Part 5: All along the Tower of desire [https://img.wattpad.com/2684316b712996bfb9b209ecee80391bc271252f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f314f695046324b37522d685852513d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437363938623633366135373131393839353630393732332e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Part 5: All along the Tower of desire
As the Seeker and the mysterious stranger stand at the crossroads, they decide to move forward on the right path. The further they progress, it seems as if the atmosphere is shifting. The clouds get darker. The grassland turns into a Savannah. Trees turn into stumps. It's as if the two companions enter into an uncanny valley.
With great interest, the Seeker examines the red mask in their hand, not noticing, that the mysterious stranger is trying to converse with them:
"...And this is exactly the reason, why the ego is actually a frozen waffle brand from... Hey do you even listen, Seeker?"
"It's whispering to me," mumbles the Seeker. "This strange mask... the one from the monster. What do you think... Should I wear it? Will it give me some extra buffs?"
Should I wear it? Will it give me some extra buffs?" [https://img.wattpad.com/69089e1642907f655fc984f173dbdae6b0273d17/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c67792d58756f6f454175795f773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437366261663561646630323531383236343839343033392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Nah, not really," negates the mysterious stranger. "It's utterly useless. Just some unnecessary weight to carry around. Better drop the mask."
"No I won't," responds the Seeker infuriated, holding the the mask tightly at their chest. "This is MY mask. I found it. I won it in battle. I won't just give it up!"
"Alright, alright," the mysterious stranger backs down. "It's up to you. Do with it what you want. I am not imposing anything on you. However, you should be aware of its danger. You see, it's easy to become attached. Attachment leads consequently to the fear of losing.
And once you have tasted attachment, you will soon desire more. Better, greater, more pleasurable attachments. You see... We are using attachments to escape from our suffering. Unable to face our pain directly, we continue to hunt one shallow pleasure after the next. Always trying to fill a hole, that we can't escape from.
This is why I would advise you, not to become too attached to anything. Neither material possessions, nor relationships, nor status, nor success, nor identity, nor beliefs. Don't become attached to anything graspable nor in-graspable. Because it will always, inadvertently lead to even greater suffering, than the pain you are trying to escape from. So before you put on the mask, ask yourself..."
As the mysterious stranger turns his head, he notices, that the Seeker is already wearing the red mask on their face.
As the mysterious stranger turns his head, he notices, that the Seeker is already wearing the red mask on their face [https://img.wattpad.com/e613cb01ec5aa308a86488c443e9e7c7b87ed279/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f514449573836685a5758357151413d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437366466383261333865383135363234303038333630312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
For a couple of seconds the mysterious stranger is frozen in disbelief, before he facepalms.
"I wanted to say... ask yourself, whether you are attached to it..."
image [https://img.wattpad.com/85dee74d656fa485455eb2487d18767a6289fb06/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4f2d4f6c365f45304345627576513d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437366633653133363934383335393338323539353633322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The Seeker tries to pull off the red mask from their face. They can't. The mask is stuck. As if it were glued.
"Hey, you are right," realizes the Seeker in terror, as they try to rip off the mask. "It doesn't come off again!"
The Seeker struggles. Trying everything to take off the mask. Scratching, scraping, levering... By force and with precision... After some time, they give up.
As the Seeker and the mysterious stranger continue on their journey, they spot a dark tower in the distance. Standing in the desert, the monument reaches into the sky. It's as if dark stormy clouds are forming a vortex around the top of the black tower.
"How do I get rid of my attachments," the Seeker asks the mysterious stranger, as they start to feel an annoying itch on their skin behind the red mask [https://img.wattpad.com/0298d1b3f465a9440201531e05cda97e980d6c0e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4b694f4c3251674c387635717a673d3d2d313431393331343438322e3137616664373730386337336162303332353137373532333739382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"How do I get rid of my attachments," the Seeker asks the mysterious stranger, as they start to feel an annoying itch on their skin behind the red mask.
The mysterious stranger smiles.
"There is no fixed formula. Every attachment is unique to the person. There is no 'Do X and get rid of your attachment'. However the key is insight. Once you become aware, that you are attached to something, then you can actually do something about it. But you need to be absolutely honest with yourself.
We tend to tell ourselves, that we need it, that we can't live without it. And so we are unable to let go of it. Therefore we need to see, that the attachment is an obstacle, hindering our progress. The insight itself propels change. You become aware of being attached. You see the danger. You see the problems, that your attachment causes.
