un: blushing beads of heft and beauty | audio | After Sizhui and Eleven question the miners

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui hasn't spoken much over the network, but for those who know him, he sounds extremely subdued, though his words are clear and his voice calm. The execution has not happened yet, so. ]

This is Lan Sizhui. For those who might be curious, Eleven and I talked with the two miners that... were taken.

In short, their story started when they were snowed in - and iced in - for far too long inside the mine. They had not expected that, so there were no provisions. First one, then another of their number died of hunger, and then the two dead bodies reanimated and ... asked what they would give for the hunger to stop.

What they are becoming, they chose, under duress.

The two who had died first already became among Unhalad's soldiers. I do not know why the remaining six were asked to choose it, rather than waited out to be just taken. I don't think they know, either.

And if they remember what exactly was done to them after they agreed, they are not telling us.

I think this is more or less the information we found from them. Thank you for your attention.

Comments

[downswing]

You are the one who bears their story now.

( It takes from a man. Lessens him. )

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui is quiet for a long moment. Then. ]

It is to be just a story, then?

[downswing]

Sizhui. ( Listen, fond. ) All men are is stories.

[paperbutterflies]

[ For a strange moment, he wants to argue. But - what is there to argue with? He knows better than most that even the stories that take twists and turns... still come to an end. ]

Yes, Hanguang-jun.

[ But then, what is the use of trying to help anyone? Does it matter, whether the story improves or does not, if it is nothing more than a story? ]

[downswing]

That is why, their stories must be remembered. Righted. Honoured.

( Why the restitution of Wei Ying's name carried purpose. )

[paperbutterflies]

[ But it could only happen once he was there in flesh and blood. When people could take notice of him. Before that--

Anyway. Sizhui isn't sure about much, anymore, but this much he'll do. ]

One of them asked for a message to be given to his family. I will go and talk with them ... probably in the morning.

[ As he is right now, he will probably be more upsetting than anything else. ]

[downswing]

You need not walk alone.


( The mandate is only to hunt in pairs. But... this is consequence. )

[paperbutterflies]

Not alone... would be welcome.

[ ... forgive him for his weakness. ]

[downswing]

You will learn the way. Orphans. Widowers. The sharing of farewells.


( Routine fare for the veteran exorcist. But, ah, to be so young, once. )

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui is quiet for a little while, but yes, he suspects that in this aspect, this time is not that different. ]

Yes, Hanguang-jun. Does... spiritual energy not work to make things right when you try it, too?

[ He may have been hoping that it's because he's not strong enough, yet. ]

[downswing]

In what way?

[paperbutterflies]

To mend. To set things right...

Anything.

[downswing]

...the dead?

[paperbutterflies]

While they are not fully dead yet.

[downswing]

At times, you may sever possession. ( A pause: ) Not often, once it has deepened enough to manifest.

[paperbutterflies]

[ Sizhui considers for a moment. ]

To sever possession before it has manifested, one would have to identify the thing that causes the possession, item or location or person, and work for that severing between when the person comes into contact with that thing and any signs of the possession.

But we do not know yet. The thing that causes it. If it was the mirrors, then it would be me, too.

[downswing]

You are not at risk of possession.


( Says dad, who takes pulse every day. )

2/2 I lied

[downswing]

( Rushed: )

Wei Ying will confirm.


( SECOND DAD WILL NOW ALSO TAKE PULSE EVERY DAY. )

Well, good, because the other notif failed to appear.

[paperbutterflies]

I... thank you, Hanguang-jun

Does that mean that it's not the mirrors, or that the way that one was used on us was different? And...

I was a little confused then, but was it found out who arranged for us to be taken to the mirror the way that we were? Or what it was going to be used for?

[downswing]

( It... shames him, nearly, to have not pursued this. )

...no. ( But, from recollection: ) You were brought to assist a faction. Broken free, prior.

[paperbutterflies]

For the better... I don't think the factions here will let me continue on the path that is right.

[downswing]

Will that deter you?

[paperbutterflies]

If I am myself, no.

I don't know if what those who do become under Unhalad's control, or Anurr's, for that matter, remain themselves. Which is why I'd rather avoid both of those situations!

[downswing]

( A pause, softened: )

You fear we slaughtered living men.

[paperbutterflies]

There was a chance for those captured could still be recovered... Retrieving them made sense.

[ Although Sizhui also knows... ]

Whether the two of them live past the time when they lose themselves or not... I understand it is safer to not wait, when we are certain it cannot be reversed.