Heaven's BBS | Text & Video ~ A Stolen Voice

[takenwithhim]

Posted: May 21st
From: Sousuke Yamazaki

What are shinki?

I’ve not been here long, so I don’t know the truth. Apparently no shinki can. But I’ve experienced enough.

I don’t like it.

We’re shinki. We weren’t told anything upon our arrival. All we knew is that we’re dead and know nothing else. Other shinki probably had the same experience I did: stumble around until someone told me I had to find a god or something before something bad happened to me. We have to rely on whatever our gods tell us as the truth. We’re told we’re supposed to help our gods with their duties and wants and protect them or fight for them. We can’t exist without you; gods give us form and prevent us from fading away. We have to depend on you to survive.

So what are we to you?

I have a god. A Master. He tells me that I’m human more than I’m his shinki. I don’t know if I believe him entirely.

Not all Masters are like that, are they. Some don’t care what a shinki feels. I guess that’s not far from the truth though. After all, shinki are really nothing more than tools to gods. Gods can pick us up simply because they want something from us. Maybe you feel good having us at your side because you think we remind you of something. Maybe you want us because we’re useful to you or you like our looks or fit your fighting style or powers.

But if it doesn’t work out, if we piss our gods off or don’t please them, they’re allowed to discard us like a broken item. Gods can even cycle through us one after another until they’ve found the perfect tool to fit their current needs. And when you’re done, you can throw us away until you’re ready to use us again. Or left to wander for someone else to maybe pick up before we fade away into nothing.

And we have no choice but to come when you call us whether we want to or not. Because we’re nothing without you. We’re valuable possessions to keep close or useful but expendable objects to get the job done.

I don’t know if all gods are aware of this; I know the shinki aren’t. Gods can even steal shinki from another god without asking. Force a new name upon us and give us a new form and power. And if we’re stubborn, apparently blackmail and threats are just as effective. Or you can simply hurt us until we break or get rid of us because we’re not working as you want. Like we’re some kind of toy for your amusement.

We’re told we’re entering a partnership with our gods, but in reality, it only goes one way. We have to choose between vanishing or living as a weapon, companion, prize, tool, whatever, for a god we don’t even know.

If you’re a shinki, think about this. If you’re a god, ask yourself why you have a shinki.


[A video feed flicks on. A full moon glows yellow in the sky above, encircled by spiraling clouds. The edge of a sakura tree billows pink and gentle at one side of the screen, releasing ghost-light sakura petals into the winds that carry them away. It’s silent, some for himself to gather his thoughts, some for letting whoever’s listening to him think. Maybe it is rambling, but the experience he went through…]

So what are our rights? Does anyone want to tell me how this is supposed to work?

All of this may not be something some of you gods care about.

But the shinki should know.

[His is a quiet voice, deep like the dark waters far below the surface of the sea.]

I’m aware I’m probably a rare case; most of the gods I’ve met seem decent. Some of you say you’d never act like I’ve described or think like this towards a shinki. That we can trust you. But we don’t know you. So how can we trust you? Ultimately we have to trust our gods because we don’t know anything else. Whether you use that to your advantage or not is up to you.

It’s a disgusting feeling to know you’re powerless against someone else. I can be stolen and wielded by any god who wants me, regardless of how I feel about it. And if I don’t want that, I have to eternally stick by my Master’s side like a frightened child. We’re not free; we can’t even rely on ourselves because our powers, beyond the borderline, is useless unless directed by a god. I didn’t want this, I don’t know if any shinki does.

[A quiet breath seeps backwards above the screen and the edge of a shirt sleeve flutters into view on one side of the screen. Sousuke’s leaning against the wall beside the window, not in sight, but obviously here if someone feels like talking.]

And if any of you gods haven’t yet learned how to track or trace your shinki, you should start working on that now. Otherwise you're going to find yourself out a useful tool for a while simply because some other god wants to do something different for a change.

Comments

Action/Not Here

[volksdaemon]

[Ultimately, Schuldig's always known that a post like this could happen, and what he really cares about is that his name or likeness isn't getting dropped. So he'll be watching all replies to see just what sort of new precautions he may need to take.]

text;

[shockshot]

I would answer you with my voice if I knew how. I'd even show up in person because...

This is something that's important for me to say, I think. And it's important to everyone, not just shinki. We...

We are supposed to be partners. We are supposed to balance each other, with finesse and care. Not everyone is like this. I've heard of souless shinki. I've heard of shinki who...were not living in ideal conditions.

