Chapter 12: Mana Core
'It is absolutely beautiful!' was the only thought that came to mind. It was like an entire galaxy was captured perfectly within a core inside me. The galaxy was made from a blue mist, it was small compared to the size of the core.
I was mesmerized by the blue mist; it had an otherworldly ethereal glow to it. And the second I stared into it my mind was lost in its complexities and splendor. If this is what just the first step on the path of becoming a mage is, I am all in.
Since getting lost, dropping my GPS, finding the portal, meeting Blaise, and all the insanity that followed, I had accepted my situation but deep inside this worry and anxiety was slowly eating at me. At this moment it all faded away, my heart and soul were at peace. I felt a great weight lift from my shoulders I didn't even realize I had been carrying. It felt like my entire life was always leading me to this point, this was my destiny.
While my mind was immersed inside the blue mists that made up my mana pool, my life started to flash before me. It was neither fast nor slow. Every moment was shown to me in detail that goes beyond description.
I saw the love and care my mother gave to me as a baby and toddler. I was even able to see my father again; he had died when I was too young to remember. I saw him holding me when I was two years old, and he started talking to me. Not to the two-year-old me but to the current me.
"Devin, or I guess you will be going by Hawk now. I know how hard this has to be on you, our family has a unique history as you now know. I wish I could stay and watch you grow up and teach you everything you will need to know, but you cannot escape Fate my son. Believe me, I have tried. There is so much I wish I had the time to tell you, but I am already risking a lot by leaving this memory. I have some advice for you, follow your heart with your travels. And be careful of mentioning your heritage or Magus blood to others. There is a great difference between a normal magic user and a Magus. And last thing son, remember I love you with my whole heart!"
Before I could cry out or question, the memory faded and was replaced. I couldn't focus on the fact that my father knew about all of this before I was forced to continue down my memories.
I was forced to relive each and every moment of my life, all the decisions and choices I made. I saw how my actions affected those around me. I witnessed how interconnected everything is, and how little choices can have major implications. It was horrifying and enlightening at the same time. As it progressed I came to terms with my past, I accepted the person I was, and peace settled over me.
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While Hawk sat in the lotus position mediating Dryads, Lauma, Meliae, Treants, and other nature spirits started to gather. Fairies of different colors could be spotted flying around the gathered spirits. They all were intently watching the glowing water, and the slightly luminescent human sitting on the ground.
A hunched figure could be seen walking towards the clearing from deep within the forests. The figure reached barely 5 feet high and was bundled in a thick black cloak. As he neared all the nature spirits gave this figure a respectful bow. Even the mischievous fairies stopped playing and bobbed in the air in respect for this figure. If witnessed by others they would be shocked by this scene.
Forest spirits were highly proud beings, rarely showing themselves to any sentient race, for them to show respect to a being that was clearly not a spirit was astounding. What was just as crazy was the behavior of the fairies, whose temperaments tending to be that of a 4-year-old on a sugar high. They notoriously couldn't stay still. Yet this being had all of the spirits and fairies bowing in respect.
The figure continued walking with his head down. He stopped next to a tall willow Dryad that was flanked by two Treants, as if they were her honor guard. She was standing in line with the last tree before stepping into the clearing. The figure lifted his head and looked at Hawk. His face remained hidden within the shadows of his hood, but his eyes burned with a fierce and lively emerald color, the color was similar to Hawks, but this figures eye color was purer and seemed to be made of a burning light. But the major difference between their eyes was the vertical pupils.
The eyes gave off no sense of danger, only mild curiosity. "Lord, it has been many eras since we have last met. The pact still stands, we have not interfered." The willowy dryad next to the hunched figure spoke in a quiet but respectful voice. The sound of her voice brought the images and smells of a willow tree just after a spring rain. "Willow, I know you have not broken our deal. I am only here to bear witness." The short hunched figured said in a voice that was deep and ageless, it didn't appear like the voice could belong to such a small figure. "How long?" He questioned.
"He has been mediating for the past 6 hours, he entered this state roughly 2 hours ago." Willow responded. The hunched figured nodded in understanding before taking a step forward into the clearing. There was a ripple of energy that swept out around the boundary of the clearing, all the tree spirits besides Willow took a step back. The figure made his way over to the dying fire.
Waving his hand in the direction of the dying fire, strange black logs were neatly stacked on the fire. The fire quickly rebuilt itself, the figure approached Hawk and stared intently at him for a few moments before chuckling to himself. He pulled a bundle of tied herbs and placed them on top of the now burning logs. A white aromatic smoke started to flow around the fire, Hawk, and spread across the pond. The pond started reacting to the burning herbs, its glow intensifying, and the entire pond started to lightly bubble. The figure nodded his head in approval before he gently lifted Hawk from the ground without issue. He carried him into the pond and laid him down in the center of it.
Hawk gently floated in the center of the glowing and bubbling pond without ever waking. The figure walked out of the water. The second he stepped out of the water he was already dry. He then made his way back and stood on the side of Willow who now sported a shocked expression.
"I have a new task for you and your people, the old task remains." The figure started in a serious voice that seemed to resonate with the earth itself. "You will watch over this one, do not interfere unless it is to save his life."
"As you wish.." Answered Willow. The hunched figure upon hearing her acknowledgement simple faded away. Willow appeared shocked at his actions and his statement. "So many powerful beings are once again moving... We the Forest shall bear witness to the birth of this new Magus and will watch as the age changes.." Willow quietly but solemnly spoke. She focused back on the figure quietly floating in the pond.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Ariauth
Ariauth Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment/review/PS if you are enjoying the story so far. It is highly appreciated!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone