[pcs] ray of sunshine

[ritualization]

[maybe eventually I'll add images to these.]

Comments

first week, wednesday, probably a little later

[ritualization]

[so ishi is out in the courtyard, minding his own business around some plants, when someone else's presence gets him to glance up--

and whatever greeting he had in mind immediately goes out the window at the sight of ray.]

-oh, my.

[that's... that sure is something! it sure is distracting.

on second glance, ishi's got a few plants in his arms; he's been doing a little harvesting out here, seems like.]

Well, I suppose that makes you rather easy to find. You aren't busy, are you?

[selfimmolates]

Shut it.

[do you know! how many comments he's gotten about this!]

What is it?

[ritualization]

[he doesn't comment further on how very sparkly ray is this week, at least, just nodding his head toward the greenery instead.]

Are you familiar with the uses of plants?

[selfimmolates]

[he nods.]

Though specific plants would depend on if I'm familiar with them, of course.

week 1, friday

[ritualization]

[he spends some time in the courtyard, in either meditation or prayer-- hard to say which, considering his silence the entire time-- but eventually, ishikirimaru moves to the armory to practice.

this is something of a form of meditation also, just moving through various strikes in a repetitive cycle; not meant for much more than conditioning and to keep his body and mind focused on anything but what's happened. he'll just get angry if he lets himself think of it too much.

so that's where ray will find him, the top half of his outfit pushed off his shoulders to avoid his sleeves getting in the way. sword fashion is the worst. i'm going to suffer if/when stripping happens tomorrow. he slows his movements when he realizes he's not alone, though, giving ray a small nod.]

...I can move, if you need the space.

[because swinging that sword around definitely takes up a decent amount of it.]

[selfimmolates]

[he's not going to comment on the weirdass outfit.]

As long as you don't hit me.

[he's heading to the archery range, at least, so hopefully not too close to ishikirimaru.]

[ritualization]

[that's why ray is truly the best of us, tbh.]

I have more control of my blade than that, I assure you.

[but he pauses for now, although he doesn't quite sheath his sword yet.]

Was it too crowded for your liking, or do you simply prefer to stay active?

w2, sunday

[ritualization]

[well, even people who are likely to mcdie still have to eat until that happens, so ishi is in the kitchen, a cup of tea steeping while he finishes washing the dishes he'd just used. still, even with the water running he isn't oblivious to someone showing up, turning to give ray a little nod once he realizes he isn't alone.]

...Ray-kun. I hope you were able to rest well enough.

[because yesterday sure was... something.]

[selfimmolates]

[...]

I'm fine.

[as if he was ever going to give any other answer,]

[ritualization]

[he expected as much, but he still had to ask.]

Good. I had my concerns, but... I suppose everything went as well as any of us could expect, considering.

w3, sunday

[ritualization]

[it's probably not surprising to find him in the armory, sleeves tied back while he works on keeping his sword maintained-- the cuts on his arms have at least healed enough to ditch the bandages, but they're definitely still visible.

he looks up to ray, pausing in his work to give him a nod; he sets aside the cleaning supplies for now, actually, though his sword remains in his lap for the moment.]

It seems these numbers are going to remain more consistent than they should, doesn't it.

[four bodies twice in a row. why are people this way.

but he doesn't ask how ray is, this time; he knows the response he can expect.]

[selfimmolates]

[yeah, he will absolutely not give out any other answer.]

Yeah. On the other hand, the god numbers aren't, if Ambition's followers are happy to use Advancement Opportunity on others—and now that the realization of what happens to gods with no followers is firmly imprinted in everyone's minds.

[...]

Will you be sticking with Merriment next week?

[hi.]

[ritualization]

[well, that definitely gets an arched brow, and a pause while he considers-- they've never discussed this, so who knows what specifically counts under the rules.]

I wonder who you've been speaking with, Ray-kun, to come up with that... but I may or may not keep my current allegiance.

[not outright confirming or denying seems safest, for now. he's not a hundred percent positive he actually wants to confirm.]

Why do you ask?

w3, sunday again

[selfimmolates]

Ishikirimaru! Have you ever spoken to Indulgence?

[HI]

[ritualization]

Ah- hello, Ray-kun.

[he looks a little thrown off by how. sudden that is. but after a moment, he shakes his head.]

They're one I have yet to meet with. Why?

[selfimmolates]

Good. Do me another favour?

w4, monday

[ritualization]

[he's in the kitchen at some point in the day, a teacup in hand as there often is-- black instead of green this time, though, and there are two empty cups nearby already. that should be some indication of the kind of day ishikirimaru is currently having.

but he still manages a small smile for ray. everything is fine!]

I meant to come look for you, at some point, but I suppose this makes things easier. Do you mind if I ask something else of you?

[selfimmolates]

[the tea isn't poisoned, is it.]

Go ahead.

[ritualization]

[it's not poison or weed I swear.]

I don't know yet if the numbers may have shifted such that they've left and we simply gained another-- but are you aware of anyone else with my ability?

[he sets the cup down, with a sigh.]

I know there's someone who hasn't been using it, but considering the current rules... I have little choice but to try a bit harder to make contact, before we meet in a more unfortunate way than we need to.

[a pause, and-]

Ah, and I spoke to Indulgence, so there's one for your list.

w4, tuesday

[selfimmolates]

[never let it be said that ray doesn't work fast, because—]

I don't know for sure, but a heads-up that Fortune's killer might be with Merriment this week, so there's a possibility they chose All Nighter.

[ritualization]

[THANKS HE HATES THAT.

but after he takes a moment to recover from that--]

... it'd be better than them being with Cunning, at least. The last thing we need is for them to be going around unseen.

Do you have a lead on who I may need to watch for, then?

[selfimmolates]

Well, they could be with Cunning. To be honest, I don't have much evidence supporting which alignment they chose—just that they've commented on Merriment's powers being appealing before, and Merriment did gain a follower this week since one supposedly left.

[...]

I suspect Luna.

w5, monday

[selfimmolates]

[hello.]

I have a message from someone addressed to "Luna's killer".

[ritualization]

Well, then.

[that sure is something.]

What is the message?

[selfimmolates]

... Zoe says thank you.

Because apparently, Newt and Luna would've killed Connor next if you hadn't stopped her.