But. Most of the gods I've spoken to at least, seem to care about those around them. At least enough that they would not force a name on me without my will-even with me putting it up first.

No one will make me into a nora. And you shouldn't have to worry about that either. Because that god....that god would be unjust, to try and give you a name.

And I think, too, that if any god tried? Without me wanting it? They would tear that god apart.

Heaven, or my god, or me. Doesn't matter.

Re: text;

[takenwithhim]

”Supposed” to be doesn’t mean we are. A balance is equality. Shinki have little in terms of equality from what I understand. Our existence is chained to a god’s will and our powers as well. We don’t remember anything and we have to trust our gods to tell us the truth. Or their truth.

I don’t know enough about the gods to know what they really need from a shinki. Want, sure, but need?

You’re lucky. Most of the gods I’ve met seem like that as well. Most probably are. But in the end, a shinki won’t know for sure. How can you trust someone you don’t know?

And you don’t know if you’ll be a nora or not. That’s not for a shinki to decide. Apparently.

It doesn’t sound like you’ve been shown how strong a god is compared to a shinki…

text; anonymous

[forsakens]

Such infuriating information, and here I thought this was some sort of sick joke.

Exactly, what kind of place is this to use people to their advantage, and being tools for the so-called Gods at their will? It's even harder to swallow knowing this fact. How convenient for those who have information while the rest of the population suffers from not knowing anything at all.

I for one am not interested in being any God's tool but how does one so vulnerable as ourselves act on this?

Re: text; anonymous

[takenwithhim]

I didn’t think it would happen either. But apparently not every god has that restraint.

I don’t know if it’s the place or the people; someone mentioned the gods are being used as much as the shinki. I don’t know by who. But we are in a lesser pool compared to them. It is convenient for them. Maybe it’s a way to keep shinki in check. For whatever reason.

It might not matter if you’re interested or not. I had no interest in becoming another god’s shinki, but that means nothing if a god wants a shinki.

So I can't answer that.

text; enter one mama bear

[dominatriarch]

No god is the same. Some treat their shinki as tools. Most others see them as family. We've grown dependent on them as they have grown dependent on us. No god can stand a chance against an ayakashi without a shinki as no shinki can hold their existence without a god.

This is the difference between these newcomers and us. We found our shinki as spirits lost in the Near Shore. We named them. They weren't assigned to us as you may have been. It is through this naming that a god and a shinki find their bond. This naming is what gives the shink their value.

The subject of noras, a shinki bearing more than one name has long been taboo. It is discouraged as I've said time and time again. The fact that this has grown to be a problem is only further proof of the lack of a bond between shinki and god. And perhaps a lack of respect between these gods. I would never force a shinki to take a name as no god would force a name onto my shinki. To do so is the highest disrespect a god could ever give to another. The fact that this happened disgusts me to my core.

It is something gods should care about and something should be done about this.

excuse his 'what?' moment, mama bear

[takenwithhim]

Being dependent on anyone isn’t helpful. You ultimately have your own strength to rely on, regardless of whatever you’re doing. I know they want us to work together here; I’ve seen it and felt it. But forcing a bond doesn’t work. It shouldn’t. I don’t want someone telling me what I should do or feel.

I’m responsible for myself.

Weren’t we all newcomers though? Everyone came from somewhere to this place. [This is the first time he’s come across the notion of “you” and “us” as this person’s talking about so…] But you don’t have control over what kind of bond a god makes with a shinki. A shinki doesn’t have control over what kind of value a god sees in them.

Nora, hm? [So that’s what that word means. Good to finally know.] Are you so sure? I was forcefully named by another god. Blackmailed if you want specifics. Unless you’re a different sort of god, the same could happen to your shinki, as far as I know.

Some people don’t care about respect.

If you know something that can be done, I’m listening. []

Video| Private

[thekillerwhale]

Sousuke...

I'm not really sure what to say to this... but...I'll just try my best.

I understand what you're saying, I understand why you can't trust gods. We're all strangers and we have too much power for reasons that I still don't even understand.

[There's a pause as he tries to gather up some more thoughts and he looks down at the table he's sitting at.

This is a very delicate matter and he needs to handle it as such. He also knows that Sousuke is a strong and solid person. He's always come off with amazing strength of character ever since he met him in middle school.]

There are bad gods out there just as there are bad people and those gods need to be told that they're not allowed to do things like that. They need to be stood up to because shinki shouldn't be scared. They shouldn't have to hide behind their god, but...

...But as gods it's our responsibility to keep you from harm and we're all still learning.

I didn't know those things happened to you. Rin told me what happened and it's made me scared for everyone and...

