⚠️ Warning ⚠️The following content may include offensive language,aggressive behavior, and references to previous chapters.The author does not seek to romanticize or glorifyany of these topics. Everything narrated here is fiction.Reader discretion is advised. 👀
💬 Author's Note 🫠Many friends and acquaintances say that if they were immortal,they'd be the smartest people alive.I listen to them and think: that's not true.I've seen hundred-year-old elders saythey'd have done the same,that they would've made better use of their youth…but the truth is, that's empty talk.We live up to 120 years for a reason.If humans were immortal,they'd only waste their lives.And I realize that,because most lose their purpose for livingbarely in their twenties.Now imagine someone who's lived two thousand years… 🕰️(Tholio; 2025)
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March 28, 1964Galton and Helena were miles away from São Paulo,lost in the middle of the open sea.
When they were examined and found with no identification,they were registered as stowawaysand locked in a confinement room under strict watch.
The room was under maintenance.Both were exhausted;having stayed in the water for hourswould've worn out even an immortal.
Galton, cautiously, hid the Orbs of Creationsomewhere no one could ever find them.
They were treated as hostile individuals:they carried a dagger, some food, a rope,and a handful of maps and notes.
To their surprise, the ship turned out to be a cruise liner,filled with important passengers.
"Goddamn, what a stench, porra!" said Helena.
"If I'm honest, this is shit," replied Galton.
"I could have killed them, but this works in our favor."
"At least we have a bed."
"We can't be violent this time."
"Violent? Please," she laughed, ironic.
"Why don't you lick that corner of the room,and tell me if it tastes like vanilla?! You idiot!"
Helena sat down, too irritated.The room was damp and smelled foul, as if urineand other nastiness seeped through one of the walls.
"There are moments I like you, andothers when you're a piece of shit."
"I want out of here, I can't stand this smell!"
"Get out?" Galton looked at her."I have divine strength; we could escape, butswimming in the open sea isn't very smart."
"We need to reach the port."
"I'd kill everyone here, but I can barely steera fishing skiff — this is a huge ship."
"I haven't resisted so far for that reason."
A guard let out an incredulous laugh.He'd been listening to their conversation and shoutsfor a while. Besides that, the guard hadn't stoppedstaring at Helena.
He seemed fixated on watching how she rose,how she sat, how she moved and walked.A thousand scenarios formed in his mind.
"This girl has a huge ass... mom, it'd be so goodto bite that black pussy."
"And those tits... damn... you can tell she's notwearing a bra."
This man, lacking principles, couldn't hide it,not even out of cowardice.
Helena couldn't help feeling uncomfortable.
"This bastard has been staring at me for a while...Fuck."
"Besides the smell, my body hurts; I just want to lie down,but even the beds look disgusting."
Everything went downhill when she heard the guard whisper.
"This ass is so good."
Helena didn't even think it over — she stood up fast.She took two quick steps forward, her tongue sharp.
"Who are you looking at, you fucking idiot!"
"My face is up here, not down there!"
"What? Were you fed monkey crap instead ofpetroleum to eat?!"
The guard froze completely.
"What's wrong, handsome? Go on, repeat what you said!"said Helena.
The guard replied as an excuse, his voice firmbut weak underneath.
"Sit down!"
"Sit down? Oh sure, sweetheart, why don't you just ask meto sit on your lap instead?"
"Don't take me for a fool."
"I bet you tore your mother's pussy giving birth to you!Because of those ugly spikes you've got instead of teeth!"
"I'm in pain! I'm starving and exhausted!"
"I'm bored of being here; I'm sick of everything!"
"Helena, shut up already," said Galton.
"Shut up? Please, Galton! I'm not a hypocritelike those other bitches!"
"I love sex, but there's a time and place for everything!"
"And that idiot won't stop staring at my ass!"
"Hola! Can you see me?!If you're so desperate to fuck me, come on, baby boy!"
"Come and eat my pussy, you worthless piece of shit!"
"Or were you born without a dick?!Did the doctors cut it off 'cause they thoughtit was a piece of crap?!"
The guard grabbed Helena by the wristand tried to hit her with his baton,but Helena stopped him.
The guard realized this woman's strengthwas far from normal.
"Oh, sorry… I forgot you need bull milkas a recipe from your friendly tarot wizard,to keep your dick from popping out your ass!"
The guard shoved Helena, knocking her to the floor.He quickly drew his weapon from his belt and was aboutto fire. Galton gripped her wrist hard.As a threat, he squeezed it like a rope; the guard wason the verge of calling for help.
"Lower the weapon…""Leave her alone. She's an idiot andI'm going to shut her up," he ordered, firm.
The guard stepped back, frightened, and growled,"Shut up, both of you, sons of bitches!"
They sat facing each other, breathing hard.
