[ they don't really know how much he watches them or not. ]
I've known who killed Luna-kun since Friday morning.
[ may as well just say it. ]
But I decided it would be better kept a secret. My friend is the one who did it - trying to keep Ruin-san safe when Luna-kun attacked her. He was just hurt too badly to save her when the second attacker came.
[ they nod, the line of their shoulders relaxing noticeably when he expresses that he feels the same way they do - even if they didn't realize they were tensing them. ]
That's what I think. [ they hesitate, then continue. ] ... If someone kills someone else, then that person's done something "wrong," even if it was necessary... and I'm painting myself with that same brush by defending a murderer. But you're not like me.
[ they're ready to do anything if it will help - even kill someone themself, if they need to. Tamaki is a better person than they are. And even if they won't say as much, they're worried that it's going to be harder and harder to hide that as time goes on. Of course, they conceal it with a small self-deprecating smile and a shrug. ]
...though I'm still not fond of the idea of deaths, or killings in a place like this, I will say I value friendships above all else. That, I believe, would be foolish to ignore. Ishikirimaru-san acted in self-defense and brought a stop to someone who had plans to hurt even more people.
In that regard...it was "necessary." I'm not angry or disappointed.
[A beat.] Also they brought him to the parlor so I was aware as well.
[ they'd been pretty surprised to see him when they came to check the piano, but they hadn't thought about it too hard. Of course, Mizuki wants to ask who "they" are, but they know well enough that Tamaki won't be able to answer even if he wants to. So, instead, they leave it alone, and give him a gentle look. ]
You're a good man, Tamaki-kun. Thanks for believing in me.
[ with that out of the way, though, their gaze takes on a curious note. ]
Was there something you wanted to tell me...? Are you okay?
[ they know it wasn't Newt or any of the victims - in other words, it was that strange kid with the bad poetry who was unceremoniously wiped off the face of the planet after the trial. With everything else that had happened, Mizuki had hardly spared a thought to him. ]
Apollo-kun, right...? So it was him all along. [ they never spoke. Mizuki feels a little regret over that. They feel worse knowing that they're now at the bottom of the bracket, however - and perhaps that by itself is proof they're no good, they think. ]
[ Mizuki disagrees - it's obvious by the faint twitch in their expression as he speaks that they disagree, but he's entitled to feel his own regrets as he wishes. In their opinion, not going to see his own god just meant Apollo wasn't up to the challenge of this game - he wasn't taking it seriously, and his lack of initiative's put both them and Tamaki in trouble. But it's too late for that.
Instead, they focus on Tamaki and the present. They nod. ]
... We've always been the underdogs. To be honest, I've felt like it was just the two of us from the start. Beauty-kun and I versus the world, [ Mizuki lilts with a little laugh. But they continue, voice quiet and earnest. ] No, that's not quite right. When I got here, I was alone... I thought you were my enemy, too. I probably still should. But... somehow, you became the person I trust the most.
[ it's not embarrassing, exactly -- but it's unlike them to be so open about how their emotions, and so they feel a little awkward. They shouldn't say these things and form these connections when they're supposed to be ready to break them. But they can't stop themself from feeling this way. ]
Let me be the one who protects you, Tamaki-kun. You don't have to worry. Even if it's just you and I - I'll stay with you until the end.
[Tamaki will always take the blame for something like that, but he knows better than to argue with them, too.]
You're quite right about that. [There's a soft laugh to accompany it even if he's uneasy.] ...though...I'm very happy to hear that, Mizuki-san. I want to be someone you can trust, because I trust you as well.
[And it's why...] ...I'll still worry, naturally. I don't know what I would do should you get hurt or worse. But even if it's just you and I, I'll do what I can to ensure you get what you've earned. I'll appeal to the winner. Something. I'll find a way.
[ his insistence makes them smile; he's a decent amount taller than them, but they reach up anyways, affectionately patting his hair. ]
It's all right. I'll go back to where I was before this started, remember? You don't need to work so hard for my sake. [ a pause. ] And don't talk like you've already lost, either. I'm still here.
[It helps take some of the seriousness out of his expression when they do so, a small smile edging its way onto his features before he seems to remember they have to plan.]
You know that still isn't fair...but if you insist. [He's going to do it anyway, sorry Mizuki.] We haven't lost yet...if my numbers are this low, I believe it's my turn to host soon. We'll have to see what comes of the next week and see if we can recruit numbers to our side that way.
[ they feel oddly at ease. Maybe it's because they know that, even if the worst comes to pass, they can still accomplish what they need to do. What's important now is keeping Tamaki safe, and trying to help him. They're striving for an easier solution, not the only solution. He seems to be more stressed out, however; they retract their hand again after giving his hair a fond little ruffle. ]
Oh? Then I hope that you host next. I'd feel better if it was you around... Although I guess I'd have to behave around you.
[ if people meet him, maybe they'll be drawn in just like Mizuki was? They can hope. ]
I've got a question. My power - can I use it to compel people to defect? I've been wondering about it since the beginning.
