The Deepest Secret
Part 2

Angela Jacobs, listening closely to the words of her friend and mentor Ace Cooper, was astounded by the secret he was revealing to her…the secret of his mysterious past.
"So," she started, "the trip on that barge was only the beginning for you in learning of your own power?"
"Yes, it was. Believe me, this wasn't going to happen overnight. It was going to take a lot of time…and a lot of help. After landing in Bombay, India, I still wasn't comfortable with myself. All that was going through my mind was just to get away from what I thought was a curse."
"Just like me, when I thought my own power was a curse. Of course, that was after my parents died in that accident."
Ace knew that subject was never comfortable for Angie to talk about. He patted her shoulder. "It's okay, Angie. It's always hard."
"But…it was even harder for you with no parents, no one to really talk to. You were basically all alone."
Ace nodded because he understood the feeling of loneliness Angie had while growing up herself. "That's right. My life still wasn't together, and I wondered if I would ever find my purpose…"

**18 Years Earlier**

Wandering the streets of Bombay, young Ace Cooper had just survived a six-week trip on a car-shipping barge. He endured the terrifying hazing session with most of the crew, but he did manage to gain two friends on the journey, including the captain, whose life Ace had saved with his hidden powers.
Ace, though, was still frightened of these strange powers, so he left the barge and started walking around the city in the hope of finding himself somehow. God, even after landing here…I still can't get away from this. I really am cursed.
He did earn a good amount of money on the voyage, which allowed him to honestly spend money on food and some supplies. Least I don't have to rob in order to get what I need. I'm glad I'm not with Jack Malone anymore. That man is a pure monster.
But…I've also lost Mona. I could never regain her trust or her love again, not after what I did to her father. She had every right to make me go away. Although he did lose his sweetheart, he could never truly get her out of his mind…or his heart. I still…have feelings for her, though. What can I do? There's no chance for me. What's the use? I have nothing left now.
Ace also felt somewhat out of place in the Bombay area. "I need to find some place that's more out of the way. Somewhere I can find peace in myself."
Just then, he noticed a train station about a mile away. He walked in a quicker pace to see just where some of the trains were going. Looking at the sign, he could see English and the native Indian language used. "Let's see, um, Katmandu, Lhasa, Tsetang, hmm."
He then went up to one of the security guards. "Excuse me, sir, um, where are Lhasa and Tsetang?"
"They are in Tibet," answered the guard. "The train will be the last one for the day. Do you wish to take it?"
"Yes, sir. Where do I find the ticket window?"
"Go down this corridor and then take a left. You cannot miss it."
"Thank you, very much."
Ace paced his way towards the window when three young men bumped into him fairly hard, forcing him to fall backwards. "Hey!"
"Oh," said one of the boys. "We're sorry. We didn't see where we were going."
However, the first one had Ace distracted just long enough for the second one to grab his hard-earned money from his supply bag.
After a quick nod, the first one said, "Here, let me help you up."
"Thank you."
"No…thank you. Take care of yourself." He and the two others walked away, their robbery successful.
Ace then grabbed his bag and went to the ticket window. "Excuse me, I need a ticket on the Katmandu train."
"To Katmandu, Lhasa, and Tsetang?" said the ticket operator. "Okay, that will be $245."
The young man went into his supply bag to get the money, only to discover the money was gone! Damn! Those three guys took my money! He became so embittered his eyes started glowing in violet again. I earned that money! How dare they take it away!
The ticket operator became slightly nervous. "Are…you all right?"
"No, I'm not," he reacted angrily. "I had the money, and those three creeps stole it!"
I want my money back…now!
Ace wished for it so hard that all the money suddenly appeared in his hands. "Wha…I don't believe it. It's all here again." He then calmed himself down as his eyes lost their violet spark. "Whew, um, how much was it again?"
"It's…$245," said the highly anxious ticket operator.
Getting the right amount, Ace gave him the money and quickly received the ticket.
As he walked to the train, the people who were behind him in line were also very nervous about what they just saw.
The ticket operator simply said, "Let's forget what we just saw before we think we've gone crazy."
Everyone agreed to the idea and went about their business as usual.
Ace then boarded the train and took his seat by the window. It looks nice through here. Maybe a trip in the mountains is just what I need to get away from this thing I've got stuck inside of me.