[He sighs and swallows then shakes his head. He knows he's just rambling and nothing he's saying is probably making sense, but he hates to see his friend like this.]

...I...I know it will take a lot of time...but...all of us, we can be friends someday.

The reason why I have a shinki is because he's my friend. And even if you're not my shinki, I'd like that from you, too. I know Rin would as well.

Re: Video| Private

[takenwithhim]

[Somehow, he knows Makoto would respond to this. He’s glad for the privacy between them; this is one person he doesn’t want seeing how much of a mess this has made inside him. He glances once towards the phone, eyes cold and sharp, but it’s not as if Makoto can see him. It’s not out of his mind yet that he’s once confronted Makoto in the past about this very thing.]

You and I both.

[He folds his arms across his chest, hands silently digging into his upper arms and dragging his shirt close around his shoulders via the grip. It’s almost going against his very nature to even be bringing this up. People will see him as weak, as a victim, and he hates that. But… He’s not so proud as to keep this information from the other shinki.

They need to know. Even if he has to be the one on the hook for it.]

Hn, I don’t think those gods will care what you tell them. If they did it once, they’ll do it again, Makoto.

Che, I don’t want my god being responsible for me; I can take care of myself as much as he can. Relying on someone else won’t get you far in life; you’ll buckle the moment you have to stand on your own.

[Some of this is bitterness talking and he knows it, but there’s something about Makoto that lets him feel a little freer to show those emotions.]

… I didn’t want Rin to know. But a shinki doesn’t have that kind of privacy either.

[Did he tell him details though? Nope. Sousuke brushed it off and kept walking. Rin didn’t need the burden. But maybe that’d been the wrong thing to do…]

I believe you. But friendship’s not that easy. It takes more than a kind hello. I hope you’ve been working on that sensing skill, so you know where Haru is.

Video

[timeshields]

[There's a flicker of video before Homura's on screen, surrounded by the temple cats. Her expression is best described as thoughtful.]

I don't think of myself as human, I'm not sure I ever did. To be treated as nothing more than a tool... That doesn't bother me.

To be stolen... I don't know what I would do. [It's only then when her expression changes, a hint of frustration and sadness.] I trust my god, he's been nothing but kind to me. To force a betrayal like that...

[takenwithhim]

[That’s not a response he’s expected and Sousuke glances at the averted screen, brows furrowed in a mixture of surprise and a bit of annoyance. But he can’t at all say he knows everyone here so… who’s he to judge. The girl has her own experiences.]

Why? Being content to be a tool… You’re fine with that?

[The other words have him start a little and he takes a breath.] Oy, my Master, my real Master, never betrayed me. [He wants to make that clear here.] Someone else came along and took me without his or my want.

[sharkmaid]

[As much as he doesn't want to hear about the incident again, Rin knows there are many pieces to this puzzle he's yet to put into place, so he can't afford to just tune it out and let it be. Yes, he knows what happened. He knows who was responsible, where they went, what they did... but the most important bits--how Sousuke feels--remain in the dark. Always quiet, content to blend into the walls and the shadows, to retreat to his own place of refuge as if nothing ever changed and nothing ever will...

But once he knows, how can he answer? If he's so new to all of this himself and if he's never been in any position to understand how shinki feel... how can he know what to say? Everything he believes in, he's told Sousuke before, and he's defended across the network with complete strangers because his conscience said he should. But... he can't make Sousuke believe him. When all his best friend knows is nothing, what can he believe? And who can he trust?

I want to protect you, but I need you to be free. I don't want to hurt you, but I'm always going to be your biggest threat.

The video feed flickers on to reveal the same sight ahead, petals and moonlight, shadows cast over the small pond in the gardens below. They haven't spoken much since Rin found out about all this, but that's only because of his cowardice and nerves. One slip up... one wrong step and he can ruin what's already turned fragile.]

... I'm not your master. I'm not your god. And you'll never be a tool, no matter what anyone else tries to force you to believe.

You and I-- We're meant to be a team. We don't use each other's strength; we learn from it. Grow stronger from it. But for that to happen, before anything else, what matters most is yourself. That's your right.

[After a solid beat,]

All I can do is tell you my feelings. I can't force you to trust or believe me and I never will. Just know that I'll always trust you.

... And I'll always value you as my friend above anything else.

