CHAPTER LVII
TWO SIDES OF A COIN
After countless games of Bubble Collision, a lavish nine-course meal, exploring the Gardens of Expression and five games of silidan, everyone was ready to leave the Kabbalistic Center and head home. A chromatic blue fishtank with a Gevurah to escort Adriaas and Zeban picked them up and flew them to a porterum.
Adriaas, eager to avoid any discussions about her father, closed her eyes and pretended to sleep on her brother’s shoulder during the journey. The crystal vehicle maneuvered through pristine clouds while fresh air filled their lungs. Instrumental music from the fishtank’s speakers created a calming atmosphere.
They soon reached the nearest porterum and were sent half a world away through a dark matter bridge. Since their parents' separation, the siblings had lived at their floating home in Treinta y Tres, Uruguay, with Ginebra, their mother, while Annevan moved out. Since then, their father had lived in a few countries, the latest and longest settlement in the capital of the world, Epeculum, the floating City of Mirrors.
Upon visiting the city for the first time years before, Adriaas was rendered speechless. Epeculum, home to the highest-ranking Sephirah, the decision-shapers of their world, dazzled her with its spirit and beauty. Later on she would find her father had intermittently lived there for decades before their birth, making her reflect and wonder about the hidden truths kept from them.
The City of Mirrors was an enormous stagnum suspended above the clouds, entirely constructed with metacrys, reflective surfaces everywhere. Its magnificent silhouette, contrasting the sky, delved into sacred geometry through its design. Constructed to travel in proximity to the terminator—the line dividing night and day—it enjoyed an everlasting sunset.
As they approached the structure, Adriaas stretched and prepared to disembark. A yellow fishtank, resembling a majestic fish, landed gracefully parallel to them.
“Ready to talk?” Zeban asked from behind. “You seemed distant during dinner, and everyone noticed. It was rude, and you should—”
“Leave me alone!” Adriaas snapped, unable to contain herself. “I don’t care what they think about us. We just met.”
Her outburst left Zeban off guard and her feeling guilty.
“Sorry, it’s just…” Adriaas searched for the right words. “We need to talk privately. There’s some information about father that I need to discuss with you.”
Zeban’s dark eyes widened, but understanding washed over him. His demeanor shifted, tempted to share a secret.
Surprised by his adeptness at maintaining the charade, Adriaas followed him through a mirrored wall that reflected their slightly opaque images before melting away. Zeban guided her, remembering how she had gotten lost during their first visit to Epeculum. Just in case, they activated the map feature on their kabbalah to guide them.
Navigating between the reflective walls and passages crowded with hundreds of individuals going in multiple directions at peak hour was challenging. Following Zeban’s brisk pace, Adriaas anticipated the revelation that sparked her sudden need for a private talk. Her hunch about his destination solidified as they ascended in a levitator to a park, high into Epeculum. The top floor offered a panoramic view of the city of mirrors, gleaming from multicolored sources of reflections. The grass and trees there changed colors, starting with orange and transitioning to yellow, as they walked along a silver crystacrete path.
Finding a secluded spot, Adriaas deactivated her kabbalah and signaled Zeban to do the same.
He complied, his expression filled with exasperation. “What’s going on with you? Why all the mystery?”
Adriaas recounted her conversation with Oleana and Quilzy. Initially hesitant, Zeban's expression transformed as she continued.
Minutes later, she had divulged everything and awaited her brother’s response. The park provided a striking contrast as the sun set on the horizon and the grass turned red.
“I expected some of it, but the rest I ignored. What shocks me is how much they know,” Zeban admitted. “Information is compartmentalized within their houses too, so…”
“That means their parents shared that information with them.” Adriaas wondered if Oleana and Quilzy had intended to disclose everything to her. She had initially thought it to be a spontaneous occurrence, but doubt had crept into her theories.
“Not our problem,” Zeban said, shrugging it off. “We need knowledge that can help us understand the significance of all this. It’s late, but tomorrow we’ll visit the archives and search for specific details. We have the entire weekend here.”
Feeling exhausted yet eager to unravel the mysteries of their past, Adriaas agreed.
“Will we return to the Kabbalistic Center? I loved it there.”
“There’s no reason not to. I loved it too,” Zeban agreed, something uncommon between them.
“How did we never hear of ‘Bubble Collision’?”
“Some information comes to us at the right time,” Zeban quoted a phrase.
“Where is that from?” Adriaas asked, her curiosity piqued.
Her brother couldn't believe she didn't recognize the source. “The Edictum Vitae,” he replied, his tone laced with concern. “You're kidding, right?”
“Yes!” she lied, hoping to dodge repercussions. “The murmuratus thought of everything, as always.”
Repeating words said by adults had become a good way of getting out from trouble, even if she didn't know who the murmuratus truly were.
With their kabbalahs reactivated, the siblings made their way back to their father’s apartment. Brother and sister discussed the events of the day, sharing personal experiences and emotions that were separate from those brought on by Oleana and Quilzy. Adriaas reminisced about the dodecaroom, the gardens of expression, bubble collision, silidan, and the nine-course meal. They seemed like parts of a dream that had ended when they reached the entrance to Annevan's house.
Inside Epeculum, each chamber had its unique entryway—a reflective surface that opened a pathway into the desired room, provided access when granted. Many regarded the mirror city as one of the safest places in Malkuth.
Their father greeted them with a beaming smile. “Ahh! The explorers have returned!” His love for them was undeniable each time he laid eyes on his children. Despite his secrets, the joy radiated from the fifty-year-old-looking man. “How did it go?
Adriaas took charge of the conversation with joy. “I’ve never had so much fun in my life!” She shared confidently, approaching her father to give him a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Why was that our first time to a Kabbalistic Center, dad?”
Zeban looked at her with piercing eyes.
“For safety reasons, you know that,” he repeated, as he had countless times before. Annevan embraced Zeban just as warmly. “I understand that might frustrate you, and I apologize, as it’s entirely my fault.”
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Their father returned to the kitchen. The apartment featured white crystacrete walls and high ceilings, with bedrooms located upstairs, accessible via levitator. Annevan prepared dinner, and despite their earlier extravagant feast, anxiety had sparked their appetites.
“So, kids! What made it so enjoyable?” he asked with genuine interest. "Tell me everything
“Bubble Collision!” Zeban exclaimed with enthusiasm. “It was incredible! We got inside these multi-colored bubbles to crash into each other with antigravitas, then we played some silidan and we flew across the gardens of expression, then we ate like animals....”
His father’s face lit up with joy as he waited for Adriaas to respond while his son recovered his breath.
The troubling question came out easily. “How old are you, Dad?”
Annevan’s expression shifted, becoming cryptic as he leaned in closer to her.
“Why do you ask?” he inquired, sensing that she was probing.
“I’ve heard things from other kids...” she began, improvising her words.
“Meaning?” Annevan, who always emphasized the importance of clear communication, prompted her.
“We heard our parents don’t reveal their actual ages until we’re old enough to understand. That they withhold certain information and experiences from us...” Adriaas paused, searching for the right word.
“Compartmentalizing,” he finished for her. “That’s true, my love, and I’ve always been honest about that, haven’t I? That’s also why you know more about the Sephirot than other children your age. It’s essential knowledge, just in case.”
“But...” Zeban interjected, his tone conflicted. “Just in case of what? Why do we have to worry about safety?”
Annevan was taken aback by his son’s question.
“It’s only natural you have these questions. Come, take a seat. Sushi will be ready soon.”
Adriaas and Zeban followed him into the kitchen, where he prepared their meal on a gravity-free island. They settled into dark gellin seats suspended behind the it, their father's back turned to them as he continued chopping.
“You’re both intelligent,” he remarked in reflextion. “What you need to understand is that these limitations are my doing. It’s my responsibility, and no one else's. It’s why your mother moved on from the constraints of being with me.”
Zeban exchanged a surprised glance with Adriaas, unsure of how to react.
“There are people in Malkuth who seek to destroy my family, my achievements, and even my life,” he said, bringing a wooden board with greens to their side of the island. “Don’t give me that look, Zeban. It’s Edamame, try it.”
“It looks disgusting,” Zeban’s face twisted with repulsion, enough to ease the tension. “We had plenty of food at the Center, thanks.”
“Your loss,” Annevan said before addressing his daughter. “Adriaas?”
“Thank you.” She took a piece and brought it to her mouth. Salty, it was good. “Thank you. Please continue.”
“You were on the right track, which makes me proud,” he said as he turned his back to them and rolled more sushi. “I’m not one hundred and twenty years old, as I made you believe. My actual age is two hundred and ninety-seven years, six months, and three days. Ask me anything.”
Adriaas found that revelation the most difficult to accept, even if it was expected.
“Why?” Zeban’s emotions were mixed. “Did you think we would judge you?”
“Not really. It’s quite common,” Annevan replied, taking a bite of edamame. “Many Malkuthians who live as long as I choose to reduce the age gap when raising children to facilitate understanding. Adriaas couldn’t differentiate between a thousand and a million three years ago. We saw no rush in telling.”
“It's been more than six years since I know the difference, how many...” Adriaas began, her voice low. She cleared her throat and started again. “How many children do you have, Dad?”
Realizing that the conversation was going to unexpected places, their father handed them a couple of synwood plates full with sushi and prepared to eat.
“Go ahead,” Annevan encouraged, trying to keep the conversation light. Taking a few pieces of sushi and biting one with a swift move of chopsticks. “Sorry, I missed lunch today,” he said after swallowing.
Adriaas and Zeban, being polite, picked up some sushi while waiting for him to continue.
“Look, age doesn’t matter in Malkuth, and you need to understand that,” Anevan's tone was light, carefree. “Time is relative to our three-dimensional experience, and since the birth of Homo Synthesicus, our species has slowed down the aging process to the point of immortality. The reason I chose not to share my actual age when you were younger is because it can create stress. It requires a certain level of brain development to comprehend what it entitles.”
“Yeah, we’ve heard that before,” Adriaas wasn't buying it.
Noticing that his children weren’t fully engaged with his energy, Annevan paused. “Certain ideas that become laws, most from the superior Sephirot, face opposition from small but vocal factions in our society. Even after being approved by a Superior Table of Nine, these groups remain unsatisfied with the laws we defend, day after day. As a result, they break the Edictum Vitae by attempting to harm our loved ones or even random individuals.” Annevan maintained a relaxed tone. “The Gevurah maintain peace, preventing these crimes. However, there have been isolated cases where these crimes succeeded, and the outcomes were tragic. The protection I’ve surrounded you with all these years is my fault, and I supplicate you to continue to follow it. With time, you’ll understand.”
“You’re going in circles, Dad,” Adriaas pressed, feeling older than her years. “How many siblings do we have? How many partners have you had?”
She felt hurt and held a grudge after he had changed her mother, Ginebra, for another woman only months after they had split.
"As for half-siblings, well, my plan was to share the news this weekend. I might as well do it now. Fibenas is pregnant, which means the baby due in a few months will be my one hundred and thirteenth child.”
Perhaps it was a reaction to his joyful and genuine manner of sharing the news, but neither of them took it well. For Adriaas, it confirmed her darkest fears, and for Zeban, it struck at his pride. Their father noticed their reactions, understanding the source of their distress.
“I know this might be shocking to hear, but our clan, the Ancaris, comprises thousands of members scattered across the entire galaxy.” He tried to resonate with their emotions. “For people of my age, having this many descendants is common. But please believe me when I say that it doesn’t diminish my love for you. You know many of our family members, so it’s not as if I’ve kept you isolated from our relatives. We may have adjusted the numbers and terms, but the feelings remain the same.”
Witnessing tears welling up in his eyes brought a sense of catharsis. It was calming after fearing he had become insensitive after living so long.
“And what about our cousins and uncles, brothers and sisters?” Zeban inquired.
“I’ll provide you with a list later today, including everyone’s true classification,” Annevan was relieved. “Over time, the lines between uncle and cousin blur, especially in long and meaningful fraternal relationships. We are brothers and sisters of Malkuth, all doing our best to thrive and innovate in these fascinating times we’re living in.”
“What do you mean?” Adriaas had noticed the admiration people had for their era. “Did you not live like this before?”
Her father showed a tender grin.
“One thing you’ll learn as time passes is that everything is ever-changing,” he began, his passion clear. “From the macrocosmos to the microcosmos, nothing remains the same for extended periods. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed the rise of Malkuth as we know it. Some of our family members were present when it was created after the Murmuratus departed. Most of the population resided on the surface...”
Adriaas had heard of them before.
“They created the Edictum Vitae, right?” Not an expert on the subject, she sought confirmation.
“Yes, that was before my time, but you can learn about it in your Kabbalah studies whenever you’re ready.” Annevan was glad the conversation had shifted. “Many families share virtualis anecdotes about a life before the synthesis. The stories are fascinating. If you’re interested, I can send you a virtumentary that explores their experiences.”
“I’d like that,” Zeban had calmed down and digested his father’s explanations. “I can’t imagine what it must feel like to live for so long...”
“For most, it's energizing as long as we keep our youth and birth cloud in check.” Annevan emphasized. “We can make choices, use our abilities to evolve, advance, and study the progress of our own civilization with fidelity through centuries. We’re part of the most incredible, united effort our Solar System has witnessed and possibly our galaxy, though that remains uncertain.”
“Why should we be grateful?” Adriaas sought further understanding. "Why do you have so many kids."
“It hasn’t always been like this,” he agreed to her earlier question. “The average lifespan was under four decades only a millennia ago. People barely matured and experienced life when it came to an end. However, with advancements in medicine and the synthesis we extended our lifespan. It was the birth of—”
“Homo-Synthesicus!” Zeban interjected, his excitement over the top and immature.
“Exactly, our birth brought a new age to planet earth, everything changed....” Annevan confirmed, ready to take another bite of sushi. “Our society must embrace eternity and prepare for the future, being able to spread your genes through the galaxy and be a witness of its growth makes life worth livinf. It's hard, at least for me, to stay with the same person for long periods of time. They get tired of me, which is heartbreaking but understandable.”
Annevan seemed sad and both kids were too tired to continue with the questioning and those answers were sufficient for their young minds. Their father had navigated the delicate conversation by offering comprehensive responses. In the following months and years, Adriaas curiosity kept growing, prompting her to learn more about the Sephirot, Malkuthian history and their father.
*****
That's it for Chapter LVII!
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