Here's to Dark Matter

"That which is above is the same as below"    Independent Space Dark Matter OC - written by Kyrian - icon and header credit@voidrites

[the27percent]

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wishlist post - to give ideas off the jump

although open to memes, i like them a lot as potential starting points - please feel free to dm if you would like to set something up.

atieno is likely to be found near bars, in abandoned buildings or ruins, in varying locations throughout space, checking out performances .. or even hanging out in nature as potential locations.

potential options for interactions: most scifi exploration [or just wandering about in general] kind of situations, secret deals, finding rare items, being a source of information, urban modern fantasy (for more every day kind of potential run-ins), they are likely in the midst of keeping themself engaged and finding something to do (also leaves them open to truly silly stuff to be honest). they do show up at performances, shows and creative spaces fairly regularly as well

also open to playing around with some of the more horror tinged aspects of encountering them in the depths of space without expecting them.

[realmyths]

The Creator nods at the other being's words. They are definitely right. If the Creator is anything, they are a force. "I definitely am," They say with a smile.

Another nod at the other's next words. A chuckle escapes the Creator. "You've got that right." The Creator does wish things weren't so complicated. It's part of why they had created their children/creations Love, Hope, and Adventure in the first place. To help humanity and their fellow supernatural and immortal beings have a more well-rounded life. "Existence certainly is complicated, as difficult as that can be to accept."

A shrug, a sigh. "I suppose I should get more comfortable with the grey given that complicated nature of existence. But mostly, I find myself fighting against it." The Creator supposes that it's not the grey they really have a problem with, but the bad. There is no bad, there is no good with some things, true. But that won't stop the Creator from wanting to be on the side of good, always. "Of course, the grey is not my real issue. More...the destruction. Especially that of my evil sibling, the Destroyer." The Creator shrugs again. "I sense she is returning. And I fear she will want to fight me again. And my children...." The Creator had thought they had defeated her well enough last time that she wouldn't come back. But apparently not. So the Creator needs to find their children on Earth. They simply have to.

"I know they're on Earth somewhere, my children. I just...don't know where." A pause, a dark chuckle. "I just hope I can get to them before my evil sister does." The Creator knows their children must be fitting in well on Earth. Two out of three, at least, must have changed their names to better fit in with humanity. "So I suppose it makes sense that I find comfort in the black and white. I like when there is a clear good and evil, right and wrong. But of course, that is not always the case, given how complex existence gets. As you said before." And the Creator will try their best to understand the grey areas more. And if anyone could do that, it would be them.

[the27percent]

It was something to know that he Creator had found some meaning within their words. "Yeah. existence has so many layers to it. So many factors. Often that seem opposed and might literally be direct opposites - but both having an important function within the nature of reality."

These were the kind of things that left Atieno a lot more aware of their place within the universe and why they had to come to understand all aspects of their being as a force, even when it looked in ways that people may not readily understand or want to know about.

"I get that impulse to fight against that grey side of things.. but for as long as there are varying aspects of existence, there will be more ambivalent presences as a result. That can't really be avoided." It's a matter of fact statement, that they have to make clear even if they do understand the Creator wanting to be on the side of the good always.

"Has... the Destroyer always been evil?" They weren't really sure if they wanted to know the answer to this question but given their own personal connection with the potential for destruction - it did leave them wondering.

"In any case though, I do hope you find your children on Earth. I get the feeling that given your nature, they probably have something to them that you can likely notice in ways that others might now. "

[5mind]

Team synergy was something that the mechanical squadron never had to worry about. At least not when they're working amongst themselves.

"Would you say it would be easier to find an already established group compared to bringing multiple individuals together?" Red asked.

"...this is all hypothetical, by the way."

[the27percent]

Atieno thinks a little more about the question. They had to remember what they observed from dealing with varying teams.

"It could be theoretically easier to find an already established group just because you know they have the experience of working together. Although I suppose there is some effort involved in terms of convincing them why they should be your successors necessarily.

Right, right. Hypothetical. I do understand." Despite a part of the entity still wondering about this being considered, they were willing to leave it as it was.

[cosmicdreamt]

Ah. Grief. A feeling she's well acquainted with even to this day, simply giving a slow nod in understanding. Sometimes it can overwhelm you in a way you're not exactly sure how to explain, usually because there's so many layers to it then just feeling sad.

"Well, before I get ahead of myself, let me ask you if you want advice or just someone to listen? Or to help you process it a bit better? Because I don't wanna end up running my mouth if that's not what you need."

Because she was well aware of her habit to start 'trying to help' when someone came to her about something, and for some it did the exact opposite.

[the27percent]

Atieno thinks for a moment. What exactly do they want from Neff at this moment? Sometimes it really is hard for them to express the needs that they have.

