Orin felt a mixture of relief and sorrow as he left the hospital. His mother was alive but trapped within her own mind. He felt the surge to find a solution, but he was exhausted. The journey into her subconscious had drained most of his energy. Mind-walling was unbelievably hard, he felt a need for water. Tio told him that walking into people’s minds would affect his body as well, once back to reality. Despite this, mastering the art of mind-walking was now a priority if he hoped to communicate with his mother again, he needed it to help her come back and learn how to bend time.
Tio offered to teach Orin the secrets of mind-walking, he would have taught him how to gently enter people’s minds and reach the person inside it, where to look, what to do, and most importantly what to not seek. Tio settled into his chair, the weight of his story heavy in the air. “Hydro the Truthseeker was known for his unparalleled ability to see the truth in all things. He could peer into the past, present, and future with unmatched clarity. But with such power came a price. He grew disillusioned with humanity’s deceit and lies, feeling betrayed by the very people he sought to help.” “Hydro believed that only by bestowing his gift upon a select few could he ensure that the truth would always prevail. He cast a powerful curse, binding his abilities to certain bloodlines. My family, the Walkminders, were among those chosen. We gained the power to walk through minds and see the truth, but it came with a heavy burden.” Orin and Lysandra listened intently as Tio continued. “The curse wasn’t just a gift; it was a test. Those who inherited it had to use their powers wisely, or they would be consumed by the very truths they uncovered. Many of my ancestors went mad, unable to handle the constant flood of unfiltered thoughts and memories. It’s why my family has always been reclusive, wary of the power we hold.” Tio paused, his gaze distant. “Your mother, Edua, knew about this. She respected our lineage and the dangers that came with it. That’s why she never pushed you to believe in magic. She wanted you to choose your own path, free from the burdens of our history.” Tio continued - “But remember, Orin, your lineage is different. You have the blood of Viviane and Merlin running through your veins. Your potential is far greater, and so are the challenges you’ll face.”
Orin’s eyes widened at the mention of Viviane. “Viviane had the power of mind-walking?” “Yes,” Tio confirmed. “Viviane was born with the gift. Viviane’s ability to enter and influence minds was unparalleled. Morgana noticed that and built a thick barrier in her mind to protect herself from her student power.” Orin felt a shiver run down his spine. The legacy of Viviane’s power coursed through him, and the responsibility felt immense. “So, this power is my birthright?” Tio smiled gently. “It is. And with it, you have the potential to accomplish great things. But you must learn to master it, just as Viviane did.”
Back at home, Orin and Lysandra decided to rest, they were overwhelmed by all the revelations of that day. Tio decided to stay behind at the hospital, keeping a vigilant watch over Edua. Orin fell asleep instantly, experiencing the most peaceful rest he had enjoyed in years. The very next morning, Tio began teaching Orin the intricacies of mind-walking. They practiced how to maintain focus and avoid getting lost in the intricate details of someone’s mind. Tio emphasized the importance of staying on track and not letting the subconscious detours distract him. “Focus Orin, mind-walking is dangerous and can drive a person insane or worse can change their personalities. You can seed an idea that belongs to you and that person would believe it’s his. Mind-walking is a curse, don’t forget it”. Orin absorbed the lessons and recommendations quickly but to test his power, he needed a test to gauge his skills, eager to connect with his powerful ancestor, Viviane. Lysandra offered herself as a subject. Tio, confident in his ability to control the session and ensure Lysandra’s safety, agreed. They both lay on the bed, Orin’s mind jumped inside Lysandra’s head, everything happened in the blink of an eye.
Immediately, Orin felt a familiar pull as he entered Lysandra’s mind. He found himself in a stunning landscape, the rolling hills and rugged coastline of Scotland. The air was fresh and crisp, the scenery both serene and vibrant. He wandered through the dreamscape, taking in the beauty of Lysandra’s homeland. He had never been to Scotland before, and he sat on the grass of that beautiful countryside, looking at the hill and hearing the sound of the ocean ahead. Everything seemed so chill, so pure, so safe. But soon, a cold breeze caught his attention, sending a shiver down his spine. He followed the cold chill, which led him to a quaint old house, nestled in the verdant countryside. The house stood proudly, surrounded by green grass and colorful flowers. It was a place of warmth and love, radiating peace. He saw Lysandra’s parents, a beautiful woman cutting wood with her air magic, slicing them perfectly for the chimney. Inside the house, a giant man was cooking, smiling at his daughter, while she was playing with paper airplanes, making them fly through the kitchen But as Orin approached to join that beautiful moment, a dark fog began to creep in, corrupting the idyllic scene.
He watched in horror as the fog consumed everything in its path. Lysandra’s parents stood on the porch, their expressions resolute. Her mother started casting protective spells, while her father called upon a powerful storm, trying to hold back the darkness. Lysandra, too young to fight, stood nearby, her face a mixture of fear and determination. She barely knew the basics of air magic but wanted to help. Her parents, however, focused on her safety. With their combined air magic, they opened the portal to the ancient druid monastery and pushed her through it. Orin watched as the dark fog enveloped her mother, corrupting her mind. In a horrifying twist, she turned against her husband, striking him down. In a moment of clarity, her mother managed to close the portal, protecting Lysandra but condemning herself to death. Lysandra was screaming in pain, and crying watching her mother killing her dad and closing the portal. She knew that she would never see them. Her unfathomable pain and despair unleashed her latent powers, she found herself full of rage and revenge and fueled by a magic she never felt before. The old druids comforted her with worries and concerns, she could’ve become a vessel for the darkness, with all the hate inside her. However, the chief of the Protectors decided to help her overcome that pain, that hate, and embrace her future. The deepening in Lysandra’s mind made Orin more aware of Lysandra’s purpose. He saw her training at the Protectors, how she mastered air magic so powerfully, and the trials she had endured to become one of the Air magic highest priestesses. He witnessed the grueling training sessions, the relentless discipline, and the moments of despair she faced and overcame. He saw Lysandra talking to her parents in her dreams, seeking their guidance and strength. Orin watched as she grew from a grieving girl into a powerful protector, her spirit unbroken despite the darkness she had faced. The connection they shared was profound, despite the tragedy that had befallen them.
