THE RETURN.

As I calmed down, the situation became clearer—or at least I tried to understand. The persistent voice urged me to engage my consciousness, perhaps to save myself. But its meaning remained elusive. 

Was this akin to a cultivation practice? My previous attempts to delve inward yielded nothing—a void where my core should be, no pulsating energy. The Wind Master had tried to guide me previously and I even managed to reach some basic level with his help, but my escape to mortals left me bereft of any skill, as well as practice mentor.

Now, I grappled with how to concentrate—or perhaps surrender to the encompassing Darkness that held me captive. I chose the latter. No more intrusive questions, discontent, or reproaches—just Silence. It enveloped me, cradling me in comfort. Never had I felt such ease. Darkness rolled in waves, and I sank deeper, bliss beckoning.

"Hey, hey, hey, where are you going?!" The abrupt shift jolted me yearned to return, but the voice hold me tight at place i didn't like. 

"What were you thinking, bastard?" The voice persisted. "Come back now!" 

But its orders fell on deaf ears. I wanted to escape this torment.

"What's wrong with you?" The voice's frustration echoed. "You're damned

if you willingly plunge into the Abyss! Is your mind clouded with some bullshit?"

"For how many lives have I been denied the freedom to go wherever I please, and now I have a choice to follow…" I retorted, feeling the anger savouring me whole. Why did I say that, I had no idea, but the urge was undeniable.

"If you find me offensive, then I suggest you return and continue angering me."

I didn't listen. Then the Darkness suddenly receded leaving me to bear my companion's misery. 

"Come back, asshole," he sweared this time. "Listen to my voice. Reach for it. Just stay with me, ungrateful you dog!"

"Enough! You don't have to repeat yourself. I was ignoring you the first time. So, enough torturing me?" I snapped, while unease gnawed at me—what I longed the mot was care and peace. 

"You cling to ignorance like a moth to a flame—both drawn to destruction. What a shame!"

But I ignored those words too. Instead, I eased into memories. Once, as I could remember, only once with the Wind Master by a lake in the Great Soaring Mountains I'd felt similar tranquility. Silent reading, gentle gusts across the water—a private haven from life's complexities. And now, plunging into the Darkness, those feelings resurfaced. 

"Cursed Heavens, Where are you going again?" The voice peirced like lightning through my mind. "Just get back yourself and prepare to endure my revenge. I wish I could beat you to death myself, if only I had a body! You're not going anywhere today, not ever until I reclaim my rank."

"Indeed," I agreed, this demon was demoted, how could I forget his miserable state.

 "Demon? Again demon? I'm going to be relentless as soon as we get ourselves out!" my companion fumed. 

"Endure my recklessness while still here though…" I responded and in return heard a sigh, perhaps? 

Then it hit me: "Are you here without a body?" 

"Not me only! You're also without a body!"

*Thx for reading.