CURSE OF THE REDWOOD SHRINE (4)

Marshall lay in the infirmary, feeling the steady hum of spiritual energy around him day in and day out. 

The familiar sight of the physician's receding hairline became more pronounced as the days passed, the bald spots on his head shining with anxiety.

Master Gi Shan had appeared once or twice to question Marshall. The child lied to his face, claiming he had never seen the demonic shadowy creature before the day it showed up on Avidity Premises. 

He fully intended to take his secret about going to the mountains to his grave. Nothing and no one could pull the truth out of him. Master Gi Shan had no choice but to believe him.

One evening, Master Gi Shan visited again. As soon as the physician saw him walk through the door, the grey mustache twitched in stress.

"Is there any progress?" Master Gi Shan inquired.

"Unfortunately not," the physician began, his voice heavy with fatigue. "The cleansing is proving to be ineffective."

Master Gi Shan rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing. "What alternatives do we have?"

The physician hesitated, glancing at Marshall before continuing. "We could seal the demonic energy. It would prevent it from causing immediate harm and allow the boy to live a relatively normal life."

Master Gi Shan frowned, clearly displeased with the situation. "Sealing it inside the body? Are you suggesting we allow the demonic energy to live alongside the child?"

The physician swallowed hard, his mustache scrunching up nervously. "Forcing it out could cause severe complications. Sealing is the safest option."

Marshall quietly watched the discussion, the barrage of adult words lost on him. 

Master Gi Shan considered it, then let out an exasperated sigh. "For a seal strong enough to suppress demonic energy, we would need a powerholder's help."

"You are absolutely correct," the physician affirmed, bowing his head in hopes he would leave now.

 "I will discuss the matter with General Gi," Master Gi Shan conceded.

➳ ➳ ➳

The next day, the infirmary was abuzz with anticipation. The staff of Avidity Premises and disciples alike had swarmed the small building for a near once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the great General Gi in person.

As whispers and poorly concealed squeals of younger ladies took over the subtle swooshes of the trees, Marshall peeked out the open window.

An incredibly tall man strode towards the infirmary. Draped in robes of pine tree green with intricate black and gold patterns swirling across the fabric like ancient sigils. Broad sleeves billowed like regal banners, and the hem kissed the ground with every step he took. 

His hair, a rich ebony, was pulled back into a neat bun, with not a single strand daring to stray from its place. Yet, despite the sharp clarity in his expression and the unwavering steel in his posture, a subtle softness lingered in his eyes as he saw the child watching him in awe.

The powerholder's presence was a study in contrasts: the formidable strength of a seasoned warrior enveloped in the serene grace of a pine tree in a sacred grove. His attire spoke of tradition and power, his demeanor of unwavering resolve, and his eyes, a whisper of kindness that only the children got to see.

 The gathered crowd parted respectfully, their excited murmurs hushed to a reverent silence as General Gi entered the infirmary. He moved with a purposeful grace, each step resonating with authority.

Marshall sat as still as a lily pad in a lake, his curiosity frozen upon the strong man approaching his bedside. The general's gaze was kind as it met the child's, perhaps the kindest he had ever been looked at.

With a deep, steady voice that held a fatherly smile, General Gi greeted him. "Hello, Marshall. Do you know why I am here?"

Uncharacteristically at a loss of words, the child could only nod. He didn't, in fact, know what General Gi had come there for, but he wanted to make a good impression. And not knowing wouldn't have made a good impression.

"Are you ready?" the deep voice asked him.

The physician, who had been anxiously wringing his hands, straightened up and answered in Marshall's stead. "General Gi, we have prepared everything."

General Gi gave a brief nod, acknowledging the physician's words. He then turned his full attention back to Marshall, his eyes softening with a reassuring warmth.

"Marshall," he said, his voice steady and calming, "I am here to help you. We will be placing a seal on the demonic energy inside you. This will ensure it does not harm you or anyone else. Do you understand?"

Marshall, busy fighting his curiosity, couldn't stop his eyes from darting over the embroideries on the green robes, the golden threads shimmering like the sun's veins.

Elegant patterns of mountain peaks rose majestically across the fabric on his chest. Intertwining tree roots and branches spread across his sleeves. Fertile fields, abundant with crops, adorned the robe's borders. 

Marshall's fingers stretched out and curled as he wanted to touch the threads to see what they were made of.

"Shei Marshall, you have been spoken to," Master Gi Shan's stern voice pierced through the child's wonder like a knife.

Marshall jolted back to attention, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He nodded quickly, his eyes now fixed on General Gi's face. "Yes, I understand."

General Gi's expression remained kind, a squint of a smile under his eyes. He knelt down beside Marshall's bed, bringing himself to the child's eye level. "Do not worry about anything. I need you to lie down and trust me."

Without wasting another second, Marshall dropped back in the bed, his arms obediently still by his sides. His small fists clenched in excitement and fear, eyes wide in mystified anticipation.

General Gi rose calmly and raised his hands. The air around him seemed to tremble with energy. Deep green light began to emanate from his fingertips, forming a sigil in the shape of a melon. 

It floated in the air delicately, each symbol and filigree falling in place flawlessly.

The crowd was peeking in through the window with such raptness that it gave the impression the closest people were going to fall inside over the windowsill any time. 

The green sigil floated above Marshall, casting a gentle glow over his face. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, a comforting sensation that seemed to ease his fears and doubts.

General Gi's voice, steady and resonant, filled the room as he began to chant ancient incantations. The symbols responded, pulsing in time with his words.

Marshall felt a gentle pressure on his chest as the sigil descended, sinking into his skin with a soft, warm glow. The demonic energy within him stirred, but it was contained before it could cause any pain. 

After the sigil had settled into place, and the green spiritual light faded, General Gi lowered his hands, a look of satisfaction and relief on his face. The spectators exhaled in admiration, the tension dissipating into the air.

"The seal is complete," General Gi announced, his tone reassuring. 

The physician, who had been anxiously watching, let out a deep breath and relaxed his tense shoulders. The disciples exchanged eager whispers and nudges.

As Marshall sat up, General Gi patted his back. "You are a brave boy, Marshall."

A hushed mumble came in through the window, "I want to be brave too, but that was scary."

General Gi turned to look at the boy who had spoken, a fond smile unfolding on his face. "True bravery is not the absence of fear but the will to face it."

"What's absence?" Marshall blurted out a question before he could think of it.

"Absence," General Gi began gently, "means something is missing or not present. In this case, 'the absence of fear' means having no fear at all."

Marshall's brow furrowed slightly as he processed this new concept. He looked around the room, his gaze falling on the still, silent crowd peering in through the window.

The disciple who wished to be brave murmured shyly, "But I can't do anything when I'm scared."

"Bravery is about feeling the fear but not letting it stop you," General Gi continued. "Trust in yourself and your ability to handle the challenges that come your way."

Marshall nodded slowly, the idea sinking in. He glanced down at his hands, which were still slightly clenched from the earlier tension.

A childish arrogance built in his mind—how can anyone let fear stop them? I will never stop, never in my life! I'll keep doing what I want to do even if Master Gi Shan scolds me! I can deal with everything!