Everything will be alright in the end, because each of us now has a better idea of how we'll need to behave in the future. What I'm trying to say, ultimately, is that regardless of who you all choose to support, I don't think it should be me. It's not that I don't want to win, but what I've learned, after talking with everyone, god or otherwise, is that I don't need to.
[He's trying so hard to assuage Senri's fears.]
Before, I thought winning this was the only hope I had of making a difference--of being able to use my skills in mediation to achieve balance among us for the betterment of our world. But now, everyone I've spoken with, everyone who has agreed to align with me, has shown that they're already willing to listen better than they ever had before. If, after all that, I end up winning, what if I lose some of the trust that I've been given, if it seems that instead of providing support I only ever intended to steal it for myself?
[He shakes his head again.]
No...I don't need to win. I'll be with whoever you all choose, whoever you all adore, every step of the way. And I will make sure that they keep their promises to all of you.
[senri falters for a moment longer, before he shakes his head]
... Madopyon and I agree that just about any of you could win, and be a good leader. I could follow anyone, and I would be able to believe in their vision. Because everything you all want is just a different type of good world. I believe in all of you. [especially now that ruin's dead!]
But... I think you need to know that some people believe in you. Switching to you at the end... wasn't my idea. Not because I don't believe in you, but because I still thought that it'd be easier to just pick the god that has the most followers, before we learned that didn't work. But it was Taka, and Ray-kun. They thought that, even if it wasn't easy, no matter what we should try for the god that has the best chance of balancing out all the personalities, and leaving behind the best possible world.
They believe in you. Ishirin-san and Luke-kun, too. Sasuke would even consider leaving Justice, in the case of a tie, because he wants you to win.
[ . . . ]
People have been telling me that they believe in me during this game, and I don't really know why. But hearing you talk... it makes a little more sense to me.
Sometimes... it really does have to be you. Maybe not to make the difference you wanted - but because there are people who have faith in you. I have faith in you.
There are many possible worlds, and all of them are good.
But... people want yours, and no matter what... I want the world where the greatest number of people are happy. That's why I used to lie - because I wanted their smiles more than their honesty.
I think delivering your world, though... is the closest chance that I have to getting both here.
[Piety's smile comes back, even if it seems sadder than it had been before.]
Whatever the case...I'll fully support the choices that everyone decides to make. This week it's more important than ever that everyone thinks very hard about what it is they want to do, for an honest outcome. I'm prepared to act in any capacity that I may be needed to.
... just talk to the people who want to talk to you. I'm sure that they'll see in you what everyone has seen. What I see, and why we're all coming to agree with a balanced world.
[and he offers a smile, and a tilt of his head]
... I figure it's a pretty big burden that we're putting on you, even if it's in the name of faith.
[For a moment, Piety still seems a little reluctant, like there's a part of him that, although he knows better, still fears being looked at differently once he's explained those ominous remarks. In the end, though, he only sighs and nods.]
Alright...allow me to explain as simply as I can.
[Piety closes his eyes.]
There was a boy named Ion who was destined in a prophecy to become the leader of our world's religion. He was taken from his home village and raised, from a very young age, to fulfill this purpose...but, unfortunately, he was very ill, and by the age of eleven, was dying.
[It's hard for him to keep a straight face, even now, to talk about it.]
He was so beloved by the people, however, that it was decided to create a replica to replace him, so his death would never be known. It took them seven tries to make one that they deemed acceptable, but in the end, they created me. Ion died at the age of twelve, and I pretended to be him for the following two years until my own death.
[ . . . . senri holds onto piety's hands carefully at this explanation, blinking slowly. it's a little hard for him to understand, to be honest. he just so very barely manages to grasp anything about the world that luke and guy come from and now....]
.... you know that you're more than just a replacement.... right?
[He gives a small smile, but his eyes are pained.]
It's hard to express what life was like for me, before I met Luke and the others. He helped me realize that just because I was Ion, that didn't mean I had to be Ion. I didn't have very much time to fully understand it...but I'm trying now. I'm trying every day to see myself as an individual.
.... he cares a lot about you. When I first told him about the plan to switch to you at the end, he got really excited, and just started talking your praises. It was super sweet.
[Finally, his expression lightens a little. Talking about Luke seems to have the same effect for him as it does when it's the other way around. Of course, Ion's a bit more candid.]
You told him, right? Like - the L-word and everything? I didn't know! I mean - guess it makes sense, since Luke-kun can't reveal himself as your follower but...!! That's precious!
[He can't help but blush a little bit himself now, gosh!]
I did, yes. Just before last curfew. I told him that I wanted us to spend as much time together during my week hosting as possible. If we only have one week...I wanted it to be an honest one.
It's alright! He has plenty of gods to talk to, as well, and I can't interfere with that. And I enjoy getting to talk to you and everyone else, as well.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[He looks sympathetic.]
