abraxaslogs | It's in the way that you use it

If the bear could sigh, it would. It drops its hands in some form of dismay, abandoning its amusing pose. The hat begins to slip again, then magically fixes itself in a flash of pixels.

"I don't have a roadmap for you," the bear says initially and rubs its nose. "For leaving or not ascending. I can't see people when they disappear, that's not my thing."

It points one long claw at Istredd. "But you should tell your friends that if you ever want to do something here? There's always a cost. That's for gods and mortals both. And there's no turning back once you make up your mind, so you better be sure you know what you want."

It wiggles the claws.

"No take backs."

"That's good advice in general." About there being a cost to all actions. In Istredd's experience, that's the truth about most decisions. He's experienced it himself in this sphere, and he doubtless will again. He notes down everything the god is saying mentally as he's sure there will be questions from his friends later, although this is general enough not to give anyone concrete answers.

He didn't come into this conversation expecting Umbvagher to write out a 'how-to' on everything they could do. But Istredd has his own questions. Those were not even for him, not really. As he already told Umbvagher, he has no interest in leaving or not ascending. It was for others.

"I'm curious why you started to reach out to us. From what I can tell, the other gods need to be asked for help, but you started communicating directly in a way no other has. You showed us that vision, you said we don't belong to them. Why do you care?"

Unless one of Istredd's degrees is in zoology, the bear's expression is difficult to read. But the twinkle in its eye at the question Istredd has of his own is very human. The shadows that the bear's hulking form cast begin to contain a shimmer of stars, like the night sky has opened up on the ground behind them.

"Isn't it obvious?" it says even though it doesn't give Istredd time to guess. "Because I remember."

The bear pats its chest with its right paw.

"Most of us don't. Time stops having meaning and Abraxas is all you know. But some of us," it taps its forehead with one long claw, "we keep all our noodles. And that makes us more powerful in ways they can't ever be."

Istredd's startled by the stars surrounding them but he's skilled at illusions so he can adjust quickly to what is visible around him changing. It's interesting that Umbvagher chooses now to do that. Maybe as ambiance for what he's trying to impart. That he remembers, that he knows what they will be eventually.

"I would say so, you had the power to give us all a massive connected vision, that's impressive to say the least." He isn't being flattering for the sake of it, it's less of a compliment and more of an observation. He wonders if his god self could have done that. Maybe. He wouldn't have thought of to try, but that seems within the realm of possibility.

"I appreciate you speaking with me, it's been difficult getting no answers. Do you know what is going on with the Singularity right now? I worry with it malfunctioning. The territories might force us into it again, but that can't be a long-term solution. Any ideas?"

The bear puffs its chest out at the compliment. The stars shine a bit brighter in response, a few shooting across the darkness mimicking the night sky. Umbvagher does know how to put on a show but rarely gets the recognition he deserves.

"Be sure to leave a five-star review."

The display in his shadow settles as the bear shifts onto all fours, the hat now adjusting itself to sit more easily on the back of its head. It shakes its head.

"Sometimes the Singularity can get a little cranky, but I've never seen it act like this before. Nap time's been a staple of its existence. Maybe some of the older Gods have? But they don't tend to worry about much outside of their control. Zorne...he probably sees it as some sort of validation."

The bear wrinkles its nose.

"Whatever is going on, you and your friends might have to act sooner than you think."

The stars changing around them is impressive too, but that's to be expected of a god of this level. Still, he glances up at them appreciatively before returning his attention to the bear. The five-star review must be a modern reference, he truly does think the god was once someone from a sphere like Lucifer's. Only people from there seem to understand his references.

The response about the Singularity having shown nothing like this is deeply concerning. The New Gods have been around a long time, if they don't know, it might predate this. Or perhaps the Singularity has never done this before. What can they possibly do to stop it, in that case?

"I'm not sure what we could do, as we are." It's not as if they are from that vision. His eyes fix on Umbvagher. "Do you think the gods would help us? If it gets worse. Surely they don't want this world to fall apart."

The bear tilts its head to the side in thought. It raises a claw to its chin. Unfortunately, Istredd will not appreciate the philosoraptor-like pose its assumed.

"Some might," it finally admits and lowers its paw. "Others will just accept that it's how things go. And a few will enjoy the show."

It points off to the distance in the direction of far off the Badlands.

"Gods like Zorne wait for moments like this."

Istredd understands, truthfully. Even in the creation of the illusion that the bear gave them, there were gods among the Summoned who probably would have shrugged and accepted what was coming. They had a realistic experience of what it was like to live too long with too much power.

"I don't know what we can do to protect this sphere from the Singularity, but we'll try." This is their sphere now. Istredd's chosen home. He may not have any connection to the Singularity, it's never done that for him, but he will find a way if he can. He's not about to fail another family.

"I plan on going back to Thorne when they allow us to return, and I don't know if you're able to communicate with us in other places. But if you have any more information or want to help us, will you find a way to talk with one of the Summoned? We could use your help."

The bear grins, showing off its large pointy teeth. It would be cute otherwise.

"I found you in Ikorr. Do you think Thorne can really stop me?"

It picks up its hat and lifts it up, mimicking a true 'tip of the hat'.

"If I don't see you first, you know my number."

He places the hat back on his head and stands up like a person more than a bear. The shimmering of stars in its shadow expands behind it, wrapping around the bear like a cape.

"8-6-7-5-3-0-9."

The cape swirls around the bear and Umbvagher disappears in a flourish of the fabric of space.

It's in the way that you use it

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