thenearshore | 013 | Down To Business

Entry tags:

013 | Down To Business

Who: Everyone!
What: Training
When: Morning June 16
Where: Bishamon's temple
Summary: Training sessions for everyone to learn more about their abilities and jobs!

Many people have been wanting to know more about their abilities and what they are required to do here in the Far Shore. So, in conjunction with Bishamonten, the Heavens have seen fit to offer an open training session for everyone to participate in. Here you will be able to learn anything and everything about what you should be able to do and what is expected of you in your new positions.

Bishamon's temple is sweeping and gorgeous, having previously been home to hundreds of shinki. She has graciously offered to hold this training session and will be available to help anyone who needs it.

Equipment

Various kinds of mannequins and dummies have been provided for practice, as well as targets that are either stationary or move, depending on your will. Punching bags, jumping blocks, and a large pool area have also been provided for your use, so that you can find a tool for pretty much anything that you might need to practice. Plenty of practice weapons of various weights, sizes, and shapes are also available upon request from any of the many white-clad shinki that are also attending today.

God Training

Bishamon herself will be the foremost source of information regarding being a god and what is expected of you. It is also encouraged that gods group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies. Random groupings can be provided by the mods or you may come up with your own groupings together.

Shinki Training

Various shinki are available to help with shinki training, including Kazuma and all of Bishamon's shinki. Additionally, the white-clad shinki will be more than happy to train you on using the borderline and some of the basics of what is expected of a shinki. It is also encouraged that shinki group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies. Random groupings can be provided by the mods or you may come up with your own groupings together.

Refreshments

There is a refreshments table provided. It is covered with light snacks and various kinds of hydrating drinks. There is a little sitting area set up for people to relax in after they have finished their training or if they're even just taking a quick break to cool down. The Heavens want you to stay in good condition!

In Summary:

Use the state of the art equipment
Learn about your job
Form groups to practice
Don't get dehydrated
Spectate if you want
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She jerks the plate away and frees up one hand to swat at his hand, looking personally offended]

No! Rude! Ask! Humans have things called 'manners,' yes? Use them! Stole these fair, so you ask! Nicely!

[She's serious but there's a threatening hint of a smile that belies how much fun she's having with this]

Hey-!

[ He was so close to grabbing that, too. What's her problem? He's the one who should be looking offended here. He's starving. ]

Come on! You can't even eat all that on your own.

[ And he just spent a couple of minutes whacking at a training dummy. He needs to regain all that energy back... with sweets. Well, he is a god now. Who's to say gods can't subsist on whatever they feel like it?

But he does sigh after a moment and tries again, albeit awkwardly, figuring he may as well play along since he doesn't want to end up challenging a young girl to any kind of fight over a plate of cookies, especially in front of all these people- ]

Fine, have it your way. ...Can I please have a cookie?

[SHE COULD AND SHE WOULD JUST TO PROVE A POINT. The stomach ache would be worth the moral victory.

Oona puts on quite the show, humming thoughtfully and tilting her head this way and that. It's as if this was the Question of the Century, one of Utmost Importance rather than just being about cookies. After a few moments she perks up and states, loud and clear in a super chipper tone:]

No!

[She grins, looking delighted at denying him, but then she laughs and takes up a cookie, holding it out to him. It's chocolate chip, so feel special Noctis.]

You are cute, and made me laugh. Suppose can give you one, at least.

[ What kind of response is that? At least, she relented, though Noctis hasn't decided whether or not that's a good thing. ]

Thanks. I think.

[ He reluctantly takes the cookie, half-expecting her to yank it away and feeling mollified when she doesn't. He really had been starving, and what better way to fuel up than dessert that comes without being chastised for eating it before his 'real food'? Then again, he's already starting to kind of miss Ignis' nagging.

He mentally shakes himself out of his stupor, enjoying the cookie before eyeing the girl again warily. She doesn't look particularly ...non-human to him. Two eyes, two ears, five fingers on each hand. The whole package. ]

So... where are you from?

