[At some point when Luke finds himself alone, a soft voice will speak up from behind him, drawing his attention. Turning around, he'll recognize the deity he'd pledged his allegiance to: Piety.]
[Luke doesn't jump—not as such—but freezes in place, spinning himself to the direction of the voice. It's more of a surprise that there's a body to go with it.
Inclining his head in what he hopes is interpreted as a respectful gesture (Patience hadn't wanted to stand on ceremony, but what if this god did?), he fumbles with his hands for a minute, settling on keeping them straight at his sides.]
Good afternoon to you, too. It's nice to meet you... [In person? In the flesh?? Face to face???] ...outside of a dream.
[After the trial, it must be that Piety is hoping for Luke to come and find them, because he will sense that he will find the deity within the Private Study. They look up when Luke enters, somehow seeming tired even wearing a mask. Still, their voice perks up at the sight of him.]
Luke! Please, come in and sit with me. I'm so glad to see you--how are you feeling?
[As soon as Luke feels the pull of Piety's location, it's all he can do not to run to the study, spacing out his steps as he walks away from the crowd still questioning Itachi. When he enters the study, the deity's tired but chipper voice causes his shoulders to sag with obvious relief.]
How am I doing? [He repeats the sentence, shaking his head with an apologetic expression.] What about you? I accidentally dumped you out there and made you answer about a million questions! I should've asked you to explain how it works before, instead of just hoping for the best in the middle of everything... I'm sorry.
[It's a pretty tragic day, all things considered, but when Luke enters the parlor he'll find that there's a table for two set up. The table has a nice set-up of little snacks, sandwiches and tea. Meanwhile, there's also a masked figure seated in a high-back chair, long legs crossed at the knee and the stem of Luke's offering rose clamped between their fingers.]
Fabre-kun. [They turn their head to Luke, offering a hand out to him.] Welcome. Will you join me?
[He hadn't known what to expect with Beauty, but this... somehow, this wasn't it. Closing the distance between them, he slips into the chair across from Beauty, but makes no move to partake in any of the refreshments.
At a loss for what to do, he suddenly remembers himself, stands up, bows politely—and sits back down.]
So much for any pretense of being chill. That he hadn't blown his own cover mid-trial was only due to Ishikirimaru beating him to the punch—and if both of Piety's final two followers were revealed, all their metaphorical cards would be on the table. That would mean the end of the road for Piety's—for his entire following's—plans, if they both ended up... eliminated. Someone had to stay hidden. Ishikirimaru had even covered for him when Luna had asked directly if he'd been the one to use Piety's summon power, and that was without even knowing who his compatriot was. He understood what he had to do. What they both had to do.
Still...
If only I'd said something first. He felt cowardly, upset, like he'd betrayed his own determination to act, his words and promises to Piety. Damn it. After all this time...
Pulling the door to the study shut, he leans against it momentarily, clasping his hands together in front of him in what he hopes is good enough, and whispers:]
Piety... are you here?
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I'm sorry.
what's that? check's watch it's pain o' clock you say?
[This time, instead of being in his private study, Piety is walking along the shoreline in Fortune's created wing. It's easy enough to see him, figure a start contrast to the scene surrounding him. When he hears footprints, he stops, turning toward Luke to face him as he approaches.
Not knowing what to say, he waits for Luke to speak.]
[Sometime, not too long after the trial, Luke seeks out Piety. They'd met at the beach before, so that's where he goes again, sitting in the dunes this time, set back from the water.
He's not in any particular rush, but he feels like if he's looking for Piety, he'll show up. That was how it worked...or, seemed to.]
[It doesn't take too long. Eventually, he hears the soft sound of feet pressing through the sand, and then Ion is sitting beside him, completely out of his robes--as if he'd never been a god at all.]
That must have been really, really hard to go through. I'm so sorry, Luke.
[Luke announces the names to no one in particular. The cabin is empty, Guy up and off, and he's never 100% certain how to do these things. Call them from your heart... right.]
