Inbox

[hypomeneo]

[The recording begins regularly enough. A deep voice intones with all the enthusiasm of a call center operator giving their rote pitch:]

Hello, this is Waver Velvet. Leave a short message with date, time, and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

[Suddenly there is an excited voice in the background clamoring for Waver's attention and not going to let up until Waver completely gives them exactly that.]

Stop! Idiot! Can't you see I'm trying to record something?!

... hold on! Hold on!

[This thing still on? Yes? Okay then...]

Give me your number! I'll call you back when I bloody well can!

[More excited cajoling and Waver squawking before the recording goes click!]

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

[Oh dear. Oh dear. ... Waver hasn't gotten around to changing this, has he? You're hearing it, after all. Maybe you should... remind him to change his voice mail message. After you leave your message.

Remember! Leave a number!]

Comments

March 18

[defensivematrix]

(( ooc: Guess I'm kind of too late for top-leveling on the current event, but I want a thread with Waver-- soooo inbox is the obvious choice ))

[ A surprise text from Satya comes around the mid-day ]

Did you go to the festivities today on Asakusa?

[ That's it, that's very succinct. ]

[hypomeneo]

[After all that, Waver might be having a bath in blessed water just to be sure he's completely unblighted as a safety precaution.]

I did. To say they went well would be a misnomer.

[defensivematrix]

Sounds like you've got quite a story to tell.

I don't wish to interfere with whatever business you might have, but are you still around the Senso-ji grounds?

[ She is lost in the parade, there is no lie. She will never admit to it. Just like she will never admit that the sheer amount of people make the whole deal of staying calm for the sake of their god kind of... challenging. ]

[hypomeneo]

Yes. Do you need me to come now?

[These are what tracking spells are for. Now, did she give him anything earlier he can use as a focus?]

[defensivematrix]

I'd appreciate that.

[ It is not easy to admit that, but- she needs a contat with someone she's actually familiar with. And maybe, hopefully, she could even be somehow of help with whatever happened. ]

Should I send you coordinates or can you locate me in your own way?

[ ooc: if she's aware of Waver's tracking spell/methods, she'd surely give him something of hers (like an earring) out of pure practicality. ]

[hypomeneo]

[ooc: By this point the temple should know about the tracking spell. He's used it a lot, for many things at this point.]

Send me the coordinates, please. I'll run a tracking spell, but those will help me get there faster.

[As he fishes around in a pocket in the inside of his coat.]

It shouldn't take me too long if the crowd has regained any mercy from earlier.

[defensivematrix]

[ Satya sends him two messages. First is just literal coordinates, but the second one is a screenshot of map-close up with her location marked. She's at the intersection of one of the side streets and the Nakamise street that leads to the Sensoji Temple. And can be called crowded on any other day. Today it's worse, it's overflowing with people. ]

(( And so the starter is up, thank you for your patience orz. ))

some time after the power shitshow

[chibisu]

[Waver might not exactly work in the temple of Ebisu as a regular employee, in many meanings of the word... but there is a business relationship which occurs between them. That means it's only proper for the temple to have his contact information on hand, along with an email of his own to use within the temple. Not to mention "Jitsumi" speaks very well of him.]

[So, he'll be getting an email.]

From: Aomi
To: Velvet Waver

I apologize for interrupting you during what I'm sure is important work. I wish to invite you on a brief trip to Kanagawa. Your god and the rest of your temple are invited as well, although it would only be for a day. This is an annual tradition of sort on my end that my god, Ebisu, is also attending with me for this year.

As Jitsumi has spoken highly of you, I thought it only appropriate to extend this invitation to you. I understand if you have too much on your schedule, however, so please do not feel pressured to attend.

Thank you for your time.

[hypomeneo]

[Waver's had a lot on his plate. Researching the roots of magic of the Far Shore, prayers, detective work, dealing with a relationship upgrade... simply surviving something best described as existential horror distilled in its purest form... he's been a busy boy.

So a break sounds great.]

From: Velvet Waver
To: Aomi

Thank you. I would love to attend.

I will speak to him and the rest of the Temple about our schedules and get back to you on everyone's availability.

[chibisu]

From: Aomi
To: Velvet Waver

The young master and I will look forward to the response from your god, then. If any of your temple does decide to attend, I recommend having hiking boots prepared.

Text | April 11th

[unlucky7]

Hey, I realize this is a longshot, but you get magic stuff and you're smart.

Do you know what happened to the crystal or dolls in the compound after the fight? It's been on my mind.

[hypomeneo]

[Oh... something he's going to have to be careful in answering, given discussions about what to do about that, but he can certainly speak to what happened right after.]

Everyone had to leave them there. The Heavens secured the compound right after the assault wound down.

Text from Romeo

[myblueskies]

Dear mister Waver

You are invited to Gegute's library (Elfnein's temple) on the 29th of April for a party! It is going to be a book party so you can bring your best book or even dress up as your favourite character!
I invited mister Islander too and you can bring other friends! There will be tasty food to eat (including apples) !
See you there!

Romeo and Elfnein

[unlucky7]

[Oh. This is why Ginia held off looking for an answer despite knowing better. It's not quite the answer Ginia wants to hear, though she doesn't know what she was looking for either.]

Is the compound still under Heaven's control? In the sense they're guarding it and cultists haven't come back?

[hypomeneo]

Yes, as far as I know.

[unlucky7]

Is anyone on our end watching over things?

[If someone in Heaven is helping the cult, Ginia doesn't like the idea of them having access to the dolls. Sure, nothing's happened since the raid, but still.]

[hypomeneo]

I hope so. I just don't have that information.

[unlucky7]

It's fine. Thanks for the info.

April 26th - [Action] (continued from the Somewhere Else)

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar finds Waver looking at the screen. After his remark about Chikusa Iskandar just nods with a smile. ]

So do I but he has Hakkai to take care of him.

[He goes to sit in front of Waver. Even if that means sitting on the floor he doesn't mind. He has a question to ask and he wants to see Waver's reaction to it. But before he's able to do that his hand goes to brush away that one loose strand of hair from his face. That became his habit very fast. Waver has the most gorgeous hair but they can be quite unruly sometimes.

Only after that comes the question.]

It's not only Chikusa that worries you, hm?

[hypomeneo]

[About Hakkai...]

That he does, but mmm...

Hakkai's in the same boat a lot of people here are.

[Applecarts.

Waver's eyes fall closed and he leans into that touch like a cat. Ah, no hiding behind his hair? From his core flickers a command for sleep, and when he opens them again, they are dull with fatigue for just a moment before they clear. His expression is soft.

Yes, he had been expecting that one.]

There's a list, certainly. [There's the smallest self aware tug of a smile.] I don't think that would surprise anyone.

[towards_okeanos]

Hakkai is a God of Fortune! His name carries more weight than most.

[He didn't want to sound so ... Angry? He's not angry. Not jealous either. Just don't ... He's not...

A sigh. There's a list. Of course, there is. How could it not be?]

I suspected as much.

[He smiles. His hand stays where it was as Waver closes his eyes. Such contrast. Waver has a complexion of someone who spends much more time indoors than out in the field. Pale and smooth. Touching him is like holding precious alabaster. He is like alabaster. Even the light shines through him the same. In comparison, Iskandar is dark and rough and covered in scars. He has scars even on his fingers. Such contrast and yet ...]

Will you share? Maybe we can find a remedy for your worries together.

[hypomeneo]

... God of Fortune or not, there are limits to power and what that power can accomplish. There are helpless times. There are times when the only option is faith. It is the greatest test of character there is.

[Keep that hand there. Waver nuzzles in, hands coming up to cover it. It's his shelter.]

... Hakkai's struggling with the burden. So do I in those moments when it strikes me. It's a hard thing to take with grace.

[Or jade. One of the reasons jade is associated with divinity and virtue is because of its transparency.

He nods against that strong hand. Of course he will. This will never work if he doesn't.]

What did you think of that post and the opinions on it?

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar nods. While he does understand, he does not agree.]

Never is a man truly helpless. Unless he makes himself so.
There are always limits to power. They just are not as fixed as most think. You do the best what you can at a given time with the means at your disposal.

[A sigh. How can he possibly know what troubles Cho Hakkai? They barely spoke on two occasions. Not enough to ever warrant an opinion on what weight a man carries. If any...]

Then it seems you know him better than I do.
But tell me how are his troubles connected to yours? What is that burden that you struggle with?

[Because it’s not just about that network post. Or is it?]

I assume that you’ve read how I responded. So my opinion on subject is known. As for the question itself?
I’m curious who’s asking. He seems to be a man of some strict ideals. Maybe he’s questioning their validity? Maybe seeking affirmation of them? It’s hard to tell without knowing who that person is.
There are several people I can definitely rule out. Myself of course,
those who responded in their own name. Other than that, it’s a wild guess.
Which is a pity because it’s already difficult to give a good answer to such broad a question.
The other answers? There are couple of rather peculiar ones. Some I disagree with completely. Some look sound even if a little impractical. But at least they show good will. That’s a start.
What more do you want to know?

[hypomeneo]

[There's a flicker of concern. Just a flicker, flashing on Waver's awareness, Waver having to take it into account as he continues. Never is a man truly helpless? And what of Ecbatana? There's a mess Waver wants to approach delicately; he knows the historical accounts (wiki is a friend, academic sites moreso, Temple is kind in that matter) and while there's no way he can ever know how bad that truly was, he knows the broad brush strokes.

Iskandar is strong, stronger than anyone he knows, but maybe that's too rigid an outlook. Under the right hammer blow it could shatter.]

