Chapter Three: Child

Imperium Vira-Cocha, known as the Viracochan Empire, sat in the southern waters. It was a square-shaped continent of immense natural beauty ruled by a system of order.

Imperata Lakoma was the seat of power above the Senate and Consuls. Once, it ruled the entirety of the known world, but now it chose isolationism. They stayed out of other nation's troubles as they had plenty of their own.

Just off the Southeast corner of the continent were Lusa Island and Kaya Monastery, the home of The Masters of the Oracle. Kaya Monastery was high up in the island's mountain cliffs and spread out on a system of pillars. Each pillar had a different temple and a series of bridges connected each. The locals knew it as the floating monastery. They can hide in plain sight from enemies.

Each temple was devoted to a different aspect of the connection to the O element. Sanak Temple was dedicated to the creative arts, and Master Anoka was the high teacher there. Anything creative, including calligraphy, painting, sculpting, writing, and music, was taught. Creativity was seen as a way to connect to one's inner voice and the Source of All Things.

Mamik Temple was the study of the body and medicine, the healing arts. Master Shakopee taught how to combine mental, physical, and spiritual health to conquer sickness. He taught me to connect with the Source of All Things and channel its healing power, that individuals were only the conduits to the Source, and that nature was our garden to cultivate medicines and health.

Iggani Temple was where the mysterious nature of existence was studied. Master Mahkota explored the metaphysical side of the O connection. The more bizarre and grand the ability, the more interested she was. Telekinesis, mind control, and weather manipulation were just some of the things she taught.

Atuagak Temple was the library for all monks at the monastery, and Master Wabasha was the curator and main scribe. If anything was written on paper about religion, philosophy, ritual, and monastic life, it was a fair bet that Master Wabasha knew the contents of every book in there.

Unatak Temple was the dojo where all the monks practiced their martial arts skills. Master Nokomis was the finest warrior among the monks and taught everything from hand-to-hand combat to weapons. He was no one to joke around with. Training powerful beings to fight was dangerous; it was Nokomis's job to prepare the monks to be protectors, not conquerors.

Nujuattak Temple was the home to study nature. Master Orono helped monks connect with animals and nature as friends and not as things to consume. He taught farming and universal connections with all of life. Many other monks loved his trickster personality, which didn't always please the head of the monastery, Master Hiawatha.

Master Hiawatha was usually found in Koti Temple, where the monks went to meditate. All the main ceremonies were held there, which was considered the monastery's heart. Hiawatha was the most respected and influential Monk among them. He was wise and compassionate. Oren used to be more afraid of him.

Oren was still very young and loved his life at the monastery. He spent the entirety of his twelve years here. The monks raised him, and even though he never knew his birth parents, he inherited many parents.

Each Monk has sought each part of his education. He must spend a certain amount of time at every temple daily. Oren would love to have days off to play and be a kid sometimes, but the monks are overly protective. He doesn't know what other children are like because he's only heard of them in stories.

They constantly tell him how important he is. Oren isn't sure if they are not just building him up out of love or if he truly is so essential.

Oren has a naughty side to him. He has snuck out of the monastery and repelled down rope ladders along the pillars to explore below the monastery. He didn't find Master Hiawatha or the other monks in good temper when they found him.

The only way to access the monastery is to let down rope ladders and rope pulleys. The local villagers on the island help provide the monastery with food and supplies, and in exchange, the monks agree to bless and protect the villagers. It is quite a challenge to get the supplies up the tall pillars. The more the monks tried to control his life, the more he wanted to rebel. He knew the monks cared for him, but they weren't always the most fun. Oren often craved more fun in his life. The monks tried to appease him by organizing sports and games, but they often held back as they tried to live austere lives.

The hundreds of monks who lived in the monastery were all called to the Koti Temple for their daily prayers and meditation, including Oren. He often wanted to giggle as all these adults sat around in perfect silence. He knew he was supposed to be the future leader of the Masters, but he struggled to understand what that even meant.

A cricket entered the sacred halls in the middle of the silent meditation. The cricket began to chirp at the most inconvenient moments. Oren finally laughed out loud at the disruption, as he couldn't hold it in any longer. A hundred eyes were now giving him looks of scorn and ridicule, except for Master Orono, who had a big smile.

The cricket kept singing its song, and Oren giggled along with it. He knew he'd be getting a lecture after.

"Honestly, Oren, why can't you behave better?" Master Hiawatha scolded Oren after the others had left.

"I'm sorry," Oren said, half apologizing.

"I know you are a child, but you must be something more."

