conversation ever again.While I am able to utilize Concealment and should probably leave it at that, my curiosity knows no bounds and will not allow me to leave things be. I want nay, need to know how these Chi skills work, because only then will I understand how to best use them. What separates a good Concealment from a bad one? There is a discernible difference in quality between Pong Pongs Concealment and what everyone else can do, but its difficult to explain. Most Concealed Martial Warriors can remain unnoticed so long as they dont do anything to draw attention to themselves, but more skilled individuals can bump into or move other people aside without being noticed. Then theres Pong Pong, who is on a whole other level all by himself. Ive seen Peak Experts and brilliant minds alike sit down at the table with me, take note of the box of raw shrimp, and later notice the box has been emptied, yet dismiss it all without even thinking due to Pong Pongs Concealment, a feat which Ive never seen matched by any one else, not even Kukky who is easily noticed once you see the food disappearing from in front of him. To test the limits of Concealment even further, I asked MuYang, the sneakiest git I know, to help me with an experiment in which I invited him over for dinner without telling anyone except Grandpa Du and Kyung, mostly so they could help protect my spymaster should anyone react adversely to his hidden presence. As planned, MuYang arrived early without anyone noticing and took his seat at the dining table before anyone else arrived, Concealing himself and his seat from anyone and everyone, but Akanai took one look at the dining table and asked if we were expecting a visitor, as shed noticed the extra place setting and empty space meant for MuYang.So what differentiates Pong Pongs Concealment from MuYangs? Why can Pong Pongs Concealment hide even the aftermath of his actions, while MuYang cant even hide the fact that theres an extra seat at the table? Once we understand what separates the two instances of Concealment, we can better study how to improve our abilities, an outlook which is not limited to Concealment alone. What makes Mitsue Juichis Mountain Collapsing Stomp so much more effective than mine? Or Mei Lins Lightening? Or Gongsun Qis Reinforcement and Amplification? Hard work and dedicated effort will ultimately still be required, but things would go so much faster if I knew what I needed to improve upon in order to progress along the Martial Path.Lofty aspirations aside, I collect the sleeping spice bunnies and bring them back to the bedroom to snuggle in the comfort of my own bed, one which I share with two of the most beautiful and amazing women I know. Already fast asleep once again, Mila is laid out flat on her back and looking oh so adorable in her night robes with Guai-Guai in her arms, the clingy red panda snuggled tight in her embrace. Propped up on one elbow beside them, Yan silently awaits my return while restraining the all-too-excited Mama Bun, who is well-rested after a long day of napping and ready for an excursion into my Natal Palace. Ping Ping is equally excited but much more reserved about showing it, waving her butt from side to side while planting her chin against the bed in a downward dog pose, a mannerism she picked up from playing with Buddy these past few weeks.Making room for me to crawl in between her and Mila, Yans fetching pout reminds me of the taste of her lips, but my weary efforts to secure a kiss are thwarted by Mama Buns enthusiastic headbutt of greeting to my chin. Settling for a kiss between the sweet rabbits nubby horns, I try to subtly extract a strand of stray fur from my mouth as Yan laughs and shakes her head. Even after so many nights, she whispers, laying her head down next to mine as we finally settle down to sleep, I still can hardly believe that you bring them into your Natal Palace every night, but its hard to argue when Mama Bun and Ping Ping are so excited for bedtime.Yea, because bed time is play time for them, I reply, kissing Milas temple before turning to nuzzle Yans nose with mine. I dont think you can see him, but Pong Pong is equally excited too, tippy-tapping his feet about on the back of Mama Buns head. An Aura of impatient excitement thrums through the air as the tiny turtle responds to his name, eager as the others to visit my Natal Palace once more, because after a lifetime of trials and tribulations, hes finally found a place where he can cut loose and have fun without fear or apprehension. Home is more than a place to rest your head, and after a lifetime of searching, Pong Pong has finally found his, which is here by my side.Touching as the sentiment is, Yans attempt to hide her pique does not go unnoticed and proves to be a hair in the soup of this sentimental moment. Whats the matter? I ask, teasing her a little. Jealous of two turtles and a bunny rabbit?Yes. Contrary to expectations, Yan readily admits the source of her ire, smushing Mama Buns cheeks ever