Advanced Science Notes 18/3/23                                                                                                                    Jacob Zandi

Shakti: energy that permeates all living things & atmosphere & ground i guess

      — discovered by British (1859)

      — lifeblood of the universe (sorta) (ask Dylan)

      — can be concentrated and funneled into magic-like utilities

            ~ art of channeling shakti: dhyanna

            ~ practitioners of dhyanna: biku

      — chorans channel it too (no tomes needed!)

Jacob’s legs were a bit shaky the next morning, but he was energized and ready to take on whatever the day had in store for him. The pain he’d heard in his mother’s voice lingered in his mind as he made his way downstairs. Nobody was in the living room or kitchen, which meant his mother was either asleep or out.

Jacob’s gut twisted as he realized the former probably hadn’t happened all night.

He’d never once doubted how strong his mother was, but Jacob was starting to wonder if that strength only allowed her to worry more.

After throwing together some butter and toast, Jacob made for the front door. When he reached out to the doorknob, however, he paused.

Surely she wasn’t serious about my grounding, right...?

The doorknob began twisting on its own, and Jacob stumbled back. As it opened, Jacob saw a face on his mother he’d never seen before. But it quickly changed into a weak smile, and she hastily stepped past him. She walked into the kitchen, and Jacob followed. His mouth opened several times, but no words came out. When she put the grocery bag on the counter, the familiar soft crunch of the paper bag snapped him out of his funk.

His mother smiled as Jacob came over and began taking out the groceries. It didn’t seem to quite reach her eyes.

“You know something, Jacob? For the past six years, I’ve never once had the chance to utter a word before you were in the kitchen, helping me put away the groceries. Imagine that! A ten-year-old, dropping whatever he’s doing to help with chores. Dylan’s mom always tells me how well-behaved you are, but its always felt a bit off to me.

“Don’t get me wrong, of course I appreciate it. I think being so ready to help out is a wonderful thing. But I also can’t help but wonder if it’s a little sad, too.”

She stopped what she was doing and looked into Jacob’s eyes.

“There’s nothing wrong with helping others, but what happens when you hurt yourself to do it? Don’t you think you ought to consider yourself, too?”

Jacob couldn’t meet her gaze.

“Mom.”

“Yeah?”

“... I want to become a Fielder.”

“I know, my dear.”

“I want to explore this crazy world and learn as much as I can about it, and use what I learn to help people out. I agree that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to help others. And I know getting myself hurt hurts people, too. I don’t want that.”

“I know you don’t. You’re the gentlest person in the world.”

“But that’s exactly what I can’t stand. I know that most people aren’t like me. That’s why I want to go out there and find the people that need help, but aren’t getting it because of all the people who just do nothing.”

His mother didn’t respond. Instead, she walked over and embraced him. Her face was buried in his chest. How many years ago did he outgrow her, only to realize it now?

No, it wasn’t all that surprising.

Even now, Jacob looked up to her. This amazing woman, who raised him from infancy all by herself, who taught him how warm it felt to give. She was the incredible one.

All he’d done was follow in her footsteps, and try to be half as amazing as her.

“Mom.”

“…”

“I’m sixteen now. I’m an adult, just like you. So I’m gonna leave this village I’ve spent my whole life in, and share the warmth you’ve given me with as many people as I can.”

Her silence was excruciating. Jacob couldn’t even begin to imagine how his mother must have felt.

Nor the strength she must have possessed to do what she did next.

Slowly, she nodded.

And let go.

Though her eyes were red, the smile she wore finally seemed to reach them.

— — —

Jacob filled his backpack with as many things as he could, only to take it all out and start from scratch. How many times had he packed this backpack full of everything he thought he may need, only to end up forgetting things in his excitement? Dylan and Serena would make fun of him for lugging around a backpack that never had what they needed, and he’d laugh it off while swearing he’d remember to pack it next time.

How long would it be until they went back to those silly antics?

Would they ever go back to those days?

Jacob shook his head. It didn’t matter if those days were behind him; this was the life he’d been dreaming of. The coming days would be so much fun, maybe he wouldn’t even have time to miss running around Icesprout Village, finding chorans who needed saving or just making up some wild adventure. This was the beginning of his journey, no, his real life. He had to leave with his chin up!

