image [https://img.wattpad.com/c27994f380d8fc949a1c97e95ac82594d5f7db8f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f55656f7645475534576f504e41513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163316630313262653130303730393233383331393931302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Part 3: Behind the masks we are all the same
As the mysterious stranger and the Seeker continue on their path, the gravel road leads them through fields of grass and flowers. They are surrounded by vast mountain ranges in the distance. Out of the ground, remains of buried and broken colossal statues stand out. Fingers, broken torsos, partial heads, depicting ancient gods.
"We don't look at each other," the mysterious stranger elaborates [https://img.wattpad.com/fb1a1866919112195600fe00c30b3f94e0ceab5b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4e353678615044444a65414b4a673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163323135613565643138303938333532343233393237372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"We don't look at each other," the mysterious stranger elaborates. "We mostly see people as the roles, that they play in our particular life. When we interact with someone, we rarely try to understand them, as they truly are. Because we automatically create a prefabricated image, of whoever it is, that we deal with. This image is based on the memory, that we have recorded regarding the person.
However... when we create such an image of another person, this image is always limited. The image is not an accurate representation of the actual human being. We only record and save memory of the times, that us and said person actually come into contact. We don't know, how the person behaves or what they do, when our particular timelines aren't crossing. As memories are incomplete, so is our image of the people in our lifes.
At the same time, people create images of you as well. Based on all memory, that they have gathered around you. They don't know what your life looks like, outside of your shared experiences. And so, the image that they have created around you is just as incomplete.
Have you ever been angry because you were not understood? Because you were placed in a limited box by them? Did you ever feel lonely, because you were not seen? Did you ever feel disconnected with the role, that people assign to you?"
Next to the gravel road, the statue of a warrior with a horned helmet is buried in the grass. The mysterious stranger suddenly notices, that the Seeker is far behind in the distance.
The mysterious stranger suddenly notices, that the Seeker is far behind in the distance [https://img.wattpad.com/1984afcbda345b276649298f89d29f0ac4dfe445/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4639694630312d727531387239773d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163323730333461313034343236313333353835343733322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Hold on," the Seeker shouts, as they come running towards the mysterious stranger. "You're too fast... Can you please slow a bit down?"
The mysterious stranger waits until the Seeker catches up. She slows down her pace to match the Seeker.
"I am sorry," apologizes the stranger with an embarrassed face.
"Let me put it differently then: It's as if we were wearing invisible glasses. As long as we look through the glasses, the image of other people is blurry. But once you take them off, you can truly see people as they are. Taking off the glasses, means that you look directly into their heart, instead of seeing them through the ideas, that you have built around them, running in the background."
"I understand," the Seeker pants, as they grasp for air. "It's like we are all wearing masks, isn't it? Like.. I am acting differently around my family, than I am around my workplace. I am playing different roles in different situations."
The mysterious stranger nods her head [https://img.wattpad.com/ef23b4c3bd46c6a7ef5259ee7ee0dd470f338712/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3064756d6c50394470642d4f6c413d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163326131346664663131663430373634393238383332382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The mysterious stranger nods her head.
"Of course. All humans do this. That's how we fit into our social groups. By playing a role. A role, that fits the particular group dynamic. Be it the role of son or daughter, of mother of father, of brother or sister. At work or school or at the friends group... As the leader, as the joker, as the quiet one, as the empathetic one, as the loud one, as the weird one... What happens, when we play a role? Suddenly there is an expectation by the group. If you don't behave accordingly to the role, you are being ostracized.
What do these roles do with us? They make us unhappy, don't they? Because we can't be who we truly are. Because they limit us, they fragment us. Force us, to behave in certain ways, to imitate and to hide. And they make us blind. We think we are these roles. We believe we are these masks, that we carry. We believe the others are the image, that we have of them. And so we treat them accordingly. We put others under the same pressure, the same expectations, as we are placed under.
There is no love, as long as we are identified with our masks. There is no love, as long as we identify others with their limited roles. Because underneath the mask, we are all the same. Literally, we are all the same actor playing different roles."
The mysterious stranger looks to her side. Again the Seeker is not beside her. She turns her head around, the Seeker isn't behind her either.
She turns her head around, the Seeker isn't behind her either [https://img.wattpad.com/c5a4f38764c997a35f077fd1850d41431a2f22e9/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f736247683346586368414c6c35673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163326337376363653432333737383233343837313135362e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"I am way ahead of you," shouts the Seeker from the distance.
Far up ahead, in front of the mysterious stranger, they sit next to a partially-buried giant sword. The sword is made of shining metal, that withstood the test of time. Without even a glimmer of rust on it.
"I know all of this already. So far, you haven't told me anything new," yawns the Seeker with their arms behind their neck, waiting for the mysterious stranger to catch up.
"Ah that's good to hear," utters the voice of the mysterious stranger, suddenly standing right behind the Seeker.
Caught off guard, the Seeker gets startled. "What the... How did you get here so fast?!"
With a silent grin, the mysterious stranger continues walking. The Seeker pulls out the sword from the ground. The sword starts glowing like a bright light, as the Seeker touches it.
New item added: Sword of Perception
"Then let us ask, how do we let go of the masks?" the mysterious stranger asks, as she marches forward [https://img.wattpad.com/dab7164b3d2f970d3c60c80047c4a70a9c06af54/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f646b73596f4b635f556a6a5f61513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163333435353533623730323336373138343239303738372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Then let us ask, how do we let go of the masks?" the mysterious stranger asks, as she marches forward. The Seeker follows, dragging the heavy sword behind them.
"How do we let go of these masks, that bring so much pain, suffering and unhappiness? There is no joy, in suppressing yourself to fit into a role. There is no love, when you don't actually see the person standing in front of you, for who they actually are.
So we need to be aware. Aware, that every other person, just like you, is the main character of their own story. Just like you, they know what it means to suffer. Just like you, they are afraid and insecure. Just like you, they have dreams, regrets and passions.
There is always a motive behind every action. Even if they hurt you. There is always a reason, always an intention. Even if you don't like it. If you understand this from the bottom of your heart, then you won't judge others. You accept them just as they are. Because you see them. And because you truly love them. Because they are you. Just a reflection of yourself, as much as you are a reflection of them.
Always see the good in people and you will find the goodness within them. Always see, that they are worthy of love. No matter how many mistakes they have made. In the end, they are just like you. Always have the intent to understand them. Try to see things from their perspective. And love will flower naturally.
Even if you know all of this already... When you interact with other people, it's easy to get sucked back into reaction mode. And suddenly you don't see them anymore. You only see their role. You only see the emotion, they cause you to feel. Then your love is gone. Stay in the present moment. See them with all your awareness, then you won't fall back. See them clearly and the mask will disappear."
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
On the left side and on the right side of the road are two statues, both guarding the path ahead. The statues depict warrior kings, with swords, royal garments and luxurious crowns.
The statues depict warrior kings, with swords, royal garments and luxurious crowns [https://img.wattpad.com/163b17b42d1a6923ccda9618de9311b7ef399811/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f56672d30764647563849636633513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163333936383636306463333936363239363938323732382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Why should I make the effort," the Seeker questions. "I mean seriously... Even if I try my best to understand others, they will never do the same thing for me."
"Try it and see what happens," proposes the mysterious stranger, as they both walk side by side.
"I know, it's far easier to go on autopilot. On autopilot, you don't need to face your shortcomings. On autopilot, you are always right. On autopilot, you can remain the same forever.
But when you are aware, then love can flow through you. When you are attentive, you can break any cycle, that limits you. When you share love and understanding, then this love will spread. When you see the others perspective, then you grow exponentially. Become love itself, see how this love flowers. This is how you walk the highest path.
Because... in the end... Whoever it is... We are all one. If you hurt your brother, you actually hurt yourself. So see them... See them as they truly are. Without the illusory image... Without the false mask... And you will see yourself. See yourself within them... and love will be inevitable."
