《Snow Lotus Avatar》 Prologue: IMMORTAL ABODES, 3 REALMS CELESTIAL COURT, HUMAN WORLD’s Death Destroyer Calamity Prologue: IMMORTAL ABODES, 3 REALMS CELESTIAL COURT, HUMAN WORLDs Death Destroyer Calamity . Prologue: The Catalyst of Calamity In the 1st Century BCE, during a sacrificial ritual of the B?n Religion, King Shake committed an act of blasphemy that would alter the fate of his dynasty. Disrespecting the Mother of the Earth, he composed a lewd poem directed at her beauty, igniting her wrath. In retaliation, she summoned three demons from the Grey Tomb: A thousand-year-old fox spirit C cunning and seductive, destined to enchant King Shake. A jade avatar of string-music C a mesmerizing spirit capable of manipulating emotions through melody. A nine-headed pheasant spirit C a master of deception, who would infiltrate the palace disguised as a sworn sister. These three demons conspired to lead King Shake astray, plunging the Shake Dynasty into a spiral of corruption and decadence. The fox spirit bewitched the King, the nine-headed pheasant manipulated palace intrigues, and the jade avatar, after being initially exposed by the vigilant court minister Three True Fires, retreated, only to return more powerfulas a royal consort. Together, they orchestrated chaos within the kingdom. This upheaval entangled the Immortals of the Mountain Abodes in worldly affairs, disrupting their spiritual journeys and intertwining their fates with mortal destinies. It also shook the foundations of the demon realm, overseen by the vengeful Mother of the Earth, setting the stage for a cosmic reckoning. Thus began "The Calamity of the Mortal World", a saga illustrating how even immortals could fall prey to karmic retribution. In response, the Jade Chakra Emperor decreed that twelve celestial beings must submit to mortal authorityan order they defied. This divine insurrection led to the creation of the "Investiture of the Gods"a celestial register appointing 365 lesser demigods to cosmic posts, balancing power between the heavens and the human world. The celestial hierarchy was divided into eight ranks: The four upper ranks: Thunder, Fire, Pestilence, and the Big Dipper. The four lower ranks: Celestial constellations, mountain and river deities, rain-bringing spirits, and guardians of good and evil. Those with lesser spiritual cultivation found their names inscribed, sealing their fates. Meanwhile, the earthly conflict between the Shake and Mtier Dynasties mirrored the celestial power struggles, entangling mortal politics with divine rivalries. Historical Context: The B?n Religion and the Shake Dynasty In the 1st Century BCE, the B?n Religion performed sacrificial rituals involving the slaughter of animals, the burning of grains, and gestures of devotion such as bowing and kneeling. When Buddhism entered the Tibetan region, it absorbed these primitive practices, shaping the unique characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. During this period, B?n was fragmented, lacking a systematic theology. It was heavily influenced by shamanistic elements and spirit worship, granting B?n shamans immense power in the royal courts of Tibet, especially in the position of "Gusin" (national spiritual advisor). Each new Zanpu (Tibetan king) required the Gusin''s approval, illustrating their political influence. However, during Zhi Gong Zanpu''s reign, the power of the B?n factions grew so immense that it threatened his authority. In response, he invited three skilled shamans from Kashmir, Zhang Zhung, and Baltistan to suppress the factions. Yet, his attempt backfired; he was ultimately assassinated by his minister, Langdarma. His body was cast into the Yarlung Tsangpo River, and his heirs were exiled. The decline of the old ways led to the "Multi-B?n" period, during which outdated cultural practices were abandoned. "Cha B?n" consolidated various deities into a new belief system, forming the Yungdrung B?n, which revered the Three Realmsthe heavens, earth, and underworld. Worship was directed toward the Heavenly Deities (Zan), Earth Spirits (Nyen), and Water Dragons (Lu). Persecution forced monks to flee to India, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal, where they rebuilt B?n monasteries. A.D. 21st Century: The Eternal Battle A.D. 21st Century: The Eternal Battle On 2025.1.1, my journey beganan odyssey through the Ten Genres of Dharma Drum and the wielding of Unearthly Weaponry. This path demanded mastering the Arts of Escaping Real Dying and Living, leading to a transcendence that bridged the mortal realm and the cosmos, ultimately confronting the Universal Destroyer, the Imposing Avatar of Yama. In the ultimate Enlightened World, a fiercer entity emerged: Yamataka, the Destroyer of Death, surpassing even the Avatar of Yama. To guide mortals through the perilous trials of life and immortality, the Enlightened Ones sent forth the Cosmic MessengerJake Chakra Dragon''s Grimoire, and his Avatar as a cosmic vehicle to reveal the hidden truths of existence. While for the sake of searching for the missing part of the Grimoire, also called the Avatar Codex, to complete the misson, I crossed the forbiddened Windchill City of the 3-Sphere Unvierses & the double looping to the lands of New Island, valley of Jade Vajra and Consciousnes Script Skull of the Codex... What to Expect Original storytelling that explores the Arts of Escaping Real Dying and Living. Cosmic narratives infused with the energy of consciousness, like a celestial wand illuminating destiny. Short, gripping chapters (800C1500 words) to keep you on the edge of your seat. A richly built world exploring the ancient wisdom of life, death, and the realms in between. A profound journey of self-discovery guided by existential beings across infinite universes. Realistic progression with authentic triumphs and setbacks, highlighting the human condition. What Not to Expect Generic, uninspired storytelling. Preaching or forcing beliefs. Disrespect or misrepresentation of other traditions. Sky Splits-Ch. 1 Sky Splits - Ch. 1 . The Jade Chakra Dragon thundered first; her glimmering surface shimmered and rippled like liquid light, slicing through the skies as the avalanche roared and crashed below. Thud! The violet, barky text-block manuscript slipped from my hands and struck the soft, deep snow. My heart jumped as the sound rang outa sharp, rumbling clatter that shouldnt have been possible. Drakos froze, his ears pinned back, a low growl rumbling in his throat. I stiffened, my breath hitching, and my fingers instinctively twitched as if trying to grasp the fallen grimoire. But there was no thud. At least, not as it should have been. The noise swelled