video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Deep breath, come on, you've got this. ]

...just because someone becomes a beast, it doesn't mean they stop being human.

[ The video comes on and it's an older, slender teenager with stark white hair; pale grey eyes and a strangely delicate bright red mark slashed across the left side of his face. He seems to be in a courtyard of sorts, one of Amaterasu's guardian saplings is behind him in full bloom. He's only visible from the chest up, but the chair he's sitting in has handles behind it-- looks like a wheelchair. Whatever is taking the video also appears to be a flying sort of thing that bobs slightly. It's trying to hold this video still, but really... ]

Most of you probably already know this. [ His head cants to the side with a lightly apologetic smile. ] Some of you might even be able to still hear or reach them despite that form.

But not everyone does, and it's still too easy to say "oh, it's safer and quicker to just kill them. You don't save monsters." [ The official creed of the Hunters... but he's diplomatic enough to not say that aloud. ] Or "oh, a Sleeper can just come back." Except it isn't just us. Someone else who isn't... most of them who were human... they aren't like us. [ He smiles softly, but in a way that doesn't reach his eyes. They hood, bittersweet. ]

They're just dead then. The soul suffers until the end. Maybe beyond.

It doesn't have to be like that though. [ He seems a soft-spoken sort with a lilted voice, but his tone shifts then and becomes more certain. ] They aren't just a monster, and they don't have to stay one. Even with what they've become -- the soul is still human. Some part of them still wants to be saved; to be themselves once again. And they can. [ Mostly. At least so far in his experience. ]

Some of us have abilities that can let us purify or reverse what corrupted them and bring them back. Some of us-- [ he pauses, looking for a moment just a touch overwhelmed as his eyes drift to the side, the smallest curl of a touched sort of smile at the corner of his mouth ] ... a number of us, we're trying to do something to change things. At one of the old monasteries in Crenshaw.

[ But he closes his eyes. Deep breath, you can do this.

He lifts his eyes back up to the "camera", his expression schooled now with a quiet sort of determination. Chin up, eyes forward. ]

My name is Allen Walker. I'm an Exorcist. [ Clearer, more certain: steady. Rung like a quiet bell. ]

Who's been able to save someone who became a beast?

[ More importantly: ] Who wants to?

[ It's more determined and clearer still. ]

[ ooc: for those who want to poke around in person, there is also an open mingle log for Sanctuary!
CW: mentions of prior character death throughout ]

Comments

video, un: AskMalice

[slayerskiss]

[It's not that she disagrees, exactly, so much as she doesn't really see how exactly it's her problem. The preaching bothers her, reminds her of some of the shit people used to say to her when she was a hotblooded Slayer fresh from her calling.]

You've convinced me. Next time I see a beast ripping someone's guts out, I'll go give it a hug.

I'm guessing this is a new concept to you? Monsters just being some variety of human that's been infected by something they could learn to manage, maybe in the long run? [It's not as if vampires were unable to be rehabilitated. Apparently Spike proved that even more so than Angel.] I think it's a good idea, what you're doing, trying to find an alternate solution.

In the meantime, I'm going to do my job protecting people I know can be saved.

video; un: lady

[dohaeris]

[sansa dearly wishes allen would be a little more diplomatic with the hunters.]

Of course you are entitled to answer deadly force in kind. Allen possesses the ability to cleanse beasts of corruption before they attack people, and he is looking for people who possess similar abilities to fight alongside him.

[partially because...she told him to.]

You do a very important job, protecting people from immediate threats. Allen, too, does an important job, in preventing more beasts from becoming immediate threats in the first place. I hope in time he and others like him are able to ease your burden.

[Video][UN:A_Wesker013][CW: fictional virus, zombie outbreak discussed]

[subject_013]

[A soft-spoken baritone voice speaks, and it's clear the speaker has a hard time keeping the sarcasm out of his statements.]

I'll preface this by saying I work as a Blood Minister at the Lumenarium, and thus my biases may put themselves on full display.

I also arrived here from a world where a virus had emerged which caused an outbreak of zombies. I didn't witness this personally, but there were reports of people chaining up their loved ones who'd been bitten by one of the shambling undead and, in turn, became one of those undead. I don't doubt they were hoping for a cure, but I can attest that it's difficult to whip up one in a place where the undead are banging at your door and breaking in your windows. Others were simply in denial and... that didn't end well for the uninfected. Still others had to make the choice to end their loved ones before the situation grew more dangerous.