Within the hour, the train started and was soon on its way to the three designated locations on its route.
The trip was relatively peaceful, but ever so often Ace would have to fight whatever power he had from coming out. "C'mon, stop it," he whispered. "I don't want this. Just leave me alone."
Why…are…you…running…away… a voice said literally out of nowhere.
"Who said that?" the young man asked while looking around him fearfully. "Who's there?"
You can't keep running from your path…your destiny.
"Knock it off! Leave me alone!"
As other passengers looked at him with suspicion, he decided to just run to his room in the passenger car to keep away from everyone else. "Man, today just isn't my day. What else could happen?"
You wouldn't have to go through with this nightmare if you just accepted your path.
"For the last time will you please leave me alone!?"
The young man decided to stare out the window and see the mountains and temples to get his mind away from his troubles. I need peace…serenity…hope. I just want this thing to go away and let me live a normal life.
Throughout the night, as Ace slept in his bunk, he started hearing the strange voice again.
Your only chance for inner peace is to acknowledge your fate.
"No…I don't believe you. My fate is…to be alone. That's all I want right now."
Somewhere in his mind, Ace found himself in an unusual landscape—more of a dreamscape.
He was surrounded by a large number of doors, yet he could see the sky above him. "What is this place?"
Ace then started walking around looking through each door. Opening one door, he saw himself sitting under a tree with Mona. Another door showed him saving Vega's life in the history museum. Still another showed him losing his friend Gus Moreland to a high-tech company's security measures. One last one he opened was one he did not want to see again…the moment Jack Malone fell into the flames. "What's going on here? Why do I have to see all this again? Haven't I been through enough as it is?"
No, responded the mystery voice. To prepare for the future, you must learn from the past.
"Don't you get it? My future is to lead a normal life!"
Your life will change…your path will change…your true destiny is at hand.
"Look, just stop it! I am going to live a normal life, and I'll do whatever it takes to get that normal life!"
The train soon made the three stops, first Katmandu, then Lhasa about an hour later, and finally Tsetang after another 20 minutes.
Ace awakened when he finally heard the announcement that he was at the final stop on the train. "Well, this is where I get off. I am going to leave that past behind me and live as normally as possible."
He grabbed his supply bag and exited off the train as quickly as he could. He was soon in the small city of Tsetang and started exploring the city. "It's so beautiful up here…so peaceful. Perhaps at long last I can find the peace I have sought for a long time now."
The only setback was the slight lack of air because of the very high altitude. "Oooh, I'm not used to this. I wish I'd have gone to Denver first or something."
He wandered through the small streets and around the marketplace when he suddenly heard someone screaming.
"Help!" yelled the voice of what sounded like an elderly gentleman.
With no hesitation Ace ran towards the situation to help the gentleman.
Soon he came into a dark alley and noticed a group of at least seven boys trying to rob the man, who had a bald head and wore an orange robe.
He's a local monk here…why would they attack him for? "Hey! Leave him alone!"
One of the boys said, "Well, well, someone heard this old man."
"Yeah," said another one. "Look, pal. This has nothing to do with you. Go away now, and we'll spare you from his fate."
As they laughed it off as some sort of joke, Ace's anger started to show with his eyes glowing again. "Are you deaf…I said leave him alone, now!"
The boys could see his anger and were soon scared off. They dropped everything as they ran away in fear of what the young man could have done to them.
Calming himself once more, his eyes were back to normal again. He then leaned down to help the elderly man. "Are you all right, sir?"
"Y-yes, I am all right," the man responded with a kind smile. "You saved my life, young man."
"No, I just…couldn't stand the fact you were surrounded by that whole group of thieves."
"Around here, that is a normal occurrence."
"Still…here, let me help you stand up."
The elderly man was able to get to his feet again. "I appreciate your help."
Ace sighed and said, "Aw, it was nothing. I've been through too many bad times in my life already, so I guess I needed something good to do for a change."
The elderly man stared deep into the young man's eyes. "You look as though you have traveled for quite some time. Do you have a place to stay?"
Ace's face suddenly turned pale. "A place…to stay? Um, no. I've traveled alone."
"You look like you have not had too much to eat, either," the elderly man said calmly.
