Scene 4 - I pray to the Sky

Len sat on the fourth floor, gazing out at the endless streets of the slums, ‘Master Mo said that when we into a move to the Sectless Sect we’ll be able to give you a proper burial Mum. I think that’s what you would have wanted, to finally get out of this hellhole of a Kingdom and see the whole wide world.’

Len thought long and hard about what she and her siblings’ fate would be now that they would be following Master Mo. It was a habit she picked up because of her silent demeanor and because no one ever noticed her with the exception being her family, allowing to have her too much time on her hands.

As she sat on the ledge, provoking thoughts flew through her mind in an endless stream, making her head spin until she shook herself to get rid of the useless thoughts and began to pray.

She prayed to the sky, not to a god that never helped those in need, but to the sky that so that the wind would take her mother’s soul to new and unusual places.

She prayed to the earth that her mother’s soul would find happiness in the vast world called Volkin.

Finally, she prayed to the oceans so that her mother could drift calmly and without difficulties.

She kowtowed to the forces of nature for an entire day in the hope that her mother could find happiness in the next life. She didn’t eat, drink, or rest during it at all.

When her brothers and sisters found her and asked what she was doing, she merely smiled and said, “I’m praying for mother to live happily.”

They didn’t drag her away, instead opting to join her in her prayer.

Scene 5 - Drinking in your Memory

On their second day of mourning, the siblings had a great feast provided by Master Mo. They cried, they laughed, they sang high and low to the rhythm of the music played by the black robed apprentices. The oldest drank fine wine with their Master while telling him stories about their mother, while the youngest drank fruit juice with a hint of wine in it. The siblings were enjoying themselves in the entertainment surrounding them.

Ren was grinning from ear to ear with a red face as he talked to Master Mo, “I remember this one time that mother and I went to the market street. We saw the strangest thing, a man was using a frozen fish like a sword; fighting against someone using a broom handle! A crowd quickly formed around the two foes locked in combat.”

Master Mo laughed heartily, “Oh? Then what happened Apprentice, who won the fight?”

Ren gulped down another glass of wine and placed his empty cup down on the table; a thoughtful expression crossed his eyes as he lied back in his chair, “Well master, my mother didn’t like them fighting so she told me to go stop them.

Naturally, I agreed since I was part of the city guard and was told to uphold the law. I stepped in and quickly, subduing both men and giving them a stern warning not to fight in the city.

They were traveling foreigners from another country; turned out they were friends just having some fun. As luck would have it they didn’t give me any trouble and they went on their merry way.

The crowd then dispersed from the area much to my relief. I returned to my mother’s side and she gave me a hug, smiling and saying she was so proud of me. I’ll never forget that smile...”

Ren grew silent for a time, lost in thought. Vince noticed him moping and gave him a brotherly pat on the back, only to find out that Ren had passed out from drinking too much. With a laugh Vince excused himself and picked up Ren, carrying his drunken brother to bed with the help of a black robed man.

Master Mo got up from his and said, “I think that’s enough for today, it’s getting late. Disciples, go follow your brothers to bed and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is the last day of mourning.”

All seven in union spoke, “Yes master Mo!”

He watched as the seven youths exited the feast room, reminiscing about their late mother with happy expressions. Master Mo smiled as he noticed that the shadows within the sibling's hearts were noticeably weaker than before.

He then turned around and spoke to the black-robed men and women, “Leave... I wish to be alone.”

Everyone quickly left the room, leaving Master Mo alone, “So what do you think of them, Marley? Even if we were threatened by that witch to take care of them, those kids will make fine disciples. I wonder why she put on such a complex act to fool them all...

No matter, what's done is done. I know their manners need work, and that we haven’t yet tested their talents. But I feel they will go far on the path of martial dao as long as they can overcome their inner demons.”

As his words faded away, a woman wearing silver Taoist robes walked out of the shadows. An aura of grace-filled every movement she made, and the scent of morning dew hung around her. A dragon bone mask covered most of her face, revealing only her charming lips and chin.

The woman smiled and nodded her head as she spoke in a melodious voice, “Indeed father, even though we were manipulated, I feel the same way. They have strong spirits, yet I think that Xue girl will have some problems... more than the rest. She fears her own beauty. If this isn't taken care of soon, it will affect her soul's foundation and she’ll quickly fall into a bottomless pit of no return.”

Master Mo sighed. With his cultivation, of course, he knew of this matter. He could see that of the nine, Xue had the most psychological trauma. He knew of only one item that could heal such a heavy wound was the mask his daughter currently wore.

Marley surprised Master Mo by taking off her mask without a second thought, “I’ll gift this mask to my junior sister when the time is right. I have long since healed the ‘problem’ from that year, father. I am sure I’m ready to face the world with my own power from now on.”

Master Mo suddenly moved with tears in his eyes, hugging his daughter tightly. Marley returned her father's hug and allowed him to silently weep on her shoulder; they remained like this for quite some time.