Entry #A-4: "Ante" [February 21, Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

Though the police and the Blood Keys obviously represent a threat to many numbered individuals, I have a question about organized religion, and what pulses might mean when framed within certain philosophical contexts.

No matter how natural it might feel, if there really is another being nudging its way into an existing consciousness, changing a person's aptitudes, physical attributes and even their personality... there have to be at least a few churches that would consider that demonic possession, right?

Has anyone tried to reconcile what's happening with influential religious practices, and do we have any resources for assisting anyone who might wind up the subject of an attempted exorcism? Those still happen today, they can be extremely dangerous, and I'm concerned about the possibility of frightened numbered people seeking out such assistance, or being subjected to it by their families and communities. Thinking you're crazy is one thing, but sincerely believing that the devil is wielding you as an instrument is another entirely. Probably not something that the FAQ page can successfully assuage, for the most tenaciously convinced.

Comments

[Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

[L has gotten way less skeptical about echoes, but that still throws him for a bit of a loop.]

I... see what you mean about thinking that you're turning into an angel. You hide it under your baseball cap with some success, I take it...

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[charcoalfeather]

[With that out of the way, she places her cap back on and switches to text.]

Yeah. of course, I have to wear it all the time now, which is kind of hard sometimes. not like I cared much about my hair though.

[She laugh at that, but she's still a bit terrified about the whole thing.]

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[dead_black_eyes]

What will you do if you get wings?

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[charcoalfeather]

Get looser clothes I guess? idek

Honestly, I'm afraid of what will happen

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[dead_black_eyes]

If they're large, you might need a harness to confine them.

I know someone who helped me with the welding on my brace, so... maybe he could be persuaded to help you.

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[charcoalfeather]

maybe, if he's around to help when I get them.

if I get them. I kind of hope I don't get them

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[dead_black_eyes]

There's no knowing until it happens, but being prepared for the worst is the only sensible way to live like this.

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[charcoalfeather]

Yeah, that's true. I wonder what having wings will be like. Maybe I'll be able to fly.

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[dead_black_eyes]

Unfortunately, it would be very conspicuous.

The way I see it, if a person is going to get some sort of bizarre or attention-drawing mutation with their echoes, it might as well be something extremely powerful they can use to defend themselves. I really do think that the people like you have it the hardest.

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[charcoalfeather]

I'd find a way to deal with it. hopefully.

plus there's lots of people on here to help right? I guess if I ever do get wings I'll be helped.

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[dead_black_eyes]

No one would just let you disappear into the night, but you'd have to honor others' vigilance by being cautious, yourself. Do you think you could do that?

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[charcoalfeather]

Ill certainly try if it comes to that

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[dead_black_eyes]

And you have to ask for help if you need it. Pride or concern about being a burden is no object, where some of these pulses are concerned. You'd have a lot of opportunities to repay the favor.

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[charcoalfeather]

Right. I promise i'll ask for help if i need it