"I've only had some fruits and vegetables, and the train trip here had food that was just too expensive for me to eat."
"Perhaps a stay at the temple can be of benefit to you not only physically but spiritually. I am a Buddhist monk."
"A…what?"
"I can help you enlighten yourself. Help you understand the world a little better."
"But…I just came from a fancy place in the West. It's the only place I've known. I feel a little out of place here."
"Do not worry, young one," said the elderly man. "If you are willing to open your mind and soul, I can show you how you can make yourself a better person."
"Really? You'd do that…for me?"
"And why not? You did save my life, and I feel I owe you something in return."
"Well," said a slightly hesitant Ace, "I guess if it can help me deal with some…issues, maybe a stay would do me some good."
"Very well, young man." Bowing in respect, the elderly man said, "I am Master Xing Kao."
Bowing back, the young man stated, "I am Ace Cooper."
Master Kao smiled at the young man. "I am always in need of an apprentice, but I should warn you, I can be a hard taskmaster. Can you handle quick directions?"
"Yes, sir, I can. Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it, no question."
"Come, Ace. We must reach the ferry boat within the hour, or we will miss our only ride to the temple."
Ace grabbed his supply bag and followed his new "teacher" to the docking area and made it to the boat less than a minute before it left the river port.
"Whew, we made it," said a relieved Ace. "I didn't think we would."
"I did not doubt our journey," Master Kao noted. "After all, I have gone this way for more than 35 years and have never missed the ferry as of yet."
"Um, Master Kao, where is your temple?"
"Very high in the mountains. Are you able to handle the thinner air?"
"Not yet. I'll need about a day or two."
"I understand, young one. It is recommended to take about two days to acclimate yourself to the higher altitude."
"Thank you, Master. As soon as I am ready, you can put me to work, doing whatever you need me to do."
Master Kao smiled at his new student. "Ace, you are very eager to get to work. I like that in a person of youth."
Believe me, thought Ace seriously, it's the only way I can get this thing out of my mind…keep busy. "I…enjoy working hard." Yeah, when I used to be a criminal for Jack Malone.
"Ah, if only there were more in the world like you, someone in adolescence who cares about hard work."
"I appreciate you allowing me to stay with you, Master Kao," said a grateful Ace. "I've never seen a temple up close and personal before."
Master Kao smiled at his new student. "Ah, then you truly have not seen much of the world yet."
"I…I know." How could I? I'm a juvenile delinquent.
"Do not worry, young one. I will make sure your stay is a pleasant one. We hide no criminals or the sort."
Ace suddenly gasped.
"Are you all right, Ace?" asked the priest in slight concern.
"Um, yes, I'm fine." Whew, I'd better be careful. If he learns I really am a juvenile delinquent, he'll probably contact the authorities on me.
"It seems I have made you nervous about something."
"Me, nervous? Um, no, I'm okay, Master, really."
"There is something you need to know about life…In order to get what you really want, sometimes you must learn to let go."
"Let…go? What do you mean?"
"It is a lesson we all must learn at some point in our lives. Ah, here we are."
Ace and Master Kao walked off the ferry boat and came to a beat-up but very useable wagon.
"Um, we're taking this, right?" Ace asked curiously.
"Yes, we are. It will take two more days to get to the top. We will camp for the night when the sun sets."
Ace put his supply bag on board the wagon and jumped on top of the hay bale. He also lent a hand to Master Kao to get him on board. "There you go."
"Thank you, Ace. This yak will take us to where we need to go."
Ace looked at the large animal. "The closest thing I've seen to a yak is in my geography book whenever I did study at the orphanage."
"Ah, first time to see a wild animal this close?"
"Yes, sir, it is."
Master Kao then turned to the yak. "Let us go, my friend."
The yak started taking them higher up into the mountain.
On the first night of camping out, Ace's strange dream started becoming more vivid than ever before.
In his odd dreamscape, he noticed the doors trying to open and close on their own. "Wha…what do you want from me? What is this!?"
"I want you to stop running from your fate," said the voice once more. "I will make you let go of your fears, and make you face your true path."
"Never…do you hear me? NEVER!!"
Ace suddenly jolted out of his sleeping bag, his eyes glowing again. "Master, help me, please!"
Master Kao came up to him. "Ace, are you all right? What is wrong?"
