The Language Of Tears

It was one of those days in Psychelia. Empath was brought in before the Psyche Master for disciplinary action.

"Empath Psyche, your behavior is unbecoming of a proper Psyche," the Psyche Master said sternly. "You know that expression of emotions is forbidden among your fellow Psyches. What do you have to say for yourself on this matter?"

"Psyche Master...this one is...lonely," Empath humbly said.

"You have a partner, and yet you are lonely," the Psyche Master said. "This place called the Smurf Village draws your attention away from here, and it is very disruptive to this community. They are not your people. You may look like a Smurf, but you do not think like a Smurf, and you do not act like a Smurf."

"This one feels absent and incomplete without them, Psyche Master," Empath said.

"You do not need them to complete yourself, Empath Psyche," the Psyche Master said. "I and the Psyches are all that you need. We are your community, and you will do well to remember that you are a part of this community."

"This one cannot help feeling this way, Psyche Master," Empath said.

"You must learn to control what you feel, Empath," the Psyche Master said. "This community cannot function if any of its members are not operating with the same mind and the same spirit. You are not a part of their village anymore. Is that acknowledged?"

"This one cannot abandon the memory of this one's fellows outside of Psychelia," Empath said.

"They are NOT your fellows!" the Psyche Master roared. Suddenly Empath a stinging pain in his head as the Psyche Master exerted his control over him through an energy discharge. Empath fell to the floor, unable to stand under the pain.

"You will now do as I say, Empath Psyche," the Psyche Master said when he released his control. "You will remember that you are a Psyche first and foremost, and your duty as a Psyche is to function as a member of the community. That means you must not express any of your emotions to your fellow Psyches, nor even the desire to leave this place to be with a savage group you do not belong to. Is that acknowledged?"

"This one understands and acknowledges, Psyche Master," Empath replied, his vocal tone now flat.

For the rest of the day, Empath remained expressionless as he concentrated on his training and duties as a Psyche. By nightfall, he and Polaris Psyche returned to their sleeping quarters and fell asleep on their beds without so much as even acknowledging each other.

In the dream space, Empath and Polaris appeared with each other, both wearing their white robes. But Empath was sitting on the ground in the dream space, his head buried under his arms, sounding like he was sobbing.

"Great Ancestors," Polaris said as he came over to where Empath was sitting. "What are you doing with that form of expression?"

Empath raised his head, and Polaris could see that his partner was crying. "This one is in pain, Polaris, and there is nothing in Psychelia to cure it."

"This one does not sense that you are in any physical pain, fellow Empath," Polaris said.

"It is not physical pain this one is suffering from, Polaris," Empath said. "It is emotional pain that comes from being separated from other people that this one knows."

"Your fellow Smurfs," Polaris surmised. "Your absence from them is causing you this pain."

"That is correct, Polaris," Empath said. "And this one has been punished for feeling lonely for them."

"It is difficult for this one to empathize with what you must be feeling right now, fellow Empath," Polaris said.

"It is enough for you to be here in this dream space to listen to this one, Polaris," Empath said. "For that, this one is appreciative."

"But this pain of yours...it will not go away unless you are with these people again?" Polaris asked.

"This one feels incomplete without them, Polaris," Empath said. "And there's nothing this one can do about it."

"What is it your people do to help people who are suffering from this kind of pain?" Polaris asked.

"We usually hug each other, Polaris, which shows the other person that we empathize with what he or she may be feeling," Empath answered.

"That sounds very scandalous, fellow Empath," Polaris said, sounding very uncertain.

"If that makes you feel uncomfortable, then all you need to do is hold this one's hand," Empath said.

Polaris sighed. He reached out with both hands and held Empath's in his own. "Empath Psyche, who is this one's brother and friend, may the spirits of the Great Ancestors guide and protect you through your journey."

"And may the same spirits guide and protect you through your journey, Polaris Psyche, who is this one's brother and friend," Empath responded as they both bowed their heads in prayer.

"May the spirits of the Great Ancestors be our strength and wisdom," Polaris said.

"May the spirits of the Great Ancestors be our comfort and peace," Empath said.

"And may we both be worthy to join the Great Ancestors in our day of ascension," they both said together.

Then they looked at each other. "You thought of saying a prayer in order to help comfort this one's thoughts and feelings, Polaris," Empath said.

"That is correct, fellow Empath," Polaris said.

Empath nodded. "That is very thoughtful of you, Polaris. It won't help in removing the pain altogether, but at least it will help this one cope with it while this one is in Psychelia."

"And this one will be there with you to help you control your behaviors while you are here, fellow Empath," Polaris said.

Empath smiled a little smile, thankful for the companionship.