Then this awareness will bring forth the energy needed, to let go of the attachment. You will have access to an infinite intelligence, that helps you to break the pattern. To end the cycle in the best possible way, considering your unique circumstances. Doing this is effortless. Without any resistance. You don't need to fight your attachment. Just become aware of it.
It's like touching a hot oven and getting your hand burnt. You won't touch that oven ever again. And once you have let go of an attachment, you will come to the conclusion, that you never actually needed it in the first place.
At least, if that is what you really truly want. Nothing changes, unless you are not willing to look at it with full attention."
The mysterious stranger and the Seeker stop in the middle of the way, as they hear an unknown voice saying:
"Did I just hear attachment?"
It is an anthropomorphic rat, clothed like a guru [https://img.wattpad.com/7344b17bb6e857e6a10673092f3ef010f03b2a54/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5948795f464b346243494f6279773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437373464316239386565323538393130323535303530322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
It is an anthropomorphic rat, clothed like a guru. A merchant, with several items, laid out on a carpet. Behind the human-sized rat is a mobile cart full with objects. Tied to the cart, lies a resting donkey.
"Here you'll find the finest jewelry, goblets, armor, clothes, weapons and masks, that any Seeker may need, on their journey."
The Seeker takes a good look at the inventory.
"Do you have anything that helps me to get rid of attachments," they ask the dubious rat merchant.
"I have exactly, what you need," says the rat , as he rustles through his garbage pile. The merchant shows the Seeker a spray can, that says 'Anti-Attachment spray'.
"With this spray, you get rid of any unwanted attachments. Be it material possessions, relationship, status, thoughts, beliefs... Even identity. The price would normally be 3 Vibes, but we have a Special offer. If you buy now, it will only cost you 2 vibes!"
The Seeker looks at the Spray can with an intrigued look on their face.
"Are you seriously thinking about buying this," asks the mysterious stranger the Seeker dumbfounded.
"Well, seems easier, than what you suggested," responds the Seeker, as they turn back their head, facing the rat merchant. "I'll buy two cans."
- 4 Vibes lost
The Seeker takes the can and sprays the ominous liquid on their face [https://img.wattpad.com/0ab120e44b89e228582c18c38f9577b5452f5db8/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f596457466337654d37584a6c4d773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437373730616434363539303638353435383336323235302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The Seeker takes the can and sprays the ominous liquid on their face. The red mask changes it's color, turning silver. As the liquid dries, the Seeker tries to shake off the mask. It is still stuck on their face.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
"You damned rat tricked me! It still doesn't come off! Give me a refund!"
The rat makes a surprised face.
"Oh Sir, by the heavens. Never in my life, would I even entertain the idea to trick someone as extraordinarily cunning, as your highness. This is all just a misunderstanding."
The Seeker calms down, as the rat takes out a mirror from his pile and shows the Seeker their reflection [https://img.wattpad.com/8d0220b9e91a365d49cdd4f788dc9ac4f662e502/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f484e4d7252705573645f6a3232413d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437376134306232613237363637333631393031393736322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The Seeker calms down, as the rat takes out a mirror from his pile and shows the Seeker their reflection.
"Can't you see? You are no longer attached, to that red mask of yours. Instead you are wearing a silver mask now. Only the most prestigious masters are wearing silver masks. What you have attained is very special. Only you can wear this mask!"
"You... You are telling me, that I am special?"
"Oh absolutely," confirms the dubious rat. "Who else but you could ever deserve this wonderful mask? Truly only a highly advanced being as you, could carry such a treasure on their face. This mask not only fits you perfectly... It Uhhh... also boosts your resistance... against Ummm... Fall damage."
The Seeker nods, happily thinking they struck a good deal. "Yes, I am indeed very advanced."
New achievement unlocked: Spiritual Ego
"You are still attached," reminds the mysterious stranger, standing in the background [https://img.wattpad.com/834171e5d98a1916f785963f775e4c09f777561f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5f6b4e55717730514f55524a32773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437376365313836333938323837383632373330373039342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"You are still attached," reminds the mysterious stranger, standing in the background.
"Don't listen to him," hisses the merchant rat. "After all, only a true Bodhisattva, such as you, can claim a silver mask. Unless he wears the golden mask, there shouldn't even be a reason to listen to this guy."
"The golden mask?" asks the Seeker with excitement. "What is this? Where can I get it?"
The rat grins smugly.
"Tell ya what. If you pay me another 4 vibes, I will tell you, where you'll find the golden mask. They say, that only someone truly enlightened, can wear the golden mask."
