Heaven's BBS | Text | This is Probably a Bad Idea

[justclaws]

From: Chiyou
Date: June 14

I do not think this is the time for beach parties. Half of us cannot remember who we are. Those of us who know a shinki's past could kill them with a single word, without ever meaning for them to come to harm. This should not be accepted as normal without so much as an explanation as to why it is necessary.

What reason could there possibly be to strip someone of all memory?

Why does nobody seem to know what is going on?

Comments

[justclaws]

All right, that is understandable. If regrets are poisonous to shinki then letting go of that must be necessary to continue living.

Why, though, lose everything else along with their regrets? A man's life is so much more than that. Besides, this way leaves a shinki so very vulnerable that simply being reminded that they once told someone who seems to be a stranger their name could kill them. All it takes is one person who recognizes them and shows it even briefly to doom them. How can simply saying someone's name be enough? And what of the regrets they must accumulate by going on living?

[Ask Me About My Regrets.

[This situation: Not entirely remotely hypothetical.]

[reformedsinner]

As for the regrets we accumulate as we go on, why, those are up to us to deal with. Absolution only comes once.

But you seem to be having a very specific problem. What is it that you really want to say?

[justclaws]

Simply, I am worried. Those of us who retain our memories pose a very real threat to their former friends, through ignorance and weakness. How are we to guard against that? How can we keep from harming one another through sheer thoughtlessness?

I do not understand why we must live this way.

[reformedsinner]

Oh. That.

Those of us who know more than we should will just have to be very careful.

[justclaws]

I was not. Or not enough.

I worry that I may do it again.

[reformedsinner]

Although I know it doesn't help to say this, it's probably easiest to approach your relationship with that person as though they are a stranger to you.

It is difficult, otherwise. And likely more dangerous for them than it is for you.

[justclaws]

I understand that, now. I wish it had not cost him so much, for me to understand what was meant by speaking of the past.

Perhaps it would be safer to simply stay away altogether.

[reformedsinner]

Perhaps so. It should be a decision you make together, if it's what you choose to do.

[justclaws]

I wonder. Would seeing him not put him in danger again, though? If simply thinking of the past can be dangerous, would I not just remind him of that every time we met?

[reformedsinner]

Possibly, yes. But if you've reminded him, then his curiosity may be just as bad whether you're there or not.

That's why I think it should be something you decide together.

[justclaws]

Thank you; I think that you are quite correct.

I will speak to him, and find out what he wishes. I have no desire to endanger him any more than he has been already, and yet to walk away without so much as an explanation would also be to do him a disservice. He is the one who is at risk, so it is only right that his voice be heard now.

[reformedsinner]

I think that's the best choice.

Good luck.