"Um. I don't know about advice. " That's not something they really are requesting.. sincerely.

"Maybe help in processing it better would be helpful. Just because it's a hard feeling to have especially when it kind of seems unjustifiable in a way for me."

[the27percent]

@eclipsecrowned - Mother Nature

"Do you spend a lot of time out here?" They had been visiting a fairly isolated location when they encountered her, and now felt a little obligated to engage.

[5mind]

"That is what I was thinking as well," Red One replied.

"However, our successor should ideally be a team of three at least... since there are five of us," Red One puts a hand to their own chin in thought.

"A team cannot be easy to put together..."

[the27percent]

"That is true, true. Especially with all you all have already been managing as a group of 5 already."

Atieno takes a moment to genuinely consider this.

"And from what I've seen, it's often difficult for teams to stay together. So the process of finding suitable successors might take some time. "

[5mind]

A low hum comes from the red ranger.

"Sometimes I wonder if we should start looking for someone to pass the baton to in the coming years... it is how it usually goes, is it not?"

[the27percent]

Atieno thinks about it for a few moments.

"At least that is what I hear is often good practice within human organizations. To be able to have a successor in place just in case one is no longer able to fulfill their original role for any given reason. "

[kylo-wrecked]

Ben blinked.

“That’s a long time.”

Peeling back his sheepskin coat, he felt around for his cigarette case. Gave its silver hinge his full attention for a moment, watching it catch the light. Then he lit a rolly. Sat. Thought.

A pair of blackbirds skated the wind beyond the picnic shelter, dipping low over the truck lot before disappearing into the pines. Sun warmed the splintered picnic table between them.

“What’s being formless like?” he asked after a time.

They'd been on the road six hours.

Three to go.

[the27percent]

Atieno paused for a little bit when he responded. There's a low, dry kind of laugh that they can't help but give.

"Yeah, you're telling me. It's a very, very long time. And I do feel it. I'm used to it obviously at this point but I definitely feel it."

Just comes with the territory of being the kind of being that they are.

They noticed the passing view of the the blackbirds.

"Being formless? I mean.. it's interesting because it's my original state so for a while I didn't have anything else to compare it to. But now that I can .. you know look like this and all, being formless has this just vast.. restful state to it. Where I can expand and expand and just be as vast and ever-present as I have always been. Like I take periods to disappear and return to that state every so often because it is good for me, it's relaxing in a lot of ways. Even if I am still attuned to all the happenings in the universe while in that state. "

[the27percent]

@niratias

[x]

"You don't have to look for anything in particular. Sometimes you see something new. But sometimes - the point is just to look, to notice, to remember what's still there after all this time."

At least, that's something they have seen from all this time. They know the stars very well, they know all the patterns thoroughly.

And yet, despite that there's still something in them that appreciates the view of whatever stars they see from whatever viewpoint that they see them at.

And perhaps they wanted to share the notion of that Cid, just because they know he .. he certainly hadn't had the chance to see them the same way - not with what he has had to deal with for so long.

"It's not about knowing. It's just about seeing. Not taking for granted. Sure they will still likely be there for quite some time, but I still think there's value in paying attention to them if only for a moment. To just let yourself look ... "

[harvestshope]

When the Argo travels, it isn't always instantaneous. She used to have the vague sense that it was supposed to be, if a certain someone had taught her more about flight, but she prefers her way—the rush of the timestream around her, the sudden drop and risk of landing in a physical dimension. But Atieno's version of travel is smooth like—like jazz. (She's used that metaphor already today, hasn't she?) The novelty delights her. When she opens her eyes, so does Elyse.

She sees red and orange and gold streamers on one street, blue and purple and black kites on another. Like flame here, nightsky there. The shapes of the kites and streamers held by the dancers seem to morph with a thrumming music.

She leans into Atieno's arm, practically wrapping herself around it. "Oh! What are they celebrating?"

[the27percent]

There is a certain smoothness that comes with the way Atieno travels, the way that they can come and go suddenly without much demand or effort on their part - the benefits of having been able to get incredibly good at navigating over long periods of time.

And so they have arrived on Elyse, and the sheer visions of it all - between the steamers and the kites, and the dancers - it's truly a marvelous vision. Almost reminds them of some artwork of a ..very specific creator they are aware of.

But for the moment, they are letting the sounds rock over them and drive them to sway still - even with the Argo wrapped around their arm.

"Hm. They are celebrating the creation of their original dances and songs - it's a celebration that they partake in every year and it goes one for at least a month because these kind of dances and songs have been so embedded in their culture for so long... they can't help but cherish them deeply. "

[hypenotist]

A relieved grin broke out on his bronzy features, glad to hear that his ridiculous proposition wasn't too outside the realm of possibility. Indeed, for someone constantly on the hunt for new things to experience and pass the time, sometimes, doing the same thing a hundred different times was the way to go.