Besides treating the Corrupted, I've also witnessed the collateral damage inflicted by a Beast on a rampage. What are we to say to those whose family members or fellow workers have been harmed or killed? Give them some platitude about the Beast simply not knowing what they were doing?

I've even had to take out Beasts who'd completely lost control and were endangering the well-being of my medical team. What was I to do? Take them by a claw or a tentacle and say 'Now, now, be a good boy or girl or multiform or otherwise defined and don't bite the nice nurses?'

voice; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Also not an unexpected response... Allen was the only one in his own world with sentimentalities like these too. He's rather used to it. So he hesitates, but speaks gently in return. ]

That sounds terrible.

In some ways it doesn't sound that unlike the akuma in my world, where people's loved ones are turned into living weapons that can only be destroyed in order to be saved. So that the soul can have peace. Even faced with a known terrible decision, they still make it because they want to be with someone they loved again so badly.

And they're killed because of it.

I'm not saying we don't fight. In fact, I think more of us should. Those of us with weapons or abilities that let us purify the beasts, and the people who can help with that especially when it comes to developing new weapons or ways to fight them in a way that doesn't have to kill the person still inside them. People far smarter than I who believe they can help this city and its people with what they're trying to accomplish, beasts too. Who are trying to better understand the nature of corruption and beasthood.

In the meantime, I just think it would be good to bring as many of us who have the ability to purify them together so we can be more organized in how we fight. That more of us should consider there could be a better way if we try, that's all. [ He hesitates then, a long pause before he continues a bit more quietly. ]

...Thank you for the work you do. I was at the Lumenarium myself, not long ago.

voice; un: JustD

[distant_one]

I'll avoid spilling beast blood, but not if it means allowing the beast to kill.

voice; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Ah, him--!

D has a recognizable sort of voice, and Allen smiles lightly to himself for that sort of answer. ]

Mm, no I agree. [ He hates it, but if it was truly that sort of choice without other recourse... he isn't that sort of fool. ]

If it's alright, if you're in battle like that-- there are those of us who'd like to help. [ He pauses, trying to find a way to phrase what he means best. ]

It would be nice to fight alongside you, I think.

voice; un: GoldenFlowers

[the_obedient_servant]

Well, this is familiar. Good luck with that.

[They've been told the Chara that came before had far more empathy for monsters than humans, that they spoke kindly of monsters when cursing humanity.

The person they are now sees wakers and monsters alike as nothing but expendable.]

voice; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ squints ]

...thanks. [ +1 peanut gallery comments received ]

"Familiar"?

video | un: K

[obeir]

You have my utmost support, for what it's worth. You know I'll help however I can.

[ Considering K is one of the full-time (more or less) volunteers at the Sanctuary and has been helping with the renovations, he knows this isn't news to Allen. But it feels important to publicly show his support in this manner — perhaps it might encourage more people to join their cause. And if nothing else, he figures Allen might appreciate having likeminded people bolstering his message. ]

Though... "The soul is still human." [ He tilts his head with a slight smile. ] I don't believe that would apply to all of us who are susceptible to Beasthood. [ Says the android. But he understood the point Allen was making, of course; he's just teasing a little, not undermining the message. ]

video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ He's so very grateful for that, K. Truly. For someone who was an anomaly in his own world for caring as much as he did about their version of "beasts"... even the notion of having people also sympathetic is so very truly moving to him. Words will never express that kind of gratitude and quiet joy. He's going to make sure Abigail sets out an extra something for you, whatever it is you like to eat or drink. If you... do...

But he looks so sheepish at how he's corrected, good-natured tease or not, and quickly waves his hands. ]

--oh!! I didn't know, I'm sorry! [ Foot: mouth! In his world there were only humans the the monsters they could become. Sometimes he forgets. ]

I didn't mean to just say only humans are effected -- saying "persons" just doesn't sound right either. Or, well, I know animals can also become beasts, but...

My eye lets me see the souls of anyone... humanoid? I'm just still getting used to how to say that, exactly...

