The Enlightened One - The Beginning
_This is the story of how Karma became the Enlightened One, the moment when Karma gained their blessing, gained their curse. For only she understands the truth of life and death, of pain and suffering, and she will always be called to keep them in balance. _
"You have bested me", spouted Boros. "You have learned what the death of a person truly means." Karma couldn't take her eyes off the general, who stumbled slowly, lifted by the field of turquoise fire that devoured him, but dragged down by the lifeless body that was slowly purged of his corrupted soul. The man's gaze was one of wonder, confusion and resolve. Death had been part of his life and he had been expecting it every single day. Yet now that he had fallen, he could not embrace it. Anger flashed across his face, consuming the last bit of energy left within him. Slower than a feather his mountain of a body approached the ground - in a moment that lasted ages. At least for Karma.
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"Why?", asked Karma, trying to hold back tears. "Why me?" "No one else understands that the death of a person can mean the life to thousand others. The people of Ionia have forgotten. They think that preserving is the only means to protection. You, out of the thousands that came between, finally remember this ancient wisdom.", said the spiritdragon as he spiraled around her right hand, filling her heart with darkness and resolve. "But death is only one part", said Ouru. Her presence filled Karma with warmth and calm, even in between the bloody riot around her. "The death of an emperor can save thousands, but sparing the wrong child will doom millions." Ouro spiraled around Karma's left arm, upwards to her decorum. "Try it.", she said "You will understand"
Karma whirled around and for a moment, the fight around her continued at normal speed. But not for long. As soon as the spiritdragon called Boros extended from her hand towards her foe and struck him in an explosion of magical energy, time froze again. A searing pain burnt through Karma's heart, as the feelings of her foe's loved ones poured their suffering into her. She felt their weeping, their anger, their confusion, their despair. But at the same moment an outcry of happy families, reuniting with those meant to be slain, mended her heart's wounds and filled her with endless pleasure. As her enemy's body was annihilated, Boros dragged his soul through hers, purging him of all his wrongs and rights and tainting Karma's soul with it.
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She stumbled. "Go on", whispered Ouru, "You are stronger than you think." Karma's face hardened. "This is our blessing", explained Ouru. "And our curse", reminded Boros.
Karma extended her hand again, this time Ouru sprang forth, whirling around her left hand towards a friend. As soon as cold metal struck the bright and shimmering shield. Karma's head was filled with all of her friends sins she would eventually commit, but also the good times she would have one day. Every time from this day on, when Karma used her powers, the souls would teach her, whether friend or foe, what their destruction could mean and what their salvation would bring. This is why they call her the Enlightened One, the Keeper of Balance, for she is the only one who truly understands to this day, the tuth about your life. And death.
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_This is the story of how Karma became the Enlightened One, the moment when Karma gained their blessing, gained their curse. For only she understands the truth of life and death, of pain and suffering, and she will always be called to keep them in balance. _
PS: If you enjoy this short story you probably also like my related Twin Dragon Karma rework. It was the basis for this story and explains why I changed this significant part of her backstory to a - as I perceive - more fulfilling one.
But please, let me know what you think!
