Ch.20

                                    

                                          
The Potatoes walked for what seemed like years.  The entire time they were walking, Mini pointed out poisonous bugs, fungi, and plants.  Aiden had to be very careful, because everywhere he walked, Mini screamed, "STOP!  THERE'S A BLACK WIDOW THERE!"
                          
	He ended up doing a little dance over the black widow, and he looked like a ballerina, except less elegant.  He looked like a jumping elephant wearing a tutu,  which is to say...ridiculous.  She was doing that to everyone, except Aiden was the one that kept on almost stepping on all the poison.  He was literally a poison magnet these days.
                          
	They ended up at an Ashram, or a house that saints lived in.  It had the aura of the olden days, but it looked like a nice cottage.  Maybe Little Red Riding Hood's grandma lived here.  They decided to knock on the door, and a Sage opened the door.  He wasn't young, but he looked very wise.  He welcomed the children.
                          
	"Welcome, Pandavas, Draupadi, and Prince Rudra.  I am Sage Vyasa, the one who documented your first life, as the original Pandavas," the Sage said.
                          
	Aiden immediately prostrated before the sage, and everyone followed his lead, paying their respects.  The Sage smiled and blessed the children before welcoming them into his home.  He gave them water and food, like a true guru.  He showed them hospitality, and let them finish eating before asking them why they were at his home.
                          
	There was no doubt that Sage Vyasa already knew, but Aiden was obligated to tell him, "Revered Sage, we are here to seek guidance to the Sun Lord."
                          
	Aiden didn't know where all the formality came from, but decided it was the best way to speak to Guru who literally knew all his weak points.  He gulped at the realization.  He watched as the sage nodded at him.
                          
	"Draupadi.  You have courage, but are you sure you want to go to Surya Deva?  One glimpse at him, and you will burn into ash, unless you have a true heart.  You must be unbiased.  You must be caring.  You must be the embodiment of purity." Sage Vyasa said with clouded eyes.
                          
	Aiden stared at the sage with fear as his entire life as Draupadi went through his mind.  He remembered everything, and he didn't want to remember everything.  He remembered his childhood, how he married Arjuna in his swayamvara as Princess Draupadi, how he insulted Duryodhana, how he was almost stripped of his clothing in front of Duryodhana's Council and prayed to Lord Krishna to help help him, and he remembered how he died.  Aiden felt lightheaded.  He looked at the others, who were looking at Aiden in fascination.  Actually, no.  They weren't looking at him, but what he was wearing.  
                          
Aiden was now wearing a pure white and gold, silk kurta.  It had long sleeves with golden buttons and cuffs.  He had pure white pants and wooden sandals (with cushions) on, and Aiden was all clean.  He smelled like sandalwood.  He had a crown on his head, and he looked all in all, like a...prince.  Aiden saw Sage Vyasa smile using his peripheral vision, and turned back to the Guru.  He asked, "Am I the only one you give this burden to, Sage Vyasa?"
                          
The sage stopped smiling, "Draupadi, I didn't give you this burden.  The Lord did.  I do nothing. I am only a messenger of the Lord who is inside of us.  You are not the only one plagued with the memories.  Shakuni knows his entire life, start now.  He knows how to endure this, and now you must as well.  The Pandavas do not have the need to know yet, but Draupadi, now that you know...you need to choose between Arjuna and the fate of the world.  One choice is all it takes to destroy the entire universe, Draupadi.  One choice," With that, the Sage went back into his Ashram, giving the Potatoes some time to talk.  
                          
~~
                          
Aiden left the group, and was walking in the garden nearby. Boo's Jewel buzzed in his pocket, as he slowly brought it out. 
                          
" Look kid. I'm sorry, for picking on you like that. If it makes you feel better, I can connect you to Master Boo for you to talk," The jewel hummed quietly. 
                          
" Really?? Y-you can? I really need to talk to someone." Aiden admitted. 
                          
" Yeah I can, Give me a minute kid." The jewel replied.
                          
" Thanks Karen." 
                          
If the jewel could smile, I'm sure it would've. While the Jewel started up, it started another conversation. 
                          
" You know, You are the only other person who was nice to me. Besides Master Boo, I mean.  All jewels like me have been cursed, and we normally mask our sadness. Humor really is a good shield huh?" 
                          
Aiden really studied the jewel for a minute. He cupped the Compass in his hand and gave it a hug," I'm Sorry, Karen. I judged you too harshly didn't I? I'm glad Boo is the one taking care of you. "
                          
" You know we all have feelings right?"
                          
Aiden was confused, " What?"
                          
" ALL of your jewels. We can talk, comfort you, and relieve ourselves if you let us. Master freed me from the curse of silence which is why I can talk. Anyway, it looks like your call is connecting," the jewel said, becoming still in Aiden's hand as he saw the image of Boo munching on an oreo outside the woods. 
                          
" I remember. I- I remember everything!" Aiden cried out hoarsely.
                          
Boo dropped the Cookie from his hand, "Aiden!  What?  What do you remember?  How?  Where are you?"
                          
" We are at Sage Vyasa's Ashram. H-he gave me my memories back for me to make a choice, the world or Aru!" 
                          
Boo smiled sadly, " Don't worry about it-" 
                          
" WHAT DO YOU MEAN DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! I-"
                          
" It's not your choice to make, it never was Aiden. It's mine. He was warning you, because if I didn't do it then you would have to. Even if I don't show it, I do love you all. I couldn't let you go through it. Not as Draupadi, not ever as Aiden. I will always be there for you, Draupadi-"
                          
" Thanks Boo, but please don't call me Draupadi. I am Aiden. Aiden Acharya, and you are Boo. nothing will change that. What we remember is the past, but this is the future. But why did you do it?" Aiden replied confidently.
                          
Boo chuckled, his eyes holding age and wisdom, " You really want to know? Brace your mind Aiden." 
                          
Aiden's mind was blurred with images of Boo's life. All the tricks and lies, the thoughts and actions, and most of all, curses and Love.
                          
" Boo?"
                          
Boo looked at Aiden with fear for her thought that he hated him now. 
                          
" I think I have earned more respect for you than I even have for myself. You're so strong Boo! Your wife was beautiful  and kind and I see why Nikita guessed that now. I- How long have you known? How long have you endured this?" 
                          
" Ever since my first reincarnation after Shakuni. The gods placed it on me as a curse. Humor really is the best shield. Seeing how you're calling me right now, I assume that my little gift worked?" 
                          
" You knew? You knew we were going to pick it up?" 
                          
" Yes, Yes I did. One more thing."
                          
" Yes Boo?" 
                          
" Knowing our pasts, isn't really a curse. Because now that we know, we can avoid those mistakes and bond closer as a family." 
                          
As the connection flickered out, Aiden realized that Boo was right. He smiled to himself as he whispered, " I owe you one. No... I owe you everything."