[takenwithhim]

[Of course Rin. Why wouldn’t he? It’s not like Sousuke’s blocked the broadcast. But despite knowing he’d show up, despite knowing Rin’s in the same place as him, the god’s castle, he finds himself irritated. Because he’s already seen the affect it has on Rin. From the questioning to the curt brush off to the argument and tight-lipped silence that sent them apart in frustration. It’d been the first time Sousuke had ever considered sleeping in a different room from Rin. As far as he knows, Rin only knows Sousuke’s frustrated about the events, left to quietly deal with it on his own in the shadows and silence of elsewhere.

But what can Rin say? He’s a god. He’s part of the very reason Sousuke’s in this state in the first place. Part of the people that shinki are supposed to bow to and offer up their strength at a moment’s notice. As much as he doesn’t think Rin would ever do such a thing, the fact remains that Rin has every right and ability to discard Sousuke for any or no reason at all. According to this world at least. He’s wanted to trust him in the past, and he’s believed his words.

But right now, it’s hard. Despite all the things he’s said and felt, the sickening realization he was betraying Rin as that second name inscribed itself along his body remained in the back of his throat no matter how many days passed since the incident.

I don’t want to be your weakness. So let me be your strength.

He’d said that to him, hadn’t he? And now… Sousuke glances to the screen again, never once going so far as to be shown in the view. He doesn’t’ want anyone to see him right now. Not until he has the steel and ice back in front of his eyes where they belong. He recognizes the pond in the gardens; they’re more or less on opposite sides of the castle right now.]

Maybe you don’t want to be. But you are, whether you like it or not. And I’m your shinki, whatever that means I need to become for you.

Who decided we’re “meant” to be a team? We fight a lot, you know. [He gazes at the screen for a moment more before turning his head and resting it against the wall, looking up in frustration towards the dark ceiling above. Here it comes…what matters most is yourself. It’s a pretty thought and obviously Rin can make it truth while he’s with him. But is it really true in this world? What does “Sousuke” matter if he’s a shinki?]

I don’t feel like ‘myself’ matters much, Rin. And I hate it.

[That single word again and his teeth grit, a harder breath sliding between his teeth.]

What do you even mean by that? You hardly know anything about me! What gives you the ability to call me your friend?!

I don’t even know you!

[... i don't even know you ...]

[disciplineking]

At the very least someone else understands.

[He'd been looking for a post like this forever.]

[takenwithhim]

[He's not sure if that's comforting or disturbing. Probably a mixture of both in that strange way.]

But there's little we can do about it as shinki.

Video

[koukai_kirai]

You're saying someone named you against your will?

[Hijikata isn't one of the old gods, but all the same, the thought alone visibly infuriates him. It's bad enough that so many of the shinki feel forced into their role, bad enough that the new gods have no choice but to keep so many secrets from them, and now someone's going around forcing shinki to serve them?]

[If someone like that ever so much as looks at Souji...]

...I'm sorry. Those of us who are gods now didn't choose this, either, but I'm sorry that happened to you.

I'll say this -- any god who doesn't see you as a person to be worked with is as foolish as they're cruel. A shinki's strength as a "weapon" comes from their bond with their god, and true loyalty and willingness to serve aren't things that can be forced. A god who relies on what isn't given willingly is a pitiful damn excuse for a god.

[He sighs, taking a drag from his cigarette.]

...Thank you for the warning. I'll keep a close eye out for my shinki's sake.

Re: Video

[takenwithhim]

Aa.

[It’s arguable since blackmail and threats were involved, but either way, Sousuke never wanted to be named and was. So yes, against his will no matter what way it’s looked at. One more thing to throw on the potential powder keg that is the current god and shinki relationship normal nowadays. Even if a lot of people are saying their gods are nice to them.

There’s no telling what this release of information might do. Maybe yes, get the culprit caught and stopped, increase shinki well-being, and improve relationships between gods and shinki… but also there’s the risk of gods realizing just how much they can actually get away with when it comes to shinki. It’s a risk, but he’ll take the risk to get the warning out. The shinki deserve to know.]

I know you didn’t choose this; probably none of us did. It’s not your fault.

But they’re still a god, no matter if their bond with the shinki is forced or given. And shinki, as far as I know, have no say in the matter. It may be stupid, but it’ll get the god who uses that tactic what they want.

[He looks to the screen again, not so much to see anyone or anything, but merely for something different to focus on than the shadows and walls. The inhale of a cigarette is a strange noise he’s not heard before since waking up in this world though… Huh. That’s new.]

Aa. Welcome, I guess. I don’t know how much a god can do to a shinki as far as keeping tabs on them. I know we have to come when we’re called at least.

[miraculo]

[ What she feels from this post is that someone is very angry and very frustrated and very upset. Which is all understandable. But what upsets her is that she has no real answer for the one posting, because they are all legitimate concerns. She's even grown tearful over it, it hurts so much to hear that a shinki is upset over this matter. ]

...Then... if you don't feel that we are equal [ As she is a god, and has been a god in her own world. ], what would it take to make it so that you feel you are? As partners, we should be comfortable with each other and without a balance of power tipping in either's favor. I think that-- I think that would make us grow stronger, together.

What could we do to change it all, I wonder? To make this partnership less of a burden to the shinki that believe as you do? [ At the very least, she would never want to think that her being a god would be a burden to her shinki. ]

[takenwithhim]

[She’s right in her feelings; anger and frustration is more or less rampant on his side and it’s not a stretch to say it’s probably spreading some through the network and minds of people talking to him. Injustice is a contagious thing, especially since this is—oddly, in his surprised opinion—a novel concept. But he’d rather the word get out before someone else has to go through this. It’s not a pleasant feeling at all. For him, or for his god.

The question, however, surprises him, and he stares at the screen for a moment. Instantly there are answers, but most of them revolve around adolescent, injured-pride revenge. And that’s not going to help anyone but himself. But to answer it… He doesn’t know enough.] I’m not sure. For shinki to become gods? For us to get back everything we’ve lost by becoming shinki? [They’re obvious answers, but stupid as well. In this world, there seems to have to be that split between them, to force the reliance upon the other even if it is unbalanced.]

Can gods and shinki ever be equal? One of them still owns the other no matter what a shinki can do or remember. [There is a Master and there is a Servant, a god and a shinki. They’re probably different in their very nature, a spirit and a deity, right?]

I’ve not been here long, so I don’t know the relationship well.

Voice

[sonofson]

[That's a lot of reading and a lot to take in. Goten blinks at for several minutes, not really sure if he understands everything Sousuke is saying but even with reading it once again. Even with all the questions that can come to mind there is one more important one especially considering he hadn't seen the other shinki in a bit.]

Sousuke! Hey...are you okay?

Re: Voice

[takenwithhim]

[Sousuke tenses up royally when he hears that voice. This is no way Goten's fault, but the obvious thing is that the smaller boy unwillingly played a direct role in all of this happening. Which... ironically Sousuke also played an unwilling role in Goten's predicament as well, both of them being used against the other in a sick way.

He feels guilty for a moment, that Goten has to be brought into this because of him. He should've... said, done, moved, he doesn't know, something?!

But... the sound of the boy's voice is there and it reaches out to settle in his chest with a familiar weight. A soft reassurance amid the bitter frustrating inside his ribs.]

No, Goten.

[It's impossible to lie to him.]

I'm not.

video.

[ephydriade]

[ he's not entirely sure why he's responding to this, because for all he knows, this is the guy who rudely bumped to him and felt it necessary to put the blame on him. even with the dislike and initial thought of skipping past whatever it is he had to address... the topic immediately catches his attention, and even manages to rub a few sore spots.

he's learned recently that some shinki have the luxury to do what they want without the supervision of their god. others have a tighter reign on them. and recent discussions with Makoto have left him feeling more chained down than before. he's not liking anything of this, especially when he remembers that he really had no say in becoming a shinki in the first place. and now to have his every move watched by his god?? not fun.

if anything, Sousuke's words have left him feeling more resentful about all of this. ]

... so how are we supposed to deal with this. Being branded as tools... being chained down and having no freedom... I don't want this. I never wanted this.

[takenwithhim]

[He might not see the screen, but he does hear that voice and it instantly pings him the same way it always has. That guy who’d run him over because he hadn’t been looking and then tried to foist the blame onto him… The shinki called “Haru” who Sousuke’d met again a little while ago because said shinki ended up wandering away from his god and getting lost or distracted or whatever…

He should be irked, shouldn’t answer… but at the moment, Haruka’s being as a shinki far outweighs Sousuke’s irritation towards him. Who knew what Haruka had been risking wandering off like that? While Sousuke doesn’t want to live in some kind of cloistered fear, he also doesn’t want shinki to wander around without at least knowing the danger. So…

There’s slight relief that Haruka contacts him. At least he’s heard. Maybe that’ll do something for his and Makoto’s relationship. (Good or bad, he doesn’t know). It’s not like he can’t hear the shared resentment in Haruka’s voice.]

I don’t know. I don’t think any shinki wanted this. Probably many of the gods didn’t want this either.

