Walking the Path together (Part 15)

Part 15: What it means to walk together

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“So are you some kind of Jungian Archetype?” asks the Seeker the Mysterious Stranger, as they walk through the snow-capped mountain. The path leads towards the ruins of an ancient castle. In the distance is an inactive volcano.

“Like the wise old man, or the Jester, or the magician or the hero-archetype?”

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The Stranger chuckles. “Yes and No.”

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“Why do you need to make everything so difficult,” sighs the Seeker. “Do you really need to turn everything into a riddle?”

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“Yes and No,” responds the Stranger with a mischievous grin.

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The Seeker shakes their head annoyed. “Alright... Keep your secrets... I don't even care anyway...”

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“Come on my friend,” speaks the Stranger with a playful voice. “A riddle without a mystery is no fun.”

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The Seeker rolls their eyes. “You are a fool!”

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“Yes and No,” laughs the Mysterious Stranger.

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The Stranger and the Seeker suddenly stop. Something behind a pine tree, catches the Seekers eye. They take a look. There is a treasure chest hidden below the roots in a ditch. The Seeker opens the box.

1 x Bow of the Sun added

(10 Damage, 15 Precision, 8 Speed)

+ 10 x Burning arrows added

+ 10 x Exploding arrows added

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“Wow,” says the Seeker amazed. “That's some pretty neat equipment. Didn't know, that there were such hidden treasures.”

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The Seeker tries out a Burning arrow and shoots it at the pine tree. It burns down to ash. The Seeker is impressed.

- 1 burning arrow lost

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They then take an exploding arrow and stretch their bow. The Seeker takes a look around and aims at a huge rock in the distance. Slightly missing the rock, the arrow lands instead somewhere in the open field of snow. There is a huge explosion.

- 1 exploding arrow lost

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The Seeker smiles at the power of their new toy. However the sound of the explosion is shortly followed by a scream of terror: “Oh my god! Chloe!”

The cry of the scorpion was so faint, that the Seeker isn't sure, if they heard correctly. Shaking off the thought, the Seeker proceeds with the Stranger on their path, through the snow covered land.

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“Let us discuss the matter of togetherness,” speaks the Stranger to the Seeker. “What does it mean to walk together?”

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“It probably means being forced to listen, to some annoying doofus all the time,” comments the Seeker sarcastically.

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The Stranger chuckles for a short moment, then her face gets serious:

“TOGETHER is a state without conflict or division. TOGETHER is a state without competition, without envy or comparison. TOGETHER is a state without conformity or imitation. TOGETHER is a state without authority or hierarchy. TOGETHER is a state without selfish desires and destructive behaviors.

TOGETHER is, when everyone can truly be themselves. When everyone is accepted and respected, for who they truly are. TOGETHER is, when everyone uses their skills, their abilities for the greatest good of ALL. TOGETHER is, when the benefit of every single person and the collective are taken into account. TOGETHER is, when there is Love and Joy. TOGETHER is, when everyone is playing their role as best as possible. When Humanity is utilizing each of it's avatars, each of its characters to write the best possible story.

In TOGETHERNESS, there is neither reward, nor punishment. There is only the fulfillment of purpose. In TOGETHERNESS, there is no Ego. There is only unconditional love for everything, that is. In TOGETHERNESS, there is no judgment, only tolerance and acceptance to all players within this great game of Life.

In TOGETHERNESS, all sorrows of the past are wiped away. In TOGETHERNESS, all shadows are burned in the light of the Sun.

Like an orchestra, where everyone plays their part. Where all are one with the music. In these moments, when the symphony plays, there is no conflict between violinist and pianist. No grudges between members. There is no I, no me, no you. There is just us. It's just Freedom, Peace and Harmony. Everyone is in flow. Everyone is doing their best. Each playing with their particular instrument. With their beautiful unique voice. When all are part of this great song, then my friend, there is Togetherness.

When Humanity is Together, then our common force moves mountains. When Humanity is Together, then nothing is impossible. When Humanity is Together, then the broken will be ressambled, then the hidden will be revealed, then the lost will be found again.