so gently before pulling Ping Ping into her embrace. Despite her hard, irregular shell with its rounded protrusions, Ping Ping is surprisingly squishy in a solid sort of way, not at all uncomfortable to hold and cuddle. A good thing too, because the sweet girl does so love her hugs, and a hug with Yan is no exception. Unable to hold fast to her grudge in the face of Ping Pings delighted squeaks, my wife smiles and throws a halfhearted, accusatory glare in my direction. You bring your pets into your Natal Palace, but theres no room for your wives? Weve been sleeping side by side for weeks now, and not once have Mila or I ever received anything that might be construed as an invitation, subconscious or otherwise.True, that wouldve been less complicated. Pinching my side with a girlish giggle, Yan continues, Because then you mightve already bedded her by now, if not married her in truth. You always were the contrary sort, never happy to do as you are told. Sighing as if she were the aggrieved party, Yan shakes her head once again before finally relenting. On that note, I suppose I should stop talking now, though I will say that Luo-Luo is a sweet and lovely woman who has more than earned your trust by now.Implying I need to stop keeping her at arms length in matters of love and intimacy. So I have trust issues, sue me, but Yans not wrong. I trust Luo-Luo enough to let her handle the business of running the outer provinces, so maybe I should trust her enough to let my guard down and get to really know her. Thing is, I resent the fact that she was dumped into my lap and I am contrary enough to not be affectionate with her based on resentment alone, which now that Ive thought about it, is neither punishing Shen ZhenWu nor is it fair to Luo-Luo. Though theres something to be said about being true to myself, I cannot overlook Luo-Luos contributions solely based on the fact that she was thrust upon me without asking, not to mention the fact that shes a dutiful, submissive, long-legged, big-breasted beauty who will do anything I ask of her, which is just all sorts of awesome.One wife at a time though, and once my wedding and honeymoon with Lin-Lin has concluded, I expect Ill be off on a crusade to retake the Western Provinces soon after, so it seems Fate insists on having Luo-Luo wait just a little bit longer. Kissing Yan on the forehead and murmuring that Ill think on what she said, I close my eyes and sink into her warm embrace while Mila clutches me close on the other side. With Ping Ping, Mama Bun, and the Spice Buns all huddled against my chest, I have no idea how the bedroom logistics will work out once we introduce Lin-Lin, Banjo, Baloo, and Jimjam into the equation, not to mention the hypothetical addition of leggy Luo-Luo as well, but where theres a will, theres a way....Im gonna need a bigger bed.The sweet oblivion of senseless slumber seizes me without warning and time stands still as I revel in the peace and serenity of sleeps warm embrace, an addictive indulgence I crave more than I would care to admit. Life is exhausting, but even though I fear losing all that I have, there is no denying that I am happier than I have ever been. Much of it is due to my family, friends, and floofs, but I deserve some of the credit as well for finally allowing myself to be happy. While Ive been working hard to train and prepare for whatever might come, Ive been careful not to let myself be overwhelmed by doom and gloom as per usual. Ive been putting in a hundred and ten percent effort, but part of that has been learning how to relax and enjoy the journey along the way, to lose myself in the moment as I taste Talis latest culinary creation or appreciate one of Taduks Spiritual Plants in full bloom. Being forced to spend a few hours in the bamboo grove each day has done wonders for my mental well-being, not because the grove is a magical place of natural balance, but because the love and company of family is a balm for the soul, one I have finally learned to properly indulge in.A lesson I learned from none other than the best boy himself, Buddy. Greeting me with a chorus of delighted yips, my long-eared, brown-eyed doggo runs circles around me as I arrive upon the concrete dock inside my Natal Palace. Though I feel bad for leaving him here all alone when Im awake, Buddy doesnt care about any of that, because hes just happy Im here. His excitement only grows as Ping Ping, Pong Pong, and Mama Bun arrive a few moments later, as he is particularly enamoured by the latter, who is more or less his size and equally enthused to see him. The dog and rabbit pair hop and roll about in joyous greeting as Ping Ping tippy taps around them, sharing in their joy and receiving more than her fair share of kisses while Pong Pong patiently watches from his place perched atop my head, the older, wiser, smaller turtle just happy to be in our company and impatiently awaiting our journey out to the Sea. Alas, the Spice Buns are nowhere to be found, meaning they either never