-| U.M.I.R.A. |-

[cosmo]

VHS sounds so cool. amulet is kinda generic (for when it comes to having a magic item, the memory is very sweet). key is also epic but VHS has better chance of beating amulet so: VHS has my vote.

[Pichi2214]

voting for vhs
the item itself isn't the thing sticking out to me... but the attachment to it and the memories are important, the feeling of not fighting by yourself
supernatural beings will be important to our job too... so it feels very fitting

[SHIVERS]

E v e r y t h i n g   i s   s t i l l .

You do your best to be patient.












The VHS tape floats a few inches off the ground and begins to glow.





A strange feeling bubbles up inside you.





The fur on the back of your neck stands on end.





A deafening spark of thunder rings in the air.



You shut your eyes in surprise.




















When you open them,





your proxy is standing before you.



They are... at least a foot taller than you, their new body towering over yours.

You - disappointingly - can't help but find it intimidating, especially considering their appearance.


The first thing that strikes you is their head.
It's massive, resembling an old CRT TV in its shape, but it's empty - no screen or electronics on the inside.
Instead, there's a floating ball that moves about and changes its shape, acting as an eye.

Atop their head are old 'rabbit ear' antennae, though they're shaped oddly, looking like horns more than ears.
They seem to twitch on occasion.



Their arms stand out as their most... horror-adjacent feature.
They are... leeches, as best you can tell. 
These 'creatures' look similar to those featured in the Leech Lake films, unsurprisingly, but seeing them in person is... much more terrifying.
Their fleshy, segmented lengths stretch and pulse akin to REAL leeches, and they even come equipped with toothy protrusions from their... 'mouths'.
Which... you can only guess function - morbidly - as hands.

You have no idea how that works, and frankly, you don't want to think about it.
So, you move on.



Their body is mostly covered in a peculiar substance that resembles television noise.
It moves about rather liquidly, but somehow you don't think it would feel like a liquid, if you were to touch it.
Wedged in the middle of the static 'slime' is an oversized VHS tape.
Its bottom is open, the substance seeming to flow out of it.

At the center of their upper torso is an open cavity, within which you can see a beating heart.
The experience of viewing it is unnerving in some respects, but with its cartoonish shape, it almost feels... sweet, somehow.







All in all, your proxy is more than a little daunting to behold.
But, them being frightening only makes them more effective in battle, you assume, should worst come to worst.

You try to focus on that, instead. 
Not your own fear, or that unfamiliar sensation from before growing stronger, gnawing at you.



Currently, their arms are outstretched, 'eye'... closed, you think.

... They're feeling the rain.







You push past your intimidation to speak.
"...'Sup."

Their eye opens, but it takes them a moment to turn in your direction.
Your skin crawls from the motion.

Their arm raises, giving you a little wave.
"...Hello."

"You uh... look..."
You gesture at them.
Words fail to manifest immediately, lagging behind.

"...cool."

"Yes, I... I like it, too."
They stretch out, flexing their body in mildly distressing movements.
"...It's perfect.
And you couldn't have picked a better spot for this.
Maria's garden is always nice this time of year..."
One of the leeches gently touches a nearby flower.

You try to reply, but vision begins to blur.
"...um..." 

Your lips open wordlessly, 

as the world falls away.



"...Herr e  r     a      ?"












































Blearily, your eyes open.

Your head feels swimmy.

You're laying on your loveseat. There's a towel over your head.
The TV's on in front of you. You must've left it on.
Some ghost dating show.
The paranormal network's never got anything good on anymore.

You rub your head.
Why is your head wet again?

It's raining.



"Morning."
The distorted voice comes from next to you.

Your head whips sideways.
A monstrosity overshadows you, right by your face.
You yelp - humiliated that you could make such a noise - and have half a moment of trying to get the blanket off before you realize.

Your proxy stares, looking... mildly offended.
"...Hello to you, too."

You try to sit up, but your head still hurts, so you lay back against the loveseat.
That feeling from before is still present, but seems to be fading slowly.

"God...

...you didn't hear that noise.
For the record."
"You mean you squeaking in horror?
No. Definitely didn't hear that."
"Listen--"
They snicker.



