GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[divus]

Comments

[divus]

[In this moment, Love remembers that Ray is actually 12.]

That angry green-haired guy? [Well. Hm.] It might even help him out if you knock him down a few pegs. Sometimes people are really bad at expressing themselves and need a little push.

[And also that sounds harmless enough? So. It might work.]

[selfimmolates]

[listen,]

Yeah, right? I'll be doing him a favour. So, I was thinking of him having to do something mushy to others. Oh, but I also want to add exceptions. I don't want him to do anything to me.

'Course, in that case, I'd have to keep the exception general, so that he can't pinpoint me as the cause.

[divus]

[It's really also unfortunate that they just start giggling. This is a bad use of their powers but also it's week one.]

You seem pretty smart. I think you can proooobably figure out the best way to do it, but what happens if you get caught?

[Subtle. But they want to make sure he has a back-up plan. But they're also fully on-board with this plan, why.]

[selfimmolates]

[it's week one, which is exactly why it's time to shitpost. no point in using his power for useful things until he knows exactly what's going on!!]

Well, who knows. I don't suspect him of being one of your followers, but if he figures out my faction, that could work out in the end. Right now, it's not too dangerous.

So, if he confronts me on it, I'll find a way to make it work. If I want allies in this competition—or people I can use—then we'll have to bring it up at some point, right?

[divus]

I wish I could tell you who was following me. [But that aside:] There are a lot of you so you wouldn't be the immediate suspect, I'm sure.

[He can't see it, but they frown a little. Please don't use people? Allies!!! But they digress.] You mean bring up your alignment? Yeah, eventually.

[selfimmolates]

[he can't help the way he thinks!!]

Then, that's what I'll go with, unless you have something else in mind.

[divus]

I think your plan works pretty well, actually. [Even if he's being a brat, it's harmless and they can't lie that they aren't a little excited to see the results. It's like they said, some people have a hard time expressing themselves. And if these are based on maybe-feelings Takaomi already had then...oh well!]

You have my blessing and whatever. [A teasing tone.] It'll make this week a little more interesting at least.

[selfimmolates]

Great, thanks. Then, I think—ah, wait. One more question.

If the lab came from Justice, then this— [he points to the floor of the dance studio] —is your doing, huh?

[divus]

Good luck [But oh. They duck their head just a little then, because Ray's a very smart kid and he's 100% correct.]

...I know it's not much, but it's important to me and I thought maybe it'd be nice to have a space people can burn off some energy or just have a place to think. Music can be a pretty inspirational thing.

[selfimmolates]

Music, huh... Gotta admit, I didn't get the chance to listen to it much back home.

[aside from his siblings who could make use of the music room.]

[divus]

Pretty sure one of the others has a piano somewhere. [There's a shrug.] I know you said time's usually not on your side, but you do have time here if you ever want to listen. It's one of those things that can be used to reach all kinds of people even if they don't understand each other. And it makes people happy.

[selfimmolates]

... Not really my style, but I'll consider it. Well, I won't avoid it if it comes up, at least.

[divus]

Good enough. [They tilt their head though.] What is your style then?

[selfimmolates]

Focusing on what's practical. Why an association would be beneficial to both parties.

[divus]

A strategist. Pragmatic. [They sound...intrigued.] I know someone like that. The boy who changed everything for me? You're alike that way.

[Thanks, Love.] I know I'm not always the most practical but that's what makes a good team, right? Different people. Different ideas.

[...wait.] So you're thinking about how this is beneficial to both of us then, aren't you?

[selfimmolates]

... And I know someone like you, but you already knew that.

[emma would probably love love. ha. but because of that, he won't deny that yes, sometimes the best teams are those composed of opposites.]

Now that you've brought it up? Sure.

[divus]

[That's not inaccurate.]

And what've you come up with? [Sell them on the idea, Ray.]

[selfimmolates]

Well, I wouldn't say I've "come up with" anything, per se. It's just common sense.

I help you win, you grant my wish. That's the entire basis of why we've been brought here, right? Unless there's something more that you're thinking of.

[divus]

Well…yeah, there's that, but I'd like to do more to thank you while you're here. A wish can't be granted until we win, but don't you think people should be rewarded along the way? I'm not sure what all I can do, but it only seems fair.

[selfimmolates]

And what kind of tasks would I be expected to do in return?

[divus]

...learn where other people are aligned? [Ahah.]

[selfimmolates]

... That's it?

[divus]

Yes? I don't expect you to kill even if I won't stop you if you feel that it's right. I do think that anyone who actively tries to sway people to our side should be rewarded for their efforts. It's hard to talk to people sometimes. It's even harder to be charismatic enough to make it work.

[They should maybe stop talking.] I can't guarantee anything, but it only seems right.

[selfimmolates]

... Speaking from personal experience?

[divus]

...maybe a little. [Uh. Hm. Let's change the subject!] This isn't about that though, this is about you and the thirty-nine other people who're out there.