Hey guys sorry for the delay. I got caught up with Onam (very famous cultural celebration in Kerala) celebrations and guests
On another note,
Happy belated Onam
Rudra scratched his head as he sat cross legged watching the ritual. He sat in a room filled with several pillars of cement and stone. The outside was filled with people all over the district and tourists who came to see the ritual. The loud beats of the chenda (drum that is used in Kerala. Commonly used in festivals. The music is also called Chenda Mella) and the ringing of sonorous metals clanging against each other, magnified by the speakers, to produce a loud but soothing music thumped on the walls of the temple.
To be honest when he saw the temple from the outside he wondered where they were even going to do such a ritual. The field was full of people with dancers wearing masks and dancing in a slightly weird way to the rhythm of the beats. At first, they looked as if they are dancing half drunk, but on more careful inspection he realised that even with such a dance not a single step missed the beat of the drum, not a single movement out of place. He had been there for a few days with his other friends relishing the dancing. Each dance and day were to honour a different god and ritual. Each step meant something and was akin to a ritual to appease some god or to signify something.
Luckily though it seems this had a secret chamber underneath. A single tile on the floor was pressed on by some kind of talisman by a designated priest which opened to an underground basement. Then there was another room that looked like a storage house. Fortunately, this also was a trick as the priest took 4 steps from the entrance and places another talisman on the floor which then opened the right wall of this enclosure to a more brightly lit room with hundreds of talismans pasted on the walls with the same scenery that Mariamma had described.
Now he was sitting there in a white mundu and a orange shirt as he was fiddling with his thumbs. For some reason all men were wearing a mundu with most being bare chested while the women wore some kind of white saree or a pavada and blouse. Most of them were praying with the fire serving as the centre piece and for some reason were actively leaking cursed energy in bits. Rudra was the only child here which raised quite a lot of eyebrows. However, they were soon put to rest as Mariamma clarified that he was under her care.
The golden eyed woman came in the beginning to simply watch over the start to see the preparations. She simply looked at Rudra and hurriedly gave a nod and had a chat with some of the other sorcerers in the room. Rudra caught a few whispers of a small rise in cursed spirits and the name Satoru Gojo being thrown around. It seems no continent or country in the world was left unaffected by his birth and after a few more pleasantries she left the room.
Rudra felt the poke of something hitting his left shoulder before looking up and seeing Mariamma passing him a multicoloured paper fan. Rudra took it gratefully as Mariamma continued to layback on the deck chair (grandfather chair. This is used in Kerala a lot and unfortunately I really don't know what it is called in English so please check this out online.) made of rosewood as she relaxed and watched calmly. Unlike most other sorcerers she wore Chattayum mundum and if you listened carefully, you could hear the slight rubbing of chainmail underneath it. There were a few others in shirt and pant, but they had all gone out to act as security within the crowd itself in case an issue in the ritual broke out.
"Ok so what part of the ritual are we at here?" asked Rudra as he whispered to Mariamma
"Well currently they are doing the purification of cursed energy so that it can be used in the talisman ritual later" she whispered back
"What do you mean purified. I thought all cursed energy was the same"
"Not really. While cursed energy that is prevalent in the air is normally neutral, that is not always the case. During the time when cursed energy is released from a person's body, it still holds a slight memory of what type of cursed energy it was when it is inside the person"
"I don't really understand" he asked scratching his head again. Mariamma sighed before explaining once again.
"Hmm.. you like those detective novels no? Hmm I will explain it like that then…" she said as she straightened a bit on the chair
"Ok so think of cursed energy inside of a person having something similar to a fingerprint. If you simply gloss over cursed energy over an area in general you will think that it is all the same. However through certain ways like talismans and experiments we can find out that there are differences in both quantity and quality."
