Defiance of the Fall

If the Buddhist Sangha wanted to deal with her , they easily could have . She’d seen them turn an unrepentant Monarch into a devout nun . What resistance could she possibly put up? And there wasn’t much else to do on the ship than cultivate . Her - job’ barely took up any of her time , and if she had to listen to another debate on the Dharma between those insufferable monks , she’d go mad .

She couldn’t believe these people could spend weeks discussing things like the Karmic relationship between a stalk of grass and a raindrop . Amanthi was one of the few people not driving her up the walls . As a Dharmic Guardian , his role seemed more like that of an elite soldier than a spiritual cultivator .

A bell tolled , and Thea looked up with a frown . It was time .

Just get it over with , - Amanthi said .

Why not just tell me what that thing is? -

It’s out of my hands , - Amanthi said . - I’m just here to swing my staff around . You’ll have to convince the little arhats . -

Thea grumbled as they walked to the top level of the multistoried pagoda . It was fifty meters across , and the myriad stars of the cosmos were on full display above . Sixteen young monks and nuns were already sitting around the golden array in the middle . A few looked over with kind smiles . Most ignored her existence , fully consumed by intoning one scripture or another , having closed off their surroundings .

Benefactor , we hope you can light up the path once more , - a nun said as Thea walked over .

Thea looked at the golden array that hummed with vigor . It exuded mysterious ripples , like it held the universe within . Thea couldn’t stop a pang of desire as she looked at the intricate patterns . That feeling of stepping onto the array was indescribable . Of being connected to all creation , one with the cosmos . But it was a false sensation , and she was filled with greater reluctance every time she was brought back to reality .

She didn’t know why , but today was the day . Years had passed , and she’d finally reached her limit .

No , - Thea slowly said .

Her volume was low , but it felt like her rejection shook the whole hall . The silent chanting stopped , and sixteen pairs of eyes locked onto her .

No? - the nun repeated , looking up at her with confusion .

No , I won’t , - Thea said , taking a step back . - I’m not stepping into that thing again until you tell me what’s going on . This weird cult shit has gone on long enough . -

I assure you the array is perfectly safe , - Amanthi said from the side with a troubled look .

I don’t care . You people are way too suspicious . Why me? I know I’m not anyone special . I’m weaker than everyone here , - Thea said , glaring at her sparring partner . - The only thing I can come up with is my background . My home planet , my⁠— -

Thea stopped in her tracks . She couldn’t call him her partner anymore . Over a decade had passed , and he thought she was dead .

My loved ones , - Thea continued . - I’m not stepping onto this goddamned thing again until I get some answers! -

Benefactor’s train of thought has merit , - an unfamiliar voice echoed through the halls . - But it is but a part of the tapestry . -

You! - Thea said , her eyes wide with shock at the new arrival .

This poor monk didn’t expect fate to bring him back to this region so soon , - Abbot Everlasting Peace smiled .

Well , it’s safe to return now that Zac ran himself ragged to deal with the mess you left behind , - Thea glared .

The abbot gave no rebuttal and only turned to the youthful monk sitting at the central position . His name was Crystallized Enlightenment , and the de-facto leader of his group as far as Thea could tell . She didn’t know much about him , though . He never joined the debates or made any move to converse with her . His aura felt as vast as an ocean , bottomless and unfathomable . Just the thought of fighting him filled Thea with despair .

This is not what we agreed upon , - Sacred Insight said , his voice seemingly coming from both the future and the past .

A small frown of displeasure appeared on his usually impassive face , and she felt a weak pull like reality was being twisted . Dread attempted to consume her when a calming wind swept away the sensation of doom . It had only lasted a moment , but Thea’s back was already slick with sweat .

You said you wouldn’t impede the search . -

This poor monk believes he is aiding it . Forcing fate will only steer us toward a sea of regret , - Everlasting Peace said .

Your attachment to your past life is an anchor , - Sacred Insight said . - Karma binds you , clouds your judgement . The Dharma will forever elude you unless you free yourself . -

If this poor monk had severed Karma , he wouldn’t be standing here , - Everlasting Peace smiled . - That is not my path . Whatever Karma I create , be it good or evil , I shall bear to the end . -

Eh , why not just tell her? - Amanthi added from behind , his calm voice cutting through the tension . - Might even improve the outcome . -