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Part 39: Woodchop & Watercarry
“Every outer experience is a reflection of your inner world,” speaks the Stranger to the Seeker, as they walk on the leaf-covered forest path. The trees are empty. It's cold Now. The Seeker wears a scarf.
“Your thoughts and emotions manifest your outer reality. Your actions are directed by unconscious thought patterns. Every negative action has a consequence. Any thought, word or deed, not in Rhythm with the Music of Life, causes distortion. All energy you send out will in some form or another return to you. You reap, what you sow. All intention, will ripple back to the individual portion of consciousness that sent it out originally. Some people call this mechanism in the system of reality 'Karma'.
When you realize that your unconscious actions are hurting both yourself and the world around you, you become aware of a problem that you didn't want to see. And by becoming aware, without judgment, you can actually end the habitual patterns of thought, that distort your experience. You can clear old accumulated Karma, through forgiveness and become aware not to send out any negative energy, be it through thoughts, emotions, words or actions.”
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“What if someone is provoking me to put me out if balance?” questions the Seeker.
“We can't control, how other people behave around us. But we can control, how we respond to them. If another person triggers you with their disagreeable character attributes, realize it's because they reflect aspects of yourself, that you don't like about yourself. You carry all archetypes within you, even when they look differently, even when you suppress some of them, even when they are fragmented, broken up. If you don't like an aspect of someone, it's because it reminds you of an aspect you don't like about yourself.
If you want to be whole, you need to understand all parts within you fully. See them from all angles. Shine a light on what is hidden. Forgive all parts, that you are ashamed of. Put all the broken pieces together. And when you are whole, you will see yourself in everyone. You will see the reflection of your own fire in their eyes. And when people hurt you, you understand that they are only hurting others, because they themselves are in pain. You will see, that behind every dangerous foe, there is just a broken child, who only wants to be loved.”
“I understand what you are saying, but this won't change the fact that there are people, that I just can't get along with,” comments the Seeker.
“Bullies for example, or liars, or idiots, toxic people or just simple pricks. Even if I understand them and emphasize with them, this doesn't change the fact, that I don't wanna be around them. And if someone attacks a friend of mine, I won't just stand around and do nothing!”
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The Seeker and the Stranger suddenly stop.
At the end of the road up ahead, there is a big wall blocking the path. In front of the blockage, there is a sheep hanging head-over a huge pot with water, boiling over a campfire. There are four wolves, One big wolf and three little ones, standing at the kettle, gazing at the sheep with hungry eyes and drooling lips.
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The Seeker recognizes the sheep hanging above the boiling water.
“It's that sheep... The one from the shrine...”
“Father Fowl,” cries the sheep hanging above the pot. “Don't you think this water is a little too hot for bathing?”
“Don't worry, my dear child,” grins the wolf mischievously.
“Your sacrifice will not be in vain. The Seeker of Love will greet you warmly, when you enter the KINGDOM.”
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The Sheep dangles over the pot of water like the Hanged Man. She takes a deep breath.
“Alright... If it's for the Seeker of Love, I am willing to make this sacrifice.”
A tear drops from her eye into the pot. She compares herself to the saints of the past. It gives her a sense of importance.
“I'll have the leg,” declares the little wolf with just one eye.
“I'll have the spare ribs,” declares the fat wolf.
“I'll have the wool,” declares the idiot wolf.
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The Stranger turns to the Seeker.
“Isn't she your friend? Don't you want to do something about this?”
The Seeker is taken aback, by the question.
“Well... Umm... You know... It's not that... I barely even know--”
Suddenly the Seeker is interrupted by a loud noise of a new character entering the scene.
It's a squirrel, who is dressed like a fighting monk, with a staff. She runs into the scenery, grabs a knife, jumps over the pot, holds on to the sheep and cuts her free.
When she has secured the sheep, the squirrel takes on a fighting stance.
INTRODUCING:
WARRIOR MONK SQUIRREL
15 STRENGTH
20 SPEED
18 AGILITY
12 RESILIENCE
21 CHI CONTROL
8 AWARENESS
5 PSYCHIC POWER
SPECIAL ABILITY: CHOP WOOD, CARRY WATER
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“While you were partying, I studied the way of the fist,” speaks the Squirrel with an overwhelming intensity in every word she utters.
“While you indulged in your Self-Centered pursuits, I mastered the SELF. While you wasted your days eating meat, I cultivated the power of Veganism within me.”
A green aura is visible around her. Like a dense force of energy is radiating from her.
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“She gives off some serious main character vibes,” comments the Stranger.
The three little wolves all gasp in unison.
“She took our snack,” whispers the fat wolf horrified.
Father Fowl grins, his fake smiles hides pure hatred.
“Well boys, guess that means we'll add some squirrel to today's menu. Go, get her!”
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
His Goons run towards the Squirrel. First the little wolf with just one eye, goes for a bite. She dodges his attack and smacks down the wolf with her staff. Knock Out.
