audience: shess

[cyclists]

Comments

[nonbelligerent]

[...]

We of the Kinnara clan are neutral. We do not take sides. Our focus is on maintaining the balance of the universe.

[written as if a creed.]

Certainly, that means we lack the hostility of other clans. However, it is in part for our own protection, when we have no allies who would come to our aid. That sense of self-preservation is, perhaps, very typical.

[cyclists]

[a hum of understanding]

How familiar...

In that case - might I ask how you feel about the situation you've found yourself in?

[nonbelligerent]

... If it's harmony you seek, I suppose the universe could've done worse than choosing me.

Though to be blunt, this is not my world, so I struggle to be truly invested in its fate.

[cyclists]

[now comes a laugh]

The bluntness is fine. Thank you for being straightforward with me.

But you're aware of the nature of darkness, aren't you? If left unchecked, it might slip into your universe and leave it vulnerable as well.

[nonbelligerent]

Which is why I will give my assistance, besides the fact I'd like to be returned to my own world.

[cyclists]

Assuming the burden for the sake of the greater good, is it?

[nonbelligerent]

I wouldn't put it in such grand terms. It's my world and I'm living in it. Why would I not try to preserve it?

[cyclists]

Perhaps if that was your answer alone, it would be easier to believe that you are living only pragmatically.

But I believe it to be something slightly greater than that - perhaps kindness, intermingled with simple sensibility.

[nonbelligerent]

Well, I won't turn down a compliment, so thank you.

And what of you?

[cyclists]

Mmm, indeed. What of me?

[they sound amused as they parrot the question]

Is there something specific you would like to ask?

[nonbelligerent]

You've heard plenty about my motivations. I'm wondering about yours.

[cyclists]

At this time, we are not allowed to interfere with the decisions that each of you make - I believe that is the strictest guideline. We cannot come to your immediate aid with our abilities, and we cannot harm you.

Otherwise, we are merely meant to see what each of you decide as the events that the universe has set forth unfold.

As for my personal motivations....

I would like to protect as much as I can.

[nonbelligerent]

And how do you decide what to protect and what may be left behind?

[genuine question!]

[cyclists]

Before, that wasn't my decision to make. I was only meant to protect what I was told to protect. People, places, choices, strategies.

Even now, I am learning what it means to exercise my own will and truly find the right path to protecting as many as possible -

Taking the feelings of others into consideration, how many lives are at stake, how much harm could be done to the future generations with a specific choice....

I try to consider it all, to the best of my abilities.

[nonbelligerent]

It's a difficult balance, and why many choose to simply protect what's their own.

Then, what would you consider to be the best outcome in this situation?

[cyclists]

Stability of the core without anyone being harmed, and the chance for you all to return just as you came.

[a pause]

In order for that to happen, the universe will need to be a bit more forthcoming with what we have to work with... however the young one and I do share what we learn as we learn it.

[nonbelligerent]

I agree that that would be the ideal result. Of course, the ideal result is usually the most difficult to achieve.

[...]

Yes, although it may not be your fault, the current lack of guidance is frustrating. People are getting restless.

[and multiple people have asked him to teach them how to fight??]

[cyclists]

[a thoughtful hum]

Perhaps they need a place to direct their energy to. I was thinking that with this many people now joining us, some festivities to pass the time might be in order.

[festivities]

[nonbelligerent]

[uh]

Perhaps my and Akane's hypothetical festival wasn't so hypothetical after all.

[it was a jOKE]

[cyclists]

[there is a laugh at that]

Does it not sound enjoyable?

At least until we know what we are meant to do in order to combat the instability of the core, should we not have a chance to make merry and get to know one another better?

[nonbelligerent]

If we can't get answers before then, there are worse ways to pass the time.

Though I suspect some among us will not enjoy the idea of "making merry".

[cyclists]

Of course not - but there are also some who, if allowed to continue to their own devices without guidance, will merely grow bored and the lack of a distraction will make them anxious, and worried.

[they are probably smiling - their voice sounds as if they are]

There are a number of moodmakers among those of you gathered here.

I will have faith in their ability to ease worried hearts.

I hope you might be able to assist as well.

[nonbelligerent]

[he smiles wryly.]

I'm willing to go along with this if it'll help, although I wouldn't consider myself a moodmaker of any sort.

[cyclists]

[there's another laugh]

Your presence is calming, and allows people to be at ease.

That in itself is a strength.

[nonbelligerent]

It comes with age.