Everything will be alright in the end, because each of us now has a better idea of how we'll need to behave in the future. What I'm trying to say, ultimately, is that regardless of who you all choose to support, I don't think it should be me. It's not that I don't want to win, but what I've learned, after talking with everyone, god or otherwise, is that I don't need to.
[He's trying so hard to assuage Senri's fears.]
Before, I thought winning this was the only hope I had of making a difference--of being able to use my skills in mediation to achieve balance among us for the betterment of our world. But now, everyone I've spoken with, everyone who has agreed to align with me, has shown that they're already willing to listen better than they ever had before. If, after all that, I end up winning, what if I lose some of the trust that I've been given, if it seems that instead of providing support I only ever intended to steal it for myself?
[He shakes his head again.]
No...I don't need to win. I'll be with whoever you all choose, whoever you all adore, every step of the way. And I will make sure that they keep their promises to all of you.
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[senri falters for a moment longer, before he shakes his head]
... Madopyon and I agree that just about any of you could win, and be a good leader. I could follow anyone, and I would be able to believe in their vision. Because everything you all want is just a different type of good world. I believe in all of you. [especially now that ruin's dead!]
But... I think you need to know that some people believe in you. Switching to you at the end... wasn't my idea. Not because I don't believe in you, but because I still thought that it'd be easier to just pick the god that has the most followers, before we learned that didn't work. But it was Taka, and Ray-kun. They thought that, even if it wasn't easy, no matter what we should try for the god that has the best chance of balancing out all the personalities, and leaving behind the best possible world.
They believe in you. Ishirin-san and Luke-kun, too. Sasuke would even consider leaving Justice, in the case of a tie, because he wants you to win.
[ . . . ]
People have been telling me that they believe in me during this game, and I don't really know why. But hearing you talk... it makes a little more sense to me.
Sometimes... it really does have to be you. Maybe not to make the difference you wanted - but because there are people who have faith in you. I have faith in you.
There are many possible worlds, and all of them are good.
But... people want yours, and no matter what... I want the world where the greatest number of people are happy. That's why I used to lie - because I wanted their smiles more than their honesty.
I think delivering your world, though... is the closest chance that I have to getting both here.
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Whatever the case...I'll fully support the choices that everyone decides to make. This week it's more important than ever that everyone thinks very hard about what it is they want to do, for an honest outcome. I'm prepared to act in any capacity that I may be needed to.
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[and he offers a smile, and a tilt of his head]
... I figure it's a pretty big burden that we're putting on you, even if it's in the name of faith.
Thank you, for taking care of it.
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... "Made"...?
I'm sure you were made for a lot more than that...
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[senri tilts his head]
I know that we've mostly talked about the game, or that time with Sasuke... but I'd like to get to know you better as a friend, too.
Sorry that I'm a little late - but if you're interested...
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... it's okay. I'm learning that being friends means being able to get through unpleasant things together, too.
Even if they're a little hard to swallow, or find the words for.
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Alright...allow me to explain as simply as I can.
[Piety closes his eyes.]
There was a boy named Ion who was destined in a prophecy to become the leader of our world's religion. He was taken from his home village and raised, from a very young age, to fulfill this purpose...but, unfortunately, he was very ill, and by the age of eleven, was dying.
[It's hard for him to keep a straight face, even now, to talk about it.]
He was so beloved by the people, however, that it was decided to create a replica to replace him, so his death would never be known. It took them seven tries to make one that they deemed acceptable, but in the end, they created me. Ion died at the age of twelve, and I pretended to be him for the following two years until my own death.
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.... you know that you're more than just a replacement.... right?
Are you enjoying your new chance, Pippin?
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[He gives a small smile, but his eyes are pained.]
It's hard to express what life was like for me, before I met Luke and the others. He helped me realize that just because I was Ion, that didn't mean I had to be Ion. I didn't have very much time to fully understand it...but I'm trying now. I'm trying every day to see myself as an individual.
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I'm sure you're doing great.
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[Finally, his expression lightens a little. Talking about Luke seems to have the same effect for him as it does when it's the other way around. Of course, Ion's a bit more candid.]
I love him more than anything.
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stares
and his tone is very excited as he repeats:]
Like... love him love him?
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[HE'S JUST GUSHING NOW, I'M SO SORRY]
You told him, right? Like - the L-word and everything? I didn't know! I mean - guess it makes sense, since Luke-kun can't reveal himself as your follower but...!! That's precious!
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I did, yes. Just before last curfew. I told him that I wanted us to spend as much time together during my week hosting as possible. If we only have one week...I wanted it to be an honest one.
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[HE'S GETTING IN THE WAY OF LOVE!!!!!]
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It's alright! He has plenty of gods to talk to, as well, and I can't interfere with that. And I enjoy getting to talk to you and everyone else, as well.
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[senri shut up please]
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... pure....
[which he like
knew
but wow]