[ ramiel listens patiently to all of this, curious. ]
What you say to me won't reach anyone back in your home world, should you choose to return to life. [ just as a mild reassurance. he doesn't need to worry about things he's supposed to keep secret back home, here. at the very least, not with them.
but they shake their head. ]
Your abilities and those of everyone else here are sealed to put you on even footing. Why do you think that more people will die? Why do you believe that introducing a new means of fighting would help? All that would do is create a new imbalance. You above everyone else.
As we've said, this was a one-time occurrence. And in the interest of ensuring it stays that way? We are not interested in introducing new variables—new powers to only a select few of you.
Akihiko bristles visibly upon hearing that response. There's so much he wants to argue, but he feels he has to hold back because, in the end, it's not like these angels are the ones in charge here. They feel like the middle management of this place and therefore there's only so much they can do]
It's hard to think more won't die when this tree appears while we're being asked when it's acceptable to kill someone. I'm not saying it's your fault or that you guys are doing it on purpose, but all these things right after we just got out from watching someone else die after he killed another one of us is not reassuring at all. From where I'm standing, it's like it's all goading for more to happen.
[That and also Maomao said something to him about people who aren't really out there to kill but will feel forced for one reason or another stuck with him. It's all a whirlwind of things that has him really worried about what might happen in the future]
I can't stay idle while people here are in danger. It's not some kind of idealistic thing about justice or about trying to keep order, it's about avoiding something harmful from happening again to someone else here.
[And given the whole thing with barriers and Jing Yuan maybe having behaved in a way that's unlike him -- he hasn't decided if he believes that -- Akihiko feels he needs all the advantages he can get, stack things on his favor so he can be effective in his efforts next time something starts going wrong.
[ they stand with their hands behind their back, professional. ] I can see why it's unsettling. I don't fault you all for feeling anxious in the wake of a tragedy.
But panic leads people to rash, dangerous decisions. For example, on seeing that there's a reward for violence, your first instinct was not to ask for protection or precautionary measures—but for a weapon. One that only you can use, and only you understand.
Did you want to protect others? Or are you distrustful enough of them to think these apples will tempt them and wanted to protect yourself?
[Ramiel has a pretty accurate point there, really. His immediate instinct was to ask for his method of offense, instead of anything else. It wasn't even like some reflex thing he thought of in a moment of anger -- it was a measured decision...or at least to him it felt like that. Like it's what's right and therefore should happen]
I know it's hard to believe at this point, but I never thought about protecting myself. All I know is about using my strength to fight for others. It's what I have worked for for so long, and what I can do effectively...but it's not like you're wrong. I can't say I trust everyone to avoid these apples.
If I'm wrong and they won't be tempted, then great, but...you're right. I'm distrustful of them all. Damn it.
[ because again: he called them to the murder motivation tree, reached for a gun, started saying more people would die, and then asked for power. they figured they were meeting him on his own level, here.
that said, they were being truthful when they said they understand his anxiety. ]
... These are strangers to you. It's natural to be uncertain about them. But remember that they are all working towards the same goal as you. Redemption, and with it, Heaven. Or a return to life. Even if you don't trust them, I think it's safe to believe they all want that outcome for themselves.
[He appreciates that, really. He probably won't ever say it, but he sure prefers that than someone verbally walking on eggshells]
So at this point, believing that everyone will try to work on their own self-interest is the only choice to not keep thinking at any moment they'll flip out.
[...well, that'll have to do. Akihiko stares at his Evoker, before putting it back into the holster]
I can work with that. I'm still going to keep an eye out for trouble, but I'll give that a try.
[He's not entirely satisfied because despite everything Akihiko is thick-headed enough to feel he's not in the wrong here even though he got called out, but at least he's listening instead of dismissing everything as empty platitudes meant to placate him]
[He'll seriously consider camping out near the apple tree to know who is aware of its promises. Better don't, pal, that's not really an effective plan]
How are you three doing, though?
[That weekend was terrible, and since the angels don't like the situation more than anyone else, may as well check on them too]
Well. I appreciate the sentiment. The situation isn't ideal, so I wouldn't say that we're doing great, but we are doing our best to see to getting everyone better answers.
I'm sure that's much harder than it sounds. I have been in heaven for a week and half and I already know I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a position of responsibility in it.
[So much happens in these parts without the murder in the mix. You all are kind of strong for having to deal with heaven and its shenanigans, geez]
It wouldn't be so bad if not for the unexpected variables. We were prepared for some uncooperative people. Comes with the territory of redemption for anyone.
I have been wondering for a while...what do you all get from doing this?
[Do angels get paid? Doesn't seem like they do because capitalism doesn't exist in this plane of existence, and therefore salaries don't either...and Akihiko doubts the satisfaction of seeing many people redeemed is what's fueling them]
All of you...volunteered? [Is that what happened? That's very angelic, if so, but at the same time it comes along as a bit of a surprise. It's not like Akihiko is a stranger to doing things because they're right or because he wants to, yet he seems to not have thought it may be the case here]
I don't mean to pry that much, but is this something that makes you feel fulfilled? Helping us?
[Looks like he's trying to figure out Ramiel as a person, and trying to think of them less as just an angel meant to guide everyone]
Well, the job was offered to us. And we all accepted.
Personally, yes. I would like to see people enjoy their afterlife. To 'live' in peace, doing as they please for as long as they would like, in an ever-expanding world that caters to their comfort.
...now that I think about it...I'm not sure I could get used to such a place, at least at first. Just in concept a heaven sounds too good to be true.
