Prayer Box

[fromthefog]

This is a place to send your prayers to the Fog god. She may not always respond, or she may respond in ways you don’t expect, but she is always listening.

Speak, she hears you.

OOC note: As of April 2020, threads with the gods will be capped at three NPC replies! Please keep this in mind when writing god prayers to make sure you get everything you need out of the thread. It’s also possible to handwave prayers by titling your comment HANDWAVED PRAYER. Handwaved prayers lack our usual flourish, but you can expect a faster response!

As of February 2024, god prayers will be handwaved only. Please only submit a prayer if you have a question for either god which needs answering in order to progress your character's arc within Ryslig. If this is something you need to tier up within the god boon system, or just to set up a player plot in general, please don't hesitate to submit a prayer about it! You may shorten it down to an OOC summary of what your character is asking. This will allow any of our helper mods to reply much faster, without having to dig into the specifics of either god's personality/writing quirks. Should this limitation be lifted again in the future, this note will be removed.

Comments

10/7, during the Newcomer arrival log

[darkova]

[While investigating the Obelisk he speaks out load- and while he does't SAY outright he's aiming it at the Fog God, it's certainly his intent.]

Your architectural sense is awful. This thing is hideous.

[Yeah, not expecting a response there, but he can't resist being a shit even as he spends an entire night sketching the thing]

[fromthefog]

[He is not expecting a response, and indeed he does not receive one at first. But as he reaches out to touch the obelisk, he will find it both solid and strangely cold - and before he has time to process it, he will find his fingers stuck to the cold rock.

A hard enough yank will free himself without any pain. As he does it, he will hear a distant sound - like a hundred women laughing - before fading away into nothingness.]

October, sometime during ghost hauntings

[chosenofthunder]

[Touya knows he hasn't attempted before now to speak to the fog. He knows he hasn't done much to earn her favor since being inducted, but it doesn't matter. So when the werewolf is alone, away from other ears, he speaks.]

Months ago, someone said that your eye was on someone named Roxas. And that if he didn't die instead of getting his memory wiped like everyone else did, their life would've been in danger too.

Then one day out of nowhere he attacked me... killed me. I couldn't get anything out of him on why he did it, just that he "needed" to.

[Touya's talked through his story with someone, so the reason he reaches out now is-]

I want to know for sure.... did you have something to do with it?

---

[OOC Note: It's been a long time. This refers all the way back to when Roxas was trying to rally people into killing the Fog God. That wasn't appreciated by her of course, so the harpy became Enemy Number One. At the end of Mana vs Tikbalang, Roxas was given poison so that his death would briefly distract the Fog God long enough for Mana to erect the same barriers Tikbalang once had on the forest.

Later, Roxas was cursed by fog mom, the finale to such torture being an unstoppable compulsion to kill and eat someone he cared about. That someone ended up being Touya, at the time a neutral with no inclination for either side of the god war.]

We are very sorry for the delay on this response!

[fromthefog]

[For a long while, Touya receives no response. Many a night pass until Touya is alone again, and then, a cold presence seems to swirl around him. It chills the air until it feels as if a stinging pressure will engulf the Were, before it suddenly seems to settle. It's almost as if a presence sits next to him, and the piercing, needle-like chill becomes somewhat gentler, a breeze passing through the fur atop his head, as if being pet.]

Yes.

[The voice comes in the form of firm whispers all around him, as well as a hush right next to his ear.]

The sparrow did not know his place. Time and time again, he cursed my name. He claimed it was my wrath which bound you here. [Her voice escalates as she speaks, a bitter cold behind each word.] So I showed him the true nature of the humans he praised. I let them have their way with him. And when he still worked to strike me down, I showed him the fury he thought to know.

Is that what you wished to hear, little one?

October, during the ghost hauntings

[tasteslikesurvival]

[Kurumi remembers her first encounter with the Fog God. How.. she was really lucky just to have a very bad talking down to. Which is why she waits until a few days pass after the obelisk falls to call out to her.]

Those fourth idiots need to be shown a lesson. How can I strike back at them?

[fromthefog]

[There is no response, at first. But in a few moments' time, a cool wind moves in wherever she chooses to pray. A thousand whispering voices follow suit, and without warning there is a cold presence behind Kurumi.

It threads its fingers through her hair.]

Wait for my command. [And then, with her grip tightening to an almost painful level-] I will not forget.

[And then, just like that, it all fades away.]

Soon after Obelisk Rebuild announcements

[fairlycapable]

[She prepares an offering.

Using the basement that she has been gifted-using the table she has constructed. With candles lit in her name, a bowl of blood, and a pound of flesh.

The victim is still alive, of course. It is better to leave them alive as long as they can, after all.

Flesh and blood, presented with the greatest of honor-and regardless of if she receives an answer immediately, she prepares this offering daily forever after.]

...It's gone, [she whispers, bowing her head.] ...The great memorial you constructed for us... ...I should have thought to protect it, but we had assumed no one would want to destroy something so meaningful..! ....but we were wrong. ...They destroyed it...He did, I recognized him, and it's so clear that I..!

[Her voice breaks, and she sighs.] ...It's so clear that simply chasing him down won't restore what was lost.

...I am...working with others under your wing, and those who aren't as well-to create a new memorial. It will pale so much next to your own though-in size, in greatness...it won't bring the same emotions as before, I'm certain, [she breathes, all of her eyes closing.]

...I offer it to you all the same. All that I weave, all these names they cherish-I dedicate them to you once more, just as you had them written before. If I could ask anything of you...if I could dare to ask, it would be that you take this construct, this dedication, as your own once again. Guide us, please...

...and let them realize who it is that truly watches us, and remembers.

you didn't see that

[fromthefog]

[She does not have to wait.

All around her, the air begins to thicken. The voices whisper around her, a thousand presences chattering and murmuring at once, but strangely the goddess never speaks above it all.