Certainly, that's true. They aren't fixed and there are always options. However there are certain things we can't truly control, no matter what's at our fingertips, even if we search for solutions. [Because Waver is not lying down and taking this; however, he also understands it may be futile or the answer may not come in time, though it feels tantalizing close. It just comes down to faith.] Sometimes Fate just outguns someone and puts them in what feels like an impossible situation.

We shared a drink in Hawaii. I know a few things from him and others. He wasn't able to be at the fight at the compound - and I do know that Cho Hakkai is the sort of man that would drag himself rotting from the grave to be there for Chikusa and Ken. It was tearing him apart. Previous matters I think just made things worse.

[Care, Waver Velvet, craft your words with care. Iskandar has given you his heart and words are deadly weapons not to just shinki.

Perhaps the care is noticeable. Waver's been mistaken for a god before. He speaks with conviction. He speaks in ways that suggest experience. He minimizes anything that would suggest his shinki state. ... he notices how people treat him when he does.

Even his eyes convey a certainty of self that might be absent in another. He has an answer for who am I?

It's 'myself.'

It makes all the difference.]

It's a burden everyone is struggling with in some way, don't you think? The feeling of helplessness... of not doing enough for the ones we care for or being enough or being there. Of having events spin so out of control and not knowing what to do. I see it all around me - especially in gods - I certainly recognize it in myself.

[Waver, with a look, asks a single question with his eyes. Are you feeling helpless? Then turns and kisses Iskandar's palm in reassurance.

It's okay if you are.

It's not just about the network post, no.]

... mm, that could have been a 'she' you know. ... I admit... now I'm curious about the ones that baffled or caused you to disagree... but... well...

[His eyes shutter. Water under the bridge.]

How do you feel all that maps out here? For you, I mean.

[towards_okeanos]

Helpless? That is how you feel, my love?

[Iskandar raises to his knees, his other hand going to Waver's cheek as he leans forward until their foreheads touch. Waver's face cradled in his hands. His voice barely above a whisper when he finally speaks.]

Waver. My love. My light. Remember, you're not alone in this struggle. Nothing is impossible when we are together. And I don't mean just you and me. Even if we are already quite a force on our own. I mean everybody. All of us. You, me, Satya, my followers. Even all the gods and shinki of the Far Shore. The moment we go past our differences, and I say not forget them just don't let them interfere, is the moment we can accomplish anything.

[A king is never alone. Nor is any of his people. For he's with them in their waking hours and watches over them when they sleep. Even if they don't see him. Even if he's not physically there. They are always in his thoughts. Never they are without his presence.]

There was once a day when I lost half of my soul. A day when all I saw was ash and darkness. When I thought I would never see the light of the sun, feel the breeze on my face, hear the sound of the rain or laughter. A day when I thought I will never laugh again. But I had people to drag me back from the brink of the abyss so I could live. And live I did. That wound I still carry and it may never heal. But I live. As long as I live I can act and I can make a difference even if it's a small one. So can you.

[Yes, he has his own views on what being alive on the Far Shore means.]

The things we do. So many times they are different from what we set out to accomplish. I know that this shinki condition is torment for you.

[Iskandar would happily take your pain on himself. He's used to pain. What his not used to, nor ever will be, is watching his love suffer.]

I see this. I'm trying to ease it for you ...

[Not being able to reflect back on himself. To investigate or analyze certain things. That must feel like prison for a mind like Waver's. It doesn't help that Iskandar must withhold so much from him. It feels, and rightfully so, that he is adding to the anguish at the same time as he's trying to lessen it. A truly impossible knot. And he does not have a sword sharp enough to cut through it. At least not yet.]

but I don't know if what I do has any effect. In that, yes, I fear I'm not doing enough.

[Even that is not all. He pauses gathering his thoughts. Trying to put into words all he felt since he arrived here.]

This place? I'm not very fond of it. It has robbed me of my foundation, of my people. And what has it given me in return?

[He huffs. There's small crack of electricity.]

Sparks.

[Never has been a word spoken with such disdain. Such derision.]

It has made me some minor god among those who don't want me in a country that does not speak my language nor understand my customs and certainly does not share my values. I never wanted to be a god. I was quite content with being human. I actually preferred it that way. But I would not deny my heritage. No matter if I like it or not I am son of Zeus. [and son of Philip.]
Being divine in a sense the Old Gods here see it? Eternal, unchanging and always right? Removed from the world of human experience so much they need Exemplars to guide them back? That's not life. That's death. I am not going down that path.

But I've been worse. I'll adapt. I'll rebuild. It is a painfully slow process but time is one thing we all have in abundance and I can take quite a lot of pain. I'm not afraid of it.
You are part of the reason why, my love. You, Satya, the lawyers, the gamers, even those teenage delinquents that frequent the dojo. All of you are my people now.
That is why I don't feel helpless. Yes, there is a lot of chaos. There are things I don't understand. Things I have no control over. Sometimes I'm just scrambling, trying to form a strategy on the information I don't have, with the resources I am missing. But I've done this before. Nothing like that ever stopped me. I will make it right for us...or I'll die trying.