endgames | 039 -- [Voice]

((backdated to October 29th, before the people accompanying Tyr leave))

[Filtered to Rock Lee, Jim Kirk, and Ami Mizuno | Private]

Temari's gone. I don't know two of you that well, but she seemed to get along with you. Thought you should know.

[/end filter]

[The voice that addresses the journal is crisp, albeit a little tired sounding. To those who know him, however, Shikamaru might actually sound like he's in surprisingly good spirits.]

I don't know how many of you have chosen to explore the world out there; think I might've missed a few who left already. If there's anyone in the village thinking about it, I encourage you to go. You'll have to watch out for Natural Shifts, but it's a great opportunity, and if you can help Romaeus while you're at it, that'd be ideal.

To anyone who'll be staying, however, I got a favor to ask. When we left our current time, I brought along some non-perishables that can be added to the food supplies available from hunting and the harvests. I'd like to gather some reliable volunteers to ration it between the village and those leaving to explore. Either hit me up on the journals, or come find me at House 12 if you're interested.

[Sorry to Masaomi and Hilda if anyone takes him up on that while you're around, the house is just easy okay. For him.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Investigate, huh.]

Yeah, I feel you. Call it a hunch, but I don't think things will remain quiet here for long.

[Even if Romaeus hadn't said the same, as long as they've been in this world you come to expect a pattern with these things. The village never gets a reprieve for long; stands to reason the same holds true in the past.]

Especially if the barrier's down. Right now, there's nothing stopping a potential invasion or protecting us from natural shifts.

[Which is probably why he's got a bit of an edge as he speaks. He was around for the previous invasions and the spirit possession.]

I don't know. I want to keep my hopes up for this mission, but something tells me that even if you guys do work things out, it won't be the end.

[Because there's always something else.]

If it means we'll have one less enemy, it may be worth it. [But he's not disagreeing with you. If anything, he's convinced there will only be another problem waiting for them too.] Especially when it's this one.

No kidding. Take away the Third Party and their sacrifices, and that's one huge threat wiped from history. Doesn't mean permanent death can't happen some other way, but it'll be nice to have a shot at wiping the slate clean.

[Hrmm, though with that said, something else pops into his mind.]

Come to think of it, I still don't get how sacrifices really work.

Yeah?

[What's he find confusing about it? Though now that he thinks about it, he doesn't recall Riku being among the batch of draftees for Zompania.]

It's the specifics. I know there's a ritual involved, and I get that people are given to the planet whatever, but what exactly breaks the cycle? I know we almost ended up like them when that bomb went off. It's just the exact mechanics...

[Riku's used to straigtforward magic. You chant a spell and it happens. This... it seems a lot more convoluted, not to mention dangerous.]

The impression I've gotten [from Julia] is that it's a lot like any other death. When we die under normal circumstances, in this world, we lose something - the planet takes it from us. And when someone is sacrificed, it takes everything.

Hmm... Which would mean that death penalty removals take it all back.

[Interesting, though this raises another question...]

Does that mean the planet's alive? That'd explain why people keep getting dragged here, not to mention those nightmares from the shift bomb...

All evidence points to it. [He's been told as much in the past, and as impossible as it seemed there's no point denying it anymore.] The natives of this world firmly believe that, as well.

Hey, I come from a universe where every world has its own heart. It's not too big of a stretch.

But having a heart and having a will are two different things. If this planet's actually sapient... geez, I think I'm gonna need a bit more time to let it sink in.

[Ironic, when he's been here for years.]

039 -- [Voice]

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