Sometimes, he wondered if Atieno was the same. Watching and living to see the world as it unfurled around them. "Gnarly! I mean, you're kinda my go-to as far as plus-ones go, y'know? Dang, though... they're going to expect really expensive get-ups, aren't they?"

[the27percent]

Atieno definitely was somewhat the same way. Although they had their responsibilities and tasks, they still had plenty of opportunity to observe and just notice what was happening in the varying parts of the universe that they tended to.

"Hm. That's not necessarily a bad thing to be honestly. But yes, they are going to expect some pretty formal get-ups for the occasion. I happen to have some that I can access just in case - but it seems like we might have to figure something out for you, yeah?"

[thuganomxcs]

"One of these days I'll get so good at hiding these things you'll just assume I'm alright twenty-four seven." There's a bit of a cocky tone to his words but there really weren't much weight behind what he claims.

"Had it been up time, I'd just force turn everyone I like onto vampires or something. Then again, the whole night life might get old since there's tons of fun stuff ya can do while the sun's out."

[the27percent]

Atieno couldn't help but narrow their eyes with a slight tinge of concern in their expression.

".... I don't know if that's a good thing Yusuke." Which means they are always going to keep a little room for doubt just because of statements like that.

"Oh.. real. Yeah, from what I can tell the vampire thing can lead to a lot of stress because of those very real limitations. So it might not be the solution that many people might suspect it to be. "

[thuganomxcs]

“That’s mostly why I do this..but doin’ it alone while still tryin’ t’ maintain a food business with my truck is pretty tough for me t’ accept multiple cases. Which is why that restaurant is important, let my employees do the work in the kitchen, make the money while I tend t’ the cases for the bigger bucks..and sometimes free.” It’s rather obvious that for once Yusuke had put some thought into a plan of his.

[the27percent]

Atieno nods a little bit in understanding. Yusuke clearly lived a a very busy existence trying to manage everything he was trying to accomplish.

"Hm. Right, I understand the thought process to get things going so you can focus on what you want to focus on. It takes a lot to get there, but I think it's very much possible for you. "

[the-haunted-office]

Three of Thursday's biggest driving forces are to help, to seek answers, and to solve problems. Right now she is wanting to do all three for Atieno, an issue which is an issue in itself. To help them, she needs to seek answers, and she must do that before she can help them solve their problem, if there is any solving it at all. There may not be any solving it, for how can you solve living with the eternal memories of lives gone by, as a direct result of being immortal, for all of time going backwards and forwards?

The only "solutions" Thursday can come up with right now are for them to write things down, and to talk to people, both of which it seems they have already done, but it still doesn't ease their pain.

The only other "solution" that comes to mind... and one she would never dare speak aloud... is to possibly seek a way of becoming mortal, or of erasing their past memories. If they didn't have to carry the burden of the past, then it wouldn't be so painful. But who would really want that? It would be insulting to suggest. Thursday herself has experienced losing her memories of her past life. Knowing that it had happened certainly was the worst thing she had ever experienced, and she wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Maybe sometimes it's better to forget, some part of her thinks. After living for so long, you're bound to forget some things, and maybe in a way, that's a blessing - as much of a blessing as it is sad. Two sides of one coin.

"Have you ever thought... or, I guess, considered..." Thursday hesitates, trying to think of how to say what she wants to say, hoping it doesn't come off too harsh or offensive. "...that maybe you're underestimating others? Specifically the ones who know you and care about you the most? What I mean is- the people who care about you- I would think they would want to share your burden, because... it wouldn't feel like such a burden to them, just to be there for you and to know that they were helping you and caring for you. Even if they didn't have as much time as you do. At least... that's how I would feel. I would want my friend to know that they could lean on me and share their burdens with me, and that I wouldn't see it as a burden because they're my friend and I care about them. It doesn't make your pain go away. It doesn't change anything. But it's okay to lean on others too. I just... I hope you know that, Atieno. Even if it's not me. It's okay to share your pain and experiences and... all of it, with others."

[the27percent]

If one thing Atieno is certain of, they don't really expect solutions for this. They know this feeling is something that comes with the terms of them being who and what they are and having existed for so, so long. It is a natural feeling for them to have to be struggling with, and so it doesn't feel fair or realistic for them to have solutions.

Although it kind of does make them think back to the very, very early days of their existence before so much came into being. They remembered when they didn't have such concerns in such a way. And while there's no way to return to that feeling, it is something that they find themself pondering over now and then.