Can you see it, dear Seeker, as clearly as me? This future ahead, where the old is overcome? Where the great Dream of Humanity is finally fulfilled? Where all hearts in unison sing this song of liberation together? Are you willing to walk your path in this grand journey?”

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The Seeker and the Stranger walk towards the ruins of an old castle fortress.

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“Bullshit,” calls the Seeker. “Whenever there are groups, there will be conflict. Because people have conflicting desires. When two people want different things, everything falls apart. That's how families, organizations, companies and nations all separate... Even in an orchestra, there just needs to be one guy, who's jealous at the conductor and the song turns sour.”

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“When that happens, then it's no longer a state of Togetherness. But if we both see, that this state is not only something truly beautiful, but also something highly effective, then we need to ask next, why we are unable to maintain it. Think about it, you can see the state of TOGETHERNESS in a surgery, when everyone does their part to save someones life. You can see TOGETHERNESS, when catastrophes occur and people help each other to save a drowning dog or a buried human. You can see, TOGETHERNESS in art, welfare or environmental projects. TOGETHERNESS is something real, its humanities greatest power.

Now, what is it, that destroys TOGETHERNESS? Whenever the Ego gets in charge, that is when things start to fall apart. When someone says, 'I want more', 'I deserve more'. When the beauty of TOGETHERNESS is sacrificed for personal gain. When power, fear, greed, envy, pride, status or attachments come into play, then TOGETHERNESS seizes to be.”

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The Seeker is contemplating something for a moment.

“Alright... Let's suppose, that I am doing my best to keep my Ego in check... Let's suppose, that I am doing everything I can to remain balanced, to keep the song going. Then someone comes along, who has a huge ego and they destroys everything. They cause trouble. They drag everyone down. What am I supposed to do then? I have no control over that whatsoever!”

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“If someone sings a wrong note,” speaks the Stranger with a grin. “Then your voice just needs to be louder. Don't let yourself be dragged down by someone else. Don't allow yourself to fall onto their level. Stay balanced. Stay in this state of bliss and joy. Even if you are the last one to keep the song going. Even if all others have stopped playing, be the one to continue. And see what happens. Others will join again. More and more will join the choir, even louder than ever before. This is the Power of TOGETHERNESS.

Don't approach the bad singer with hate or judgment or any kind of resentment. Approach them with unconditional love. Stretch out your hand unto them, remind them how wonderful our symphony is. Remind them, that they are needed to play their part in the orchestra. That without them something will be missing. And you will see, their heart will open up again, playing a melody so beautiful, so amazing, that the world itself will listen.”

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“You can't be this naive,” shouts the Seeker. “If you place your belief in someone, who plans to destroy you, then you will just be hurt. There are people you just can't trust. People who are beyond any help. There are some really fucked up people...”

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“If I reach out my hand to someone and they decline, then I respect that decision. Everyone has their own path after all. But we don't allow anyone to hurt our friends. If someone harms another, they will need to face the consequences of their actions. Because this is the only way, that they can learn their own lesson and grow.

And yet, I am willing to place a wager on all of Humanity. I know that this spark of the primordial fire, still burns somewhere deep within every single heart. It's not unreachable. It's not impossible. And as long as there is a way, we shall find it. No matter, how narrow, that path may seem.

Is it naive to have faith in Humanity, after all that has happened? Perhaps yes. But it's worth fighting for. If you have heard it in your heart... The song of Humanity... Then you know with absolute certainty, that there is something we need to protect!”

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When the Seeker heard those words, they felt a sudden warm shiver tingling through their body. A wave of energy struck them, when the Stranger spoke of 'The song of Humanity'. Something buried deep within, a long-forgotten memory reactivated. Like the remembrance of an ancient promise.

The Seeker wants to say something but the Stranger suddenly stops. In front of them is the gate of the old castle ruins, they had seen in the distance earlier. The entrance is broken down. Blocked, buried by broken stones.

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The Stranger points at the gate with her index finger. “Now your new arrows really come in handy.”

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The Seeker takes an explosive arrow, aims at the blocked entrance and shoots it. The gate explodes.