"Why? How come I can't be just another kid? No one ever asked me if I wanted this life. Besides, it was funny. Maybe you guys need to be less serious." Oren defended himself.

"You could be just another kid if you desire. There are many kids around the world. Some children are in bad situations and could use the help of someone special. They can't change the world they were born into. Oren, you can."

"You don't know that. It could be that non-action will lead to the same results as interfering on my part."

"That is a possibility." Master Hiawatha admitted.

"What makes me special? Why give me powers?"

"You are the only person on record with powers without needing to connect to the O element. Everyone can connect, as it comes from the heavens. The O element amplifies everyone else's power or connection, and few can use this amplification. The monks here are an exception. On the other hand, you require nothing; you are an amplifier on your own. No connection to anything else is needed. I can't answer why you were given this. That is for you to find out. We believe it is to do good and bring positive change to the world."

"What if I came here to bring evil or balance the scales?" Oren countered.

"When we found you at the Island of the Blessed, some monks wondered that same question. Some thought you might be dangerous. You are the kindest and most honest child; I find it hard to believe you have come here for evil."

"Why must I save the world? I don't even know my parents. I don't know where I descend from."

"Some think you are the reincarnation of the Supreme Being. Some think you are the Son of the Gods here to experience a mortal life. Some think you are just a child. You get to decide who you are, Oren."

"I have dreams, dreams that terrify me."

"Will you tell them to me?" Hiawatha asked gently.

"I am on a mountaintop and can see all of creation. A voice says to me that all of this can be mine. I see an entire lifetime of that life. I have pleasure; I have riches. There is nothing that I want that I can't have. Any woman I desire is mine; any food I desire will be made. No one can deny me anything. The more I desire and have, the more I see nothing but suffering in those around me."

"Desire is natural. So is compassion."

"What if I don't want to live your life here in the mountains? What if I want to go into the world and live this life? You couldn't stop me if you wanted, could you?"

"No, no, we couldn't. Is that what you want? How long do you think such a life could last?"

"I know a life of such greed and selfishness would not sustain happiness, but a part of me wants to experience it."

"So do we all; it isn't much of a struggle if it isn't tempting. Is that the only dream?"

"No, in other dreams, I am a destroyer. A great fire of rage burns deep inside me. I see sinners and lawbreakers. Murders and adultery. Liars and cheats. Around every corner, I can't resist the urge to punish. I wish to bring instant justice down upon their heads and take their lives. But then I am surrounded in death and blood."

"It is a dream."

"But my dreams can become real. They are not fiction. I have the power to destroy everyone, don't I?"

"You do. You also have the power to heal and save."

"Yes, but sometimes I am angry and tempted to destroy," Malum admits.

"And after you destroyed something, how long before you feel guilt?'

"Not long, but as you say, everything in me is amplified. You imply that I was born from the Source of All Things, without a mother or father, that the Source's power is my power. If this is true, it is not a blessing. It is a constant burden."

"I cannot imagine it. Do you wish me to take the weight off your shoulders?"

"I do not know what I want. There is another dream. In it, I have a family. I have a wife I love with all my heart, and we have many children. I have parents who love me. We live an ordinary existence. I watch as they all get sick and die, yet I live on. I became a monk and dedicated myself to praying to God. My family becomes a distant memory."

"They say to gain anything, you have to lose everything."

"What if I want to live this ordinary life? Why does the rest of the world get to feel what it's like to love, and I cannot?"

"So go and live this life. Then come back to us. But consider, many people can live that life. No one else can live your life. Why live the life of others?" Master Hiawatha asked.

"As you said, they are just dreams," Oren said.

"Why do I feel that is not the end of your questions?" Master Hiawatha grinned.

"Since I've been at the monastery, I have seen others get sick. I've seen others go mad from the isolation. I've seen others die. I see suffering everywhere."

"You wonder if it will happen to you?"

"I have never experienced these things. If they cannot happen to me, how can I help others? How can I understand it?"

"Life is suffering. It is clear you can experience it simply by asking the questions you ask now. We do not know if it is or isn't possible for you. Your existence will not continue, one way or another, even if it differs from ours."

"But life doesn't end with this existence; it goes on after death? Does the suffering continue as well?"

"Life and death complement each other. It is only in death you will be able to be reborn. Some believe you get one chance to make things right, which will be decided on your works if you have a pleasant afterlife. Some believe you have many lives and forms. That you accumulate wisdom and deeds that will eventually free you of suffering."

"What if I do everything perfectly and save everyone? Won't life continue? What is to stop things from going back to what they were? If so, why even make the effort?"

