Heaven's BBS | Voice

[sharkmaid]

Posted: May 23rd
From: Eros

[His tone is measured and purposeful, determined.]

Gods are powerful. No matter who we are, there's strength in all of us, terrifying strength we might not even understand. We can choose to control it, abuse it, and use it for whatever purpose suits our needs or the needs of the people.

But shinki aren't given that same choice.

As you might've heard... my shinki had a new name forced upon him while he was still in my care, by a god who couldn't have cared less and saw him as a tool. You heard what he had to say regarding freedom and rights and some of you even addressed his questions. ... You know he's afraid. You know that your shinki have wondered the same exact things from the moment they stood by your side. Whether we're trustworthy or kind or even worth their effort.

After all, we're strangers to them. And like it or not, we might as well be their biggest threat.

So... why not change that?

I want to form a defense team; a group dedicated to protecting shinki and their integrity. They shouldn't have to rely on us for their lives. They deserve proper rights and freedom and choice just as much as we do. And if any other gods believe the same, then I'd hope you'd consider working with me.

As for any shinki listening in: you aren't a tool. You're you before you're anyone else. If there's anything you need to say, tell me. I'll listen.

Comments

perma-private

[miraculo]

What happened was unforgivable-- I've been talking with one of the old gods, and she feels the same way. According to her, there is no way to reverse a naming but by the god's will.

[ She shakes her head. Maybe that's true, maybe it isn't. But she hasn't thought of any way to try to tackle that problem. On the other hand-- ] I've been trying come up with a solution for a shinki to be protected against a naming. And... I believe that there might be a way.

[ Her shinki wouldn't want to be named by another god, and she definitely wouldn't want someone to force him to serve another, either. ] Like some sort of shield, enchantment, or a charm. It would work in a similar way of how carrying a certain ward would prevent a malevolent spirit from possessing or controlling you, this would prevent a god from commanding a shinki... although it would have to be more powerful.

[sharkmaid]

[That's not a very comforting thought, now is it? To know that he has that power as well as any other god in this world... Who are they supposed to trust? But this suggestion--

He listens closely and considers the options. It's all talk he has no experience with. Magic, enchantments and charms... He has no background to go on to know if any of it could work. Maybe it's the best they have for now.]

Are you capable of doing something like that? Seems like it'd be a lot of work to tackle for just one person, especially if it'd be as powerful as you say.

[miraculo]

My background is of a miko-- so I'm used to making enchantments and that sort of thing to begin with.

[ A thoughtful pause, but then she continues: ]

I've met some capable people here as well, and have in mind to ask a few if they'd like to collaborate. I think our greatest asset is our prayer and faith from our followers and shinki, and our ability to come together. It's what gives us power in the first place.

[sharkmaid]

[Now that's an interesting occupation to have.]

If that's the case, then your help would definitely be appreciated, as well as anyone else you have in mind who could contribute.

Personally, I haven't been here long enough to exactly make a name for myself, so I know my power alone won't make much of a dent in anything.

[It's why he has to reach out like this. If he has to play this role, if he has to be a god, then he has to be a leader. That means seeking guidance... and teammates most importantly.]

It sounds like you've done a lot of thinking about this yourself.

[miraculo]

Well...! If it's to help shinki, I'll do all that I can! [ She says determinedly. ] I refuse to give up hope.

[ Her brows knit together in concern. ] In that post... your shinki was in pain and frustration. I can't stand by when I see someone hurting like that.

And even if some shinki do not trust us-- we must still do our best to help. [ Sometimes jobs are thankless, or met with mistrust. ]

[sharkmaid]

That's... really admirable of you.

[He means that, honest. He appreciates her determination and visible concern, especially over-- Ah. Sousuke.

He doesn't say anything for a couple beats, lost in thought as he is. It's true. Sousuke was in pain. Pain and just about everything else he could possibly feel. He knows because he felt it, some of those emotions tenfold. Even now, if he focuses hard enough, he'd be able to do the exact same thing. Invasive, rude... unnatural. He doesn't like it. And honestly, he can't imagine anyone else not feeling the same way.

But... this isn't about him.]

I need to do whatever I can to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

... I made a mistake with Sousuke. I can't do the same thing twice. Not for him, not for any other shinki.

[miraculo]

...Don't worry. At the very least, you'll have some help.

[ She smiles at him. ]

If there is a will, there is a way, right? If the old gods say that something like this has never happened and it did... then the same should be true for a means for a shinki to protect themselves.

[sharkmaid]

How could something like this never happen before? You'd think it would've been easy.

[He sighs. Usually he likes being first, but this is ridiculous.]

[miraculo]

I... have my doubts about it as well. [ She shakes her head. ] My guess is that it's never been reported before.

[sharkmaid]

[The thought makes him sick to his stomach.]

They don't trust us, that's why. And they have reason to.

[With a sigh,]

I'm sorry, I didn't get your name.