IC INBOX: ANBAKI

[thankgods]

   IC INBOX: ANBAKI

Due to the donation of several stories courtesy of Kravtiz (deathfindsaway) in November 2018, the Avatar of Justice is now available to be reached on the Stones of Farspeech for as long as the island of Maati is present in the archipelago. They are not, truth be told, a very good conversationalist, but they will still answer your questions to the best of their ability.

While the Storyteller did their best to fulfill Kravitz's wish, magical interference has a higher likelihood of affecting communication with this particular deity via Stone of Farspeech. To add some element of chance, the mods will RNG during occasions where such interference may come into play.

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dec 4th, night

[deathfindsaway]

[He's going to try every contact he has, god help him-- things are bad, very bad.]

Anbaki-- can you hear us? Do you know where the Storyteller is?

[thankgods]

[ Unlike Kravitz's attempt to contact Harv, this one goes more smoothly. No scream of feedback or rejection, though there is silence for a moment.

Anbaki is processing your question. Please hold... ]

Yes. I can hear you.

They are busy.

[ Anbaki's voice is as calm and unruffled as ever, as if all this is a perfectly normal occurrence. ]

[deathfindsaway]

[Oh thank goodness one of these got through.]

We're also a little busy, if-- we're being attacked. Enso, specifically. People are in trouble. Do you know of a way to stop this, or get somewhere safe?

[thankgods]

[ Another pause. ]

No. I cannot stop it.

[ Somewhere safe, though... ] My temple can provide refuge, if you wish it to be so.

[deathfindsaway]

I would appreciate it, but I'm not sure any of us can get there. The mana pools aren't working. We find ourselves largely trapped. Could we sail to your islands? Would it be possible to get there?

[thankgods]

It is possible.

[ A pause. ]

Keep in mind - the shores are inhospitable. You will have to climb.

[ So - it's not impossible, but it isn't easy. ]

[deathfindsaway]

Fantastic.

[He sounds so tired.]

We'll see if we can. Is there anywhere-- lower? Somewhere it might be easier?

[thankgods]

[ Life isn't so easy, sadly. ]

This island was not meant to be readily accessible, except in certain circumstances. I can do little to ease your way.

[ For the first time, there's a hint of emotion - of apology - in their tone. They are a god who believes in struggle for betterment, but simply seeking refuge, helplessly weathering a storm, is no test of virtue. ]

[deathfindsaway]

[He sighs, but hears that tone. At least that's... something. Some acknowledgement that this is difficult, even in the eyes of a god.]

I'll let them know regardless. Some may be able to make the journey, if we can locate it. Otherwise... we will do what we can here.

Thank you for answering me.

[thankgods]

It is you and those like you who have the most difficult tasks. [ Growth may be their objective, but it is a hard thing to accomplish. The lives of mortals are full of struggle. They acknowledge that, if nothing else. ]

It is the least I can do.

[deathfindsaway]

[Y'know, in most instances that would be an understatement, but right now it actually feels that way.]

Of course. You may see us soon, and-- stay safe.

[And he disconnects.]

dec 20 | at the temple

[crosslaced]

[Hey, buddy! Weren't we yearmates at the Academy of Thousand-Yard-Staring?

What I mean to say is, upon Anbaki's appearance the lone visitor to their temple fixes the eagle with a measured, neutral stare. For a few moments Laurent says nothing, taking the time to simply consider the eagle.

If Anbaki holds out as they did in November's Exploration Log, the blonde will eventually speak.]

You're the god of this island? Pardon me. We've yet to be introduced.

[thankgods]

I am.

[ No pardon required, apparently. ]

You are another visitor, then.

[ It's a statement of fact.

Is....

Is Anbaki going to say anything else?

.........

Nah. ]

[crosslaced]

[I already hate this]

.......the Trials were your idea? [Easily interpreted as either a question or a statement.] What were you trying to achieve with them?

[thankgods]

Such things are what my purpose manifests as when concentrated upon a singular location. [ That appears to be as good an answer you're getting about whether it was Anbaki's idea or not. ]

The trials were made to better oneself. To confront what flaws lie within. To learn from them, and move forward, and grow.

What is achieved from them depends on each individual.

[crosslaced]

Who decides what one's flaws are? Who decides what "growth" means, or should be?

[thankgods]

Flaws are something that hold people back. They force stagnation. In overcoming them, there is growth.

