005 | Sakura In The Night

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Cherry blossom viewing
When: Nighttime March 26, 2016
Where: A park with sakura trees
Summary: Heaven is throwing a small party to view the sakura and let everyone relax.



After the absolute disaster that happened with handing out chocolates, the Heavens are tripping over themselves to make up for their inability to properly handle the situation. They are eager to make amends and assure everyone that they are hardworking individuals who want nothing more than to make everyone's stay here enjoyable or at least pleasant. To that end, they have invited all of the gods and shinki to a lovely flower viewing, since the sakura are in season.

And by 'invited', they mean 'mandatory', of course. You will accept their apology, whether you like it or not.

It's not all bad, though. The Heavens have provided various kimonos that can be worn, if you haven't brought your own, but you're not required to wear a kimono. They would, however, really like it if you did wear them. It's very traditionally Japanese, after all.

The party is taking place at night so that you can all hide your merrymaking from the Near Shore residents and also because the night sky is beautiful against the cherry blossoms. So try to at least enjoy yourselves while you're here.



Banquet

Every kind of food imaginable is available for your eating pleasure. On top of that, there are dozens of different kinds of desserts ready to be devoured as well. For the older crowd, booze has been provided and is being served by white-clad shinki bearing the golden chrysanthemum of Amaterasu. They are, however, refusing to serve alcohol to anyone who looks too young to drink, sorry guys.

Cherry Blossoms

The blossoms are absolutely gorgeous this year, and they are at the peak of their blooming right now. Nearly every single bud has bloomed and the pink petals are floating by everywhere you go. There is an ethereal light emanating from each of the trees, lighting up the area with a soft, pink light, yet it doesn't seem to be drowning out the brightness of the stars at all. It really is the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing anyone could ever hope for.

"Secret" Corner

Somehow, the Heavens have managed to make one small corner of the grotto into a completely secluded area. There is no marking or signs to indicate what this corner should be used for, but anyone entering it will suddenly realize that this is a place for lovers to meet privately. Only those that you enter the corner with will be able to notice your presence, and you will be unable to notice anyone else's presence as well. Enjoy yourselves, young ones!

Counselling

Off to the side, there is a tiny table set up with a small, nicely written sign that reads "Gentle Counselling". On the other side of the table is a sweetly smiling shinki who is willing to listen to your problems and answer any questions you might have. She is also here to help out any gods that are having a hard time dealing with knowing about how their shinki died and any shinki that is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that they are dead. Counselling will also gladly be offered to anyone who is still pissed off or upset in any way about what happened after White Day.



In Summary:

• Enjoy the cherry blossoms
• Eat lots of good food
• Promise it's not poisoned
• Spend time with people you like
• Meet the newbies
• Have fun~

Comments

[galactically]

I'll get to that!

[She notices the glare, but she doesn't budge, just folding her arms across her chest while she look on ahead.]

By soon, I really meant tonight. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're eager and all... but for festivities like this, you're more than someone's weapon.

[wadoichimonji]

[Zoro hums, not entirely comfortable with her decision.

He frowns, confused.]

What do you mean by that?

[galactically]

Someone told me that shinki are seen as just weapons.

[A belief that Sheryl doesn't agree with wholeheartedly, to which she lets out a puff of breath.]

I can't say I like that idea.

[wadoichimonji]

Just weapons?

[He frowns.]

How can someone who can think, and feel, and live, be nothing but a weapon? It's good you don't agree with the idea, because it sounds ridiculous.

[galactically]

[A firm nod with an insistent look]

Exactly! Even if you have to fight, you guys are all still people anyway.

[Technically shinki are soldiers in layman's terms to Sheryl... but she wouldn't call Alto or any of his comrades "weapons". She certainly wouldn't think of Eno and Zoro as one, either.]

[wadoichimonji]

[Zoro can't help it, he laughs.]

You're a nice person, Sheryl, I'm glad I'm your shinki.

[galactically]

[His response prompts Sheryl to look on with an owlish glance, then a tiny smile tugs at her lips as she watches the cherry blossom petals float to the grass.]

There's no other goddess as remarkable as me.

[Then she laughs along, too, a joyful expression upon her face.]

I'm glad you're my shinki, too! You're not so bad~

[wadoichimonji]

[Zoro watches her, a small smile still on his lips.]

Modest, eh?

[He looks at his hands, covered in tiny scars, and he feels happy.]

I can't remember anything from before I got here, but it's nice that I can at least say I trust you.

[galactically]

Modesty is overrated, don't you know?

[Or so she says. Once Sheryl casts a quick glimpse at Zoro's hands, her smile seamlessly morphs into a frown, knitted brows and all. If he says he trusts her... she'll have to make sure not to let him down as his goddess, and it's this thought that evokes a sliver of determination on her face.]

Well then, I'll make sure to keep upholding my standards.

[wadoichimonji]

[Zoro blinks at her, and then laughs.]

You're hilarious, that was great.

[Zoro nods, a small smile still on his lips.]

I can't promise I won't disappoint, but I hope you can say the same of me one day.