TCO: Chapter Twelve

The next morning Jalena took her time getting ready for the day, her mind busy with thoughts about the night before. She dressed in silence as Shamira bustled around the room.

"What's the matter?" Shamira asked as she got dressed into her training gear. "You seem preoccupied."

"Just thinking about Gyan," Jalena said.

"You are spending more time with him then?"

"Not so much, but I don't have to spend much time with him to understand his thoughts. His energy and emotions are so strong that although it is…intriguing…it can also be overwhelming."

"Well, he couldn't help being crazy about you—you're one of the most amazing warriors ever."

"Oh, that's a reason to be crazy about someone is it?" Jalena chuckled.

"Well, being gorgeous and kind help, I suppose." Shamira smiled.

"I just don't want to hurt him."

"Jalena, you have always put others first and you are constantly studying, training, or working. Don't you think it is time you took a moment just to enjoy being with someone intimately?"

"There is always something larger than my desires. There is so much going on." Jalena sighed. "Besides, you have Anon, someone you would do anything for. Despite how I am feeling around Gyan, I do not know if that is the right path for me."

"That's irrelevant. Even if a union with Gyan is not the right path for you in the end, there's always the meantime. Your needs are just as important as another's."

Jalena stood looking out their room window, which was located on the second floor in the east wing of the temple. "I do not know if a relationship is something I can make room for in my life at any time while shouldering other responsibilities. I don't want to start something I may not be able to handle the consequences of…like what happened with my father," she added.

"Ah, I understand." Shamira sighed. "Despite the reservation because you have witnessed how loss can shape a person's world, don't you think there is still value in the experience?"

"Perhaps."

"Jalena, I have known you since we were children. You're more romantic than I am, so I don't believe for one minute that you are not interested in making room for love. Besides, why do you need to figure out the ending before the beginning?"

"Gyan's energy is different—he's more of—I can feel him…" She sighed. "I don't know what it is. He'd probably jump off the cliffs if I asked him to. I just don't know if I can settle for more than I am willing to give. I feel responsible for something larger—there are many things unanswered that I wish to know. I guess I am concerned that I may not be ready for the type of affection that Gyan is capable of giving."

Shamira finished securing her boots and stood. She joined Jalena at the window. "Maybe it isn't up to you to determine how much someone should give to you. It's their choice, yes? All I will say about this is that even if we have a lot of responsibilities, there should be always time for love. What Gyan has to offer is significant, regardless of the ending. Besides, you never know…" a knowing gleam appeared in Shamira's eye, "…it may be you that falls in love with him." She turned to leave the room. "Come on, let's go. Nothing like a little dancing to take your mind off matters of the heart…especially since we get to torture the new sans." She added with a wink.

"Wouldn't miss it." Jalena smirked and followed Shamira out the door.

***

Gyan was relieved that formal classes had finally begun. As the san warriors stood at the Celestine chinálei waiting on Master Jabari and chatting about their upcoming training, Brogan revealed his disappointment that the warriors were not scheduled to begin flight training until a later time.

"Why do we have to wait so long?" he complained.

"It is only due to other priorities, San Brogan," said Jabari as he came up behind the warriors. "You must develop a solid stance on the ground before you soar into the air. This way, you'll know how to land properly."

Brogan scowled.

Jabari began his training course in the same manner he had their first day at the Celestine Temple: asking questions.

"Why do you think we meditate, San Lorcan?" he asked.

"To reduce our sensory thresholds, Master," Lorcan answered.

"Good. So, tell me how this relates to battle."

"The more sensitive we are to our enemy's movement, the better our reflexes, attacks, and counterstrikes are," replied Lorcan.

Jabari nodded his approval. "Remember, nothing in a warrior's physical training is independent of any other subject you are learning. As you increase your knowledge, you will notice how one subject, such as meditation or philosophy, is linked with another you are studying, such as fighting forms or communication."

Jabari paused in thought. "What else?"

"Sensitivity to our surroundings also seems to increase as a result of meditation, so it can assist us outside of battle as well," Valora added.

"Elaborate please, San Valora."

"Well, when in the forest, I…" Valora hesitated as she glanced at the others, "…I can hear movements that I never noticed before."

"Such as?"

"Such as the movement of animals…like snakes moving in the grass or the wings of a bird in flight."

Gyan caught Valora's eye and raised his eyebrows, impressed. Valora smiled. Gyan knew that meditation had sharpened his reflexes already and assumed they would help in battle, but he never thought about using them to tune into nature.

Jabari continued. "In utilizing the skills in battle that you have gained from silencing your mind during meditation, you will have an advantage over your opponent. Becoming more sensitive helps to increase your awareness of the slightest movements around you so you accurately anticipate what will occur next.