unnaturally, echoing through the icy air like a bell tolling a warning. My stomach churned, a cold knot twisting deeper with every beat of the reverberation. Emblazoned on the cover, its title seemed to glare at me, heavy with disapproval: Grimoire of the Chronicle Stages of Dying and Living. Snowflakes scattered around the grimoire, the pristine surface now marred by my carelessness. My companion, Sheppard Drakos, barked, his tone sharp and insistent. His ears flattened, and he circled the book as if it were alivesomething dangerous. A chill crawled up my spine, but it wasnt from the cold. Drakoss head turned toward me, his gaze settling on the fallen text. He stopped barking and stood still, not waving his tail. Instead, he closed his eyes as if a guru ready to chantlow and steady at first, then rising in intensity. His voice cut through the storm, resonating in a way I didnt understand but could feel deep in my chest. This was no ordinary chantit was raw, commanding, eerily coming from a dog. Before I died, everything that had happened to me replayed like a movie fast-forwarding at 100x speed. They called me a jinx, a walking cursea Harbinger of Doom. In my hometown, they spat the words like venom: Wretched Witch. The truth they believed about me cut deep, like a blade slicing through the brittle air. I shouldnt have defied my grandmother, no matter the shadow her lineage cast over me. Or my mother, who begged me not to wander in the mountains. If I had obeyed, worked quietly as a kitchen hand in Masters practice house, none of this would be happening. But no. I had to adamantly climb these cursed Himalayan peaks, trying to escape from the practice house. As such, the storm screamed around us, biting through my patched parka and into my skin. My shawl flapped wildly as I gripped it tighter around my shoulders. Loose strands of raven-black hair stuck to my wind-burned cheeks, flushed red against the olive tone of my skin. The air burned my lungs, my breath a pale fog that vanished as quickly as it came. My eyes, darkened to shades of brown and blue by the storms fury, seemed sharper, more almond-shapedlike the crisis itself had carved them this way. The irises caught the faint light and swirling snow, wide, frantic, searching. My lips quivered, already cracked and bloodied from the cold. I looked like a stray goat caught in a blizzardfragile, out of place. My boots barely clung to my feet, soaked and scuffed from days of trudging through snow. Even my grandmothers woven tunic beneath the parka was drenched, heavy against my thin frame. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The worst part? I had dragged my dog, who had accompanied me all these years loyally and lovinglyDrakos, unshakable as the mountains. Drakos, silently lying on his belly, looked at the avalanche filled with faces of avatars and everyone we knew who had passed away. My chest tightened as I stared at the jagged peaks, their shadows cast like judges over me. Get a grip, I suddenly heard a voice whisper nearby, but it was immediately swallowed by the wind. Still, there was the scent of a lotus I wasnt familiar with at all. There were no lotuses in the mountains. Anyway, my nails bit into my palms through the coarse wool of my gloves. Deep down, I knewI was nobody. Just a stubborn girl from the snowy mountains, leading us all toward ruin. Maybe... if I put it back... After all, it was just an old book, the Heaven Bookwhat did it have to do with me, a mundane? My words barely formed, the thought dissolving as quickly as it came. The golden-covered book lay in the snow, its title glaring at me. The snow crunched beneath my knees as I scrambled to retrieve it, my fingers trembling from the cold and fear. The storms howling wind tugged at my shawl, and Drakos whined, circling nervously. The skies thundered againthe lights, the colors, the fierce face shimmering with swirling mapslongitudes and latitudes glowing across her scales, shifting like living universes. Faces flickered within the patterns, serene yet unknowable, their meditative forms etched in lotus positions. Drakos... My voice broke, barely audible. Do you see it?... all of it? My hands clenched tighter around the barky and jade Heaven Book I had found and taken away from an ancient cave adjacent to the edge of the mountain. Someones hand gripped mine; I suspected it was my granddad or my dad pulling me back to my feet. Focus, the voice was steady even as the storm roared. I looked up at the dragon, bracing for death, and managed to answer: Maybe this is it, I whispered. Maybe this is where it ends. The voice shouted something else, but it was lost to the roar of the storm. The ground beneath me cracked, the world tilting as if the mountains themselves were giving way. And just like that, everything fell. Everybody dies. Now its my turn. And then the sky split. That happenedToday, circa 20,000,011.1.1, intertwining with 2025.1.1; where ancient fears meet the unknown. Or, rather, the yet-to-be-known. ※※1※※ 1 . ?rivera. The voicelow, soft, impossibly familiardrifted toward me from behind, barely more than a whisper, yet it struck something deep within me, something old and unspoken. I jumped up and shouted: Who are you!? Then the Jade Dragon, with fierce jaws and sharp claws, roared in the skies. I instinctively hid behind the creature who called, because it looked friendly and called my name softly. And it looked ready to attack in a nasty way, so I screamed louder than I ever had in my life. Its me, its Drakos! He hardly had time to soothe me when I saw him suddenly turn into a young novice, standing shakily by the energy and wind created. When I looked up, there appeared to be many faces, some looking like avatars, mainly in green and violet, angrywhether angry or focused, I couldnt figure out. Then the young novice manipulated some energy and lights from his chakra points and lifted the backs of his palms, whereby all the above subsided, including the faces, leaving sadly. Naturally, I was witnessing and going through something that could tear my guts open. I turned, and he hesitated, deciding to change his form into a bigger dog than my companion, a Shepherd dog. My breath still caught in my throat, surreal tension rippled through my body as my heart faltered, unsure whether to race or stay still altogether. The world itself seemed to pause, as though holding its breath alongside me. For a moment, I could only take a step back, staring, my mind struggling to grasp what I was seeing. The very air around him shimmered, shifting subtly with his movements. His fur, once familiar, now held an ethereal qualitysoft, thick, yet somehow luminous. Iridescent hues rippled through each strand, catching the dimming light and scattering it in a mesmerizing array of jade, gold, and twilight blue. The colors moved like the reflection of the aurora on water, alive yet untouchable, as if his very form was caught between the tangible and the divine. Its me, Drakos, ?ri. Immediately, in a strange way, I recognized if Drakos could speak, it would be that timber. Then I settled down, observing his eyesthose once-familiar amber depthsmet mine. They had always been warm, steady. Now, they held something else. A knowing. A quiet, infinite understanding that unsettled me as much as it drew me in. It was not just devotion anymore, not just recognition. It was as if he had glimpsed something beyond the veil of existence and returned with that knowledge embedded in his soul in ancient myths. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. He was something unfinished, something in flux. I had time to make some deductions. He was a being caught in the tension between creation and completion, between the mundane and the celestial. His presence was both grounding and unearthly, familiar and foreign. A paradox wrapped in shifting light and quiet power. Drakos? Really, its you. You saved me? I whispered. My knees felt weak as I took a shaky step toward him. He stood tall, his head reaching my waist, his presence commanding yet calming. The snow swirled around us, though not a single flake landed on his shimmering coat. I imagined how hed shielded me from the avalanche, but I didnt know how. I recalled how he used the energy that had erupted from the mountain, the brilliance that had seared the skies. You can hear me talking, he said, his voice like a faint bell carried on the wind. He wasnt speaking aloud. I felt his words deep in my chest, resonating. What happened to you? My voice trembled, swirling like me without ears. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering his answer. Ive become... what I was meant to be. A Cosmic Vehicle of the Enlightened Path. A guide for what lies aheadfor you, and for me. And with the change, you can understand some of the enigmatic concepts. You have achieved something. You are sixteen now. Sixteen. I was barely fourteen. I was intrigued but distracted at the same time. Who sent you? A Cosmic Sender of the Enlightened Path. Youve seen some of them. He answered lightly, as if he was grinning. And you may be surprised that they needed usrather, they needed our energy, generated by our consciousnessesto prevent our deaths from happening. And as far as I can fathom nowbefore my rank reaches theirslast but not least, the space and time, you know, the Mandala eons of neon, protons, and electrons churning and churning His words landed strangely in my ears, full of jargon, yet they felt natural, as though Id always known what they meant. As they shifted as softly as snowfall, leaving me in a silence so weighty I thought I had gone deaf, Drakos approached and nudged me gently, snow cascading from his newly transformed figure. Cosmic Vehicle? I repeated, still grappling with the idea. How could I, a fourteen-year-olda wanna-be celestial wand shooter of the Universe Destroyergrasp it overnight? He interrupted, I know your secret, but scouts cross, I would not tell anybody. I ignored him. My fingers brushed his furwarm, solid, real. You are as tall as I am, yet you are soft. You sound soft. I love the softness of your Qi energy, your similarly soft heart that I can feel. I should learn from you But, lets find out: your real identity! I dont need another imposter! Haha! Haha! His laughter sounded weird. As if in my ear, as if in my consciousness, as if in the void ※※2※※ 2.. No, let me take charge! Although it was a lighthearted and most pleasant conversation Ive had, I gathered myself, showing my true colors. Are you Hammond Hound? Leonberger? Newfoundland? Mastiff? Drakmast? Or maybe a Great Pyrenees? I worked chores at my village attending to animals, learned to ride, and knew all the breeds. All these years, I never thought of using them in such a scenario, and I blurted, Youre big, as big as I am and I like your fluffiness. Drakos laughed wholeheartedly. Thank you, I suppose. And, to answer you, probably, Im all of them and none of them. I was enigmaticdelightedbut also annoyed. What makes you think I want a new dog? Or a dog like you? Whatever happened to my real Drakos? Then, before I could stop myself, I blurted out something completely stupid to this new dog Haha! I saw you blush! I never blush. His voice was steady, unreadable. And sometimes, I might show any part of myself depending on your mood. What makes you think this is what I wanted, either? Speaking of which, life doesnt dictate that one must always get what she wants. That said, you might want to know you can be restless. And strong. Sometimes. I defended myself immediately. I know the nuance, my friend. You meant to say I can be cocky and arrogant. No, I dont! YesreallyI am strong. Look at me! Your baseless accusation is appalling. See? There you are. And now youre blushing. Ha! Okay, okay, your caught-you moment. Big deal. Its good youre comfortable with me here. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I almost jumped upit was a pleasant and amazing telepathic connection! HeI mean, youI mean, we could communicate this way. Itd be fun. Yeah, Drakos! He smiled. And this version of me will be your favorite. I am still your pet. Your loyal companion. But nowyou are under my pupilage. You what? Did you get my permission? My Masters? My familys, hmm? I was relentless, not even waiting for his reactionwhich, as expected, was calm. As if nothing I said could ever offend him. I supposed perhaps it wasnt such a bad idea. He knows how to distract and sooth me. So, youre Drakmast now? Nono, youre not just a pet anymore Yourerocking this whole avatar thing. And as they say, caveat emptorteller beware. Ha! Yeah. So what are you, really? Male or female? I mean, you know what I mean Where on earth did you even pick up these Western Latin or Greek words? That broken book you got from the travelers, my little one? Anyway, he continued, I am a type of Dharma protector. Dharma is the way of humanity. We dont need gender to accomplish our jobwe remain neutral. Neither male nor female. But from time to time, out of necessity, I may appear differently. And just like that, he transformedsuddenly a young, beautiful demi-god-like figure, silk robes fluffing away in the air. Sometimes, I will show as a young novice. Mainly to blend in. You know, thisa young novice. Admirable. Drakosyes, Drakos, Drakmast, and Young Master Then what specifically do you protect? The Lost Arts of After Life as instructed in The Book of the Death, also called the Harmark Avatar Codex. Suddenly, my whole body softened while sitting on the snow. Thats a lot for me to take in, Drakos Drakos hesitated, his amber eyes darkening for a moment. Instead of saying, I dont know everything yet, he said simply, But I know Im continuing my past practices. And as I stood there, my mind racingPast practices? Thats when I heard itclear as day, not from his lips, but from his thoughts: In a timeline spanning both B.C.E. 1st Century, 999,999.1.1; A.D. 1st Century, 999,999.1.1; and now A.D. 2025.1.1, the Lotus-Born Hum? ??? ????? ???Avalokiteshvara emerges, riding on the head of the JC Dragon. You didnt see it. Only a certain state of meditation can reach her dimension. Well, I looked up, wow, from this vantage point in the Himalayas. Drakos bestows the secrets of these Arts to all beings belowincluding you, a young kitchen hand, your Himalayan shepherd, me, and of course, our Master I stared up at Drakostaller now, almost at my waist even while seated. His fur shimmered in the faint, ethereal glow of dusk, shifting colors like a river of molten gemstones. This change, he began, carefully choosing his words, happened because of my past practices. I embraced a jade dragon-like being by choice as Dharma Protector to further my practices at the Adorned Country and also to confront the minions of Yama. You saw some of my peers at the avalanche. We act as the Destroyers of Death instead. ※※3※※ .3 . Then someone evil caused it? Yes, The Yama, The Destroyer. You know We are the Destroyers of Death instead. I think you could understand their difference? I nodded. So, you could be a tall and fluffy Drakmast, at the same time a Dharma protector, a young novice from past practice, and at our practice house? Something like that He paused, smiled, tilted his head again, his soft ears twitching, though his fur now bore no resemblance to the dog Id known all my life. In this world, this life, I am always more than you could see. Only specific people can see the true nature of me. And you too. Me? What do you mean? Intrigued, I opened my eyes wide. Eventually, it sank in about me after this entwining. Well, not that they arent grasping. Lets talk about me, Drakos! Haha, ?rilook at yourself. You are as white as snow, as white as the snow lotus you havent had a chance to witness Immediately, I looked down at myselfat my chestonly to find that I was glimmering, my body now a shimmering white, like a white avatar. A rush of joy surged through me, mixed with something heavier. Sadness? Realization? Something had happened to me in the avalanche. I touched my body. For one second, it was solid, tangiblethen, in the next, it was as if I had been cloaked in mist. Is this magic, Drakos? Like what the travelers boasted about? He hesitated. I could sense him swallowing down something glum, gathering a kind of surreal moodor courage. No, ?ri-ver. You were dead. I dug you up. The white lotus avatar came to your rescue. Now, dont be afraid, dont be sad. Everybody dies, but no one gets a new body Dont be silly, Drakos! Haha, look at me! I got a super magical body! Ive never been this strong! He had to continue. His face turned seriouslike a human. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Theres no magic in this, ?ri. They got to you before I could react. Im sorry, ?ri... He turned his back to the young novice, as if it was proper to speak of such things this way. I cooled down a little. I couldnt blame him for anything. The fact that he was apologizing before I even understood what had happened only made me feel worse. What happened to me? They killed you. There was hesitation in his tone, but I rushed in anyway. How? No answer. It must not have been pretty. I was speechless. The snow lotus avatar came to your rescue by giving you their parts Parts!? I had never been so shocked in my lifeI heard myself bark the word out loud. So what is this strange body? How could I not be reeling? Just moments ago, I had been leaping with joy over the magical power suddenly bestowed on me, and now You are made of snow lotus now. Made of what!? I exploded again. I had already heard what he said in my mind, but?ri-ver, get a grip on yourselfno good could come from raising my voice. I cooled down again, but this time, a deep sadness crept up inside me. Lotus? My voice was quieter now. Drakos, I know you said lotus. What the hell!? Im made of stems and lotus roots? I dont want that, Drakos! I couldnt believe I swore. I want my body back. Theres nothing wrong with that! I was good-looking, I was strong, I was hardworkingI still have my family! I hate you! It wouldve been better if you had let me die! I just wanted to play around with you. I just wanted to enjoy your company. I just wanted to get away from the practice house. I dont wanna dieI want me back. Please, Drakos Drakos tilted his head away. Inhaled. Exhaled. Paused. His eyelids lowered, as if taking in my entire reaction. Yes I couldnt imagine how I would react if I were you. But ?ri, my dearyou must embrace it fully. This is your fate. This is your mission. This path was chosen specifically for youbecause you also chose to be a Dharma protector in your past lives. I was sobbing, turned my anger to sorrow and lost. It took me some time to take it in. Seems like It makes sense, Drakos. I can try But I wanted to know, why was that? That was the only way. Give you some quality to start to gather strengthyou saw all those faces, those lights shown out there, giving you good and bad feelings rightso, we do have good and bad avatars right, and you will be the righteous one. Those are the Yamas and their minions, those that we must fight and get rid of for the sake of humanity But, how? We are just mundane. I cant even see nor know myself My tears, like pearls on a broken string, cascaded down my cheeks. At the same time, Drakoss amber eyes flickered with something I couldnt namean emotion too deep, too raw. Drakos exhaled slowly, his shimmering form shifting in the dim light. Even I do not fully understand that yet. I still have to meditate to attain higher powers of chakra lights Everything is about lights and the consciousness line connecting the universe, especially when we are dying... He paused, then added, But I do know thisthe avalanche was not an end. It was a beginning. ※※4※※ 4 The mountain path stretched ahead, a winding trail vanishing into the mist. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of my thoughts pressing down as much as the altitude. Drakos walked beside me, his presence a silent comfort in the vastness of the world. I finally stopped sobbing, accepting my new identity. "Drakos... this whole thing about dyingit makes my skin crawl," I confessed, my voice barely more than a whisper. The admission hung in the air, vulnerable and raw, much like the wounds I carried within. Memories of my mothers tear-streaked face flashed before me. She had wanted me to stay at Masters practice house, to remain safe within its familiar walls and not wander around with you. You see, you couldnt truly protect me I mean, before all this I had been stubborn, driven by a need to prove myself and escape the shadows of my past. However, perhaps I was just being obstinate instead "Maybe Mom was right. I shouldve stayed at the practice house, just a kitchen hand, like she wanted. I shouldnt have" My voice faltered as I swallowed hard, the taste of regret bitter on my tongue. My fingers brushed against Drakos''s fur, seeking solace in its softness. "I shouldnt have argued with her. Grandma was against it too, you know? She called Masters teachings... satanic." Drakos tilted his head, his amber eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that words couldn''t convey. "And yet, your mom still sent you. She believed in something for you, little onesomething beyond what you can see now. You do know she had her reasons, dont you? She fought for this, for you, even when it meant going against what others thought was best. Dont let the past misfortunesthe fear, the paintake root in you now. Her sacrifices werent meant to weigh you down. They were meant to lift you." His words pierced through the fog of my doubts, illuminating truths I had been too blind to see. Could it be that my mother had seen potential in me, a destiny intertwined with the very path I now tread? I looked away, the wind biting at my face, mirroring the turmoil within. My love for my family seemed to be worthless it only brought me pain. Stolen story; please report. "Let''s talk about something else," I said quickly, my voice trembling as I grinned at his young novice figure. "The wind element. Master''s been trying so hard to teach it to me... maybe this is the best time to focus on it. What do you think, novice Drakos?" Drakos leaned closer, his words a warm breath against my ear, a comforting anchor amidst the storm of my emotions. The wind whipped at our faces, but his voice, a low rumble against my skin, held me steady. "Are you sure? I know the whole dying thing gets to youit gets to everyone. But running from it won''t help. It''s... part of what we''re here to understand. Especially you." He paused, his gaze flickering with hesitation. "I know it''s hard, and I don''t mean to bring up your dad''s death, but..." The mention of my father was like a dagger to the heart. His absence had left a void, a chasm of unanswered questions and unresolved grief. I had buried those feelings deep, hoping that by ignoring them, they would cease to haunt me. The near-death experience brought it all back, the memory whispering on the wind, a secret hidden for so long. Drakos, at my side, spoke of his past practices, of our practice, and the past felt inescapable. I took a deep breath, feeling the chilling air fill my lungs, and closed my eyes. Master had often spoken of the wind element, along with earth, water, and fire, as more than just a physical force. It was a manifestation of freedomof letting go, of embracing the unknown. Yes, now to link it to what happened today. There was a great movement of consciousnessof those who have passed and of our own. Without me finishing my thought, Drakos answered, Sure, one could learn to harness themthe chakra lights and the consciousness line linking us to our true universe and nature. But to truly understand them? To let them guide me instead of fearing where they might lead? "I want to understand," I said finally, opening my eyes to meet Drakoss steady gaze. "Not just in theorythe wind element and the othersbut in a practical way. More than that, I want to understand everythingmy fears, my past, my purpose. I want to face it all." Drakos nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Thats the spirit, little one. Embracing them means embracing change, uncertainty, and even the shadows of our past. Its not an easy path, but its the only way to truly soar." As we continued our ascent, the path growing steeper and the air thinner, I felt a shift within me. The weight of my doubts began to lighten, replaced by a burgeoning resolve. For the first time, the wind scraping against the sky-carved mountains didnt feel like an adversary. It felt like an allyurging me forward, whispering promises of discovery and growth. And as I took the next step, I realized that in embracing the winds movement, in surrendering to the rapid and unexpected flow of consciousness that had come upon me, I was also embracing myself. So, no one could see our true forms now Without finishing my sentence, something struck meout of nowhere, a memory, a face among the skies. My triplet sister, ?ri-E?r?y. Goosebumps crawled across my body. My breath caught in my throat, as if something had clenched around it. ※※5※※ 5 . It was a violent, forced abortion. I was barely seven, hiding at the back of the dark, charred kitchen stove. I remembered there were officials in white clothes, their faces blurred, and red fluid flowing from my Mom and everywhere. Eventually, I gathered the courage. Drakos, my youngest sister, ?ri-E?r?y, do you remember her? Drakos nodded, sensing my desire to uncover the ones responsible. Their faces remained indistinct, but the woman with the loud propaganda announcement stepped forward to carry out her so-called dutya duty beyond my understanding as a six-year-old who had never heard such streaks of screams from my mother The wind of your consciousness is acting up, ?ri-ver. I wonder what good it would do you to know whatever happened and whoever did it. I thought back to Masters words: The wind is the bridge between what is and what was. Between what is present and what flows beyond. We always get consumed with the whispers, roars, and intentions of this fierce element of the mundane world, with vulnerable people like us abiding in it The elements are all that we are made of. You should pay attention to this specific teaching. Dont think of it as a burden to your theoretical learning. Nowour feelings, our thoughts, our movements, our consciousness. The wind holds it all. Playing our being with it. But how could I ever forget and forgive? ?ri-ver: Earth for stability, Water for adaptability, Fire for transformation, and this, Wind for movement; you must succumb to it and use it to your own advantagefor stability, adaptability, and transformation. I nodded, and Drakos followed