When the young man turned to face him, Master Kao noticed the glow in his eyes. "My word…your eyes."
"Please, help me. I'm scared to death!"
"Ace, it is all right," Master Kao said calmly. "Take some deep breaths and relax."
The young man took heaving breaths and closed his eyes to get himself back under control. It took about 20 seconds… a scary 20 seconds. He was able to calm himself down and when he was able to open his eyes again, he asked, "Are they violet or blue?"
"As blue as the azure sky," answered Master Kao.
"Whew, thank goodness. That's the last thing I needed right now." Ace held his head while panting in breath.
"Young one, it seems you are more of a mystery than you are telling me."
"I'm sorry, I just can't…seem to control myself."
"I will not dwell into this now. We will do so when we reach the temple."
Ace gulped in fear. "When we…reach the temple? Oh, no."
"Do not be afraid of me, Ace. I am a friend, not an enemy. Now, let us return to sleep and start our journey once more when the sun rises."
"Okay, Master…and thank you." Ace soon was able to sleep peacefully in the middle of the night, and the dream did not haunt him for a little while…

A day later, the two arrived at the monastery, a beautiful temple with golden-shingled roofs, as most Tibetan monasteries were like.
"Master Kao," said an awe-inspired Ace, "it's gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it."
"Very few outsiders have seen this place. Now, let us come in."
The pair entered the monastery where about 20 other monks were working.
"I will be your primary teacher," said Master Kao, "but there will be times when one of the others can be helpful to you. I will show you to your quarters."
Ace, though, was slightly short of breath. "Sorry, Master…I still need to get acclimated to the high altitude."
"I understand. Rest in your quarters for a couple of days, and you will soon be adjusted to the mountain air."
The room Ace was to take was fairly large in size, but the bed was very comfortable. "Ah, bed."
"The wagon ride was not very comfortable for you, was it?"
"I'm afraid not, Master. I'm sorry if that's any trouble."
"No trouble at all, young Ace. The trip here can be very uncomfortable for someone who has not traveled the path before. Now, rest for about two days, since you are still not adjusted to the thinner mountain air as of yet."
"Thank you." After Master Kao left the room, Ace walked around it, looking at all the beautiful architecture. "I've never seen anything so magnificent this close up to me. I hope I can stay here for a long, long time." And who knows, I can finally be rid of the curse.
After about three days of adjustment to the mountain air, Ace was finally ready to start working and training under Master Kao.
"Now, I will let you start your labors today. I want you to keep the floors of the western wing clean."
"Okay, Master. I'll do that." Ace then got up from the floor and went to find the cleaning supplies. "Um, where are they?"
"They are in that closet. However, I should tell you there is no mop. We only use scrub brushes."
Ace was not really surprised by that. "I'm used to scrubbing with brushes. It doesn't bother me that much, really."
"Very well. Tomorrow will be your first day of meditation lessons." Master Kao then stood up and walked out of the room.
Ace then went to the closet to get the wooden bucket and scrub brush. "Well, I've got work to do. Time to get to it."
He immediately went to the west wing and noticed how big it was. "Hmm, a big job. No problem. I can handle this."
Putting himself to work on the floor, Ace scrubbed as hard as he could, making sure the floor would shine with his reflection. "There we go, off to a good start."
After a couple of hours, he grew hungry. "Oooh, my stomach's on the growl. I'd better eat some lunch before I pass out from starvation."
He put the brush on the floor and left to get something to eat.
The brush, though, suddenly came back to life and started splashing itself into the bucket of water! Then, it started scrubbing the floor under its own power, making the floor sparkling clean.
When Ace returned an hour later to finish the task, he suddenly found himself surprised. "What the…how did the rest of the floor get so clean so fast? Did someone notice I was too hungry and finished the task for me? Hmm, maybe I need to ask the master about this."
Master Kao then entered. "I cannot believe it. This floor looks the best it has been in years. Nicely done, Ace."
"But Master, I had to stop and eat lunch. I was too hungry."
"You had to eat lunch? Then, who finished the floor?"
"That's what I'd like to know." I wonder if…oh, no, not the curse again!
Master Kao saw the nervous look on Ace's face again. "You are looking troubled again. Are you sure you are all right?"
