NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 186

"Aren't you the one who wished to visit other worlds, as many as it would take to keep you away from Leer Island and its deafening realities?"

"That? But how? This is just crazy. A horse can't read anyone's thoughts."

"Then why are we all standing here? It's simple. You made the call and we answered."

"Just like that?" I say mockingly.

"Yes." He smiles. "Time machines are real after all."

"Prove it! But before you do, at least tell me who you are."

"I'm Bathin," he says simply.

"Doesn't ring any bells for me."

"I'm friends with Andromalius."

"Oh, him. Is he down here too?"

"You'll have to wait and see."

"Okay, go ahead. Prove to me that time machines are real."

"Everything is a straight line, a pole to go back and forth on. But you never leave the pole."

"That proves nothing."

"When you see the Karmic Islands scattered about, you see a crooked line."

"And you're telling me they're not scattered about? I saw them from the sky."

"Straighten the line and you'll see the truth, that those thirty-three islands are in one place," he explains. "You're already where you want to be. But just ten percent there."

I laugh even louder this time. "So ninety percent of me is here?"

"The veil covers ninety percent of your eyes. How can you expect to see anything clearly?"

"Still not buying it."

"Do you accept that the Bloody Sea makes you one? Wherever you go, you'll never escape it."

"It does," I say realizing then add. "And the moon too. So how do I straighten this line?"

"Kiss the horse's feet."

"Is that all?

"Kiss his feet then climb up here and let's go."

I obey but then pause before climbing. "Wait! How do I know you're really this Bathin person?"

"Why would I lie?"

"People lie all the time; pretend to be who they're not."

"You mean like how you camouflage yourself to fit in?"

"At least you know I'm really Mary," I counter. "I know absolutely nothing about you."

"I'll tell you what, Mary," Bathin says. "The day you think people can stand to see the real you, that's the day I'll show you the real me."

Then he pulls me up on the horse and they both disappear, leaving me with the copper bracelets.