Mariamma stood outside Rudra's home as she leaned against the door frame. She absentmindedly watched a line of ants form a neat little line as they marched in sync to carry a piece of food away from the house. She leaned down to pick up some gravel and threw it at the ants. This disturbed the line and the ants scuttled trying to find order an return home. Unfortunately, one of the ants died from the impact and was surrounded by its friends who were trying to bring it back home. Mariamma wondered if this was a last attempt at trying to save their friend or they gave up and were simply finding a spot to bury it. Two other ants walked slowly, a bit far off from the friends carrying the dead ant, as if they were still in grief about their loss.
Mariamma was interrupted from her musings as Leela came out to greet her.
"Ahah, what happened Mariamma. Anything happened?"
"Oh, nothing dear. I just wanted to take Rudra tomorrow to see an event."
"Is it very far away? What is this event?"
"Oh, it is not very far away. Just at Kadammanitta Devi Temple. I wanted to take him to see the Padayani."
"Athu Entha?" (What is that?)
"Uhm, it's somewhat like Theyyam, but Padayani is unique to Pathanamthitta. The rituals and masks are different, of course, but to an outsider they might look alike. I just wanted him to experience the local traditions here."
"Oh, but isn't that a Hindu ritual? Will they allow you both to see?"
"Well, ya it is, but they don't really care if you don't make much problem there. Don't interrupt the ritual and simply enjoy it."
"Oh ok. Let me ask Gregory ettan." She turned her head back and loudly called for her husband. A few moments later he came out of the kitchen followed by Rudra trotting behind him as he shook his hands to get rid of some stray flakes of grated coconut. ("ettan", short for chettan, means elder brother. However, it is very often used by wives to call their husbands)
"Ahah, Mariamma amachee is here huh. What is the occasion?"
"Nothing much dear. She just wants take Rudra to see Padayani tomorrow." Replied Leela
"Ahah. Where is this happening?"
"It is at Kadammanitta Devi Temple. I will be taking him for 1 or 2 days. I have some business there too." Mariamma replied
"Oh ok, where are you staying and how are you travelling?"
"I already have a friend that booked a room at a lodge there. We will be going by bus."
Gregory scratched his beard in contemplation with a scrunched look for a moment before shrugging.
"Ok then. What time will you take him?"
"Tomorrow about 11 am or so. We will get some food on the way."
"Ok sure. I will pack him some clothes for travel also." said Gregory agreeing. Satisfied, Mariamma waved goodbye and left the house
"Is it fine for Rudra to go that far?" asked Leela anxiously.
"Oh, don't go breaking your heart over everything. This is just a small travel of an hour or 2 at most. I have travelled much farther on foot when I was young. Either way, it will be a good way for him to see the different cultures in Kerala and gain some general knowledge while having fun."
Rudra looked passively as he wondered when they would ask him if he wanted to go. On realizing that was probably not going to happen he simply sighed and went to his bedroom. He opened the cupboard to choose some good clothes for the journey when his mother called out again.
"Da, Avinash and Laksmi are here to see you."
Rudra closed the cupboard as he went out to see them both. For some reason they were a bit overtly happy and skittish.
"Hey Rudra, we are going to Kadammanitta Devi Temple to see the Padayani" said Avinash as soon as they were a few footsteps away from his house. Laksmi nodded in excited agreement as she twirled her skirt in tandem. Rudra raised an eyebrow at the coincidence before shrugging his shoulders
"Ya Mariamma amachee is taking me there tomorrow"
"Oh really? But you are Christian, no? Is it fine to go?" asked Laksmi a tad bit confused
"Eh, she told it was fine and the people there didn't really care. Seems that you just need to be careful not to do anything rash."
"Oh really? That is great then. Perhaps we can all go together. When are you leaving?" said Avinash joyfully
"I am leaving tomorrow morning actually"
"Oh, that is sad. Our parents are going today evening. Ughhh, I wish they told us things beforehand. They only tell us things on the same day." Said Lakshmi in frustration.
"Well I guess don't worry much about it. Hopefully we will come back at the same day. Anyways let's go and play" said Rudra
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Rudra rested his head against the windowsill, watching paddy fields and scattered groves blur past in the summer haze. Rubber plantations and endless rows of coconut palms slipped away as the warm breeze brushed against his face. Small single-storied houses broke the landscape now and then, slowly giving way to larger, polished homes as they neared the towns. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead in the sticky heat, and he shot Mariamma a dirty look for insisting on the non-AC bus just to save a few rupees. Mariamma simply smiled at him, guessing what he was thinking.