Video; UN: SweetDee

[agiantbird]

You're an... exorcist?

[Dee is... so tired. She sounds one part skeptical, one part cautious, and three parts utterly exhausted. She's met a demon already, and now there's a kid on the network claiming to be an exorcist. None of these things are supposed to be real. They're supposed to belong in stupid horror movies you watch on Halloween.]

Are they teaching exorcism in high school now?

video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Oh man. Are you ready for this, Dee? Are you ready for this? ]

Eh? [ He blinks. ]

What's "high school"?

Video; un: lothrat

[ezra_of_lothal]

Hi. I'm Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger. I'm on board. [That rings out just as clear and determined as Allen's closing question.]

I'll use violence, up to and including deadly force, to defend myself or someone in pretty clear immediate danger. But I'd rather preserve life, if it's possible.

[His gaze flicks away from the screen.] My last attempt to reach a beast...didn't go well.

[But then his expression firms up again.]

But I'm willing to take suggestions, or other training, and do what I can.

video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Sir, he likes you. What an amazingly refreshing kind of enthusiasm. It actually takes Allen by a decent amount of surprise. ]

A jedi? [ he blinks. sorcerer of some kind...? ] Mm, no, I feel exactly the same way. I'm not saying people shouldn't fight at all... I just think we need to remember beasts are those who should still try to be saved as well.

And I suppose you could say my last attempt didn't go well either [ he gives a bit of a weak laugh, with an offhand wave with a gloved hand to part of the wheelchair visible behind him ] even if in the end I could still save them. [ Still. He's not sure if that's something the other wants to discuss, since he looked uncomfortable about it, so Allen smiles a little more gently then. With brighter eyes. ]

But it does mean it's possible, even when someone becomes a powerful and dangerous sort of beast. So I guess you could say we're all learning how to be better at it.

What is it that you do exactly, Ezra...?

( video | un: tutu )

[danserai]

[ oh. she thinks of mytho, writhing under the influence of the raven, begging to be saved. she thinks of black wings and the hand she had in them. here — here was the answer. ]

I can . . . reach and soothe but I — Please. Teach me how.

video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ Oh. His heart breaks a little at that, at her expression. ]

Ahiru... [ Hi. Are you alright? He'd been worried, but with dying and getting caught up in everything with his recovery and now this... he's been distracted. It gives him a guilty pang.

It's why he smiles: very, very gently and a little sadly both. ]

...you helped save me, didn't you? You were able to reach me. [ He hadn't turned, but... he would have, most likely. ]

I absolutely think it's something you can do.

video | un: 🐟 wanda

[explosion]

[ it must say something about her if the one thing she relates to the most is wanting to be saved if she truly turns into a monster. when the world looks upon someone and claims they're "weird" and a "weapon of mass destruction", that someone starts to wonder if what they see in the mirror isn't what everyone else sees. after westview, well... wanda can't quite blame them.

if she becomes a monster, she'd want to be saved. it's the reason why she doesn't hesitate to put her hand up (figuratively—she's sitting on her front porch and is very much not putting her hand up). ]

I was able to save someone.

[ and then they... turned back into a squid not long after. hmph. but the fact is: she was able to stop corruption. what happened thereafter... wanda's learning how to not take that on as a testament to her abilities. shit happens. wanda's trying to learn that not all the shit that happens is in direct correlation with her. ]

I want to do it again. Not every monster is a monster.

video; un: an.exorcist

[likethelight]

[ There is... something so very strangely genuine about that. Something in the simple and certain manner this woman has. Couldn't know why, couldn't even explain how he knows, but someone speaking gently and line of reasoning is so very obvious truth--

It's like it's very personal to her. Maybe because of exactly that, that there was someone she was able to save. ]

--Oh! I... [ He blinks, a little stunned. ]

...thank you. [ And he feels a bit silly as soon as he's said it. But genuinely grateful, too. ]

How were you able to do it...? If you don't mind my asking.

video | un: graham crackers (private)

[possessum]

( There was a time Peter would have actively hidden away from someone with that username. That title. What's stated, part of an identity. 'My name is Allen Walker. I'm an Exorcist.'

