The Mysteries of the...Onion-verse-Part 3

Some few days of constant contemplation later, Merlin actually sought me out.

This time, I was sitting on a rock near a small stream that emptied into a small, clear pool populated by curious, colorful koi-like fish. I looked up as he shuffled up to me.

“So, what has the onion taught you of the nature of the Universe?”

Marshalling all of the dignity I could, I sat up straighter and held the now worn looking root bulb in my left hand. “Well, the most obvious lesson is that the layers of the onion represent different layers of existence, worlds or places that are in many ways similar to each other, but with subtle differences.”

He nodded, “What else have you learned in these many days?”

“I have learned that each layer is unique, but that each layer is dependent on the other layers to provide support and substance to it, since each layer on it’s own is incomplete. there is an interdependence that is not immediately obvious, since each layer is whole in and of itself. I believe this represents that while each world is complete and whole on it’s surface, that the other worlds provide depth and substance to each other, supporting the worlds on either side of it, and in turn benefitting from the same kind of support.

“Looking at each layer of the onion as a world, I can see how the world above would seem lighter, higher, mysterious, a source of infinite knowledge and wisdom, while the worlds below might be seen as sources of darkness, fear, and of lesser importance.

“In terms of travelling between these worlds, I have seen personally how it can be done, and how these worlds are bridged at certain defined points, probably represented by the millions of tiny places where one layer of an onion comes into contact with the layers above and beneath.

“I have also learned the answer to my original question-why are there so many worlds? Because one world would collapse without the substance and support provided by the others. So how did I do?”

He pursed his lips in thought, kicked a small stone into the pool, startling the koi who had been watching us intently, and nodded. “Good enough for a beginner. Perhpas you have potential after all. We shall see.” He started to turn away.

“Master?”

He stopped, “Yes?”

“I do have one question, however, about this stuff with the onion.”

“Only one?” His left eyebrow shot up as he spoke.

“Well, one for now. How does all of this with the example of the onion and the ‘world’ tie in with our modern knowledge that the Earth is but one planet in one small solar system in one small galaxy...I mean if the Earth is represented by the layers of the onion and consists of so many different realities, I just don’t see how it all fits together...”

He threw his head back in peals of cackling laughter, slapping at his thighs with his hands until he nearly collapsed for lack of breath. After he regained his composure, he reached for the onion. I gave it to him.

“You think you have this all puzzled out my dear pupil, that this onion actually represents the planet Earth eh? How amusing. How typically...human...to think that our home planet is of such importance in this great vast Universe...No, son, the layers of the onion don’t merely represent our little planet, but instead one layer would encompass every planet, every star, every galaxy and all of that vast emptiness in between them.

“I have read of this Big bang that your modern scientists have talked about. If only they knew how close they were, and how just as the Universe they observe keeps expanding, the other layers that remain unseen with their instruments grow right along with it. If only your ‘scientists’ had the tools to look beyond their own layer-but then that ability is not so common anymore, and the desire is even less so.”

He handed the onion back to me. “You keep this boy, you have much left to contemplate with it. But you show promise. Tomorrow we shall see if you have what it takes to bridge the gap between worlds safely.”

With that conclusion, my true lessons with the Merlin began....but I have bored you enough already with my studies for now.

My next entry shall begin the tale of how I answered a call for help from an old enemy and how I became a father yet again....and we shall perhaps see if Ravyn ever gets that light orb she so desperately covets!