Atieno pauses as they watch Thursday try to frame her words, almost as if she is trying to be really careful about what she is saying there. The thought of them likely underestimating those who do care about them enough... that does inspire a small little something. A strange pang of something that is hard for the entity to describe.

They suspect that Thursday might have a point and yet, and yet, and yet... there's always something that makes this line of thought never quite connect the way that it could.

"You.. you might have a point about that. I guess there are those who would want to know that I am not feeling particularly well. I... Hm. It's hard to really let myself share such a burden. Although I .. logically get why that might actually be the thing to do. "

[hypenotist]

The funny thing about cosmic entities such as themselves was the boundless degree of curiosity they bore for the human world, and the paranormal that seemed like its complement. Anyplace but the stars.

He smiled tightly but gratefully at Atieno's quick thinking, wondering if he'd regret this.

"Right? Anyway, ah-- I can pay for this. That alright with you? Man, hopefully there isn't some zany shit on this..."

[the27percent]

When Atieno has known the stars for so so long, they do have a deep familiarity with them. And a deep fondness too - but that only makes them all the more curious about the other realms, the other aspects that come up along side the stars as a result.

A little variation in experience couldn't be a bad thing as far as they were concerned.

"Sure, sure. I'm fine with you paying for it. Hm. Yeah, guess we will have to see what is actually present on this. Interesting."

[abysswarden]

— Slisae can be, on occasion and circumstance, a barfly. Not a dancer on the floor, but the opposite. Scarcely moving at all. But, under the right conditions and time, he inhabits a booth and will sit in silence to recount his day and watch others frivolously entertain themselves ( occupying space oxymoronically like the void he was. ) There was nothing at home to do but sit around and stare at a clean space after returning from a assignment somewhere far away, in Jakarta ( he moved around rather quickly — and frequently ).

"I suppose that would be right," Slisae starts, "Just sitting on my arse after a long trip." It's a little too lively now as the evening blooms like one of those night cactus flowers, and he thinks he should have just gone home — but then he would have missed them, and this chance encounter. He's sentimental and ceased taking things for granted several centuries ago. He's got the rest of his immortal life to think about it all, and many more excruciating lives to do so as well ( he expects nothing but the same from them, but overthinking is always a personal hell ).

Pulled from his immortal stupor and aching bones, Slisae deigns a small smile. "I am jus' knackered, Ati.” A few long days of rest, and he’ll perk up like a dramatic plant finally being watered. The ice in his glass has watered down what simple drink he had deigned to get. “This your usual haunt?”

[the27percent]

If nothing else, Atieno does understand staying to the side, having a little bit of privacy even in the midst of places like this. They had been enjoying the atmosphere to a certain extent, but their time is always improved when it comes to encountering a familiar face - especially one they have a specific kind of fondness for.

One that's hard to describe but becomes all the more obvious as they go to take a closer seat next to him. Certainly a little company wouldn't be a bad thing.

"Ah, that's real. Long trips can take so much out of you. No wonder you need a moment to just pause. Glad that you're taking this time for yourself." Goodness knows it can be easy to just not do that at all. Something they had been guilty of too many times.

They give an understanding, dry little chuckle.

"I.. get the exhaustion. I genuinely do." Different tasks but constant work, constant labor and efforts - even for those who have been doing such things for such a long, long time - the weariness seeps in. And it sticks around deep in a way that many might not really ever fathom.

"Can't blame you for being knackered Slisae. Not in the least." They sip at their own little drink that they still were making their way through casually.

"Uh. Not usually. I have been here a few times when I had errands bring me out this way. So it's a spot I'm familiar with but.. my relationship with the place is pretty casual at best. I just sometimes hope I run into someone interesting while I'm here if I pop in. Just my luck tonight.. hm?"

[llunarum]

So they would take the deal? How happy that made him to hear. The cold and stern expression on his face quickly melting away into a soft smile, eyes wide like a child being handed a new toy.

❝Healthy, good, hearts are tricky ones to find. I don't know where you could find them easily, but I know you won't find them in bars. Nor hospitals, they're often sickly. Churches are tricky, the more pious the source the more likely it is to be a toss up, the less pious the more likely the heart has been tainted.❞

So many places that gave bad things. He could go on and on, with his search having gone on for so long he knew just so many!

❝It is best to use your intuition.❞ Nodding as he speaks. ❝If you think it is good, then it might be good.❞

[the27percent]

At the very least, Atieno was open to seeing if there was a heart to be found. They figured this might be quite the challenge - especially in terms of navigating the best way for this to happen. But, they could manage.

"Although that makes me wonder why does a heart have to be pious to be ... not tainted necessarily.

Okay.. intuition, I suppose I would just have to go with what actually makes a good impression, a good feeling to me no matter where it might be since no locations is really guaranteed necessarily."