The mysterious stranger sighs. "Come on Seeker... Don't let yourself get involved in any unnecessary side quests... This won't end well..."
The Seeker ignores the mysterious stranger, facing the rat directly:
"Tell me where I'll find that mask."
- 4 vibes Lost
The rat merchant points with his index finger at the dark tower in the distance [https://img.wattpad.com/dd194beee74d11f63e0bc1e88e03af0c462d7836/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f576c5674692d7630527a657743513d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437376538393165646334333539353537313838313333302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The rat merchant points with his index finger at the dark tower in the distance.
"You need to climb up the tower of desire. There are no stairs. There is no ladder. You need to climb the outer wall, all the way up. Until you have reached the very top. Up there, floats the golden mask."
The Seeker squints their eyes. They notice a faint glowing at the tip of the black tower in the distance.
They notice a faint glowing at the tip of the black tower in the distance [https://img.wattpad.com/e10f60b86059ac22a931ca15e8bb76e42cd241eb/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f687241515a742d6e6177562d55673d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437383661353136323763383333373030373236333733302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"But be careful," warns the rat, as he climbs on the back of his donkey. "You are not the only one, aiming for the golden mask."
Riding the donkey into the dusk, the rat and his merchandise leave the scene.
"Are you really sure, you wanna do this?" the mysterious stranger asks the Seeker.
"Yes," says the Seeker. "I want the golden mask. No, I need the golden mask. Since I am enlightened, I need to wear it."
"Fine," sighs the mysterious stranger. "It's your choice after all. But don't say later, that I didn't warn you."
" [https://img.wattpad.com/506b151420bbe5538a6fdd8f85ced0143b3fedb9/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f47314c4961776743374b314e72413d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437383835306234373939373638393336373231323438392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As the two companions are approaching the black tower, the wind begins to howl. Standing at the tower's foot, they marvel at the great heights.
"There must be some way up there," says the Seeker to the mysterious stranger. They both look upwards. The architecture looks confusing.
"I can't get no relief," sighs the Seeker, unable to tell, where they should begin climbing.
"I can't get no relief," sighs the Seeker, unable to tell, where they should begin climbing [https://img.wattpad.com/f8d391c46fda52c08bec96a0e917fd7b5702195d/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f31364c5f764a7a7a4670474a46673d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437386264626132666565613631363234373239303039322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The mysterious stranger yawns: "I'll wait down here, while you have your side quest..."
Suddenly the Seeker is greeted by an unknown voice: "Are you here for the golden mask as well?"
The Seeker turns their head. The voice comes from a gray mouse with round ears, wearing a suit, with a glass of wine in his hand.
The voice comes from a gray mouse with round ears, wearing a suit, with a glass of wine in his hand [https://img.wattpad.com/c67e1c5949496127622aeca1ba0d4b6dba670d1b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f76397469316a6f547858524a56773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437386564633737303031313637323836323339333033312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Who are you?" asks the Seeker the self-indulgent mouse.
"I am a business mouse. The best business mouse. This is why I am climbing the tower of desire. To be at the very top! I will be the richest. I will be the most powerful. And all this will be possible, once I have finally obtained the golden mask. The best golden mask."
"You will never get this golden mask," shouts another unfamiliar voice with a Russian accent. It's a field mouse in a military outfit.
"You will be Put in your place! I will reach the top before you do, western elite. Once I hold the golden mask in my hands, world domination will be mine!"
As the Seeker and the two mice begin their climb, the business mouse bites the leg of the Seeker [https://img.wattpad.com/ae0a5e1ebe0bf2a9ee687e666ffc94302165b6c6/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f625a624c6e3046666169626a62673d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437393065643435613161623137333036373635323830322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As the Seeker and the two mice begin their climb, the business mouse bites the leg of the Seeker.
"Ow," screams the Seeker in pain, cursing the mouse. "Why the hell, did you do this?!"
"Don't take it personally," says the business mouse, as he leaves their rivals behind. "That's just how I deal with competitors."
The military mouse bites the Seeker in their arm. "You should be glad, that I leave you just with a bite mark. Normally, I poison my opponents."
Although the Seeker is far behind, they move upwards at a fast pace, slowly catching up to the military mouse. The surface has many asymmetric edges and angles. And yet, the Seeker closes the distance more and more. As the military mouse looks down at the Seeker, he digs some dust and earth from the tower and throws it into the Seekers eyes.