"Deliberately sharpening your focus will assist you in tuning yourself to external phenomena that others easily overlook. There are many who do not believe that a warrior should cultivate a sensitivity to surroundings because they associate being sensitive with being weak, which contradicts what a warrior is thought to be. However, you will soon realize that increased sensitivity is what gains you quick clarity and insight to navigate multiple situations—necessary qualities mastered in a great warrior."

Jabari started pacing in front of the group.

"Throughout your childhood training, you have practiced meditation individually, but you will now begin meditating more as a group, just before the midday meal. There is a room near the sanctuary set aside just for this purpose, which Sorda will show you after our session. Now explain to me why I would have you meditate together."

"To strengthen the bond of the team?" asked Gyan.

"Exactly. There's a reason why a warrior incarnates at a specific time. It is important that you understand that your team members have chosen to enter the same life cycle with you. There is a synchronicity to all things, and the incarnation of your team during this time is part of this synchronicity. You alone will discover in your own time what your purpose is in accordance with your team. To sharpen your sensitivity to this unified purpose, you must strengthen the energetic connection among you. The more in sync you are with your team, the stronger your light power becomes, and creates a bond that is near impossible to break.

"The next skill I will teach you will assist you in connecting with another through focus. For your assignment, you will need a partner, particularly one that you wouldn't mind dancing with. So…find your first partner now."

Jabari smiled in amusement as the males immediately raced to the nearest girl. As there were more males in the group than females, Lorcan, Brogan, Gyan, Aderes, and Jarek began scuffling and pushing each other in their attempts to grab one of the girls.

"Hey!" Hoshi protested as she was pushed and pulled in the scuffle. "Watch it!"

Everyone found a partner except for Aderes and Brogan, who stood scowling next to each other. A look of triumph spread across Jarek's face as he opened his eyes and realized he was the only one still clinging to Hoshi, both arms wrapped around her.

Hoshi rolled her eyes, broke his hold on her, and pushed him away.

Jabari calmly stood by, watching the group as he leaned on his short staff, his eyebrows raised.

Brogan crossed his arms. "How is this supposed to work, Master Jabari?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

"Does it bother you to dance with another male, San Brogan?" asked Jabari innocently.

Brogan shifted uncomfortably and paused for a brief moment before answering. "Actually, yes…yes, it does."

The girls laughed.

"And why?"

"Because…it doesn't feel—it doesn't fit."

Aderes nodded his head in agreement.

"And why doesn't it fit?" Jabari continued.

Gyan was beginning to believe that what, why, and when were Jabari's favorite words.

"I dunno. Because," Brogan's voice raised an octave as he gestured to Aderes next to him, "he's a guy that is attracted to girls. I'm a guy who is too. I don't have a desire to dance with Aderes. It just…doesn't fit!"

"Same!" Aderes confirmed.

Brogan's frustration made the girls laugh even harder, but Jabari instantly silenced them with a look. Hoshi covered her mouth in an attempt to quiet her laughter.

"That is only the surface of it," said Jabari calmly.

Brogan and Aderes looked at Jabari with puzzled expressions.

"Dancing with another male feels unnatural to you because your energy is a match to a different type of energy that goes beyond the external. It is about the degree and type of energy one carries. A softer energy in a partner is what both of you, in particular, would naturally be drawn to for this activity," explained Jabari. "Aderes does possess this energy, but it is not his dominant energy. Due to limited perception, many often do not even perceive a male as having softer energy. They would be mistaken, however, for it is impossible for one type of energy to exist without the other."

Jabari addressed the entire group. "Just because one's appearance causes you to form a certain perspective, does not mean that your perspective is accurate. You may perceive a male to be dominant in action-oriented energy known as masculine and a female to be dominant in feminine or yielding energy but determining this by simply relying on outer appearance is a limitation. Hence, another reason to sharpen your focus so that it moves beyond the physical. For example, San Valora may appear to all of you as dominant in feminine energy because of her gender. However, masculine energy dominates her being. San Gyan, her partner this week, is fairly balanced in masculine and feminine energy, which can work well with any type of dominant energy. Therefore, this exercise would be beneficial for both in strengthening their synchronicity, as they are adequate partners.

"San Brogan and San Aderes are both dominant in male energy, but not because they are both born male. The type of energy they both possess, combined with their perception of what it means to behave as such, is what creates discomfort when asked to do this type of activity.

"As a result of your perception and therefore lack of comfort, the flow of energy between San Brogan and San Aderes would be thwarted, and this exercise rendered useless for my purposes today if I were to have the two of them partner at this time."

Jabari turned to Aderes and Brogan. "Therefore, until your discomfort in partnering with the same sex wanes, and you gain more flexibility in reasoning, I will assign you partners of the opposite sex for the next several weeks."