received my subconscious invitation, were unwilling to accept, or simply unable to cross over into my Natal Palace. Whatever the reason, I heave a soft sigh of regret and steel my determination as I look up at the skyscraper which houses my room and Natal Throne. Yan expressed her frustration at being unable to join us here in my Natal Palace, and while I was honest about how I have no idea how these shenanigans work, I didnt share an inkling suspicion Ive harboured for some time now.I believe its possible that I might subconsciously be reluctant to invite Yan or Mila into my Natal Palace because it could lead them to ask questions I dont really want to answer, like why do I have a modern condominium inside my Natal Palace or how come I look so different in here compared to my physical self. Maybe thats why theyve never received an invitation, because Ive never actually sent one. Then again, I could be barking up the wrong tree and my wives simply lack the ability to visit my Natal Palace, alongside all the other floofs Ive tried this with, so who knows?Denial. Its a wonderful thing sometimes, but I doth partake too much.Having failed to summon my wives and bunbuns, I set aside my worries for another time and give myself over to the moment. The animals take off into the water and I follow closely behind, laughing as Buddy runs over top the waves with Mama Bun bounding after him in hot pursuit with help from her magical flying raft. Ping Ping and Pong Pong both join in on the fun, helping one, then the other, then taking their own turns at being both predator and prey in this chaotic, unstructured game of tag. There are no rules other than to have fun and do no harm, and thats all they really need. This is a diversion in every sense of the measure, but even in their festive frolicking, I can see the subtle signs of training and exercise in the animals movements. Mama Bun is always on the lookout for danger, real or feigned, and her hops have grown more speedy and graceful in recent weeks, while Ping Pings Deflection has levelled up to the point where she can create literal whirlpools around her. Buddy has picked up a few tricks as well, and can now dodge, duck, and weave anything Pong Pong can throw at him, whether it be unexpected pillars of water bursting out of the sea, a sudden riptide to slow him in his tracks, or a barrage of non-lethal water bullets meant to bring him low.As for Pong Pong, I can tell the tiny turtle is holding back quite a bit, but hes been having a grand old time playing with the rest. He especially loves pulling me down into the watery depths and being chased around the sea floor, but even though I have complete mastery of the currents within this Natal Sea, I have yet to come close to laying a finger on him, as hes just too fast and slippery for me to catch. If we were keeping track of winners and losers, Pong Pong would undoubtedly stand on top, but Im probably the only one who cares about winning, as the rest are just here for the love of the chase.Which is something I tell myself every time I see Pong Pongs smug turtle smile, lording his superiority over me as he stays just out of arms reach. One day, I will catch that turtle and see him panic for just a little, then cuddle him for all Im worth. One day...While we play our games, I keep one part of my mind occupied with studying just how Im doing what I do, but thus far, Ive nothing to really show for it. How does Buddy run through the waves without ever breaking the surface tension? How does Ping Ping propel her water bullets and keep them from just splattering harmlessly on impact? How does Pong Pong ride the currents and evade capture even when I have control of the water around him, or even manipulate them to his own advantage? Most people use their Natal Palaces to practice Chi skills, but Ive always found that those skills come too easily to me here in my own Domain. Raising a tidal wave is as easy as imagining it, but there are no opposing forces at work here, because this Natal Sea is not filled with water, but rather Chi masquerading as water. While I understand the basic concept of controlling Chi, controlling Water Chi requires more than an effort of Will, as Ive been unable to utilize my Blessing in any useful way whatsoever outside of my Natal Palace. The problem is even though Water Chi is easily controlled in here, thats not how things work out in the real world, so Im a little lost as to how any of this is supposed to help.The answers are so close though, I can almost taste them, like a word on the tip of my tongue that Ive somehow lost and cannot find again...At least these games are fun and the only thing I have to lose is my worthless pride, so Im more than happy to come back night after night. Of course, I still need to actually sleep, which means we cant play in here all night. Though time is difficult to track in here, Ive gotten the hang of feeling out when Im too tired to keep going, but long before that moment arrives, I cut play