Chapter 5: Big Tragedy in Life
Tragedy had brought Maria back from the sky to Earth. She was once again filled with sadness, but she had a reason to live.
Maria's days crept by slowly, engulfed in sorrows, trapped in the monotony of her receptionist job at the same mundane restaurant. Each evening, she returned to her old flat, a space that held memories of a life before marriage. Her sole reason for existence was the baby growing within her, a spark of hope that lit up her life.
She was living for that future, a routine of work interspersed with moments spent with her faithful dog Sootra, and her loyal kitty. But unbeknownst to her, sinister forces were at play. Magician Jack had caught wind that their plan to end Asher's life had failed, and Maria was still breathing. Fear gripped them as they contemplated the possibility of Maria seeking revenge once she uncovered the truth behind her husband's murder.
"In desperation, Magician Jack sought counsel from the powerful Sorcerer David, who had initially advised him. Deep in the heart of a dense jungle, Sorcerer Mike confronted Magician Jack, his anger evident. He chastised Magician Jack for breaking their rules, as he had not intended Asher's death. Magician Jack, remorseful, tried to explain, but Sorcerer Mike's knowledge of Asher's demise startled him.
Magician Jack pleaded for guidance, admitting his vulnerability to Maria's wrath. However, Sorcerer David remained detached, reminding Magician Jack that his fate was his own to bear. He cautioned Magician Jack to be cautious in plotting his path, avoiding past mistakes.
Desperate but with newfound determination, Magician Jack left Sorcerer David's dwelling. His thoughts still lingered with ill intentions towards Maria, yet he vowed not to repeat his previous errors.
Back in the city, Maria's life continued. She gave birth to a baby boy named Junior Asher, a tribute to her departed husband. Her days were consumed by work and caring for her child. A strong bond grew between Henry and Sootra, giving Maria solace. Despite her challenges, she embraced motherhood wholeheartedly.
Unbeknownst to Maria, Magician Jack's obsession and fear intensified. He spent a year fruitlessly searching nearby cities for her. As time went on, his desperation drove him to seek the assistance of another master, Master Chan, hoping to locate Maria before she could unravel his plan.
In the depths of the dense Chinese jungle, the magicians embarked on their journey to the hidden abode of their master, Master Chan. Known far and wide for his prowess in future prediction, combat skills, and capturing spirits, Master Chan's reputation preceded him. The magicians finally arrived at Master Chan's dwelling and reverently rang the bell.
From within the depths of the home, a voice echoed, 'Who goes there?'
'It is I, your loyal magician, your former student,' replied Magician Jack.
'Come inside,' Master Chan's voice beckoned.
Stepping into the enigmatic abode, the magician was greeted by an array of bottles of varying sizes, each shrouded in ominous black cloth. Master Chan directed the magician to take a seat and await his return, cautioning him not to disturb anything for the next ten minutes.
Master Chan ascended to an upper chamber while the magician waited in anticipation. After a brief interval, Master Chan, the master of all sorcery, descended to meet his guest.
The magician Jack bowed deeply, demonstrating his respect. 'Be seated,' Master Chan instructed, in a voice that held the weight of wisdom. He inquired about the purpose of the magician's visit, wondering what circumstances had brought him all the way to China.
'I am plagued by stress and fear,' the magician confessed. 'I sense my days are numbered.'
Master Chan listened attentively as the magician Jack revealed the unsettling tale of how he had orchestrated the demise of a man named Asher and now lived in constant dread of retribution from Maria, Asher's widow. The magician feared that once Maria uncovered the truth behind her husband's death, she would seek vengeance and end his life.
Master Chan probed further, seeking to understand Maria's whereabouts and intentions. The magician Jack admitted his ignorance regarding her current residence and plans. It was clear that the magician sought Master Chan's assistance in locating Maria and thwarting her potential threat.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Master Chan assured the magician, 'You are my student, and you have journeyed a great distance. I shall aid you in this time of peril. However, I am engaged in an important task presently. Tomorrow morning, I shall focus on your predicament. Remain here as my guest tonight,' Master Chan advised.
The magician expressed his gratitude, thankful for the shelter and protection Chan offered. Before departing, the magician summoned the courage to ask a question about the mysterious bottles draped in black cloth. With an enigmatic smile, Master Chan replied, 'Tomorrow morning, I shall reveal the secrets of these bottles to you. For now, refrain from touching them. The consequences could be dire, and I shall not be held accountable.' Assured of his compliance, the magician accepted the instructions.
Master Chan summoned a servant to attend to the magician's needs, ensuring his comfort during his stay. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Maria continued her routine, oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead.
As the day unfolded, Maria's child, Henry, played in the garden during the evening hours. Observing the child's interaction with Sootra, their loyal dog, Maria noticed something peculiar. When Sootra chased a rabbit, Junior Sheen dashed after them. Curiously, both the rabbit and Sootra halted in their tracks simultaneously. Junior Sheen picked up the rabbit, gazing at it with affection before releasing it.
Maria couldn't shake the uncanny feeling, but attributed it to innocent child's play. Morning sunlight came through the windows, making Master Chan's home feel warm and cozy. He returned after a morning walk and was thinking about his guest, the magician. The servant said, 'Good morning! Master Chan; where is the magician Jack?'