- 1 exploding arrow lost

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After the dust cloud vanishes, there is a big hole in the wall. A sudden, cold gush of wind, blows into the Seekers face from within the castle ruins. They shudder. The wind carries some dark energy. From inside, they can hear growling and screaming. The Seeker gulps and enters with the Stranger carefully into the dungeon.

As they walk into the entrance hall, something seems off. There is some black substance clinging to walls and sticking to some of the ground. The Seeker takes a misstep and touches the black substance. A sudden pain tingles through their entire body.

They lose 5 vibes, as a sudden thought penetrates the Seekers mind:

'It's all meaningless... I should just give up.'

- 5 vibes lost

The Stranger pulls the Seeker out of the gooey substance by their shoulder.

“Be careful not to step on the darkness. It corrupts anything it touches.”

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The Seekers mind clears up again. “That was strange... I suddenly felt so depressed...”

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The Stranger manifests their staff out of thin air. She generates fire from it and burns the substance on the floor.

“Fire and Light are effective. Channel the fire from within your heart. Only your heart can overcome the darkness!”

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“What is this darkness?” asks the Seeker, readying their bow and arrows. Suddenly something attacks the Seeker from behind. They scream in pain, as they feel an unbearable pain on their back.

- 5 vibes lost

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The monster attacking the Seeker looks like a demon. A red beast with horns, surrounded by a black aura of pure darkness. It wears armor and carries a war-axe.

The monsters deep voice grunts: “The world will end. Nothing matters. Life is suffering.”

The Stranger reacts fast. A bright light emanates from her staff. The light burns away the dark aura surrounding the demonic creature. The beast loses consciousness and falls to the ground.

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Four more beasts are suddenly approach them from all sides, with black hammers, axes and swords. Walking directly towards the Seeker and the Stranger, standing back to back. From the towers and walls archers start shooting black arrows.

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“Aim for their hearts,” shouts the Stranger, as she fends off the monsters in close combat with her radiating staff. “Burn the darkness from within them. Don't let yourself be hit!”

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The Seeker nervously takes a burning arrow and aims at the archer on the highest tower. They miss.

- 1 burning arrow lost

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They take another arrow, aiming again. Their heart is drumming. This time they hit the demon, but not the heart. No effect. The black aura protects the monster.

- 1 burning arrow lost

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The Seeker takes a deep breath in.

“With the heart,” they mumble, as they prepare another arrow. The Seeker silences their mind. Their heart beats slower. A sudden warm feeling in their chest. The Seeker focuses on all the things, that make life awesome. They think of their happiest moments. They think of all the things, that bring them joy. Unconditional love flows through them, as they let the string go.

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The arrow flies directly into the demons heart. Fire burns away their dark aura, the enemy falls over.

“Now you got it,” smiles the Stranger, as she fights off two demons simultaneously. “Let's both do this together! Let us clear the darkness! I'll take care of the foot soldiers. Can you handle the archers?”

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“I got it,” smiles the Seeker confidently, as they aim three burning arrows at once. Again the Seeker concentrates on this feeling of a fire, that has always burned deep within them.

- 3 burning arrows lost

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Three targets are hit directly in their respective hearts. Falling over, as the darkness around them evaporates.

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In a moment of inattentiveness the Seeker is shot by a dark arrow in the back, that bears the dreadful energy. The Seeker screams in pain, as the darkness has infected them.

- 10 Vibes Lost

Again dark thought patterns are spiraling through the Seekers mind:

'I am all alone. No one understands me. Why do I need to live in this painful world. I want to be somewhere else. I can't take it any longer. It's too much... There is no hope. There is no love. There is no light. I just want to stay in bed, protecting myself from this terrible world. I am useless...'

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The Stranger takes notice of the Seeker, while fighting against four demons.

“Pull yourself together,” she shouts towards her companion. As she shifts her attention to the Seeker, the Stranger fails to block a sword attack in time.

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The Stranger is bleeding. She summons a powerful attack with her staff. A dome of light spreads out from the Stranger. The light burns away all shadows. The four attacking demons, fall to the ground, cleansed of the darkness.