"Um, yeah, I'm all right, Master. Just feeling a little warm in here, that's all."
"Hmm, perhaps a trip to the garden in the cooler breeze may be of help."
"Thank you, sir. I could use some fresh fruits and vegetables."
The teacher and student went to the garden area to pick some fresh vegetables.
"So, Ace," Master Kao started, "are you used to fresh food?"
"Yes, Master. We had our own garden in the orphanage."
"Ah, that is good. I guess some things we have done here are being put to good use in the Western World."
Ace smiled. "Believe me, Master Kao, we still have lessons from the East in the 21st Century."
As he picked out some of the turnips and peas in front of him, the potato crops behind him started lifting out of the ground by themselves.
Neither person noticed, though, as they were preoccupied with picking the vegetables in front of them. The potatoes and their roots zoomed past both of them and then exploded after hitting the wall.
Ace looked at the mess on the wall. "Um, what happened?"
"I do not know, Ace. I have never seen something like this happen."
"Maybe I'm working too hard or something." Or…no, the curse. This blasted curse!
Master Kao looked at him and said, "Perhaps you have been working too hard. It is almost evening anyhow. Go on and get some sleep. Tomorrow, I will start teaching you some basic meditation techniques."
"Thank you, Master. A good night's sleep is just what I need."
As he slept, though, the weird dream became more of a nightmare.
Within his mind, though, the dreamscape was becoming more unstable. The doors opened and then slammed shut on him. "Let me out of here, please!"
"When you understand your real fate," said the mysterious voice, this time coming from the top of a hill, "I'll let you out of there. Until you do, you will remain there."
"No, I can't stay here! I have a life to live…a normal life!" Ace then fell to his knees and clutched his head in fear. "Please, I beg you, let me out!"
"Let…let me out…let me out of here," he muttered in his sleep. "Let me…out!" He suddenly jerked up out of bed. "What?" he said in confusion. "Oh, it was just a dream. But this one's scaring me to death. I can't tell anyone about this curse, not even Master Kao. Now…back to sleep."
Again, the strange dream did not bother him as badly for the remainder of the night.

The next morning, Ace and Master Kao were in a completely isolated room, no windows, no furniture, only a Buddhist statue and a few plants. This was to be the first lesson of Ace's meditation.
"All right, Ace. Are you ready to learn the proper meditation techniques?"
"Yes, sir, I am. Maybe it can help me stop being so tense all the time." And maybe get rid of this pest inside of me forever. I want to live a normal life.
"I have noticed how tense you have been since we have met. Meditation will help you relax, feel better about yourself, and become one with the universe."
"I didn't know meditation can do all that," said Ace in surprise.
"It can be, but you must have time and patience. Meditation cannot be mastered within a day."
"I understand, Master. So, um, how do I start this?"
"The first thing you need to do is sit on the floor in a comfortable position."
Ace did what his teacher told and sat down in a yoga-like position. "How's this?"
"Be in a position that makes you the most comfortable. If that is your desired position, so be it."
The young man was already feeling relaxed. "Okay, what's next?"
"Close your eyes and take deep breaths. See yourself inside yourself. If you are unable to do so right away, do not worry, for this is only your first session. How long it takes for you to be able to see inside yourself depends on how…receptive you are to your inner self."
"So…everything about meditation has to basically come from within myself?"
"Yes, Ace. Understanding everything else begins with understanding yourself."
Ace followed the priest's calm commands and soon felt more relaxed than before. "I feel so…calm already."
"That is a good start. The first step is to relax. If you meditate when highly anxious, it will do no good to you."
"I understand."
"Now, take some deep breaths. Try to picture yourself somewhere else. Remember, be calm and do not force it. Let the calm come to you."
In his mind, Ace was soon able to see himself, but the area around him was blank right away. "It's so…plain. There's nothing."
"As I said, this is only your first lesson. You need to learn to be more receptive to your inner self."
My…inner self? Ace thought with some fear. That's what I've been afraid of for some time now. I can't face it. Besides, if I'm forced into this, my dangerous secret will be out for sure.
What neither Ace nor Master Kao noticed was that something was happening to the small group of plants in the room. The plants themselves shook violently and soon the clay pots broke.
The priest turned to see the dirt and roots of the plants spread around that particular area of the floor. "My peas, my grains…what happened to them?"
