001 | video

[oracledriven]

[Alright. This isn't something he normally does, but everyone else has been so quiet about it that it's starting to drive him a little nuts. So in the true form of someone who can't keep their mouth shut— here's Noel.]

Okay, so. Who else stayed in town when people went out to the desert? I can't be the only one who noticed the people in town acting strange, right?

[He frowns a little, thoughtfully crossing his arms over his chest.] It was like they couldn't figure out what to do with themselves, but even when I ask them what happened, they look at me like I'm crazy. [Which he's not. Right??] Like they don't even remember it happening.

Anyone else notice anything strange happening back then? And for everyone who went out to the desert— anything strange happen with people out there? Anything see anything like that happen since you got back?

[He's about to cut it there, no introduction, no nothing, but he pauses to add:] Thanks.

Comments

[kiseijuu]

Wait — statues and shrines?

[ Both Shinichi and his... hand pause at that. The boy's staring with clear surprise, and even Migi has stopped writing for a few moments so he can give this information his complete attention. ]

Statues of... what, exactly?

[ Maybe the other guy's words and what they imply have already answered that, but Shinichi has to ask directly, just to make sure. This all sounds...... extremely weird and bad! ]

[oracledriven]

[The surprise in Shinichi's expression catches him off-guard, but honestly, he pretty much felt like that as well when it first happened.]

A few months ago, after a couple of tough weeks, the locals made a whole statue garden dedicated to us. The "Chosen," I mean. Same thing happened later with the shrines. It was like the locals were totally helpless while things were happening, but suddenly really dedicated to doing all this work for us after the fact.

[kiseijuu]

[ It's definitely... startling to hear. Another reminder of just how little they truly know about this place, and their particular roles within it. The knowledge of being revered and respected in that particular way may be something others enjoy, but to Shinichi... it all feels very creepy. ]

That's so strange.... I mean, I understand if they're grateful, but going so far as to make shrines and statues....

[ He's frowning quietly for a few moments, before suddenly his right hand starts jotting down notes again and Shinichi gets back to attention, acting like he's doing it... ]

But, ah, thank you for everything you've shared with me....! Clearly there's still a lot I have to learn about this place... and a lot to think over.

If I find out anything new on my end, I could let you know too, if you like.