rallying resistance. open sabotage. public ridicule. theft of church funds. thinly veiled threats. "their influence has been out of control for far too long. it is a huge prevailing issue, it is deeply rooted within our society and we must cut it out. if you're not with me, you must be against me."

"your kindness is letting the hungry starve. your acceptance is condemnation for all who do not fit the mold. your love is hatred. your peace is war. i will be nothing like you, and thus i will be superior."

getting increasingly angry about his broken faith and the lack of support from the people who claim to be the kindest community on earth. starts openly talking about it on social media, putting up antithetical fliers throughout his city, growing emboldened because people start AGREEING with him

spending a little too much time with his primary doctor outside of appointment settings. coming home late with busted lips and raccoon eyes, or not coming home at all.

fighting in school. slapped around and reprimanded for bringing shame upon Reverend Ei and the rest of his family. "why can't you be more like your little sister?" sinking deeper into turmoil. smoking and skipping classes. dropping out his senior year.

in and out of hospitals his whole childhood for his heart condition. praying hopelessly to a god he doesn't truly believe in. asking questions that his congregation doesn't want to think about. childhood friend Niwa's family stop letting them see each other.

he would not be a pop star he would be a cult leader. he would amass a following under an equally corrupt rival congregation and probably die of heart failure. is anyone listening

based on this scene from knights of guinevere