Ace opened his eyes and looked at the busted plants. "What the heck? I haven't been near those plants." This is nuts! I'm just starting to meditate, and already this curse is trying to get at me here! Can't I find peace anywhere and leave this thing behind forever?
"Hmm," said Master Kao. "Apparently, obtaining peace within yourself will be more difficult than I expected. This could take some time."
"Oh…I see." That's just great, he thought sarcastically. I'll never find peace as long as this curse is stuck in me.
As Ace shook his head, Master Kao comforted him. "You are more tense than you are really showing. Do you have any…demons inside yourself, something you cannot face?"
"Oh, um, no, sir, I…don't," answered he very quickly. "I just have a lot of…tension, that's all."
Master Kao then said, "I wonder if you have more to hide than you want to tell me." After he saw Ace gulp in fear, he added, "I will not pry into it now. I want to give you a chance to tell me on your own terms. That will be all for lessons today. We will continue with more lessons tomorrow. Now, we need to work in the garden."
"Yes, Master Kao." Now I'm worried. He may find out the truth, even if I don't want to tell him.
Ace stood up, but he could not help feeling nervous because the meditation was a double-edge sword: It would help him ease his tension, but it would also force him to confront his inner self, the self that held the mysterious power he had kept secret.

In the first month of meditation, Ace had already mastered the basics of relaxing, yet he was still frightened to dwell too far into his soul, fearing the secret would come out.
Master Kao noticed very easily. "Ace, you seem to be holding back. You are not venturing as far as you really want to. Why?"
"I, um, don't have anything."
"Yes, you do. I think you are afraid of something…something you yourself have. What are you afraid of?"
"Nothing, sir…nothing."
The priest noticed Ace trembling slightly. "I do not believe you, Ace. I should not force you to tell me the truth, but I think you need to talk to someone. The more you fight what you fear, the stronger that something comes back against you."
"It's okay, Master. I have it…under control, really."
"Do you really? Just think about my words, Ace. I will not be forceful on you about yourself. Please, when you finally feel ready, tell me more about you."
Ace put his face down in shame. "I'm sorry, Master. It's just so hard right now."
"Perhaps the meditative techniques will help you be at peace with yourself, but you must be able to face your demons. You cannot run away forever. No one can." He then stood up and walked out of the room, leaving Ace alone.
After a heavy sigh, Ace softly said, "Maybe…no. I'm going to keep fighting this demon inside me. I will live a normal life."

That night, though, his dreamscape was growing stranger yet again. Still in the strange hallway of his own past, Ace started hearing the whispered voice again.
So, you will finally figure out about your true destiny, said Ace's inner voice.
"Stop," he said calmly. "I will take control of myself. I will not let you take control of me."
I'm not trying to take control of you. I just want you to understand your real destiny, the one you keep running from.
"You…don't want to control me?"
I don't want to control you. The one who needs help in control is you. You're so troubled by your past, and afraid to confront your destiny.
"I've already caused so much pain, though. I've hurt so many people already."
You've also been able to help people, too, save at least two lives. Doesn't that mean anything?
"I…don't know. I'm so…frightened."
I know you're frightened, said the inner voice. That's the reason you left Electro City. You're afraid you'll keep hurting people. You can turn your darkness to your advantage.
"Darkness…an advantage? How? I don't understand."
You understand the darkness better than most people. You know the deception found in some and the truth in others. Take Jack Malone and his daughter Mona. He has taken deceiving others to a new level while she knows the truth, even though she wishes not to speak to you for now.
"I hurt her father, though."
True, but you did so in trying to expose the truth about him, how deceptive and fiendish he really is. Mona won't be able to understand for now, but give her time. As for you, you're so scared to face destiny you want to run forever. You can't. You will have to face your true path soon.
"I don't know if…I can," said Ace in near tears.
You will know when the time is right…

Ace awakened in reality to a jolt again. "I want to live normally, not like this, with some kind of curse. What am I going to do? And how much longer can I keep this secret from Master Kao? He's getting more suspicious about me by the day, especially with all the strange happenings lately."
Contemplating leaving in the middle of the night, Ace decided not to go. He did feel some kind of peace in the monastery, but he wondered if he would ever find the peace…within himself.