"Can you give an example"
"The most famous experiment done is when a couple of sorcerers gathered themselves in a large house in different groups. Now this house was lined with talismans so that there would be little to no interference of cursed energy from outside. The idea was to basically have different people live in this house to purposely leak their cursed energy and then see what kind of cursed spirits or effects would form. Multiple experiments with different people in the room showed that other than quantity there was another effect of cursed energy that would dictate what kind of cursed spirit could form, or any other side effects on other talismans. Through multiple observations it was regarded that quality was another factor. This quality of course still does not exactly have an exact definition. Some claim it is the density of cursed energy that matter. Others say it is more so the intent of the person and overall interests of the group that matters. Some others say it is the texture of the cursed energy. So.."
"So basically this just confirmed quantity was not the only factor. Anything else?"
"Boy, you severely underestimate just how much of a breakthrough this was. For years before people thought that only quantity mattered. Anyways like I was saying one thing was undeniable. Based on the experiments on talismans we concluded two things." She said. She held up her index finger as she spoke
"First is that each individual's cursed energy both while inside a person and a few seconds to some minutes outside carry a certain unique flavour or fingerprint in your terms, that affected the experiment positively or negatively. It was also noted that if an already existing medium of cursed energy existed then cursed energy would likely try to flow towards that area. Even though you could argue these were two effects, as they didn't get much detail on this, they put it as one itself. Nothing other than this was found out as a lot of time the effects were completely random"
She held the middle finger as she continued
"Second was that when multiple people in a single area continuously believed in one thing. Then there is a high chance that any curse born will be from that. Of course that was already known however there was a more important detail. The more ardent the belief on the appearance, the higher the chance that the cursed spirit formed will look like that. Here is where there came a concept where there was some kind of ratio where as in if you put a few people that deeply believed in something vs a few more people who vaguely believed the same thing, but in a different way, there was a much higher chance that the ones that believed more deeply will get the cursed spirit. This is also where the concept of intent guiding cursed energy or cursed spirit formation came to be. The ratio that I speak of is how much likely will a cursed spirit formed from a set number of people that deeply in a said concept vs a large vague understanding or belief in something or concept"
She once again stretched her arms a bit in her chair before continuing
"Of course, this ratio has never been accurately predicted and is just eye-bawled at to figure what possible cursed spirits could form. This is since people often overestimate or underestimate their own beliefs"
"Oh ok. I guess that makes sense. Who did this though"
"All of the people involved are not known as it is an old experiment. This was one of the earliest documents that showed sorcerers working together from southern to some middle parts of India with the Arabs from the Gulf due to trade. I think a few current northern states also took part in it, but their involvement was more prevalent in experiments after this Due to the geographical and kingdom constraints"
"Hmm anything similar?"
"Many, actually though most have just given similar results though. Like I said before cursed energy is so difficult to measure or analyse. It is almost as if it realises it is being analysed and messes up with the experiments in return."
"Hmm makes sense I guess. So this ritual is a result of that experiment. Huh... Some talismans get the cursed energy from outside. That gathered cursed energy is not uniform so it is guided to the fire where it is purified to become holistic. I am not sure about this, but I feel that the paper that is to become the new talisman is thrown into the fire with cursed energy surrounding it to protect it from the fire. The sorcerers that are praying along with the talisman around themselves guide the gathered cursed energy from outside to settle on the new papers through intent and pathways respectively."
Rudra sat up a bit straighter talking with a hurriedness and excitement in his voice. A twinkle in his eyes cemented his fascination with cursed energy and how they interacted.
"The cursed energy that was used to protect the talisman now also function as a magnet or higher potential in a sense as this energy obviously will try to assimilate with more cursed energy. Then I guess those cement blocks around the fireplace with the words inscribed on them is what allows the cursed energy to function on the talisman or make them active"
Mariamma raised one eyebrow in apprehension. She looked at him impressed and then turned her face back to the ritual
"Very good. Your application of cursed energy is lacking a bit, but you have an intuitive understanding of its theory. Though you did get one part wrong."
"Oh really what part is that?"