As the two companions keep on moving, the path leads through a small corridor with rock faces on both sides [https://img.wattpad.com/a18df848d3a019df5c6dd4176994abe2dcc3c75b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f55434e446c79316b796e544d42513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163336562636139323064643937343033393537363534392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As the two companions keep on moving, the path leads through a small corridor with rock faces on both sides. They enter a canyon.
Suddenly, as they walk through the threshold, the tone changes. Something in the atmosphere. The clouds turn dark-gray, getting denser.
An ominous sound!
A bad-ass beat!
Rhythms of Terror!
Boss music!
From the top edge of the canyon suddenly something huge falls into the depths below [https://img.wattpad.com/476883b5ae30ed76417bf840a0178d9e54beaa2c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f485530534754446e4932725f51673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163343161363031643638383630333237393339393631372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
From the top edge of the canyon suddenly something huge falls into the depths below. Right in front of the Seeker and the mysterious stranger. The ground shakes and trembles. Fog of dust keeps the shadowy figure hidden. As the fog clears up, a gigantic monster is visible. It's appearance is so horrifyingly shocking, that the Seeker can't even look at it. An eldritch monstrosity, of unexplainable terror with a red mask, covering it's face.
"Seems like it's time to face your first mini-boss," speaks the mysterious stranger, scratching her chin [https://img.wattpad.com/e033709c1fc61645742f1e4a50f7ac11cf6ce0f4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f524f544a5268384f7266576b42673d3d2d313431343935333531362e3137616231633435366636656338383539333935323736353334302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Seems like it's time to face your first mini-boss," speaks the mysterious stranger, scratching her chin.
The Seeker points their heavy sword with a hard grip towards the dangerous creature.
"Are you kidding me?!" shouts the Seeker. "You expect me to face this... this thing on my own?!"
"You are ready," grins the mysterious stranger. "I believe in you."
Her words, give the Seeker a motivational boost. Inspired, they hear a chant from heaven singing:
Plus 7 Vibes added
Plus 7 Vibes added [https://img.wattpad.com/ce4c8f000b173283595fc652d65ece686795e424/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4a784b68566951463968566744773d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163343838616461303835643435363138333531313133332e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Full of energy, the Seeker takes their sword and sprints right towards the monster. They swing their sword, seconds before reaching the giant creature. But just as the Seeker is about to strike their glowing sword, they look directly at the monster. Terrified by it's horrific look, the Seeker freezes. The monster takes the opportunity and throws the Seeker towards the wall of the rock face.
Minus 3 Vibes Lost
image [https://img.wattpad.com/58962a94b543219379080b0c0a70c2400c487899/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f456b3452534f3356597a766a61673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163346262396335396435613832323832313036353031322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Ok... How about you tell me, how the mechanics work," the Seeker demands from the mysterious stranger, as they clear the dust from their shoulder.
"According to your frequency-level... You got three more hits left," replies the mysterious stranger. "Otherwise, we'll be back at checkpoint 1..."
"Should have told me sooner," sighs the Seeker annoyed.
Again, the Seeker prepares themselves for another attack. They take a deep breath and approach the monster once again. As they come closer, the Seeker expects the monster to attack.
As they come closer, the Seeker expects the monster to attack [https://img.wattpad.com/b8ff499e82c349956339968d49751cac7d2f7b3e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f634a7236536761614a56484341513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163346530346238363234653234363839363538303139342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The monster strikes. The Seeker rolls away. Behind the monster's back, the Seeker stands up and pierces the sword into it's legs. The monster screams in agony. Suddenly the Seeker feels an immense pain in their chest as well.
Minus 3 Vibes lost
Minus 3 Vibes lost [https://img.wattpad.com/a6cd4498a86031dd94ab476048902a121bb603f0/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f576242533847794c684e4a6e6f513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163353130353535366332363431353735323932313933382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"What the hell," the Seeker questions. "Why did I lose points as well? How can I defeat the monster, if I can't touch it without hurting myself?"