suit, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Yes. And beyond movement, Wind is the all-encompassing force of consciousness. Its the energy that drives all of existence. Together, they embody the grounding force of our being. When we exhale for the last timewhen we dieits the Windconsciousnessthat pushes our soul from our body. At that moment, youll face regrets, hatred, the unforgettable, and the forgivable. Wouldnt it be better to confront and get rid of them while were still alive, still in control of our own consciousness? The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Drakoss voice grew quieter, almost a whisper. My breath hitched. His words echoed within me, lighting up corners of my mind I hadnt dared to explore before. I wanted to believe it all. But belief was one thing. Feeling it was another. I clenched my fists at my sides, my heartbeat hammering in my ears like the wind itself trying to break through the barriers I had built. Drakos watched me carefully. Youre afraid. I let out a slow breath. Yes. And I hate that I am. Theres no shame in fear, ?ri. Fear is movement too. Fear shifts us, forces us to confront what wed rather ignore. Just like the wind, fear is a force. But whether it carries you forward or pushes you backthat choice is yours. I stared at him, his golden eyes reflecting the fading light of the sky. He made it sound so simple. Could I do that? The thought of ?ri-E?r?ys fetus dropped like a blop, resurfacing again. Although Mom survived the pain and sorrow, her willpower faded, as did the power that had surged through her in those moments. Master had once instructed me that whenever she thought of this, she would need someone to confide in, as though I were her confession priest. But each time, her face grew more distorted and dimmer. Now is the time to understand existence itself, she said, though I neither understood nor could understand what she meant. I clenched my jaw. Say no more, Drakos. Yes, dear Drakos, eternally, I salute Master, I love you, and all who teach. But I couldnt lie to myself: fear and desperation still gripped me. Drakoss expression softened. Then hold onto that belief. Let it be the starting point, not the end. Fear doesnt vanish overnight. It lingers, but so does the wind. One day, youll let it carry you instead of fighting against it. I let my gaze drift to the horizon. The wind pressed against me, not as an enemy, but as something that had always been there, waiting. Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to listen. Enough with the shenanigans, Drakos, I snapped, my voice sharp, the wild side returning. Im not a kid anymore. And now I am a superlade! Haha. Not to that extent, yes. We still have a lot of work to do mainly the boring stuff, you know, training on chanting, meditating, and building the power of the chakra lights. I wanted my words to sound solid, confident, but I felt the cracks forming inside me. I wasnt ready for thiswhatever this was. And Drakos, Im sorrythere was fear. Real fear. And now, I understooddesperation. Youre restless, though, he murmured, his amber eyes soft as they studied me. Restless? I shot back, crossing my arms tightly. Try cornered. Ive spent my life feeling like this, Drakoslike the worlds constantly trying to shove me into a box that doesnt fit. Dont talk to me about restless. Yes, I needed to rest. There was a bonfire even before I finished my thought. Drakos sat down, using his belly as my pillow. Soon, I couldnt hold my eyelids open anymore and fell into a deep sleep ?ri’-reāl Died & Returned While They Attacked Dad – Ch.9 ?ri-rel Died & Returned While They Attacked Dad C Ch.9 The wind whipped around us, carrying the mournful cry of a woman. We turned to see a figure stumbling down the path, her clothes torn and ragged, her movements erratic and desperate. As she drew closer, the flickering torchlight revealed blood staining her palms, a sight that sent a cold wave of dread through me. Mom! Mom! I cried, my voice choked with fear and desperation. Tears streamed down my face as I started down the slope towards her, my heart pounding in my chest. The falling snow, which had been drifting lazily moments before, seemed to freeze in mid-air, as if startled by the urgency in our cries. Drakos, usually alert and responsive, stood motionless, his golden eyes blinking slowly, uncharacteristically still. He rarely barked, and in this moment, his silence felt heavier than any sound. No! Masters voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. She reached for me, her hand outstretched, but I was already moving too fast. I stumbled, the ground rushing up to meet me, a searing pain shooting through my leg as I fell. Before I could register the impact, Masters arms were around me, pulling me close, her strength surprisingly immense. Whats wrong, Mom?! I gasped, clutching her tightly, my breath catching in my throat. Drakos approached cautiously, his gaze shifting between my mother and me, his usual canine curiosity tempered by the gravity of the situation. This was the first time my mother had encountered him, and the unusual silence hung between them, thick and heavy. Your sister!Master, help her! Please, help her My mothers voice was a trembling whisper, her words laced with desperation. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with a terror that mirrored my own. Master, her face grim, steadied us both, then guided us down the path towards the village. It was supposed to be our way home, but earlier, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of grief and longing, I had begged Master to take a detour, a detour that now felt like a cruel twist of fate. Passing by my mother, grandmother, and sisters home without visiting them would have been unbearable, a burden I couldn''t bear to carry. The sight that greeted us as we entered the village square was chilling. A large crowd had gathered, their faces somber and hushed, their movements slow and deliberate. They were assembled for a funeral ceremony. Some wore towering, brightly colored hats, two or three feet high, a stark contrast to the somber attire of the others. The elegant robes of some were juxtaposed with the worn, humble clothing of others, a poignant reminder of the vast social strata within our community. Sister! I cried, my voice cracking, as I spotted her lying motionless in the center of the gathering. My breath hitched in my throat, a wave of nausea washing over me. I lunged forward, desperate to reach her, but Masters hand shot out, stopping me in my tracks. Her voice, usually calm and measured, was sharp and commanding. Dont touch her, ?ri-ver, she barked, her tone leaving no room for argument. You should have known already! Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. You, too, she added, her gaze shifting to my mother, who recoiled, her hands trembling as she took a step back. The unspoken accusation hung between them, a silent testament to the complex web of family secrets and unspoken tensions. Why is she here, Drakos? I asked, my voice barely a whisper. It was a question I knew Drakos couldn''t answer, even if he understood the reason. Master had no time to respond, even if I had addressed the question to her. Master moved with a strange, almost hesitant grace, as if treading on hallowed ground. She seemed to sense the hostility emanating from some of the other clerics present, their eyes narrowed and judging. Then, as if in response to my unspoken question, a voice spoke, not from Drakos, but from within me. Now, I know, Drakos, it was this. I was sent to Master to get away from this tradition. As for ?ri-rel, she defied, as I did, but in a different direction, under different circumstances. Well, twins and triples run in your family, yet defying the nature of humans can still go many ways. The voice continued, its tone shifting, a strange mix of amusement and understanding. It was a conversation that felt both surreal and strangely comforting. . The B?n tradition, known in Tibetan as ???? (pronounced p???? in the Lhasa dialect), places greater emphasis on ceremonial practices than Masters lineage, which focused on scripture chanting and doctrinal exposition. Over the centuries, these traditions have alternated in prominence, each supplanting the other in influence, creating a complex and often contentious relationship between them. . But there was no time for Master to dwell on the subtle power dynamics at play. He had to act swiftly, decisively. He recited a few short Gatha verses as part of the Vajra Diamond Mantra Chanting Practice before turning his attention to my uncle, my mothers brother. Master seated himself in the Lotus Meditation Posture, taking out the Pecha Text Block he had used when attending to Tashi. The long, narrow, rectangular form made the scriptures easier to read and chant from the Daphne Bark Paper. He began to chant intensely, but in a manner different from what I had witnessed before. His voice resonated with power, a force that seemed to cut through the tension and grief that hung heavy in the air. My sister stirred, one finger twitching. Her skin turned a deep crimson, and slowly, her eyes fluttered open, her gaze settling on Master and us. She seemed to attempt a smile before closing her eyes again. My mother sobbed, her body wracked with grief and relief. I gently shushed her, and she nodded, wiping away her tears. I was terrified, fearing my sister might already be gone, but then I saw Masters face turn towards us, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Dont worry. She will come around, he reassured us, his voice calm and steady. Mom and I immediately knelt before Master, the other relatives following suit. Master helped us to our feet, signaling for others to assist in carrying my sister back to our stone house next door. . ***** . As they carried my sister away, I suddenly stopped, a wave of memory washing over me. The white wall of our childhood home, stained with blood The howling wind and the bitterly cold weather had forced us to live in the basement, alongside the animals that provided us with milk, cheese, and ghee. Their dung fueled our fire, their fur kept us warm. As my father sang folklore songs praising nature, I danced, and my sister laughed, her joy a bright flame in the darkness. Under the one child policy, a family was allowed only one child. Fines and jail penalties were imposed on violators. We knew it was for the good of the country, for the greater good and happiness. But my family lineage was reluctant to abide by it, especially when their firstborn was a girl. My parents had to endeavor to have me, and they had me as the second child. I felt a pang of guilt, a weight of responsibility for the tragedy that had befallen my family. One day, they came. I was asleep, awakened by shouts and the sounds of a struggle. Peeking through the cracks, I saw white-dressed people attacking my father Grandma Nearly Died, Grandad Died, Dad Died [“Perfect Timing”]– Ch. 10 Grandma Nearly Died, Grandad Died, Dad Died [Perfect Timing]C Ch. 10 . My father''s face drained of color, his body slumping against the mud wall as he groaned in helpless despair. The harsh reality of the "one-child policy" had arrived, embodied in the crisp white uniforms of the medical personnel who entered our home. The air grew thick with tension, the silence punctuated only by my father''s ragged breaths. An official document, its bright five-moon seal the size of my hand as a baby, swayed before my parents. The man holding it spoke with a cruel indifference, his words dripping with the authority of the state. Look! Theres an official document! he sneered, his voice sharp and dismissive. Behind him stood a hulking figure, his silence more menacing than any words. My father, his fury a blazing inferno, lunged for the document, his intention clear: to destroy it, to defy the oppressive power of the state. But the larger man reacted instantly, his swift kick sending my father sprawling against the earthen wall. The impact was brutal, the sound echoing through the small house. We are performing official duties. You cannot interfere! the man barked, his voice laced with menace. He grabbed my father and sister, half-dragging, half-shoving them towards the door, slamming it shut with a resounding thud that echoed the shattering of our family''s peace. I huddled among the firewood and hay, my breath ragged, my body trembling. Cold sweat slicked my skin, my eyes wide with terror. The world around me seemed to shrink, the sounds of the outside world fading into a muffled roar. I could hear my mother''s muffled sobs, but I was too afraid to move, too frozen by fear to intervene. The female medical worker pushed my mother onto the coal-warmed stone bed, her movements efficient and brutal. Her eyes gleamed with a cold, unnatural light, her breath misting in the frigid air. She covered my mothers mouth with a rag, silencing her cries, a chilling act of control. The memory flooded back, vivid and brutal. I saw it all again: the fetus stretching out its tiny hands, its head still nestled in the womb. The birth control officer''s callous actions, tearing the baby out alive. I heard the screams, the tearing of flesh, the splitting of lungs, the gurgling sounds of life extinguished. I remembered hiding in the haystack behind the blast furnace, paralyzed by fear and horror, unable