[It's hard not to be a little happy from the attention from Mizuki, at least. He ducks his head, allowing for the ruffle before he continues to think.]
Do you suppose...? Luckily my time is always yours for private meetings. [Shut up, Tamaki.] I think in hosting we can secure more conversations, at least, and getting the message out there of what kind of world I'd like to run.
[Though...hm.] I've never thought of that before, actually. I don't suppose that's out of the ordinary, but it may conflict with Ambition's power? Then again they would think it's their own idea rather than someone else compelling them to. [...what a good question.]
[ heheh. They flash him a smile for his little comment, looking fairly pleased, themself. Apparently, being cheesy works on them, between this and Majima... ]
To be honest, I don't think it'll be a way for us to truly win the game, but it could at least afford you some extra protection... Do you have any way of checking if it will work, or is it something I'll have to find out through trial and error?
[ they only get one power use per week; it would be inconvenient if they wasted it on a failed attempt. ]
[For a moment, there's silence as if Tamaki's thinking...but when he responds it's with an assured sort of tone, as though he absolutely knows the answer.]
It would work, though it wouldn't be as effective as Ambition's power. The strong urge to switch alignments would be there, but they could still, in theory, break that hold and not follow through. That's the only trouble with it. It's what prevents us from unfairly undermining each other with overlapping abilities.
And if they managed to do that, it would have the opposite effect, since they'd probably figure out a Beauty follower used their power on them... It would be a gamble.
[ and they're not sure it would be worth it. Mizuki sighs. ]
... I'll have to think about it some more. Sorry. But I promise you won't drop to zero. [ a pause. ] ... Is "one god having more followers than all the rest at the end" the only victory condition this game has, Tamaki-kun?
Precisely. [He shakes his head though.] It's alright, please don't apologize for taking precautions to keep yourself safe. As long as you're safe, I'm safe. That's all we have to remember.
[There's a thoughtful noise then.] As far as I know, yes. At least for determining the pantheon, though I suppose if gods fell into alignment with one another, and thereby their followers did as well...[There's a sigh.]
[ hmm. So an alliance isn't entirely out of the question, in other words. ]
Not exactly - I was just thinking that the current conditions are very difficult to win in without hurting one another. Convincing a group this large and varied to all agree on one thing, especially when they're all stressed and don't have all the facts - the more time passes, the harder it's going to be to win peacefully. I can't imagine that you and the other peaceful gods didn't realize that when you agreed and think of some kind of loophole.
...perhaps we have, though what may work with this group is hard to say. Though keep in mind, Mizuki-san, that in order for a god's vision to really come into fruition, their followers must believe in them. It isn't just about the numbers, but rather the numbers that truly wish to associate themselves with that god.
A loophole would exist if people trusted each other more, but it's as you said. People are stressed and don't have all the fact. So how do we provide them with enough fact...?
... I'll keep working on it. When you get down to it, we all share a common goal. If we just had a little bit of hope to work towards, I think we'd be all right. It's just a matter of providing that hope, like you said.
It's truly why I wish there was a guarantee that whoever won would be able to grant all of your wishes, even if they aren't as large as the winning alignment. All of you have participated. It seems unfair not to reward that sort of effort.
I'm afraid of others giving up hope, however. This game has been taxing. I know you've said we should skip the costumes and settings and the like for recruitment, but for my host week I think I'd like to proceed with that anyhow. Something to lift spirits, even if it won't necessarily lift our numbers.
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I've known who killed Luna-kun since Friday morning.
[ may as well just say it. ]
But I decided it would be better kept a secret. My friend is the one who did it - trying to keep Ruin-san safe when Luna-kun attacked her. He was just hurt too badly to save her when the second attacker came.
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Ishikirimaru-kun acted in a display of nobility and bravery and paid a great price. I wouldn't necessary count him as guilty even if the rules would.
[So yeah, he knows.]
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That's what I think. [ they hesitate, then continue. ] ... If someone kills someone else, then that person's done something "wrong," even if it was necessary... and I'm painting myself with that same brush by defending a murderer. But you're not like me.
[ they're ready to do anything if it will help - even kill someone themself, if they need to. Tamaki is a better person than they are. And even if they won't say as much, they're worried that it's going to be harder and harder to hide that as time goes on. Of course, they conceal it with a small self-deprecating smile and a shrug. ]
I wasn't sure what you'd think.
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In that regard...it was "necessary." I'm not angry or disappointed.
[A beat.] Also they brought him to the parlor so I was aware as well.
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[ they'd been pretty surprised to see him when they came to check the piano, but they hadn't thought about it too hard. Of course, Mizuki wants to ask who "they" are, but they know well enough that Tamaki won't be able to answer even if he wants to. So, instead, they leave it alone, and give him a gentle look. ]
You're a good man, Tamaki-kun. Thanks for believing in me.
[ with that out of the way, though, their gaze takes on a curious note. ]
Was there something you wanted to tell me...? Are you okay?
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[...he looks nervous again, eyes shifting away from their face.]