“Listen Seeker, You are not alone! We are friends! And we are together in this fight. But I need your help. Just by myself, I can't do anything! Are you with me in this?”

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The Stranger stretches out their hand towards the Seeker. The Seeker declines.

“I don't even know you,” shouts the Seeker. “You are just some Stranger, who turned up at my park bench one day! We are not friends! You don't even tell me your name! I can't trust you. You will just betray me like anyone else!”

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Another arrow flies directly towards the Seeker. The Stranger reacts immediately, jumping right before the Seeker. Grabbing the dark arrow in mid-air with their bare hands.

The Mysterious Stranger eyes start burning with determination. “Even if you believe that you are all alone, I will never give up fighting for you!”

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There is a moment of silence between the Seeker and the Stranger.

“You are fighting for me?” they ask the Stranger, while an army of demons runs towards them.

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“For all of us,” speaks the Stranger. Their voice thunders through the entire castle ruin. “Let's do it, my friend. Let's fight together.”

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The Seeker starts to smile. They break out in laughter. A heavy weight lifts from their shoulder. They suddenly feel so free.

“You can count on me,” speaks the Seeker as they grab the Strangers hand.

The wound on the Seekers back is suddenly healed. All of their lost vibes are fully restored. They are back at 35 vibes.

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But then... The earth is shaking, as a new gigantic enemy breaks through the wall into the castle yard. A giant red demons, with a pitch black aura, wearing a dark crown between its horns. It carries a gigantic axe. The Seeker and the Stranger both hear BOSS MUSIC.

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The two companions are standing side by side, both facing the giant demon monster. The Seeker with their burning bow and arrow, the Mysterious Stranger with their illuminated staff. The Seeker shoots a burning arrow into the heart of the End-boss. It's not effective.

“Use your exploding arrows,” shouts the Stranger, while charging at the monster. “Aim at it's heart. I'll distract it.”

The Stranger fights off the monster from near with her staff. Focusing on the monsters legs, dodging axe attacks and trampling feet. The Seeker aims at the monsters heart, but it's too fast. The monster won't stand still. The Stranger summons light, blinding the monster for a couple seconds.

“Seeker, Now!”

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The Seeker takes a deep inhale and concentrates on this burning fire in their chest. They again remember all the things, that make life on earth worthwhile and let go of the string. The arrow hits directly in the heart of the boss enemy.

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A loud explosion burns away the aura of darkness around the monster. It shrinks in size and falls to the ground.

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The battle is over. Together, the Seeker and the Stranger emerge victorious. The entire castle is cleared, the darkness is gone.

LEVEL UP!

Lvl 8: Maximum Vibes increased

40 vibes total

The Stranger and the Seeker notice, that all the defeated demons slowly start moving up again. The Seeker stretches their bow, ready to continue the battle. But the Stranger intercepts.

“Take a closer look at them,” speaks the Stranger. “They were never monsters. They just needed help.”

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The appearance of the demons change. They turn into satyrs. Their skin is no longer red, but blue. The dark aura is gone, instead their auras shine yellow. Some of them look confused or puzzled.

Others are crying tears of joy. Some are embracing each other. The satyrs cheer in unison:

“Finally we are free again.”

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The End-boss with a crown on his head also stands up and walks towards the Stranger and Seeker. He, the king of satyrs, bows before them.

“Thank you for saving us from this curse. We were consumed by the darkness, we were corrupted by it. Please accept this gift as a sign of our gratitude.”

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The satyr king hands the Seeker his axe.

1 x Royal Axe added

(15 Damage, 6 Durability, 5 Speed)

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A passageway is being opened. It leads outside, where the path towards the volcano continues. The Seeker and the Stranger step through the gate and proceed to walk their path together.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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^{for more content visit:} r/We_Are_Humanity

^{Find previous part Here (CHECKPOINT 4})

https://www.reddit.com/r/We_Are_Humanity/comments/1cbhoml/turning_shit_into_gold/

^{Find next part Here:}

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START JOURNEY HERE: https://www.reddit.com/r/We_Are_Humanity/comments/17zwf78/the_seeker_and_the_mysterious_stranger_part_1_of_7/