'He's getting ready in his room,' the servant told him. 'Should I call him?'
'No, don't hurry. Let him take his time. Tell him to come to my room for breakfast later,' Master Chan said. The servant nodded and did what Master Chan asked.
Master Chan sat down at the dining table, and the magician joined him for breakfast. The magician Jack pointed to the bottles. 'I noticed these bottles in your house. What are they?'
Master Chan replied, 'Those bottles have spirits that did bad things. I help them become good and then set them free.' The magician was curious. 'How do you make them good?'
'Just like teaching someone to be better,' Master Chan explained. 'They learn and change, and then I let them go.' The magician listened carefully and nodded. 'That's interesting. But why
let them go? Shouldn't they be punished?'
Master Chan put his hand on the magician's shoulder. 'Punishment is important, but giving a chance to change is important too.'
Meanwhile, Maria was taking care of her child, Henry, and her pets. She wanted to forget her past and enjoy her new life. One evening, Maria and her child went to the market. They bought food and walked home as the sun set. On the way, they saw a girl running from dogs. Maria stood up to help, even though she was scared. The dogs started to bark at the girl. The girl came to Maria and stopped. Maria wanted to protect her child and the girl from the dogs. But something strange happened; the dogs stopped barking and acted friendly. Maria felt surprised and relieved. She and the girl went their separate ways, and Maria went home with a happy heart and many questions in her mind.
Back in the forest, Master Chan had a bottle covered with black cloth. He opened it, and black smoke came out, then it disappeared into the air. Later, he told the magician about what he did with the bottle. The magician was amazed and asked more questions. Master Chan explained, 'It's my duty to make things better. Magician Jack said, 'Tell me about that powerful thing I mentioned earlier.' Master Chan explained, 'Powerful things can be used for good or bad. You decide.'
Master Chan, with Magician Jack, came to the mountain hill area.
Master Chan: 'It is the best site to sit and talk.'
Magician Jack: 'Yes, it's really an amazing place that seems like paradise on Earth.'
Master Chan: 'It's one of the oldest valleys of China and the thickest lush green forest.'
Magician Jack: 'Agreed and appreciated.'
Master Chan: 'Well, tell me now, in detail, why you have come here from hundreds of miles to meet with me.'
Magician Jack: 'Master, I am in big trouble.'
Master Chan surprised: 'Big trouble? Tell me more.'
Magician Jack: 'Yes, Master, I made a big mistake, and now due to that mistake, my life is in danger.'
Master Chan: 'What did you do!? And who is after your life?'
Magician Jack: 'Explains how he accidentally murdered Mr. Sheen instead of Maria for his revenge.'
Master Chan: 'You killed an innocent man! How dare you think I would help you after such an evil deed? Get out of my home and country, and never come again. You know I only help people who are innocent and in danger.'
Master Chan (continuing in anger and frustration): 'You are not innocent. In fact, you killed an innocent person.'
After a while, he becomes calm. Magician Jack didn't intervene during his talk; he just listened carefully and pretended as if he was sorrowful for what he did. After a while, both remained silent, and Master Chan was deep in thought.
On the other side, Maria is surprised and still thinking about the events from yesterday. She wonders why the dogs stopped chasing the girl and became quiet, looking at her child, Henry.
She starts counseling herself, thinking that her child is not causing this reaction. She's somewhat satisfied but the thoughts still linger. Finally, Maria wants to get rid of these thoughts, so she decides to visit a doctor, a psychologist, tomorrow. She picks up a diary and starts searching for the doctor's phone number.
She whispers to herself, 'Here it is.' She calls the number and gets an appointment for tomorrow evening. Then she turns off the phone and looks with love at her son, Henry, who is sleeping. She whispers, 'No, I will do all the necessary things. I will prove myself as the best mother.' Then she kisses Henry and turns off the light. Her dog, Sootra, also comes close to her, and then they all go to sleep.
On the other side, in the forest, Magician Jack notices that Master Chan still looks angry. He tries to calm him down, talking in a low tone. 'My Master, you are my last hope. Please save my life. I will do whatever you tell me.'
Master Chan takes a deep breath, relaxing himself and controlling his anger. He speaks to Magician Jack, 'Listen, you are my student, and you were very close to me. You did good things in the past, but what you did wrong is unpredictable. How can my student be so selfish as to take the life of an innocent man?'
Magician Jack: 'Master, I didn't do it intentionally. What happened was a complete accident. I feel sad and sorry for it. I am here begging you for my life. You have to help me, please.'
Master Chan: 'You know my principles in life. I didn't do anything wrong. I always help people and nature. I use all my power to maintain peace and harmony.'
Magician Jack: 'Yes, my Master, every magician knows about you. I am here to get help. Please have pity on me and help me solve my problem.'
Master Chan: 'There is one condition for you. If you accept it, I can help you.'
Magician Jack: 'I accept all the terms and conditions you want.'
Master Chan: 'You have to promise me that you will not hurt anybody ever again in your life, and you will use all your power for good purposes.'
Magician Jack: 'Yes, my Master, I will obey all your commands.'
Master Chan: 'One more thing, you have to apologize to Maria. You will talk to her and tell her everything.'
Magician Jack: 'But Master, she is my enemy. If she doesn't accept my apology, she might kill me.'
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone