takenwithhim: (⚡ thousand mile stare)
山崎 宗介 || Yamazaki Sōsuke ([personal profile] takenwithhim) wrote in [community profile] thefarshore2016-11-30 10:02 pm

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


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.
pure_radiantics: (convo] all smiles)

[personal profile] pure_radiantics 2016-12-30 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
[She still feels like she's getting judged for that answer to him, but she's also becoming aware that there's some people who need kind words and others who need to see it with their own eyes. In her own opinion, Sousuke is the latter. She's not going to convince him of much of anything today.]

We agree, then. That seems like a nice spot to say goodnight.
latentforlife: (In the search for liberty)

[personal profile] latentforlife 2016-12-30 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe we can just work at places? Like places people come up to the counter expecting someone to be working. Just send whoever is behind the counter on break and just greet people as they come to the counter so they see us.
sharkmaid: (⚡ SPLASH FREE)

[personal profile] sharkmaid 2016-12-31 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Rin wants to do his part and reassure Sousuke that he'll be ok too, even if the situation is unstable and uncomfortable the longer it lasts. He did promise to support him, to act as a pillar of strength as much as Sousuke himself. But in this state, the can't bring himself to say much, and it frustrates him to no end. If only he paid more attention to Sousuke, then none of this would have happened. He could be strong for him, honest and unafraid. Instead he has to be carried, his weak frame illuminated by the pale blue water which taunts him with his reflection.

Hasn't he given Sousuke enough stress? Hasn't he pushed him past his breaking point one too many times? Just before the door opens and they step through, Rin opens his eyes again and furrows his brow at the shoulder he's leaning against, almost as if he can see right through the fabric of his shirt. Back then... and now this...]


Huh?

[He slowly tilts his head towards the room, distracted... and almost rolls his eyes at what he sees. Petals, dim lighting, the works. He might be romantic, but even Rin has to admit this is overkill. Anyway, none of that matters right now. Only the water, which he's prepared to step down to once Sousuke shuts the door behind them. At least that would have been the plan if only someone hadn't gone ahead and walked straight in, clothes and all.

His first instinct is to panic, heart leaping as he peers over at the water below. Carrying him over here was one thing, but actually helping him in?]


O-oy, Sousuke--

[he begins to protest, one hand coming up to touch his shinki's arm, but he's already being lowered, and if he squirms too much he's afraid he might send them both toppling forward into the shallow water. So in the end he holds still, even if it feels incredibly uncomfortable having water seep into his clothes the deeper he goes. Bits cling to his skin by the time he's halfway settled, though once the water begins to pool around his neck, his breath cuts short and all focus turns to that stinging spot once again. It stings but it tingles, like a dull hum beneath the surface of his skin...

Finally, with a quiet sigh, Rin feels the ache starting to dissipate, leaving him tired but rejuvenated at the same time. It's been a long time since he's touched the water like this... Experiencing it is even more satisfying than banishing this blight.]


... Let go.

[he mutters softly. I want to feel the water completely.]
sonofson: (0159)

[personal profile] sonofson 2016-12-31 12:03 pm (UTC)(link)
That would be so awesome! Wouldn't you want to live on a cloud if you could?

[Though with clouds there's no--]

Sakura pink clouds maybe?

[He's having way too much fun with this. But it is Sousuke's fault. Everytime he's seen him, it's been around the cherry blossoms. When he meets Rin, it's probably going to be the same to. The flustered call of his name just makes him giggle more as he rocks from side to side playfully.]

Sorrrrrry Sousuke!

[He is and isn't. This is too much fun, but he doesn't want to tease the teen too much but it is hard to not picture sakura and sousuke going together so well.]

Ahuh! I can fly anywhere. I told you I got a lot better. Even better then last time.
lilys_poise: (I want one of each!)

[personal profile] lilys_poise 2017-01-01 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure something like a revolt won't be necessary. Most of the gods are really nice. But shinki should help each other.

[And something like a club would encourage that.]
sonofson: (☁ Nimbus)

[personal profile] sonofson 2017-01-02 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
Underwater? Like with fish a stuff?

[But there's no sakura underwater...well he could probably have petals down there. They did talk about swimming before but then they weren't too sure if Sousuke could swim.]

I like clouds but I also like water! Fishing and swimming are a lot of fun! If I lived on a cloud I'd still come visit you if you lived underwater! We still gotta race.

[And no, he isn't sorry but he isn't going to admit it. Goten just keeps his smile, rocking from side to side a bit. Even if Sousuke takes the sakura out of his view, its too late. There have been way too many sakura-sousuke related things!

Goten blinks at bit at his last reponse, his head tilting a bit not really seeing the problem. His flying helped people...didn't it?]


Huh? Is that a bad thing?
lilys_poise: (Consider it a present from me.)

[personal profile] lilys_poise 2017-01-02 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
Well.... maybe. But at the very least, we can be friends. Right?

