Chapter [B3] 20 — Guidance

Chapter [B3] 20 — Guidance

I looked up above, noting the two spirit rings glowing in the skies. Or what passed as such in this place. My feet carried me forward, the combined will of Sheldon and me meant we moved fast through the darkness, even though nothing changed around us, I knew as much when I saw the gate of light appear, and we entered inside.

The tree was there, exactly as it had been before, and I walked up closer to it. My spirits followed behind me and I brought Labby and Ash forward.

It didn’t take prodding for me to awaken the spirit this time. This many people and disturbances would do it on it’s own.

“You have brought others with you,” the tree spoke, a giant silhouette manifesting around us, towering over everyone present.

The spirits bowed their heads but Twilight simply jumped up in excitement, rushing ahead as she gave the giant spirit a hug. Or at least... that was the attempt. The size difference between them meant it seemed more like twilight clinging herself to the side of a mountain.

“We are pleased to see you too, child. The gift we gave, seems to be growing well,” the spirit said, referring to the gift Ki had given her, back when I had found the spirit trial and learned the first law.

“I never got to ask what you gave to her,” I said, looking at the spirit.

“We made her a keeper of our spirit. Much like Ki was. Though she is young still, and does not understand. But given time, she will grow, and become a resplendent keeper who would tend to us,” the spirit replied, before it’s massive eyes looked down, at Labby and Ash. “We assume you have not come to us to merely talk.”

“Yeah, I haven’t. I’d like to ask for your help with these two. They both stand on opposite ends, unable to reach Chi, and my own attempts to do so have failed with Ash.”

The giant spirit looked down, before snorting. “You try to change their nature, when your own is still one you do not truly understand. It will not work.”

“Which is why I want to ask. What will?”

The tree’s spirit ignored me, facing Ash and Labby instead.

“Child of moon. You have sought change before. To journey and grow, and be born anew. And yet, now you seek War and Death,” the spirit said to Labby, before turning to Ash.

“And you... the child of fire. You were born in war and death, formed and shaped by it. But do you truly seek life? Do your flames burn with life in them? Or with the promise of death?”

The spirit then looked at me.

“Do not become reliant on us. We will not coddle you. You have chosen not to take our Path, then you must also show that your own is sufficient to unite the broken cycle.”

“I will,” I replied.

“We are not counting on it. Now leave us, we have done you enough favours,” the spirit said, the silhouette melting away.

I looked at Sheldon, as all of us stepped away, back into the darkness outside, before I reached out to my spirit.

With a shiver, the world around me twisted, and I worked with Sheldon, feeling my mind return to my body.

Opening my eyes, I looked around at my spirits, seated all around me.

“Labby is so confused,” Labby replied, opening her eyes as she clutched her head as if she was dizzy.

“The spirit speaks of profound things. Though... not all of it was understood by us either,” Ash added as well.

I smiled. “Don’t focus on the words he uses, but instead on their meaning. The answer is more or less simply, if I understood him correctly. I just need to guide you to towards a different Path together, drawing from both of you at once,” I said, looking at Ash, and then Labby.

“Labby is ready!” She shouted, looking excited to begin.

“We will stop if it goes like last time,” Ash said.

“Yeah. I don’t intend to let it get that far if it goes wrong,” I said.

“And thus. The cycle will mend,” Sheldon said.

I nodded, looking at the two of them. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself, reaching out to both of them at once.

“Alright. Let’s begin then,” I said, as the Two Laws manifested.