006 - Connecting Lines, Connecting Lives

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Connecting Lines, Connecting Lives New Imprints ▲ Comments The Ground Shakes
It begins unremarkably enough, with the light tremors of the ground so small they might easily go unnoticed, or else dismissed as the movement of some creature nearby. As time goes on, however, those little tremors begin to grow in both strength and duration, the length of time shortening between each one. To begin with only small, light, unsecured objects are rattled loose by the rumbling of the ground, but as the tremors grow in strength there is a growing danger of much larger things being moved.

The realm’s clear lack of understanding of how things work cannot be relied upon in such a situation. If the tremors have grown strong enough to throw all the books of Hammerhead to the ground and throw over all the clothes rails and capsule machines and furniture in the Academy, then what if they grow strong enough to move the heavy blanket of snow atop Mount Silver? What if they grow strong enough to damage the caverns within?

Then there is the question of how, or why, the realm has made the land shake. It must surely have picked up the idea of an earthquake from someone, right? An answer to the question is not immediately forthcoming, but should one stay low to the ground and listen, they might well hear the muffled, distorted sound of screaming.

Creature Chaos
As the rumbling and shaking continues, it is clear to see that the local wildlife has been disturbed, and they seem remarkably active. Critters can be seen running and flying to and fro, and any who go out to investigate may find themselves the center of attention. Brushboys may paint arrows on the ground in an effort to lead them somewhere, or bluurgobos might actively offer rides, or the flying cat-like creatures will excitedly circle someone before attempting to lead them somewhere. Going along with them will lead to one of two places:

1. The meaty, pulsating, cavernous tunnels of Mementos shudder and convulse in a way quite unlike before, and closer inspection will quickly reveal why. The flesh has been cut and torn, hacked apart, leaving gaping and bleeding wounds to spill over the subway tracks. Whichever critter has brought someone here excitedly gestures towards the wounds, and as it does a giant and painful shudder goes through the tunnels and shakes the earth. All those earthquakes… could this be the source?


2. The road to the Hammerlocke Citadel Ruins are as long as winding as ever, and precarious with the risk of an earthquake dislodging snow and rock from the mountainside. The animal that has taken the lead is on a mission, however, as unclear as that mission might be. On arriving, it turns its attention to a group of the spiky, bear-headed beasts that are lazing about as though the land is not currently shaking and quaking around them, and tries to draw their attention. Clearly, these bear heads are expected to do something, and they aren’t doing it.

First Words
Though the tremors have finally stopped, they have left a significant change to the World in their wake. Where the ground above was once flat and untouched, there now lay cracks and fissures that glow with a strange, but enchantingly warm light. There doesn’t seem to be a single area that has been left untouched by them - though the number of cracks are denser in some places than others, it’s difficult to find a place completely devoid of them. Could this be the world’s attempt at trying to heal itself?

If all of that wasn’t enough to warrant investigation, the sound of whispers that appear to be coming from they might do the trick. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that the whispers aren’t coming from the lights, but from inside your own head. Focus a little more, and some of the voices may sound familiar…

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Comments

[kimihiros]

Why did you do that?

I don't know what's going on. I heard that there would be a time I would be powerful enough to eventually become one of you. If I can help the ones I love even a little, it's fine, but I can't even do anything here.

[theforgottenboy]

I didn't know that I did.

Like Parsee did? Humans don't become spirits where I'm from.

[kimihiros]

... Her story is different, but yes. It's what I was told.

[theforgottenboy]

You don't want that to happen?

[kimihiros]

No. Would you?

[theforgottenboy]

I'm not a person.

[He's already a spirit???]

[kimihiros]

I'm not a spirit. I'm still human.

(are you though???? ARE YOU?)

[theforgottenboy]

Then that is what you are.

[problem solved...??]

[kimihiros]

That isn't answering much, you know this, right?

[theforgottenboy]

What answers are you looking for?

[kimihiros]

What's happening to me, Cole.

Threadjack!

[bridge_princess]

Cole.

He absolutely should not want to ever become anything like what I became. Oh god, why would anyone actually want that? I only did it because it was a means to an end.

[kimihiros]

She's right, you know.

[bridge_princess]

I think Cole has trouble understanding the difference between spirits in his world and ours. I admit, I have trouble with his a bit too.

Not that I regret my decision. It's been way too long for regrets there.

[kimihiros]

Probably. Perhaps we should try to explain, eventually.

Or you should.

[bridge_princess]

I might again, yes. I feel more comfortable than I did the day I arrived. I think I might have a better 'grasp' of it than I did back then too.

I honestly didn't care that much in the old days. It was immutable, unchangeable. nobody was performing Chikon to purify me.

[kimihiros]

... Wait, Mizuhashi. You could hear all this?

(?????????????????????)

[bridge_princess]

Yep.

Apparently we can't do one on one telepathy with this thing? You two have been sending that all out into the ether.

[theforgottenboy]

[Oh hey, Parsee is here.]

He said it's different. And you're a kind spirit, now.

[bridge_princess]

Am I? I'm still really jealous you know. But there's been changes.

I'm not entirely sure what those changes are just yet, or if they're complete. I'm not sure that 'Kind' is the word I'd use for it. Maybe "Less likely to cause problems by going haywire?"

[theforgottenboy]

You helped me find my hat.

[He has very low standards.]

[kimihiros]

... Truly a spirit of compassion.

[bridge_princess]

I was in the right place and right time. Not to belabor a certain someone's snark. I mean, I don't know that I'm as dangerous as I usually am. And I might be changing.

But I'm not sure that 'kindness' is the word I'd use, Cole. Besides, you're a spirit. Spirits tend to have a bit of kinship when they're not in each other's faces, right?

[theforgottenboy]

No more than humans have kinship over being human. There are nice humans, and nice spirits. You've been nice to me. Thank you.

You once told me you don't change easily. Is it good change? Is it helping?

[bridge_princess]

Well, that I will agree with. I've been nice and protective of you. You're welcome.

It is what it is? I don't think that I would actually say it is a bad thing or a good thing. The difference between a spirit's benevolent and malevolent natures? It's what we are. Spirits born of human will or emotion.

But.

I will say it might be helping me talk to people a little?