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They worry more about being attacked. They worry about losing themselves. We need some sort of protection against that, and then we'll really be able to make a difference.

[ Maybe some sort of support group that can respond quickly should someone lose themselves to the Fog or some other madness. Provided, of course, the madness isn't sweeping the entire peninsula. But then, even followers aren't safe. ]

Ah, I don't know if we need to arm anyone just yet. But giving them a better understanding of self defense might help. Too many people are getting swept up in the vengeance cycle, as you said.

What exactly do you mean by teaching them how to use their minds? Like strategy?

I have full confidence we can do something about that. I have experience with those aspects... [Tsukikage nods, having dealt with both of those things before and having come out the other side of those struggles.]

I see... Well, if the time comes for us to face the gods in battle, I'll be ready anyway. [It's a bit of a shame no one is going to use those shiny weapons at home, but Tsukikage isn't too disappointed. Maybe it's for the best.]

Exactly like strategy. Many people resort to instincts when fighting and while it is useful in a pinch, it's not the best way to defend yourself. To be effective in a fight, I find one must focus on their opponents' weakest points while utilising their own strengths. [Fighting is a discipline after all.] For example, striking with a sword rather than flailing wildly with it is usually more affective. Combat is one of the few things I'm useful at, so I'll be able to help there.

[ No bombs, Tsukikage. ]

Well, I'd definitely be interested in hearing what you can do about the control thing.

[ Now that he knows from the conduit event that both he and Haruka are as susceptible to the madness as anyone else. ]

And you know how to apply that strategy to each of the different monster types?

[ Rin has made it a point to keep himself abreast of all monster feeding and combat habits for both helping the younger monsters and defending himself against those in the grips of madness. His goal is to ensure Haruka never has to deal with his death every again. ]

[He's never used them on anything except the blob. He's been showing remarkable self control with the bombs.]

It's the same way of managing the fog form, really. Don't starve yourself and learn how to manipulate your instincts. It takes some practice, but it can be done provided you aren't hungry.

[He's given tips to a few people how to curb themselves while in Fog form and just general hunger. Not a guarantee but it does help.]

Yes. I've been learning how each monster type attacks and defends. Of course it depends on the individual and their style as well as their different monster mutations, but if I see them I'll be able to figure something out. Ninja pride themselves in quickly adapting to situations and assisting our comrades by doing such.

Isn't the fog form always hungry?

[ It had certainly seemed that way for Rin when he was under the influence of the conduit. ]

How do you manipulate something like that?

Yes, but you aren't starving. If you've eaten... well it's three days for me, but it varies... If you've fed on humans recently and aren't on the brink of starvation, you're able to have a chance at controlling yourself against the fog form.

[The conduit zones were a special case though. Even Tsukikage hadn't been able to resist that. And it's only a chance. Not everyone could control it. Most could... but...]

It's about directing your thoughts. Mindfulness. When instincts from the fog kick in, you need to be able to recognise and grab the thought. You recognise that it is an instinct and what you want to do, and channel it into something else. I use my hunger in that form for fighting. That aggression, that anger, that thirst to survive and just stuff myself senseless are all horrifying... but I do my best to use it to fight other monsters that have gone crazy in their fog form. Being able to protect people keeps me clear-headed. The ways to cope will vary from person to person.

The best counter of monster instincts is to be human. Compromise with those instincts. Rationalise thoughts. It helps.

[ So the trick is to eat before the fog hits and before entering any of the corrupted zones, should that be necessary. Being a harpy, Rin has been able to detect the fog's arrival every now and then. It's not a perfect science, but it should give him some leg up on the situation. More importantly, he can share that with the other monsters to control their own madness. ]

And you think you can teach this thought-redirection to others?

[ The concept doesn't seem too far-fetched. Just a method of refocusing, strengthening one's mental defenses. ]

What do you mean be human?

I'm fairly certain I can. It's an art taught to me from young. I would be disappointed if I could not.

[Meditation and thought exercises are very powerful when applied properly. Admittedly, Tsukikage's been a little slack in them with his lack of free time, but he's coming back to them.]

The proper saying is 'It is better to be a good duelist than the best monster'. I'm applying it to our situation here. A monster can only use the skills and powers that it has been given, but a duelist, a person, utilises all the things they have, rather than their raw ability. They use their minds, their souls, they think creatively. They work in teams, they strategise and use order. Does that make a little more sense?

I think I get it. You're saying we can't always rely on our monster powers. We need to learn how to manage our bodies, even when those powers are lost to it.

[ Which would be especially pertinent in the fog-corrupted zones. ]

[Beneath his mask, he smiles and nods.]

If you'd like a demonstration, I'd be happy to give one in time. I really think we could make a difference if we applied ourselves.

[ Rin is starting to look less somber and more intrigued in turn. ]

I'm up for it whenever you are.

Mornings are better for me. It'll take a few sessions to see if it has an effect, but I don't mind. I'm happy for you to come over whenever as well. [Usually he'd offer to come to Rin, but he knows things are... tense between him and Haru so he doesn't want to make things awkward.

But either way, Tsukikage wants to make time for this, even if he's not free. This really feels like doing something. A step towards further defying the gods.]

It's a date then. I'll start coming over tomorrow after I'm through my jog.

Indeed. I look forward to it, Rin. Hopefully it'll help you as much as it's helped me.

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CONTACT | Call me, maybe

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I guess we can wrap up and try get more neutral progress soon!