From Yuuri's praying position, she will feel the presence of another in the room. It ghosts to the victim, watching silently, then over to her. In silence, it kneels next to her, and the cool wind surrounds her as if in embrace.

She has heard your prayer, Yuuri.

The presence wisps away, bit by bit, until Yuuri is left alone again. The candles flare - the flesh and blood are gone.

A small fog remains, under the table.]

[aboyandhiscar]

[AT SOME POINT some foggy night before people meet up to start the building of a not-really-an-obelisk-but-maybe-more-of-an-interpretive-art-piece-but-hey-the-effort-counts session, Mike visits the site again, alone this time, but recalling where he stood when IV first opened the door for him.

He frowns; most of the rubble is in the lake or made off with by curious humans by now. Welp, it's not like he came here to collect stones!! So eventually, he takes a seat on rock and looks to the sky. Then, he speaks.]

Yooo, Foggy. You out there? [A beat, then he snorts.]

'Course you are. I know you can't be everywhere, but you've sure got a knack for showing up when you're wanted--but especially when you're not wanted.

Look, let's be straight. I've pledged to you, but you know I'm not all that sold. I want to go home, eventually, and I'm willing to bet you're the only one who can do that for me right now. And I'm fine with it, til I get my chance. [A beat, and his eyes narrow.]

But you need all your playthings here, don't you?

So. . .give us a reason. You want people on your side? You wanna stop the fourth from stepping on your turf? Then give me something to show folks. Why you keep dragging us here, why you're so bent on murder and mayhem, what do you get out of this? What do you want? [Frustrated, he gestures out toward shore, and then back to the shimmering lights of the city in the distance.]

You've got tons of humans here you could change! Some of them want to change. . .some, not exactly for the most savory reasons, heh. But instead, you've pulled us all into it. There's gotta be something there. And yeah, I know there are some folks who don't care about that--but those are the folks with nothing left to go home to. If you want more, if you want some real loyalty, you're gonna have to give me some better material. Anything. We can only sell accepting the whole monster bit so much.

[He lets out a rough breath, pratically glaring into the night sky.]

C'mon, Foggy. Is fear and strength all you've got going? You've gotta be better than that. Everyone is.

[liquidbaby]

[ In relation to this.

Ron is kneeling in front of his bed, hands knitted together and head bowed as he prays with closed eyes. He's done this hundreds of times, even though it was usually just general prayers before night time or meals or the morning. Since he joined the Fog God he's adjusted his prayers a little bit though. And he's not used to asking things rather than just doing the prayers he's been taught, so that's a bit new. ]

God of Fog hear my prayer,
keep me in thy loving care.
Be my guide in all I do,
Bless all those who love me too.

[ And then for the part he needs to add now. ]

I wish that there was a way for Reira-niisan to forgive me. I know how to do it. Can you please bring his nii-san Reiji here as a Christmas present? Not like a ghost but for really real. Thank you.

Amen.

[fromthefog]

[Normally there's no response to Ron's prayers, besides a strange twist in the fog outside, or an odd breeze under the door just after he's done. The Fog God is always listening, but she stops there. This time, though - this time, the strange breeze draws in little twists of fog underneath the crack of the door. They flutter upward into a vague outline, almost humanoid.]

[There are whispers echoing from it even while it's still forming; when it's done, they become clear.] He is not worthy of being brought here. Not like you are.

[The figure stretches out one arm-like appendage, reaching to cup Ron's chin.] Ask of me something else, pet.

[darkova]

[Ever since the hauntings, Ingway has had a lot of time to think. And a recent conversation with Madoka only added to it.

He's been told the gods' followers can travel through doors... so he places a hand on his loft apartment door and speaks aloud]

I have made it clear before that I harbor no love for you. You have plucked me from my well deserved death, an act I will never forgive.

Yet, I have spoken to your follower, Madoka. And her words and why she worships interests me. I respect her conviction and her power... but more then that I covet it.

A lust for both power and flesh runs in my blood, and I have no one living whom I love or who loves me. The only thing I long for is to return to my family in death and for the few I care a bit for to return to their peaceful lives. If it takes ending this madness between you and Liewin, then so be it. I have nothing left to lose and very few I would not bleed to get what I desire.

I think we could both benefit from working together.

[fromthefog]

[If Ingway is expecting mist to seep through the door, or for it to unseal to show him somewhere else, he'll be disappointed. But barely moments after he's done speaking, he'll feel a sensation on both his shoulders. Like someone brushing ghostly fingers over them. Just as quickly, it's gone.]

[When Ingway moves, he'll feel something reverberate off the back of his heel with a metallic cling - there's a key on the ground behind him.]

[gentle_darkness_duelist]

[Since becoming a fog follower, Judai's felt different. He thought that the feeling of being consumed by his own shadows would disappear over time, but it didn't. It was something cold and icy that remained in his very core, yet somehow a very alive presence. A power that swayed around him, at the edges of his fingertips. Some days, when he was alone, Judai would look at his skin, expecting a mark or a symbol or something. But there never is. It's not something he's gotten from the Fog God, after all, not like all her other generous gifts.

Now that he's gotten his own key and hasn't been borrowing Noa's, he wa also spending more time in Dyster. It's not like he likes the place, but it's a quiet place where he can get away from it all. It's nice to have a room to himself. Camping was great and all, but for some reason the tiny room in Dyster made him think of Academia and helped him focus.

And he really needed to focus now. He's been thinking more about this world, her and what Madoka had revealed to them all.

Day, Night, and Fog.
Day and Night went to war with each other.

Now only the Fog is left.

They killed each other for the sake of their followers. They destroyed a large part of the world, and in response the Fog God destroyed everything except the peninsula where the few that survived became her pets. It was a horrible tale, one filled with so much destruction, and such a disrespect for life, but it was one that Judai found familiar.

