TCO: Chapter Thirty-Three

"So…what did you learn?" Malik asked the warriors the next morning as he swept into the cold classroom. He waved his hand at the fireplace and its flames spiked high.

"Tarak found his charisma…we think," said Hoshi, glancing at Tarak.

"Ah yes…the ability to manipulate energy around specific objects," Malik said. "Very useful."

"What do you mean I can manipulate energy?" Tarak asked.

"It means that you can maneuver an object in any direction by using your light to dominate the energy around a particular object. By dominating the energy, the object will move in the direction of your intent. I am unsure how extensive the power of your charisma is, but we will know in time as you practice developing it more."

Tarak nodded.

"Several things of importance then," Malik continued. "First, all of you did an exceptional job of using your unique abilities together as a team. Although you failed to make your way safely out of the building, you are still to be commended for unifying your skills. Minds that are working in unison will always grant a quick solution. This is one reason why your team was born within the same cohort. Your fellow warriors' gifts are extensions of your own—just expressed in different ways. Remain aware of ways that you may unite your energies when you are together. This team has developed a solid foundation for expanding upon this." Malik nodded his approval.

Lorcan turned to Brogan and Valora. "When did you two learn that you could shoot light out of your hands like you did in Gyasi's building?"

"Last week during practice hours," replied Valora. "We were just experimenting, and a thought came to me to try it out."

"Which is exactly how you will gain much of your knowledge about your abilities," said Malik. "When you direct your attention wholeheartedly on a task, information relevant for the completion comes more easily. For example, when you are fully focused on strengthening a skill, ideas of how to expand that skill, charisma or otherwise will appear." He paused to study the faces before him. "There is more."

"Why couldn't Jarek teleport out of the building when he fell beneath it?" asked Gyan.

"Even though your ability to teleport is triggered in danger, I will remind you that focusing on your destination is still required for you to do it," replied Malik. "You cannot be worried about where you are and move to where you wish to be in the same instant. Although it may be challenging to focus on your destination in threatening situations, focus is still an essential component needed to remove yourself from harm."

"I wasn't even thinking about teleporting at the time," Jarek added.

Malik nodded. "As you become more familiar with the sensation, it will automatize within you." He paused for further questions. When none arose, he continued. "If there is nothing else that you are pondering, then I will give you an important reminder that concerns the use of your telepathic ability. It is important to become more accustomed to speaking telepathically so that you aren't verbally advertising your moves to your opponent. This is an advantage that light warriors have over adversaries. Practice this daily until it becomes the most natural way for you to communicate.

"And, now I wish to address the most important topic about yesterday's event: If any of you can recall, tell me how you felt as you walked into Gyasi's building."

Malik paced the room as the warriors contemplated his request.

"You mean our thoughts?" Brogan asked.

"No. Although what you thought about the situation is important, too, I mean your emotions. How did you feel when you entered the building?"

"Nervous…" said Valora, "…mostly because I didn't know what to expect for the assignment."

Some of the warriors nodded in agreement.

"And what about after you learned of the assignment, San Valora? Were you relieved of your nervousness after understanding the task?"

Valora paused for a moment. "Somewhat, but…I was still—"

"On edge—anxious," Gyan finished.

Valora nodded.

"I didn't trust Gyasi," Aderes added, frowning as he recalled the moment.

"Were you suspicious because of the way he looked?" Malik probed. "Was it his tone, his…mannerisms perhaps?"

"Not necessarily, I just had a feeling he wasn't to be trusted."

"Then why did you follow him further into the building?" Malik questioned.

The warriors looked at Malik in surprise.

"Eh…because you—uh…told us to," said Brogan, looking at Malik as if the wizard had just lost his mind.

Malik smiled. "One of the most important things you must understand as a warrior is to trust your intuition. You should never let another voice, even one…" he looked pointedly at the group, "…of authority, to rise louder than your own."

"But—" began Jarek.

"No matter what you feel the consequences may be," stressed Malik, "always consider your own intuition—your instinctive feelings—in any situation. Although highly wrought in wisdom and of value, the voices of your masters, or even those of your team, are meant to serve you in guidance, not to dictate your actions.

"As you advance in reading the behavior of others, you will find many who are skilled in persuading or manipulating others to their will. This is why it is essential that your emotions are honored, and your internal guidance is treasured over others, even if it appears that they have your best interest at heart."

The warriors remained silent. Once more, Malik's words felt freeing to Gyan. Trusting in his own guidance rather than worrying about what others thought made him feel more confident in his ability. As he pondered Malik's words, the belief that they always had to know exactly what to do before acting, mimic only what was already learned, or rely solely on those with more experience seemed more limiting.

"Did all of you feel hesitant when you followed Gyasi into the second room of the building?" asked Malik.

All the warriors nodded.

"Good. This means your awareness is sharp, going beyond what your eyes are interpreting. That feeling was your warning. Next time, do not dismiss it."

***

Aderes hung back from the other warriors as they filed out of Malik's classroom.

"You comin'?" Gyan asked, as he held open the classroom door for Aderes.

"In a bit," he inclined his head toward Malik. I want to ask him something, he added telepathically.

Gyan nodded once before bounding up the steps and out of sight.

"Sir Malik," Aderes said.

Malik was bent over the open Libran, muttering to himself. "Yes, San Aderes."

"You discussed the importance of intuition today."

"Yes, it is the most important form of guidance there is," Malik replied without looking up.

"Well, if I am to listen to my intuitive voice, then we are to be wary of Tarak."

Malik looked up from the Libranand peered at Aderes closely.

"That's what you were saying, right?" continued Aderes. "That we should be mindful of our instinctive feelings about someone?"

"Yes, San Aderes, just as you should also be mindful of your emotional biases in judgment. What you are feeling may not necessarily be intuition. Sometimes, if we are emotionally charged about a personal experience or possess strong opinions about an issue, emotions can be misleading and as a result, one's perception is skewed. This often leads us to believe that instinct is responsible for the misgivings we feel when, in reality, biased thoughts are interfering with our awareness. You have been reminded of the possible biases in perception before by other masters…am I correct?"

"But I don't trust him," answered Aderes, ignoring Malik's question.

"Do your fellow warriors share your misgivings?"

"No, but I feel they are mistaken."

"While it is true that you must trust your own guidance concerning Tarak, I will say that you must be mindful of the influence of your prior experiences with the Vaznaun when it comes to judging Tarak, San Aderes. If he has given you current reason to mistrust him, then I would put more stock in your claim. Until then, however, I would suggest concentrating on matters other than these unshared judgments, which are most likely due to unhealed matters and not truth."

Aderes's face hardened, but he remained silent.

"Consider it at least."

Aderes nodded curtly and bowed to the star wizard before turning on his heel and exiting the classroom.

***