Part of him still flinches from it. But he thinks of an exorcist he recently lost here, someone who helped him despite how taboo the concept may seem. They don't have to be natural enemies, especially not when they have a common goal here.

Still, he keeps his video private, just in case. He doesn't know what might come up, if the boy might learn what's inside of him. There was a time Peter would have done anything he could to hide that, too.

But it's part of his identity, now. My name is Peter Graham. I'm possessed by a demon king of Hell. )

Hello. I'm Peter. ( He's soft-spoken, gloomy-eyed, nervous — but he's here. )

I was able to reach someone who became one. It wasn't easy, but... I was able to bring her back. ( He swallows, throat tight at the memory that's still so fresh. The absolute terror that one of the Hunters would find her before he could, and.... )

I didn't know that the other beasts from around here... the ones who aren't Sleepers... I didn't know they were once human.

( It's a horrible thought, and perhaps it shows in his face — frown knitting his brows, looking unsettled, disturbed. He thought they were just... well. Monsters. But of course, Peter's concept of that word has been tested and retested over time. )

If people are able to bring them back, I agree with you. I think they should try. We should try.

video | private

[likethelight]

[ This other boy-- ...something about him seems so very sad. Nervous, like this is something so very deeply personal to him. Or like he's scared of something, as Allen notes it's a private call as well.

His brow creases, knitting in gentle concern. ]

...I'm glad you were able to bring your friend back. It was kind of you to try. [ He's soft-spoken too. Sympathetic. ]

I don't know your situation, but I know that had to be really hard.

[ And to his comment on the beasts of Trench... Allen gives a reluctant nod as well. ]

I think maybe half of them were once human? Ah... 'humanoid'? [ He taps the left side of his face, the one with the scar bearing what seems to either be a scarlet star on his brow or a filled-in pentagram. ] I can see and hear their souls when they're human.

I think the others must just be animals. That's what the ones whose souls I can't see turn back into afterwards, at least. It seems to be a lot easier for them to revert. Sometimes they can just by being around one of Lady Amaterasu's trees. [ But he hesitates for a moment, considering that and the other young man briefly. His demeanor and story. ]

...You're really brave, I think. Wanting to help someone like that even if it's someone you don't know.

[ So ironic too, his skittishness of exorcists. It's a misleading title Allen bears as it isn't like how most people understand exorcists in their own worlds -- honestly, they're conscripted holy child soldiers more than anything -- and... he escaped from the Church and was labeled a traitor to the only home he ever knew, shitty that it might have been. Because he wanted to save the two people who'd been mistreated the worse by it and ignored orders.

...And because of being host to a dark entity slowly eroding his very identity and existence, "the one who would destroy everything", the world and time both.

He'd get it, Peter. He really would. ]

video; un: atsushi

[undermoonlight]

Do you think that's something everyone could learn? Some of us don't have powers that can heal people.

[Atsushi, at least, is feeling a bit attacked here! He's been trying to assure himself that fighting beasts is a way to protect people, because his power is only good for violence. Entertaining the hope of changing that is dangerous. It's what he wants, but it's going to make his past actions look pretty evil.]

video;

[likethelight]

That's my sincere desire. [ It's gently but certainly said. He might not know the exact situation, but with the other boy asking that and the tension in pointing out not everyone has powers like that... that's a hard sort of feeling he can relate to.

Not everyone wants to pigeonholed as a destroyer. ]

Even if my abilities aren't ones that can be taught, there are others who have been successful who might be able to. Palebloods seem to be able to connect with the minds of beasts potentially as well... [ He hesitates, considering that this isn't private. ]

...it happened to me last month. I stepped inside the soul of someone who was a beast and... that isn't my power. Not exactly. I'm sure it had something to do with my blood, because others have recounted similar sorts of moments.

If I'd known better at the time, I'd like to think I could have saved them that way.

text; un: shiro

[shiro2hero]

I want to.

No question.

text;

[likethelight]

that's a really good response.

[ If only you could see how much it makes him smile. But it seems more polite to respond in kind. ]

why is it important to you?

Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul's voice is quiet and his look pensive as he speaks.]

I managed to bring my mate back from the edge of beasthood. It was a near thing. If I had waited any later to act it would have been too late and I would have been forced to kill him.

