161 -- [locked from the Other Mother and hostiles]

[illuminatings]

...Has anyone here come in contact with the Other Mother?

She took on the form of my own mama, then with Tailmon, her own mother, and I'm not sure with Reiko.

Comments

Locked!

[glompwitch.livejournal.com]

Just ignore her.

And if she's seriously getting to you, have Pid do this or that or something to distract you. She perfectly well can if you ask.

Locked!

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

...

Uh.

Really?

Re: Locked!

[glompwitch.livejournal.com]

Unless her spine has literally been permanently erased from her body, she would for someone who sincerely asked.

Locked!

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

But, I don't want to ask that tall of an order from her.

Re: Locked!

[glompwitch.livejournal.com]

I'm only talking about you going through some dream investigations with her. If you're developing mother issues, it could be worth investigating them...

Locked!

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

But, I really don't have mother issues. I just miss her, is all.

See, after I got my wound on my back that scarred over by now, my mama took it upon herself to get me the medical treatment necessary, so she took me over to Tokyo by herself while I spent six months in a comatose state

During that time, I don't know if to get money, since we operate on a reciprocal altruism system in our village and rely on trading with our allies, she had to prostitute herself or work two or three jobs at the same time just to pay my hospital bills because I wasn't registered with the Japanese system.

But, I respect my mama wholeheartedly and always look to her for strength. I trust her with everything and anything. Therefore, I do not have any kinds of mother issues to speak of. My family, despite my grandfather being constantly ill, always helps out people no matter the cost or the time the task needed.

So, there you go.

Re: Locked!

[glompwitch.livejournal.com]

... Missing her is exactly what I was talking about. The rest of it sets up that you deeply care for her... Which appears to be precisely what this "Other Mother" figure preys upon.

I'm relatively fortunate; my mother passed on when I was in my early twenties, after a relatively long and fulfilling life. I miss her in a loose sense, but her soul passed on well. As far as from literal birth, I'm in my fourties now, though I count myself as much younger - demonic life scales are quite different, after all. It's kinda why I chose to take the upgrade.

[shirou-machi.livejournal.com]

She can't do jack to you if you don't let her.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

Even if she made me think that my mama really did come here?

[shirou-machi.livejournal.com]

Which are you going to trust more? An illusive piece of inconsistent scrap data, or your brain?

The only problem, and I mean the only problem, is that you don't trust yourself. Creatures like her prey on equal parts uncertainty and insecurity. You can only fall for a trap that relies on your own memories if you don't have faith in your own judgment.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

My brain, of course.

[...] [ Well, Shirou, you hit the nail right on the head with that one. She's been getting better at that, but still needs some work. ] I...see...

It makes sense. Thank you, Dung Beetle.

Guess I needed a little verbal slap, huh?

[shirou-machi.livejournal.com]

Ah, slapping. One of my very favorite hobbies. Let's make it a real one next time.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

Hey, even if I'm smaller than you, I pack a powerful punch.

[shirou-machi.livejournal.com]

["La Cucaracha" is suddenly blasting out of Hoshi's device. This may be the more annoying equivalent of refusing to cooperate.]

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

[ GAH WTF ]

Where are you so that I can throttle you properly!

[shirou-machi.livejournal.com]

Look behind you.

[dontsayimshort.livejournal.com]

Other Mother got to you too, huh?

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but after Dung Beetle calmed me down, I'm feeling a little better from it. Still was surreal as shit, though.

[dontsayimshort.livejournal.com]

Well, you're not alone that's for sure. There's been a lot of pain caused by her since her arrival, and some confusion too.

... There's this kid who thinks she isn't half bad, but I don't have a great feeling about her.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

I'm a tough cookie, but I'll make sure to keep my wits about me.

Mm... I see.

[dontsayimshort.livejournal.com]

That's good to hear! I'm Edward Elric, by the way.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

Yeah.

I'm Hoshi Hikari-Kyoyama, Heavy Division to DATS. Nice to meet you.

[dontsayimshort.livejournal.com]

Nice to meet you too, Hoshi. I've heard of DATS. I'm waiting to hear from Vice Comander Ivan to see whats going on. I was a State Alchemist from where I came from, and wanted to be able to help people here.

[soul-on-light.livejournal.com]

Oh, Vice Commander Ivan trains me. He's a good guy. Strict, but good.

Ooh, I think I've heard of you from Sabine.

[dontsayimshort.livejournal.com]

Ah, I'm used to stict. Besides, I can't stand just sitting around doing nothing all day!

Yeah, Sabine's an Alchemist like me. She said there used to be another me here awhile ago. She's a really great person to go to when things aren't going well.