[It's never bad to make more friends.]
latentforlife: (Default)

[personal profile] latentforlife 2017-01-03 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, you could be a life guard or something. No one needs to see you for you to keep an eye on everyone. Just stake out the spot, dress the part, and keep signing your name on employment forms and time sheets.
sharkmaid: (⚡ dripping)

[personal profile] sharkmaid 2017-01-04 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
[Rin used to question it when they first started out as kids, to be honest. But somehow, they always managed to work things out between them one way or another, so he ended up tucking that question away to be forgotten. He didn't have to know why they worked, just that they did. And now that they're starting over, he wants it to stay that way. Of course Sousuke will wonder and ask questions--after all, it's just like he said: he doesn't even know who Rin is. The most Rin can do was try to reassure him, day in, day out, until all of this doesn't feel so out of place.

They can get back to that place... They have to.

In order to do that, they'll have to soldier through many difficult obstacles. Like this, for example, which is bound to be one of several more. He senses Sousuke's tension as he holds onto him, knows he's afraid and uncomfortable the longer he stands surrounded by water, but Rin trusts him to not let go... and hold on he does, focusing, persevering-- Even now you still think about me.

It's tempting to stay this way for a few more minutes, but the water's call is too powerful, and in the end, Rin's grateful Sousuke listens and heeds his request. He's been stagnant for far too long. Wandering in circles but never really getting anywhere... And as he slowly begins to submerge, he allows his eyes to shut and heart beat in tune with the rhythm of the water's movement as it rebounds off the walls and embraces his frame. He always feels so light like this, even when he sinks. As if there's nothing and no one else but the water...

Rin won't have much room to move. Still, he makes the most of it, and before hitting the bottom of the little pool he maneuvers his legs and turns his body towards the floor so he can glide off to the other side. The shifting petals on the surface is the only indication he's on the move, and once Rin finally runs out of space he touches the opposite wall then rises up with a loud gasp. Petals cling to his hair and shoulders while water spills over his face, then with a noticeably steady hand he pushes his bangs back and touches the nape of his neck for good measure. Well... he isn't shaking anymore. It doesn't burn, it doesn't sting... He swam.

He's panting softly once he looks across the water where he left his shinki last and with a nod he manages a little smile. It worked.]


Thank you... Sousuke.
lilys_poise: (Hug-a-snug ATTACK!)

[personal profile] lilys_poise 2017-01-05 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Huh?

[That was an unexpected question and it takes her a moment to find a response.]

Well... friends help each other. And do fun things together. And talk about stuff that's important to them. It means a lot of things.

[A pause.]

Does it mean something different to you?
sharkmaid: (⚡ dat back)

[personal profile] sharkmaid 2017-01-05 09:48 am (UTC)(link)
[He wonders what he's going to find when he rises up from the water. He wonders if he'll find Sousuke out of the water, sitting on the edge, or even halfway out the door. So when he opens his eyes and wipes the droplets from his cheeks, he's... relieved, he thinks, to see his shinki still standing where he left him. He doesn't know why he stayed. He could have left a long time ago, didn't even need to come down here with him in the first place. But here he is, watching him, staring at him... looking away once he probably realizes Rin's staring right back.

Rin isn't a mind reader and he's never really aspired to be one, but in this moment he wishes he could know what went through the other boy's head as he stood there alone, chest deep in the water. His exact thoughts, words, fears. Anything to explain why he looks the way he does. Ultimately, Rin holds his tongue, and with water cooling on his skin he crosses his arms over his torso and grabs the bottom hem of his shirt to start pulling it up over his head. The warm water should be relaxing, but more than anything it leaves his skin teeming with energy.]


I can send you back upstairs now. I know you're uncomfortable down here.

[he says as he squeezes excess water from his shirt and sets it aside on the floor. Back to Sousuke, a somewhat sad smile on his lips,]

If it's ok with you, I-- [A beat... then,] --I'm going to swim for a while.
sharkmaid: (⚡ free)

[personal profile] sharkmaid 2017-01-06 10:23 am (UTC)(link)
[As touching as it was for his shinki to bear his own pain just to bring Rin to safety, Rin feels more awkward and guilty, if anything. Yes, they're supposed to be a team. They need to work together and protect each other... but lately he doesn't feel as if he's done his part. Especially now when there's so much conflict and uncertainty in their relationship, he should be the one reassuring Sousuke and comforting him above anything else. Not even as a god... but as a friend.

Even if he can't sense those same stinging emotions from before, Rin knows there's still confusion and hurt plaguing his best friend's heart. It may be more tolerable, but it's still painful... But just as before, Rin can't bring himself to say anything about it, not now, and while Sousuke pulls himself out of the water his smile slowly begins to fade. He'll be alone up there. It's a long walk back and he might lose his way...

... Foolishly, stubbornly, he hoped he would stay.]


Yeah...

[Then, hopefully before Sousuke has the chance to step out the door,]

Take the bed, ok? I... probably won't be sleeping tonight anyway.

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