Next attacks the fat wolf. He throws his heavy claw against her Staff, breaking the stick in two. The Squirrel channels some chi-force into her fist and throws a couple of consecutive punches against his belly and neck. Knock Out.
Then the idiot wolf jumps towards the Squirrel. She becomes Fluid like water. She dodges. The wolf falls into the boiling pot of water. Knock Out.
The big wolf suddenly grabs the squirrel from behind. Squeezing her neck. She kicks behind her, hits his snout with her Elbow and frees herself from Fowls grip.
She creates distance. Father Fowl and the Squirrel stand face to face.
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The Squirrel takes a deep breath and concentrates. Her chi flows into her fists. As she breaths out, she shouts out the name of her special technique:
“WOODCHOP!”
The Squirrel attacks the edge of her palms. Like chopping wood, she hits with her palms edge against the wolfs neck.
Fowl chokes. For a couple of seconds he is disoriented.
The Squirrel uses the momentum and shouts the name of her next attack:
“WATERCARRY!”
Again the Squirrel runs towards Fowl, slipping right past his arm. Fluid like Water. Fast like a Flood. She is at his back. A dead angle. An opening. With several consecutive Chi-powered hits, she knocks out Father Fowl.
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The Squirrel takes in a deep breath and moves back into a fighting stance.
Fowl is picked up, by his three beaten-up goons and carried into the shady forest.
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The Squirrel calms down. She notices the Stranger. Her serious face lightens up. She grins, excited to meet again.
“It's you! My friend, from the Great Shift.”
The Stranger smiles at the Squirrel.
“I see. You are still chopping wood and carrying water.”
“That's a technique my Master showed me,” grins the Squirrel proudly.
“As part of my training, I was chopping wood and carrying water day and night, until I became the hatchet cutting the wood, until I was One with the Water I carried around me. I became the awareness of the Awareness. And I was one with everything. And now I am still chopping wood and carrying water. Ironic isn't it? It's still the same thing, only differently.”
The Squirrel is suddenly interrupted by the sheep crying after the wolves.
“No! Father Fowl! Take me with you. Don't leave me alone!”
The squirrel is shocked. “Lady... They wanted to eat you!”
“No!” screams out the unreasonable sheep.
“Father Fowl and the Altar servers wanted to help me reach the KINGDOM! I was almost there! If it weren't for you!”
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The Sheep storms off angrily. Leaving The Squirrel, The Stranger and the Seeker behind.
The Stranger breaks the silence.
“Anyway... How did you manage to level up so fast?”
The Squirrel scratches her head, as she tries to think back.
“Oh well, I had help... You see, my master initiated me on this path. A wise turtle from the monastery up in the mountains, trained me in the art of...”
The Seeker feels completely left out in that conversation.
'Why does no one ever give me their attention?' thinks the Seeker silently. 'It's like I am invisible.'
“So umm... Have you gotten like any special belts or something?” asks the Seeker the Squirrel, chiming in on the conversation. Everything falls dead silent.
Only now, does the Squirrel become aware of their presence. She stares for a moment directly into the Seekers eyes. An intense gaze. Deadly.
“I don't like you,” speaks the Squirrel bluntly, keeping her stare up.
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The Seeker's ego feels hurt.
“What?! But why? Did I say anything wrong?!”
“I don't know... It's something about your face,” responds the Squirrel bluntly.
The Seeker touches their cheeks, insecurely.
“My... My face? That is so discriminating! You can't just dislike me based on my looks!”
“Where were you, when the Sheep was in danger?” questions the Squirrel. The Seeker is speechless. Their eyes are fixed to the ground.
“This is unfair,” complains the Seeker after some time.
“To just dislike me for no apparent reason... At least get to know me first, before passing judgment. Give me a chance to prove myself!”
“No,” persists the Squirrel. “I don't feel like I can trust you. My intuition never failed me so far.”
The Seeker gets annoyed. They turn to the Stranger.
“Can you explain to me, what's her problem? Why doesn't she like me?”
“The question should rather be, why do you feel the need to be liked by her?” responds the Stranger calmly.
“You can't control how people think or feel about you. You might bend your Self, to create an illusion, to play a character, that doesn't come natural to you. You might distort your SELF to create a character that is liked by others. But in doing so, you will only betray yourself. Is it worth it? To sell your authenticity and your heart, just to control how other people treat you?
Face it, THIS IS EGO. It is your ego, that wants to be liked. And it's your ego, that feels insulted, when it's not liked. If someone doesn't like you, don't try to convince them otherwise. Accept their feelings about you and move on. Either they change their feelings about you and you become friends or they don't. It's not up to you to decide that. Any effort you may try to put into being liked, is only wasted energy.