[Saving Reaper had been the greatest use of his powers thus far. It was also the hardest and most taxing on him. But Maul didn't regret it. He would have walked through fire, committed murder, and done far more to save the man he loved so dearly.

Then some of the distance in his eyes clears and he focuses on Allen.]

I will tell you something I have learned about good people, assuming you are one and not just doing this for your own selfish reasons. They always focus on the ones they couldn't save rather than those that they did. So my piece of advice is this: accept that not every beast here can be saved. For some, death is the more merciful solution. Move on when that happens and turn back towards those you can still help.

Video;

[likethelight]

[ The angry man in the tree with the weird followers. Who was kind of like a wet, angry cat... His demeanor and admission is so very surprising to him at first -- but then not so much, not when he talks about his "mate". (New thing to call it, but that's okay, Allen can roll with it and just accept these things pretty fast.) No, the different sort of demeanor and... genuinely kind sort of words, in their own way, isn't surprising at all then.

Bonds, after all, are the great unifier between people. No matter their differences... when something or someone is dear to a person, they are more fundamentally alike than different. ]

...Even if I hate that you're right, I think that's the kindest sort of way to look at it. [ He might be the definition of hope itself, but... he isn't stupid, either. He's a realist who wants to do everything he can despite the shitty nature of the world. ]

But even if we can't save everyone... [ they could never, he knows that. too many beasts, not enough of them -- and not every beast can be saved ] I'm just glad that maybe we could save a few more so that others might meet their loved ones again.

[ He pauses for a moment, quiet. ]

It's good you were able to save him. I'm glad... [ Sincerely said, speaking more softly. It's something he can relate to quite personally, in regards to his foster father.

Just... Allen couldn't stop him from becoming a corrupted monster. And was the reason he did. ]

Wanting and being able to protect the people we care about... I think that's what helps give life meaning.

text; un: dabi

[burnitblack]

[not here.

not responding.

just watching.

keeps reading.

still gonna burn any he comes across to ash.]


...


nah.

[well he did ask who "wants" to, so there's your answer. even if he's not one to talk at all.]

ya just gonna get killed again, idiot.

text;

[likethelight]

[ That username... it's you.

shit. this takes him a lot longer to respond to than it should. shit... ]

Maybe.

Just because there's a risk to something doesn't mean it isn't worth doing though.

I have no regrets.

Video | un: ichimonji

[secondtyphoon]

[Hm. There is a LOT here to address and he has glanced at some of the comments here and its about as divisive as he expected.]

[When he addresses Allen, it's with a gentle tone, though there is something particularly weary about it.]

I'd like to say, first, that I think what you're doing is admirable. That it is even possible for the Beasts here to regain themselves is something that should not be ignored, and it's incredible that so many people are able and willing to understand it better, and even utilize it effectively, and save people from a fate that is truly worse than death.

[He means that both for Sleepers, and for the people who are not, that end up losing more than just their lives.]

However, I think ...you do the Hunters a disservice. I can't speak for everyone in this profession but, I certainly have never once forgotten that any "monster" I might come up against was someone's neighbor, or lover, or family. It's because I know that, that I owe them the kindest mercy I can offer.

[That sounds a little harsh, but he'll back up a little and explain.]

Where I'm from, there are monsters of a similar vein, though they were all entirely made by the hands of people who are more deserving of the title "monster" than any Beast could be. Every monster started off as human, often taken against their will, brainwashed, and made to serve an organization that wanted to inflict the worst horrors you can imagine against humanity.

While I'd wish a thousand times over to have been able to stop it, to find a way to bring back their humanity, my hesitation could mean the difference of one felled monster versus a successful plot to poison the entire water supply of a city. Not once have I forgotten a single victim, and it's their memory that I carry with me as I continue on.

Hunters should never forget the weight of the blood on their hands, but their duty is important, and saving lives is our ultimate goal.

We shouldn't be drawing lines in the sand, we should be coming together. In the end our goals are all the same. Understand that until we can effectively find the means to bring back those from the brink, we can't also rule out that there may be a point of no return, and in the end, being swift and decisive may be the kindest thing we can do.

[There's a sigh, and he offers him a small smile.]