You shake your head.
"Mov-Moving on,
uh..."

Springtide is next to you, sitting in the folding chair you keep in the closet.
A towel is draped over their back.

...They are on your laptop.

"Woahwoah, Springtide you--"
"I'd rather you didn't call me that."
"...what?
Springtide Jurisdiction is your name, cause I named you."
"Ah, ah. That." They point. "Right there."

"What?"
"You named me.
You picked that name for me, practically before I even existed."
"...So?"
"So, I didn't get a say in it.
So, I chose my own this time."



"...but it's such a cool name..." you lament.
"Herrera."
"Fiiine, fine. 
Okay.
Fair enough."
"You can always use it for something else."
"Yeah, yeah..."



"...Plan on filling me in?"



"...Vigil."

They clench their claws.

"Do you... like it?

For me, I mean.
Does it suit me?

...Obviously, it's my say.
Ultimately.
 
But... humor me."

"Suits you fine.
You picked it, so... I'd say that's, about as personal as it gets."

"...Not nearly as cool as Springtide Jurisdiction,"
you embellish the title as much as you're able.
"...but uh... good second. I guess."

They... smile, you're pretty sure. 
As close as their expressions can muster, at least.

"I looked up names, and it seemed to fit.
...You know, it's harder to type with these than I imagined."
It raises one of the leech maws near your face.
You flinch on instinct.

They shrink back, pulling their arm away.
"...I don't look that scary, do I...?"
You're quick to swoop in with a response.
"Apfft, scary? What? You--
You're not--
It's cause you're... t... taall." You clear your throat.

It's not convincing in the slightest.

They look away from you.



Things go quiet.
Rain pours down the window.







You toss out some thoughts, desperate to fill the awkward silence.

"Sooo... why are you like... still here?"
"Oh.
I tried to leave - just to test things - but I didn't make it too far out of the building before my body started to dissipate.
Not a pleasant feeling.
Seems there's a limit to your range. 
Worth testing more later."

"...I meant--
Why haven't you... uh... dismissed?
Un... summoned.
Whatever the word is."

"Why would I do that?"
"Cause, I mean.
S'not like I'm fighting right now." You shrug.
"And it's not like I want to stop existing right now."

"Okay but--
Fair. Fair.
But y'know... I'm the one... keeping you here, right?
Isn't it ...bad for you to just stick around however long this is?
Aren't I like... draining...
uh...
energy?
Or... something."

"No. 
Doubt it.
I looked it up, and supposedly you should be perfectly fine.
If problems were going to arise, they would've already."

They lift a claw and close their eye, as if lecturing in front of a class.

"Typically, proxies can only manifest as long as the summoner can handle the strain, or as long as certain conditions are met.
With certain conditions, they can last indefinitely.
Ours seem to be the latter, considering you were unconscious and I've been here the whole time."

"I guess I can always dismiss you myself, then."
"Let's not do that, how about, thank you."





"What, so we're--
So, we're just like... roommates now?
Or... how does this..." You scratch your head, thinking harder than you'd care to.

"...I have nowhere else to go.
I have no money,
I don't know anyone else but you,
and I can't move more than a certain radius away from you, or I disappear."

Their eye starts to grow more liquid-like as they talk, their voice growing somewhat shaky.

are they...
starting to cry?

"You know!
How 'bout we just... don't worry about any of that, right this second?
Yeah?
Let's uh...
...do something."

"...Yes. That sounds good.
I think I'd like to do something."
They sit up a little, smiling and raising their arms in a pronounced shrug. 
"I've never done things...!" 
Their expression fades before they finish.

You can tell that this was their attempt at a joke, but even they seemed to realize part-way through that the statement came off much more somber than humorous.
"...Er... but... 

Yes, let's do that.

I'm eager to try things.

Do you have ideas? I'm still ...overwhelmed."







You'd like to try to cheer them up, you think.

This experience is WELL beyond strange, and there's a lot you don't want to sort out yet.
But they could probably use a distraction, too.