[It takes a moment--so that Luke may think that the call didn't work from that location, but then Ion appears in the cabin's doorway, still dressed in his Piety garb, just taking off his mask. Guess he had to be stealthy as he moved around.]
[When Luke arrives at the Lab, Justice is moving some of the tables back into position--it seems they'd been shuffled around at some point the night before.]
Thank you for the drawing...I really liked it. Can you tell me what it was? I've never seen anything like it before.
[Ambition winking into existence is so sudden and surprising that Luke actually yelps, jumping back with his hand on his sword—before he's suddenly and forcibly being dragged along.
Several spectrums of emotion fight superiority of expression on his face and lips, but dumbfounded confusion seems to win out long enough for him to splutter out:] What? Why?!
[does he look worried? he is worried. still, he hasn't resisted the drag at any time.]
[Luke is exploring the back of the Shrine when Ion Appears™, but it's not a jolt to look up and hear his voice, anymore—just a good surprise. Like when your best friend sneaks away to hang out with you, for a while—a warm, happy feeling. Smiling, he extends his arm out a little, so Ion can have a bit more of it, the fuzzy warmth spreading over his chest.]
Yeah, a lot—thanks. How about you? How are you doing?
[Any attention he was previously devoting to interest in the gardens, finding hidden treasure, or looking for Where That Fox Has Gone Now has changed to a bright focused beam on Ion, instead.]
If not, too bad. Sincerity's waiting for you in he big party hall that is the east wing, hanging around the buffet table, because why not? He's got both copies of the letter in one hand.]
Hey, this is pretty formal. A letter of introduction? Haven't seen one of these in years!
[It's sometime shortly after the conclusion of all of that when Ion hears Luke's oddly silent prayer from his room at the Inn in the West Wing. It's just a heartfelt wish to see him.
When he arrives, he'll find Luke sitting barefoot on his futon, legs crossed, still jacketless. Face red and puffy, it looks all the world like he just woke up from crying in a dream or something. Luke, for his part, says nothing, picking at the sheets absently, staring at the tatami floor.
[When Ion reaches him, what else can he do but, sitting daintily down beside him, wrap his arms around his friend? Honestly, he's never seen Luke seeing like he needed a hug more than this moment.]
[Here we are, again. It takes Ion awhile to find him, which is discouraging in and of itself. He doesn't want to have to rely on divinity to chase down his friend. Eventually, though, the redhead's in sight, and he pauses to steel himself. This isn't going to be easy...and he doesn't know what he's even going to say. All he knows is that, ultimately, he doesn't want to see Luke all alone.
[It's only at the end of the day that Luke finally moves out of his hiding spot—despondent as he was, he still wanted a bed, and something to eat.
Making his way to the West wing's neighborhood, he sits in the common area's dining room late at night, idly picking at a couple of sandwiches he must have obtained at one of the little shops in the wing. There's no joy to it, and even less interest in the sandwiches themselves. It's clear to the only other person to witness him that this act of eating is only because he has to.
He barely looks up from fiddling with the sandwich when Ion comes in—and doesn't actually notice who it is, properly, until he sits down next to him.
Ion.
For the first time, there's a flicker of something on his face—but it's genuinely hard to place what it is he's struggling to express. So much for being an open book. For a moment, he seems to debate a greeting—but instead, just shakes his head, pushing the sandwiches to the side.]
[Love is in the studio today, flittering about and setting up a nice space...on the floor. Yeah. That's happening, there are a few pillows to sit on and also what looks like two milkshakes and Luke's letter in the center. When he enters the studio, he'll find that the goddess immediately sits up and gestures for him to come closer.]
Luke-kun, hey! [She bows her head in apology.] I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you, but with everything...I wanted both of us to hopefully be in a little bit of a better place. [She gestures to the milkshakes, too.] I know it's not much, but I'm hoping to make it up to you?