"Alrighty, then. That should just about do it.”

Jacob admired his self-restraint; not only was his backpack not bursting at the seams, but there was even room to spare just in case he wanted to grab snacks at the shop before he headed out.

“Efficient and forward-thinking. Already showing the makings of a fine Fielder, I see,” Jacob remarked in his best Dr. Spruce impression.

A knock at the front door took Jacob’s attention off his handiwork. He practically fell down the stairs, and when he opened the door, Serena seemed just as excited.

She patted her backpack. It was half as full as his.

“You ready, or what?”

Jacob was always proud of his ability to climb and descend the stairs at a breakneck pace, but he blew all his previous records out of the water as he raced to grab his backpack. He stepped outside, and took one last look at what had been his home for the sixteen long years. Then he closed the door, chatting excitedly with Serena as they made their way to the western gate.

The line of trees that always stood so threateningly at the western border of Icesprout now seemed to beckon Jacob closer. The shadows beyond them, which had seemed like an unwelcoming world of darkness before, now called out to him with mysteries waiting to be solved.

“Hey, Serena.”

“What’s up?”

“If you find any badass ruins, I’d better be the first you tell.”

“Haha! Long as you promise not to disturb the site.”

“Hmph. Fine, I promise I’ll try not to disturb any sites you come across.”

“Yeah, nice try.”

“Well aren’t you two just itching to get going? And here I thought you’d be so sad to leave us all behind. I think I might cry.”

The two young adventurers turned around and waved to their friend, who was still in his pajamas.

“Hey, you’re the one who decided to stay,” Serena said.

“It’s not too late to change your mind. I know how fast you can get changed,” Jacob added with a grin.

Dylan laughed as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Nah, I’m good. I got shit to take care of, and I can’t really do that when my hands are full with seeing the world. But you two go out and have fun, yeah? Youth ain’t worth jack if you don’t enjoy yourself, you know.”

Serena shook her head. “There you go, acting all wise. But if you’re happy here, it’s not like we’d wanna drag you against your will or anything.”

“Yeah, and don’t worry; we’ll have your share of fun while we’re out there, too!”

“Why does that only worry me.” Dylan shook his head as he laughed.

Jacob and Serena laughed, too. Serena looked past Dylan.

“Oh boy, here comes the crowd. Guess we’d better put on our bravest faces, huh?”

“What, so you’re nervous after all?” Dylan asked.

“Can’t you tell? I’m terrified!”

Dylan smiled. He looked relieved, though Jacob couldn’t quite tell why.

So instead of trying to figure it out, he wrapped his arm around Serena’s shoulders, almost knocking her over in the process.

“C’mon, Serena. Let’s see everyone off with the biggest smiles they’ve ever seen!”

For just a moment, Serena’s bravado left her face. She looked vulnerable, scared even. But then she closed her eyes, and smiled.

“Yeah, let’s.”

It was like the whole village had come out to see the adventurers off. There was even a face Jacob didn’t recognize.

Huh, and here I thought there wasn’t a soul in town I didn’t know.

Dr. Spruce emerged from the crowd and stood before them. Though he wore his usual gentle, weary smile, there was a spark of pride deep in his eyes.

“Looks like that distant day isn’t so distant anymore, is it? Feels like just last week I was teaching you all about the biology of a ledola.”

“Yeah. But now I’m gonna go out there and learn things that you might not even know about! Maybe when I come visit, I can teach you a thing or two!”

Dr. Spruce laughed. “I look forward to it, Junior Fielder Zandi. Miss Joshi.”

“Sir?”

Dr. Spruce rested a hand on her shoulder. There was a look in his eyes that Jacob couldn’t quite identify.

“Be careful out there. You know how many people there are that will do whatever they can to get to you. Once you’re in that forest, I can no longer protect you.”

Something flashed in her eyes, but then she glanced over at Jacob. She put her hand on Dr. Spruce’s and smiled.

“I’ll be alright. I’m strong now, so I can take care of myself.”

“I… I see.”