time short and bring everyone on a walk through my Natal Palace. Mostly because I genuinely enjoy walking with Buddy and watching him sniff every nook and cranny, but also because its an opportunity to give everyone the grand tour. Thats what Ping Ping and Pong Pong did for me when I visited their Natal Palaces, so it only seems right to respond in kind, sharing with them the sights, sounds, scents, and everything else I can remember from this life and the last.See that? I say, pointing at a raised dais by the sea shore, where we last left our tour yesterday night, when I manifested some ice cream and shared the memory with everyone present. Thats where I stood when I declared myself as one of the People. Mom, Dad, Alsantset, Charok, and Taduk were all there to support me, as well as Gerel I suppose, and its still one of my most cherished memories.Even though the animals dont actually understand my words, a deluge of emotions emanate from me as I tell the tale of my homecoming to my attentive audience. There I stood, upon that stage, where I introduced myself to everyone in the village as Rain, and they all cheered because a child who was lost had finally come home. Ive never really thought about it, but that moment meant so much to me, because it was the first time since coming to this world that I felt safe and accepted. I suppose thats also why it hurt so much when I was almost exiled, and why Im afraid to go back again. Outside of my family, Ive never really interacted all that much with the rest of the People, nor have I ever really considered myself as one first and foremost, but now that Ive had time to reflect upon my life, my Path, and the steps I took to arrive where I am today, I realized that this might well have been a defining moment in my existence.Before I stood upon that stage, I was Rayne, a transmigrator who was lost and confused in a strange and unfamiliar world. Then, my family pledged to take me in and take responsibility for me, to feed and clothe me, to love and nurture me, to teach and guide me, and I was no longer just Rayne. I became Falling Rain of the People, no longer a stranger to this world, but a boy with a place to belong. A wise person once said, You dont know what youve got til its gone, and I cannot agree more, because I never realized how much the People meant to me until they tried to exile me. After my recent attempt to consign myself to oblivion, I also realized how much I wouldve missed out on had I truly succeeded, such as Talis delicious Spiritual Cooking, Tates continued growth and accomplishments, Rakkys adorable aquatic antics, or my upcoming marriage to my beloved wifey Lin-Lin, not to mention all the adventurous bedroom antics Yan and Mila have been cooking up. Theres still so much more I want to experience in this life, I can hardly believe I was ever stupid enough to want to run away from all that I have. Though I am still not sure where I stand in the grand scheme of things or how my existence in this world came to pass, I have finally learned to accept one, simple truth that I have denied for so long.This world is where I belong. I am not Rayne nor Rain, not as the world knows me, nor am I Brother or Baledagh, but rather an amalgamation of them all. Without one, I would not have the others, and I would be someone else entirely, so I must embrace myself for who I am and accept my unconventional place in this world. Though there are trials and tribulations aplenty, I will fight to keep this life, to protect and safeguard both myself and everyone I care about, because I love this life. Its not perfect, but its pretty damn amazing if I do say so myself, so its high time I stopped wallowing in misery and sadness and focus on the good parts instead. The Brotherhood believes life is suffering because life is impermanent, but I say the fleeting, transitory nature of life is what makes it so precious, so I should enjoy what I have while its still here. Much like how Buddy doesnt mind being left alone so long as I come back, I shouldnt mind the lows so long as there are still highs to strive for and enjoy, a lesson that is easier said than done. Im trying my best to remain optimistic and enjoy the moment, so while I still have my moments of admittedly reasonable despair, I will never allow it to consume me once more.Because when it comes right down to it, I have too much going for me to give it all up. I might not have bear hands, but I have a loving, supportive family, a menagerie of adorable and affectionate floofs, two beautiful wives with a third in the works, and a host of friends that would literally march into the Fathers Maw at my side. I am truly living the dream, which is a whole lot more than most ever have. I am both humbled and gratified to be so blessed, and I would be a fool to let it all slip by. A fool I have been, but that was yesterdays Falling Rain. Today is a brand new day with a brand new me, and I look forward to what the future has in store.Chapter Meme 1Chapter Meme 2
