Seeking A Substitution

[Anima]

"Yes. I realize you might find this distasteful, but I also wish to restore democratic capitalism, but not in the corrupt form you are familiar with."

[Nuru Askari]

"I would like to see things return to tradition. Where people farm and live in communities. Where life and nature is something to be celebrated. I am not a capitalist or a communist. Both are just a banner to enslave the world."

I look to the sky as if some answer will come from it. As if maybe the clouds will part and the world can be recycled. People will return to the Earth, to the family, and to love.

"But I don't think we can turn back. We have gone too far and destroyed too much. We have forgotten how to be humane and simple."

[Anima]

"It is the bane of progress, one might say."

[Anutsaka]

Turning to the newcomer, he says, "Welcome! It's good to know there are still pacifists among the ranks of the rebels... but there is a difference between Eternal Light and the rebels. Eternal Light will work with anyone having good intentions, and that means even Red Infinity. Even I'm on good terms with Lady Violet. Just keep that in mind. Do you still want to join Eternal Light, or maybe just the rebels? Some rebels hold deep grudges against the ruling government and could never bring themselves to what Eternal Light governs its people by."

To Iltanesh, "Perhaps we should move to a different position. We could have Yakkul track for us."

Anutsaka sings the serenade of Yakkul as his furry friend comes trotting into view.

Telepathically, Anutsaka says, 'Yakkul... please see if you can lead us to the forest spirit who dwells in this forest.'

With an affirmative call, Yakkul begins to trot deeper into the forest.

"It seems we've got something, Iltanesh! Yakkul will lead the way! Come Indira, we've work to do!" Anutsaka exclaims as he begins to run after his companion.

[Nuru Askari]

"I think we are on a course to destroy ourselves. But we will be renewed. This is nothing more than a season in a very long cycle. But never has a season been so bleak."

I feel uncomfortable talking about this. It makes me feel hopeless and powerless. I stick a piece of gum in my mouth and start to chew.

"Want some gum?"

I offer him a stick of green, mint flavored gum.

[Indira]

I follow Anutsaka into the forest, feeling very shy. I have many questions to ask him.

I will join the rebels for now. I am not religious anyway. But do you know anything about Jainism? My parents...nevermind.
I decide to be silent about their run in with the League of the Godless. But there is so much I want to know. Which is why I am here.

[Iltanesh]

I follow after Anutsaka, using my superhuman speed to attempt to keep pace with him.

[Anima]

"Thank you for the offer, but I am all right." I say. "Being an angel, I wouldn't taste it anyways."

[KitsuneHime]

Suzumi glanced over her shoulder at Riku, replying,

"Oh, I think there might be some sort of plans for a base already. I'm not sure if we would be going to Japan without some sort of idea of where we could be accommodated."

She shrugged her shoulders, and wondered exactly where in Japan they would be going. Perhaps they should wait for the other people on the list to come, so they could discuss what would be happening.

[Nuru Askari]

In the presense on an angel I feel very dirty and imperfect. I am ugly with tattered clothes. My soul is ugly with bloodshed.

"I will not waste more of your time."

I back off bowing my head. Angels are beautiful and he is no exception. I feel like a swamp dwelling creature. I turn away and begin to walk off to find other rebels.

[Anima]

I nod, and lean up against a nearby wall, resting.

[Anutsaka]

Still running and looking only in front, Anutsaka responds, "I know much about Jainism, Indira! We will speak once we have spoken to the forest spirit. Right now, this takes top priority!"

Before they know it, running at such high speeds, they find themselves in a dark thicket, cool, and peaceful with a still and calm pond, all around them, except for the way back.

"We do not wish to alarm the spirit or incure its wrath! We must be still!" Anutsaka exclaims, his mind completely focused on the situation at hand, putting a finger to his mouth.

[Iltanesh]

I stop. I can sense the spirit's presence. I can probably make contact with it, but I will not make any movements unless asked to do so.

((Are you going to control the spirit Anutsaka?))

[Indira]

Good, thankyou
I follow along trying to remember what my parents were like and what they believed. I know that they were very peaceful. They would kill no animal or plant. I was so young that it is very hard to remember. I think that all I have from them is my own diet. Since I am a frutarian as well.

[Anutsaka]

"Prepare yourself Iltanesh. I do not to wish to seem cruel to the kami or nature, but this is a primal creature we are dealing with. He will not take kindly to our meddling, as he will sure see it. Please, try your best to talk to the beast.

Are you okay, Indira? All of this running will be over once we make contact with the spirit here... though the name escapes me..."

((By the way, anyone want to comment on the change of pictures? Better or worse then the original layout?))