The Seeker wipes the dirt from their eyes and proceeds. They want the golden mask. They want it, at all costs.
"None of them know what any of it is worth," mumbles the Seeker, as they climb at an even faster pace. They are just an arm distance away, from the military mouse. They grab his tail and pull at it. The mouse loses his grip.
"Damn you, western elite," shouts the military mouse, as he falls down into the depth.
Up ahead, the Seeker looks at the business mouse. They are slowly catching up. The business mouse gets nervous, as they notice the Seeker approaching from behind.
"No reason to get excited," says the business mouse as they throw loose bricks towards the Seeker. "I still have my Trump card."
The Seeker avoids the falling bricks. Jumping hand over head from one gripping point to the next. As they move up the tower, the Seeker finally catches the business mouse in their hand and throws him down the tower.
"I just wanted to feel great again," screams the business mouse, as he falls into the depth below.
Finally there is nothing left to stop the Seeker from winning the price. They climb up the last few meters. An arms reach away, from grabbing the golden mask at the tip of the tower.
But just in the moment, as they grab the golden mask, holding it in their hand, they slip with their feet at a loose brick [https://img.wattpad.com/3527f697a19f9c2c96ddd5545082f92344ef0911/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f696939524a6d516a3536765772673d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437393935316336636361653132363838373339383532312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
But just in the moment, as they grab the golden mask, holding it in their hand, they slip with their feet at a loose brick. Balance lost. With the golden mask, tightly gripped in their hands, the Seeker falls down into the depths.
As they fall through the sky, the Seeker is prepared to die. They examine the golden mask in their hand. There is an inscription on the inside.
"This mask adds the bonus of + 1 aesthetic point," the Seeker reads out loud, shortly before they crash on the ground.
Everything is black. But then... The Seeker opens their eyes and looks around. They are on the ground, at the foot of the tower.
"I am still alive? How is this possible, after falling from this height?"
"Must have been the fall damage resistance," comments the mysterious stranger, standing right next to the Seeker. "Was it all worth it?"
The Seeker breaths out relieved. "I did it! At last, the mask is mine," shouts the Seeker, as they put on the golden mask.
"I did it! At last, the mask is mine," shouts the Seeker, as they put on the golden mask [https://img.wattpad.com/8c3e20904ac34c5d9fd41886e2e9230fa49ea591/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f684561552d5864686839793150513d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437396365643465303161343338313733373236313331352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Now I truly am enligh..."
As the Seeker stands up, they notice some slimy substance on their back. Their train of thought is interrupted, as they hear a voice.
"Oh my God, mom?!"
Even though the Seeker can't remember why, the voice sounds familiar [https://img.wattpad.com/1862632f13e3a99193b1ca72f1e71e54306efc63/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6372376245504d354a414d6c4c773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437396563616630386138363939383732303738323232392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Even though the Seeker can't remember why, the voice sounds familiar. It is Lukas and his two siblings. The scorpion kids.
"We-We were just returning from our dad's funeral, a-after he drowned in the river," stutters Chloe, the middle child, in utter terror. "Mom promised us, that everything will be fine... That she will take care of us."
"Where is mom gone," asks Lachlan, as he can't comprehend what ishappening. "She was just standing here... Right before that person fell from the sky..."
The Seeker has a strange feeling of Deja-Vu, as they feel a loss in their vibration:
- 7 vibes lost
"Mother, I shall avenge you," swears Lukas, with tearing eyes, as he holds the remains of his mother in his hands. "I will not rest until justice is decreed!"
As the Seeker is observing the situation, they instinctively know, that there is only one thing left to do: RUN!
As the Seeker is observing the situation, they instinctively know, that there is only one thing left to do: RUN! [https://img.wattpad.com/50ce45e4595bde55e1e5ba72e403f19b7c9a46c1/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7769504e52434766316e503367773d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437613231366266626230313839333437393138323636392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The Seeker runs as fast, as they can. Leaving the mysterious stranger and the mourning Scorpions behind.
The mysterious stranger sighs annoyed, as they slowly follow the Seeker.
The mysterious stranger sighs annoyed, as they slowly follow the Seeker [https://img.wattpad.com/83eb25d9541293363f461a519fe267a78d0f4437/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7378696f42764754686b463461513d3d2d313431393331343438322e313761666437613337623237373238313139383431383235323336312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Alright... Here we go again. Are we still at attempt 732 or is it 733 already? It doesn't even matter... I really should stop counting."
TO BE CONTINUED