[ ideals are important. Mizuki doesn't think things will work out that nicely, either, but they appreciate the thought - it's nice to think about and hold onto while they do the dirty work. ]
Mm. The "Eye of the Beholder" seems like it would be the most useful for our current situation. [ ... ] How does it work?
[The god shifts, tilting their head up just a bit as though to think of how to phrase this.]
Think of it as something that can be done in order to encourage someone to act in a way they normally wouldn't. They won't know that they've been influenced and they won't be able to remove the thought until it's carried through. It…can be used for good or bad, I realize, but I'd rather it be used to help people be honest with their actions and thoughts.
[i.e. please don't use it to engage in "please stab this person."]
[ so that's how it is. Mizuki doesn't seem particularly put at ease by them only knowing their general story and not the details, but... it's probably better that way. Maybe. Things are really confusing. ]
I will. My only intentions with this "power" are to try and minimize damage.
[ when people get emotional, it can be hard to choose the right path. Manipulating them onto it might make them a bad guy - but that's just a sacrifice they're willing to make. Putting their personal wants first has already backfired enough in the past. ]
[Thank you for understanding I meant details and not basics Sib I'm dumb. Regardless, Beauty studies them again and there's a gentle tilt of the head.]
That's really all I can ask. I believe with time you'll understand what it is you have to do and how to do it, whatever the case may be. I also believe over time you and I will be able to speak more...and then I can tell you more about our situation.
If you'd like, that is. [It requires Mizuki to come see Beauty again and they're not 100% sure since it's just the beginning.]
I certainly can't say no to having an inside source.
[ Mizuki can't say they trust Beauty, exactly, but what else do they have to go on? They offer a cordial smile, though it's followed by an inquisitive look and a question. ]
You're not allowed to take off your mask? You looked like you wanted to.
I would love nothing more than that. [They're incredibly sincere about that? This mask is getting in the way of being able to have a proper face-to-face conversation.] Perhaps the other gods are afraid I'll blind everyone with my brilliant looks?
[And yet, on a more serious tone:] If I recall, it was an argument amongst ourselves to have the masks cover us to even the playing field. I can't say how long they'll remain, but with time I imagine they'll be removed. I can go without it when speaking to the other gods but not with you.
Anything your heart desires will be well-received. [Well. No, that's not all. Beauty pauses to think.]
Roses are nice. This--[A gesture to the drink Mizuki brought]--was acceptable even if I'm not quite of age to truly enjoy it, nor can the mask be removed just yet.
[And then, there's a long lingering pause as though they aren't sure to ask.] ...and I'd like sheet music if you can find it.
[And suddenly all of that grace and beauty Beauty possessed goes flying out the window as they sit up, arms pinwheeling a bit.]
Nonono! [MIZUKI, RUDE.] It's nothing like that! I'm not a delinquent!
[But. They do sound very much like a flustered teenage boy. So there's that. They also sound a little pouty with the next sentence.] It's my job to protect you and guide you.
[ oh no. Mizuki can't help but laugh, now, resting their hand in their cheek. It could very well all be an act, and they still don't really trust this kid -- but for the moment, at least, he seems harmless enough. ]
Are you sure you're not? I wonder. I'm not convinced... You're involving me in your gang war, too, after all. [ to put it in blunt terms. ] I don't know if I really need protection, but some guidance is fine.
[ ... after a moment, they decide to go into more detail. Beauty's made his position known from the get-go; there's no point in hiding things. He's solidly on the side of the gods - the Sponsor-equivalent. ]
I was expecting to arrive in a very different world than this one. That place abducts people with the promise of granting them a "wish," just like you did. So you can imagine my confusion when I ended up here, instead.
sib im crying and also i would apologize but /SHRUG
[Not trusting him very much is fair, given that Beauty is sort of an idiot. A well-meaning idiot, maybe, but an idiot. Nevertheless he recomposes himself, back straight and hands resting on his knee crossed over his leg as he assesses Mizuki once more.]
You did say yes. [Just a friendly reminder. Still, Beauty's decided he likes Mizuki and will offer his service and aid to them regardless of what happens here and it's why he patiently waits as Mizuki speaks.]
I understand this must be quite troubling for you, especially when you had a previous goal in mind. I truly do apologize for the circumstances. [There's a pause again.] Do you suppose this will be better, worse, or is it undecided as of yet?
[There's an underlying question there as well. "How can I make this better for you, as one of my champions?"]
FOR WHAT THIS IS PRECIOUS i'm trying to guess what anime boy is under the mask now
Mm, I did. I agreed to go to that other world, too.
