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

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[shiromadoushi]

You're assuming I'm a hero? That's cute.

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[dead_black_eyes]

I'm asking for how you think you measure up. Fewer logical leaps will make this easier for both of us.

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[shiromadoushi]

I'm not a hero so it's a moot point.

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[dead_black_eyes]

See how easy that is?

As the hero, this means I might be the authority on them, between us.

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[shiromadoushi]

Yeah. Right. Even if past you thought he WAS a hero doesn't mean he was or you are.

Getting an ego over this shit already, aren't you?

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[dead_black_eyes]

Well, you know, when you're clean for a long time and then you take a hit of something strong, it goes right to your head.

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[shiromadoushi]

Like I would fucking know anything like that. Are you a druggie too? That would explain a lot.

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[dead_black_eyes]

What would it explain?

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[shiromadoushi]

Why you are like you are. Do I have to spell everything out for you?

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[dead_black_eyes]

Believe it or not, drugs aren't quite what the 'this is your brain on' PSAs make them out to be.

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[shiromadoushi]

I know that.

[[Really, he doesn't. But he's not going to admit that]]

Still doesn't mean they don't make you stupid and act even stupider.

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[dead_black_eyes]

Scruff McGruff and D.A.R.E.? Good job, you are a stunning example of what youth today should aspire to!

[You just know he's laughing his weird, breathless laugh right now.]

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[shiromadoushi]

Fuck you too.

Fucking excuse me for not knowing shit about shit I don't mess with!

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[dead_black_eyes]

I confess I'm surprised. Delinquents who make a big point of not following the rules seldom make exceptions for drugs.

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[shiromadoushi]

The point isn't to blindly not follow the rules, the point is that I do what I want and don't do what I don't want.

[[and under things he doesn't want is disappointing his grandparents...]]

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[dead_black_eyes]

Did something about them frighten you?

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[shiromadoushi]

Do you seriously think the only reason I wouldn't be a druggie is because I'm AFRAID? The hell, man.

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[dead_black_eyes]

This is another "degrees of separation" thing... There are a lot of them between "trying drugs, like many people" and "druggie."

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[shiromadoushi]

Point still stands. The fuck would I want to mess around with something like that for?

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[dead_black_eyes]

Curiosity, boredom, a means of escape...

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[shiromadoushi]

What kind of idiot do you think I am?

Or are you mistaking me for you again?

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[dead_black_eyes]

Are you claiming that you've never felt or sought those things?

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[shiromadoushi]

I'm saying I never thought of drugs as a good way to deal with those things.

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[dead_black_eyes]

And I'm not saying I know a guy, but if you haven't tried, you can't really know that for sure, can you?

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[shiromadoushi]

[[....]]

You totally know a guy and are a sick fuck for even offering.

Some "hero"!