[ He figures he might as well start there as a roundabout way of trying to figure out what she's supposed to be even though small talk isn't exactly his favorite thing in the universe. At all. ]

Welcome.

[Oona certainly won't berate him for eating desserts before proper food-- it helps she doesn't really know what would count as 'proper food' for humans anyhow, since she's the kind who just pulls a fish out of the water and sinks her teeth in.

The question has her blinking, head titling in confusion. Why was he asking in the first place?? She supposes it doesn't really matter why, but it's weird anyhow, unless-- Oh. He wants to know what she is, doesn't he.

At first her expression turns sly and playful, fully ready to give some cheeky answer ("when a mermaid and a merman love each other very much--") but the expression fades to something wistful and distant as she looks away.]

...The sea. Deep, deep under water, where there was no sun. [Oona's eyes slide to him, crinkling in amusement.] Should just ask, outright, if want to know things. What good to beat around- Eh... Eh? How does it go... Beat around... block...? ['Bush' is the word she's struggling for here help her.]

No, it wasn't that. It was just uh...

[ Well, she's exactly right, but he was trying not to be rude. So much for that. Maybe he really should have just come right out and have asked her, now left awkwardly stammering before pondering what kind of person could survive under the sea that long, especially without gills. She can't be part fish. She certainly doesn't smell like one.

He shakes his head quickly before focusing on the conversation once more before he goes any further down his weird train of thought. ]

You mean 'bush'?

[ How out of touch with humans is she? She can't be that unfamiliar with them if she can already speak the language and eat their food. Which brings him back to the whole not having gills thing... ]

How is it you were able to survive underwater anyway? Did you have some kind of gear on?

[She laughs again] Ask, just ask. Is better. [But she perks up when he seems to get what she's trying to say and nods happily] Bush! Yes. Do not beat around bush. Do not understand what beating bushes has to do with being blunt, but... [She shrugs.

Another amused look] No. Am mermaid. Know what mermaid is? [She sets the plate aside and gestures to her legs, making a sweeping gesture as if to imitate a tail] Mermaids have beautiful tails, like fish. Live under waters in the seas. Have beautiful tail!

...Had. [She swings her legs a little, cheer disappearing in an instant with an aggravated look at her completely human legs.] Magic, see? Remove tail, to have legs. But, can not get back here. So, am stuck like this. [Oona is clearly not pleased about that situation and sighs, shrugging]

So, you may not believe. But is truth. I do not lie.

[ Half-fish then. Makes sense. Not like he's unfamiliar with weird creatures by now after all that he's seen back home, though he's never met one who was half-fish. ]

Like Lamiana. Er... from JusMon. Wait-

[ Okay, she probably doesn't get that reference either, so he pulls out his cell phone to show her a quick picture. ]

The lady with the snake tail.

[ It's the closest comparison he can think of, though his face falls a little, learning she'd been forced to take this form. He knows if the reverse happened, he wouldn't be too happy, either. He may like fishing but doesn't mean he wants to get that up close and personal. Fish are his dinner, not his neighbors. ]

Were you like this before coming here?

[She leans in with interest, eyes lighting up in delight at both the picture and his phone. While she itches to just snatch it away and see, she settles for touching her fingertips curiously to the picture, blinking in surprise when it causes the picture to shift a little. She pulls her hand back quickly and loos amused--she's never actually interacted with a phone before.]

Yes, something like that. She is--Naga? Believe they are called.

[Noctis's question has her sliding her gaze his way again though, expression weary.] ...Yes. [She swings her legs a little more and then winces, rubbing her hands against her knees to ease the ache.]

Captured, by humans. Removed tail to escape, but was found and they took tail too. But, escaped second time! Was success. And now here. Without tail. [She picks at the plate for a moment before quietly holding out another cookie to him and shoving another unceremoniously into her mouth.]

[ Urgh. Nagas. Don't remind him about that. He's still not over the one that tried to murder him over her missing baby. That's the sort of thing that would keep anyone up at night. ]

Not at all the same thing. At least, not where I'm from.