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“Now, stop, that’s enough, Orin,” Lysandra’s voice echoed in his mind, pulling him back from the memories. Orin found himself staring at her, feeling a deep connection with this girl who had suffered so much. “Get out of my head, now! You’ve seen too much,” she insisted, her voice tinged with both anger and vulnerability. Orin stepped back, withdrawing from her mind. “I’m sorry, Lysandra. I didn’t mean to…” Orin woke up, feeling more connected to Lysandra than ever before. Her past, her pain, and her strength were now part of their shared mission. He turned to Tio, who had been monitoring the session. “How did it go?” Tio asked, with his gentle eyes. Orin took a deep breath. “I saw her past. I saw what she went through, I felt her pain, her despair, her anger, and her power as well..” Tio nodded, satisfied and worried. “Good. You’re making progress. Understanding and empathy are just as important as control. But Orin what do you mean by “I sensed her powers?”. Orin hesitated, trying to find the right words. “When I was in her mind, I didn’t just see her memories. I felt the intensity of her magic. It was like I was connected to it somehow, experiencing it firsthand. Her power is... incredible.” As Orin recounted his experience, Tio listened intently, his expression thoughtful. “It sounds like you’re not just observing but also resonating with the magic itself. That’s an important development, Orin. It means you’re becoming more attuned to the magical energies around you.”
Orin nodded, feeling a mixture of awe and responsibility. “It was overwhelming, but it also felt... right. Like I was meant to understand her magic, not just see it.” Tio’s eyes narrowed slightly, contemplating the implications. “This connection might be a sign that your powers are evolving. Viviane’s ability to walk minds was powerful, but it seems you’re taking it a step further by integrating with the magic of those you connect with. This could be crucial in your journey.”
Orin’s newfound understanding brought with it a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that mastering his powers wasn’t just about learning techniques; it was about empathy and connection. Understanding the depths of Lysandra’s pain and power had given him insights that no amount of training alone could provide. “We need to rest,” Lysandra said, breaking the thoughtful silence. “We’ve been through a lot, and there’s still so much ahead of us.” Orin agreed, feeling the weight of the day’s events. “You’re right. Let’s take some time to recover.” They decided to rest at home, allowing the results of their experiences to settle. Orin fell asleep almost instantly, experiencing another calm and dreamless rest. The next day, Tio was giving Orin more information on how to control his mind-walking ability. They practiced maintaining focus and avoiding distractions within the subconscious. Orin learned to navigate the intricate details of the mind without getting lost. However, the experience of connecting with Lysandra’s magic left a lasting impression. Orin knew that to fully harness his abilities, he needed to understand not just his own powers but also the powers of those around him.
The journey ahead was daunting, but with the support of his friends and the legacy of his ancestors guiding him, he felt ready to face the challenges to come. As they prepared for the next phase of their journey, Orin felt a renewed sense of determination. The memories of the past had given him new insights and a deeper connection to his allies. Together, they would continue to train and grow stronger, preparing for the battles that lay ahead. The darkness was still out there, but they were not alone. With the legacy of their ancestors guiding them and their newfound bond, they were determined to prevail. In the days that followed, Orin focused on mastering the nuances of his mind-walking power. Tio guided him through several more difficult exercises, teaching him how to maintain self-control and how to reach the vast landscapes of the subconscious, the most dangerous and powerful side of our minds. Lysandra, on the other hand, continued to refine her air magic, combining it with Orin’s Earth power, reinforcing their magical bond. The bond they had formed grew stronger with each passing day, their mutual respect and understanding deepening.
One evening, as they gathered in the living room, Orin turned to Tio. “I need to go back to my mother’s mind. There’s so much I need to learn from her.” Tio nodded. “We’ll continue to train, but remember, Orin, you must be prepared. Walking into her mind again will be just as challenging, if not more so, than the first time. Two more advice: remember Orin, time flows differently in the “mind dimension”, sometimes fast sometimes slow. And the most important one, to come back to reality, you have to decide to leave, if not you could end up trapped there forever”. “I understand,” Orin replied, determination in his eyes. Lysandra’s eyes widened “Orin are you sure of what you’re doing?”, asked softly. “ Sure, I do. I have to do this. For her, and all of us.” As the days turned into weeks, Orin’s resolve only grew stronger. Orin knew that his journey back into his mother’s mind would be challenging, but he felt prepared. Tio’s training had given him the skills he needed to navigate the mind dimension, and Lysandra’s support had strengthened his resolve. As he prepared for the journey, he took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his mission.
“I’m ready,” he said, his voice filled with determination. Tio placed a reassuring hand on Orin’s shoulder. “Remember, Orin, stay focused and don’t get lost in the small details. You have the power, and please come back to us.” Lysandra nodded, her eyes filled with belief. “We’re with you, Orin. You can do this.” With a final nod, Orin closed his eyes and began the journey into his mother’s mind, ready to face the challenges ahead, save his mother, and unlock the secrets that would help him master his powers and protect the world from the darkness.