After all, once his friends had been sacrificed and he was told Johan was dead, wasn't that what he did? What he as Haou, the Supreme King, treated the people in the World of Darkness?

Talking to Madoka online had only unearthed memories that Judai had thought had long gone to rest, thoughts that were surprisingly dangerous skimmed the edges of his mind once more. Memories of anger, of hate and mindless destruction, of inflicting fear and demonstrating power. Judai knows he's put the past behind him, but his heart begins to ache as he thinks more and more about what he had read.

It's a dark, cold night when he finally speaks about it, and he's alone in his room in Dyster. The candle lit, his bag of things on the ground, Judai on his small bed, sitting upright. He stops idly playing with the teeth he took from the real world Dyster once he finishes making a loose circle of them on the nightstand and gives a long, tired sigh. She's always listening, right? Especially here...]

I'm just going to ask you something personal. [He looks up at the ceiling. He knows she will hear him, but it feels right to look up..] If you get angry at me, I understand. I went over this with Madoka ... and if you just don't want to respond, I'll also understand. But I want to know more about... everything.

[And, even if he doesn't realise it, Judai wants to empathize with her.]

I want to know about the Night and Day Gods... The other real gods in this world. Did they really just go to fight because of their followers? Or was there another reason?

[He does hesitate though. A long minute passed before he looks down and unclenches the fists he didn't even know he was holding] Were you close to them?

['Do you miss them?' goes unspoken.]

[fromthefog]

[A chilly current begins to creep into Judai's room as he finishes his prayer, but then--"Do you miss them?" The wind suddenly makes for a dramatic entrance as it forces his door open. No one stands at the entrance, however, and the air is freezing, almost suffocating.]

Know your place.

[A whisper of multiple voices hiss, surprised, offended. It's not unlike a parent scolding a curious child.]

Do not presume to know me, pet. What my dear witness has shared is more than enough. [The wind calms. . .gradually. It's far from a gentle breeze, but the pressure isn't quite so overwhelming. The whispers come again, this time a bit softer, but firm.]

. . .but I know you won't be deterred. Perhaps, should you prove yourself, we may speak again.

Some day.

[The wind brushes through his hair, as if offering a comforting, yet dismissive pat to a dog. And just as suddenly, the harsh wind returns, rushing over Judai and back through the door, slamming it shut.]

ages of plotting laterrrr...

[noasark]

They seek to study you.

[Noa's voice sounds almost amused. He speaks from his new 'office'. He takes advantage of the lack of video cameras, and 'spies'. Right now he's 'settling in'. And he fingers his returned key in his hands.]

And 'him' as well, I should add...to discern 'weaknesses', 'functions'...

[And he tilts his head.] ...As if you yourself weren't a god, curiously. [Whatever any use to define the word after all-title, race, whatever-it is still one thing and one thing only.

A division that reduced them to ants, to be tested.] I can't bring this to a halt. However...

[His hand closes around the key he has been spinning, and as his glasses slide down his face, the irises undulate with long granted power.] ...Just as they seek to 'understand' you, [Noa notes, sarcastically hissing the word,] they intend to do the same with him.

And I know somewhere in that building, and in that man's notes, lie the information on whatever it was used to steal from you. Whether you know about this or not; I want to get it to you before any of this division find it.

I imagine you know why~ [He sighs, leaning back in his seat. After all; what if they got the idea that they could drain her of more power somehow? Or worse, successfully improved it to destroy her, or strengthen him.

Now that wouldn't be any good at all.]

Whatever we find that can bring us closer to stopping him in his tracks, I intend to bring to you. Whatever steps they take that might come too close to you, I will warn you of, that it may be stopped where I can't step in.

...It's hardly the quickest way... [No, the quickest way is probably razing the building to the ground. This is 'sneaky'. These are tactics more along...his thinking, certainly.

But.] ...But if it means ending him...

[He knows all too well where the '4th' sits. It is a throne he sat upon in his own world, in his opinion, a digitized hoard of power over the world and all life on it.

It is a power that does not belong in a former human's hands.

Whether she answers or not, he makes his vow. And short of her own request to do otherwise, he prepares what must be done to start the first series of 'tests' in 'God Research'.]

[fromthefog]

[As Noa sits in thought, thin trails of fog begin to seep under the door into his office. The temperature drops, and while no words are spoken, it's obvious whose presence fills the air.

The fog creeps up his chair and over the desk. It's a cold, thin mist, but it begins to concentrate near the center. It twirls and twists, as if forming a dark, miniature cloud. Then, it parts; in the center of the desk sits a pair of spectacles, fragile, sculpted from ice.

A rush of whispers suddenly fill the room.]

Find him

[With those words, the pair of 'glasses' shatters. The fog immediately begins to retreat, leaving no trace of her presence other than the crumbs of ice.]

12/12

[burnyouwretches]

[Here's this idiot. Unaligned, not even into his first changes, just yelling into the air in the middle of Dyster.]

WELL?

[Frankly, he's only fifty percent sure you're real, Fog Goddess.]

[fromthefog]

[A sudden, cold rush of wind comes from seemingly nowhere, with enough force to knock Nefarian off his feet.]

2/1 (Dropped in the Prayer Box on her way to work)

[lowsteaks]

Hi. It's Chie. I don't know if you actually know us by name, tho.

Where I came from there was a goddess who wanted to fill the world with fog that would turn the people into monsters called Shadows, because she thought that was what humanity wanted. She had multiple incarnations. I guess what I'm asking is if you're another incarnation of Izanami, like the Sagiri and Marie were?

Also, why did you bring us here? Was there even a reason?

Chie Satonaka

[under her name she writes her address... presumably so the fog god can send a return letter?]