You do have my support, in spite of all that. I really do hope that the people here can make a change for the better. I would love nothing more than to never, ever have to make that choice again.

Video

[likethelight]

[ There's a lot here to address. And this person... this person, he's--

...it's so commendable. How thoughtful he is. How kind-hearted, too; that much is obvious.

Allen gives a bit of a weak laugh at the mild call-out though. ]

I think maybe I did overstep a little. [ The passion of youth. But also, no, he wasn't speaking to others like the other man so much. More to the actual hierarchy and organizational ethos that dictates the overall tenets of the Hunters. And to those who didn't know most Beasts were once human, or who chose to ignore that -- and there are those. But his closest friend is a Hunter, after all. One of the ones that focuses on trying to contain over killing. ]

But I can understand where you're coming from too, you know. Even if it's different.

For me, my whole life I fought what were called "Akuma". [ It's enunciated, and he does mean it as a different thing from akuma, though he also doesn't know any Japanese. ] Living weapons that were made from human souls.

When a person dies and a loved one grieves for them, they could be visited by a man who would say he could bring them back. He would, but only to corrupt the soul and trap it, binding it as a weapon. It would go mad with grief at what it had become, and would be ordered to kill their loved one that had only wanted to see them again so badly. To wear their skin and hide amongst humans and kill them.

Over and over. Killing more and evolving more, and becoming more insane and more corrupted as the soul continued to grieve over what it had become. An endless cycle of grieving and suffering by the millions that threatened the whole of humanity.

The difference was, the only way to truly destroy them... it was with a weapon that also purifies them. Purifies the soul. So the only way in order to give them mercy was to destroy the body in a way that also saved the soul. Because the human they once were was already long dead.

That weapon is still a part of me here. So to me, the idea of being able to save something suffering similarly as they did but to be able to still possibly save the life itself and not just the soul... it's amazing. [ He is so ultimately touched by the notion it still shakes him sometimes, the destroyer who only ever wanted to save. And more touched still by exactly what Hayato also mentioned: it is overwhelming to him still just how many people do share his sentiment. Literally, wholly overwhelmed.

But he's sober, and he looks down at his hands for a moment. ]

So if it were me in your stead, living in a world like that without what I think I realize now must almost be a luxury, having an ability like that... I would kill them too. Suffering only begets more suffering, and even death is a kindness compared to something like that.

[ He lifts his head then and smiles gently, although it is a little stretched and doesn't quite meet his eyes. Tired. ]

You seem like a very kind sort of person, you know. [ He pauses. ]

What's your name?

audio | un: valravn

[warminded]

You at least seem as though you understand that sometimes more decisive action is necessary, so I won't reiterate what others have already said.

[Because Light, hadn't they all had their moments of naivety? And Felwinter himself perhaps more than most. He can hardly judge anyone else for it.]

But whether you're successful or not, having the will to try to change things for the better is commendable. It's not an easy thing. I don't know that I can do anything to help, but you have my support.

[Even if his tone of voice, perpetually flat and unemotional, does make him sound terribly unenthused about the whole thing. It's just how he is.]

audio;

[likethelight]

[ You know what's funny? It's the responses like this that honestly settle Allen's nerves more than most. It's honest and thoughtful, without pushing an agenda one way or another. Like there doesn't need to be any pretense. Unemotional is fine, because he's had a few friends like that. ]

I think I might have come across a little stronger to some people than I meant to, mm... [ It's a little contrite. Doesn't change what he thinks or that the official organization of Hunters have the wrong and damaging idea, but he's not so stupid as to think there will never be Hunters or that they have to be at odds. He just doesn't like their style -- and people shouldn't forget that they're likely killing people for good. It's a hurtful coping mechanism. ]

And... it's very kind of you to offer. [ A smile, hidden in his tone. ] If there's anything I've learned from fighting wars against corruption and to try and save people, here and before... it isn't just those with the direct powers to cleanse. It's everyone else with the will to support that sort of goal, all the many things it takes for something like that to be realized. Nothing can happen without all of them, too.

[ A pause. ] Who are you?

[Video] un: QueenCobra

[abornfighter]

I don't have any healing powers, but I could make restraints that the Hunters could use to capture the people who were corrupted into beasts.