“Thank you for everything, Dr. Spruce.”

“No, thank you, child. And be safe.”

Dr. Spruce stepped back. Dylan’s mother walked over, and the two adults nodded briefly as they passed each other. She looked up at Jacob, and it dawned on him that there likely wasn’t a woman left in the village he hadn’t outgrown.

“You’ve grown so much. Both of you.”

Serena laughed. “Take care of Dylan while we’re gone, Mrs. Menzel. You know how much trouble he can get into, and we won’t be around to get him out of it anymore.”

Jacob nodded sagely, but then furrowed his brows.

“Wait, isn’t it us who gets him into trouble?”

Mrs. Menzel laughed heartily.

“It’ll be much quieter around here without you two, there’s no doubt about that. And remember that you both are always more than welcome to drop by and have some cheesecake,” she finished with a smirk.

Jacob swallowed the saliva building up in his mouth.

“Oh, and Jacob.”

“Yes, Mrs. Menzel?”

“I’m sorry. I tried to contact Chris to get him over here, but... He picked a terrible time to get busy all of a sudden,” she said with an exasperated smile.

“It’s no trouble, Mrs. Menzel. I’m sure Uncle Chris has his hands full with research and stuff. Besides, we’ll be seeing him in the next town over, so it’s not like he won’t be able to see us off!”

“You truly have grown in the blink of an eye. You resemble your father more and more by the day.”

“Mrs. Menzel…?”

Suddenly, Mrs. Menzel’s composure broke, and she started sobbing. Dr. Spruce came up and walked her back to the crowd. Among them, Jacob saw his mother giving them her most convincing smile. The shop owner that loved to sneak Jacob snacks when his employees weren’t looking grinned proudly as he crossed his massive arms. The old lady that always yelled at them to slow down before they fell and hurt themselves looked like she might pass out from worry. The married couple that never once had kids in all these years had tears in their eyes, as if it were their own children leaving.

It felt like Jacob could bask in this warmth forever.

But he knew that it was for that exact reason that he had to get going.

This is what you’ve been waiting your whole life for. Finally, your life is your own, and there won’t be any more cushions to catch you whenever you fall. Finally, your life can begin.

Jacob took one last look at the only world he’d known, and glanced over at Serena.

To his surprise, tears were streaming down her cheeks.

Jacob carefully navigated his hand over to her wrist and squeezed gently.

“Ready?”

Serena wiped her tears away.

“Yeah.”

They turned around and faced the forest. It seemed to go on forever, beckoning the young adventurers to try and unmask its secrets. But beware, it warned, for the hungry eyes of predators fill this forest. No secret is free of cost, and the further you stretch your hand into that darkness, the more exposed it will be. So advance, it said, and carve your future into the world.

— — —

They’ll be alright. We raised them to the very best of our ability.”

Isla tried to wipe away her tears, but gave up with a helpless laugh.

“I know we did. And I know they will. But I won’t stop worrying.”

“That’s for the best, I’m sure.”

“And what about you, Kerry? Surely you’re just as worried, if not more.”

“Haha. You never fail to see right through me. Perhaps an increased sensitivity from your time around the elves?”

“This is a woman’s intuition; no more, no less. Besides, after all these years, I think I know you better than any woman but one.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

“… How is she, by the way?”

“More stressed than the two of us combined, no doubt. But I’ll make it up to her.”

“So you really are leaving, then?”

“You know I have to.”

“No, you don’t.”

“I’m sorry. This has been like a dream for me, living out all these years in peace and quiet. But you know that I can’t live like that forever. My mind will rot.”

“Yes… I know. On the bright side, Mirai will be elated.”

“She sure will… Elated, and very upset with me.”

“Well, who wouldn’t? You left her for fifteen years. People don’t just do that.”

“How I wish you were right. But it’s not like I had a choice. And I don’t have a choice now, either.”

“‘For the sake of the world,’ right?”

“You should know a thing or two about that, Your Highness.”

“Oh, stop that.”

“It seems I’m not the only one who’s been neglecting my partner.”

“You really are the worst, Kerry. I hope you know that.”

“Haha. Yeah. I know.”