[ He seriously hopes this girl isn't one either, though thus far, she hasn't tried to murder him -- which is always nice. He listens to the rest of her explanation before blinking at the offered cookie and taking it. Far be it for him to turn down free food, either. Though he probably should say something, unsure how to really respond. It was obviously a devastating ordeal for her, and he feels a little helpless here. He can't exactly magic her tail back for her. ]

...Sorry... that happened to you. No way of getting it back now, huh?

[ He'd have offered to help if he could, but he's feeling rather stuck at the moment without any knowledge how to leave this realm. If her tail's all the way back in her own world, then there's really nothing he can do. ]

[WELL MAYBE HER BABY SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN BABY-NAPPED BY HUMANS, NOCTIS. DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THAT.

She shakes her head at the question though and begins to say something, but is immediately cut off when she can't form any words thanks to, you know, mouthful of cookie. She mumbles something incoherent before chewing some more and swallowing, looking a tad sheepish.]

Ah, no. Is not here. And, is not you who should say sorry. [She waves a hand dismissively, then looks amused lie there's some inside joke he's not in on.] Well. Suppose ones who should can not now either. [She glances to the bloodstains on her labcoat and then laughs, before cheerfully moving the conversation along.]

Ah, names. Important to know, yes? Am Oona. You are?

[ HEY, HE WASN'T THE ONE THAT TOOK IT, OKAY??

His eyes follow hers, looking at the bloodstains now, unsure if he should mention them. It doesn't look like she had a pleasant ordeal to get out of before ending up in this place especially with the sad excuse for clothes she has going on, and he hates still feeling helpless to really do much after the fact.

He snaps out of his stupor a bit when she asks him his name, wondering if he should introduce himself by his 'god' name before deciding against it. The last thing he wants is for people to go around calling him that, especially when he maintains that he currently doesn't feel any differently than he used to. ]

Noctis. Nice meeting you... in this place and all, I guess.

[ His eyes don't know where to look after leaving the bloodstains, trying to resist the urge to stare at her feet and check for something like scales or some further proof that she had been a fish at any point. ]

What did you do in your world? When you were in the ocean, I mean.

[ He knows what he'd do down there, but he doesn't know if fishing is exactly the national pass-time for mermaids. It'd be cool if it was, though. ]

Noctis... [She repeats his name a few times to herself just to get a feel for it, liking the way her mouth forms his name and she grins.] Are worse places to meet.

[Considering Oona's only two articles of clothing are the obviously stolen pants too big on her and the labcoat that's open, she doesn't really care where Noctis looks. It's just a body, they're just bloodstains... It's fine, it happens. There's also the mess of scars decorating her throat and chest, some surgical-looking and some not.

The question gets a surprised look that melts to suspicion for a moment, like there was some ulterior motive as to why he'd want to ask, before she seems to decide whatever. Sh leans back some, looking thoughtful and nostalgic. Because being understood for this part is important to her, she speaks a little more carefully and clearly, a little less broken than previously] Lived deep in water, where light could not reach. It was dark, and there is very little around, but it was still fun. Many, many fish--ones most humans do not ever see, because can not travel so deep. Would play with them--and eat, of course. Hunting is fun.

[Though 'hunting' for them was probably more like 'fishing' for humans.] Would play with brothers and sisters. Mother would teach me things would need to know if decided to lead own clan, or how to fight or go on hunts. Strict. [But she smiles fondly.] But she taught me things. Taught me basics to removing tail, to turn human. It helped. [Obviously.]

Father... Ah, father would comb my hair, teach me to braid, things like that. Had short hair, before left, but he would put things in it to make it pretty. Taught me to sing, and to dance. Spent much time with him... [She misses him probably the most, if her expression is anything to go by. Oona picks at a cooking, giving herself something to do as a semi-distraction as she talks]

Brother... Ah, youngest brother is probably on his Journey now. When we become adults, leave clan and travel. Clan to clan, all major ones, learn magic and things needed. Then, return home-- or join clan, or start own. Explore whole ocean, see everything! It is very exciting! See reefs and coasts and different fish! Eat lots of different fish! [She laughs a little, but her expression is still wistful] ...Did not get to go far... There are many fish I have not eaten yet... [A true tragedy.]

