I understand completely, so please don't feel troubled about it.
[Week 6? Don't know her.]
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected by the current circumstances, but I can't say that I have it any worse off than anyone else. And you? How are you faring?
Hah... About the same as you, probably. [ they smile wryly. ] You say you're not any worse off than anyone else, but you and Beauty-kun are in the same predicament.
Yes...it seems that we haven't made a very good impression, have we? But I'd rather see everyone follow their ideals than come to me out of pity or strategy. I hope, for his sake, that Beauty will find his numbers bolstered after his turn at hosting.
[ they take him up on that offer, gracefully sitting themself down in a chair across from him. ]
Although you've made me feel a tiny bit guilty. The truth is that I'm here to talk strategy with you... But I think it'll be good news for you rather than bad.
[ well. mizuki doesn't really like any of the gods that aren't named beauty, but they still can't help feeling a little badly for him, because they aren't soulless. ]
Sorry, Piety-kun. [ a beat. ] I wanted to ask if you've ever considered joining forces with some of the other gods.
Oh, of course. I've already been speaking to some of them, asking if they'd consider an alignment with me. I know, of course, that my position has been less than desirable, but...
[Honestly he likes everyone and wants them all to help each other!]
[ their attitude brightens considerably at that. This is the first good news they've had in literal days. ]
Really? That makes this a lot easier, then. [ Mizuki nods, crossing their legs as they lean back in the chair. ] Majima-kun and I brought Indulgence-san and Beauty-kun together for one. Since you're also down to a single follower, we thought we'd invite you, too. I don't know what your plan for the new world is, but I can't imagine it's incompatible with their visions.
I'd be delighted to form an accord with them. As far as I'm concerned, the more of us that can agree to terms with one another, the better off we already are.
[Piety folds his hands in his lap.]
Would you like to hear it--my vision? Ah, if you're not interested, that's fine too, I'd understand. I know you've been very loyal to Beauty; he deserves as much.
No, truly, there isn't anything you owe me. It's us that owe you, for every single second that you've given us.
[But, with that said, Piety explains.]
The peace that I envision involves balance between our ranks. My intention has never been to use the position that winning this competition awards as one of power as much as one of mediation. I've always striven to understand the natures of each member of the pantheon, so as to best know what strengths and weaknesses we each possess. I'm aware that one of my biggest faults is my lack of assertiveness. I want to balance each of us in such a way that we can best compliment one another, and I want to use the opportunity of this platform to help guide the others through any conflicts they may have.
I have mixed feelings. I do think, on one hand, that communication has improved, and everyone has begun to more properly work together to eliminate unnecessary acts of violence. I see so many bonds forming that are encouraging to see, and people learning to compromise with one another.
[But...]
On the other, it's hard not to worry. There are still so many things that can change, even with only so much time left. Of course, I have always and will always believe that we can work together to achieve harmony, no matter how bleak things may appear.
... To be honest, I think it's good that the numbers are so even. Forming an alliance will be easier if no party has an obvious advantage. But, like you said, there are too many unknown variables for me to rest easy. Ambition's followers worry me the most with their abilities.
[ all it would take is one unlucky week, and Beauty could get killed. The thought unsettles them. ]
Actually, it's less their abilities and more the way they seem to be acting. I'm not confident that there's any real strategy behind who and how they've chosen to use them. One careless choice can leave any us suddenly vulnerable to elimination.
[It's troubling, but...]
I've been working on making an alliance with Ambition, on my own. I'm hoping that if she'll agree to being part of a team outside of Cunning and Disorder's influences, this reckless leadership will be put under control.
I've gotten that impression, as well... Considering their leadership, I'm not that surprised.
[ ambition honey what is you doing ]
And I agree that Cunning-san and Disorder-kun are probably not gods we want in the winning roster. Cunning-san doesn't seem entirely unreasonable, but I can't imagine a world based on "disorder" would be good for anyone.
I've been able to form an understanding with Cunning. On his own, he's not unreasonable, as you say. His demeanor can be standoffish and his methods sometimes cold, but he knows how to lead, and it's a good quality to have.
[But u right Mizuki.]
Disorder seems to have her own vision for what her qualities would mean in a world run by her, and I know that she's not as wholly dangerous as her name implies, but I do agree that I think she'd be more productive as more of a general member of the council. I think she's the sort of personality who might not be as responsible in a position of power as is necessary for the betterment of our world.
It can be hard to approach someone new this late in the game, especially with a subject like this...but I do think that Ambition has been trying very hard to change her perspective on the way this game has been going. You're not the only one who's expressed to me that she may be difficult to reach out to right now. If you'd like, I can talk to her on your behalf, or see if she'd be amenable to an audience with a few people at once.
[He'll just like, hold her hand and keep her from losing her mind.]
Ah... Are Ambition-kun and Disorder-kun on friendly terms? I didn't know that.
[ hmmm. ]
That might be good. I'd appreciate you talking to her, too, of course. If we could get Cunning-san on board, Disorder-kun might be more open to discussion, as well.
