[pcs] ray of sunshine

[ritualization]

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

Comments

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?

[selfimmolates]

[maintaining a neutral face!]

Just wondering. I'd rather not see Merriment go out just yet.

... There was one request I wanted to make of you, though. Not related to the gods, so don't worry.

[ritualization]

Mm. Neither would I-- but neither would I like to see my previous god at risk.

[also neutral, why are they both Like This, jan.]

I can't promise I'll be able to accept it, but- ask away.

[selfimmolates]

Oh, I think you'll accept this one, because I doubt I even need to ask.

[he smiles grimly.]

Look after Senri and Takaomi.

[ritualization]

...you're right about that.

[that gets a slight smile, tired as it is.]

I am trying, though Nito-kun does seem to have a talent for making that difficult.

[selfimmolates]

Yeah, he's a pain. Both of them are.

[ritualization]

I do hope you haven't found them to be too much of one.

[a hum, and-]

But you do not need to worry about keeping an eye on those two. I'll do what I can.

[selfimmolates]

Good. After this weekend, they'll need all the support they can get.

[ritualization]

...I know. We've already spoken.

[not that he wasn't worried before, but. extra concern.]

May I make a request of you as well?

[selfimmolates]

What?

[ritualization]

I do not know that they'll always share anything worrying, and while I will not ask you to betray their confidence outright--

If you should feel there's anything I ought to be particularly concerned with, I would appreciate you letting me know, if you're able.

[selfimmolates]

Sure. Though I don't know if they'd tell me anything they wouldn't tell you. I'm not that close with Takaomi, and Senri's not exactly the open type either.

[ritualization]

Perhaps not... but you seem to have a way of learning things, all the same.

[selfimmolates]

Not really. There's a lot they keep from me too and I don't find out until it's too late.

[ritualization]

Then I suppose all either of us can do is try.

[he exhales a breath, there, shaking his head. this is an 'us' situation now since ray asked and ray's just gonna have to live with that.]

[selfimmolates]

... Yeah. I don't expect you to keep them out of trouble, but just—try and keep them emotionally stable, or whatever.

[read: please give them emotional help because ray sucks at that.]

[ritualization]

It is not exactly my specialty, but... I am working on that.

[at least he's much better with other people's feelings than his own.

after a moment, he turns his attention back to his sword, returning to his work while he speaks.]

How much do you think things will change, tomorrow?

[selfimmolates]

[flatly,]

A lot. For the record, Piety's only going to have one follower left, unless anyone switches.

[ritualization]

-I should at least know which one, unless... something else happened to change their mind.

[his brow furrows at that. he doubts it, but-- still.]

But I will hope that at least one other person decides to join him.

[selfimmolates]

[he's quiet for a bit.]

... Someone targeted me with Advancement Opportunity last night. I'm considering it.

[ritualization]

...if you will at least consider it, that is all I can ask, but--

[...alright. he'll be a little more direct.]

I cannot go back to him yet, myself. If you are willing to help keep him safe... I would certainly owe you for that.

[selfimmolates]

What's keeping you?

[ritualization]

...I did not defect to survive. We'd spoken about it before that trial ever happened.

The reasons I originally chose to leave are the same ones keeping me from returning, although he still has my support.