"I know you're frustrated," said Galton softly."We're doing this for the saints and for you, girl.I don't want violence; I want to protect you."
"This ship is heading to a port," he continued."Portugal."
"The ice saint is another European kid; could bePortuguese, Spanish, Italian, or Greek — I can't sayfor sure."
"The Orb points in that direction… we must be careful.Okay?"
Helena lowered her gaze and nodded.
"Okay," she conceded, "but I want my snack."
"What do you want to do?" Galton raised an eyebrow.
"Go to a tavern and steal some wine. That's the onlything I'm asking for."
"Deal," Galton smiled, "but instead of wine I'll stealcognac."
"Done," said Helena, and for the first time she smiled.
"How many days left until we reach Portugal?"
"According to the guards, about nineteen days more,maybe less."
"We've been here eight days already… we're halfway there."
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While this was happening in the Atlantic Ocean,Jack and Kamei-san were sitting in a barin Marshalltown, Iowa.
Jack ordered a glass of water.However, they'd been there for hours,and Kamei-san had drunk too much.Out of melancholy, he began remembering the past.
Jack was tired; he just wanted to leave,and he slammed the table.
"Kamei-san… Kamei-san!"
He stood up, yawning."What is it?"
Jack said,"The customers won't stop staring at me."
Kamei-san, already a bit drunk, replied,"Yeah. Must be 'cause I'm the only one drinkingand you're just having water… Sorry, Jack.I should've taught you how to drink."
"No, it's fine.I just don't like alcohol, to be honest… it tastes weird."
While the customers watched them,Jack noticed something odd.
"Kamei-san looks more down and melancholicsince we left Vermont…But why?"
"Hey, are you okay? We can rest a bit."
Barely conscious, Kamei-san murmured,"No, no… finish your steak,and then we'll leave, alright?"
Jack asked,"Hey, Kamei-san, can I ask you something?"
"Ask," replied Kamei-san.
"Why… do you feel so bad? Why so down?"
"What are you talking about? I'm fine," said Kamei-san.
"That's not true. Since we left Vermont, you've been distant.You're not like this. You think I don't notice?" insisted Jack.
"No, Jack. Relax, you… you don't need to worry about that."
Jack asked,"It's because of Adelaida, isn't it?"
There was a moment of silence between them,and as the alcohol loosened his tongue,Kamei-san said things he shouldn't have.
"I shouldn't have kissed her, Jack," replied Kamei-san.
"What are you talking about?" Jack raised an eyebrow.
"No… I'm sorry, forget what I said," muttered Kamei-san, dizzy.
"What did you mean by that?" pressed Jack.
"No, relax. I didn't say anything.I just need to return her feelings.I'm not ready for a commitment… well, I am, but…"
He stared at his glass with regret.
"When I drink, I talk too much.That's why I don't like drinking.This time, I couldn't help it. I'm sorry, Jack."
"Maybe it doesn't make sense… but I feel…"
He looked everywhere except at Jack,as if ashamed of something.
"The confined forest… I forgot that time doesn't move there…but it does here.
With Adelaida, I never felt she was falling for me.I feel like a bastard… I already knew how to act,but I failed again… how could I miss something so obvious…"
"I had a son who died not long ago. His name was Dechen.He's the only one of my children who managed to forgive me,maybe.
He was already too old to hold grudges against me.But now…"
Kamei-san was delirious, not really saying what he meant.It felt like he was expressing something else entirely.
"The only thing I ever wanted… was to be alone.
But being alone hurt me.It hurt… to have a family.
Because it meant three things…Either they die before you…Or I leave them out of fear…Or my children end up hating me,and teach my grandchildren to hate me too.
I don't blame them… I think I deserve their hate.
But what hurts the mostis that the ones who hated me are already dead…and I'm still here…"
Jack said,"I think you've had too much… we should go."
Kamei-san clung to the bottle like an anchorand snapped at Jack with anger.
He was shedding a few tears,but wiped them away fast.His cheeks were already red.
"Leave me… I just want a bit more."
Kamei-san began to cry.Tears streamed down his face.
"A bastard like me needs to drink more…"
Jack told him,"Kamei-san, stop it. Calm down, please."
To which Kamei-san replied,
"Jack… I'm scared. I want to run away.I feel filthy and guilty. Why did I think that?Why did I think that when we find the Saint of Earth…Why did I think about leaving Vermont?
Jack, why do I feel this much fear?I don't know if it's the alcohol…But I've thought about abandoning Adelaida.
It's natural for me…I always abandon the ones I love…"
For a moment, Jack frozeat Kamei-san's words.He realized maybe…he just needed to keep listening.
And he said the following:
"Kamei-san, what's wrong with you?Just say it. Let it out."
"I think you're not drinking to enjoy,but to drown… maybe a memory.Or maybe the truth."