[fromthefog]

[Two days later, she will find a letter sitting on her desk (if she has one. Otherwise, a table, a counter). There's no stamp, and it has RETURN TO SENDER written on it. This...might have been attempted to be sent through proper channels, before it was simply left in her room. There are a few bloody fingerprints left in grooved whorls on the envelope, near the red waxen seal.

Should Chie break the wax seal to open it, she will find a letter hand-written in iron-gall ink on thick yellowing parchment. It reads:]

I know all of you, child.

I'll dispel your illusions first. Izanami is no part of me, nor I of her. In this world, I am the one who holds claim to the fog's power. I have no interest in the wants of humanity. One can give and give to them, but they can never be sated.

As for you, I chose you. I've chosen each precious soul brought into this land. When I reached into your worlds, those of worth shine brightly, not like the pitiful worms of this land. Be proud, my child -- you've shown yourself strong enough to bear power before.

...Such an old fashioned, forgotten art, this letter. It holds a particular charm.

Until we speak again. Be well, child.

2/11

[neetfreak]

[well, here he goes! he's finally written a letter to the Fog God! and he tried very hard to be polite about the whole thing. anyway, into the prayer box it goes. now, all Jyushimatsu has to do is wait]

Hello, this is Jyushimatsu! I am one of the Matsuno brothers! There are six of us, but you probably already know! Currently I am becoming a demon!

I have heard many things about you, some good, and some bad! Now, I come directly to the source! (I would have come sooner, but I didn't know how to reach you! I just found out!) I would like to know why you are hurting my brothers, and all these people! Why have we been taken from our homes and turned into monsters? What is the purpose? What is your greater plan, if you have one?

If you would please answer these questions, or at least talk to me, I will listen! I just want to know if you are our enemy! I also ask that you stop hurting my brothers! Many bad things have happened to us since we've been here, and it's not right! My brothers, the rest of the visitors, even the citizens of Ryslig... I'm sure most of them haven't done anything wrong! Why should they suffer?

Okay! I think that's all I have to say for now! Thank you for listening! Bye bye!

[fromthefog]

Hello Jyushimatsu,

Yes, I know of you and your kin. You are quite polite, aren't you?

I am not your enemy. You misunderstand. I did not bring you and your family here to harm you, but rather, empower you. To free you from the chains that held you all down in society, to allow you to live your lives to the fullest extent. I want you to be happy, my child.

As for the humans here. . .they are not as innocent as you would think. Do they not harm you, torture you? Fear you? Even before you were brought to this world, humans cared little for this land and each other.

But that is enough for now. Jyushimatsu, if you wish to keep your brothers safe, embrace your gift. Your flames will bring them warmth, and every soul you consume will give you the strength to protect them. Destroy anyone who raises a hand to you and yours.

Now, as you say, my little one,

Bye bye.

[maskinglayer]

[While Nagisa wanted to talk to the Fourth God, Jataro decided he'd pay a visit to the Fog God. Less to cover all of their bases and more because she's the one who brought them here, right? Plus, someone on the network said that he could pray to her and ask questions and she'd answer...]

O Fog God, hear my prayer and answer my questions! Or I guess, actually, read my letter. And you don't have to answer my questions really but if you could I'd be really happy about it. I heard that you used magic to bring us here and turn us into monsters! Is that true? You saved me from getting killed, so I wanted to thank you. Oh, but that's not a question, sorry.

So if you have magic, can you do lots of things? You can turn us into monsters I guess which is cool but is that all you can do? Do you think you could turn things into ice cream? Or make it so that someone else could do that? I think that'd be really cool! I don't know what a lot of the monsters can do yet, so maybe some of them already can. I heard they can't, but maybe those people answering don't know because they aren't a monster that can! I hope I can be one that can! I'm really excited to be a monster. Are you gonna make me really ugly? Or scary? Oh and why are you called the Fog God? Wouldn't you be a goddess? I heard people call you a girl. You can be a god if you want though! I just thought girls like goddess instead. We don't have any fog gods or goddesses in Japan, so I don't know what you do. We have youkai and spirits that come out in the fog, but that's not the same I don't think. I met a priest like me who said she can make it foggy whenever she wants, is that because of you? Or is she just special?

Oh wait, I'm supposed to ask um. Important questions. Uh...why do you wanna fight with the Fourth God? Or I guess why do you appose him? That's how Shingetsu-kun put it. And how do you decide who you bring here? Do you have criteerya for why you bring who you bring here? And why did you bring us here? Us being me and Shingetsu-kun. We're just kids, so...why do you want us? We can't do anything special. You have lots of adults here, aren't they better? (But could you maybe bring Daimon-kun and Kotoko-chan here too? They're part of our group too and it'd be better if we were all together! Plus I bet they'd like being monsters. Daimon-kun would wanna be a big and strong one, like a hero would be, and Kotoko-chan would wanna be really cute! Oh, and Shingetsu-kun should be something really refined and cool! Like a leader monster! Do you have any leader monsters? Something that could look after and protect other kids!)

Uh...I think that's all I want to ask...for now anyway! Can I ask you more questions later? I hope so. Thank you for listening, Fog God!

- Jataro Kemuri

[fromthefog]

One day, a simple but especially chilling breeze brushes over Jataro. When it passes, he'll have a fluttering letter under his foot. Should he read it, he'll find it's written on neatly folded old parchment paper.

Do not apologize, little one. Curiosity is a natural instinct. God or goddess, I care not what humanity labels me. I am simply the fog, a whisper in the dark, an embrace of shadows. You've met my Witness, my dear priestess. She spreads my will with a raw kindness and fierce passion. You too will become one of my children, yes. As for what, leaving it a surprise would be a bit more amusing, don't you think. . .?

Your kin do sound delightful. However, I cannot promise to retrieve them. The one you call 'fourth' drains my power. He is an imposter, a silver tongued thief. Be wary of his words, little one, as he is not to be trusted. Every precious one I bring here, he seeks to steal away. But I wish to empower you, free you all from the chains of your old world, to let you live truly free. Child, adult, it matters not. Even at a young age, your potential shines beautifully. Should anyone underestimate you, you may tear them apart with fangs and claws.

