WayFinder (The Fool's Journey)

Chapter 22: Thank You

When I woke up the next morning, I was alone. Arcania’s previously discarded clothes were nowhere to be found. Before heading out in search of my missing mate, I threw on some sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. A quick look in the kitchen turned up nothing. The main tunnel was silent as I sought out the elusive Arcania. I was beginning to wonder if he’d gone back to his ship without me, until I heard his low voice coming from Dante's room. I stopped and listened but couldn’t make out the murmured words. So I quietly peeled back the slightly open velcro door, to find Dante laying on his large blue rug, with his eyes closed and his breathing even.

Arcania sat with his legs criss-crossed at the crown of Dante's head. Arc’s own head was bent and his eyes were closed in focus, as his fingers shot small bits of silver energy into either side of Dante's temple. I stood captivated by whatever Arc was doing. Occasionally Dante’s vessel would spasm and his brow would pucker, but then he would return to a relaxed state once again at Arcania’s command. I watched silently as they worked in tandem. 

"Woah," Dante breathed.

Arc smiled and then slowly pulled back his energy. Dante held the meditative state for a few more minutes. His eyes twitched behind his eyelids.

"When you are ready, slowly open your eyes. Your head will probably ache for the rest of the day. And you will need to practice keeping it open. But at some point, when Spirit sees you are ready for the next step, they'll let you take in energy on your own," Arc explained, as he carefully watched the teenage boy.

Dante slowly opened his eyes and winced. Third eye opening was no joke on the headache front. I clearly remembered vomiting after my own first experience, and then I slept for two days straight. It was as exhausting as it was exhilarating.

"Easy," Arcania warned as Dante drew in a ragged breath.

"It was beautiful. The colors bursting so softly inside my mind. I had no idea that there was so much more, right here..inside of me,” Dante had tears in his eyes by the time he finished finding the words.

"Oh this is just scratching the surface; it’s the initiation. The veil has been removed and connected you back to what was forgotten. Soon you'll be surfing through the portals and other dimensions, and you'll be able to guide others. But you must do your healing in tandem. Otherwise you’ll stagnate," Arcania warned.

"I will," Dante promised as he looked up at Arc’s serious expression. 

Arcania smiled in response and offered his hand to help slowly lift Dante up. Dante turned around and mimicked Arc’s seated position. It was obvious the teenage boy was enchanted with the wise soul that took the time to guide him through something so momentous.

"So wait, one day I'll be like you?" Dante asked with a hopeful expression.

At this, Arc laughed, "You already are. You are God's very breath. So am I. But you took on the challenge of relearning it, and have survived so much darkness in getting to this point. Because of this, I think you are probably far wiser than I. You just need to make the journey to fully remember what it is you agreed to forget."

Dante's eyes widened in understanding. The pieces had clicked together with Arcania’s words. Nothing was going to stop the beautiful boy from finding his truth, not even his past. I smiled at the determination in his brown eyes and in the stubborn set of his chin. Arcania grinned as he shook Dante’s offered hand. I watched in awe as a luminous tether formed between them. 

"Have you two had breakfast yet?" I finally interrupted.

They both looked over and grinned, using all their charm. I rolled my eyes in response.