Chapter LXIII

Instant Attraction

Filled with joy, Adriaas followed her mother across a pink tourmaline Porterum in Senegal. They descended spiral stairs that could convert into slides with a mere thought. Mother and daughter reached a landing bay and boarded a cubic fishtank, painted in shades of green. It levitated and sped up, leaving the captivating structure behind as it soared through the clouds.

The calm allowed Adriaas to order her thoughts. Minutes later, they approached a suspended stagnum that seemed constructed from intertwined tree stems and branches. It provoked memories of her previous visits to flood her mind. Ginebra, her mother, had trained her daughter in the art of body nurture and scent identification during those visits. As a Homo Synthesicus, their olfactory senses were capable of detecting a variety of odors from hundreds of meters away with proper training.

“Choose a scent, and we shall follow it to see where it leads us,” her mother instructed, granting Adriaas the power of choice. “Do not let it overwhelm you.”

Easier said than done, considering Ginebra possessed over a century’s worth of olfactory expertise.

Adriaas took a deep breath, savoring the intoxicating blend of scents that filled the air. It started with aloe, chamomile, and followed with lavender, jasmine, honeysuckle, and more. As a child, she became obsessed with several products she could not take home. A ketherin teenager could choose only a handful of items, out of hundreds desired. Aequiteism, the ruling social system in Malkuth and its colonies, limited the number of goods to those who hadn’t become members of the Sephirot. Although she could take more than a few items, it always fell far short of the hundred she desired, leaving her frustrated.

It took many years for Adriaas to realize the arduous work required to gain access to higher tiers of supplies and privileges in Malkuth. Citizens were provided with essential needs such as food, health care, education, housing, and entertainment, to a certain extent. To become members of the Sephirot, anyone over fifteen could apply for candidacy and undergo rigorous testing to determine their best-suited branch emanation if it wasn’t chosen already. Those accepted would move to a remote location to train and specialize in their chosen crafts for years. Upon graduation, their duty was to work, innovate, and increase their knowledge to take their society to better days, striving to improve. In return, they were rewarded with material goods and any need. Their achievements were reachable to anyone who put in the effort.

Adriaas’s father, Annevan, was a renowned figure across the solar system. He had achieved superiority in three branch emanations and seniority in two, holding a prominent position in the Superior circles of the Third Sephirot, The Binah. Part of the benefits in his tier was that his apartment was in the capital of the planet, where the highest rated Sephirah could apply to move into, a perk that could take centuries to reach.

After following the captivating scent of honeysuckle, Adriaas found a way, with Ginebra and their kabbalah close behind. It was a quiet day at Lbind Mall—the famous synwood structure was known throughout the Malkuth for the quality of the products made there.

“You know what one of your father’s exes told me?” Mom referenced a group they had formed years ago to sue him. “Tabitha, I believe you’ve met her.”

“I doubt it.” The name did not ring a bell for Adriaas.

“Anyway,” Ginebra was eager to share the gossip. “A hundred and fifty years ago, a Netzach disappeared scent, it was unheard of. He could choose a space and eliminate or add certain smells.”

Adriaas suspected where this was going.

“Have you noticed it doesn’t smell like pine here, although there are hundreds of them?” Ginebra knew the answer. “The scent has been eradicated so we can enjoy the other fragrances.”

Adriaas had never considered it before, but this wasn’t as interesting as what she had to ask. “Are you guys still trying to charge him with adultery and pedophilia?” Adriaas seized the opportunity. “It’s been a while since you last mentioned it.”

“Things have stalled. That’s why I’m so angry with him,” Ginebra had suppressed fury. “Our best shot is to request our Birthclouds to be reviewed. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth a try.”

“Why is it being stalled?” Her daughter asked with intrigue.

“I lack the credentials for that. I’m not even a Senior,” Ginebra confessed. She despised that aspect of herself. Her mother had tried multiple times to become a mentor in her Sephirot but failed. “Many tables believe that conducting an unnecessary birthcloud incursion would pose a risk for their credibility. Your father has proven himself to be an outstanding member of society, and they won’t prosecute him with the lack of arguments.”

Most people adored Annevan. He had been an integral part of society for centuries. In that time, his father constructed an idealized image that captivated the common eye, unlike his own daughter’s.

“If it’s wrong, which I strongly believe it is, Karma will take care of it, ma,” she asserted as they reached the source of the intoxicating honeysuckle fragrance. “Look! I knew this was a good choice.”

With pride, she approached a familiar establishment: “Normes de Beauté by Clarissan Vistelliu.”

Its grandeur was visible from the outside. The store’s name, carved in emerald above a shimmering crybine board reflecting an array of greens. Drawn by the promise of familiar comforts, they returned to where Adriaas learned what wrinkles meant.

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The moment she crossed the threshold, a familiar voice reached their ears.

“Blessed the eyes that behold you!” A man with a boisterous voice approached Ginebra, ready to embrace her. “Beautiful as always, dear. It’s been far too long.”

“I know! I apologize, Senior Edama,” her mother took his hug. “Life has been hectic. We couldn’t go another day without replenishing our supplies. Hey, what is that delightful honeysuckle scent?”

“Ah! I’m always right.” He was thrilled with the question. “It’s our recently launched delicate skin soap. It’s become a sensation across Malkuth! Consider it my treat.”

Ever since Adriaas had met him, Edama had always been generous and kind.

“It’ll be the first we try, then!” Ginebra delighted in Edama’s graciousness. “We’ll provide a review as soon as we reach a verdict.”

“That’s all I ask,” he bowed with modesty. “Will you be placing the usual order?”

As regular clients, they already had a list of their favorite items, including Adriaas.

“Yes, and I was wondering if you have the pomegranate feet balm,” she requested in a lowered voice. “I’ve heard it works wonders for calluses.”

“Say no more,” he responded, as expected, wearing a wide smile. “Is there anything special you’d like, my dear?”

There was no response.

“Adriaas!” Ginebra called out, bringing her attention back. “Edama is asking you a question.”

“Oh! Apologies,” she was nervous. “My mind got distracted. What was the question?”

It was a lie. She knew where her mind had drifted.

“Do you need anything else besides your regular order?” her mother inquired.

“Me? Nah, I’m good,” Adriaas tone wandered off. “Everything’s fine, thank you.”

Edama departed, and her mother turned to her with a curious expression.

“Where are you? I know it’s not this dimension.”

Adriaas understood that comment and laughed, Ginebra was right.

“I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to cause a scene,” Adriaas requested, staring into her mother’s eyes.

With just a glance, she knew her mother would comply.

“Don’t look now, but there’s a girl with green hair,” she confessed. “She’s on the balcony, next to the yellow vines. Don’t look!” Adriaas implored in a hushed tone, attempting to avoid any potential embarrassment. “We’ve been exchanging glances since we arrived, and she has beautiful eyes.”

Ginebra's face responded as expected, but the rest of her body remained motionless. Her daughter could swear she was on the verge of exclaiming with excitement, yet she contained herself. "Don't say a word mom, just occupy yourself while I talk to her," Adriaas instructed, certain of what needed to happen. From an early age, she had discovered her attraction to individuals of the same gender. Her mother had always been the person she trusted most with such matters.

"Understood. I’ll go find some butt cream," Ginebra raised her voice to embarrass her daughter in retaliation for excluding her. "Don’t get lost."

"I can check with Ion anytime," Adriaas shrugged off her comment.

"Stop relying on your Kabbalah to do things you can do yourself," Ginebra advised before departing.

Adriaas took a deep breath and continued navigating through the vibrant aisles. They exhibited creams and makeup made from organic materials, incorporating elements from the five kingdoms. She pretended to read a label while feeling an electric energy in the air. Though years younger, Adriaas didn't mind; it was gratifying to have her ego boosted when someone reciprocated her eye contact.

"Have we met before?" the unknown woman had approached and used a flirtatious tone.

"If we had, I’d remember your face," Adriaas replied with a half-smile. "What’s your name?"

"Velaniz," her eyes a captivating orange hue. "And yours?"

"Adriaas," she played along. "Are you a regular here?"

"Recently, yes," Velaniz confirmed, moving around the stand. "But I don’t think that’s where I know you from."

"Perhaps you dreamt it?" Adriaas proposed, feeling adventurous. "I’ve been told I have a dream-like presence before!"

Perhaps that was too forward.

The woman smiled, revealing perfect teeth and rosy cheeks. Good, she through of her as funny.

"Confidence. I can see why there’s a connection. Your eyes are enchanting," the green-haired girl looked straight into her eyes, making Adriaas nervous. "Where are you from?"

"Me?" It was difficult to say; Colorado was her first home, then Treinta y Tres. That changed when her parents took different paths. Annevan’s apartment was in a different city every day. "I suppose I’m from everywhere and nowhere at once, but I was born in Alta California." Her response was genuine. "And you?"

"I grew up in Jamaica," Velaniz revealed, her accent noticeable. "That might explain why we’re like milk and chocolate," she placed their arms side by side.

It was true; they were complete opposites.

"Like yin and yang," Adriaas acknowledged the connection. "What’s your favorite Sephirah?"

"The Gevurah is impressive, but I’m not courageous enough to risk my flesh. Perhaps the Tipharet; it sounds much more enjoyable," Velaniz shared. "And you?"

Adriaas pondered that question, always a struggle.

"Being a Chokmah is my primary choice." Adriaas shared her aspirations. "If that doesn’t work out, I might consider becoming a Chesed."

"Ambitious and cautious," Velaniz was impressed. "You’re quite intelligent."

"You have quite the perception," Adriaas went on with the playful banter. "Any recommendations?" She gestured to the array of products surrounding them.

Velaniz wore a flirtatious smile as she stood right in front of Adriaas. She donned a silkaphene leotard, adorned with dark blue and silver patterns. When combined with a delicate gown, it stressed her curves with elegance. Adriaas averted her gaze, not wanting to give away that she was drooling internally.

"You have beautiful skin; it’s important to protect it with sunblock." Velaniz selected a red crystal bottle containing rose-tinted liquid and offered it to Adriaas.

"I’ve been using passion fruit sunscreen for years," Adriaas had inherited her grandmother’s fair complexion. Ginebra had taught her from an early age how to care for her skin from the sun. "But sure, I’ll try it. It’s good to try new things."

That wasn’t entirely true; Adriaas appreciated order in her life. However, she could also be impulsive, or at least that’s what she told herself.

"What would you recommend for me?" Velaniz inquired, her hand gliding up and down her own silhouette as Adriaas was forced to watch. "What can I do to enhance my appearance?"

"Actually," Adriaas said, finding a flaw in her perfect image. "There’s an eyeliner that would be perfect to complete your look. Maybe we can throw some eye shadow too."

Velaniz nodded in agreement. The two of them set off in search of the right products.

Adriaas received a message from her mother, notifying her that the order and additional items were ready. Using her kabbalah, she sent the passion fruit sunscreen her crush recommended and continued listening to Velaniz’s life story.

She was accompanying her father, who was looking for organic underwear in a nearby shop.

Born in Alpha Botswana to Tipharet parents, Velaniz had undergone testing for the Sixth Sephirot. She was awaiting an invitation to become a Tipharin, a trainee of the branch emanation responsible for nurturing the earth.

As they strolled through the third level of the store, Velaniz turned to Adriaas. "That’s a summary of me. Now it’s your turn."

Before Adriaas could respond, an imposing figure approached them. "V! Where did you go?" the man was irritated. "I told you to wait!"

Instead of showing herself afraid, Velaniz smiled, grabbed her hand, and started running away from her father. Adriaas followed her pace, unsure of what was happening but willing to live in the moment, wondering where their adventure would take them.