"Ticket, ticket, ticket" called out the bus conductor as he went around asking for money and destination. He sported a khaki uniform, sweat patches darkening the fabric, with a rugged canvas bag slung across his shoulder. The bag, bulging with ticket rolls and coins, swung with each step as he made his way down the aisle, ticket puncher clicking rhythmically in his hand.
"Ahah, Mariamma chechi anno. Evidekku annu pogenne?" (Ahah is it Mariamma? Where are you going?) he said in pleasant surprise
"Oh just going to Kadammanitta Devi Temple with Rudra. Just want to see the Padayani."
The conductor's careful eyes swept across Rudra as he felt a very slight tingle of spider sense.
"Is it business or visit?" he asked in the same tone but with a slightly more serious tone.
"Purely visit and a bit of business on the side." Mariamma replied with a smile. The conductor shrugged and took out the required ticket while Mariamma handed him the money. He punched the ticket and handed it to her before moving to the rest of the bus while chanting ticket again.
Rudra sighed and looked outside again. This was one of the connection buses to the temple as for some reason the main bus had broken down. Mariamma looked at him and tapped him on the shoulder to break him out of his musings.
"What happened?" asked Rudra
"Nothing. I just wanted to explain why we are going to this."
"Was it not to see the Padayani?"
"Not completely. That is only one part of it. The real thing is that there is also going to be a performance done by cursed sorcerers."
"What?"
"Yes, we will not be with the rest of the crowd but rather inside a chamber within the temple. Here there will be a few cursed sorcerers that will be holding a small performance like the Padayani"
"What is the difference?"
"In the normal one the ritual will be done without any cursed tools or rituals. The symbols will be what regular people see and understand. Here this is done to ward of cursed spirits and keep the grounds safe."
"Is this something done everywhere?" asked Rudra in confusion. Mariamma chuckled at the question before answering
"No. This is mainly only done in specific areas and specific times."
"Hmm why is that?"
"You remember the fact that common people release cursed energy without realizing ya?"
Rudra nodded in agreement as Mariamma continued.
"Well here mainly this is done so that we can regularly erase cursed spirits that may come about by such large gatherings. This way we even though we can't completely control the generation of cursed spirits, we can to an extent supress them and reduce their effective strength."
"How do you do that?"
"Well, I don't have it with me so I can't show you, but when you fought the cursed spirits at the church did you notice anything different about the walls?"
"Ya for some reason I felt cursed energy coming from them."
"Oh you did? That is nice. Might be a result of your cursed technique, I guess. Anyways, inside the concrete and paint there are these things called talismans. These are pieces of paper that contains certain symbols or words. These papers normally do some kind of task when there is cursed energy passed in them"
"Oh so you can write different things on papers and then do different things?"
"Not exactly. Here in this function, we do mainly two things. First is that we cleanse the cursed spirits to an extent using these talismans. When cursed energy is passed through them, they work together to create a barrier around the walls of the temple to automatically purify cursed spirits. This is done by a couple of sorcerers together because of the large, cursed energy reserves required to do this. Do you follow?"
"Ya, I get it."
"Ok, so the second thing is that you will see a bonfire in the middle where a few other sorcerers sit. They will coat a lot of paper with some words and symbols on it with cursed energy and throw them in the fire. When they do that at the end of the ritual they will get a few more working talismans that allow them to do what is said on them."
"Oh so you make talismans too here huh. So you have to do this ritual often? Is this the only ritual that can do that?"
"No, we only do it on special occasions where there is a symphony between the other planets and earth. These rituals are based on different beliefs that change the way we act or behave and other norms. Here because there is a large belief of deities amongst the people it can be used to create such stuff. Other people use different symbols of faith or power to get this done. Mainly using already existing functions or festivals"
"Oh, so it is not reserved to one function and actually harnesses the different beliefs of the people to create it. But why is that?"
"See cursed energy to an extent is influenced quite a bit by different beliefs. Its very nature can change when it comes in contact when there is certain observations or rituals done with it. Gather a large enough crowd with a similar belief or feeling and you can potentially change the way cursed energy acts with the help of talisman."
"Is there any reason to as why it works like this?"
"Nope no clue. Cursed energy is very difficult to study. We literally have shared findings and studies with people from the middle east and from different parts of the world. At best most of us can accept is that for some reason the rituals influence it."
"Oh ok. I guess that kind of makes sense."
The bus screeched to a halt as they reached their destination. They got out of the bus and headed towards the nearest thattukada (shop on the street that sells tea, snacks and other food items).
"Oh, and one more thing" Mariamma said as she sipped on her chaya.
