by Saless
Chapter 101
"Wait!" Erica exclaimed after a long, shocked silence. "Are you trying to tell us that Sarah is the reincarnation of an entire universe?!"
Mana nodded calmly, "Yes, I am. When a universe dies all that energy has to go somewhere. Sometimes it forms an Omnisoul, sometimes an Oversoul. Usually Omnisouls become Oversouls once they mature, but not always. I don't think that will happen in Sarah's case, for instance, since Erica's Oversoul is absorbing souls at a rapid rate."
"Um, what?!" Tiffany said, confused.
Smiling, Mana explained, "Oversouls are vast beings that exist in the space between universes. But they also exist in every universe, in a way. Basically, they spawn souls in each universe, which in turn spawn one or more spirits. Those spirits then attach themselves to a newborn mortal, such as a human. They learn and mature through the experiences of all their spirits and souls. Omnisouls also exist everywhere at once, but the bulk of their...presence, for lack of a better term, resides in one body. Instead of spawning souls and spirits, they inhabit a mortal directly. Between the fact that they exist in every universe at once, and the way they concentrate themselves in just one body, they have a great deal of power."
"I...don't understand." Sarah said.
"Obviously the fact that you have all the energy of a universe would result in you having a lot of power. However, every universe has its own rules. In a universe that has almost no magic, how would that power manifest itself? Most likely in a spiritual manner. However, because your soul simultaneously exists in every universe, you actually have access to the powers of all of those universes. However, being unaware of that, and being a very young Omnisoul, you have only learned new powers as you've visited other worlds that have different rules to this one. Eventually you'll be able to do just about anything you can imagine." Mana said.
"You make her sound like a god!" Jill said in awe.
Mana laughed musically at that. "Please, a god?! She's a Power! Once she's fully matured she'll be able to squash any god out there!"
"But, if she's so powerful, how come Venus was able to curse her?" Erica asked.
"What do you mean?" Mana replied. Mike explained their visit to Venus and the results of it. "Oh, I think I see what happened. A curse can mean very different things to different people. Some would call a curse something that gives you bad luck, for instance. But in Harry Potter one of the curses was a killing curse, causing instant death. What happened to Sarah's clothes when Venus cursed her?"
"They were turned to ash." Jill said.
Mana looked thoughtful and then, smiling, said, "It was a killing curse, of sorts. Venus' curse must have incinerated Sarah completely."
"Uh, but I'm right here." Sarah pointed out in confusion.
Still smiling, Mana replied, "That's because your death happened between dimensions. That's where you're strongest, so even though you'd just barely begun to develop and discover your power, you were able to rebuild your body. And of course, being a female Omnisoul, you built a female body instead of a male one."
"So how did Jill paint what Sarah would look like before she even was Sarah?" Mike asked.
"She always was Sarah really. You just couldn't tell to look at her. I'm just guessing here, but I suspect that how she looks now is how she dreamed of looking. Naturally that image would be used when she rebuilt her body. Jill's telepathic abilities must have already developed enough that she picked that image up from Sarah." Mana said.
Everyone turned to Sarah at that point, who blushed and looked down. "Uh, yeah, I dreamed of looking like this." she said softly. "I didn't realize for a long time because I was so focused on trying to change back."
Erica smiled, "Well, you have good taste!" Sarah smiled back.
"You called her a power, as if that should mean something to us. What did you mean?" Tiffany asked.
"Oh, that? It's part of a classification system some people use. Celestials; gods and devils and such, though the devils and demons are often referred to as Hellions, are class E on that scale, whereas your average mortal is class B. A Power is a relatively rare classification, outside of Omnisouls. They're class G. There are levels within each class, and it all gets rather complicated, but it basically means she's a lot more powerful than a god." Mana explained.
"But I thought gods were the most powerful things around. Created the universe, and so on." Tiffany said quizzically.
Mana shook her head, "No, that's just good PR. Celestials just don't have that kind of power. A pocket dimension, maybe even a plane, they could handle, but that's it. It would take a Force, class H, to create a universe, at least."
"So Sarah couldn't create a universe?" Mike asked.
"No. Remember, she was a universe. In order to create a new universe she'd have to unmake herself. That's the only way she could get enough power for it." Mana replied.
"Okay, no universe creating for you!" Erica told Sarah in a stern tone, though her grin ruined it.
"Aw, but I was really looking forward to it!" Sarah whined.
Laughing, Erica said, "I guess you'll just have to live with the disappointment."
Sighing, Sarah said, "Okay." in the most pitiful voice she could manage.
