ClockWork Sage

Chapter- 1 / Chakra Nodes

“There exist a realm outside of us and we use our senses to touch it.

Nose’s Smell.

Eyes , see.

Ears hear.

Tongues taste.

The body feels.

These are outside sense’s. One’s the body uses to see what goes on outside. “

The room went quiet as the gravely voice came to a close. The sound of a ‘Pop!’ rang out as a cork was pulled free from a bottle, swiftly followed by several swigs of drink inhaled in steady gulps.

“Ambyaaa.” A sort of grunt sound echoed as the drink was sat back on the floor. Parched , the voice began anew.

“Now my little Sage, how does one see the inside world. “

In the haze of the dream no voice rang out to answer but I still remembered the words I spoke.

“I don’t know master , how ? “

“Why that’s easy . “ The graveled voice answered.

“You must stretch.”

“Huh. “

2 years later.

Buckets full of water jangled furiously as they dangled over the horses back. The horse trudged up the mountainside slowly , the falling light of the sun giving him the shadow of light he liked so much.

Three quick whistles hit the horses ears. The horse knew that one , it was the signal for stop.

He stopped and waited , sure enough a treat was fed to him for the long walk. The horse neighed and licked the hand of his master. The horse neighed mockingly .

His very small master.

^*^

Howl looked over his horse seriously . “Are you mocking me fire legs? I’ll beat you up. “

“Neigghhh.”

Howl shook his head , that horse had a mind of his own sometimes. A small walk took him to the stables , leaving fire legs in his post , a large inside pasture for the creature .

“See ya later Fire Legs , I’ll take you out tomorrow. “

With that Howl was off.

He bummed idly as he walked through the countryside , the sun and the daffodils alike painting yellow vibrancy all around him, he sneezed a little , his nose bothered by the smells.

A small ball made way to his hands as he passed by the garden , he bounced it up and down , walking idly as he did so , no real goal in sight.

Just being him.

“Howl. “ He heard a voice idly call.

Howl looked up.

He knew that voice it was his masters. Probably for something idle like carrying vegetables or something.

“I’m over here master. “ He yelled back. His legs carried him to the back of the courtyard where a man sat in a large loose shirt on the floor. The man seemed aged , with wrinkles beneath his eyes that were currently closed shut.

“You called ?” Howl asked.

“I did. I have heard you have unlocked your third chakra node. Your studies must be going well. “

Howl wondered how he knew of his unlocked Chakra node , but then again in a small town as this with as few sage candidates as their were , it made sense.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Howl shook his head at the annoyances caused by gossip.

“I have ,” he responded. “I now have the necessary three to challenge the trials. “

The man sitting tilted his head. “Yet you do not seem happy about this. You have not mentioned a word of it , asking for a peach vanilla pie as a reward as usual. What’s wrong Howl , do you tire of peaches? “

Howl looked at his teacher seriously, his grey eyes ablaze. “I could never grow tired of peaches. “

“Haha, then what seems the matter. “

Howl clenched his hands , tension on what to say clogging his mind.

“I , I still haven’t discovered my element. “

Howl’s master , a man named Jahobi was a man of sizable physique and an almost water like aura that was rarely surprised. The man crooked open one eye and tilted his head.

“Really , that’s kind of wild. “

“Master , this is serious. “

“I know , I know , but you were going the normal gifted student path, I didn’t expect this .”

“Master!"

“Hahaha , don’t be serious young one , a little adversity is good for the soul. The easier one has it , the harder it will hit them later when their is a task of actual weight.Now then , come take a seat , let us speak of the nodes you do have , and we shall know of how to proceed.”

Howl calmed , for he wasn’t really mad , just impatient, he took a seat in his resting position. His feet were crossed, his back straight and his hands rested just slightly over his lap.

Howl sat and focused internally. It took a few seconds but as he breathed , he could could feel his chest. It was hard to describe what the feel part was, but after scrolling through several text on the matter , flipping through magical , and ethereal text he had finally settled on the popular name given by Sages.

Soul touch. An internal hand directed by the soul.

Howl carefully directed his soul under his heart and tapped into a feeling of condensed energy that lay just below.

When his soul tapped into it a massive burst of energy rushed free.

“ My first Chakra Node is Node 4. The heart Mantra. “

Howl felt strength beyond his fourteen years , almost that of a man full grown he was told , when he first tried it out on his Master.

“Ah , yes , the heart Mantra , the provider of the strength from within, it gives a solid boost to all of the body, a good choice. “

“Your recommendation of course.”

“Haha , for someone clumsy , it is best to start with the body. “

Howl just shook his head , partly because he knew it to be true , and began pushing his soul toward the back of his body, he stopped in the middle of his spine , where a more smooth ball of energy waited . Immediately upon his soul’s touch he felt electrified.

Howl used his mind to calm his body, but even then it was difficult. His body demanded attention . Only tapping into the mantra of his heart could he calm him self.

“The mantra of Quick touch. Chakra Node 12- A difficult chakra node for a second pick , but one you seemed to have a natural inclination towards. “ Johobi scratched his thin beard.

“Some of the other Sages are giving me a bit of slack for letting you pick that one.”

Howl felt a little guilt at that. He knew of the criticism his master often got, although most of it was for his drinking.

Howl let the thought of it fall away though, his mind drifting back to his body. This time his soul traveled down to the base of his hips and touched upon a node that activated with more of a grounding feeling toward the earth.

“Root Mantra Quick Foot- Chakra Node 80 “Howl Spoke.

“Wow , didn’t expect that one. “

Howl sighed , neither did he.

Johabi scratched his chin. “I suppose that was to be expected though , with how often you train with those skaters . “

Howl froze . “You knew ? “

Johabi laughed from his belly. “Of course I knew , your Chakra goes quite sporadic out there you know , when you return I can always see the residue. “

Howl frowned , he’d thought he had been sneakier than that.

“Howl , do you know why it is that while one is a disciple they are told to stay away from outside activities.”

“So that their soul doesn’t stray from the path. So that they only release the nodes likely to unleash their element.” Howl felt the truth in it as he said it. If he hadn’t been racing , he wouldn’t have had put so much concentration in his root chakra, and he would still have the internal energy to release something else.

Of course he also wouldn’t have been able to win and it was an epic win. Howl smiled at the memory.

Johabi sighed.

“It is not the end of the world though, your internal energy gathers quickly , you will have enough to open another node when the time comes again. We will just have to make sure you chose the right one.”

Howl nodded . “ Yes master. What should I do, which technique should I practice in order to unlock my element?! “

Howls face was eager, his spirit spoke for itself. Johabi looked over the eager face carefully. His disciple was much more physical than mental, maybe it was time to change his approach .

Johabi thought on the matter for a second or two , and then his brain struck upon a favor an old friend had asked him for, he thought a little further and touched upon a strong plan.

“Alright howl, I will fetch you a new scroll , one focused on the Crown Chakra and the nodes they entail. Be patient , it will be different from normal. “

Howl jumped into the air . “Yes! “

“Also.” Johabi said cutting him off. “ You should pack your things , I have a task for you. “

Howl looked back puzzled.

“They need the help of a Sage at the temple of Versan. Something about an adventure party and goblins. Can you handle it. “

Howl pointed to his chest. “Of course.”