thenearshore | A Matter of Trust

Entry tags:

A Matter of Trust

Who: Nia and Votelli
When: Early March, after Goku names Nia
Where: The forest with Votelli
What: Nia has a lot to tell her god.

"Hey, Votelli!"

Nia shoved through the underbrush that was startling to bristle through the ground, not yet choked of sunlight by the tall trees around it. If nothing else, she hoped the goddess could sense her nervous urgency. Getting down here without the help of a god had been a hell of a thing, which is why it had taken her so bloody long to do it. Now, at least, she had some protection.

"Votelli!"

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[Votelli steps out from behind a tree, holding one hand on its rough bark. She looks like she always does with a small addition, a woven bracelet.]

What's wrong, Nia?

[She can feel that urgency and more, but she doesn't know why.]

[Nia all but skids to a halt, shoes slipping in the muddy ground before she can grab onto a tree for balance.]

Shizuo's gone.

[No breaking it gently for her.]

I know.

[She says in small voice, winding one tangled strand of hair around her forefinger.]

I was there.

[Well, that brings Nia up short, nearly making her stumble over her own feet.]

You were -- there? There there?

[She goes tense and chews on her lip. Is it anxiety? Is Nia worried for her]

Yes. Rei stayed with me. [she touches the woven bracelet.]

[Well, at least Rei isn't a bloody signpost for Votelli.]

[But yes, Nia's been worried! Can't blame Votelli for not being sure that was the source of the anxiety flickering through their bond, but here and now it shows bright as day.]

Oh... that's a relief. I was afraid you'd pop back in looking for him and someone would find you that shouldn't have. But it leads to another problem -- the Far Shore's going to assign me a new god because he's gone now.

[One hand grips at her chest over her heart, just to the left of where Votelli's name had appeared.]

So I asked Goku to name me.

Are you okay? [She jolts forward a step, worried gaze fixed on Nia. Is she going to leave too, just like Shizuo?]

Will you leave?

What? No! [That comes out of her in an instant, along with a little spurt of indignation. But once it's out, she bites down her temper.] I mean, not if I can help it. Sure not on purpose. I asked Goku to name me in case my new god isn't -- you know, on your side. That way he can use the name he gave me to keep them from using me against you.

I hope it's not necessary, I hope my new god can be trusted, but -- I won't let them get you. ['Them' being whoever is against her, of course. It might be a broader category than Votelli thinks.]

Oh. [Her shoulders slump, relief showing plainly on her face. Votelli bites her lip.]

I'm glad. That you're not leaving. [she hurries to add.] I got worried you'd want me to take your name away.

[A brief spurt of outrage vanishes quickly enough. Of course Votelli's been taught everyone would leave her. That's one way to keep her controlled.]

[Nia smiles at her, bringing a hand up to cover her chest where the sigil of her name rests.] Of course I'm not! I want you to be my god. No one's taking that from me without a hell of a fight. Besides, we've barely even gotten started, right? We're supposed to answer prayers and help your followers as a team.

[Votelli smiles, her eyes bright with excitement.]

Do you want to answer prayers with me?

[That's more like it! Nia grins, lifting her fists.]
'Course I do! That's a huge part of being a god, right? So we've got to make sure you're doing your share, and getting you some worshipers who know you'll look out for them in turn!

I have some... shrines in very rural places. But don't be surprise d- they usa a different names. [she fidgets with uncertanity but then a look od determination show on her face.] I don't have many followers, I don'tknow if I can call them like that. But they call me Torimoto. Do you think you could call me that too?

Hey, that's a great start! [But at the expression, and the name, Nia cocks her head slightly in confusion.] I'll call you whatever you want, but d'ya mind if I ask why?

I can't use my name or Heaven will know. Lots of gods use two or more names. If I look like I'm just a minor forest sprite with a regular name they won't find me.

[Nia is her shinki, she deserves to know. Gods explain things to their shinki, right?

Figuring that out is not easy.]

I like this name.

[Well, she can't argue with the logic, but...]

I'll call you that as long as you need to hide. [Folding her arms, she leans back slightly so it looks like she's taller than she is, looking down.] But I'm not going to be satisfied till you don't need to hide any longer, so someday I want to be able to call you Votelli again. Torimoto's fine, but I like Votelli better.

Thank you. [Votelli's eyes wides a bit. It's so unexpected to hear Nia say it. Surprising and warm. It shows in her voice when she asks hopefully:]

Do you think... do you think that will be possible? Someday in the future.

It's possible. So long as I can I'll work hard for that. [It's only fair. There's no reason Votelli should be so persecuted! Just because she's not perfectly in line with Heaven...]

[Well, Nia's at her side. And Nia knows she's a bloody strong Blade, enough to protect and help her Driver.]

I don't think I'm the only one, am I? Goku knew you, and I didn't know...

Yes... there are a few others who know me...

[ The barest hint of a smile emerges... ]

Mortals... and others like you and Goku.

[ Before it dips down to a flat expression again as she continues. ]

Some of those others have also said I should keep hiding, as long as possible, so the Heavens don't find me. I could be "Votelli" if that's what you like... but I think it means the Heavens will find me. What... do you think?

I think you keep hiding till we make it all right and stop them from looking for you. Or caring about -- all this nonsense. [Nia folds her arms, stubborn streak emerging at full power.] That won't be easy, so that's why you stay out of their way till then. It's not a matter of hiding forever, just long enough.

... What if I can't make it that long?

[ She scrunches up her shoulders a little. ]

I'm so weak... maybe the only reason I'm still here is because I'm hiding. Shizuo's friend who offered me shelter... he said I'm not protected out there, without him. That I shouldn't go.

[The words spark a fire of hot anger in Nia, and she throws her hands down and back as she leans forward, voice raising.] Weak!? Who the bloody hell says you're weak?! I've seen what you can do with your power, it's no small thing! And you -- you're holding on, you're trying, you're doing your best, that's not weak. Nothing about that is weak!

[Shizuo's friend, huh? Nia grits her teeth, not at all liking the words Votelli's repeating as she straightens up.]

I think it's a good idea for you to go out with someone you trust. Not because you're weak, but because you're being hunted, and it's safer and smarter for anyone to have someone there on their side no matter how strong they are. But you've got me, too. I'll go anywhere with you if you want me to. And you don't even know how bloody strong we'll be together.

[ She waits for Nia to finish, slowly lowering her head through the tirade like it's her fault she's upset her shinki. ]

Sensei says I'm weak. So I thought Shizuo's friend... he also must...

[ Still, she raises her head again. ]

You'd really... go anywhere with me?

I didn't say I'd be your shinki just to half-arse it! I meant it! That means if you need me, I'll be there! Isn't that the deal? [Nia huffs out a breath, her anger not directed at Votelli in the slightest.]

Sensei says you're weak so he can control you. Why don't you take a moment and see what you can really do? Let loose with your power for just a bit?

You mean like attack an ayakashi?

[ She says it so softly, concerned and unsure about the unknown entity as much as her own powers. ]

Or simply... visiting a shrine and listening to the people there?

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