Dealing with it means either cowering beside our gods, finding a way to fight back, or reaching some kind of compromise. To name a few.

video

[lilys_poise]

Um.... I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet but there's supposed to be a shinki labor office somewhere. They could probably help if your god was mean.

[Elise is aware that probably won't help much. She's once again grateful that she has a kind god who treats her well. It's starting to seem like a lot of shinki are less fortunate. She's quiet for a long moment.]

Are... are there really gods that do that? Make shinki into noras without asking?

[She'd been assuming that becoming a nora was a choice that a shinki made.]

Re: video

[takenwithhim]

This is the first I’ve heard of it. [A shinki labor office? That… sounds strange. He sighs a little at the words.]

My god, my first god, isn’t mean. He tries to help. But… that didn’t stop the second one from stealing me.

[While he’s angry with the gods right now, in a general sense, he doesn’t want people thinking Rin is a cruel person. This is all… the other guy’s fault.]

Aa. There are gods that do that. I was used by the second one when I didn’t want to be.

[Admitting that irks him. He doesn’t want to be ‘the victim’ here, but other shinki and gods should know, regardless of what he feels right now.]

text

[chickshades]

...
have you even tried being friends with your god?
or are they that much of an asshole?

Re: text

[takenwithhim]

With my god, yes. But I wouldn't call it 'friends' yet.

The second god, the one that stole me, is the asshole.

text

[latentforlife]

Can we even be sure we didn't make this choice originally? It rubs me the wrong way though. I think I am going to go by whatever that shinki labor office mentioned above and see what I can find out.

Re: text

[takenwithhim]

How can we make that choice? As far as we know, we woke up dead. No one asked me if I wanted to become a wandering spirit waiting to someone to claim me as their shinki.

If you find something out there, you might want to voice it here so the other shinki and gods can hear it.

Video

[pure_radiantics]

[She's still processing all of this, but to start with: ]

Thank you for explaining some of these things I definitely didn't know about being a shinki.

[And... hmm...]

I can understand what you mean about not trusting people easily, but... I feel like the alternative is worse, you know? If you assume the worst in people, I don't think it'll be easy to make friends, and then you won't have anyone to trust, and the cycle will only get worse. I feel like... if someone wants to be your friend, why can't you start by trusting them until they give you a reason not to?

Re: Video

[takenwithhim]

Aa. They don’t really give us a rundown.

[There’s some slight sardonic tone there for you. Of course they don’t. Shinki merely wake up and ‘good luck to you.’]

Not trusting someone and assuming the worst in someone isn’t the same. It takes more than trusting someone to be a friend.

Being all buddy buddy with someone isn't going to make you stronger or help you achieve a goal. You ultimately have to rely on yourself and your own power.

[He's not so stubborn as to say it works like that for everyone. But for him, he wants to rely on himself. Then others if he has to.]

Do you trust everyone who wants to be your friend?

text

[churchbelle]

Mercy, kiddo, take a breath back there. You're gonna wear yourself out with all this.

[He'll start there, since this is a lot of stuff he's wondered about from the god side of things. It's never sat well with him, being called a god at all and then being made to carry someone's life around? Without anyone agreeing to any of it? Tasteless.]

For the record, I suppose, a god here's only as real as the number of living folk believing in him. Learned that one recently. It doesn't make your case any less of an unpleasant business, but it's not all harps and being fed grapes on this side of the fence.

If somebody's trying to get you to do something that doesn't sit well, why not do something about it? You've got hands. [just punch them right in the face, #goodadvice2016]

Re: text

[takenwithhim]

[This has been building for a few weeks now. At least he’s not as frazzled as right after it’d happened. Unfortunately, he’s more irritated and jaded about it in exchange.]

Is that how a god works here? I don’t know that specifically. I know the gods have their own issues to deal with; I’ve seen that with my own god.

You don’t think I did? The god that forced me bound me and then blackmailed me by threatening someone I know. And my god. If you want to punch after that, that’s your preference. If blackmail didn’t work, he’d force me again anyways.

[It doesn’t make the theft and use of his body and powers any less negative or irksome. But damn he'd tried to punch that guy. Twice.]

Text

[risetocaesar]

Some partnership. If everything you say is true, then I'm glad you shared it.
I haven't been here long, either. Still new, and the god that found me told me some, but there's too much I still don't know. I had no idea a shinki could be stolen. I'd figured that not every god was going to be a decent person, but I didn't ever consider that any of them might go that far.

Nobody should ever have to feel powerless or useless. Nothing feels worse than helplessness.
I'm sorry that happened to you. What can we do to help ourselves? Can we do anything at all?

