Magma's Odyssey

Overcoming the Brotherhood arc Ch 5 Training Begins

(It's the next morning. Magma has been awake for a couple of minutes. He looks around the house as he starts to think) I can't get a read on this guy. He doesn't seem to want to hurt me but why would some stranger save me and then want to train me? (He pauses for a moment before continuing) Regardless of the reason, if he is going to help me get stronger which helps me get back to Lava, I'm willing to take the risk! (He sits for a couple more minutes before thinking) Speaking of the old man, where is he?

(Magma begins to walk around the house. After not finding anything, he decides to walk outside and sees an enormous volcano. He senses a strange chi coming from the caldera. He looks closer and sees someone who appears to be Flame Stepping down the side of the volcano)

Could that be the old man? Why would he be at the top of a volcano? (Magma asked himself)

(Magma stares as the person traverses down the volcano. After a few minutes the person is close enough for Magma to make out who it is)

That is the old man! (yelled Magma)

(The old man finally arrives at the house and appears in front of Magma)

Ah! Magma you are awake. Are you ready to start your training?

Yes sir! But why were you at the top of that volcano?

(The old man turns around and glances at the volcano then turns back to Magma and says) That's no ordinary volcano.

(Magma stares blankly at the old man) It's not an ordinary volcano? What do you mean?

(The old man laughs and says) I will tell you when I think you are ready to know. You aren't far along enough in your training to be concerned with what's up there.

(Magma hesitates then says) Okay.

Now to begin your first day of training. Do you know where your powers come from? Do you feel connected to your powers?

Where my powers come from? (a confused Magma asked) What do you mean connected?

(The old man laughs) Elemental powers don't just happen or appear from thin air. Listen Magma, lesson number two. You are a fire Elemental. Therefore, you can generate and use fire abilities at will. Your ability to use fire comes from the Inner Flame within you. Every Elemental has an inner element. Fire elementals have an Inner Flame. Lightning elementals have an Inner Lightning Bolt and so on and so on. Elementals cannot fully use their element's abilities until they are one with their inner element.

Inner Elements? (replied Magma) I never heard about this from the Brotherhood.

Most Elementals subconsciously connect with their inner element as they train and get familiar with their powers. The act of purposely connecting with one's inner element died as a practice a long time ago.

How do I connect with my inner flame?

Sit down and close your eyes. (answered the old man)

Okay. (replied Magma as he sat in the grass and closed his eyes)

(The old man explains) Feel and focus on your chi that is flowing throughout your body. Feel your soul from within your body.

(Magma opens his eyes and looks at the old man)

How do I look at my soul? I thought souls weren't physical matter. (asked Magma)

(The old man grins) I never said look at your soul. I said feel your soul. You should be able to feel your essence within your body.

(Magma closes his eyes and tries again)

I feel it! (shouted Magma)

Okay (replied the old man) Now look past your essence, go further into your spiritual state.