Yes--though I suppose Ambition and Disorder haven't necessarily spoken much of each other. It seems that their main link to one another has been Cunning...at least so far as these past few weeks are concerned. The three of them are quite close, at least normally.
[He can't speak for right now; this whole thing has everyone under a lot of stress.]
I'll help however I'm able, though I can't promise they'll continue to be amenable if they realize just how far this alliance has spread.
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[Week 6? Don't know her.]
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected by the current circumstances, but I can't say that I have it any worse off than anyone else. And you? How are you faring?
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[He looks toward the furnishings.]
Would you care to sit with me?
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[ they take him up on that offer, gracefully sitting themself down in a chair across from him. ]
Although you've made me feel a tiny bit guilty. The truth is that I'm here to talk strategy with you... But I think it'll be good news for you rather than bad.
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No, it's alright. I'm happy to hear anything you've come up with. I'm flattered to have been thought of at all.
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Sorry, Piety-kun. [ a beat. ] I wanted to ask if you've ever considered joining forces with some of the other gods.
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[Honestly he likes everyone and wants them all to help each other!]
Do you have any particular suggestions?
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Really? That makes this a lot easier, then. [ Mizuki nods, crossing their legs as they lean back in the chair. ] Majima-kun and I brought Indulgence-san and Beauty-kun together for one. Since you're also down to a single follower, we thought we'd invite you, too. I don't know what your plan for the new world is, but I can't imagine it's incompatible with their visions.
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[Piety folds his hands in his lap.]
Would you like to hear it--my vision? Ah, if you're not interested, that's fine too, I'd understand. I know you've been very loyal to Beauty; he deserves as much.
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Thank you, Piety-kun. Really. If you could do that, you'll bring us one step closer to a safer ending to this game.
[ that's all they can ask for, at this point -- they'd do anything for their wish, but it's one they can fulfill themself at home, too. Hopefully. ]
Like you said, I'm loyal to Beauty-kun, but I'll hear you out. I owe you that much, I think.
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[But, with that said, Piety explains.]
The peace that I envision involves balance between our ranks. My intention has never been to use the position that winning this competition awards as one of power as much as one of mediation. I've always striven to understand the natures of each member of the pantheon, so as to best know what strengths and weaknesses we each possess. I'm aware that one of my biggest faults is my lack of assertiveness. I want to balance each of us in such a way that we can best compliment one another, and I want to use the opportunity of this platform to help guide the others through any conflicts they may have.
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[ a little more hopeful. ]
What do you think about the way things are headed now? The numbers have evened out a lot.
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[But...]
On the other, it's hard not to worry. There are still so many things that can change, even with only so much time left. Of course, I have always and will always believe that we can work together to achieve harmony, no matter how bleak things may appear.
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... To be honest, I think it's good that the numbers are so even. Forming an alliance will be easier if no party has an obvious advantage. But, like you said, there are too many unknown variables for me to rest easy. Ambition's followers worry me the most with their abilities.
[ all it would take is one unlucky week, and Beauty could get killed. The thought unsettles them. ]
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[He sighs.]
Actually, it's less their abilities and more the way they seem to be acting. I'm not confident that there's any real strategy behind who and how they've chosen to use them. One careless choice can leave any us suddenly vulnerable to elimination.
[It's troubling, but...]
I've been working on making an alliance with Ambition, on my own. I'm hoping that if she'll agree to being part of a team outside of Cunning and Disorder's influences, this reckless leadership will be put under control.
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[ ambition honey what is you doing ]
And I agree that Cunning-san and Disorder-kun are probably not gods we want in the winning roster. Cunning-san doesn't seem entirely unreasonable, but I can't imagine a world based on "disorder" would be good for anyone.
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[But u right Mizuki.]
Disorder seems to have her own vision for what her qualities would mean in a world run by her, and I know that she's not as wholly dangerous as her name implies, but I do agree that I think she'd be more productive as more of a general member of the council. I think she's the sort of personality who might not be as responsible in a position of power as is necessary for the betterment of our world.
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[ it's a compliment, not a criticism; they're pleased that he's so wise to the way this game works and the social engineering at play. ]
I agree with that, too. Unfortunately, I don't know who any of her followers are, and I don't think she'd listen to me. We've barely spoken.
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I get that a lot.
[But he considers what Mizuki says next.]
It can be hard to approach someone new this late in the game, especially with a subject like this...but I do think that Ambition has been trying very hard to change her perspective on the way this game has been going. You're not the only one who's expressed to me that she may be difficult to reach out to right now. If you'd like, I can talk to her on your behalf, or see if she'd be amenable to an audience with a few people at once.
[He'll just like, hold her hand and keep her from losing her mind.]
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[ hmmm. ]
That might be good. I'd appreciate you talking to her, too, of course. If we could get Cunning-san on board, Disorder-kun might be more open to discussion, as well.
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[He can't speak for right now; this whole thing has everyone under a lot of stress.]
I'll help however I'm able, though I can't promise they'll continue to be amenable if they realize just how far this alliance has spread.
[Some of them, uh, still wanna win alone.]