[ Man, that is the worst tragedy. All that uneaten fish.

But his face does visibly soften hearing her talk about her father and the rest of her family. He barely even said goodbye to his, so he can understand how much it must be killing her inside that she might not get to see her family again -never hear their voices, whether they were being kind or reprimanding. At least, hearing about her life in the sea does mitigate some of the nostalgia he's staving off, too. What he wouldn't do to explore the deepest bottoms of their ocean freely like that.

He decides to edge away from the more uncomfortable subjects and keep things light, not wanting to dredge up his own memories right now. They have enough to deal with already here. ]

Have you tried fish- er... hunting outside the water? Guess it's more challenging that way, but that's the beauty of it.

[ Also less messier than trying to catch fish with her bare hands. Or did she catch them with her mouth...? He's not sure if he wants to ask about the exact details at the moment. The mental image he gets from it alone is kind of special.

Instead, he activates his armiger and summons his fishing rod to show her. ]

It's a rod. Fish-hunting rod. This one's worth every gil I paid for it.

[ They go way back, him and this rod. They've survived some rough times together. ]

[Her brow furrows slightly-- outside the water? For a moment she thinks he means like, hunting squirrels and stuff like that as opposed to strictly fish, but she makes an 'ahh' sound of understanding after the moment passes. That's right, humans went hunting for fish too. She remembers being taught about that, though at the time she'd mostly ignored it all.

Still, it's familiar enough that she knows what he's talking about and she's about to respond when out pops the rod from fucking hammerspace what the hell. Her eyes go wide and she cries out in delighted surprise.]

What-- How?! Ah, so-- cool! That is word, yes? Cool! [She hastily sets cookie tray aside and reaches to grab onto his arm, looking between his arm and the fishing rod like she doesn't know which part to begin with]

Have not hunted fish out of water. You do? Show, show! [LET'S GO RIGHT NOW, FISHING TRIP.]

[ Noctis can't stop himself from blinking as she grabs his arm before his gaze roams around the surrounding area, feeling a little self-conscious all of the sudden. A tiny girl hanging onto him... probably doesn't look too good especially with what she's wearing, and he can't help feel a little awkward, something he tries to mitigate even further by focusing on fishing. ]

Cool's about right.

[ Too bad he can't record her saying that for the next time the guys whine about his fixation. See. He's not the only one who thinks it's pretty awesome.

He blinks again at her insistence before his face breaks into a small smile. So eager. It's kind of ...cute in a way. ]

See, there's the problem right there. I haven't found a place that has fish inside it, yet.

[ One would think with this place being called 'shore' and all, that it would be easy to find an actual beach. ]

You wouldn't happen to have some kind of sixth sense for detecting water, would you?

[Oona doesn't find anything wrong or strange with this situation, continuing to hold onto his arm as she considers this predicament. Not having a place to catch fish is a tragedy of the highest order, and she looks around as if hoping a body of water will appear suddenly.]

Can, sort of. It is not strong, eh... do not... [She looks a little embarrassed or ashamed, suddenly reminded of her relative inexperience in actually using her abilities. It's not like she wouldn't be able to, probably, if she tried, but she's never really had to try before.

She then perks up a little] Say gods can, eh... [Fuck what was the word. She flounders again, making a vague waving hand motion] Go one place, appear in other place, instantly. ["Teleport."] Can find place with many fish, then go there! And, there is no one to say not to-- can hunt all day! And then eat them! [oh my god she's so excited this is the best news to happen to her in like. 25 years and especially the best for today. She even gives Noctis's arm a little shake in her enthusiasm as she speaks.]

Disappear and reappear....

[ He thinks it over, trying to figure out what she's saying before it hits him, and he blinks rapidly. ]

You mean 'teleport'?

