[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

sparkles.

[dianxias]

[ actually that's more along the lines of his normal interests, okuni. you somehow got closer

xie lian makes a little, surprised noise at that when the stretching silence ends. he's not the type to underestimate anyone, but he shakes his head, lifting his hands and finally letting the scarf flop back onto its new owner to deny this. please don't challenge him okuni don't do it... ] I-- no, no, of course not! I absolutely don't want to fight you. At all. [ he'd sooner un-ascend for the... third time. ]

[ ...anyway, clearing his throat ] - I just hope if someone was kind to you, you might spread the favor, is all.

SHE'LL GET HIM NEXT TIME SOMEHOW mumble mumble INSPECTOR GADGET mumble mumble

[osuni]

[for the third time huh.....

Okuni looks at him as if she can just Sense his Unwillingness, but then she pauses]

Hm. [hmmm] I think I can manage that, perhaps. It'll be difficult, since it's not really in my nature...

[BUT!!!]

Will you give me your name? So that I can tell the next person who to thank for the idea.

just wait for the boxing ring.................

[dianxias]

[ ah! great. he doesn't even respond to it being difficult, more pleased with the fact that this person is really willing to try. look at this smile. you could hear an angel's chorus.

his hands come together, and he gives okuni a little bow, respectful and well mannered. ] I'm just a scrap collector, but if someone asks, my name is Xie Lian. It's nice to meet you... ah, and you are?

rubs hands

[osuni]

[wow..... that sure is an angel's chorus in the distance!!! Hearing that is almost making Okuni feel bad, like... is it right to involve Xie Lian in the numerous pranks she's going to pull in the future on all the people unlucky enough to encounter her? It'll be fine, Okuni reasons, it's not like I'll physically involve him in anything? I'll just drop his name after filling someone's shoes with ketchup? Like a 'Xie Lian told me to pay it forward, so I set your pants on fire' kind of thing? So ultimately, he's not really that involved at all!

Okuni doesn't politely bow back because she's a gremlin thinking gremlin thoughts, but she at least produces a sunny smile for him!!!]

Okuni Kumou. I'm the head of a shrine back home, but here -- I guess I'm just the same as you!

[this big ass LIE]

[dianxias]

[ .... ah.



.... ] Did you say something?

[ well, i am a god of misfortune, so i guess she's not wrong... ]

[osuni]

[Okuni tries to look as innocent as possible like she absolutely did not say or think anything. Obviously, this does not work at all because she just DID THINK those thoughts, but you know what... MORE IMPORTANTLY]

Eh, you're a god of misfortune? [hearing people's thoughts can be very convenient even when they end up revealing her true motives...] ...You're a god? Really? A god of misfortune and scrap collecting?

[dianxias]

[ a god of misfortune and scrap collecting, that just hits right in the heart..... she's not wrong........ ]

Eh--um, sort of. Not really? I'm a martial god, but I don't have many followers anymore, it's not like I'm powerful, and I do collect scraps...and I am rather unfortunate.....

[ ... ] ...it's complicated. Ah! I am a heavenly official, though.

[osuni]

[Okuni was all set up to make fun of Xie Lian mercilessly but seeing him like this… Hm.

It’s a little like that time the twins trapped Gengetsu in a net and were about to be extra mean to her but then she was like “I’m just a doll, worthless” and they were like “oh okay, way to be a mood-killer” and let her go. This is one of these times. How can Okuni call Xie Lian a “god who is extremely bad at his job” when he just went ahead and admitted it??? ]

So scrap collecting is just a hobby of yours, and you’re just unfortunate by nature.

[THAT DOES SOUND COMPLICATED???]

Is being a heavenly official different from being a martial god?

[dianxias]

En. [ HE JUST AGREES. he doesn't say "i lived alone as a human for 800 years, cursed to immortality, and had to get by so i did everything i had to". he just agrees, yes, he's terribly unfortunate and also likes to collect scraps. that's just how it be.

xie lian scratches his cheek. ] Not really. I have to borrow spiritual energy from others, so it's not as if I'm making a big fuss anytime I go anywhere. The only temples I have are usually set up by me, so...they fall apart. [ usually by natural disaster or something equally stupid because that's how his luck is. ]

[ besides the occasional statues of xie lian that people step on no one really worships him... or knows who he is.

oh! ] I suppose I'll have to make a shrine here.

[osuni]

[Another succinct agreement... The next part gives Okuni some pause though, an image of the Kumou Shrine flashing through her mind at his words. The Kumou Shrine, dear to her heart for the precise reason that it's home for her and Baren, always in a state of neglect or constantly torn down by the other villagers.]

Well! If you're so terrible at making your own shrines, then I suppose I can help! [she and baren aren't the eighth heads of the kumou shrine for no reason!!!

though they're the eighth heads because they were the only ones around to inherit the title but anyway]

And I know a thing or two about repairing torn down shrines. I suppose this could be my way of paying it forward back to you? It's perfect!

[dianxias]

Oh! ....Really? [ that's a bit surprising.... xie lian wasn't sure he'd ever have a believer again who would make a shrine for him. he was all ready to construct a little building and light an incense stick and do it all himself!! but now he doesn't have to! he's so genuinely surprised and touched that it shows on his face. okuni. you just made his recently-ascended-again life.

setting his hands together, he bows to her immediately, respectful as respectful can be. ] Thank you, truly, for your kindness. I'll be sure to pull my own weight as well. [ straightening again, he smiles! ] - And if you have any prayers to make, I'll do my best to grant them.

[osuni]

[STOP SHE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE HIS GENUINE EMOTIONS... she just said it because she felt soft for .5 seconds!! AHHHHH

Okuni huffs and turns her face away, but the tips of her ears are red wow ANYWAY!!]

You don't have to be so grateful...! I just think it would be sad if you ended up falling off the train because you didn't have enough godly energy. It would be embarrassing to see! You could fall on an innocent bystander that way!

[prayers... though...]

I hope you mean you'll only grant the prayers you can, and not try to overextend yourself by granting just about anything.