Heaven's BBS | ~Video~

[takenwithhim]

From: Sousuke Yamazaki
When: Early October

[It’s rare that he posts to the BBS; Sousuke’s quiet nature and sometimes-over-focus kind of leads to that little problem. Content to dwell with his own life and his own small circle of friends and duties. But sometimes, the private life just doesn’t cut it. Especially when said private life is the entire reason for breaking his silence and going outside that small circle.

The video feed clicks on with a quiet sound, light blazing from the screen for a second until it adjusts to the scenery. It’s soon obvious he’s alone. Considering the presence of a black jacket barely resting at the peripheral of the video’s frame, it’s likely he’s holding the screen to his side. Deliberately not pointing the feed at himself. Instead, there’s a lovely shot of a quiet patch of natural garden, complete with trickling spring, breezing of clear air, and the ever-present drizzle of pink sakura petals from the surrounding grove Eros’ castle temple is renowned for.


There’s a moment of silence, semi-awkward on his end, before Sousuke finally outs with it. His tone’s calm, musing.]

Can a god and a shinki be more than god and shinki? [A measure before adding in a lower voice.] Or will it make problems between them?

[Yeah, it’s vague, he knows. The nature of god and shinki is a complex relationship. But Sousuke’s not honest enough with his softer emotions and being open to other people to outright ask the serious/embarrassing question:

What happens if you find yourself attracted to your own god?]

Comments

[steelguarded]

Sure you didn't. Anyway, I don't see the problem. People are people, love's love, all that good stuff.

[takenwithhim]

[Oh hey. He's never got the big brother treatment before.

Sousuke's always been the big brother figure; just doesn't remember it.]

True, but it's not "people" here.

I've had trouble with the god and shinki relationship in the past.

[Truth be told, he's still not fond of it.]

[steelguarded]

This the "someone objecting" trouble or the "didn't work out trouble"? If someone's objecting, just point me their way and I can hit 'em until they stop. If it didn't work out, well, you know, those things happen. Doesn't mean it can't work.

[takenwithhim]

I don't like not remembering anything about myself.

[There are other issues, but those are personal and actually kind of dangerous--for him--to think about.]

Shinki aren't free. I have a problem with that.

[To give a few factual opinions on the relationship. However, there's one thing he wants to make clear.]

My god's done his best to give me as much freedom as possible.

[It's not his god he has any real problem with.]

[steelguarded]

Wait, we're not free? When did that happen?

[He seems genuinely perplexed here, what are you talking about bro]

[takenwithhim]

[Okay, going to take a step back.]

You're new, aren't you.

[steelguarded]

Yup!

[takenwithhim]

[Oh boy.

This is not the best place to dump this kind of news on a new shinki.

Sousuke frowns a little and rubs the side of his neck.]

You don't remember your past--don't try. Are you partnered with a god yet?

[Basics first.]

[steelguarded]

Yeah, I got all that. I've got a partner god and all that good stuff.

[takenwithhim]

[Well, basics down at least. This guy's been named too, he assumes.]

There was an incident in the past when one god named another god's shinki without permission and used him.

[Okay, he's going to try and keep this factual, short, and not-bitter as he can.]

[steelguarded]

Oh.

I assume he ain't still around?

[The tone definitely implies an added, "if he is, won't be for much longer"]

[takenwithhim]

[He took it well...]

He's not. But all gods have that ability.

[Regardless of it being a social taboo and almost-crime, there's no denying the capability is there.

The guy's tone is expected. Easy, boy. Down. (They actually have that "guard dog" personality in common.)]

[steelguarded]

Well, yeah, but I mean, you're not supposed to right? There are always gonna be people who abuse stuff, and you can't always fight back when you get targeted, but that doesn't mean everyone's doin' it or it's gonna happen again. That's just bad luck.

[takenwithhim]

Aa.

[Regardless of the "bad luck" or "not supposed to", the experience was enough to forever shatter his notion of shinki's freedom.]

The inequality between god and shinki is the main problem.

[Which doesn't technically have a lot to do with his post's question, but this guy's going to learn it one way or another.]

[steelguarded]

Not so big that we can't fight back if we have to.

[Don't worry man, Snow's got this. He's done this before... probably.]

[takenwithhim]

[Sorry to burst your bubble, new guy, but...]

Do you know what would have happened if your god didn't find and name you?

[steelguarded]

Eh, probably somethin' bad.

[100% concern, honest]

[takenwithhim]

You'd eventually fade away into nothing.

[Take this with a grain of salt. Sousuke's surprised this guy's so casual about it or dense...willfully ignorant?.]

Gods can remove the names they give their shinki any time they want.

[Now put the two together.]

[steelguarded]

Yeah, but then you just find a new god. Not like they're all that great on their own either.

[takenwithhim]

It's not always that simple.

[But considering almost all the gods here are pretty benevolent, this guy's opinion isn't exactly wrong.]

[steelguarded]

I've met like two gods but I know at least one of 'em would probably take anyone who needed it. I figure there are a bunch like that and they aren't THAT hard to find.

[takenwithhim]

[Can't argue with that. The idea of "nora" being taboo isn't exactly held high here, considering the revolving door of gods.]

Possibly. It's not a common practice at least.

[steelguarded]

Yeah, I get what you're saying though. But it doesn't seem like it's too dangerous. If you break up with your god, it's just an opportunity to make new friends!

[takenwithhim]

Aa.

[That's one way to look at it.]

I don't think you'll have trouble with that.

[The guy seems like he'd get along with anyone.]

[steelguarded]

I don't remember, but probably!

[It is astonishing how unconcerned he is about the not remembering bit]