Humanity will soon be your play thing.

For now, I bid you farewell. Perhaps we may speak again, child. Your companion may rest easy; your questions have not fallen on deaf ears.

Backdated Feb 27

[tripurragent]

[[OOC - Note: the fight mentioned in this prayer hasn't happened yet in the thread, but it's plotted out that Touya will at the least die, and then whatever happens from there Fog god or not, happens (most likely Touya Reviving, and....Punting Vegeta out).]]

[Well. Espurr can't say for sure that she didn't figure this would happen, when she decided to help Vegeta find Dyster, but she supposes that Touya is handling it well enough as it is. Well enough that nothing vital in the village is being damaged, and that she's still relatively free enough to wander off toward the fire to speak. It looks official enough.]

Hello, [she begins, staring to the flames.] ...I apologies for causing such a ruckus. I had honestly hoped he wouldn't do this. [In hindsight, he should have known better but, well. Anyway.]

I wanted to ask you something. I don't expect any answers...from what I heard, this is already probably insulting enough. But I need to ask. Touya thought that you made me like this to bring me to a blank slate...however, he also claimed that we were here for war.

It doesn't make sense...and I don't understand. The way I was before, I had the tools and power I needed to fight, and hunt. Like this, I can't do those things...and though I know your own power is due to give me that in turn, I don't understand how being brought to such a 'blank state' benefits you. ...I just want to know.

...Why are we here?

[She'll wait there for at least until Touya dies-and if the Fog fails to appear for anything, even that, until the moment Touya throws Vegeta out and asks her to leave.

But for now, she waits. And stares at the fire.]

[the_war_won]

[First he thought his wife had him dumped here as some sort of test. Or maybe it had been her right hand, Gordon, going behind her back. He's never liked Cal and the feeling is frankly, mutual. Now he understands that this isn't in Gordon's range of abilities. Teleportation or not, he's not capable of hopping worlds.] 

[At least there's no big mystery for him to unravel. This Fog God does these things on the regular, after all. He doesn't totally buy into this whole God thing, but whatever she is; she's powerful enough to bring him and the others here. And do these things to them. The difference between God and extraordinarily powerful being is probably just semantics. Like the guy in New York. Ancient god or powerful alien? What's the difference, really?]

[He spends his days at Liewan Labs, engrossed in the workings of this new world. It's exciting! It really is! But after work scientific vigor gives way to despair. Cal's not a stranger to this pattern, he's lived it for over two decades now. But this is the most helpless he's felt since he watched men in dark suits drag his wife away from him on that fateful day. It's just ringing emptiness in a hollow chest.]

[What is he supposed to do? Even when things were darkest he had a goal. He had his promise to Jiaying to follow. Now what? Daisy isn't even here and she needs him.] 

[Winter is hard on his old dead bones and he's wrapped in several blankets as he sits at his desk and pens a letter to God. Leave the debating and morality contests to the younger arrivals. Cal's tired. He has a family he needs to return to.] 

You brought me here for a reason. What do you want from me? What should I do? -Calvin

[He drops it in the prayer box on his way back to the meager lodgings he's been calling home.]

backdated to sometime around March 21

[fromthefog]

((Moving this here for clarity/bookkeeping sake, screening for event purposes. You may reply to this and continue the thread if you'd like!))

It's some time before Cal receives a response to his little note; in fact, it's so long that the peninsula has found itself in quite a crisis before Cal is visited by the Fog God. But it seems, in the midst of this ordeal, she has found something for him to do...and the way she responds to him is nothing quite so simple as a letter.

A chill inches under Cal's door, snaking tendrils of indistinct fog chasing after it. If he opens the door, he'll be hit by a freezing wall of fog; if he waits, it will fill his room slowly, ignoring open windows. Regardless, as soon as it overtakes him - he'll hear a voice. Whispering, echoing, like fifty quiet imitations are listening to what's being said and passing it onward.

"You ask what I want from you? You misunderstand me, child. I want nothing from you. I want things for you. I want you to embrace the gifts you have been given. I want you to rise up, to shrug off your yoke and live free.

"I want this world to be yours.

"But if you need direction... use the powers I have given. Find those who would thwart my plans, who would refuse the very best of themselves. And when you do, teach them what a monster should truly be."

3/17

[lowsteaks]

[Chie, in bear shape, sits outside in the yard behind Susan's ranch house, Muku curled up next to her. Suddenly she asks the fog,]

Is... Mana going to be okay? I mean, it sucks for her to lose her powers, but I mean... she's not going to die from this, will she? She was nice. She helped me get Muku back.

[fromthefog]

[an answer doesn’t come til a day or so after the chaos ends, and fates of the conduit territories have been determined. Fog slowly swirls around her, a whisper in her ear.]

You were worried about her, no?

As you’ve seen on that child’s plaything… she will live, even if drained. That one will continue along her own path.

As she always has, no matter the strain.

[Vague? A bit. But she says nothing else, though Chie may catch a lingering fondness in the Fog’s words as they disappear]

4/4

[icefallen]

[She's done. She's absolutely done. She doesn't understand this one bit.

Rio treads into the forest on this night, a girl on a mission. Trying to find the dead center is impossible, but -- maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe it's just the principle of being there. And she hates it, can feel the tingling of paranoia under her skin, but she tries to force it away. Perhaps the Fog God could strike her down at any time if she wanted to, if she got too insolent... Wouldn't that be a blessing.

She stops walking only to stomp her foot and scream frustratedly at the trees, like they're going to answer her.]

I know you can hear me! This is... this is so...

[She pounds a fist against the trunk of a nearby tree, then breathes heavily, trying not to succumb to the negativity by accident.]