Re: Text

[takenwithhim]

It’d have been better if we were told straight up. Rather than find out through hints and experience.

I didn’t want to think it was possible either. But a god can dismiss us as easily as they can claim us. At least if we’re separated from our current god, I think.

I don’t know if we can do anything; I wasn’t told what to do or what I can do. Maybe that’s entirely up to the gods. Or whoever’s running this place.

text;

[vindicavi]

[ Usually, Sasuke doesn't pay the BBS much mind -he'll glance at it and that's about as far as he bothers with the affairs of others, but this time, it's different. There's something about this that makes him mad, because his shinki is his brother, and there's a whole lot of emotions involved that he can't voice there.

Fortunately, he's an incredibly slow typist because holding the phone and texting with the same hand is not an easy task for him, so it means he has to keep things short. ]

So basically you ended up another god's tool and now everybody in that position is untrustworthy, even your own god who wants to see you as something more than just a tool. But from the sound of it, that's all you want to be or you wouldn't keep reiterating it, and you're mad that someone else used you for the purpose that you keep insisting is all you have.

Re: text;

[takenwithhim]

[That one’s different than most of the others he’s gotten, but he’s not exactly surprised about it. Someone has to have the nerves enough to call it for what it is. Sousuke reads the words without regret, stark as they may be. He’s going to guess that the person typing this is a god.]

Basically. I don’t blindly trust anyone. But I’m not stupid enough to think what happened is a common occurrence.

My god’s lied to me for my own safety; it bothers me but I know it has to happen for now. So in that respect, I trust him more than I trust the god who stole me and used me. But it takes more than kind words and some nice actions to know you can trust someone beyond a simple partnership to get a job done.

Don’t talk for me. If you want to prove that shinki aren’t ultimately tools for gods, go ahead. I’ll listen.

[He wonders what a god can know about a shinki's feelings or opinion without ever having been one.]

video;

[explodokill]

All of this "gods" and "shinki" stuff -- nobody asked for it, so quit whining. Learn to fight back.

[ Bakugou's not denying that this is all heavy. He's not saying it's fair. He has a rival from home who lives as the shinki of another and he thinks it's a hot load of steaming shit. If this guy is saying "down with the system", then he's really here to +1 in his own way. ]

Re: video;

[takenwithhim]

Against who? Whoever’s running both god and shinki in this place?

[He keeps the comment about being telekinetically restrained by the other god to himself. Because rude as it is, Sousuke agrees with him. He wants to fight back, he thinks shinki should be able to. Whether or not they can at every instance, however… that’s another story.

But he’s listening if this guy has ideas about it.]

from: Cho Hakkai

[reformedsinner]

It doesn't steal you from your current god if someone else gives you a name. I don't believe anything can destroy a name except the disappearance of the god who gave it, or their choice to release you.

Incidentally, has anyone taught you how to cast a borderline?

[takenwithhim]

Aa. But it feels like it. I don't want to serve another god against my will. It's hard enough adjusting to being my god's shinki.

Yes, I know how to cast a borderline. That's why the other god bound me.

video

[minogame]

( This is a lot of information to take in and it's particularly unsettling, especially for Urashima, a naive and fortunate spirit that has been able to get by without properly serving a god for almost a month now. Sure, he's technically being cared for by Amaterasu and her shinki but he's been able to get by thanks to the kindness of other gods in the Far Shore too. It had never crossed his mind that there would actually be bad gods out there since all of his experiences had been so positive...

And here, he listens to someone who sounds so incredibly displeased but still within reason and it makes him sad. He's so, so sad because the gods have been good to him and he wants others to have the same experience. So when Urashima finally speaks, it's quiet, sad, and a little scared, )

Did someone take you?

( The talk about being a tool to be used doesn't really bother Urashima but the idea of being broken, discarded, or taken away, or mistreated makes his stomach turn, )

Can't anyone help? Maybe you can ask another god to help you or something... There are a lot of really kind ones so I'm sure they can do something. That's how it's supposed to work, right? We help the gods and they help us...?

Re: video

[takenwithhim]

Aa. They did.

[The voice on the other end sounds small, scared. Sousuke wonders if he’s talking to a child or someone who simply has been fortunate enough not to realize the problems and trials that this world can cause. Apparently for both god and for shinki. He’s seen that pretty vividly now in this entire mess of conversations. Which, irritated as he is, he’s grateful for by now.]

There are a lot of people upset by this and looking into helping. What they can do, I don’t know. I know there’s a lot of good gods here.

