“I have no choice, do I?” Vin asks. Dr. Mizrahi adjusts his glasses and folds his arms.
“You do, but I think you realize it is better to question for now … so ask.” Vin begins his inquiry.
“So, is it possible for my body to exist here?” Dr. Mizrahi reaches his hand out and touches what seems like nothing. Their surroundings turn into a visual image of outer space. Dr. Mizrahi and Vin are standing in a vivid illusion of being in orbit around Earth.“We are located in a data stream orbiting around the planet. Relayed though select satellites. Just as your mind can exist here, your body can as well.” Vin is fascinated by the display.
“Time would have a whole new meaning.”
“Not just time.” Dr. Mizrahi waves his hand and the space illusion disappears. “Existence itself would be different. When your body is transferred to this world, it becomes data. Only people with special concentration and understanding of this can control and collect their data to form their original body. Others would get lost in the stream of consciousness, eventually losing their self-identity and merging with others to become … something new.”
“Sounds awful, losing your identity. Why would someone create such a place?” Vin looks around as the vivid illusion that surrounds him slowly fades to the original white landscape. Dr. Mizrahi nods his head in agreement.
“It does sound awful but in reality it’s nothing extremely bad. However, when you break down the physical walls that make us unique, you take away something truly special—chaos, creativity, duality, our very definition of life. It is a definition that I happen to like and one I am willing to fight for.” Four children walk into viewing distance from an invisible horizon. Vin watches them as they approach.
“Children? Here?” Vin asks.
“They are four that made it here. Body and mind. All four possessed the unique ability to maintain their physical form here. They are the first four and this is their home.”
“First four, this is their home? Wait, what are you?” Vin asks. Dr. Mizrahi takes off his glasses and wipes them gently using his lab coat.
“Ah yes, others will soon discover they can come here if they so choose. Those children might be the first of many who enter this place of their own free will.” Dr. Mizrahi looks off into the distance. Peers up as if he is staring into a full blue sky.
“As for me, my body died long ago. I am but a phantom of degrading thoughts. As I’ve said, we aren’t immortal here. Our data is lost, flung out into space and we dissipate and eventually disappear.” Dr. Mizrahi puts his glasses back on and finishes. “One of us is afraid of that fate. So he uses all his remaining energy to find a suitable Avatar.”
“Is that what this is all about?” Vin asks. Dr. Mizrahi nods in confirmation.
“Partly but don’t worry. None of us will do as his Avatar. He wants one that can walk through both worlds uniquely. Decius Hanamex, is the name he chose. The one who was reborn here, in this sea of information.”
“He?” Vin asks.
“Question about gender?” Mizrahi replies.
“Does it matter?” Vin says. Dr. Mizrahi smiles. It’s been a long time since he’s been able to talk to someone like this. So long that even this task of answering questions is delightful for him. He is also happy to be able to talk to someone who is able to absorb and analyze the information so easily and freely.
“This is usually a lot to take in. I’m impressed with you, Vin. Now can you place the pieces together?” Dr. Mizrahi asks.
“I can guess.” Vin replies as he grabs the bottom of his chin.
“I can assume, when this place was found or made. Someone thought it would be salvation from that fate, protection from a possible cataclysmic future.”
“Some might say an almost certain cataclysmic future.” Dr. Mizrahi says with a clap.
“Interesting insight. Wonderfully callous and realistic. No doubt influenced by your time in the sprawls.” Vin casts his gaze downward.
“There are many people struggling in the sprawls who see nothing but poverty and death. They wish for a new start, a new world. This Decius ... has the power to make it happen.” Vin and Dr. Mizrahi are quiet for a moment. Vin stares at the children who are walking toward him and then looks back at Mizrahi.
“So Decius created this world to protect us but now he is on the verge of dissipating and needs a new body so he can escape to my world … the solid world.”
“That is correct.” Dr. Mizrahi replies. The children, two boys and two girls, are now standing next to them. By their looks, Vin guesses that they are in their early teens. The eldest boy, Abel, approaches.
“He’s very wise. You were right to keep an eye on him.” Abel says. Dr. Mizrahi walks over to Abel.
“Not just wise. His mental processing skills are amazing. To think someone like him could be born naturally. Vin, you should view this world differently.” Dr. Mizrahi waves his hand at the surroundings. “But you are able to process all this data and slow it down innately. We need you.”
“You … want me to stop Decius, but, to be honest. I don’t care about him. All I care about is my family and my community. They are in danger now.” Vin says. Dr. Mizrahi nods.
“Fortunately, you have another option in this situation. That is, if you want to get back in time to live.”
“That’s right. Each moment I’m here draws my body closer to death.” Vin says. Dr. Mizrahi looks over to Abel.
“Abe can teach you how to leave this place … and show you a few other tricks to help you along the way.”
“I can only promise to protect my sprawl, and that’s it.” Vin says as he folds his arms. He wants to make his intentions clear before he receives any help.
“Accept Abe’s teaching and that’s all we ask. But know Decius must not be allowed to force people into this world. It would destroy what we hold dear. This forced evolution must not be allowed. This realm is special, for those who will find their way willingly. Also, Decius must not acquire his Avatar. He understands your world far better than anyone ever born has. He can manipulate physics and laws that shouldn’t be tampered with. If it comes to pass that he finds an Avatar, his intention … will be manifested no matter the opposition.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Vin says. Abel walks up to Vin and takes his hand.
“We should hurry. You only have a few years to learn and I must teach you how to walk between worlds safely.” Vin looks down at Abel.
“Years?”
“It will be roughly seconds in your time. If our calculations are correct and our speed maintains constant. But walking through worlds is hard. There is lots of room here but not there. You could end up in a rock, in a building, or even in space if you’re not careful.” Abel says.
“Sounds like teleportation.” Vin says.
“It would appear that way in the solid world but the mechanics are vastly different. And there are consequences of walking through worlds.” Abel explains.
“Consequences?” Vin asks.
“Let’s go. I’ll explain along the way. It all has to do with concentration.” Abel says as he walks into the borderless white landscape. Vin begins to follow Abel but suddenly stops.
“Wait. My curiosity has got the best of me.” Vin turns to Mizrahi. “How do you know me?” Dr. Mizrahi smiles.
“You used to visit me.”
“What do mean? I’ve never been here.” Vin says.
“From time to time. Some fluctuate during sleep or when experiencing extreme trauma. They slip in and out of this world. You and one other little boy visited me quite often.” Mizrahi explains. “You where both friends if I’m not mistaken. I think his name was Cla—”
“My father.” Vin interrupts. “He is connected to this as well, isn’t he?” Dr. Mizrahi adjusts his glasses.
“We all are connected. But yes. The work your father does is, at this time, loosely involved with the Avatar.” Vin looks away from Dr. Mizrahi and nod his head. “You seem pleased to hear this.”
Mizrahi adds. Vin follows Abel into the white expand.
“I’m only happy to know that he wasn’t using us as experiments.” Vin stares into the white abyss in front of him. “Then again, if he was ... maybe then he would have kept us closer,” he says in a soft voice. The children wave goodbye to Vin and Abel as they traverse the borderless terrain.
Chapter 15
Reality Found Pt. 1
Time: Three years later (relative time).
Location: Area between worlds.
Abel examines Vin. He is sitting with his legs crossed in meditation. “It’s time.” Abel says breaking his meditation. Vin opens his eyes slowly.
“You mean … I finally get to go back?” Abel stares at Vin blankly and responds.
“It could have been sooner if you had just cleared your mind faster.” Vin bows his head slightly.
“It was and still is hard. I can’t stop thinking about them.”
“I guess under the circumstances, you did well.” Abel says. Vin stands up and faces Abel.
“Strange, I feel like I’m disconnected from time. I’ve been here training for three years but it will only be seconds in the other world.” Abel stares at Vin with a puzzled look on his face and Vin smiles. “I guess you wouldn’t understand. That’s why you were able to come here on your own. You are able to see things differently. No wonder it’s easy for you to call this place home.”
“This is not my home.” Abel replies.
“What?” Vin says. He is confused by the reply. “Dr. Mizrahi said—” Abel interrupts with a firm shake of his head.
“This is the gateway we use to get home and I am the only one allowed to come back physically.”
“Where is your home then?” Vin asks. Abel hesitates for a moment before answering.
“Paradise,” he says softly. Vin is shocked. He takes a step closer to Abel.
“Paradise? I … I thought it didn’t exist?” For the first time since they’ve met, Abel smiles.
“It’s real. You saw my friends projected here but their bodies rest there.” Vin is excited. He has often dreamed about Paradise. After hearing this revelation, confirming its existence. He can barely control himself.
“What’s it like?” he asks. “I mean, does it hold true to its name?”
“Yes. it’s a beautiful place. Pure and calming, energy fills your body the moment you step foot there.” Abel says. He is amused to see Vin happy. Their whole time training, Vin has been thinking of his loved ones. This is the first time they have slipped his mind even for a moment.
“Where is it? I really want to go there one day.” Vin says.
“I don’t know.” Abel replies. Vin’s smile vanishes.
“What do you mean?”
“There are only a few ways to enter Paradise. You see, Paradise contains something we call the philosopher’s stone. This stone is … well. I don’t know what it does but I was told it fell from the sky long ago and it generates unlimited energy, unlike the stones today.” Abel explains.
“Unlike the stones today? Our meteorite? We use that to generate power for our cities, but it’s all a synthetic derivative of the original source. Paradise must contain the original source of meteorite rock.” Vin looks down and thinks. The philosopher’s stone, a fabled device once used to create a valuable resource from a lesser resource. It was also known to be used for rejuvenation and even rumored to hold the secrets of immortality. Ironic they would call that stone the same.
“Well, the people of Paradise have it and use it to hide Paradise.” Abel uses his hands to describe what he is talking about. “It works like a giant cloak around the land. It protects our home, preserves it, and hides it away from everyone. My first home was on Beta Earth. War was all around and it soon engulfed our once peaceful village. When it happened we didn’t escape with the other villagers. We ran for the rift. The rift led us here and once we got here. We could go anywhere we chose.” Vin is enthralled by Abel’s story. He wants to know more about this mysterious boy.
“So why do you come back here? Why don’t you stay in Paradise?”
“I like it here … and we need help.” Abel says.
“Help?” Vin asks.
“As I told you. I am the only one allowed to come back here physically. That is because Decius can’t follow me.” Abel explains.
“Decius … the one who was born here?” Vin says. Abel nods. “He wants to destroy Paradise.”
“Why?” Vin asks. Abel points at his own head.
“Because no one there has limiters. There is no possibility of him controlling us or bringing us here on his terms.”
“Why would that matter to him?” Vin asks.
“We guard the philosopher’s stone and he needs it. Once he gets enough power, he can forcefully transfer everyone this realm.” Abel says. Vin folds his arms.
“To save us from ourselves—that seems to be the theme.” Abel nods.
“That is what he thinks but he needs an Avatar. He will create many but only one will be worthy.”
“So you guys need me to stop him … to save Paradise.” Vin says. Abel walks away from Vin and then faces him.
“Okay, your final lesson. Remember what we talked about—concentration and vision.” Vin nods and breathes in and out slowly.
“See the gates and activate them. So you can go back to the other world.” Abel says. Vin scans the area and sees nothing but white borderless expand. Abel stands at a distance and continues to coach him.
“Concentrate and when you receive the feeling, build on it.” Vin closes his eyes and something strange begins to happen. His hair stands on end and his skin fills with goose bumps. Suddenly, glowing crystalline objects appear and begin spinning fast around Vin. Vin opens his eyes and can see the blurred outline of these objects moving around him in a circular motion.
Vin concentrates on the objects one by one, slowing down their velocity. Now he has a better view of them. They are black, elongated octahedrons (crystals), approximately six to seven feet in length and four to five feet in width. They have strips of circuitry on them that pulse green. The pulses on each crystal are in unison.
The seven crystals slowly circle Vin. “I did it!” Vin says as he watches them in amazement. Abel nods and steps back a bit further.
“These are your seven gates of reality.” Vin realizes each crystal contains a different design. “When you’ve unlocked these. You’ll be transported back to the other world. In a location of your choice … if you’re good enough, that is.” Abel explains.
“Yeah, I know. If I mess up, I could end up in a wall, deep underwater, or in space ... What do the designs mean?” Vin asks.
Abel scratches his head and thinks.
“I’m pretty sure five of the gates unlock your senses. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. I am not sure about the other two, though. I think they unlock something else.” Vin starts to move toward one of the gates. Abel steps forward and forcefully says.
“Wait! They must be in order and very quickly. Remember the pattern!” Abel shows Vin the movement pattern for unlocking the gates. Vin has practiced it quite often and is ready to execute.
“Please, help us when it is time.” Abel says. Vin looks away.
“If I can.” He replies.
“You can. It’s just a matter of finding your reason.” Abel says.
“Thank you. For everything.” Vin says. He then quickly touches the gates according to the pattern. His world starts to shift. However, this time he is calm and ready for the unnerving effect. Vin stares at Abel and the two lock eyes as the worlds begin to shift and change.
Chapter 16
Reality Found Pt. 2
Time: Approximately 1.3 seconds later (relative time).
Location: Sprawl 15—Caroline’s house.
The Faux Forsaken member shoots his gun. The bullet smashes into the door frame. Vin is standing directly behind the Faux Forsaken member who shot at him. “Where?” the gang member asks.
W
ithout saying a word, Vin quickly breaks the guy’s arms and knocks him out cold. The rest of the members who witness this display are stunned.
“Our … our gunman.” another member says. Vin turns toward the remaining Faux Forsaken members scattered around his home. He looks at them closely. Young punks with chains, bats, rusted claws, and rusted metal masks. After a moment’s pause, they all charge Vin.
He remains calm as he effortlessly breaks wrists, arms, limbs, and anything else that comes near him. The last Faux Forsaken member stops in his tracks. He looks at his fallen comrades clutching their limbs and rolling around in agony.
“How … how did you break them? You barely moved.” Vin’s eyes fill with tears as looks at Zuri and a badly beaten Caroline.
“Run, before I kill you.” Vin says in a soft voice. The Faux Forsaken member runs out of the house and is slammed to the ground by a U.F. soldier. More soldiers enter the house and start dragging out the unconscious Faux Forsaken members. Vin is oblivious to this as he moves to see if he can help any of the children, Caroline or Zuri. Vin doesn’t know where to start and his mounting frustration ends with more tears. Vin is pushed back by the U.F. medical team. He watches them work and doesn’t even question how they came. Suddenly there is a hand on his shoulder. It’s General Quell Taurus. “I’m … I’m sorry, son. I gave Caroline a panic button in case of this situation. It’s just a good thing that I was—”
“Panic button?” Vin interrupts.
“Yes, it’s a com that I gave—” Vin turns to Quell.
“What good is it? What good is it to Sprawl 15? Can you give one to every neighbor? To every family this happens to? Will they end up like this as well?” Vin yells. Quell Taurus remains quiet. Vin wipes his tears and walks away.
“What are you going to do?” Quell asks. Vin stops and looks back.
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