This urge to be liked by everyone, is often times rooted in insecurity. Rooted in loneliness and the fear of being rejected. Often times due to traumatic events that happened in childhood. Being liked by everyone, might bring you comfort, but it won't bring you happiness. Because for happiness to flower within your mind and heart, you must be truthful to yourself, you must be authentic.”
“Well it's not like I am particularly fond of the Squirrel either,” mumbles the Seeker spitefully.
“Anyway, since the path ahead is blocked, do you know a way to YouTown?” asks the Stranger the Squirrel, changing the topic.
“Yes, there is another way, over the frozen lake. It's off the path, through the forest, but I know how to get there. Follow me.”
The Squirrel steps on a narrow trail and walks into the Forest. It's a trail, that few ever walked on. The Seeker and the Stranger follow.
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They walk silently for around an hour, until the Stranger breaks the ice.
“So are you interested to walk with us together, after we have made it to our destination? You could merge with the Seeker and level up with us together.”
“I would like to walk with you together,” responds the Squirrel.
“However if that means merging with them, I'd rather continue leveling up alone. This weakling would only slow me down.”
“Weakling?” shouts the Seeker offended.
“How dare you call me weak? You have no idea, what I went through!”
“Watch out, this is your EGO speaking, protecting itself against words,” points out the Stranger. The Seeker calms down.
The Squirrel clenches her fist.
“Yes, I bet you are some weakling, who wouldn't even be able to protect your master. I bet you would watch helplessly, as the entire monastery burns down. I bet you are some coward, who would run away, leaving your friends behind. You are a failure, a coward, a weakling!”
“What the hell is she even talking about?” asks the confused Seeker the Stranger.
“What are these oddly specific accusations?”
“She is Projecting,” responds the Stranger calmly.
“She projects her own insecurities, traumas, regrets, fears and desires on to you. It has nothing to do with you. It's just a coping mechanism of hers. However if you let yourself get dragged into conflict you'll synchronize with her low frequency. Only respond, if you are in a place of compassion, understanding, clarity and peace yourself. If that's not the case, it's better to just remain silent.”
The Seeker looks at the Squirrel, takes a deep breath and tries to see life from her perspective.
“I think... What you actually need, is someone who listens... Please, tell me what happened...”
The Squirrel makes a sad face, looking downward.
“Two Years ago, after I mastered the form of WARRIOR MONK SQUIRREL our monastery was attacked by a scorpion. He killed my master and set our holy place in fire. I was the only survivor. Now it's up to me to stop the scorpion from acquiring more of the sacred song fragments.
I am the failure, who let her friends die. I am the coward, who ran away. I am the weakling, who couldn't protect anyone. Only because I was weak. I swore myself never to be weak again. I am sorry for insulting you. I just saw how weak you are and it reminded me of my own flaws.”
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“Stop calling me weak!” grunts the annoyed Seeker. “I am much more capable, than you can even think of!”
“Then why don't you prove your strength?” shouts the Squirrel, provocatively.
“You vs Me, let's go. If you win, I'll walk with you together. If you lose, I will use you as bait for the scorpion.”
The Seeker agrees: “Deal!”
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The SEEKER is opposed by the WARRIOR MONK SQUIRREL
The SQUIRREL attacks with her staff. The SEEKER dodges, turns into the form of the GRIZZLY BEAR and strikes back.
The SQUIRREL loses 1/3****th of her health-bar.
The SQUIRREL attacks the SEEKER, screaming: “WOODCHOP”
She strikes the Seeker with the edge of her hand. The SEEKER loses 1/4****th of their health bar.
The SEEKER turns into the AWAREWOLF and attacks the SQUIRREL with his claws in Flow State.
The SQUIRREL loses 1/3****th of her health-bar.
She channels all her energy into a powerful ultra-attack. Her secret technique.
“CHOP WOOD CARRY WATER!”
A wave of Chi-attacks reach the Seeker. A powerful burst deletes 2/4****th of their remaining health.
The Seeker is at the end of their limits. They transform into the PANTHER-FORM jump towards the Squirrel and take a bite.
The SQUIRREL loses the remaining health. The SEEKER wins.
“Perhaps I was wrong about you after all,” grins the Squirrel, laying on the ground.
“You are strong. Because you carry the strength of many within you. Let me borrow you my strength as well. I walk with you together.”
The Squirrel turns into energy and flows into the Seekers heart.
LEVEL UP!
LVL 32: + 1 ENERGY
NEW TRANSFORMATIONS AVAILABLE:
KARATE SQUIRREL
BOXING SQUIRREL
NIN-JUTSU SQUIRREL
WARRIOR MONK SQUIRREL
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After some walking, the Seeker and the Stranger suddenly stop.
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It is night. The Seeker freezes. It's the end of the forest. There is a frozen lake in front of them. Behind the mountains in the distance, there is the glowing skyline of a city.
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Suddenly the Seeker and the Stranger hear something from the lake.
“WO IST DIESER KUGEL-UEBERSETZER??!”
TO BE CONTINUED