Exercise in Futility (Ruby)

[Mecha Kyubey]

It was, Kyubey reflected, rather unfortunate that all of his recent contractors had died. It meant he had to cover most of North America in a search for those willing to contract. It wasn't simply as easy as broadcasting that he could grant wishes - perhaps young girls and boys would fall for that, but the older individuals, often with just as much potential, would ask questions. It was always best to choose a few and wait until life gave them something they had trouble dealing with.

Contracts were easiest to accept when the ones making them were desperate, and it was the nature of life to create hardships and obstacles for everyone! Rich or poor, whatever age or gender or species, they would all suffer and struggle, and that was when he would appear, offering them a way out. A wish, and for something so simple in exchange. To fight the monsters that plagued this world. It was a fair trade, and many of them died long before they realized the more intricate parts of the contract, the truths they reached out for without needing to know.

It was in his best interest to keep that hidden - it would only unnerve and distract them, after all! Individuals sought out knowledge that never helped them - they had even coined a saying for it, despite refusing to listen to it. 'Ignorance is bliss' they would say, and then try to distance themselves from ignorance. It was just one of their contradictory, irrational actions. Learning more weakened them, struck at their resolve - why bother telling them such truths when it didn't help at all?

Trotting down the street, unseen by most, he pricked his ears. There weren't many in this area who suited, but he could feel a quite powerful soul - but it already felt tampered with, removed from its original body. How interesting! He pinpointed the location and teleported near it, moving soundlessly towards the one he had detected. From there he proceeded on foot, effortlessly navigating streets and ending up in a smaller alley. He hopped up onto a dumpster and sat down, stretching out in a fluid motion and twitching his tail.

"Hello!" he chirped, knowing she would both see him and hear his words. Of course, he would have to gauge her reaction before he could proceed properly with this - it was difficult to predict every individual's reaction, and how to approach the issue.