"One can ask why for an eternity, but it will never result in anything. Action and choices need to be made. Otherwise, life would go around in a circle, and suffering would never be lifted. You will die, Oren, but I feel you will get to choose. What happens after that, I can only speculate. You're only twelve years old; you've got time to figure this out."

"I thought you said I shouldn't act like a child?" Oren and Hiawatha laughed.

"Never lose your innocence of a child," Hiawatha said.

Oren was feeling less anxious about the day.

"The good thing, Oren, is that you aren't the only one suffering. Everyone is going through something." Hiawatha encouraged.

"What are you doing through?" Oren boldly asked.

"You stress me out enough, that's for sure."

"I don't mean to." Oren tried to defend.

"I was joking, mostly. I do worry when I think of the evil forces that want to come for you. I doubt we can hide you in the mountains forever."

"Who are these evil people?" Oren said, now curious.

"Evil is often a point of view. But some people would want to use your power for their benefit."

"Do you know them by name?"

"When we found you on the Island of the Blessed, others came for you. The Shadow Coven."

"What is a Shadow Coven?"

"They use the connection to the O element to attain things for themselves."

"And don't we?"

"They don't try to avoid greed, hate, anger, and ignorance. They seek to exploit it for greater power. They want to use you for greater power."

"How do you know? Have you spoken to them?"

"Long a go, I knew some of the members well. I disagreed with them on many things, but events of the past turned their hearts. I know they have desires and designs on the world. They are patient; I fear what they are out there planning."

"And what if I simply refuse to help them? Then there is nothing to worry about. If I am as powerful as you say, they won't be able to force me."

"That may be so, but they might use those you love to force your hand. They can use your love and compassion against you."

"I never thought of it."

"The truth is that we are all connected. That means you are connected to all life and even non-life. Everything is energy, and energy never dies; it only takes different forms. You must reconcile that you can't escape your connection to all that exists."

"I don't know if I could kill anything. How can I fight evil forces if I can't kill an enemy?"

"Who said that killing had to be your method?"

"Then why do I train with Master Nokomis in martial arts?"

"Self-defense has many benefits. It teaches a lot of self-discipline. I think you'll also find that the threat is sufficient when you possess the ability to destroy. Master Nokomis also teaches you to control and refine your powers. Those are essential to your training."

"It is also a bit of fun," Oren added.

"Yes, I suppose so. We also teach you medicine and art, among other things, because these test your mind. You will learn balance."

"Yes, always learning, never getting out in the world in practicing," Oren said with a bit of frustration.

"Today, we get to be honored and be your teacher. In time, I think you will teach us all. You don't need to solve all the world's problems. You only need to solve your own, and it will lead to the same place."

"Did anyone tell you you are wise, Master Hiawatha?"

"No, because I refuse to hear it. I don't want it to go to my head. One must be balanced in all things, even humility."

"Always the middle way."

"It is the only way."

"I thought you warned me of absolutes?" Oren questioned.

"I see it is time that you see Master Wabasha for your studies, as you are already outsmarting me. I scolded you for giggling, and now that I think about it, I only did so because of tradition. The truth is I should encourage you to laugh. All of us should have been laughing with you. It is pure joy; no state is higher. We all should smile our way through the day, just like a child."

"As Master Wabasha says. Everything is in constant change. Even the heads of monasteries." Oren said,

"The tree that becomes rigid is the tree that snaps in the wind," Hiawatha said, taking his leave of Oren.

After Oren had completed all his studies for the day, he went to his favorite spot in the monastery. It was a place where he could be alone, and no one was watching him. No one judging him or lecturing him.

Oren had found a dead bird some days before and wrapped it in cloth. He undid the wrappings and studied the dead bird out of curiosity. Oren looked around to make sure no one was watching. He placed his hands on the bird, rubbing some dirt as well. The bird twitched. Then, all of a sudden, the birdsong to its feet. It flapped its wings as a new pair had recently been attached. It perched on Oren's finger for a second, then flew off into the wind and down the pillars to the valley below.

Oren liked to test his abilities like this, but he feared that others might see him as a freak if they witnessed some of his talents. Oren didn't share all his dreams with Master Hiawatha. He had seen the Witches and Shadow Coven. Oren had dreamed of the destruction and death they would cause. He saw the Masters of the Oracle being tortured and worse. In his dream, Oren was always helpless to stop it.

Oren didn't want to be alone in this world. He knew that someday he'd be separated from the Masters of the Oracle, the only family he knew. He knew he couldn't save them like he saved the bird. What good was any of his power?