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

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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.

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[Goten blinks slowly at that, mouth still hanging agape a bit. Is Sousuke a mind reader too? How'd he know he was thinking of bring Rin sakura things? Sure it may have been obvious but Goten is still impressed. He grins a grin, scratching the back of his head. Yep. Sousuke read him clearly on that one though he isn't going to admit it. If not sakura things, then what? Well, maybe he doesn't need to get him anything. It is the first time he's going to meet this god. Sousuke's god. The only other person he knows that likes sakura more then Sousuke and lives in a castle.]

Really?

[He actually sounds disappointed by that. He frowns, lowering his arm as he crosses them over his chest.]

I donno how I'm gonna find out then. That's not fair. Yukine showed me borderlines but I don't know anything past that. Archie won't do that stuff with me. Maybe I'm not a good shinki...

[He's too little. That isn't fair, he can't do anything about that. Super strength and flying doesn't make up for that for some reason. His shoulder drop a bit as he looks down thoughtfully. How can he prove himself to Archie?]

Sousuke, I wanna be big like you.

[No he’s not; he just knows that Goten associates him with all things sakura and it’s a good guess he’ll think the same of Rin (and doubly so once he sees the castle). Either way, it’s amusing to see his reaction, but Sousuke doesn’t push his luck further. He’d rather the boy not end up thinking he’s some amazing hero or something. Honestly, Sousuke’s a normal guy. Even if he’s… well… a shinki right now. It’s strange.

Either way! Goten doesn’t need to bring a present. Neither Sousuke nor Rin is that kind of person. Rin’ll be happy with getting to visit with Goten and show him around the castle and Sousuke’s pretty much happy if Rin’s happy.]

Hm? [Goten sounds disappointed. The point the other shinki brings up is a little unfortunate. Actually there are a number of shinki it seems that aren’t wielded by their gods. While that’s nice in one way (not being treated as a weapon), the other way’s detrimental to a shinki’s growth.] You’re a good shinki, Goten. I’ve met a number of other shinki who aren’t wielded by their gods. So don’t feel bad.

[He doesn’t know why those other gods, Archie included, don’t introduce their shinki to that role. Though Sousuke’s not fond of it—as he’s made known in that public post—he isn’t going to deny that a shinki and a god can battle together. Or should be able to at least. Just because Sousuke doesn’t like it doesn’t mean he’s not going to train in what role’s expected of him.

Urk… that last part… The device picks up that little mumbled comment and he feels bad for bringing the topic up.]

Archie probably has a reason. Have you brought it up to him at all? That you want to train as a shinki? Not the borderlines, but your vessel form.

Yeah but it's not fair. I wanna help people and beat up ayakashi too.

[He is disappointed. He wants to learn more--that doesn't take reading a book or anything. The fact that Archie doesn't want to use him on prayers is frustrating. Esepically when he's seen what other shinki and god-shinki pairs can do together. Goten is strong on his own, he can push back ayakashi but he can't take them out on his own.

But talking to Sousuke does make him feel a little better. Even if it doesn't solve the issue. Archie probably does have a reason for it but whatever it is, Goten doesn't like it. He doesn't even know what that reason is, but he still doesn't like it. But there are bigger problems then not being used as a weapon. Like that jerk-god that used Sousuke being the prime example]

A little but he doesn't want to. I don't even know what my vessel form is.

[Sousuke falls silent for a while. He’s not sure what to say since it doesn’t appear Archie has ever moved Goten towards that shinki role. Yes, he’s glad that Archie doesn’t treat Goten like some kind of tool, but there is something to be said about when giving someone the freedom to do what they want crosses the line of not caring what they do at all. And Archie’s not here to say why that is, since Sousuke highly doubts Goten knows the reason. It’s strange. Kind, but strange.]

If you get the chance, ask him. Tell him you want to be trained as a shinki. [Because unfortunately, no one else but Goten’s god can call Goten to his shinki form. (And he’s going to ignore the possibility of another god naming Goten for that exercise.) Neither of them can do anything about it, though, unless Archie agrees. Which is frustrating for both of them for similar and different reasons.]

If you ever want to train with borderlines or your other skills, let me know and I’ll practice with you. [It’s not a swimming race, but it’s something just as useful.]

[With all this shinki talk, it's not that fun. Goten does feel like he's missing out. He wants to be useful to his god. He wants to fight ayakashi and kick butt! But for whatever reason, his age seems to be big factor. Goten doesn't even know for sure how old he really is. It's easy enough to guess with his small height and everything else. He's clearly a child but that's just an excuse. Or at least he thinks so.

Everything aside, those last few words make Goten perk up and lift his head. He blinks at the screen with awe. Sousuke can't help him with the bessel form stuff but there's still other shinki stuff he can learn and do]

Wow, you will?! Yeah! I wanna practice with you lots!

[He doesn't even need to think about it. It's Sousuke. He wants to hang out with the teen anyway. So hanging out and getting to train? All that's missing is tasty food and it sounds like the best day ever! Goten's big smile shows it to. His whole face is practically shoved into the screen]

[You can’t do everything in the world, kid. Sousuke gets that Goten wants to be helpful to his god and fight, but everyone’s going on their own schedule. And to fight and ayakashi only means there’s some innocent getting into trouble already. Still, he wonders about Goten’s abilities. Despite the kid’s relatively very-young age, Sousuke knows full well how much power’s in that little body (and he’s pretty sure it’s just the tip of the iceberg). Well, it’s not like Sousuke can change it without going to talk to Archie or something…

But at least he can do something about the lack of “doing something” Goten’s pouting about. He expects that reaction by now and a small smile plays at his face without his permission. Besides, it’ll be fun to train with Goten as well.]