They all laughed at Sarah's antics, but then Jill had a thought, "Does this mean that Sarah is immortal?"
Mana shrugged, "That's up to Sarah."
"What? But if I automatically remade my body when Venus killed me (and it feels really weird to say that), then how could I die?" Sarah asked.
"Your average immortal doesn't have much choice in the matter, but you do. It would be very hard to kill you and keep you dead against your will, especially once your powers have matured. But you could allow yourself to die anytime you want. You would then either reincarnate again, as spirits usually do, or become an Oversoul." Mana replied.
"So, as long as Sarah wants to, she'll live forever?" Erica asked. Mana nodded and Erica looked troubled.
"What's wrong Erica?" Sarah asked.
"If you're immortal, that means you'll still be like you are now when I'm old and gray." Erica replied.
"Not necessarily." Mana said.
"Why not?" Erica asked.
"Two reasons. First, there's the chrysalis. Once you're fully evolved you will be immortal, too. Not as hard to kill as Sarah, but you won't die of old age or disease, either." Mana replied.
"So...we can be together forever?" Erica said softly.
"I don't see why not." Mana said.
So, what do you think? Can you stand being with me forever? Erica thought.
I can't think of anything I'd rather do! But are you sure you want to be with me that long? Sarah replied worriedly.
That long, and longer! It's going to take some getting used to, though, the idea that we'll live forever. Erica sent.
That's for sure! So long as it's with you, though, I don't have a problem with it. Sarah said.
"Are you two okay?" Jill asked worriedly.
"Sorry Jill, we were just talking about things. We're fine." Erica replied.
"Are you two really okay with being immortal?" Mike asked.
"Sure." Erica said.
"So long as we're together." Sarah added.
"Uh, are we going to be immortal, too?" Jill asked.
Mana took a long look at Jill, then Mike, Tiffany, and finally Vash. "Vash is the only other immortal in this group." she finally said.
"Vash?!" Jill replied in surprise.
Of course! Vash sent calmly. I'm an imp, we're all immortal.
"That's not entirely true." Mana said.
What do you mean? All imps are immortal! Vash replied.
"Yes, but you're not exactly an imp, anymore. You're still immortal, but you have changed a bit. I'm not really sure what to call you now." Mana said.
A walking plushie? Vash replied with some bitterness.
"I didn't realize your transformation bothered you that much." Jill said sadly.
It doesn't always. But finding out I'm not even the same species anymore is a little unsettling. Vash sent.
Mana nodded, "Being unique can be...difficult."
"I'm sorry." Jill said to Vash.
No need to be sorry, you didn't know this would happen. Most of the time it doesn't really bother me. And being considered cute is an...interesting, change. Vash replied.
"I could change you back, if you want." Mana said.
That is very kind of you, but I would still be unique in this world. The only way that would change is if I went back to my world in my old form. I would rather stay here with Jill. Vash said.
"Really?!" Jill exclaimed, carefully hugging Vash to her. He swatted her face in mock annoyance, but they could all hear him purring.
To Be Continued…
Comments
So what would I ask?
If I were Jill, Mike, or Tiffany, I would have asked how would the chrysalis affected me (will I become immortal? will my powers change or disappear?). I would also have asked whether certain aspects of my current powers would be able to give me indefinite lifespan (TK-based life support, continuous energy inflow of a Shadowkin when in shadows, mastering Shifting down to more basic levels...), with maybe some trinkets added... Was it not in the first CoM story that Mana declared that it was she who made it possible for humans to live forever?
Also, is Mana a Force (class H) or someone of a greater order of power? What is the deal with Erica's Oversoul absorbing souls at rapid rate? And why does it affect Sarah so that she will not likely become an Oversoul? If Celestials are Class E, and Omnisouls are Class G, what are Class F, H and beyond H? And what level are Mana's children, for that matter?
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
I just let the conversation
I just let the conversation flow naturally on this one, which means lots of stuff gets skipped over (At least, that's how conversations often go in my experience. Can be rather frustrating at times). Anyway, I knew there'd be lots of questions after this chapter!
As for your first questions, it sounds like you're assuming they want to be immortal. I know I would, so long as I had the right body, at least, but some people don't like the idea at all. I don't understand why, but they don't. As for Mana making it possible for humans to live forever, she was specifically referring to that one immortal. There could be other means of achieving immortality. In fact, the chrysalis would be science, not magic, and it can make a person immortal.