Jabari motioned to the back of the chinálei, where Jalena and Shamira both stood watching the group. Gyan's chest tightened as he watched Jalena walk forward.

"Master Jalena, if you will please join San Aderes; and Master Shamira, if you will please join San Brogan," Jabari instructed.

Relief apparent on his face, Brogan flashed a crooked grin at Shamira, who gave him a small smile. Aderes turned to Gyan and smirked, raising both eyebrows. Gyan, stifling a smile, shook his head and looked away.

"Spread out and stand facing your partner, please," Jabari ordered.

The warriors shuffled into their places.

"This exercise, in the native tongue, is called the Damsé Esprimiente, which means "dance of minds." It is not like a traditional dance one may generally see at a party or celebration. It is a mental dance of energy. You are to connect to your partner's energy and mirror their physical movements, whatever those movements may be. This exercise will assist you in tuning yourself to the breath of your partner and to their rhythmic behavior. In battle, attuning yourself to your partner will strengthen your focus on the moves of your opponent, in which case, you would not mimic the movement—but oppose it."

Jabari looked to Shamira. "Master Shamira, if I could borrow you a moment to demonstrate."

Shamira faced Jabari and bowed. Both took in several deep breaths. They then began moving in unison, not touching, but keeping constant eye contact. If Jabari stepped forward, Shamira stepped back. Jabari quickened his steps and turns, but Shamira kept up with him until several minutes later he stood still once more and bowed to her. "Thank you, Master Shamira."

Shamira returned his bow and took her place in front of Brogan.

"This exercise is an intimate procedure that teaches you to narrow your focus. It is beneficial that you practice with each other outside of training with both your male and female companions," he stressed as he turned to Brogan and Aderes, "so that you familiarize yourself with the energy and habitual moves of your teammates."

"Master?"

"Yes, San Gyan."

"If both energies within the partners are equally balanced, how does this influence the exercise?"

"Excellent question. If both partners are internally balanced, the vibrational connection between the two individuals is more stable and more intense than it would be otherwise. It is easier to feel and predict the movements of your partner upon forming a connection when this is the case."

"What about in battle, Master? If our opponent's energy is just as balanced as our own, would the same connection still apply?" asked Valora.

"Yes, if your opponent happens to be balanced in energy and understands this method of focus, they may prove to be a warrior of equal skill. However, one can be balanced in their energy but remain unaware of the benefit of tuning in to the energy of an opponent. If this is the case, then understanding this method, as well as utilizing it, will yield you the upper hand.

"Anything else?" Jabari stated as he looked around. When no one spoke, he continued. "The more your energy externally balances that of your partner, the easier it is to feel the connection between you as you focus on each other. This is why it is beneficial for each of you to practice with a partner who is balanced in energy or is dominant in energy opposite your own. Working with someone who balances your energy will work best for you while practicing this exercise until you master your own internal energy. As you practice more and work on becoming more receptive to different types of energy, you should be able to practice this exercise easily with anyone. The flexibility that you gain through practicing with different warriors will help you to adjust to the energy of any enemy during combat. With that being said, you may begin."

Jabari walked around the group giving instructions. "Remember your goal is not to anticipate your partner's movement so much as it is to connect with your partner mentally. If you wish to designate one person to lead, you may do so until you get more comfortable with the exercise."

"You lead, Valora," said Gyan. It was difficult to concentrate on a connection and not step on Valora's feet at the same time.

"Use any fighting maneuvers you have been taught that can be mirrored. Starting slow and simple will make it easier to mimic the movements of each other. You will gradually be able to make your movements more complex as your skill improves to the point that you will be able to maintain connection, with or without eye contact, and move with your partner in perfect synchrony."

After an awkward beginning that involved stepping on toes, voiced frustration, and slight arguing, the warriors begin to move in unison more with their partners by the time class ended.

Gyan didn't really feel as if he was very good at the Damsé. He felt uncomfortable at being a novice in a skill after years of perfecting combat training moves. Upon reading the expressions of his team, he noted that the other warriors shared his feelings of inadequacy.

Jabari reassured the group before class ended that improvements were certain to occur.

"In time and with practice, this exercise will get easier. Moving in synchrony at the same time you are attempting to connect energetically with another is challenging because of having to focus on multiple aspects. However, you will soon understand that connecting with your partner energetically and mentally is all you need to understand their movements. This is why it is called the Dance of Minds. As you improve at the Damsé, you will witness improvements in other abilities you possess as a warrior.

"Throughout the week, you will maintain the same partner you had today. I encourage you to utilize your free time to get to know your partners each week on a deeper level. This will increase the connection between you further."