My friends, IV, even my brother... they all believe in you. They all believe you'll help them. I don't understand! All this push and pull and then everyone ends up losing!

[She turns around, looking to the sky like it'll offer her an answer where the forest remains silent. It, too, is blocked by fog.]

I... I've been neutral for a long time. I told myself I wasn't going to go either way, because it's too risky. I wouldn't repeat my past mistakes. But... I really want to protect them, too. I don't have the means to do that right now... I've hit the ceiling and I can't break through it, no matter what I do.

[Eventually, she falls to her knees, sitting on her haunches and curling her wings around her. She's tired. Tired physically, and emotionally... and tired of everything around her.]

I don't know anymore. I don't know where to go or what to do. I don't know who else to turn to but the very deity my other friends have bound themselves to. I just... I want to help them so much...

[fromthefog]

[For a long moment, Rio is alone, curled into herself with nothing but whispers of the fog all around her. Chanting, snickering, the fog itself seems to mock her cries. It grows louder and louder, almost unbearably so--

And then, there is silence.

A sudden wind envelopes the gargoyle, cooling her naturally heated body, a gentle but firm presence. Another whisper makes its way into her ear, but this one is far more inviting, warm despite the cool air… though, as is her nature, there is just a tinge of menace to it as well.]

Shh… rest child, rest. You are strong, are you not? All this time you’ve resisted my gift, and yet you have still found the will to fight on, to strike against both me and the imposter. Even as one that denies me, you have made me proud, child...

[A breeze combs through her hair, not unlike one fondly stroking a pet.]

Your companions too are my children. I seek to help them, to empower them… And I wish the same for you.

You’ve fought so hard on your strength alone, child. Come… rest. And awaken with me by your side. Awaken with the strength you desire.

4/6

[goryteller]

Hello, Fog God.

[Pause.]

This feels silly somehow.

[Pause.]

Sorry, I-- I'm not very good at prayer. When I think about life and death and God and all that, I usually just end up writing stories. You know, like, um: "a man walks up to a forest in the fog and asks, can you save my brother?"

[Pause.]

Sounds more like a lead up to a joke than a story. Or a prayer.

[Pause.]

So a man walks up to a forest in the fog, and he asks the fog, can you save my brother? Because he-- Because I don't what I'm doing in this place. I'm not interesting. I can't fight. If I tried to throw a punch, I'd probably break my thumb because I keep trying to tuck it into my fist all automatic-like.

All I do is stay inside and write stories. That's all I do. And I'm sure-- I'm sure you have a reason for bringing me here, but I can't see what it is.

If that were the only problem, that would be fine. I d-don't want to transform into a m-monster, but that's fine because it's my problem and my problem alone. If it's a punishment for past sins, I get it. If you want to turn me into a pawn because you like seeing me jump, I get it.

But my brother is sick and alone, and he's in prison for something he didn't do, for something that might be my fault, and-- and he'll probably be executed if I don't go back to help him, so please, please let me go home so that I can care of him. You can take me again once he's safe, and then you can do anything to me. Y-You can do your worst. I'll throw a million punches and break my thumbs a million times.

Please. Please.

[fromthefog]

As he finishes his prayer, walls and windows begin to rattle. Fog creeps into the area. . .under doors, through cracks, where ever it can seep through. A chatter, dozens of voices speak at once, but form a hushed, unison whisper. It’s as if they’re all right in his ear, a chill tingling on his flesh, their words only for him to hear.

“Such a sad story,” the voices quietly echo, all agreeing with one another.

“Child. I care not for whatever power you wielded in your former life. Human sin, the guilt that weighs on your shoulders… I wish to bury it in the ground. For you, all of you, to begin life anew.”

If only for a moment, the chorus of voices sounds joyous, but it quickly tapers off, solemn, and distance.

“But as I am now… I can promise nothing for him. There is a leech, a parasite that drains my power with each passing day… If I could drag you all from your wretched lives as mortals, my child, I would. But perhaps, one day. . .”

The whispers begin to fade, one by one, growing quieter and quieter.

“Be well, child. May you find peace in my gift.”

16/4

[getmeoutofthedraft]

Hey, is this thing on? Test, test, 1-2-3.

Someone said this is the way to contact you, so if you're the Fog God, hi, I guess. I'm Hawkeye Pierce, which I guess you probably know if you brought us here, come to think of it.

So, hey. I don't know if you've noticed, but you're kind of screwing with everybody right now. You and that other guy.

Just a thought. Bear with me. A dazzling new suggestion. Maybe don't do this crap!

I don't give a damn what your beef is with the other guy, and I don't give a damn who wins, but speaking as a professional doctor, I happen to like days off! I don't like this "let's all murder each other" game, it interrupts my golf. I'm also not hugely keen on my new business partner going AWOL, by the way.

Look, whatever the hell you're playing at, people are dying. Your people, for God's sake!

I'm talking to the other guy as well. I don't know how this works, if I'm meant to sacrifice my firstborn or something, or how you answer, if you're even real. But I'm asking you nicely, please, can you maybe talk it out like adults instead of breaking each others' toys? Because that doesn't usually work even when the toys aren't people.

If you're up to it, how about this? Peace talks outside town, just you and the other guy and, I don't know, your high priests or whatever? What about Monday? How's Monday for you? I'll even come out and bring cocktails and a picnic, just sit down and have a goddamn peace conference!

[fromthefog]

It’s been a while since Hawkeye’s seemingly useless prayer. A few days after the event’s end, really.

But one night, as he closes up the clinic, a fierce wind blows through, snapping the windows wide open, rattling glass. It swirls all around, and just as quickly as it roars through, it’s gone.

In its wake, a simple note has found its way on a table. While the paper and handwriting itself is impossibly neat and proper, it’s tinged red with blood, and its edges are ragged, as if being shred by claws.