"It is simple. That fire you see, it does nothing other than create a fuel for imagination and concentration. The real crux is the talisman that is written on the bricks That does what you said and this too. You see fire has been regarded as something both dangerous and purifying at the same time. This concept is used by the sorcerers to give an intent towards the cursed energy which helps a bit in the purpose even though the talisman is what does the heavy lifting. The prayers do a similar thing. Furthermore, the heat and light given by the bonfire gives something tangible for them to focus on. After all visualisation is one of humanities greatest abilities"
"Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense" Rudra said as he yawned a bit. He had been bored of sitting in the same position for what seemed like an infinite amount of time. His legs had got partially numb, and he was sweating quite a bit. He looked up to once again see a series of tubes and tunnels that led to the surface which allowed fresh air to come and the hot air to leave. Even then it was still too damn hot. He silently wished that the could have at least put an ac over here
"Well I guess this would still be boring for someone of your age. Go outside and see the dance. This time focus on the clothes and flow of cursed energy. Today there is going to be a difference in the clothes they wear" said Mariamma as she noticed his yawning
Rudra happily stood up while one of the other sorcerers led him outside.
'Finally some fresh cool air'
Rudra smelled the fresh night air that reverberated with the fast-paced music of the Chenda's. Luckily enough the main program was yet to start. Today's performance was regarding Kaalan Kolam. This was different from other Padayani Kolams as they own a kingly status among all other Kolams.
The dancers finally came around talking to each other with a stick on one hand with its end lit on fire and a large straight sword in the other. They wore a white mundu with golden lining and a red cloth on top of it. On their chest lay a chest piece where the top looked like a large necklace made of white paint designs on a black background with yellow linings running horizontally in between to separate the different designs. The middle and bottom of the same piece had twin elliptical and circular motifs painted in bold black and white, edged with yellow, resembling both chest and floral designs. The edges of this had golden yellow lining as decoration.
Their face covered in green face paint with white googly eyes on top of their own and a moustache similar to a bulls horns (Author's note: I guess you could also remember whitebeards moustache). On top of their heads was a large ritual mask-headdress where the centre a face similar to the face paint of the man but with his tongue out. Around it was doodles and below it had floral patterns with designs jutting out from the right and left. The top, left and right had three owlish figures sitting with three strips of papers sticking out from each of their heads
They started the dance with a similar fashion to the previous dances. Sometimes lifting their feet to the air and stomping the ground and other times shifting their weight from each foot and carefully looking at the audience. As they stomped their feet the sound of their chilanka (anklet made of leather straps tied around the ankle, fitted with multiple rows of small metallic bells.) got drowned out by the singing of a priest and the banging of instruments.
Rudra looked confused for a moment. His cursed technique and spider sense warned him of some build up of cursed energy. However he did not see any cursed energy forming
'Hmm if that is the case then it should be related to the ritual itself. Mariamma said that there was something special about the clothes right. Hmm maybe I should do that then'
He closed his eyes and focused his spidey sense. If there was something special about the clothes then using his cursed technique and spidey sense he should be able to figure out if there is any build up of cursed energy by focusing on the largest source of it.
His eyes flew wide open in surprise when he found out.
'Bloody brilliant. So that is what is means about special clothes.' Rudra looked around at the people carefully watching the show. Their eyes glued to it as if in a trance
'Well it feels pretty weird but it makes sense now. Those clothes have some kind of talismans within them. Maybe the stitching themselves? Either ways those talisman basically absorb… no redirect any cursed energy focused on them. As during most of the peoples attention is focused on them naturally there is also a play on their beliefs being directed towards the dancers. This belief in a way is the intent part of the cursed energy which is being redirected towards the ground where the room is. That is why there are so few talismans outside as they only must catch any stray cursed energy'
Rudra scratched his chin as he thought in silence
'Well there is one way to test this theory'
Rudra crouched down and looked sideways to make sure no one was looking. He used a bit of his cursed technique to send some sparks at the ground.