[Video]

[likethelight]

[ Oh! He perks slightly, his expression a touch brighter. ]

That's very kind of you. I can introduce you to Viktor, if you like? He's a scientist and engineer who's been working on things like that. I'm sure he'd appreciate the help.

video; un: idoloflove

[loveandduty]

Considering my fiancée was just saved from beasthood last month without resorting to killing. [Which she is still extremely happy about because that would have not been a fun time to witness honestly.]

If there are ways to save them without resorting to killing I'd be down for it.

video;

[likethelight]

They were? [ He sounds a touch alarmed. So many people where their experience was their loved one becoming a beast-- It's a sadly common theme. ]

I'm so glad they were... [ He pauses then, but gives a nod. ] For myself, I've been able to purify corrupted souls and creatures like beasts for a long time. And there are more people than I even realized who have said now they've been able to do the same, usually with some kind of empathy- or telepathy-based ability...

It's heartening. I truly believe it's possible on not just a small basis.

Video: UN - Runeseeker

[onerthes]

[Funny story? Minako's fiance who just got rescued? Was the next one to phone in.]

Vira-Lorr. I am a Seer, though I suppose we'd say I'm employed as a Night Walker and an Arcane Scholar at the moment. I've been successful at times in helping someone back to sanity, and have been helped back myself recently...

But that is not always possible. It depends on the depth of corruption and the mental state. Sometimes it is a question of if the right person is available. Generally, if they can be saved I favor saving them, but there is an awareness that sometimes the tragic is the only available option at the time.

Video;

[likethelight]

[ The day he realizes this irony will be hilarious. ]

A Seer and Scholar? [ Oh, she is probably more knowledgeable than even him on this with his soul sight. He can already imagine how Viktor would enjoy talking with her. ] Aah... I have to agree with you, I think, even just from what I've seen myself.

Even when I've been able to successfully purify the corrupted body and the soul... sometimes, there's no person still left within. It's like they were consumed by the corruption itself. [ A sobering thought, and he speaks a little more quietly for it. Still, he takes solace in the fact that at least the soul seemed to have found relief before it faded from sight. ]

But most still seem to be able to have the life saved. Most that I've fought. [ Ones within the city confines, more likely to be more recently turned. ]

Has it always been empathy- or telepathy-based abilities in your understanding? Reaching someone through trying to connect with them? Nothing... that involves being able to cut the corruption away? Something direct?

voice - un: 30hotdoglimit

[stilljustyou]

Sometimes, even the people who seem like monsters inside need to be saved, too.

Someone helped me save someone like that.

voice;

[likethelight]

[ Monsters inside...? He blinks, and is quieter when he responds. ]

...I believe that too.

Sometimes they need saving most of all, I think.

video | un: OZ

[swornto]

[Saving beasts? Rather than killing them? Is that really an option?

Oz has to quickly compartmentalize the guilt of what would otherwise be 9 months worth of 'chances' he cut short with his scythe. The boy on the other end of the video has sealed these thoughts away and smiles.]

I'd like in on that somehow! How big is the effort looking so far?

video

[likethelight]

[ Honestly he would reassure him that while it would feel hard and terrible, he understands that too. It still isn't easy to save a beast; it isn't always successful. It's an effort, and generally anyone who would want to predominantly wants to protect people, that just also happens to include those who become beasts...

At the time, when there was no other choice he knew, would he have acted differently? If Allen didn't have a weapon that let him exorcise them and an eye to see their suffering souls, would he have acted differently? Probably not.

It's okay to feel sorrow at loss. It's okay to use that grief and regret over lives lost to do better. But no one should regret saving others, those still living, when they didn't have any other means at the time with which to protect them.

They're hard things to live with, but it's how they work on doing their best. ]

Ah-- I'm not sure. I think now it's... [ He trails off, looking a little surprised as he starts mentally ticking off every individual he's spoken with. Literally, too, on his fingers, looking more surprised as he realizes he needs to keep going past the number of fingers he has twice. ]

..twenty five. [ He both sounds and looks just... in awe. A very gentle, quiet sort of awe because he's adamant not to get choked up in front of this boy. ] I think... there are twenty five of us now, helping in various ways. A lot of the people in Trench and especially Crenshaw have been helping out around the grounds as well, people who used to be beasts but were saved.