"Don't forget, what we discussed," reminds the mysterious stranger the Seeker.
Suddenly the Seeker has an idea.
They make a loud sound, whistling and screaming to grab the monsters attention. The Seeker expects the monster to run towards them. The monster complies, running furiously.
Moments before the monster would have clashed with the Seeker, they jump to the side, avoiding the hit. The monster instead crashes right into the mysterious stranger, who unwittingly stands right behind the Seeker.
The monster instead crashes right into the mysterious stranger, who unwittingly stands right behind the Seeker [https://img.wattpad.com/5d58750a8f407a4b1ec7c91dbebd0ceba196c02c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f486a664544416a475a69514750773d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163353833303961346135323639333233313234363039342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
image [https://img.wattpad.com/ad31dd263ada57fc495205ba2b10d6903ede92ac/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c5371686a6b6e5a363376496d673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163356134653432633565633136303930383739373937322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
For a moment the Seeker felt victorious, before they again hear the familiar chant:
Minus 3 Vibes Lost
"What the Hell were you attempting with this," shouts the mysterious stranger annoyed, as they get up from the ground again.
"That was completely unnecessary. Why the hell did you think, that this would ever be a good idea?!"
The blue hooded robe of the mysterious stranger is full of dust and sand.
"I thought, that you could do some damage to the monster, without me getting harmed," justifies the Seeker.
"The idea... sounded far better in my head... to be honest..."
The mysterious stranger sighs, as they shake away the dirt.
"Ok... Listen... One last time... This is your last attempt... Remember, what we were talking about. Take off the mask."
Finally the Seeker understands. They hesitantly walk towards the monster, that is still getting back on their feet. Slowly the Seeker closes the distance, step by step. Keeping their sword pointed towards the monster, for self defense. Their hands are shaking, their forehead is sweating. The Seeker climbs the body of the gigantic titan.
The Seeker climbs the body of the gigantic titan [https://img.wattpad.com/76cf7a2e05908023e5004a2b0c437fc8784a3281/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4f75625365737472624a624870673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163356661383861396132333530353038363230373532312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As they reach it's face, the Seeker stretches out their sword, not in an attempt to strike the creature, but using his weapon to lift off the red mask from the face of the monster.
As the mask falls to the ground, a sudden bright light is blinding both the Seeker and the mysterious stranger. As the light fades, the body and face of the monster suddenly transforms into a familiar appearance.
The shape of the monster suddenly looks identical to that of the Seeker. Same face, same body, same clothes. Smiling at it's former adversary.
Smiling at it's former adversary [https://img.wattpad.com/d7e7bbb288864fb619b472ce35bee1cbbd97f87b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f726e5a615f6b58326d6677486e673d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163363330366161323261333239313430323334383839322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Taken aback, the Seeker let's their sword fall. Out of exhaustion they let themselves fall to the ground. The Seekers clone explodes into white light, flowing into the body of the original, as if absorbing it. The Two Seekers merge and become one.
A new chant appears from the sky, singing:
Level UP!
Plus 15 Vibes
Red Mask added
image [https://img.wattpad.com/2ce74530c2b4e5e5a317dc68392440b952214fd0/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6344447a543254675a724c4f76513d3d2d313431343935333531362e313761623163363662663661666538633437393238303938363034302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The mysterious stranger stretches out their hand towards the Seeker. "Never forget this, my dear friend, behind the masks we are all the same."
The Seeker accepts the Strangers hand and let's themselves be dragged on their feet.
"Alright," says the Seeker. "So where are we heading next?"
The mysterious stranger points at stone stairs, that are carved into the wall of the canyon.
The mysterious stranger points at stone stairs, that are carved into the wall of the canyon [https://img.wattpad.com/5c2a342d9aa60edfb6c38ec453c61652fe52850a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f49796649435452685773583537673d3d2d313431343935333531362e3137616231633639333061373830343331323431343530383634342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Let's go the next checkpoint up ahead," grins the mysterious stranger .
TO BE CONTINUED