#I should try something different

[the-unseen1]

7. Fulfilling an old promise

The Seeker and the mysterious Stranger (Part 7of 7)

7. Fulfilling an old promise

“What are you talking about,” the Seeker asks confusedly. “What promise? I didn't promise anything to you.”

A flock of Thirty birds is flying through the sky, chirping a song of foreboding calmness. Their harmonious tune, like the prelude of a powerful symphony.

The mysterious stranger grins.

“Long, long time ago, there was a promise made. That after roaming around for centuries, being lost in the darkness, we will find a path. That we'll pave a way of love and light*.* That the old flame that has been burning in our eyes will be rekindled again. That the broken shall be pieced together, that the hidden shall be revealed, that the lost shall be found again.

A forgotten memory, hidden deep inside of you. Like a beautiful dream, which you can't remember. Like an itch in an unreachable area. Like the melody of a song you are trying to remember. You can't grasp it. You can't express it with words... But there's this knowing... Isn't there? Since your childhood you have been searching for it, haven't you?”

The orchestra of birds is singing their rising hymn in unison. Their song echoes through the forest, getting louder and louder, increasing in strength by each passing minute.

“You are talking nonsense,” the Seeker shouts nervously. “You don't know me. You don't know anything about me... So stop trying to get me confused!”

“Oh man,” the mysterious stranger sighs. “Did you really forget everything? Come on, remember what I told you, when we met in your dreams.”

The symphony of the birds is nearing its crescendo. The flock of birds spreads out, as each bird lands on a tree. Their rhythm, coming ever closer to its climax.

“Wha- In- In my Dreams?” the Seeker asks confused, shaking their head. “No... no this can't be. You are messing with me.”

The mysterious stranger breathes in deeply. Suddenly all birds fall silent, observing the two on the bench, as the mysterious stranger begins humming a tune. The chorus of the symphony of birds. A melody that sounds familiar to the seeker.

“We will meet again,” the mysterious stranger sings in the most beautiful melody.

As the stranger sings the promised words, all the birds join in the chorus. The song reaches its peak. The birds fly from their trees, forming another flock, dancing through the sky in joy, as their powerful hymn reaches the furthest corners of the forest.

Suddenly the Seeker feels this strange wave of energy moving in their spine.

“Stop it,” demands the Seeker, engulfed by fear. “Shut up!”

The stranger stops. Sudden silence. The quiet birds hide again within the trees.

After the Seeker calms down, the Stranger opens his mouth again:

“I fully respect, if you don't want to go any further. I understand, if this frightens you. I mean it is weird after all, isn't it? As if I were speaking to you directly... It's up to you. If you are not interested, then ignore this and just continue as usual.

However, there is a reason that we are holding this conversation. There is a reason that we are here right now... You, hearing my words spoken to you... Is there really nothing more to this? If you are not ready to embark on this journey, it would be better if you go now.”

The Seeker remains silent. They are thinking about, how they were occupying the bench first.

“Ah, so you are still here,” the mysterious stranger speaks joyfully after some time.

“I'm glad you have decided to stay. Someday you will understand the significance of this decision.”

“Well...,” the Seeker comments with a confused face. “This is my bench.”

Some of the birds start chirping again, as they remain hidden in the trees. Slowly, one bird, after another joins the song again.

“Anyway,” the stranger continues.

“You have heard it, haven't you? The great call. It might have reached you in your dreams, in your thoughts or in your feelings. I tell you this: You are not alone. Many have heard it... It resounded in our hearts, like a great wave of relief, of joy, of hope. Throughout the globe, many joined the orchestra of life. Adding their own unique voice to this amazing symphony.

I know that you have heard it. I know that you have felt it deep within. The dawn of something great. A new path has unfolded in front of us. Now we can walk together. We have made our choice. We have chosen love before selfishness, we have chosen light before darkness. Now it's up to each and everyone to do their part.

I know, the task seems impossible. I know that you are scared to stand up. You want to keep things as they are. You want to continue waiting here on this bench, all by yourself. You tell yourself, that this is normal, you tell yourself, that this is where you should be. This is what's expected of you. This is safe.

Stop telling yourself that you are content, if you aren't. Is this really what fulfills you? Ask yourself, if this is truly were you are supposed to be. Don't you know deep down, that there is more to life? Can't you hear this quiet voice, deep within your heart, calling for your name?”

The symphony of birds is rising again. Some leave their tree, flying freely through the open sky. Other birds are joining them, as the song of hope is rising once again.

The Seeker bursts into tears. “I can't... No, no, no... I am not ready to make this step... What will people think of me? What if it leads to pain? What if I fail? I am too afraid to do this all alone...”

The stranger suddenly stands up.

“There is no need to be afraid,” he speaks in a reassuring voice. “You don't need to walk this path alone. Because I will be with you. Let us walk together, side by side and find our way. Not as teacher and student, not as leader and follower, but as two old friends. As equals, with the common goal of reaching the top of the tallest mountain.”

The stranger points with his index finger at a mountain in the far distance, so high, that it melts with the blue sky.