That’s how it’s supposed to go, but that’s not always how it does. Even if most of the gods here are benign, if they can ultimately treat shinki like this, I want the shinki and the gods to know.

[Bursting someone’s innocent bubble feels really dirty, but he’d rather the speaker learn this via his experience than have to learn it the hard way. Especially since it appears he’s taking it this hard simply by hearing someone talk about it.]

[icyhot]

[ There are many differences between him and this other shinki, and Shouto knows it. If a god tried to force a name on him, or if anyone tried to force him to do something he didn't want to do... if they threatened him, or Midoriya... he can fight back. His power isn't restricted to his vessel form.

Then again, he couldn't fight back against the man who did use him as a tool. Not directly. And the only service that this place has done him, in taking his memories, is taking the memories of his father. But that doesn't change the fact that the mere thought of being referred to as a tool makes something burn in him that's not related to his quirk. ]

Over the past month I've been here, I've learned some things. Not enough to know what it really means to be a shinki, or why things are the way they are, but enough to know that there are other gods like mine here. And that working together, with everyone, not just our gods, is what's going to help us here. I don't think I understood that, before.

Because I don't remember anything about my life. I didn't know my god, or anyone I met when I came here. But from the very beginning, he treated me like a person, not a tool. Like an equal. It's not just one-sided with us, and when we had a third teammate, she was our equal, too. And even without my memories, I know that's better than I'm used to being treated.

It's true we don't have a choice when we get here, god or shinki. But we have the power to choose after that first moment we arrive, and there's a lot of us here who have the power to fight where other people can't. So if you can't fight the god that forced a name on you, someone else can.

[takenwithhim]

[Sousuke rests his head against the stone as another voice comes through the screen. Good. The more the better. The more people that think about what it means to be a shinki and the problems and imbalances that run between shinki and god, the more they can maybe fix it. For both shinki and god.]

Aa. I didn’t want to think of it that way, but I see now that’s the only way we’ll get something done.

My true god has been nothing but kind to me. Maybe a little annoying sometimes, but he wants to help me as much as he can. He treats me like an equal and reminds me that I’m his partner and a human far more than I’m his shinki. I don’t have any complaints about him. Being stolen from him was what made this even more unbearable.

But what do you mean we can choose after we arrive? I was told shinki had to find their god soon or we’d vanish into nothing. And I thought most shinki rely on our god to allow us to use our powers for them. I know it’s not the worse slavery, if you can even call if that, but shinki don’t have a lot of… good choices. We can choose, but choosing between vanishing or serving someone makes it hard to say we really have a choice.

Hopefully his next victim will be like you said: able to fight back against him.

Dionysus

[erogappa]

what god named you?

Text --> Private

[takenwithhim]

I'll tell you if you tell me what you're going to do.

video

[soothes]

[ It's all so much to take in. In all of Freyja's time here she has not really thought of her position as a God beyond protecting others and protecting Nightshade. She's not thought about why they put Nightshade at her side beyond to help her in this confusing place. But to know that someone might try to take her away, use her for evil intentions sparks something inside her chest...

She won't let anyone hurt her. This new power was her own for a reason and it meant more than just healing. Her heart shaped rune, usually bright in color, is dark when she switches her video feed on.

There is no evidence that she could help but maybe, just maybe... ]

My... my voice can heal others from injuries. It can even keep demons and ayakashi at bay or cleanse people of their evil effects. I can even purify people so maybe I can help you too. Maybe my power can erase a name that is forced on a shinki through evil intentions or against their will.

[ It's a shot in the dark but how could they protect them if anyone could just snatch them away? ]

Re: video

[takenwithhim]

[This is the kind of realization, one of them at least, he wants the gods and shinki to have as they listen to him and look at the conversation following. The difference in position between the gods and the shinki. Who holds the power and who can choose to abuse it or use it wisely. And how they are going to relate to each other after this. Shinki have to rely on their gods… for the most part… but gods also need to tend to their shinki… or should at least.

Maybe it will also spark protective feelings or perhaps possessive. Either one can still be affected by a god who cares nothing for a shinki’s rights or a god’s position to that shinki. So then… the question is, what are they going to do about it.

Sousuke glances to the new voice on the feed. Despite his irritation over the matter, it’d be a lie to say he doesn’t appreciate the gods and shinki who want to help.]

Purify? [He wonders if the god that stole him could “benefit” from that purification by eliminating his obviously arrogant opinion.] In theory, that might work. I don’t know if we’ll get a chance soon to test it though.

What about evil intentions? Do you think it can erase those from a person?