Aa. Let me know when you want and I’ll see if I’m free.

[“Free” being a general term here because it’s not like Sousuke’s got scheduled things to do asides from explore and hang out with Rin and practice with his god. But knowing Goten, he’d be in for a week of training if he let it! All that youthful energy times infinity. Kind of like that face more or less consuming the entire screen. Easy, kid. Don’t break the phone.]

I want to now.

[As if that wasn't already apparent. But Sousuke did ask and Goten is going to be honest with it but he already knows better. If Sousuke isn't up for swimming right now, then he probably isn't up for training either. He hums a little as he leans away from the screen and tries to consider what would work for Sousuke. He doesn't know what the other does in his free time or how much Rin keeps him busy. It's hard to guess but finally he glances back to the screen.]

Uh, you should just let me know when you want to. I'm always up for training. Even if it's super early or whenever!

[Goten will always be ready to go, go, go! Esepically if it's with Sousuke. He wants to see just what Sousuke can do! With whatever training they do, it'll be better for them both! Goten is sure of that. He can't wait!]

[Guess he kind of walked into that one. Sousuke sighs silently on his end. One, he’s obviously not in any mood to go out and train at the moment, emotions and attitude wise. Two, it’s night out right now. He knows Goten knows those things so he says nothing, but it’s nice to know the kid’s so eager about getting on with it. He leans back against the wall again, looking out to the cherry blossoms floating through the moonlit air beyond the window.]

I know you do.

[But Goten does bring up a good point. Sousuke’s probably the better one to call and let the other shinki know when he’s free rather than the other way around. Since he knows Goten’s more or less a free spirit with his god.]

All right. I’ll let you know.

[And it’s definitely not going to be super early. Sousuke’s okay with getting up early or staying up late if he has to or if someone wants him to, but on his own, he’ll often choose to sleep in because sleep feels so good. Luckily though, he usually has things to do that prevent him from sleeping too much.]

Someone here was talking about having a shinki training meeting. Maybe you should look into that as well.

[Masaki, was it? The other shinki’s name during this conversational back and forth Sousuke’d started.]

Just don't forget!

[Not that he would let him but Goten still has to say it. He knows Sousuke won't forget, or at least he really hopes he wouldn't. It's exciting to be able to train together! Just like swimming. Goten isn't really sure which one is better. They're both great!

But the mention of a possible training meeting makes the boy blink. It sounds like fun at first until Goten thinks a bit more on it. If it just didn't have that last word, 'meeting', attached to it. While the boy is still a bit young to really be know what exactly a meeting would contain, he does figure it means there will be a lot of talking or planning. So wouldn't that mean they wouldn't really get to train? That doesn't sound very fun.

Goten rocks back and forth a little as he ponders that. He isn't sure; but Sousuke would know though right?]

A training meeting...? Would we get to train or is that just talking cause I don't wanna go if it's just that.

Edited 2017-02-17 04:09 (UTC)

I won’t.

[He’s still got that swimming promise in his mind so of course he won’t forget any of the other offers and promises he’s making to the smaller shinki. Between swimming, visiting, training, and other such things, they’re making quite the list of things to do between them.

A brow arches as he watches Goten’s brain working with that new information. Did he say something wrong? He thought Goten’d be thrilled to know there was a group of shinki getting together to train. Action, meeting new people, exercising those shinki abilities that Goten’d just said he wanted to learn more about. He remains quiet, waiting for that clarifying question to come out. Thinks back to the words he’d used, but doesn’t come up with a reason. And then gets his answer.]

Oh. Not sure, but I know you’ll be training. There’ll probably be talking to let you know what to do. Since you haven’t used your shinki abilities yet.

[After all, it’s not like someone could “teach” Goten by simply walking up to him and going “make a borderline” when the kid’s never made one before, right? Amusing that he’s waffling over the aspect of “too much” talking. Sorry Goten, but life can’t always be an action movie.]

[He's pretty pleased with the list growing and growing. It just means there will be more time to hang out and do stuff together which Goten is always up for. So he's not going to put a limit on those promises at all.]

As long as it's not super long talking. I wanna try it not just hear about it!

[And that grin is back in place. Simple kid with simple desires. Life can be an action movie as long as you go go go! Or at least that's what he thinks. Besides, hands on training is always the best. Who knows, maybe he'll be able to get Sousuke to show him too before then. Then they can have borderline completions and stuff.]

As long as you go to, then I bet we can make it fun. I'll learn a lot too, I promise!

[Unless something else grabs his attention. Goten can work hard but he's still a fun loving kid]

[Honestly, they could make a list from here to the shore and back and it’d probably all get done. There’s not much else to “do” around here as far as Sousuke’s concerned. Yes, he trains and hangs out with Rin, the occasional prayer, but asides from that… what else is there?

But Sousuke’s Sousuke so he’s not going to fill up that list with promises when he knows he’s the kind of guy that’ll take a nap in the afternoon instead of watering the lawn unless he’s asked to. (Within reason, cause he’s not a lazy guy at all. Just likes to snooze every now and then.)]

You’ll have to hear before you try at first. It’s not long at all.

[He can even coach him right now over the phone if Sousuke were in the mood for it. But… despite his better spirits, he’s still not in the mood enough to go about something like that. At least Goten’s smiling again and that makes him feel better. He’s not knocking the kid’s opinion though; Sousuke’d much rather learn hands on than have someone tell him.]

Aa. I’m going to go.

[He’s not promised the organizer, but he knows he’ll be going regardless. So there. Someone gets to hear the confession at least.]

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

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