“There, dear Seeker, at Axis Mundi, the two of us will find together what we have been searching for. We will end the everlasting seeking once and for all.”

The stranger stretches his hand towards the Seeker. The Seeker remains hesitant:

“I can't... no really, you expect too much from me. I mean... I don't even know you... Why should I trust you... How can I know for certain that you won't abuse my trust... my goodwill...”

“We are all in this together, my old friend,” the stranger says with a big grin on his face. “If you may allow me... I would like to share something with you.”

“Go ahead,” says the Seeker, pointing their head downwards.

As the birds in the sky are increasing in numbers, their song reaching once again the chorus, the flock is forming beautiful patterns. From the depths of the forest, all animals appear, quietly listening to the wonderful melody. Squirrels, rabbits, foxes, deers, wolves and bears. All observing in silent expectation.

The mysterious stranger whispers secret words into the ear of the Seeker. Words that only the reader knows.

Deep within their minds, forgotten words rise again to the surface.

Yes, it is that, what you are thinking.

Again the orchestra reaches it's climax. All birds in unison sing the chorus of the sacred song. “WE WILL MEET AGAIN.”

Even the mammals join the chorus. From behind the bushes, in the shadows of the trees and from within the long grass, they join the great symphony, adding with their unique voice and sound. Even the bear growls and the wolf howls the song of hope and liberation... All together, humming a melody, once forgotten, but deep within the heart always remembered.

As the Seeker listens, they again feel a wave of heat and energy moving through their body. Even more powerful than before. The Seeker raises their head upwards and for the first time, since the stranger sat himself beside them, they gaze directly into his eyes. Only now did they realize that the eyes of the stranger were burning, as if they were made of flames.

“Ok,” the Seeker says, grasping the hand of the Stranger and letting themself be lifted from the bench.

“For now... I'll let you walk by my side... But let this be clear: This does not mean I trust you... I am just curious, what will happen next.”

The Stranger chuckles.

“Frankly, I don't give a damn, whether you trust me or not. All that matters is that you are trusting yourself... I mean seriously, why are you so insecure? There is no need to be afraid. You are so much stronger than you think you are. You don't even see your own greatness. Why can't you see how wonderful you are?

I can see it so clearly... I don't even need to know you personally... Because no matter who you are, no matter where you are, no matter when you are, the fire of humanity is burning deep within you. So don't be afraid. There's no need for fear. If you could see yourself, as I see you, you would understand.”

The Seeker silently nods their head and takes a deep breath. They take their first step forward on a journey that would change their life forever. Side by Side, the Seeker and the Stranger are walking through the forest, leaving the bench behind.

“So,” the Seeker asks. “What's the matter with these eyes of yours?”

“Let me put it this way,” the mysterious Stranger laughs.

“One day, your eyes will burn as well.”

Even though they couldn't imagine in a million years, where the path would lead them, the Seeker felt an emergence of new excitement and joy, deep inside their heart. As they traversed into the Unknown land ahead, the Seeker realized that this was the beginning of a great adventure.

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Now, we have met again. The time has come. The long awaited signal was given. The promised words were spoken. The code is now remembered. The wait is over, the call for action is sent. It's time to step up and walk the path. As the Seeker made their choice, so did the Reader.

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TO BE CONTINUED

[theygender]

The more I learn about judaism the more I wonder where tf christianity got all its bad shit. Why is divorce a sin in christianity when judaism has recognized the right to divorce for nearly a millennia and has codified religious laws for it. Why does christianity consider sex to be dirty (to the point where puritans considered it a sin to enjoy having sex with your own spouse) when in judaism it's considered holy and it's a literal mitzvah to have sex with your spouse on the sabbath. Why does christianity consider it a sign that you're faithless if you question your religion when in judaism that's considered an essential part to developing your faith. I'm probably stating the obvious here but I still can't get over the fact that there's no historical basis to any of this shit before christianity started, it's like christians just said "hey guys what if we took the torah and built a new religion around it but this time it was actively hostile to human life"

[opportunity-strikes]

hey so this is your permission not to improve at your hobbies. you dont gotta do more or try new things with it. you arent obligated. are you happy drawing the same 3/4 profile headshot of your blorbo??? do that. enjoy walking but dont wanna go further than your usual route at your usual pace? dont. enjoy collecting trading cards but dont actually like playing the game? never play the game. like learning the names of birds but dont care about their calls? just learn those names babeeeyyyy.

do what you want as you want and as many times as you want in the ways you want to. i am actually asking you to do this. you dont even need to get better. crush that weird feeling that you need to be doing 'more'. the goal doesnt have to be improvement. it might happen incidentally but like, thats whatever. you can set the goalposts and then just sit by them and enjoy the scenery. if you decide to move them or get up and sit somewhere else thats cool, but you dont gotta. doing things that make you happy is enough

[daisywords]

can't believe it's 2022 and we still have posts around about not overusing "said" like seriously? Imagine if I made a list of words to use instead of "and." wouldn't that be stupid?

