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What is The Shift?
A friend once said; "This event happens once a month where the person you know you are takes a backseat to an alternative version of yourself that has memories you've sworn you've never experienced, but you know are true." This is an accurate description. You, to put it plainly, live two lives. You have your life in Boston, which you live most of your time, and then your real identity. You will have the memories of both of your lives from this Alternate Universe and from your Home Universe. It is best not to fight the memories, as your headache will only get worse, and the sooner you lessen the pain in your head, the sooner you will be able to try to understand what is happening to you.
How long has this been going on?
These shifts have been occurring for the better part of two years. Some people have been around for two years, from the beginning. Some have been at this a year, some even less, and others are new to this, just like you. Know that everyone is always working together to get information out, to try to get to the bottom of all of this.
What happens to my 'Boston persona'?
Your persona in Boston is still with you. The best thing you can do, is to try to keep to the normal routine your other side keeps. If you have work, go to work. If you have plans and engagements, keep those plans. Once the shift week is over, you will return to that one persona, and will need to have that sense of normalcy. Do not dismiss your Boston half, as this is the part that will help keep you grounded.
Where are my powers? My items?
The best we can say is that people who have powers, items, locations that they are used to, they start to come back to you in waves. Some find them while being their Boston persona, some only find them when the shifts begin. Be patient. It is understandably frustrating to be without the things you are used to having, but know that in time, things start to appear. There does not seem to be a rhyme or reason for this.
Can I get my powers outside of the shift? What about memories?
Yes. Some find that their powers and items are found outside of the shift by their Boston personas, and sometimes this cause a bit of chaos. This is oddly normal at this point, so try your best to not be alarmed, though that is easier said than done.
You may also find that your Boston persona has memories of your life while you are not around. This is also starting to be a more common occurrence, but again there is no real rhyme or reason for how this happens, or why it happens.
What happens when the shift ends?
When the shift ends, as it always ends, you will return to just being your Boston persona. You will not fully remember the shift, and you'll have a large gap in memory. You will remember certain things about what happened - if you robbed a bank, you'll remember that you robbed a bank, but you won't remember why you were compelled to do so. If you had a lengthy conversation with someone that you don't know, you'll remember that you spoke, but you might not remember the full conversation (as long as it pertains to the shift). There will be things you might deem as 'weird' that you may have to deal with once the shift ends, so just always be aware of that.
Can I leave myself messages for when the shift ends?
Some have taken to leaving notes to their other half to help explain things, and this is up to you, if you feel it would be helpful. Once upon a time, the notes we left would disappear, but now thankfully, they remain right where we leave them. Some write letters, some leave video messages, some leave audio recordings. When you wake up out of the shift, the messages might seem like drunken ramblings, so you may not believe them at first. But once you go through the shift a few times, your other side might start to accept the messages at face value. As always, have patience.
Is my Boston life a fraud?
No. Not at all. The biggest thing to remember is that you are you, you just have two lives. You are both superhero and not, you are both your personas. Both of your lives are valid, and will continue to be valid. Both of your sets of memories are valid, and will continue to be valid. This is difficult to comprehend, and will take some time getting used to, but it will make sense in the end. Your friends are still your friends. Your partner is still your partner. Your co-worker is still your co-worker. Just now, you can see others in a new light, and perhaps form new partnerships and friendships because of it.
Does everyone shift at the same time?
Not always, and there does not seem to be a rhyme or reason for it. There are times you may not shift when everyone else does, and vice versa. Note that if your best friend doesn't shift when you do, there is nothing you can do that will make them shift into their other selves. If you are unable to get through to their other side, then simply just act as the friend that they know and are comfortable with.
What about all the 'entertainment' stories about me?
You'll find that there are comics, movies, cartoons, etc about your life in the home universe. To everyone else in this universe, those are just stories, and they are just fiction. Some find it useful to leave comics of themselves for their Boston persona, to help guide them through memories and what is happening. Again, this is up to you, no one is forcing you to do this.
Do we know why and who is doing this to us?
As of August 2016, we know of four being that are holding us here. Those names are Darkseid, Thanos, Apocalypse, and the entity known as Parallax. Some of these names may be familiar to you, some may not. This is all dependent on the Home Universe you are from. What we do know is that these four have been instrumental in causing chaos for us during the shifts, and at times have actually made their presence known by kidnapping and torturing some of us. All four of these beings have groups we call "lackies" that adorn their colors -- if you see these men and woman coming towards you, chances are they are not looking for a friendly chat. Be alert.
As for the why and how this is happening, so far we have found out that this seems to be happening due to items called "Infinity Stones". These are from one Home Universe, and seemingly controlled by Thanos, though the other four beings have a large say in what happens to us. Some of the stones have been found and contained, some have not, and each stone has a different consequence to it. Teleportation, 'swapping' souls with others, memory wipes, these are just a few of the consequences of just being near a stone.
People have been working in groups to try to find the stones and contain them; it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to use the stones if you get them as there is no saying what will happen to you if you do.
What can I do to help with the shift? Who can I contact?
You will realize that there are groups that are around that are always looking for help. For example, The Avengers, The Justice League, The Birds of Prey, Teen Titans -- all these groups are around. You simply just need to reach out and try to get in contact; though chances are, people will come to you. There are more groups out there than the ones listed above, so no matter what you will be able to find allies and friends.
If you would like to help, simply say so. Jump in and try to offer suggestions and solutions. The biggest thing to note is that the four beings who put us here do not care about you. They do not care if you identify with being a 'hero' or if you identify with being a 'villain'. They do not align themselves to us, they do not fall victim to us baiting them or trying to fool them, and to them you, as all of us are, are disposable.
Don't forget that it doesn't matter who you are: if you want to help get to the bottom of this, the more help, the better. Ultimately, we are all in this together, no matter what side of the aisle you fall on. It is up to you if you wish to help or hinder progress; as always, this is your choice and no one else's but yours.
Are we ever both of our selves at all times?
Yes. This is what is referred to as having 'the veil lifted'. There is a small group of people who are both of their personas at all times. This does not seem to have a specific pattern as to who this happens to, but it does happen.
I have other questions! Who can I talk to?
You can talk to any of your allies, or you can talk to me and I can help direct you to those you know and are comfortable with.
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