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]

(pretty hot, though.)

Both those things, Mizuhashi.

[bridge_princess]

On the disappearing act, I understand why you're worried but... I wouldn't. I don't think the Void even understands the concept and I am pretty sure it wants us around. Besides, we don't even know for sure that it actually is like that in our worlds. It's an old story. No more jealousy, no more me... but is it true? We never proved it.

And then there's Chikon. Youkai can be purified... and that isn't always death. [Shrug] I really don't think we can trust the superstitions to work right here.

But for not knowing for sure? No... I have no clue either. I think it only just figured out we're spiritual [Instead of spirits] and that means something?

[kimihiros]

... Mizuhashi. It's not a spiritual situation.

(like, it's different. his reality is different. his existence is different.)

... Maybe.

[bridge_princess]

Fair. Why don't I let you phrase the concern and the question yourself? What is it you want to be sure about? If you tell me, I might be able to speak to it. Hopefully.

[kimihiros]

I told you, my existence is fickle. I'm not just me, I'm another as well. When I was at home, things made sense. I'd like to hang on to my humanity, I've seen too many things not to, but if that was the means to my end, that was fine. Here, I don't know what's happening, I don't know what this place is doing to me, and I don't know if it is doing something or if it's payment for what I've done, or if I have distorted something.

And I have no way of finding that out.

[bridge_princess]

I guess all such things are fickle, to an extent. Subject to the whims of a universe that doesn't like to pull back the curtain and reveal its secrets easily.

So, I don't think I have absolutely certain answers, for you or for me. What is happening to me is weird. I'm still jealous. I get jealous easily. But I feel differently, and every time Tifa comes to my shrine, I feel a little more different. I'm not even sure I'd use the word "Good" to describe it. I'm sure humans would in most cases. But I'm youkai. I am what I am. And if I'm purified and beneficient instead of vengeful? I still am what I am.

You aren't quite that rigid. Because I believe you still human. Even if you're a spirit, you are a Human one. I stopped being that a long time ago. I'm a spirit who gave up her humanity, intentionally, on purpose. You have done nothing of the sort.

Even Patchouli didn't truly do that. So I am pretty sure she's still human to an extent. It's why she gets weak, sleepy and tired as much as she does. We just have to figure out what you are. What I am. And what we're becoming.

[kimihiros]

(he inhales from his pipe, taking in all she has said. all the spirits that he knows came together to help him, and as the store-owner, he would be the first to recognize that he needs to pay them back. parsee and the others surely gave him a lot to think about.)

... Mizuhashi, what is it that you wanted to ask of me?

[bridge_princess]

...

[She fidgeted. She looked uncomfortable. And finally she blurted it out almost a little too loud.]

I want you to perform a Chinkon Ritual on me. An actual one. I think you're the only one who knows how to perform a ritual of purification or a requiem. I don't think it would change me. I'm still a youkai, but if it works for Mitama, it may do something for me.

[kimihiros]

(kimihiro's eyes just goggle, both for volume and the content of the words.)

... I can, sure, but are you certain?

[bridge_princess]

... People are paying attention to me. But what happens if my powers go loose here, normally? They hear me remind them I'm a monster, but you know I am... and now they're praying to me.

[She worried her lip]

People pray for hope to Nigi-Mitama. If ... if they're going to pray to me, isn't it better if I was benevolent, even if I'm one of the lowest of low? Viridi and I are all they have anyway, so what's the harm in being purified?

[kimihiros]

(a monster is a bit of an overreaction, he'd like to add. but then, nothing happens by accident, does it? the fact that he is here, he is who he is, standing before her, who also is what she can't help but being.)

Very well. I'll grant your wish.

[bridge_princess]

[Well... truth told? His version of the Yokai realm was much more positive than Gensokyo had been. The valley was a survival mechanism, and one with a lot of elitism involved. So 'monster' was what they thought, but definitely not how Yuuko had taught him to look at things.

She breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.]

Thanks. I think... officially doing that will matter. So I appreciate it.

[kimihiros]

This is usually Doumeki's territory, I tend to outsource to him on these sort of matters.

(because doumeki is a purifier. kimihiro can be one, but that's not his strongest suit.)

I guess I could do in a pinch.

[bridge_princess]

Believe it or not? I'm glad you're not the best at it. I'd rather not be overpurified, because... well, I think you can guess the concern there, heh.

If you can't do it tonight, that's fine. We can do it now, or later.

ftb?

[kimihiros]

(kimihiro nods. he's already agreed to grant it, and what else is even there to do tonight?)

FTB

[bridge_princess]

(OOC: yes this is a perfect point to Fade. They can do it now, or it can be implied to be done immediately after her return from Gensokyo in a couple days. As we agreed, handwaving the ceremony itself is probably better because of how hard it is to find accurate portrayals in respect to the rite.

Thank you for the scene!)