[lazylittledragon]

y'know what. sometimes there is something wrong with you. and i don't mean in a "you are broken and that makes you unworthy" way, just in the "your brain/body does not work the way it's expected to and that's why things are so hard" way

like as someone who grew up constantly being told there was nothing wrong with me and i just had to try harder to clean/socialise/work, knowing i had ADHD earlier would've saved me a LOT of guilt. knowing i have IBS would've prevented a lot of pain/embarrassment from not being able to manage it yet. i wish someone had told me there was a reason i couldn't do things instead of just telling me i was fine. people reassuring me i didn't have any issues to spare me the shame of being "different" only made me feel worse about not being able to function like everyone else!!!

idk sometimes i just wish i knew there was something different about me sooner bc then i would've had an explanation and a way to get better instead of just a lot of self loathing

[shitpostingkats]

Riz Gukgak and his bloody hands

SUCH a metal visual and motif. Kalina, Baron, they tease him for it, they twist it into one of his worst qualities, just as they belittle that he his heart, leverage his fear that he cannot love anyone enough.

Riz Gukgak loves. He will claw himself to shreds on love. He will dig through reality, lacerating himself on crystal, just to help his childhood friend. He will hiss at the devil, he will bite out eyes, he will do anything to help his friends feel safe. He will attempt to eat an entire dragon. Out of love for a father he barely knew.

"That’s you saying “I love you” to the people who matter to you the most."

[skrrtscree]

the ghost of you 🤍🪻

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Recap of Carmy being clueless...

He gets it right sometimes

Hopefully he gets it right by the end of the series.

[3amsnek]

weird (not quite) autumn- one layer practice Mae with some vague leaves stuck on for funsies

[snekdood]

"if we make america worse and more of a dictatorship that will be even harder to unravel and make it the way we want the country to be, maybe then everyone will join our Glorious Revolution!" bb girl you cant even be in the same room with someone who thinks you should vote, how in tf do you think you're gonna unite people to fight in The Revolution with you? it's gonna be you and your 5 friends, i hate to break it to you.

[tutterypuff]

tbh though if you look at the older episodes, Betty was always like absolutely 100% fully and irrevocably unhinged, and her going insane was barely a departure from the status quo at all

like this woman is and always was nuts, and I think it's for everyone's benefit that they're both equally obsessed with each other, because that means nobody else ever has to get involved with their fucked up dynamic

I think it's less that she put her life on hold for Simon's benefit, but that she's a scary lady who knows exactly what she wants, and what she wants is a relationship with a nice autistic guy who's really into femdom

[hotdogmchiggin]

Sbubby Eef Freef

drew some focking guys. Look at them. Look at them. Look at them.

BONUS. I thought it’d be really really funny if they were in the dark.

[suntails]

loyalty

[1960z]

how people go about interpreting dr bashir I presume? really frustrates me sometimes ngl especially the “jules bashir died” scene.

like that whole scene is about julian revealing the depth of how deeply his augmentations fractured his sense of identity and who he is - which feeds into the themes of the whole episode surrounding how disability and then by extension disabled people are often viewed as a problem to be solved and because of that are often denied the ability to have fulfilling lives because the able bodied people around them don’t believe that they can.

but… idk, when the fandom talks about it there’s always seems to be a push to read a trans allegory into it that I don’t think is really there? I keep mulling over this post in my mind and when I initially reblogged it I didn’t really want to talk about this because the post is about how stories about racism can be hijacked by white people to be made about their own transness and it felt like as a white person, using that post to complain about ableism would be missing the point. but it really helped me articulate in my mind why the trans reading of this episode feels off to me because the same general principle seems to apply and that is taking a story trying to discuss a specific type of marginalisation and putting a trans reading above it because you can relate more to it personally.

“jules bashir died in that hospital because you couldn't live with the shame of having a son who didn't measure up!” this scene is the culmination of julian expressing his pain about what was done to him as a disabled child by his parents due to how they viewed his disability. but often when I see it being discussed, people aren’t really interested in talking about that. instead supplanting it with a trans reading instead which, in my opinion is an allegory that doesn’t even really work when you think about what’s going on in the broader context of the scene.

julian didn’t stop going by jules because he came to the conclusion on his own that the identity didn’t suit him similar to the way a trans person questions or rejects the gender they were assigned at birth, he stopped going by jules because he felt like the identity attached to that name was taken from him because of what his parents did. it’s not julian affirming who he wants to be it’s grieving over who he can’t be and to me at least, it’s honestly kind of harrowing.

and as an aside: when people read transness into a story about parents who change their child’s body and mind at a very young age without consent, which is literally a narrative projected onto trans people by transphobes to justify the curtailing of trans rights, that also doesn’t sit well with me. I think people latch onto this reading because of the idea of “killing a name” but again in the context of the whole episode the trans reading really doesn’t feel appropriate.

I think it’s okay for people to have trans headcanons about julian of course or literally any character they want to really, but I think saying that specific episode codes him as trans isn’t all that great honestly.

[absolem0]

experimental Ichigo for a change

[the-gayest-sky-kid]

i think sometimes people forget dazai is 15 in fifteen