[ just SAYING. Work is work... But it's too late to quibble about that. ]
Whether it's better or worse will depend on how your game goes. [ they look at him more seriously. ] You should know the reason I was going to the other one was to shut it down permanently so that no more people would be killed. By our estimates, over 100 people had died in their "broadcasts." The people who ran it were monsters that needed to be stopped at any costs.
[ their eyes narrow a little bit. ]
Right now, I'm trying to find out if you're a monster, too.
Despite others not having a choice? [Mizuki previously said there wasn't a choice, and while Beauty can see why the answer's changed now, it's interesting to note. Likewise, normally he would be offended about being called a monster, or play it off with a remark about how he's monstrously gorgeous but somehow the tone doesn't seem right. It doesn't hurt that he really doesn't like the sound of that and he hasn't liked the sound of Mizuki's home world since he started to learn about it. It's why he studies them again, a hand coming to their chin to ponder.]
I'd like to ask you something else about that game of yours. Did all of the people who ran it agree on the methods by which the broadcasts were run? The rules of the game and everything.
Yes, that's right. Even though the others didn't have a choice.
[ it was their plan to be abducted. The others were victims. They were only pretending to be clueless. ]
We don't know who the people who ran it are. That's part of the problem. They used an AI to interact with us - even I've never seen the one actually in charge. Just sycophants who slavishly obey that person's whims.
[Clever. Actually, very clever, and there's a sound that almost borders on impressed. Would he be able to do something like that? It's just an affirmative that he made the correct choice extending his hand to Mizuki in the first place.]
AI. Robots? [Huh. Well that's wild and he's distracted for a few seconds before he shakes his head. Focus.] All of us have agreed to participate in this game to select a new head of our pantheon. However, all of us have different methods, different rules and different strategies. You'll do well to read the rules, Mizuki-san. They may help assist you over the next several weeks.
[It's hard to say given there's a mask, but his expression softens, as does his tone.] I would like the chance to prove not all of us are monsters. I wish the rules had been different and that we could speak face to face right away. You deserve to know whom you're speaking with just as much as we do. While I can't say we don't have our own whims we follow, we also understand we are in need of your assistance. We cannot act without you, and it's why I believe in building a relationship based on trust.
[i.e. he's going to work Extra Hard to make sure Mizuki trusts him and he doesn't accidentally screw them over.] Make of that what you will.
You make it sound like I haven't read them already.
[ there's only one... but they take the advice nonetheless. In Mizuki's eyes, this still doesn't change the fact that he willingly agreed to help run an event where people's lives could be at stake - but, at the same time, they'd be a hypocrite if they rejected him just for that. They're the one who's still hoping to save Hisato, after all... ]
Building trust with me while I can't even see your face, huh? You've got your work cut out for you. [ Mizuki hums thoughtfully, tilting their head as if they might catch a glimpse of him behind the mask. ] But I think you can earn it. Earlier, you even made me think you were a little cute.
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Mm. The "Eye of the Beholder" seems like it would be the most useful for our current situation. [ ... ] How does it work?
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Think of it as something that can be done in order to encourage someone to act in a way they normally wouldn't. They won't know that they've been influenced and they won't be able to remove the thought until it's carried through. It…can be used for good or bad, I realize, but I'd rather it be used to help people be honest with their actions and thoughts.
[i.e. please don't use it to engage in "please stab this person."]
You've heard that perspective is everything, yes?
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[ they won't use it for stabs... probably. Unless they need to. ]
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[Please don't stab. Unless necessary. But really, please no.] But I trust you to use it wisely, mon ami.
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I will. My only intentions with this "power" are to try and minimize damage.
[ when people get emotional, it can be hard to choose the right path. Manipulating them onto it might make them a bad guy - but that's just a sacrifice they're willing to make. Putting their personal wants first has already backfired enough in the past. ]
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That's really all I can ask. I believe with time you'll understand what it is you have to do and how to do it, whatever the case may be. I also believe over time you and I will be able to speak more...and then I can tell you more about our situation.
If you'd like, that is. [It requires Mizuki to come see Beauty again and they're not 100% sure since it's just the beginning.]
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I certainly can't say no to having an inside source.
[ Mizuki can't say they trust Beauty, exactly, but what else do they have to go on? They offer a cordial smile, though it's followed by an inquisitive look and a question. ]
You're not allowed to take off your mask? You looked like you wanted to.
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[And yet, on a more serious tone:] If I recall, it was an argument amongst ourselves to have the masks cover us to even the playing field. I can't say how long they'll remain, but with time I imagine they'll be removed. I can go without it when speaking to the other gods but not with you.