The note itself reads:

This was no mere ‘game’. When a petulant child throws a tantrum, they must be disciplined. If they are not, they will grab at what is not theirs - first my power, then my sister’s, and now all of you.

As for your invite... such humanly vices, these “cocktails.” They are beneath me, but there is some sentiment towards your gesture. Be well, young one..

4/23

[maskinglayer]

Hi Fog-sama! I made you something today! Well I've been making it for a little while, but I finally finished it today.

[Jataro holds a staff up towards the sky, so she can see it. Because where else would she be? Some of the decorations are strikingly similar to parts from a certain Fourth priest. After a moment he brings it back down.]

The Fourth God stole your power, right? I want to try and help, and magical staffs are always super helpful when all sorts of things need to use power and magic and stuff. I'm really sorry he took your magic. I hope this helps.

[Carefully the child turns it in his hand - it's a little difficult, since it's made for an adult and not someone as small as him - looks it over.]

I made it with a branch from the woods! The ones that are filled with fog now. La...Lei...um. Those ones...I hope you know which ones I'm talking about. Shingetsu-kun said it was okay. And I got this really amazing crystal to put in it, since all staffs have those. But I think the best part is the snake skin and snake rattle! I killed one of his priests for them! Mitsuhide-san and I did it together! The rattle even makes sound when you shake it still, listen!

[A quick demonstration. Who doesn't enjoy a good snake rattle?]

I really hope it helps! And I hope if I leave it here out of the way, you'll be able to get it...I don't want anyone to steal it or anything. I'm going to make you more things too. I'll paint pictures for you and when I finally get the stuff, I'm gonna make you really great dioramas! Because I'm really grateful. I wanna thank you a lot for taking me and Shingetsu-kun and bringing us here. A lot a lot! And...nobody's ever really believed in me or wanted me for anything so...I'm really glad. I'll try really hard for you, okay? I promise!!

["Leaving it here" meaning in Dyster. Surely she'll get it here, or it'll at least help her if it's left in her domain!

And this is where I'm going to mention that he prays to her every night and has been doing so since joining. "Prays" more like just talking to her and telling her about what he's done and how much he loves being a monster, whether or not she answers. And he's going to continue doing so but I'm only mentioning it here because nobody needs me constantly hitting this up.]

[fromthefog]

[Shortly after leaving his gift in Dyster, a brisk wind picks up. It blows through Jataro’s hair, the equivalent of an affectionate ruffle, but also briefly obscuring his eyes. Once the wind ceases, wherever Jataro left the staff, it is gone.

Sometimes, when he prays, he’ll hear a faint rattling noise. The fog god seems to be very fond of her priest-skin prize.]

he has a LOT of questions

[shootaro]

Hey, um... Fog?

Look. I'm not following you or anything, alright? I want no part in this war you've got going on, now more than ever, but...

Between you and the Fourth, you're the most like a god.

Zekrom and Reshiram, the Legendary Pokemon people worshipped back home, tested their heroes too. Reshiram, for example, would attack them, test their resolve, then protect them like a mother.

We believed the lightning were hammers of justice by which Zekrom judged us. When my body started changing at first, I thought it must've been your judgment... it came with the fog, so...

Is this your judgment?

Are we being punished?

Or are they gifts like Mr. Noa said?

And if they're gifts and if you love us— and I find that hard to doubt after you saved us from those dreams— why were the conduits killed? Why did they even exist, why was the land corrupted? Surely, you knew something like that would happen...?

What dod you hope to achieve?

04/22

[expectional]

[It's only once he and Jataro have settled themselves back in their room in Dyster that Nagisa decides to give The Fog his report. Because it's only natural to do something like that in this sort of situation, right? The corruption conflict is over, and it's possible that she hadn't seen everything he'd done. She had lots of things to keep her eyes on, after all.]

[But more importantly...]

I'm sorry. [He's left the room so that he could talk to The Fog privately. As much as he trusts and cares for Jataro, he doesn't really need to be here for this conversation. The little nymph hangs his head slightly, the vines and leaves that comprise his hair drooping slightly.] You wanted me to protect them, and in the end I wasn't able to do that. But...please give me another chance in the future. I may have failed to meet your expectations this time, but next time I won't! I won't let you down!

[His all-green eyes become glassy and wet, but he doesn't cry. He's not going to cry now. Later, maybe, but not while he's apologizing and reporting.]

I know it doesn't excuse my poor performance, but I did try as hard as I could to do what you asked. I was able to misdirect several of the neutrals and gain useful information from them. Not a single one suspected my true alliance. One of them even ended up killing one of his followers on my information, although she wasn't a conduit like I had suspected. I also managed to get one of his followers to turn spy for me. His information was useless this time, but I may be able to make use of him again in the future. He's a stupid, exploitable adult and he fears me.

[Choromatsu basically just HANDED him his biggest weakness, I mean really. All he has to do is keep threatening the lives of the Matsuno brothers, and the third eldest will do whatever he wants.]

[You know...in theory.]

So...that concludes my report, Fog-sama. [He bows deeply.] I once again ask your forgiveness, as well as give you my gratitude for all that you've done for myself and Jataro thusfar.

[Please don't be mad at him, Fog God. Please.]

[fromthefog]

When Nagisa bows, he’ll suddenly feel a weight on the top of his head. Firm, but gentle; cold, but not harsh. The tips of his aloe vera cowlicks may frost over just a bit, but it will not harm him. After a moment, the weight moves, the sensation of a simple pat on the head.

“Well done,” a voice echoes. It’s the fog god, of course, her words heavy with pride.

“The imposter’s fools slipped by on mere luck and cowardice. But my lovely children arose to every challenge, to every slight. And you too, little sapling… you risked so much. But you are clever, resourceful- they could not equal you. Be proud, child.”

The presence begins to fade, as if turning her back.

