GODLY AUDIENCES - TAKAOMI SHISHIMARU

[divus]

Comments

[divus]

Many people don't. [Thoughtful. They pause again to try and think of how to put it into words.]

I've been told I'm dripping in good looks. I suppose that's why--[A gesture to the mask.] But it isn't just my features. There's beauty to be found in most things if a person looks. The ability to live life freely and experience so many wonderful things, even the simplest of things...that alone is also beautiful, but you may be surprised how hard that is for some people.

[bakaomi]

[ well, at least they sound more sure about themselves about that.

he considers the words. ]

It's not that surprising.

[divus]

To answer your question, in that sense? Yes. I think it fits perfectly.

[bakaomi]

Why would you want someone like me?

[ he doesn't really think he fits the concept of beauty ]

[divus]

I think you could provide an interesting perspective on things. It's different, wouldn't you say?

[bakaomi]

That's one way to put it.

-- oh. By the way, the dumb rabbit says hi.

[ senri ]

[divus]

Do you disagree? [But they perk up a bit. ] He delivered my message then?

[bakaomi]

I don't.

[ he frowns at the senri talk though, even if he's the one who brought him up ]

He's doing favors for you? Because he likes you.

[divus]

And I like him as well. [Someone save Taka. ] But he asked what he could do for me, and so I asked him to make a delivery for me.

[bakaomi]

[ he just

sighs

and pulls out a rose ]

[divus]

Bravo, Little Rabbit, bravo! [Beauty just claps their hands excitedly.] The allure of something so precious was hard to resist, no?

[bakaomi]

[ oh my god ]

... I guess it's nice?

[divus]

[Seriously someone save Taka.]

...Shishimaru-kun. You've asked me why I would want someone like you by my side, and I told you it's because your view point is interesting. I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you. I believe you would also benefit from being able to grow outside of what you've already become. I could help you with that.

Likewise, I believe we need people like you in our midsts.

[bakaomi]

[ ... it feels like he has three parents who are telling him that they're not mad they're just disappointed. ]

... is growth really that important for you?

[divus]

I think it can do incredible things to a person. [The tone's gentle, but yeah. Sorry that Taka's getting slammed with three gods that are telling him to feel things oh my god.] Where words and money and power can't reach, growth can and it can provide opportunities previously just out of reach.

[bakaomi]

There are some things that are impossible for people to change.

Are they just screwed then, if that's the case?

[divus]

No. [There's a pause as they seem to give Taka another considering glance.]

You remind me of someone I once knew. They may have felt the same way once, but I often wonder if it's because she was the one who changed all of us instead. [They cup their chin in their hand, silent for another moment.]

Sometimes you change, and sometimes you're the one starting the change. The world needs both kinds.

[bakaomi]

[ he wonders, for a moment, which one he is. if he's either of them at all.

things really are easier when you keep to yourself. ]

She?

[divus]

Yes. [That seems to be all that can be said though.] Someone very important to me before all of this. Perhaps it doesn't matter now that I've chosen this.

[And yet they sound almost kind of sad.]

[bakaomi]

[ taka, who you have to bend his arm for him to admit you're his friend, had no idea how to fucking respond here ]

... can you not interact with people from before you became a god?

[divus]

We can't speak with the people we left behind in our original lives. I never would have chosen her for something like this.

[bakaomi]

[ it makes sense

there's an awkward pause ]

Do you regret it?

[divus]

That's also a very complex question, Shishimaru-kun. [They bow their head, uncertain of how to proceed. The overexcited act has dropped now that they're onto a more serious subject. How much regret does Taka have from opening this conversation?]

Sometimes I wish I'd given it more thought than I did.

[bakaomi]

... did you guys have time to think it over?

[ he doesn't know how to comfort ]

[divus]

That's perhaps another story for another time. [Not necessarily because they can't say it, they also just don't really want to talk about it. Instead, they shift again, brightening up a bit.]

For now, it is my duty to help you throughout this game even if you haven't aligned yourself with me.