...I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems as though you and I are the only two left on our team.
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[ they know it wasn't Newt or any of the victims - in other words, it was that strange kid with the bad poetry who was unceremoniously wiped off the face of the planet after the trial. With everything else that had happened, Mizuki had hardly spared a thought to him. ]
Apollo-kun, right...? So it was him all along. [ they never spoke. Mizuki feels a little regret over that. They feel worse knowing that they're now at the bottom of the bracket, however - and perhaps that by itself is proof they're no good, they think. ]
... Are you worried?
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[Normally he wouldn't say this, but he can at least be open with them. Mizuki's good at dealing with his moods, he's realized, and that's helpful.]
Truthfully, yes. But I have time to improve our numbers and protect you.
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Instead, they focus on Tamaki and the present. They nod. ]
... We've always been the underdogs. To be honest, I've felt like it was just the two of us from the start. Beauty-kun and I versus the world, [ Mizuki lilts with a little laugh. But they continue, voice quiet and earnest. ] No, that's not quite right. When I got here, I was alone... I thought you were my enemy, too. I probably still should. But... somehow, you became the person I trust the most.
[ it's not embarrassing, exactly -- but it's unlike them to be so open about how their emotions, and so they feel a little awkward. They shouldn't say these things and form these connections when they're supposed to be ready to break them. But they can't stop themself from feeling this way. ]
Let me be the one who protects you, Tamaki-kun. You don't have to worry. Even if it's just you and I - I'll stay with you until the end.
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You're quite right about that. [There's a soft laugh to accompany it even if he's uneasy.] ...though...I'm very happy to hear that, Mizuki-san. I want to be someone you can trust, because I trust you as well.
[And it's why...] ...I'll still worry, naturally. I don't know what I would do should you get hurt or worse. But even if it's just you and I, I'll do what I can to ensure you get what you've earned. I'll appeal to the winner. Something. I'll find a way.
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It's all right. I'll go back to where I was before this started, remember? You don't need to work so hard for my sake. [ a pause. ] And don't talk like you've already lost, either. I'm still here.
[ they can figure something out, surely... ]
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You know that still isn't fair...but if you insist. [He's going to do it anyway, sorry Mizuki.] We haven't lost yet...if my numbers are this low, I believe it's my turn to host soon. We'll have to see what comes of the next week and see if we can recruit numbers to our side that way.
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Oh? Then I hope that you host next. I'd feel better if it was you around... Although I guess I'd have to behave around you.
[ if people meet him, maybe they'll be drawn in just like Mizuki was? They can hope. ]
I've got a question. My power - can I use it to compel people to defect? I've been wondering about it since the beginning.
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Do you suppose...? Luckily my time is always yours for private meetings. [Shut up, Tamaki.] I think in hosting we can secure more conversations, at least, and getting the message out there of what kind of world I'd like to run.
[Though...hm.] I've never thought of that before, actually. I don't suppose that's out of the ordinary, but it may conflict with Ambition's power? Then again they would think it's their own idea rather than someone else compelling them to. [...what a good question.]
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To be honest, I don't think it'll be a way for us to truly win the game, but it could at least afford you some extra protection... Do you have any way of checking if it will work, or is it something I'll have to find out through trial and error?
[ they only get one power use per week; it would be inconvenient if they wasted it on a failed attempt. ]
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It would work, though it wouldn't be as effective as Ambition's power. The strong urge to switch alignments would be there, but they could still, in theory, break that hold and not follow through. That's the only trouble with it. It's what prevents us from unfairly undermining each other with overlapping abilities.
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[ and they're not sure it would be worth it. Mizuki sighs. ]
... I'll have to think about it some more. Sorry. But I promise you won't drop to zero. [ a pause. ] ... Is "one god having more followers than all the rest at the end" the only victory condition this game has, Tamaki-kun?
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[There's a thoughtful noise then.] As far as I know, yes. At least for determining the pantheon, though I suppose if gods fell into alignment with one another, and thereby their followers did as well...[There's a sigh.]
Did you have another suggestion?
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Not exactly - I was just thinking that the current conditions are very difficult to win in without hurting one another. Convincing a group this large and varied to all agree on one thing, especially when they're all stressed and don't have all the facts - the more time passes, the harder it's going to be to win peacefully. I can't imagine that you and the other peaceful gods didn't realize that when you agreed and think of some kind of loophole.
[ it's not judgmental - just thoughtful. ]
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A loophole would exist if people trusted each other more, but it's as you said. People are stressed and don't have all the fact. So how do we provide them with enough fact...?
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... I'll keep working on it. When you get down to it, we all share a common goal. If we just had a little bit of hope to work towards, I think we'd be all right. It's just a matter of providing that hope, like you said.
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I'm afraid of others giving up hope, however. This game has been taxing. I know you've said we should skip the costumes and settings and the like for recruitment, but for my host week I think I'd like to proceed with that anyhow. Something to lift spirits, even if it won't necessarily lift our numbers.
Until then...we strategize.