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[ a sigh; then, for the first time, their smile looks slightly more honest. ]
Those brilliant looks must really be something, then.
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Until next time? [Unless there's anything else, they mean.]
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[ it's probably good to know... ]
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Roses are nice. This--[A gesture to the drink Mizuki brought]--was acceptable even if I'm not quite of age to truly enjoy it, nor can the mask be removed just yet.
[And then, there's a long lingering pause as though they aren't sure to ask.] ...and I'd like sheet music if you can find it.
[You know. Given there's a piano right there.]
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[ but there is something weird in there. ]
You're not old enough to drink? That's unexpected. Aren't gods supposed to be ageless and immortal?
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Is that how that works? [ a hum. ] Are you supposed to be in school right now, Beauty-kun?
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Consider this a term for studying abroad. [For like. Ever.]
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Nonono! [MIZUKI, RUDE.] It's nothing like that! I'm not a delinquent!
[But. They do sound very much like a flustered teenage boy. So there's that. They also sound a little pouty with the next sentence.] It's my job to protect you and guide you.
THIS BITCH CUTE
Are you sure you're not? I wonder. I'm not convinced... You're involving me in your gang war, too, after all. [ to put it in blunt terms. ] I don't know if I really need protection, but some guidance is fine.
[ ... after a moment, they decide to go into more detail. Beauty's made his position known from the get-go; there's no point in hiding things. He's solidly on the side of the gods - the Sponsor-equivalent. ]
I was expecting to arrive in a very different world than this one. That place abducts people with the promise of granting them a "wish," just like you did. So you can imagine my confusion when I ended up here, instead.
sib im crying and also i would apologize but /SHRUG
You did say yes. [Just a friendly reminder. Still, Beauty's decided he likes Mizuki and will offer his service and aid to them regardless of what happens here and it's why he patiently waits as Mizuki speaks.]
I understand this must be quite troubling for you, especially when you had a previous goal in mind. I truly do apologize for the circumstances. [There's a pause again.] Do you suppose this will be better, worse, or is it undecided as of yet?
[There's an underlying question there as well. "How can I make this better for you, as one of my champions?"]
FOR WHAT THIS IS PRECIOUS i'm trying to guess what anime boy is under the mask now
[ just SAYING. Work is work... But it's too late to quibble about that. ]
Whether it's better or worse will depend on how your game goes. [ they look at him more seriously. ] You should know the reason I was going to the other one was to shut it down permanently so that no more people would be killed. By our estimates, over 100 people had died in their "broadcasts." The people who ran it were monsters that needed to be stopped at any costs.
[ their eyes narrow a little bit. ]
Right now, I'm trying to find out if you're a monster, too.
a beautiful one probably <3
I'd like to ask you something else about that game of yours. Did all of the people who ran it agree on the methods by which the broadcasts were run? The rules of the game and everything.
i'm picturing tamaki suoh
[ it was their plan to be abducted. The others were victims. They were only pretending to be clueless. ]
We don't know who the people who ran it are. That's part of the problem. They used an AI to interact with us - even I've never seen the one actually in charge. Just sycophants who slavishly obey that person's whims.
oh my god
AI. Robots? [Huh. Well that's wild and he's distracted for a few seconds before he shakes his head. Focus.] All of us have agreed to participate in this game to select a new head of our pantheon. However, all of us have different methods, different rules and different strategies. You'll do well to read the rules, Mizuki-san. They may help assist you over the next several weeks.
[It's hard to say given there's a mask, but his expression softens, as does his tone.] I would like the chance to prove not all of us are monsters. I wish the rules had been different and that we could speak face to face right away. You deserve to know whom you're speaking with just as much as we do. While I can't say we don't have our own whims we follow, we also understand we are in need of your assistance. We cannot act without you, and it's why I believe in building a relationship based on trust.
[i.e. he's going to work Extra Hard to make sure Mizuki trusts him and he doesn't accidentally screw them over.] Make of that what you will.
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You make it sound like I haven't read them already.
[ there's only one... but they take the advice nonetheless. In Mizuki's eyes, this still doesn't change the fact that he willingly agreed to help run an event where people's lives could be at stake - but, at the same time, they'd be a hypocrite if they rejected him just for that. They're the one who's still hoping to save Hisato, after all... ]
Building trust with me while I can't even see your face, huh? You've got your work cut out for you. [ Mizuki hums thoughtfully, tilting their head as if they might catch a glimpse of him behind the mask. ] But I think you can earn it. Earlier, you even made me think you were a little cute.
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