Maybe you could suggest you both go out to the mall. 
It's still open at the moment, even though it's raining.
Lots of things to do and see, and maybe you could pick them up something while you're there.

Or, you could probably think of something just staying in. 
Maybe some board games? 
You're sure you've got some lying around...

[Lilium Mortem]

I don't think it's a good idea to go out yet, for either of your mental health. Board games sound nice, something quiet, while you both get used to each other. maybe a card game, or something that doesn't involve much prep or too many pieces.

[knux400]

Staying in seems best. You two don't know each other too well yet, and it's probably a bad idea to introduce the added stress of being in a public space. Maybe later once you're better acquainted.

First things first, does Vigil have any preferred pronouns? We've been using they/them this whole time as a default, but they could prefer something else. Board games seem like a good icebreaker for now! There's also TV, or books, or the Morbnet. And later on when we're a little more comfortable, we should test if those leeches are functional, mostly for curiosity's sake. Having Vigil try to suck the juice out of a fruit would be fun.

[Ignispark]

since, you know, you've got a person there. yeah, elementary school stuff like 'favorite color' and similar things wouldn't be bad regardless of whether board games or mall quest or anything go. i think the mall could be interesting though because, think of the potential. think of the beverages that arent espresso tea (also vigil can try beverages! food! other things. lots of fun). think about the funny hats and silly boots. the terrible movies to get. the potential is limitless. adventure. mall probably has a lot of experiences. good for someone who just spent hours stuck in a room.

[ಠ_ಠ]

I think some time to set in and evaluate Vigils preferences and memories would be good.

[SHIVERS]

You briefly imagine mall adventures, but you aren't sure it's a good idea yet.

Definitely another time.

Maybe board games instead?
Watching TV? Or something online?

...You can't help but feel the faintest twinge of possessiveness at the thought of them using your laptop again.
You're aware this isn't Vigil's fault, of course. 
Growing up with siblings can do that.

You'll let them use it as much as they need, either way.
But, it may not be your first choice.



"...Board games?"
"Perfect. Easy."
"Cool, lemme hop up and I'll grab something."

You make your way to your closet.
Vigil idly glances down at one of their hands as you pass.

"...Maybe something without a lot of pieces."
"Simple. Got it.
Got just the thing."

You begin rummaging, your many jackets and various boxes getting in the way.















You're having trouble finding any of them.

The silence feels awkward to you, so you decide to fill it once more.

"Uhhhhhprrronouns...?"
"...I've never tried any.
Let's... let's go with ones you don't use, I think."
"I mean, I'm not super picky about mine."
"You have some preference, at least."

The proxy falls silent momentarily.



"...Sh...

She/her?

...Is that too much?"

"Too much what?
S'just pronouns. You can pick whatever."

Vigil doesn't answer your question.

"I'll try those, then.
See how they feel."
"Gotcha."







You are no closer to finding anything resembling a board game than when you started.

kill more time

"Favorite color."
"What?"
"I dunno... asking things."

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Vigil put a claw to what you'd call her chin.

"...Purp-- 
Indigo."
"Purpindigo?"
"Herrera."
"Just saying, not a color I've heard of, but it sounds cool.
...But yeah, indigo's good. I go for orange, personally."


"...You realize we've both picked colors we're sporting?"
"Yeah, I look cool. Sue me."
"I'd say I do, too."
"Yep.
Got the whole 'old slasher horror' vibe going on. 
It rules."

She doesn't respond to your comment, but you don't think much of it.







You finally call it.

"...So uh.
Funny thing:  Might have zero board games, actually.
I don't know if I left them at the old place or if they're uh... buried in here somewhere but...
...Wait hang on."

Thinking quickly, you reach on the top shelf and rip off a page from an old notebook, grabbing a pencil right after.

"First off..."
You walk over and turn on the TV, using the buttons on the front to switch over to some music channel.
"...background noise."

You fetch one of your metal TV trays and sit back on the couch, quickly drawing a simple grid.

You hand her the tray, paper and pencil.

"Okay, X's or O's?"
It takes her a moment, but she seems to recognize the game.
"O's."
"Cool. 
You're up first."

You look on, seeing her notice the pencil and hesitate.
Looking like someone using chopsticks for the first time, she reaches down and grasps it, only failing to pick it up once.
She gently lifts it, the leech claw shaking as she tries to finely-coordinate it for the first time.

She concentrates hard, lowering the pencil down to draw.



She passes the tray back to you.
"Your move.
And don't say anything about the circle; you try drawing with these."
"Hey, I get it. Hands are hard, dude.
You'll get used to 'em
...Is 'dude' okay?"
"I have no idea yet."
"Right, yeah, makes sense."



Seems like you've got time to bring up any topics you'd like with Vigil, or ask her questions.

You'll also need to figure out your move, of course.

[ಠ_ಠ]

X top right
Ask her what she's most worried about right now

[skinstealer]

what's it like having the new body? is there anything she wants/needs to feel more comfortable?

[Guest]

How long has Vigil had consciousness, what's the earliest thing she remembers? Seconding placing the X in top right

-Marxz-

[Lilium Mortem]

"is there any place you'd like to visit someday?"

"Do you eat and if so is there anything you'd like to try that I can add to the grocery list?"

Now tell her this joke: a guy walks into a funeral and asks the widow if he can say a word. She agrees so he walks up and says "abundance". The widow smiles and says: "thanks, that means a lot"

X in a corner

[SHIVERS]

You idly drum on your snout with the pen while you think of a move.

"How's having a body?"
"I like it. It's my first.
...Probably the only one I'll have, so I can't exactly compare.
But I'm enjoying it.
It's nice to be able to move something as my own."

She holds up her hand in front of her face, opening and closing her claws robotically as she watches.

"Feeling muscles and nerves pull and pulse about in response to it.
It's a little exhilarating, in a way.
Not being without one, I'm sure you wouldn't know."
"Weird. 
Probably."

You move your hand as she did, and feel a little sick.
"God, now you got me like... thinking about having muscles and nerves and all that."
"I've cursed you. Have fun."
"Ugh."
"Though, you don't actually have those, for the record."
"...Huh?"
"Concepts don't have--"
"Right. Riiiight rightright."
"You're basically just a weird, empty bag."
"Yeah, well, you're--
Of course I, don't have those.
Nerves are boring, anyways."
"Okay, Herrera."





Another question hits you as you jot down your move.
"Do you uh..." 
You suddenly lose confidence in the question, but it finds its way out regardless, your face scrunching up. 
"...eeaat...?"
She cocks her head, squinting at you as she mimics your odd tone.
"...Yeees?"
"Cool. ...Cool."
You can't work up the nerve to ask 'how'.

Instead, you hand the tray back to her.





"Sooo you... worried about anything?
'Specially with the new body and all that, bet there's a lot going through your head."
"Oh, plenty."
You hang on, expecting a list, but get nothing.

"Do... you wanna talk about any--"
"Nope."
"Cool. Yep. I didn't want to, either, actually.
I mean, not that--
I didn't want to... bother you. 
About it."
"Then why did you ask?"
Your proxy watches you struggle to think of a response, clearly enjoying the show.
"Seemed... like... the nice? 
Thing to do?
For you, I mean.
Since you're new... here."
She doesn't respond, but you think you can see a tiny smile.
Either she liked your response, or was enjoying tormenting you. 

Possibly both.





As she ponders her move, a realization hits you; something you'd really like to know.
"Wait a sec; what's your earliest memory?"
"What's yours?" She fires back instantaneously.

The question blindsides you.

You have no idea.

Probably something from when you were a kid, though you can't remember much from back then.
Could be school.
Or your old friends, none of which stuck.
Or, time spent with your family.
It's difficult to place which singular snippet that hits you comes first chronologically.
And frankly, you'd rather not think about your past right now.

"Not an easy question, is it?"
"Well, but you've kinda got... a lot less than me, though, right?
Memories?" You wince, feeling guilty right away for mentioning it.
But, you already started the train of thought, and you feel like not finishing it would make it come off worse.
"So it... uh... 
...shouuld be... easier to..."
Your volume erodes away the longer you speak, your voice attempting escape.
"...narrow it down?
...Mmaybe?" 

why exactly do you feel the need to blurt out the FIRST THING that pops into your head
please just THINK



Vigil's posture droops ever-so-slightly, as if she's trying to hide how much that affected her.
kill me
"...It isn't by choice... you know."
"Right. No, yeah, totally. I get it."
You rub the back of your neck.
"...Sorry." 

She sighs and puts the pencil down, looking up as she searches her mind.
"...Earliest I can think of at the moment, if I were to try and order them, would be your voice.
Sometimes entire one-sided conversations you'd have with me, sometimes just a phrase or two, or just the vibration from your voice.
But there are other things.
Images of road signs and puddles, the feeling of warmth from sunlight, a name.
And still more that are too fuzzy to discern."



She picks up the pencil once more, finally jotting down her move before passing the tray.
"Is that what you wanted to know, then?"



"Yeah, no, it's... interesting.
Just makes me think like... is there any place you wanna visit?
Down the road or whatever."

"Hmm..."
Vigil once again drifts into deep thought, taking a little time to respond.
"I vaguely remember a big cave system.
One lit up with lots of colored lights.
There were trams down there, and some sections where you could explore on your own.
It was very pretty, I'd definitely like to go there myself."

"Wait. 
Hold up.
That's..." You snap your claws repeatedly, the words on the tip of your tongue. 
"Division Caverns!" You blurt out.
"I haven't been there in years.
How would you have seen it?"
"Probably from you. Your memories."
"...My what?"
"Your memories.
Proxies can pick up memories from those that summon them, especially when a proxy becomes conscious."
She shrugs. "It happens."
"So you just... know things?
About me?
Like stuff I did, or--?"
"Herrera, it's really not anything to worry about.
It can be a natural part of the process."

You are worried.



You can continue talking with Vigil - you're sure there's plenty left to say. 

Though you need to make a move as well.

[skinstealer]

x in bottom right corner, and also bite the bullet and ask what else vigil knows about you, may as well get on the same footing here

[Ignispark]

Maybe go for some lighter. conversation. How about that weather. Being all weathery.

Move: X in the bottom right corner.

[sarcovyn]

does this include passwords and bank details

[Wilds]

ask if she's upset with you. does she like you? does she not like you? did she see something in your memories that makes her not like you OH NO

[SHIVERS]

"So like... bank details? Passwords?"
She rolls her eye.
"If there's anything along those lines, I can't remember it off the top of my head.
As I said, you shouldn't worry so much."

You're still worried, but decide to shift to any other conversation topic.

"...How ...'bout the..."
You glance around, spotting the window. 
"...weather?"

With a single look, you can tell she knows you're having trouble.

"We aren't required to talk, you know.
Sitting in silence is fine, too."
"Nahhh, it's cool!
I'm... enjoying this talk." 

It's not entirely a lie. Technically.
But a twinge of guilt hits you regardless.



Vigil eyeballs you.

Her ability to read you is uncanny.
She doesn't bring it up, though. 

Her shoulders rise and fall in a noiseless sigh.
"I like the rain.
Though, I wish it would escalate into a storm.
I miss thunderstorms."

Memories spring forth into your head.
Of many nights spent huddled in your old neighbor's storm cellar:  
alone and scared, while your family was typically out of town.

Best not to think about it.

"...Yeah rain's good," you answer quickly.
You draw in your X without really paying attention, then pass the tray.





Vigil takes the tray with her claws and glances down at the paper.
"...you lucky--"
She shakes her head as she pouts.
"Well, now it's a draw.
Can't believe you happened to pick a corner."


"...what?"

She scoots a little closer, showing you the paper.
"See, since you picked that spot, we'd end up blocking each other for the rest of the game.
Like this," she taps each spot, scribbling in each move in turn until the game ends in a tie.
"If you went in any other spot besides one of the two corners, I would've won.
I had you all but dead to rights!"



You stare at the page, not really understanding.

"...I'm just that good."
"Oh, shut it." Vigil can't help but snicker despite herself.

She rubs the side of her head.
"Well... at any rate, it's getting late.
Probably good to turn in here.
Don't we have to get up early for work?"



You swivel to check the clock on the microwave.

It's already after midnight.
"Shit, bed, yes. Yep.

Man, I didn't even notice it was getting this late..."

You hop off of the couch and motion to Vigil.
"Here, scoot."
She stands up, folds up her chair and moves out of the way, setting the tray aside.

You toss the cushions and start unfolding the pull-out bed from the couch.
"You were out for a while.
At least you had some extra sleep already."
You don't feel rested at all.
In fact, you feel exhausted, and your head's still throbbing a little from earlier.





When the bed finally flops down, an impending predicament hits you.
You turn your head to find Vigil looking between you and the bed.

"...Don't worry about me, you can--"
"I'll take the floor," you blurt out.
Her brow raises. "You're... sure about that?"
"Yep! 
I'll, uh..." 

You find the couch cushions on the floor.
Scooting them over to what little space there is in your tiny apartment, you line them up.
You toss a few blankets from the closets over the cushions,
finishing it off with an extra pillow for your head.
"Boom.
Easy."

You toss your phone onto the charger nearby and flop atop the makeshift bed.

It is not comfortable.
But you don't really care.
You're tired, and it's less awkward this way.

You turn over to find the TV-headed creature towering over you,
and you bury your instinctive sense of panic.
"...Not going to change into your pajamas?"
"Nah, I'm good."







With the curtains drawn,
your little room of an apartment is nearly pitch-black.

In the pithy bit of light that emanates from your microwave,

you can see Vigil.
A monstrous, looming shadow
making its way closer,
heading for the bed.



You wish the sight didn't scare you so much.

You roll over onto your side and close your eyes.



The cheap bed creaks next to you as she lays atop it, blanket rustling.
"...Goodnight."
"...Night."




















Rain pours down the windows in the dark apartment.





Despite how tired you are, you can't sleep.





Something is nagging at you.








"...seriously, uh...
What d'you know about me?"
"Do you want a list?"
"...No, but, uh..."



"Are you upset with me?
I figure... y'know...

...Probably saw somethin' in my memory that made you...

...not...



...y'know..."



"...Rest assured,
how I feel about you has little to do with your memory."

that does not sound promising



"...So you uh..."
You rub the back of your neck.
"Aren't... a fan."













The rain sounds louder in the silence,

as you wait for a response.











"...It's complicated."




"How's it--"
"We should be asleep already, Herrera."

"Yeah, sounds..." 
You move your claws over to cover your head as you turn away. 
"...good. 


Yup."
















You just can't leave it alone.




"...I know I screw up a lot.

So, if it's... 



anything I..."

"Goodnight, Herrera."














"...G'night."




You sink into the blankets and close your eyes.

It's much colder than you imagined it'd be, 
especially since you used all of the extra blankets to pad the cushions, 
so you have nothing to cover yourself but your clothes.






You drift off anyway.










































Shower's running.
You can hear it.

That's the first thing you think of when your alarm wakes you up.

The second thing you think of
is the ungodly amount to which your back hurts.

You reach over lazily on your terrible little excuse for a bed, 
and snag your phone after a few tries.



With your alarm off,
you grunt and pull yourself up to your feet.

God, you hurt.


...Air mattress.
You have to get one after work today.




Usually, you take a shower the second you get up.
It helps you wake up a little.
But... it's occupied at the moment.

Vigil's in there.








Well, you definitely need to take a quick one before work.
You could knock.
Let her know you need in there fairly soon, before you leave.

...Though, after last night,
you're hesitant to interact at all, really.

Maybe you shouldn't bother her.




You could try and make some breakfast,
to pass the time while you wait.
...You could make her something, maybe.

You have no idea what she likes, though.




Little decisions like this shouldn't be so nerve-wracking, you think.

[skinstealer]

make some breakfast and pray she's out soon, keep it simple and easy for her to refuse without feeling like she's wasting anything

[knux400]

Make something simple that can be stored in the fridge as a snack for yourself later, just in case she doesn't like it. Fix yourself something as well, might as well eat while you're waiting.