[ He blinks, trying to process all that. ]

It's... amazing, really.

video; un: lady, private

[dohaeris]

[about a day after the post first goes up, and most of the questions have been answered, sansa smiles.]

I think anyone would be proud of you too, Dragonknight.

private video;

[likethelight]

[ Sansa... you're going to make him so emotional. Really, he has no idea what to even do with that. And he laughs a little weakly for it, strained, and scrubs for a second at the side of his face with his wrist.

Dragonknight... he doesn't even fluster at it this time. ]

Nothing would have ever happened, I think, without so many people coming together who wanted to believe in something better. And not without you and Viktor. [ And so many more, but the two of them... they crystalized so much. Pushed in exactly the right way. Made it easy to see actions that could and should be taken.

His throat constricts a little then, and he just shakes his head as he smiles more gently. ]

I had no idea so many people would think so similarly.

video; un: shouto

[swellter]

[ Curiosity has him playing the video that quickly turns into insight, aware of the topic at hand after speaking to Allen and Viktor. A note of familiarity grabs his attention, and he continues watching with a more critical eye. It's not perfect, but he can't deny the note of inspiration at the end. The televised broadcast reminds him of something he can't quite put his finger on, and then it hits him. His head snaps up, startled eyes staring back at the determined look the video stopped on, and he knows. ]

You're starting your own Hero Agency.

[ Like every aspiring Hero dreamed of doing up until the world came crashing down on them, bogged down with the reality of what it meant to run an agency. Excuse him while he stares in awe at the realization that he'd been recruited without registering this crucial fact. ]

video;

[likethelight]

[ Allen is also a little startled at that, you know!! Wasn't even expecting that he would be, either -- the opposite!! Honestly, at seeing that was Shouto after the sort of day it's been there's no small amount of aaah thank goodness, someone he can talk to where it doesn't feel like he has to perform. But that comment just throws him a little off balance. ]

A— a what? [ Blinking, almost comically. ]

"Hero Agency"?

[ He knows mostly about how Heroes work from his world (kind of??), but...! What??

Quickly: ] It isn't just me! And I'm not even one!

video; un: quibbler | arrives 15 min late w starbucks

[creidim]

Even death for Sleepers isn't something that should be lightly taken. [ Nor should it ever be, and yet it often is. Coming back does make it seem like it's easy, a simple reset, to some Sleepers. But it's far from it, and perhaps she feels the need to comment on that. She's died twice before, already. Luna's quiet for a little while, frowning down at her hands. ]

My boyfriend saved me from Beasthood last month. He was able to reach me thanks to the Blood Bond we'd done a few months ago, one of the ones that fall under Doorway's... realm—? [ For lack of a better word. But given her Patron is the Patron of relationships, she supposes it is their realm of things. ] But it meant bringing me back without having to die.

[ Which would have been her... third time. ]

I've heard a little about you, about what you can do. [ Alayne and Viktor have both mentioned him. ] I'm starting to write a book on Beasthood, a directory of sorts for the Beastforms of Sleepers — since it's possible we're more likely to endure multiple transformations.

But I'm busy looking into the cures of Beasthood which could benefit the natives, too.

video; all is always forgiven with starbucks ♥♥♥

[likethelight]

[ He's just died once and is still reeling from the repercussions of it and how much it makes him have to rely on others, so Luna... it's a very good point. And he smiles lightly at her response, though in a gentle and serious sort of manner -- although it's gone and he startles a little at that one thing. ]

Heard about me? O-oh. [ what. Viktor? Does- does that mean he has a reputation to live up to now??? He shakes it off quickly though. ]

All of that sounds amazing... you sound really dedicated. I'd love to read your book. [ Seriously, that's really organized and selfless of her. A book on Beasthood? ] And I'm sorry. I'm glad he was able to save you, that couldn't have been easy.

What sorts of other cures have you been looking into? I have a friend I've been working with as well, Viktor... we've been trying to see if there might be other ways that anyone could learn how to do. Or use.

[ He pauses though, lingering on something for a moment. ]

What do you mean by Blood Bonds though? [ He's heard about them only enough to know they exist, but that's the extent of it. ]