[Merriment is found in the game room, sitting on the edge of the billiard table and batting some of the ceramic balls around the green felt tabletop. When Luke enters, he turns his head though. There's a grin in his tone.]
You didn't have to be so formal for an introduction, but I appreciate it. [He's also just amused.]
[Well. In the armory, Luke will find Cunning leaning against the wall of swords with his arms folded over his chest. He's patient for a few moments, letting Luke enter the room before he sighs through his nose.]
So. You're the kid he's doing everything for. [And it could be why Cunning waited so long to meet with him.]
[The statement stops him dead in his tracks, and simultaneously makes him want to immediately leave. He'd almost forgotten about the letter until he'd felt the insistent summons—and now, he nearly regretted it.
But Cunning was the last god he hadn't really spoken with, so...
He bows, a little stiffly, and stands, watching the deity's face, saying nothing at all.]
[Ion, there as if he was never anywhere else, moves another chair closer, so he can sit by Luke's side instead of across from him. He reaches for his hand as soon as he's seated.]
I saw the whole thing...you fought so hard. I'm so sorry, Luke.
[...what if these cookies are just set off to the side with a few missing as though they've been eaten? That's polite, right? When Luke enters the parlor he'll find Beauty in his usual chair, but he appears a little happier than their first meeting.]
[It's a warmish afternoon, and sun is certainly coming from somewhere. Inside the Cathedral had a warm, pleasant air, completely devoid of the more severe qualities of its real-world counterpart. And Luke is making the most of it—stretched out, nearly invisible, on one of the front pews, staring at the stained glass, and the light coming through it.
Is it sacrilegious, if the god was inside you all along?
When he hears footsteps, though, he does sit up, taking his feet off, at least—and beams at the approaching god. Performing a quick check for other possible passers-by, he grins:]
Yes! But try as I might, I always end up right back here again.
[Already removing his mask, Ion smiles from ear to ear as he sees Luke, his pace quickly picking up to meet him. Coming up behind him from the second row, he leans over the back of the bench beside Luke.]
[Once they're out of the courtyard and all the discussion contained with in, it's not until they're all the way upstairs, in the Study, that Luke stops, closing the door behind him. He leans against it for a minute, as if unsure what to say, or how to start.]
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WEEK 1
Good afternoon, Luke.
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Inclining his head in what he hopes is interpreted as a respectful gesture (Patience hadn't wanted to stand on ceremony, but what if this god did?), he fumbles with his hands for a minute, settling on keeping them straight at his sides.]
Good afternoon to you, too. It's nice to meet you... [In person? In the flesh?? Face to face???] ...outside of a dream.
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WEEK 1 (POST TRIAL)
Luke! Please, come in and sit with me. I'm so glad to see you--how are you feeling?
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How am I doing? [He repeats the sentence, shaking his head with an apologetic expression.] What about you? I accidentally dumped you out there and made you answer about a million questions! I should've asked you to explain how it works before, instead of just hoping for the best in the middle of everything... I'm sorry.
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WEEK TWO, FRIDAY
Fabre-kun. [They turn their head to Luke, offering a hand out to him.] Welcome. Will you join me?
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[what was with this setup???]
Yeah. [he guesses????] Sure.
[He hadn't known what to expect with Beauty, but this... somehow, this wasn't it. Closing the distance between them, he slips into the chair across from Beauty, but makes no move to partake in any of the refreshments.
At a loss for what to do, he suddenly remembers himself, stands up, bows politely—and sits back down.]
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WEEK 2 (POST-TRIAL)
So much for any pretense of being chill. That he hadn't blown his own cover mid-trial was only due to Ishikirimaru beating him to the punch—and if both of Piety's final two followers were revealed, all their metaphorical cards would be on the table. That would mean the end of the road for Piety's—for his entire following's—plans, if they both ended up... eliminated. Someone had to stay hidden. Ishikirimaru had even covered for him when Luna had asked directly if he'd been the one to use Piety's summon power, and that was without even knowing who his compatriot was. He understood what he had to do. What they both had to do.
Still...
If only I'd said something first. He felt cowardly, upset, like he'd betrayed his own determination to act, his words and promises to Piety. Damn it. After all this time...
Pulling the door to the study shut, he leans against it momentarily, clasping his hands together in front of him in what he hopes is good enough, and whispers:]
Piety... are you here?
[beat;]
I'm sorry.
what's that? check's watch it's pain o' clock you say?
Luke...you haven't done anything to apologize for.
[Without hesitation, the god approaches the rest of the way and reaches out to put their hands over Luke's.]
(every number on the watchface has been replaced with pain)
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WEEK 3 (DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT)
Not knowing what to say, he waits for Luke to speak.]
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But when he finally arrives, he finds he doesn't know what to say.
Where to start.]
Why...?
[Why what? Even he doesn't know. It's all he's got.]
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STEALING SKY INTERNET
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WEEK 3 (POST-TRIAL)
He's not in any particular rush, but he feels like if he's looking for Piety, he'll show up. That was how it worked...or, seemed to.]
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That must have been really, really hard to go through. I'm so sorry, Luke.
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WEEK 4 (TUESDAY... MORNING?)
[Luke announces the names to no one in particular. The cabin is empty, Guy up and off, and he's never 100% certain how to do these things. Call them from your heart... right.]
...I can go somewhere else, too!
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Yes, I'm here. How are you feeling, Luke?
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WEEK 4, FRIDAY
Thank you for the drawing...I really liked it. Can you tell me what it was? I've never seen anything like it before.
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Oh, uh, no problem. It's a [a thing.] Cheagle. You probably don't have those, right?
I mean, you didn't—when you weren't a god.
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WEEK 4
Anyway, when he blinks, suddenly Ambition is a few feet in front of him, her arms crossed. Surprise.]
Can we talk? [...] Of course we can talk. [She reaches out to take his arm to.. haul him down the hall toward the beauty salon..] Come with me.
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Several spectrums of emotion fight superiority of expression on his face and lips, but dumbfounded confusion seems to win out long enough for him to splutter out:] What? Why?!
[does he look worried? he is worried. still, he hasn't resisted the drag at any time.]
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WEEK 5
How are you feeling this week? Any better?
i have decided it is tuesday and they are...... at the shrine. yes.
Yeah, a lot—thanks. How about you? How are you doing?
[Any attention he was previously devoting to interest in the gardens, finding hidden treasure, or looking for Where That Fox Has Gone Now has changed to a bright focused beam on Ion, instead.]
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WEEK 5
If not, too bad. Sincerity's waiting for you in he big party hall that is the east wing, hanging around the buffet table, because why not? He's got both copies of the letter in one hand.]
Hey, this is pretty formal. A letter of introduction? Haven't seen one of these in years!
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He flushes, scratching his neck.]
Uh, well, you're still a god.
[So!!!]
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WEEK 5
Wanna chat, huh? Well, cutie, I'm all ears.
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[They've chatted, on and off, but not in a one-on-one. She's a little intimidating.
Okay
a lot intimidating.]
I just wanted to make sure I got to talk to everyone. At least once.
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WEEK 5
Missed me, huh? Hit me with what you've got, kid.
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For Indulgence, at least, he gets right to the point, because this hall is actually awful.]
...Is this your idea for the world?
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WEEK 5 - FRIDAY (POST... GUY)
When he arrives, he'll find Luke sitting barefoot on his futon, legs crossed, still jacketless. Face red and puffy, it looks all the world like he just woke up from crying in a dream or something. Luke, for his part, says nothing, picking at the sheets absently, staring at the tatami floor.
There's a patch that looks particularly soaked.]
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[When Ion reaches him, what else can he do but, sitting daintily down beside him, wrap his arms around his friend? Honestly, he's never seen Luke seeing like he needed a hug more than this moment.]
I'm so sorry.
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WEEK 6, MONDAY
So he comes closer, sits wordlessly beside him.]
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Making his way to the West wing's neighborhood, he sits in the common area's dining room late at night, idly picking at a couple of sandwiches he must have obtained at one of the little shops in the wing. There's no joy to it, and even less interest in the sandwiches themselves. It's clear to the only other person to witness him that this act of eating is only because he has to.
He barely looks up from fiddling with the sandwich when Ion comes in—and doesn't actually notice who it is, properly, until he sits down next to him.
Ion.
For the first time, there's a flicker of something on his face—but it's genuinely hard to place what it is he's struggling to express. So much for being an open book. For a moment, he seems to debate a greeting—but instead, just shakes his head, pushing the sandwiches to the side.]
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WEEK 6, THURSDAY /screams with the force of 200000 velociraptors
Luke-kun, hey! [She bows her head in apology.] I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you, but with everything...I wanted both of us to hopefully be in a little bit of a better place. [She gestures to the milkshakes, too.] I know it's not much, but I'm hoping to make it up to you?
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floor pillows???
milkshakes????
oh well. he ducks his head in reverent reply, and pads into the room.]
Well... I guess I'm doing a little better now.
[read: a LOT. he picks up the milkshake, staring into it.]
Thanks for the...
[hhhhmmmmm]
...parfait?
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WEEK 6, THURSDAY /still screaming
You didn't have to be so formal for an introduction, but I appreciate it. [He's also just amused.]
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Anyway. He smiles nervously at the grin of a statement, and bows. Even if they were just people, it didn't hurt to be polite.]
No harm in going overboard, just in case, right? I just wanted to make sure I got your attention.
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WEEK 6, THURSDAY /maybe less screaming
So. You're the kid he's doing everything for. [And it could be why Cunning waited so long to meet with him.]
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But Cunning was the last god he hadn't really spoken with, so...
He bows, a little stiffly, and stands, watching the deity's face, saying nothing at all.]
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WEEK 6, POST-TRIAL (LATE EVENING)
He makes his way to the desk, and pulls out the chair, getting comfortable in it, picking a quill, which he scribbles on a piece of paper to test.
Then, he closes his eyes (not a necessary part, especially not now—but it helped him focus) and says out loud:]
Hey.
Are you okay?
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[Ion, there as if he was never anywhere else, moves another chair closer, so he can sit by Luke's side instead of across from him. He reaches for his hand as soon as he's seated.]
I saw the whole thing...you fought so hard. I'm so sorry, Luke.
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WEEK 7, TUESDAY
Welcome, Fabre-kun. Did you bake these yourself?
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[HE DID!!!!!!]
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WEEK 7
[He points at the Auldrantian text on the paper.]
Is this what you think I look like?
Re: WEEK 7
It says "To: Indulgence".
[No further comment on the interpretation of vision.]
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WEEK 7 (WEDNESDAY)
Is it sacrilegious, if the god was inside you all along?
When he hears footsteps, though, he does sit up, taking his feet off, at least—and beams at the approaching god. Performing a quick check for other possible passers-by, he grins:]
Ion! Out and about?
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[Already removing his mask, Ion smiles from ear to ear as he sees Luke, his pace quickly picking up to meet him. Coming up behind him from the second row, he leans over the back of the bench beside Luke.]
I didn't interrupt your rest, did I?
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WEEK 7
Ambition is waiting for him at the entrance to the elevator in the hotel lobby. As he walks in through the wing's doors, she waves him over.]
Come over here.
[her mask is on, but that's mostly because someone could still walk in through the doors.]
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he goes, but it's nearly reluctant.
she definitely didn't like it.]
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WEEK 7 (SUNDAY)
Um.
[Because he really doesn't know.]
So.
You might win.
[As good a place as any.]
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[The silence, full of so many unspoken things!]
It's really an incredible turn of events...isn't it?
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