The Search Begins
Chapter 15: The Lost City
The story so far: Mattie and his two friends must overcome their fear of the largest mammals on the planet. They finally connect with three blue whales. They learn to communicate with them and even play with them. Mattie is counseled by the largest whale as to what he must be prepared to do in order to meet ‘THE WISE ONE.’
“You make it sound scary!” Mattie was shaking.
Donje was quick to add. “No, no it is not scary at all. It is just such an important decision and therefore not to be taken lightly.”
Now Zika spoke again. “It is a wonderful and life changing experience! It is true some just want a simple life. They want to travel the oceans, feed, and play, find a mate and enjoy exploring the oceans. It is a good life but I wanted more. I was prepared to take risks. I have a passion for learning and understanding life on a deeper level. For me, this helped me and changed me. And for me it is a good change.”
The others nodded in agreement. “We will be here when you return. Your friends may travel with us as long as they want.”
“A piece of advice,” said Donje. “Once you start hearing wisdom and learning from ‘THE WISE ONE’ you will notice it becomes like a thirst that is not quenched. You want more and more. It becomes so important that it is easy to forget that your life must include more than this. So you must promise yourself to find time to play every day!”
“Speaking of play, call your friends and we will all show you a new game,” Sontila offered.
Mattie knew both Poindexter and Kayote would be thrilled to hear they were going to learn a new game.
“Hooray, Hooray!” shouted
Poindexter.
The three friends followed the group of dolphins.
Zika took over and explained the game to the three friends. The other dolphins were already waiting because they knew how to play it and were excited. “It is called pass the Puffer fish. I will start and the goal is to not let it get away when you let it swim out of your mouth. Another dolphin must scoop it up immediately. You cannot keep it in your mouth for very long though.”
Kayote looked at Mattie and Poindexter. Mattie and Poindexter looked at Kayote. No one knew what to say. Then they all started laughing at the same time. They laughed and laughed and then laughed some more. The other dolphins just looked on - not understanding what was so funny.
Finally, it was Kayote who said while still chuckling, “AH, please go ahead and play. We are going to pass this time. We need to get back to our friends the Great Ones. We look forward to seeing you again very soon.”
They moved away from the dolphins and headed towards the whales’ location. As soon as they were out of sight the laughter bubbled up again and their laughter continued until they had to stop and rest.
“Whew, we didn’t even need the puffer fish this time to have a good time!” laughed Poindexter.
“Hey and I am not speaking funny either,” laughed Kayote.
“I wonder if they realize what they are getting themselves into,” laughed Mattie.
Their bellies ached from all of the laughter. Such laughter among friends was one of the greatest feelings.
•••
The whales were waiting for them.
The biggest whale gave Mattie his last instructions. “You must be very quiet and calm as you swim. You must be as relaxed as possible. Breathe in as large a breath as possible each time you surface and then slowly let it out. Feel one with your surroundings. Be aware of the feel of the water on your skin as you swim through it. Feel the sun on your back and the wind as it blows. You will gradually notice a difference in the feel of the water. This is a sign that you are close. Then you must listen. ‘THE WISE ONE’ will start calling to you and guiding you to him. Once you start hearing his voice, trust in his words and follow his instructions. I wish you well on your journey.”
There wasn’t time for long goodbyes but Poindexter and Kayote sent messages of encouragement with clicks and whistles as Mattie headed away from his friends leaping and twisting as he did so.
The water gradually became warmer. The sun was bright overhead and it warmed his back. He worked on his breathing. He was very aware of feeling his whole body fill up with air and then he would slowly exhale. The more he did this, the lighter his body seemed. He could sense himself relaxing and a calmness taking over. He was entering a world of peacefulness and quiet. As if carried on the wind he could hear a faint voice calling him. “Mattie welcome. Listen to my voice. Follow the sound of my voice. I am guiding you now Mattie.”
He didn’t know how long he swam. He just kept swimming. Then the voice started calling to him again.
“Mattie, when I tell you to, you need to take in the deepest breath you have ever held. Then you will dive below the surface. You will come to what looks like coral except that it will be very dense and you will see a passage. You must enter that passage. It will be dark because the sun is blocked from providing light. My voice and energy will guide you. The water will seem to carry your body so that you will use very little energy.”
“It is time for the breath Mattie. That is right, a deep, deep breath. Let it fill your whole being. Hold it in Mattie. Now DIVE. Down, down Mattie.”
Mattie did as he was told. As he dove farther down he was able to see rocks that looked like coral but weren’t coral. Finally he saw the opening. It was small but big enough for him. He entered. It was dark but he did not feel afraid as he travelled twisting and turning through it. The voice was right. He was being carried along by the water. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. He was not thinking. He was just feeling and listening to the voice. It was becoming stronger and easier to hear. It seemed that even the voice was carrying him along. He knew when to turn and when to go straight.
“You are almost here Mattie.” If you look you will begin to see a golden glow in the distance. You are swimming towards that light. It is beginning to get bigger and stronger. Come towards it. I am waiting for you. I welcome you.”
Mattie swam towards the light and as he left the passage and into the light he realized he had entered another world. It was a big space filled with big shapes and strange columns. There were so many things that he had never seen before. He could not make sense of them yet. Beautiful coloured bubbles were floating around everything. Light appeared to be coming from inside them and reflected on everything that lay before him.
Mattie knew he had found the Lost City. And there before him was the source of the voice, ‘THE WISE ONE,’ the oldest and wisest dolphin in the ocean was waiting for him!
The End