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

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

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It's not a matter of how it actually is... it's a matter of how people who don't understand might interpret and react to it. If one's teachers, parents, and personal heroes have groomed them a certain way, deviating suddenly, even in the face of evidence, can be very difficult.

I. Guess? I mean disbelieving the FAQ and everybody else on the network and shit would still be dumb, but I guessssssss I can see why it'd happen or whatever. So those people get my Jesus beams! Because what could be less demonic than a burst of light delivered by a sweet innocent gentle fairy girl?

What does said burst of light do?

I don't know. Which means it is probably used for exorcising demons! Because I haven't used it on any demons yet, which is why so far it seems like it does nothing. Logic!

Tavia, how old are you? Do you mind if I ask?

I don't give a fuck about being asked stuff. I have been preparing to be famous my entire life! Which obviously will include being asked a shit-ton of questions!

Meaning, uh, seventeen. Why?

I'm a detective, and I like to know about rising stars. Just in case you ever go missing, certain information is useful.

Wh-- I'm not going to go missing! Even if the cops try to disappear me - which they can't because I am in hiding - everybody knows they just kill us and scoop out our brains. And they can't do that to me!

I really hope not... but all the same, it's good for numbered people to look out for each other, isn't it? Is your name short for "Octavia?"

No, you don't get it. They literally can't do that to me. Because immortal.

And, uh, yeah. But nobody calls me that except my boyfriend and my mom, so you totally don't need that info and you should strike it from your detective records or whatever.

Immortal? Have you personally tested that? Also... why did Ampora disinvite you and your boyfriend to his birthday party?

I died twice already. So yeah. I got shot to death by Blood Keys and--

[ WAIT NOPE BREAKING OFF INTO MALICIOUS CACKLING ]

Ampora? You mean Eri? Why, because he is nursing a raging hateboner for me. Those are things he can get! Because echoes. And he didn't want me to show up at his shitty party to torture him with my awesomeness. Duh.

You died and came back to life? What was that like? And who is your boyfriend?

Iunno. I was dead when it was happening. Then when it was done, I wasn't dead any more but I kind of missed the actual reviving bit. But it's super colourful! Like. Rainbow fire and stuff. Super Jesusy.

And Alan is my boyfriend. The guy who got arrested with me.

Was it like being asleep without dreaming? When you were actually dead, I mean. Alan? Is he numbered?

I. Guess that's the closest I can describe it? [Sounding a little disturbed now.] Except sleep is like. Restful and junk! And death is just. Super nothing-y. Like switching off a flashlight.

And uh, yeah. Alan's one of us. He shouts a lot.

Of course; I suppose that's what I'd expect. What happened to the Keys who shot you? Were you compelled to return for revenge later, or did your immortality nullify any ill will you felt towards them? I don't think I know Alan, yet. Is that why Eri Ampora didn't want him at the party? His shouting? Or because of his connection to you?

Ummmm...

[ Yeah, there's no way she's confessing that Alan killed one of them. EVASIVENESS, HO ]

I had friends with me who got shot too, so we all just had to get the fuck away. One of them did a distraction with his echo powers and we ran off to heal up! So like. I still feel hells of ill will towards them but I didn't go back and murder their asses or anything. Plus that's, uh. The Jesusy thing to do?

And Eri didn't want Alan around because he's my boyfriend and also he could pound Eri into mush with his pinky finger.

Your friends were also shot? I take it no one else died... but I commend you for taking the high road. That can be difficult sometimes, especially when fear is motivating others. I saw Eri. I think a lot of people could probably pound him into mush, since he seems... prissy? Is that the word I'm looking for?

Uh. Right, neither of them died. So it all turned out great! And stuff.

And just eff why eye, the term you're looking for is "useless spoiled hipster sack of shit who needs to be repeatedly and platonically kicked in the junk that he probably doesn't even have." You are welcome.

You implied that the people you're getting your pulses from hail from the same place, if I'm not mistaken. Would I be reading too much into that, if I assumed as much?

[ Sounding slightly uncomfortable again: ]

Uhhh, yeah. We were both gray people with horns. And Eri remembers Vriska. That's past me.

I would think that one of you might approach the other and suggest using your regained skills and knowledge to form an allegiance against common and present enemies, but... pride is a powerful motivator, I'm aware.

Literally the worst idea I ever heard. I have lots of other soulbonds here anyway! And Eri is the last one I would work with. That includes people that I past life murdered.

You were a murderer, in your past life? I thought you were like Christ.

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