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.

[ANON BUT VOICE (so Rin can ID the accent later)]

[mementodagger]

What... what if I was given a second name by someone I trust, to save my life in battle? I keep hearing others speak of "nora" often with disdain. Are they really reviled by many? What if our original god casts us out for being tainted?

[There's a long pause, with some soft but anxious breathing behind it.]

Did I make a mistake...?

[sharkmaid]

As far as I know, becoming a nora...

[He doesn't want to say it's bad, because he doesn't even know that for sure. Still... instinct tells him it might be strange.]

It's frowned upon. But if it seemed like you had no other choice, then I can't be one to judge you.

[He doesn't know the details after all.]

Like I said though, it should have been your choice from the start. And if you felt safer making that decision for yourself, then that couldn't have been a mistake. Being alive doesn't make you "tainted."

text;

[shockshot]

You're Rin then? Sousuke's partner?

I'd like to thank you. For saying the last part. People have been wonderful, but it's still...

this is reassuring to see, you know?

text;

[sharkmaid]

You know Sousuke?

[He met a lot of new people when he spoke on the network last after all. A lot of gods, a lot of other shinki.]

It's only the truth. I'd like to think anyone would remind shinki of that the moment they show up here.

[revolutionfalcon]

Finally doing something for more than you and yours, huh. [Hey look, it's that asshole from Rin's last post...being less of one this time.]

That's an idea I'd be willing to support. Having that kind of power over another person isn't something everyone can be trusted with, and that other post about this proved that even more. Even if the system is what it is, doing what we can to stop it being abused and giving more of a balance to the power would be a step forward.

[sharkmaid]

[Oh hey, it's that asshole from his last post. ... Color him shocked. He didn't think they'd speak again.

Ignoring that first bit,]

Then it looks like we're finally on the same page.

Figuring out how to start though-- That's the hard part. Obviously we're not the higher ups, so our resources and even our powers have limits, right?

Anon

[volksdaemon]

You don't think shinki will be afraid of an organized force like that too?

[sharkmaid]

If we can earn their trust by proving the system works, then they won't have a reason to be afraid in the first place.

[saikusu]

You say that as though being a tool for your god is diametrically opposed to being your own person. I take pride in serving my god and I am glad to be useful to him as a shinki. Our ability to turn into something else with our vessel forms makes us tools to be used. Hopefully with great care and thought about our well-being, but tools all the same.

When I arrived here, dead, without my memories, being a shinki became the main part of my identity. As time goes on, I learn more about who I am and what I like. Becoming my own person again does not erase the shinki portion of my newly forming identity, nor does it erase the fact that I am a tool for my god to use when needed.

That being said, I do appreciate your efforts. No shinki should be forced into the position of becoming a Nora, or forced to serve a god that does not treat them with respect.

[sharkmaid]

If being a tool feels right to you, then that's your prerogative, and... I can respect that. But I know for a fact that none of us asked for this to happen, whether we accept it now or not, and to me there's nothing liberating about it. Maybe you're a rare case, maybe you're not. We don't know enough about each other to tell.

Regardless, I'd rather everyone, especially shinki, have the choice to decide their future here from the start. Even if that future involves being independent from gods and shinki and everything else.

What kind of future do you see for yourself?

Text | Private

[latentforlife]

What if working as some god's weapon is the only thing that feels vaguely familiar?

Text | Private

[sharkmaid]

Does it make you happy?

[dioception]

Ah, a group of gods coalescing, purporting to 'protect' shinki.

It seems like a bad idea. Even if you are earnest, and I believe you might be from my admittedly extremely limited knowledge, there will always be those who are not, looking to join your group for authority over others, or those who do not trust in your intentions feeling as if your group is aiming to restrict them.

If you really MUST make some sort of 'shinki guard', do try to include shinki in your roster, at least. That is all I ask of you. I'd ask for an equal amount of shinki and gods, but that's really hoping for the best.

[sharkmaid]

Trust won't be easy to earn, but it's possible if we make the right kind of plan and set it in motion.

And that's of course where including shinki comes in. I know something like this won't be possible without shinki input and participation. Can't fight for someone you know little about.

You have my word though, that only gods who share the same intentions will be a part of this. I don't plan on letting anymore bad ones slip past my radar.

private; video

[dominatriarch]

Before the first newcomers arrived, we rarely had to encounter matters like this. It disgusts me to know this happened - that I allowed it to happen.

[ There's still a bitterness in her voice. She's one of the older gods that had been tasked to look after these newbies and she let a shinki get named like that. Careless. Very careless. ]

What he's done is unforgivable. Shinki are not tools. They never were. They are our regalia, our treasures and must be regarded as such.

[ A breath, her fingers interlacing before her. ]

You have my cooperation, Rin. Your shinki gave me a description of the god who had named him and he will be brought to justice, I promise you.

private; video

[sharkmaid]

It wasn't your fault.

[He appreciates her anger though, as strange as that may seem to say. And anyway,]

As his friend, I... should have kept a closer watch on him.

[Honestly, how it slipped past him so easily-- That's just as unforgivable in his eyes. But there's no time to regret and be upset with himself. He has to focus on Sousuke. He has to focus on others. After a moment's pause he sighs, then listens to what she has to say. A description...]

He will?

[...]

I'm sorry it had to come to this. If there's anything you need me to help with, I-- [I have to do something.] --I have to make a difference.

Voice

[clothes_make_the_man]

Rin... I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your shinki. I think your idea is wonderful. I'd like to help in any way that I can. I'm not as skilled a fighter as many of the other gods, but I'd be happy to offer my temple as a point of refuge for any shinki who might need it.

Voice

[sharkmaid]

Thanks, Forrest. He's safe and recovering for now, so that's really all I can ask for. But I definitely appreciate your offer, in any case. Even if you can't fight, having your input is more than enough.

Do you have shinki with you? I'd... just recommend keeping them close to you if you can.

private

[galactically]

[Rin will receive a private message from "Euterpe". No guesses as to who it is.]

So that's why you didn't come to the hot springs resort. Your shinki was in danger...

That terrible excuse of a god should have no right taking anyone's shinki and treating them like just tools! I'm sorry you had to deal with it at all, Rin.

private

[sharkmaid]

[When he responds, he sounds a little tired, but his tone is sincere and apologetic.]

I'm sorry, Sheryl. I planned on going, but... I should have told you.

[He was going to call her, text her, anything to explain the situation. But time got away from him and now here he is.]

I'll make it up to you, ok?

text;

[vindicavi]

A defensive team? How, exactly, do you expect that to work? I could easily slap a name on someone else's shinki if I felt so inclined, whether they wanted me to or not. It isn't like assaulting or killing someone. There doesn't have to be any actual contact at all, which makes it almost impossible to defend against. You can't defend someone from words.

[ ...not that he'd bother with someone else's shinki. He has his own and is perfectly satisfied with them, so as far as he's concerned, he doesn't need more.

But its a question that he feels needs to be asked. ]

text;

[sharkmaid]

We don't know if that's true or not. With all the powers and magic fueling this world, the possibilities are endless.

And I for one don't plan on resting until this possibility becomes reality.

From: Kairi; Voice

[pure_radiantics]

Ah, so you're Sousuke's God?

[She doesn't hate the guy; they just had a very different opinion on some matters.]

I'm glad you're taking some action too. I don't think I'm nearly powerful enough to do anything on my own yet, but thank you for trying to stop what happened to him from happening to others.

Voice

[sharkmaid]

Mm, that's me. My name's Rin.

[He can't say he's heard from her before.]

Don't worry about your powers or anything like that though. To be honest, I'd rather avoid violence anyway if we can help it.

I take it you and Sousuke discussed this whole thing together?

Text

[kissthegoddamncook]

So what's your plan? You have one in mind already?

Text

[sharkmaid]

Something like that. Right now people are pitching ideas, but... consensus seems to favor finding a way to protect shinki from forced naming first, either with magic or something similar.

Unless you have any other ideas.

[takenwithhim]

[Bringing up his own issues and weakness as a victim is never something Sousuke wants to. Being responsible for himself includes being too weak or unaware to allow a god to misuse him for their own uses. But, after his experience, he’s not so stubborn as to think this a one-time occurrence or something he can simply train himself to avoid next time. It’s out of his hands as part of a social imbalance, a plan set in place by gods above gods who have never had to be a shinki or someone’s pawn once (so he assumes). The plan itself works, so long as the god and shinki don’t take personal opinions and feelings into the mix. Especially not human opinions and feelings. Keeping the event to himself only ensure that it will happen again to another shinki.

And he refuses to let that happen.

So now he’s seeing the first step towards it. From his own god. There’s a strange mixture of feelings right now. Pride that Rin’s taking this seriously and putting such effort into the issue. Irritation that “his business” is being picked up by his god (but of course he understands “his business” is Rin’s business, and in this case, a lot of other people’s as well). Relief that at least something is going to be put on the board to be done. Frustration that the idea Rin’s come up with is hitting the theory wall in his head pretty hard. After their last network conversation, Sousuke had done a lot to try and repair some of the damage he’d done to their relationship. So poking holes in Rin’s plan… but at the same time, no one but Sousuke (and Goten to an extent) have any experience to parse the plan through.

No point in sitting around watching; that’s not Sousuke’s style even if it does make him remember back to less pleasant times. He deliberately keeps the video feed public, so others can see and listen. But he’s still cautiously skeptical.]

Like it or not, shinki rely on gods for our lives. Unless I’m mistaken.

But Rin, how do you plan on setting this into reality? A god is able to name a shinki with words alone. Even if a shinki can create a borderline or cause the god pain afterwards through blight, it’s not a process a shinki can stop. Unless shinki stick by their gods all the time, whatever team you create has to counter that. The unknown location and vocal naming.

That’ll compromise a shinki’s freedom though, which is probably something shinki will have to deal with. Unfortunately.

[He definitely isn't discouraging this course of action; he's being the devil's advocate with doses of reality (albeit 'reality' from his one-sided experience, which he's well aware of).]

[sharkmaid]

[He considered filtering this away from Sousuke before he started, but in the end he knows this is information his shinki has to be part of and understand just as well as anyone else. It's only fair. So to hear him respond isn't a surprise, though he does have to wonder if there's going to be any disagreement or argument out of this. After all, he knows what he's getting into. It's Sousuke's business, his weakness, his incident. And maybe it's not for Rin to share. But he has to remind himself that Sousuke is his friend before anything else, and he made him a promise to take responsibility for his safety.

If he doesn't act now, he won't forgive himself for it later.]

They do. As far as I know.

[Which still doesn't sit well with him in the first place.]

But it doesn't have to be that way. Or at least it shouldn't. I'm not saying people need to fend for themselves, but they should at least have the right to make that decision if they'd prefer it. ... Still, that's all of lesser priority compared to your safety.

[Changing whatever "laws" this world has will have to come later, assuming it's even remotely possible.]

Either we invent new magic to protect, or force punishment on abusive gods who refuse. Maybe we'll have to do both.

[After a beat,]

What do you want, Sousuke?

[Voice]

[jocularly]

It's nice of ye to want to change the future. My god has made it clear to me that we're equals, so I guess I kinda lucked out. I'm not sure what I would've done if some god treated me like a thing.

[He probably would've made the best of it, honestly. If Joker feels he is doing some good even if he is miserable, he will keep his mouth shut and a smile on his face.]

I'd like ta help other shinki if I can.

[Voice]

[sharkmaid]

That's good to hear. I hope your god continues to stand by that promise.

[It's easy to say those things, but it'll matter once they act on them. He doesn't want to be skeptical of all gods, but in this case he has to be.]

What's your name?

SO ANON

[isayvol]

hey i'm sry abut ur shinki dude
but like
i did that 2 a shinki? named him and evrything
but i'm not a bad guy??
he's just my frnd even if he dosn't rember...

[sharkmaid]

Did you do this to your first shinki or someone else's?

[moonfang]

Gods who name shinki against their will... should be punished. Killed, ideally!

[sharkmaid]

I wouldn't suggest death as fair punishment. That's taking it to an extreme.