[Network Post] March into March!

[kaisoumods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Libra App
WHEN: March 1st
WHAT: Zodiac Network Post
WARNINGS: None!

[Wherever you are, your phone will start to ring and vibrate. It doesn’t matter if your phone was off or on mute - it will ring anyway. Checking the phone, you'll see the Libra app has opened itself and will not close until you read and response to a new post from Zodiac]

Hello! Thank you for using the Libra App!

Just a few quick words today! First of all, we'd like to extend a congratulations to Horse! While Zodiac is looking into ways to return everyone to their homes, Horse took the initiative and found a way on her own! She truly showed that a can-do attitude truly is all you need to overcome barriers! We're proud of you, Horse, you're an inspiration to all of us, and we wish you the best wherever you may be.

But for the rest of you, don't worry! Zodiac is still here to monitor the situation and support you where it's needed. As we mentioned before, everyone on this app is experiencing unusual spirit readings. We've also found that this may cause some side effects such as a change in hair or eye color, new unusual body parts, new abilities and minor memory problems. So far there's no indication that these side effects are serious, so try not to worry about it! We promise to continue to keep you informed, as Zodiac values good and open communication.

Also, thank you for all your specimen donations last month! They will help in our understanding of how to utilize the Spirit Realm for the benefit of humanity.

Now, let's end things off with an icebreaker question!


This post has been sponsored by Mayfield Cafe! Come for the Sea-Salt Ice Cream, Stay for the Hedgehog Croquet!

[Users will have the option to choose their own display names and userpics if they haven't already. If nothing is chosen, the app will use their real name and a quick photo taken of them from their camera's phone. Like always, there'll be no responses from Zodiac]

Comments

[fiddlestick]

[Holy crap a game! There's a delay in his response, as Elliot actually goes to play it

finally he comes back]

Hehe, that was so cute! It really felt like I was reading through a storybook!

[wavemastery]

[SORRY FOR THE DISTRACTION LOL]

Thank you...! Our junior year lit projects were supposed to focus around storytelling in a medium we chose. I thought a text adventure would be fitting but... different at the same time.

One day, I want to make something really big. Something we can escape into.

[fiddlestick]

I think it was a very good choice. By having it be text based, it really made you focus on the story being told rather than the gameplay. Well done!

[But ah, there we are]

That sounds like a good goal to have. Just make sure those escapes from reality are only temporary ones.

[wavemastery]

It was fairly simple to code, so I was able to finish relatively quickly and spend the rest of the time polishing up the artwork... But text games aren't what I want to be known for.

[Yeahhhhhh........... yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............. kid has some issues.]

If someone wants to spend their time in a different world, is it really such a bad thing?

[fiddlestick]

[Suuure does]

Hm...let me put it this way. As much as we wish otherwise, reality isn't going anywhere. Escaping from it from time to time is fine and sometimes needed, but it's still there. And reality needs to be managed so you're able to continue to go off into different worlds.

I mean, some days I would nothing more than just to play my violin from dawn to dusk and shut out the world. But doing that alone won't pay my rent, or give my body nourishment. Music's great, but it's not food.

Besides, ignoring reality too much can make you miss opportunities to make your life better. If I played that violin all day, I wouldn't have taken the opportunity to be a teacher-- and I wouldn't have met you all. And I think I can say my life would be worse for it.

Does that make sense?

[wavemastery]

Ah...

[Tsukasa isn't terribly happy to hear it, but Elliot isn't wrong.]

Becoming a teacher is really... brave. I don't think I could do that.

It's just... for some people, there isn't anything outside of a fantasy world for them. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and not everyone can change their situation. For them, a place to escape, a safe place, can give them something they otherwise can't have...

Of course people can't live in a dream. But society tends to ignore the existence of these people and their loneliness... so I feel like I should be the one who reaches out to them. As someone who understands. Maybe that could even help them outside of the fantasy world, too... but that's wishful thinking, isn't it?

[fiddlestick]

[...]

I wouldn't be so quick to count yourself out, Tsukasa. You're stronger than you know. I'm sure you could do anything you put your mind to, even if you're screaming on the inside the whole time.

[As Elliot does. Every Single Day.]

If you want to work on building a safe haven for those who need it, I think that's a great goal. I don't think it's wishful thinking at all.

I'm just saying, don't use it as a means to just run away from living at all.

[wavemastery]

[That sounds about right for both of them, he thinks.]

... Thank you. I'm not sure if you're right, but maybe...

[Running away, huh.]

I understand. That... isn't my intention. Not for this.

Once, I thought that I needed to escape from everything. But when I did I found out I was just taking my problems with me. All I accomplished was putting them off for a while...

Still... it was something I had to figure out myself. I wouldn't have listened to anyone. Not even you, even though you're always so nice.

[fiddlestick]

I know I am. You may not see it right now, but keep at it and one day you'll surprise yourself!

[He truly does believe that. Tsubasa's a talented kid. He's just got some stuff to work on, that's all.]

Ehe, when you put it that way...I guess what I said did sound a bit like a lecture. Sorry about that. It sounds like you already figured it out, so I'm happy to hear that - whether you listen to me or not.

[wavemastery]

[Teens are messed up, generally. No fault of their own.]

The thing is... it seems really obvious, looking back at it all. When you dream and it's from your point of view, you expect to look a certain way, right?

But... for as long as I can remember, I looked completely different. And then as I got older, the only times I felt like myself were in those dreams. I didn't understand why for the longest time. I thought that meant that I should just live in my dreams, but that wasn't... right.

I can live any way I want to. I know that now. But most people... don't just accept that when they're told as much.

[fiddlestick]

[It's not hard to piece together what Tsukasa is referring to, having known the kid for awhile and seen his school records. ]

Well you know what they say: it's hard to see the forest through the trees. All the clues may seem obvious to you now, but that just show how far you've come on your personal journey.

But it sounds like you're hoping to guide people through that same forest you had to wander. You're amazing, Tsukasa.

[wavemastery]

I'm really not! I'm not. It's just one of those things where it's... difficult... when you don't know the way...

But... thank you.

[sadjksadklsadlkjsadf]

[fiddlestick]

Yes, and you're choosing to help people so it's a little easier.

No need for thanks, I'm only saying what's true.

[wavemastery]

[He's getting all flustered which means it's time to deflect.]

You aren't buttering me up for something, are you?

[fiddlestick]

Nope!

Last I checked, all your homework's in, so I got nothing I need out of you!

[ACCEPT HIS PRAISE]

[wavemastery]

[NEVER]

... OK. Well, I need to sign off for a bit, so...

[Better than leaving him on read.]

[fiddlestick]

[He laughs to himself. Yep. Maybe he overdid it and embarrassed the kid. Oh well]

Alright. Nice talking to you Tsukasa! I'll see you in class.