[ Sure, he could do that anyway, but he wonders if she means over great distances instead of across a battlefield. He hasn't really tried, but at the same time, he didn't know that was something he could do before. That could come in handy with the fact that he's currently sans chocobo or regalia at the moment.

He's also right there with her for a day full of consequence-free fishing, though he knows he should really be working on finding a way to get back home to all his friends. But then there's the prospect of fishing exotic fish in an entirely new dimension with a person who is half a fish. How many chances is he going to get to experience that kind of excitement? He'd be dumb not to take her up on it. ]

You want to try the teleporting first? Just go where you feel the sea coming.

[ He's trusting her instincts over his here because knowing him, he might accidentally teleport them to a sushi place. ]

Teleport, yes! Teleport! [She grins happily, beyond pleased that Noctis is able to pick up on what she's trying to say and provide the words for her.

The fact that he seems both willing to go do this and is actually trusting her to do it is shocking in and of itself. The enthusiastic cheer ebbs somewhat and she looks at him for a long moment, curious and like she's really seeing him for the first time. Her gaze is studious and serious, but whatever she's looking for she either finds, or decides it isn't important to find right now, because she looks away after a few moments.]

Ah, the sea... Could visit... home... [Her brow furrows, uncertain and a little--frightened? She could go see the ocean again. She could probably find where her home is--was. used to be. Should have been-- and yet it wouldn't be the same. It wouldn't be her home. There was no family there and the idea of wading into the waters of a place that both is and isn't her home is... terrifying.

It makes her throat feel tight and a gives an impression like walls are closing in, her gaze darting about the training fields as her grip tightens slightly on Noctis's arm.]

No! [Her refusal is a little too loud and sudden, startling even her, and she whips her head back around to stare at Noctis with too-wide eyes.] Eh-- Eh...That is... [She trails off in a mumble, turning red with shame and embarrassment at her outburst as she averts her gaze again.] Sea would... be too easy to find! And too big! Need smaller place, with more fish. To make sure some can be caught!

[Yes, that's logical. She eases her grip on his arm and instead concentrates on that immediately so they can get there before someone changes their minds about this, before the two of them teleport away. Their destination is on the shores of a lake, though not one Oona could really name or anything. But there are fish there and no signs saying that fishing isn't allowed so, WHATEVER.

She blinks and looks around] Ah, it worked!

[ That was a strange reaction from her, though Noctis isn't given much time to really think about it before he suddenly ends up lakeside and looking around frantically. He then makes sure all his limbs are still in place and all his gear came with him.

Fortunately, it doesn't look like teleporting over great distances had any devastating side effects. Not to mention, if just thinking about fishing gets them to the perfect fishing spot, he has no complaints at all about the new power. He kind of wishes he could even take it with him back home. ]

It did... surprisingly.

[ His hand visors itself over his eyes as he looks out at the beautiful lake, hoping the mermaid's innate sixth sense about these things lead them to a spot actually rich with fish. Well, there's only one way to really find out, and he mentally reaches into his magical arsenal before summoning his rod to show it off. ]

So this is the most important fishing tool. We got to get you your own, but you can borrow mine for now.

[ He strings it with the most durable line in his possession and adds the freshwater lure to it before holding it out, already having misgivings about lending his prized rod out to anyone. It nearly drained him of all his gil to buy it, but he figures the lake isn't that deep if it falls in.

Still, he doesn't exactly want to go swimming in it in his one pair of clothes. ]

Try not to drop it in the lake, okay?

[ He hopes the prospect of learning something new and exciting might distract her from whatever thoughts had been troubling her earlier. He's not the type to pry, but it doesn't mean he doesn't feel some concern towards her, especially after what he's learned about her. Maybe the whole being near water is getting to her -the fact that she can no longer swim in it as she once used to nor see her family or friends. That's something he can sort of relate to at the moment, not knowing where his closest friends are, either.

They're both currently fish out of water -so to speak. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

013 | Down To Business

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