[ And as for who decides... ] Each individual's struggle is something that is unique to them.

[crosslaced]

But each Trial has a common win condition.

[might as well get to the point.]

I resent you thinking you know what’s good for us, Justice.

[thankgods]

The struggles within the Trials are unique, but all have a common thread that binds them together.

[ Anbaki's voice is neutral and calm, as always. Laurent's words...garner no reaction at all. ]

My purpose manifests as such judgement. What you make of such a thing is yours alone to decide.

[crosslaced]

Chara is a child. They’ve had enough punishment.

[chara is technically old enough if you think about all the RESETs but go off I guess??]

I’ve decided that you don’t know anything about forgiveness. It’s learned through realising the person you hate is a person worth forgiving, not the second-rate stuffed animals you’ve got.

If anything, you’ve instigated the regression you claim to work against.

[thankgods]

The Trials are simply tools, to be used for betterment. What is seen within them depends on what rests within your hearts. I have no control over such aspects.

[ Anbaki simply inclines their head in a little nod, at Laurent's words. A slow and entirely unbirdlike blink. ]

If that is what you have taken from the Trials, then that is what they mean to you.

[ The Trials are ultimately the invention of those long-ago people; the gemcutter's tools, the hammer and anvil and fire of the forge. Finding flaw and weakness and impurity and burning them away, refining them, so that the result is greater and stronger for it.

And just like every gem that is cut having different facets, every ore hammered and refined into tool and weapon being unique - some will falter and break under the strain, and some will hold fast, and rise.

If Anbaki truly understands what it means to hope for anything, then they hope for that success, that ascension, to break free from self imposed chains and take flight. And that is all. ]

[crosslaced]

[This lack of reaction pisses him off. At least he's somewhat desensitised to it, having the experience from the Storyteller- among other gods.

He isn't inherently bothered by batterings. Laurent himself is a product of the crucible- forged from porcelain into cut glass, glass sharp enough to sever flesh- and because he is so he feels like he's allowed to have Opinions about trial by fire. Such as: Is it cruel (no, most people need a good punch anyway) Or: Can it be (yes.)

The blonde crosses his arms and returns the stare.]

As a god, are you exempt from bettering yourself?

[thankgods]

No.

All creatures in this world are flawed. Gods are not exempt from such things.

[ Just staring back, calmly. ]

[crosslaced]

[In a perfectly neutral voice:]Then shouldn’t you want to improve your Trials? I took time out of my day to tell you at least one of them is crap.

[this is turning out to be one of the most linefaced interactions in the history of LifeAftr.]

[thankgods]

[ It sure is. And Anbaki won't be the one to change that. ]

There is only so much I can do to affect them. [ Their purpose is to offer the tools, not to shape them. They have far less control over the process than many would assume. ]

It is conscientious of you to offer your criticisms. But in what you find useless, others find meaning.

[ That is their hope, and if the Trials can be said to have any unified purpose, it is that. ]

[crosslaced]

Where do you find your meanings, if not in the same things?

If every creature is flawed, it should stand that the tools they create will be flawed. If every creature can better themselves, the makers of a system could be learning from said system as much as those who pass through it.

Just because the Trials serve their function doesn’t mean they can’t be better. Isn’t that what you’re about?

[thankgods]

[ They close their eyes for a moment, something longer than a blink, but not quite. ]

Yes.

[ It's all they really have the capability to say. Words and explanations are not their lot; it is the Storyteller's job and purpose to command such myriad things. They struggle with them, at best.

There is much they must do, to fulfill their purpose. That is simply the nature of a god. And an explanation would not suffice or give this person what he desires.

So they answer as simply as they can. ]

[crosslaced]

[He tilts his head, a little smug, but not enough to amount to arrogance (yet). It's the indulgence of a man who believes he's won to his satisfaction.]

Well, then. "I've noticed a specific way in which your system is flawed." I suppose what you do with that information is your own perogative.

[As much as he does want to be all "in this essay i will-", there's no point if the god doesn't listen. And making one listen is much harder than putting one within earshot of your opinions.]

[thankgods]

Yes.

[ They simply incline their head in a nod. If they notice that smugness, they don't indicate it makes them feel anything either way.

Change must come from within, after all.

Anbaki doesn't seem inclined to say anything else. ]

wrapping!

[crosslaced]

[Change must come from within, after all.

The blonde nods, an acknowledgment of Anbaki’s reply, and turns to leave.]