"What?"
"We will be staying at a lodge that allows both sorcerers and non-sorcerers. While we are given special consideration due to our status don't do anything that would warrant attention."
"Ok, I understand" said Rudra waving her off. Mariamma shook her head and continued to sip on her chaya before remembering something else.
"Oh also when we go to the festival tomorrow, there will be a woman with golden eyes. Make sure, whatever you do, not to annoy her. If you do, not even I will be able to help you."
"What can she do?"
"Oh she does not have a cursed technique, but her eyes are very special. When you stare at them, it is like those ayes strip you bare of who you truly are. Everything good and bad about you is revealed in those eyes" Mariamma smiled
Rudra felt a bit tensed at the new obstacle that came across his path before Mariamma smiled and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. She is not a bad person. Just don't do anything hasty and you will be fine." She said reassuring him.
They both finish their business and pay for the tea before going towards their lodge
"One room two beds please" announced Mariamma to the owner who had a small cabin just beside the stairs to the rooms. A few children played outside as their parents watch from the side. A small cupboard rested against the wall with different room names.
"Please write your name in the book and state reason of visit." Said the owner in a monotone bored voice as he handed them a pen and book with neat columns drawn on each page. Mariamma took the pen and started to write her name in the book. With each letter she wrote the shopkeeper's eyes grew wider and more tensed. When she finished writing he completely changed his tunes and snatched the luggage they had from Rudra's hand as he started leading them up the stairs.
"Come madam. Right this way. I have prepared a very good room for the both of you." He said nervously as he climbed the stairs. Rudra raised an eyebrow at Mariamma who simply smiled and shrugged before following the owner.
He led them to an apartment with a large hall with and overhead fan, a large window, two beds with a small drawer in between and an attached kitchen and bathroom. Rudra inspected the rooms and was very satisfied. It seems that sorcerers were given very good due diligence wherever they went.
"Is everything fine mam? I didn't have 2 bedrooms so I could only do this much. Please forgive any tardiness." As he held out the key while bowing slightly
Mariamma let out a small sigh before taking keys
"Don't worry. The room is good. We will tell you if we need anything else."
"Yes mam. Thank you, mam. Please do not hesitate to call me mam." He said while repeatedly bowing and leaving the room.
"Ok go take a bath and freshen up. I will cook some dinner by the time"
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Rudra sat on his bed reading a comic of Balarama. Beside him lay a book of Malayalam Mana Yearbook. (I butchered the name. I am too broke and scared to get copyrighted. Please check it out online.)
He knew it was mainly for kids, but he did not mind reading such things as this was probably the closest, he was going to get to a comic book right now. Western comics were only available rarely and were in a select few shops. Even then sometimes they were simply too costly to buy.
He was full after eating dinner and was slowly dozing off to sleep while Mariamma was reading something else in her bed.
Suddenly Rudra's spider senses started ringing as he clutched his head in pain. It had never rang so hard in his entire life and he was at the brink of screaming in pain. He reflexively brought out his own cursed energy as a precaution
"Tch, why is she coming here?" exclaimed Mariamma as she snapped the book shut and laying it on the drawer. She noticed Rudra in pain and spoke sharply
"Bring yourself about boy. She has entered the town."
'This is her entering the town? What the hell'
"Don't worry too much. It seems that she did not bother taking the transport and just got here from a mission. This is the remnants of her exerting her cursed energy. The thing is she should be staying at the temple chambers. Why is she headed here? Either way, look alive boy. She will be here in a few moments."
Every next moment felt like torture. Rudra could feel the cursed energy become denser as time passed.
At first, he simply felt pain in his head
Then he felt as if the very air he breathed suffocated him
Soon his slightly enhanced hearing picked up footsteps coming from the stairs. Each movement was
Short
Precise
Graceful
And
Filled with overwhelmingly threatening cursed energy
As the sound of the footsteps reached their front door almost all the cursed energy in the vicinity got silenced. Rudra's laboured breath and the faint crackling of his cursed energy activating on its own.
A simple and efficient knock on the door announced the presence to the new arrival for those who had obviously missed the previous show of force. Mariamma looked at Rudra and sighed before getting up and unlocking the door. The open door revealed a 5 foot 10 lady with tan complexion wearing a pale white churidar with black pants. However what was most noticeable about her was her deep gold eyes. It was as if they had a luminescence of it's own that hungrily devoured everything in sight. Everything she looked at seemed to be stripped bare before her. He knew instantly, no matter where he hid or what he did, those eyes would tell her exactly where he was and hunt him down. He looked at her eyes both mesmerised and afraid
Afraid she could see him
Afraid she would beat him
Afraid she will kill him
"Hmm, Mariamma. I know you are retired however it is more proper for sorcerers with your status to stay in the temple is it not." She asked with authority, making it clear this was not a question but rather an admonishment
"I apologise respected leader. I had a ward to take care of and I did not want to disturb the proceedings of the temple" Mariamma replied. She did not lower her tone, neither was it apologetic. It was simply formal and neutral.