Jack paused for a moment.
"I don't know much about love, to be honest.I barely understand the concept.But… I'll just say this—"
"Shut up. Don't say another word."
Kamei-san went quietand only drank his water.
Jack said,
"You've helped me all this time.You saved Dánae, Nuriel, and Adelaida.You cut off the fingers of the manwho kept me trapped in that confined forest.
You practically raised us.You fed us, gave us shelter.You protected us. You followed the laws of God.
I don't know why you feel so guilty.And I know what you said about Adelaida isn't true…It's clear from your eyes that you're just scared."
He glared at him and said,
"I won't let your memories of this worldtear you down.I won't let you lock yourselfinside those thoughts, Kamei-san.
I know you. And maybe, yes,those fears are real.But I'll forget that last thing you said—because it's bullshit.
I know perfectly well what loneliness is.And I know that the thoughts screaming inside youcan make you do things you'll regret.
I know it because I've lived with themalmost my whole life…since before Nuriel, Adelaida,and Dánae ever came along."
He raised his voice, as if to drive his point deeper,each word seemed to carve itself into him.
"I'll just tell you one thing, Kamei-san.If you love Adelaida, you'll return to Vermont.But to return to Vermont, we must findthe Saint of the Earth in Vietnam.
There's nothing more to say.Don't speak a word.Don't even think about it.We're already outside.Stop overthinking, or you'll make yourself sick.Just act.'That's what men do.'"
Kamei-san glanced sideways and said,"Thanks, Jack. I'll pay the bill."
They both stood up, carrying that bitter taste.They knew the conversation wasn't ideal,and there was no room left for doubt.
As they walked, Jack said,"Kamei-san, I'll forget you said that.I don't want you telling Adelaida,when you go back, that you ever doubted her.Or thought about leaving her."
Kamei-san looked at him seriously and said,"Jack, don't try to say that."
Then Jack looked at him angrily and said,"Then what are you looking for, Kamei-san?"
Kamei-san lowered his gaze and said,"Jack, I had completely forgottenabout this place."
Jack began to see concern in Kamei-san.
"I had completely forgotten about this world.After several days, I realized I never wantedto leave Vermont.
With Adelaida, I felt I had a new chanceto forgive myself."
"Maybe I'd forgotten all the burdens I once carried.But being in this world, where days pass fasterand years show on the face, I can see nowthat my immortality is a burden."
"I'm afraid, Jack. For the first time in so long,I'm truly afraid.Afraid to fail.To become selfish again, apathetic,to repeat the mistakes I swore never to commit..."
"That's why I didn't kill Galton…Because after the first three hundred years,you start forgetting the principles your mother taught you.You have to force yourself to feel in order to do what's right.It's no longer natural to do the right thing…"
"But in the forests of Vermont, I felt love again,real love —genuine, natural—something I hadn't felt in centuries.I didn't feel like an immortal…I felt young again."
"Every time I tried to do what's right,I ended up hurting those I loved.As if my very existence were a sin…"
"I love Adelaida,but there comes a point when you ask yourself,'Will I hurt her?'Because that's the only thing you know how to do."
Jack looked at him in silence,now understanding better what he felt, and spoke:
"We're not going to fail.And you know why, Kamei-san?Because now I'm with you.You were alone, but you still tried to live."
"Now I know why you feel guilty.'It's not because you didn't love them enough,it's because you didn't,and now you feel regret.'You feel guilty for not feeling."
"But now that you feel again—truly—the weight of all your sins crashes down on you."
"Listen carefully.You clung to God,because He's giving you a new way to live…"
He couldn't help but relate it to Dechen, his last son.And he remembered what his boy once told him.
"Listen to me… dad…" he coughed, barely a thread of voice."You always talk to me… about that boy… Jack."
"I… I've already lived my life… buried my children…one by one. And look at me… still here…trapped in this broken body."
"You have to care for them… protect them…don't do to them what you did to me…"
Kamei-san said:"How did you get so wise…?"
Jack replied:"I'm not wise… I just…chose to put my family first,instead of my suffering."
"I only learned how to suffer…But when I saw Dánae…"
"I felt that pain had no place,so I threw it away."
"If Galton taught me something valuable,besides what he did to me…"
"When I lived those twenty years with him,it was hell, but…just a few days with Dánaefelt like an eternity."
"And everything I lived with Galtonfelt brief… almost meaningless."
"I thought of nothing elsebut seeing her smile."
"I no longer cry at night…Because with Galton,crying meant fifty lashesin the middle of a storm."
"But with Dánae, crying meant a hug."
Jack was breaking in silence."I'm not wise… I've only lived a hundred years…"
Kamei-san smiled and said:"You love them all, don't you?"
Jack answered:"They're all I know… and all I want…"