Shadow Beings

7. The Annual Ball

"You're weird."

"Thank you."

Jack shook his head and I couldn't help but grin. I turned towards Galen with a widened smile and he shrugged, nodding towards Jack in agreement.

"Have you done this before?" Jack said with curiosity, but also a hint of worry.

"Yes, although it was with Jay, and I was in Greece, so that wasn't too far."

"Not too far. Totally."

Jack shook his head again, this time with a smile that he failed to hide. I rubbed my neck shyly, then proceeded to hit him once on the head. Naturally, I earned a pleasant glare from my little brother that intensified at my laugh.

"Alright then. Give us four minutes, then do your thing. We'll wait seven more minutes after that and if you're not able to do it - which I'm hundred percent sure you will - we'll return."

Galen laughed covertly at that and I glared at him while Jack looked towards the two of us, puzzled. Jack then took Galen's hand, both of them closing their eyes slowly. I walked a few steps backwards with a smile, giving them the space they needed.

If he needed four minutes, he'd definitely be going somewhere far.

I sat on the grass, crossing my legs and straightening my back. My eyes closed slowly and I took soft breaths, sharpening my concentration. The wind blew gently, its cool touch sending excitations to me although the sun warmed my senses, helping me meditate. I focused on nothing in particular while being aware of my surroundings, letting the four minutes pass by.

As the time finally came, I took a deep breath and amplified my concentration. My body loosened and I focused on the point between my eyes, letting the energy flow to the roots of the tree below which I was sitting.

My senses hardened their grip on the information in the Earth, merging to be one with its energy. A bright wave of golden light appeared in my mind and began to thin into a limitless line, having the smallest possible amplitude and much frequency. I extended my focus towards it, reaching for it. A wave of warmth and oneness spread through my being as time passed, and I became familiar with the core of the energy.

I let my thoughts wander freely, connecting with the core of the Earth at once. My energy seemed to drain from my right, but at the same time, I felt comfort and wake fuel from the left. I let the time pass and sat in patience till the connection was firmly made.

A thrilling emotion was propagated to me and although I had done it before, there was a unique sensation as I sat in Sylva Vita. The only sight in front of my eyes was the golden line, but I could feel everything at once.

Now that I was one within the energy and information of Earth, I began to look for Galen's aura. My mind traversed the roots, quickly moving past the faint bands of light until I reached a familiar grey. The wise colour of empathy was subtle, but nonetheless present. I moved towards it carefully, faintly hearing melody from my memory play in the back of my mind. It's gentle notes reduced my energy, enabling me to move into Galen's mind.

The sight around me changed and I sat in the dark space, as if watching a projection in front of me. I noticed that the two were sitting in a forest, Jack looked a little exhausted, but smiled as Galen nodded to him.

"That was fast."

If my eyes were open, they'd be staring wide at him in shock.

"How did you realise I was in your mind? Where are you?"

Galen chuckled repeated what I said to Jack. I had to improve furthermore so that I could use Galen's mind and speak through him.

"Japan."