[Or maybe he's a bit too distrustful to take that at face value, he wonders? Even without murders, if redemption wasn't an option and staying in heaven was permanent, after the time of grief and frustration over being dead he probably would be too antsy to really enjoy heaven, for a looooong time]
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What you say to me won't reach anyone back in your home world, should you choose to return to life. [ just as a mild reassurance. he doesn't need to worry about things he's supposed to keep secret back home, here. at the very least, not with them.
but they shake their head. ]
Your abilities and those of everyone else here are sealed to put you on even footing. Why do you think that more people will die? Why do you believe that introducing a new means of fighting would help? All that would do is create a new imbalance. You above everyone else.
As we've said, this was a one-time occurrence. And in the interest of ensuring it stays that way? We are not interested in introducing new variables—new powers to only a select few of you.
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[Oho, scolded!
Akihiko bristles visibly upon hearing that response. There's so much he wants to argue, but he feels he has to hold back because, in the end, it's not like these angels are the ones in charge here. They feel like the middle management of this place and therefore there's only so much they can do]
It's hard to think more won't die when this tree appears while we're being asked when it's acceptable to kill someone. I'm not saying it's your fault or that you guys are doing it on purpose, but all these things right after we just got out from watching someone else die after he killed another one of us is not reassuring at all. From where I'm standing, it's like it's all goading for more to happen.
[That and also Maomao said something to him about people who aren't really out there to kill but will feel forced for one reason or another stuck with him. It's all a whirlwind of things that has him really worried about what might happen in the future]
I can't stay idle while people here are in danger. It's not some kind of idealistic thing about justice or about trying to keep order, it's about avoiding something harmful from happening again to someone else here.
[And given the whole thing with barriers and Jing Yuan maybe having behaved in a way that's unlike him -- he hasn't decided if he believes that -- Akihiko feels he needs all the advantages he can get, stack things on his favor so he can be effective in his efforts next time something starts going wrong.
Alas, he's not getting his powers back, haha]
no subject
But panic leads people to rash, dangerous decisions. For example, on seeing that there's a reward for violence, your first instinct was not to ask for protection or precautionary measures—but for a weapon. One that only you can use, and only you understand.
Did you want to protect others? Or are you distrustful enough of them to think these apples will tempt them and wanted to protect yourself?
[ they shrug. ]
Something to think about.
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[Ramiel has a pretty accurate point there, really. His immediate instinct was to ask for his method of offense, instead of anything else. It wasn't even like some reflex thing he thought of in a moment of anger -- it was a measured decision...or at least to him it felt like that. Like it's what's right and therefore should happen]
I know it's hard to believe at this point, but I never thought about protecting myself. All I know is about using my strength to fight for others. It's what I have worked for for so long, and what I can do effectively...but it's not like you're wrong. I can't say I trust everyone to avoid these apples.
If I'm wrong and they won't be tempted, then great, but...you're right. I'm distrustful of them all. Damn it.
[Admitting that feels bitter, really]
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[ because again: he called them to the murder motivation tree, reached for a gun, started saying more people would die, and then asked for power. they figured they were meeting him on his own level, here.
that said, they were being truthful when they said they understand his anxiety. ]
... These are strangers to you. It's natural to be uncertain about them. But remember that they are all working towards the same goal as you. Redemption, and with it, Heaven. Or a return to life. Even if you don't trust them, I think it's safe to believe they all want that outcome for themselves.
no subject
So at this point, believing that everyone will try to work on their own self-interest is the only choice to not keep thinking at any moment they'll flip out.
[...well, that'll have to do. Akihiko stares at his Evoker, before putting it back into the holster]
I can work with that. I'm still going to keep an eye out for trouble, but I'll give that a try.
[He's not entirely satisfied because despite everything Akihiko is thick-headed enough to feel he's not in the wrong here even though he got called out, but at least he's listening instead of dismissing everything as empty platitudes meant to placate him]
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We don't want that any more than you do.
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[He'll seriously consider camping out near the apple tree to know who is aware of its promises. Better don't, pal, that's not really an effective plan]
How are you three doing, though?
[That weekend was terrible, and since the angels don't like the situation more than anyone else, may as well check on them too]
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I'm fine.
We're here to guide you, so. You don't need to worry about us.
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[Heck, he's even willing to bet that many others already did before him]
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Well. I appreciate the sentiment. The situation isn't ideal, so I wouldn't say that we're doing great, but we are doing our best to see to getting everyone better answers.
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[So much happens in these parts without the murder in the mix. You all are kind of strong for having to deal with heaven and its shenanigans, geez]
So...thanks, I suppose. For your efforts.
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But—you're welcome.
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[Do angels get paid? Doesn't seem like they do because capitalism doesn't exist in this plane of existence, and therefore salaries don't either...and Akihiko doubts the satisfaction of seeing many people redeemed is what's fueling them]
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We just wanted to help.
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I don't mean to pry that much, but is this something that makes you feel fulfilled? Helping us?
[Looks like he's trying to figure out Ramiel as a person, and trying to think of them less as just an angel meant to guide everyone]
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Personally, yes. I would like to see people enjoy their afterlife. To 'live' in peace, doing as they please for as long as they would like, in an ever-expanding world that caters to their comfort.
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[Or maybe he's a bit too distrustful to take that at face value, he wonders? Even without murders, if redemption wasn't an option and staying in heaven was permanent, after the time of grief and frustration over being dead he probably would be too antsy to really enjoy heaven, for a looooong time]
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Everyone does. To nearly anything.