"Hmm, I see" She turned her eyes towards him. Immediately Rudra felt the overwhelming cursed energy again. Now it was worse. As he stared at her eyes, it felt he was about to drown in them. He did not know whether it was due to its beauty or the overwhelming power it carried
'Is this what it means to face a special grade sorcerer. Her very presence convinces me that she could easily beat Mariamma.'
"Interesting. A docile mutant. Very interesting indeed"
She slowly walked toward the bed he sat on which was now slightly wet from his sheer sweat. She did not care and simply sat towards his right. Rudra instinctively flared his cursed energy and activated his cursed technique in small bursts which drew a small sound of disapproval from Mariamma.
"However still young and still foolish." She said with a tone of disapproval. "However considering his age this is expected. I do not mind it. However,.."
Her hand crept to his throat, dismissing his cursed technique as if it were nothing, fingers tightening against his Adam's apple like a trigger waiting to be pulled.
"I wonder what of this boy's strength. Is his foolishness the only notable thing about him?"
Rudra immediately remembered what Mariamma had done when he was a babe and understood what he needed to do. His hand slowly reached upwards and grabbed her wrist. She did not do anything to stop him and waited patiently. Rudra knew his current strength would not be enough. So naturally, he made a binding vow.
'I vow not to use my cursed technique and will not use my cursed energy for anything other than reinforcement for the rest of the day. In return increase my physical strength temporarily.'
The vow immediately took place as his cursed technique subsided and cursed output stopped for a time. Her eyes narrowed at him as his grip grew firmer. He started to slowly push back her hand. No sudden movements. No cursed energy. Just physical strength
She smiled as she poured more cursed energy into her hand and now started to push back. Rudra tried pushing back again but for vain. Even with his added strength, it was no match against her. However reprieve came quickly as her cursed energy slowly subsided and Rudra let go of her wrist understanding the stand off was over
She laughed in amusement
"Interesting. Quite amusing. It has been a while since someone has been able to push back against me. That too at this young age. Truly the title of a perfect mutant does fit you."
Rudra had doubts in his mind regarding the title of 'perfect mutant' but he dared not speak lest it upset her. However it was all for naught as she seemed to have read his mind before speaking to Mariamma
"You haven't told him about who or what he is haven't you?" she asked in slight anger
"No, I haven't. He is simply not ready for it." Mariamma replied calmly.
"And why is that. He seems to have very reasonable thinking for someone so young"
Rudra was not sure whether to happy at the praise or be afraid of the tone she said it in.
"He may have a good head on his shoulders. However, he is not emotionally ready to hear about this"
"And why should I listen to you. What stops me from just dragging him to the clan compound and simply training him myself?"
"It is simple. You cannot" Mariamma replied calmly
"You must remember who you are talking to Mariamma. Are you questioning the extent of my abilities?" she asked. However, unlike her statement she was not angry but calm. Mariamma sighed a bit getting a bit tired of this before replying
"With all due respect, while you do have the strength and experience teaching normal people, that will not work with him." She waggled her index at Rudra. "As you have said, he is a perfect mutant. I am the closest thing you have got to train him in the ways of a mutant. While your teachings work well for normal people, it would either cause him to accidently kill enemies he supposed to capture or leave him vulnerable due to overextending his own strength for cursed spirits to strike."
"You are not the only mutant Mariamma. There are others that can take that role."
"Maybe but there is no one with my level of strength and experience. If they have my strength they don't have my experience and vice versa"
She fell into thought for a while before nodding her head in agreement
"Very well, your logic is sound. I will defer to your decision and will leave the boy in your capable hands."
She got up and turned towards Rudra. She leaned down to grasp his limp hand before pulling some notes from her pant pocket and placing it in his hand
"Do not worry boy. I am not a threat. I simply wanted to see the extent of the person that bears the title of the perfect mutant"
A few moments later she left the room and Mariamma locked the door
"Mariamma amachee. Who is she and what is a perfect mutant" Rudra asked. She simply sighed and replied wearily
"It is a long story. I will tell when you are ready. For now, brush your teeth and get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow"