GODLY AUDIENCES - SAKUNOSUKE ODA

[divus]

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WEEK 1

[divus]

[At some point in the day, when Oda is alone, he'll find himself being faced with a very short deity. They barrel up to him, drapery flowing all around their body and mask. A wild tornado of color!]

Excuse me? Hello!

[odasaku]

Hello...?

[ from the extravagant clothing, oda guesses that she's a goddess. however, he has no idea if that's his goddess or someone else's...how can justice be a mere child? ]

[divus]

[Oh, it's happening. Justice comes to a stop before Oda and thrusts out a hand in greeting.]

It...it's really nice to meet you! I'm Justice! I wanted to come see you since I hadn't yet...I hope we can take good care of each other!

[odasaku]

[ there's a series of emotions that cross behind oda's near-expressionless face. at first, he feels a heavy pang of grief for the children that he failed to take care of. then, horror over the fact that this child is also participating this.

and, lastly, a deep, deep regret. she shouldn't have to deal with someone as twisted as him.

and yet, he stretches out his hand, which feels as heavy as lead to him, giving her a small shake. ]

Yeah. I'm Oda Sakunosuke. Odasaku, if you like nicknames.

[divus]

...I don't think I've ever used a nickname for anyone before. I do like it!

[Everything is fine and good and nobody has any reason to be sad or upset.]

I wanted to say thank you for choosing me. I thought nobody would want me.

post trial i GUESS

[odasaku]

[ oda's not sure if he'll be able to meet justice after the trial, but here he is, waiting in the same place that they met the first time. he's not sure if it's necessary for him to be here of all places or if they can come from wherever but...

he leans against the wall, waiting. ]

[divus]

[He finds he's waiting for a little while...but eventually, that little figure peeks around the corner.]

Were you waiting for me out here? I could feel it.

[odasaku]

[ the waiting is fine for a bit. it gives him time to think about today’s trial— about his actions and itachi’s, too. not only that, but the subject of julius’s fate is also eating away at his mind too.

needless to say, he’s relieved to see justice finally show up. he nods. ]

Yeah, I guess so. I just... don’t know what to do. About Julius.

[divus]

Oh...

[Justice pauses, but then approaches the rest of the way, stopping in front of Oda and clenching their fists in a stance of earnestness.]

Please don't worry too much! I think that everything will end up okay!

week 3, sunday evening

[odasaku]

Justice? Are you here?

[ oda will be in the lab in the evening, waiting for her. ]

[divus]

Yes, I'm here!

[Justice is like, always here, and peeks out from around a corner.]

How are you feeling?

[odasaku]

I’m fine.

[ well, as fine as he can be considering everything. ]

I... wanted to check up on you, actually. After what happened to Fortune...are you okay?

[divus]

Yeah...I'll be okay as long as...

[Well, Justice does not want their arms ripped off. They hug themself.]

N-No matter what happens, she'll be okay. She'll come back. I'm trying not to waste too much time being sad.

WEEK 4

[divus]

[Sincerity awaits Oda in the dining hall - the plate of spicy curry is, well, empty. There's a few traces of it left, but...

...apparently the god made short work of it.]

You sure know how to bring out the heat, Oda-san.

[odasaku]

Thank you?

[ he doesn't really understand but it's fine ]

Senri asked me to visit you. He's really worried about you.

[divus]

He worries a lot, huh? It's sort of cute, but he better be careful not to go grey.

[odasaku]

That would probably be the worst.

[ this is oBVIOUSLY BEFORE SENRI LOST A FUCKING EYE ]

He told me to give you a chance, but I can't leave my god behind. [ a pause ] But I don't want you to end up like Fortune did or like how Ruin might end up either.

WEEK 5

[divus]

[It's pretty much immediately following the announcement of the tally that Justice runs to find Oda. Before long, he'll hear the pattering of small feet behind him, Justice reaching out to latch onto his arm.]

W-What did I do wrong? Please tell me, I'll...I'll do better!

[odasaku]

[ ah.

this is the encounter that oda didn't want to deal with. just hearing those small feet running towards him is enough for oda to feel a metaphorical knife digging into him. it's hard to speak. ]

Nothing. You did nothing wrong.

[ his voice is tight, and this time it's a lot more difficult to keep his emotions in check. why? ]

I'm the one that did wrong. I'm the one that will do wrong. You don't deserve to be mixed in with that.

[divus]

What do you mean? What's wrong? You can tell me--I'm your...I was your patron for the last month and I...I want to help you!

[Justice hangs his head, but holds on tightly.]

Please talk to me.

[odasaku]

[ oda feels like he's choking, like there's not enough air to breathe. but somehow he continues, even forcing a small, shaky smile as he pats justice's head. ]

It's okay, Justice. It'll be alright. You still have three followers that care about you--three people that have dreams that can be accomplished.

[ unlike me, who's wish is useless. ]

And if I'm alive for next week....then I promise I'll be back at your side.

WEEK 5, POST-TRIAL

[divus]

[When Oda enters the lab, Justice is sitting in a corner playing with a robotic barking dog. Compared to any other time that they've met, the child is notably subdued.]

[odasaku]

[ oda is quiet when he approaches the lab, peeking his head in through the door first. ]

Justice... can I come in?

[divus]

Of course.

[Justice looks up.]

I have to thank you...and apologize, too.

[odasaku]

[ oda nods, stepping inside. he even takes a seat next to the god. ] Thank me...? I didn’t do anything. You don’t gotta apologize either.

[ and though it’s a little awkward and full of hesitation, oda wraps his arms around him in a hug. ]

It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.