“The imposter’s victory will be brief, fleeting. There is more to come. And I shall expect great things from you then. I know now, you will not disappoint me.”

shortly after nightfall event

[peccatore]

Get out.

[He's kneeling in bed, a hand held up to his chest almost like he wants to dig in and rip his own heart out. There is no doubt in his mind that the Fog God can hear him.]

Your victories, they're-- shrinking. You have the Woods, but Elias - Elias, Elias - he, his territory... You can't touch it. People are upset, b-but I understand. Necessary sacrifices. You will never taint those places again.

[He clenches his hand over his chest. If only he could reach in--]

N-Now.

Now get out of me. Get out of my head. It's your voice, isn't it? It's always been you. Faking, pretending, trying to... to lead me astray. Isn't the hunger enough? Haven't you done enough to me? To us?

I-I'll feel human again, one day. Whatever it takes. I will purge you.

Re: shortly after nightfall event

[fromthefog]

The next time Marco goes for a swim--perhaps in the lake, or even when he goes to wash his face… a faint cackle will slowly fill the air. Laughter, bitter, mocking, it echoes in his head, colliding with the network matrix in there. Should he look around for a source, he’ll lock eyes with his reflection. Several, reflections. All wrong. Marco grins back at himself, eyes wide and feral, teeth long and jagged, flesh hanging from his lips as he laughs and laughs.

“Just try and try and TRY,” the fog rings out, her voice unmistakable. “Try until you drag the imposter to tHE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE!!”

A scream. The reflection, or the real Marco’s?

Either way, it passes, and all is normal once again.

During changes

[godofthemachine]

What have you done to me?!

[To once more take on the form of that which he hates so much - a human. Not only that, but to become so very vulnerable once more.]

Is this because I failed to keep the labs corrupted?

[fromthefog]

[Fingers can be felt upon AM, and the wind whips as the Fog God speaks. The usual whispers that accompany her voice are indiscernible, their emotions masked. Are they displeased, angry, taunting? It's impossible to tell.]

You failed to maintain the power I gave you, and I nearly lost it all to the usurper. But even so, you were loyal. This is not my punishment, my pet.

[ The fingers tighten on AM's shoulders. ]

This is his doing. Know this, and bring what retribution you may.

[witchofwishes]

Dearest Fog God,

I was told to write a letter to you so here it is~

In the past I've spoken to a few Gods. Some I've been able to help. Others just like to talk. I even helped create a few once. (In name only, I should add.) I am not unfamiliar to what you are. You are Goddess. Bright and beautiful and a force to be reckoned with. Oh, and of course incredibly powerful. To so easily bring people here. To call back the dead. To change us into something else. It's remarkable. I used to be able to bring people to other worlds but what you do is something else entirely.

As I am sure you know, I was once was a powerful witch but I was bound and chained to the rules of my magic. They were so very tight and restrictive where even my own emotions had to be treated with care. Even the powerful ones around me could not even wish silently in their hearts in fear of my own magic reacting in some way. A silent wish from a wizard broke the world I existed in.

I guess, you could call it a curse. And in death I was finally free from it all.

But~ you have brought me here. Alive but powerless and you have offered me a chance to live as I have not been able to. After hundreds of years of being stuck in time and dead not only am I alive but you have turned me into something that will very soon bloom life! A reminder that I am not dead any longer and will never have to live the way I did before.

I'm almost afraid to be as happy as I am because such things usually come at a cost. But... I can be. You gave me this freedom.

Kind Fog God, I say this as sincerely as I am able... I am so very thankful to you. And the kindness you offered me must be returned in some way. Such is the way of the world. One good deed deserves another to keep the balance of all in order.

I granted wishes back home. That is still something I'd like to do. I intend to, in whatever way I can. But I'd like to grant your wish specifically, whatever it may be. For bringing me here, giving me this gift, removing my chains... for everything. It's the very least I can do for you.

Oh! And before I forget... There seems to be a common trend of calling you a witch, as if that should be an offensive term. I imagine it's so others don't have to call you by what you are. I find it rude. I'm a witch. That mysterious woman who collects coins is a witch. But you are not. And I will see what I can do about putting an end to that. It's offensive to actual witches and no doubt, to you. (Regardless of your wish, I will take care of this nasty business!)

There's all sorts of things that I don't particularly care for. False Gods and ungrateful behavior... It's all unpleasant.

So tell me your wish, and I will grant it. I'm quite good at it, you know~ With or without magic there are still lots of things that I can do. Perhaps even more now that I've been given the chance. And if you don't have any wishes still consider me someone on your side. Humans that call themselves Gods are usually the worst in my experience. I'm sure you'd agree.

For too long I sat on the sidelines, unable to help, and watching others clean up the messes I created. That no longer has to be so. If there is a chance to do something I would like to do it. Allow me to grant a wish of some kind, whatever it may be.

Until then... Be well Fog God.

Yuuko Ichihara ღ

[fromthefog]

You need not fear the happiness you feel. This gift of life and a second chance that I have given you is genuine, and this new form I've bestowed will aid you and continue to let you feel the same freedom you do now. You should embrace your happiness. It is what I wish for all of my children.

Truthfully, I am not insulted by those who call me witch. The ones who use that word do so out of fear, and those who disrespect me should fear my wrath. I am glad that there are those who see me for what I truly am, and it pleases me you are among them. However, I understand the insult towards your beloved profession. Do unto those who utter falsehoods what you wish.

You will be glad to know that my wish is within your power to grant: I ask only that you serve me faithfully. I am certain there will be many chances for you to aid me in the future.

We will speak soon, my child.

[Towards the bottom, there appears to be a postscript, though it isn't labeled with "P.S."]

I do like this trend of writing letters. It pleases me that there are still those who appreciate such an antiquated method of communication. But should you need me, know that you may call for me wherever you are. The moment you think of me, you have invited me in, and I am beside you.