Mariamma looked up at the flare of cursed energy.
'That 8 year old is something else. He figured everything out with just a few hints.' She thought with a proud grin. 'Hmm is that just him or are kids getting smarter nowadays. Either ways…' she looks around at the sorcerers. While it did not betray their faces, her nose smelled a bit of panic from their sweat. 'I got to make sure he does not interfere anymore. Otherwise by accident we might create a cursed spirit by accident.'
She flared a bit of her cursed energy as a sign of acknowledgment and Rudra smiled in response
'That is good. But I still have some unanswered questions'
Rudra pushed forward towards the dancers. Rudra closed his eyes, once again relying on his spider sense alone this time. He finally got to the front of the crowd and stood watching for a chance
"Oh no, I have been pushed" yelled Rudra as he fell towards one that his spider sense rang the loudest at. Both of his hands crackled with a silver of cursed energy. His right hand reached for the mundu while the other reached for the sword. The dancer was completely taken by surprise and had no choice but to allow Rudra to touch them both.
"Ok boy. Please go back to the crowd. We know this was on accident but don't disturb the dancers" said the man who was singing just moments before barely hiding his dissipating patience. Rudra stood stunned as his eyes registered the knee of the dancers coming close to his face on instinct. The dancer then realised what he was doing and pulled back his knee before it made contact and gently guided Rudra back into the crowd. Rudra turned back sporting a small grin and winked at the dancer who saw it and simply shook his head sideways with a similar grin and then continued the dance.
'So it is true. There was one sorcerer present among the dancers. This did not happen during the other dances before. It seems this sorcerer was flaring his own cursed energy to act like a magnet or something with higher potential so that cursed energy in the air will be attracted to it. Due to this and the fact that people have their focus on them and in a way place their belief on them the cursed energy will be going there. The mundu simply redirects the cursed energy as before. However the sword is more special. It seems that there is some talismans stuck to the hand of the sorcerer catching the sword that basically act like a receiver similar to towers for radio communication but for cursed energy. The sorcerer frequently shifts his weight and touched the handle against the mundu and makes it look like a part of the dance. That is why it felt like his movements were neither as fluid or uniform as the other dancers. But….'
Rudras scratched his chin. He felt he was missing something else. He closed is eyes again trying to remember what was.
Meanwhile below the sorcerers were slowly panicking
"Is someone trying to interfere with the ritual?"
"Why was there a small break in the flow of cursed energy"
"The receiver wasn't functioning for a moment"
Mariamma sighed tiredly before answering them
"Don't worry. It is probably something my student did. He is a curious one, so he probably tried to insert his own cursed energy in an overdose."
"Seriously Mariamma. I do respect you and your autonomy as a retiree but please keep your student in check" said one of the sorcerers in irritation
"Ya, ya he won't repeat that. Don't worry"
They nodded in acknowledgement and continued with the ritual
'Seriously. The boy pretty much figured out the whole thing. I am not sure whether to be happy that he is smart or be annoyed that he didn't simply think of asking me instead of interfering' She thought as she once again relaxed
Rudra's eyes opened in realization above ground
'Yes that is it. When I passed the cursed energy on the mundu and sword it felt like it was resisting it. There might be some binding vow or something that makes it so that cursed energy above a certain amount would not be allowed at a time. Oops if that is the case then I would have stopped the ritual for some time. Hopefully I didn't break it'
He thought scratching his chin
Suddenly a small hand clutched his right shoulder
"Oh thank god I found you. Where were you?" Rudra turned his head to find the owner of the voice to be Avinash
"Oh I was just wandering around" he replied cheekily
"Ok fine. There is an emergency. Laksmi has gone missing. Our parents are searching for her. They thought you were missing too."
"What? When did this happen?"
"I don't know. She told she was going to the shop to get some water a few hours ago and then disappeared"
"Ok don't worry she should be around here let us check" said Rudra as they dashed off in opposite sides to find where she went