On the classification system, which really is complicated, I don't even have it figured out completely, and I've given it quite a bit of thought! These questions may not all be answered in VC, but they will be addressed to at least some extent in CoM. Eventually. The most important part was getting an idea of how powerful Sarah will eventually become.
And, finally, on the Oversoul issue with Sarah and Erica; we'll get there! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Okay, I have to admit
I had to reread the passage explaining Oversoul and Omnisoul three or four times to get it, so your frustration is not surprising. :)
As for my first questions, it is rather a matter of having a choice. Immortality becomes a curse when two criteria are met. One is you cannot cope with the weight of years gone past. The other is you cannot choose to end your life voluntarily. Both Erica and Sarah can and possibly will eventually end themselves, by either returning to the Oversoul (Erica's case as I see it), changing from an Omnisoul to an Oversoul (Sarah, obviously), or unmaking oneself to make a universe or two...
Which brings me an another question - what separates a pocket universe from a true one, one that can be created by a (mere) Celestial and one that requires an Omnisoul unmaking itself to create? Is it not possible to create a true universe one step at a time for an Omnisoul, thus having the cake and eating it? Hmmm, a possible answer is that it by definition requires a single act of creation.
And while you may have stalled heated interrogations for now, Saless Dearest, I expect it all to be answered, one way or another!
^_^ Don't panic! ^_^
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
A pocket universe, as I've
A pocket universe, as I've usually seen it used, is very small. It's basically just a room (or several rooms in some cases) that doesn't exist in any universe. So it is in its own pocket dimension. Like Hammerspace, it's usually just used to store things, though I've seen a few stories where someone actually lived in a pocket dimension. But it was just a house, nothing existed outside of that house. A true universe is so vast by comparison that, well...there's no comparison! ;)
As for the immortality issue, well, since they didn't ask about it, I guess they don't want to be immortal. At least yet. That could always change. But I agree with you that it can be a curse if you don't have a choice on the matter.
Panic, moi?! I'm the picture of calm! Just because my vision is fading out and I'm feeling light headed has nothing to do with it! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
...my vision is fading out and I'm feeling light headed...
Come on, 'fess up...exactly how many glasses / bottles of wine have you consumed then? :)
--Ben
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Nope, can't blame the
Nope, can't blame the alcohol, I don't drink it! ;p
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Walked right into this one!
In Soviet Russia, Vodka drinks YOU! ^_^
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Natural flow, bah!
I noticed that. I do hate it when somebody starts with "Two reasons," then explains the first - and skips the second one.
On the matter of religious beliefs: I don't think you are offending anyone who wouldn't take offense at TG and/or Fantasy stories anyway. It doesn't hurt my Christian beliefs to sometimes speculate about other ways the universe(s) could work. :-)
--- Martin
Glad to hear it! (On the
Glad to hear it! (On the religion part, that is!)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Queen/Highlander answered that Question
Who wants to live forever...when love must die?
I love that song!
Well, yeah, in that case it wouldn't be quite so nice! But for Sarah and Erica at least it's not a problem. ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Well, Then According To Your Story
The Lord God Yaweh is a Power of omipotent level. As a Christian, I Believe that GOD is GOD, not a god.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
This is one issue that gave
This is one issue that gave me a bit of pause when writing this. Within this reality I'm using, all the gods of all the religions we know of are Celestials, which aren't the most powerful things around (Though still very powerful, of course). Which I realize could upset some people. I'm really not trying to challenge anyone's religion with this, though! I believe that a person's religion is an extremely personal thing and I would never dream of telling someone what they should believe.
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Divine power
This rings a few bells from my long-past college days. Ancient Egyptians (as my devoutly Christian professor taught) had this concept of netjer by which they meant both 'god' and the overall property of 'God-ness'. While they had quite a few gods, all of those shared a common God-hood. In practice, though, individual people worshipped the individual gods they could understand, so in a way they had a polytheistic monotheism. This idea of a single God-ness (and one that cannot be completely understood by mere mortals) is something Moses took with him and that was later inherited by Christianity.
Moreover, theologians of just about all the established religions are willing to consider that the other faiths have an imperfect view of the same underlying truths. So, in the end, perhaps it isn't really all that important that there are lots of gods and even more powerful beings -- what is important is that we still have no way of knowing for certain what (or perhaps who) is behind it all. One can always have a next layer of divinity, and at some point there is supposed to be mystery.
That said, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter. :)
That sounds kind of like
That sounds kind of like what I've heard about Shinto (native Japanese religion). There are specific Kami (Gods, divine, spiritual, etc.), but everything is considered to be, or have within it/them, Kami.
Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying my little story Athena! :)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
A walking plushie? Vash
A walking plushie? Vash replied with some bitterness --- loved it!
Thanks, I rather liked that
Thanks, I rather liked that line, myself! >^.^<
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
So Sarah
is now a Power....Does that mean that anybody who wishes her harm will have to reach her before she matures?... Or is it already too late for the likes of Venus to try to finish off what she tried earlier!!!
Kirri
Harming Sarah
If she can't be harmed (or will immediately respawn herself,) she ought to go back to Venus and give her shit about trying to kill her friends. It would be fun to watch Venus grovel before Sarah.
Ah, what a lovely picture!
Ah, what a lovely picture! The only problem there is that Sarah is probably too nice to really milk the situation. ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Evil Bratty Authoress
I think you wrote it as a killing zap just because I kept saying that Venus hit Sean on purpose.
<sticks out tongue and makes loud raspberry>
No, but now that you mention
No, but now that you mention it, it's a nice bonus! ;p
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Could Venus even find Sarah?
There has been no hint that Venus might be able to travel between universes like Sarah. Vash pointed out that it's a somewhat rare ability (in Chapter 45), so my guess is that Venus, as a mere goddess, is pretty much stuck in her own universe, and Sarah and her friends are safe from her.
There might be others trying to harm them; other magic users or mundane bullies. (Two of her ex-coworkers are still around, aren't they? Probably in jail right now, but not forever.)
But my bets are on Sarah and her friends.
--- Martin
Oversoul-Omnisoul?
I'm in my normal state of chaos aka confusion.
...."Usually Omnisouls become Oversouls once they mature, but not always. I don't think that will happen in Sarah's case, for instance, since Erica's Oversoul is absorbing souls at a rapid rate."....
Sarah's the Power and an omnisoul, which can mature into and Oversoul. But you state that Erica's oversoul... does this mean that As a Null Erica represents an Oversoul so she is a mature Omnisoul? Which has the greater power? Or are their powers the same? Is Erica going to absorb Sarah?
This power structure is beginning to appear like a verbal representation of an Escher drawing. Where the top ends at the bottom and the bottom starts at the top. Or scientifically like a Möbius strip. It goes on infinitely with only one side. Is the Power scale similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes non-linear and exponential?
I'll just enjoy the story and let she who created this world create her own rules. What are you Saless, since this is your baby? Where does Mana place you on the Power scale?
Hugs,
Trish-Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~
Hugs,
Trish Ann
~There is no reality, only perception~
Sorry for the confusion.
Sorry for the confusion. Oversouls spawn souls, which in turn spawn spirits. So when Mana refers to Erica's Oversoul she's referring to the Oversoul that spawned Erica's soul (and thus her spirit). Does that help?
Hmm, where I fall in that classification system would depend on whether I was just a writer who happened to write something that was accurate in another universe (or somehow saw it, or something), or if I was actually creating them. In the former case I'd just be a regular Class B mortal like everyone else. In the latter I guess I'd be a Z! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Immortals...
So, it'll eventually be Sarah, Erica, and Vash -- unless Mike and Jill decide to extend their lives. Then, there's Tiffany. Will she want to extend her life if she doesn't find a soul mate? (Will her soul mate be the seventh member?)
If Jill does die, what will happen to Vash? Will he be able to choose to attach himself to someone else, or will he be unattached until someone grabs him?
By the way, I'm glad that Vash decided to remain a living plushie. He's so much cuter that way than he was as an imp. He ought to ask Mana to give him back some of his weaponry, though.
I thought that Vash's
I thought that Vash's decision would be popular! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Doesn't Vash deserve a soulmate too?
After they help sort out Tiffany's love life Vash needs ... noooo it's too terrible to contimplate, Vash as a male shadowkin or Tiffany as a shadowkin plushie. Plushie sex in the shadows ... Aaaaaaaah!
But then he'd make a great lover, he's so impish.
John in Wauwatosa
P.S. I wonder, is this Mana before she has her children? She seemed a bit naive about Earth at first but then there are alot of alternative universes.
John in Wauwatosa
John...
Go wash your mind out with soap!
Soul Mate
Do imps want/have soul mates? I don't think it was ever a consideration when he worked for the wicked wizard of the watchtower.
On the other hand, he may very well be ready for one in his new incarnation. Or, he may be just as happy being Jill's familiar -- sort of taking the kid's part of their little family.
Gah!
We totally forgot about another one!!! Mary, Sarah's Mom! What about her?!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!