to move, unable to intervene. The fetus stretched out its hands first, its head still nestled in the womb. The birth control officer tore the baby out alive. I heard the screamstearing the liver and splitting the lungsand hid in the haystack behind the blast furnace. I couldnt move at all. My voice was a trembling whisper, the words escaping me in a torrent of suppressed emotion. What did you say, ?ri-ver? Tenzin, my friend from Tashi Dalais dreamstate, was stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. Hed listened to my story before, but this raw, visceral recounting was something else entirely. One litter, I answered simply, my voice barely audible. I saw the terror reflected in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the unspeakable horror I had witnessed. I didnt hear any breathing, I continued, my voice barely a whisper. Only the sound of gurgling. Gurgling. Gurgling. The repetition of the word, a chilling echo of the events, hung in the air, a testament to the trauma I had endured. Stop it, ?ri-ver Tenzins voice was a plea, a desperate attempt to halt the torrent of memories. When I emerged from the harrowing flashback, my mother thought I had been overwhelmed by the incident. She embraced me, her hands gently touching the back of my neck before kissing my forehead. My tears continued to fall, and she wiped them away, her touch a balm to my wounded soul. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Dont be so sad, dear. Your sister is fine now. She has come around, and Master is speaking with her. Come Her words were a lifeline, pulling me back from the abyss of my memories. I nodded, glancing at the walls, the memories of our past still clinging to the very stones. We moved swiftly into the stone house, seeking refuge in its familiar embrace. I found my sister, her eyes open, and she gestured for me to sit beside her. She had just begun answering Masters questions when she continued, her voice still weak but clear. Someone tried to grab me so I wouldnt fall, but it felt like I was being crushed I wanted to tell them not to touch me! But I couldnt even blink, and the crushingit was like a mountain crashing down again and again, as if it were trying to grind me into powder Thats how I would describe it. Is that because I was already dead, and Master came to rescue me? Her palms pressed together in a gesture of reverence and gratitude. Master smiled gently, his eyes filled with compassion. No, Young-Chance, you werent dead. It was a Near Death Experience. As Ive taught before, this is called Chi Med Thun Gyi Mtshams Skab, he explained, his voice calm and reassuring. It means your soul was on the boundary of death, but not yet in the realm of death. Thats the Near-Death Experience. Everyone should remember this and learn from what happened to Young-Chance just now. People began to rise, their movements hesitant, their faces solemn. They shifted into a kneeling posture, their palms clapping together in a rhythmic pattern. Master signaled for them to sit back down, his voice carrying a quiet authority. Now, Master turned to my mother, then to the others, his gaze steady and unwavering. My dear Me-Gag, good people, you asked why no one should touch her just now. He paused thoughtfully, his eyes closed, before resuming his lotus sitting posture. Well, as you heard just now, and as Ive taught before about the four elements. The first is Earth. Earth represents things that are solid. Actually, in Buddhas time, it wasnt called Earth, but anyway, our body is solid. When our body is at the brink of death, or when it is dying, our body will dissolve, like flesh and bones melting His words were graphic, starkly realistic, but I had heard similar descriptions before, in the hushed whispers of older generations. as if the earth is being soaked by water, dissolving like mud in the omnipresent element of water. In that sense, all our organs are actually shifting, like your buttocks will sink, becoming a dissolving material. This is why Young-Chance felt excruciating painbecause she wasnt dead, just fainted, but she could still feel, just like we can feel pain in our sleep if something hurts us. Touching her would have caused her more pain. Can you imagine that? Everyone nodded, their faces solemn, their palms clasped together in understanding. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the mysteries of death. I rose and knelt before Master, my palms pressed together in reverence. He smiled gently, his eyes filled with warmth and compassion. Master, I have a question, I asked, my voice barely a whisper. He nodded, encouraging me to continue. Master, many people believe that after a person dies, its like a lamp being extinguished. They say, When a person dies, its like the light goes out. Is that correct? No, Master answered swiftly, his tone firm and resolute. Thats very wrong. In fact, many modern Western experts have discovered that after death, a persons consciousness still exists. Their thoughts and will still persist, they are not gone. And what happens after death? Many religions have spoken about it, but none can explain it as accurately and powerfully as we do in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. It explains the different stages of the afterlife in great detail. He turned to the others, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. I was teaching ?irrer-main, but what exactly is the Tibetan Book of the Dead? I will discuss this more later, probably here, to save the seniors from having to climb the mountain to our Practice House. Grandma, her body trembling, continued to spin her cylindrical hand-held Mani wheel, her movements growing increasingly frantic, as if she were trying to accumulate merit in a desperate race against time. Suddenly, the distinct sound of a Mani dropping, followed by the sharp clink of a small wooden spear hitting the floor, shattered the tense silence. Grandmas body slumped forward, and a wave of commotion rippled through the room. Grandma, are you alright? Grandma, grandma A cry of concern pierced the air, but no one dared to touch her. They knew better than to shout, for the loudness would disrupt Grandmas peace and potentially disturb her soul if she were nearing the moment of her passing. . . ***** . The conversation about ?ri-rel was abruptly halted, the gravity of the situation settling upon us like a shroud. I hoped we could return to it later, but for now, Drakos had a new revelation. Now, we shall go to your grandfather first, he announced, his voice carrying an unexpected urgency. Granddad? Yes, his soul, like that of Tash Dali, but in a different perspective. This might be a perfect timing.