May Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: July 15
Where: Bishamon's temple, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods (although there's none this time) and shinki



The product of many meetings and recommendations, at last it has taken shape. On this day, in anticipation of the new arrivals who appear in a recognized pattern, Heaven has partnered with the new gods and shinki to organize a very helpful informational reception.

The shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided kindly towards Bishamon's temple. And in that vast complex they are brought to a traditional-style dojo.
Here the newly arrived gods are gathered, so finding their partner is more simple. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the aspects of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki, or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.




God Training

Bishamon herself, as well as Amaterasu's ever-present shinki and any volunteering gods, will be the foremost source of information regarding being a god and what is expected of them, such as prayers. It is encouraged that gods group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies.
Newly arrived gods are still expected to communicate to their shinki the information* they themselves get oriented with when they arrive.

Shinki Training

Various volunteers are stationed around the building, passing out helpful informational pamphlets. There are many shinki, including Bishamon's and Amaterasu's, who will be more than happy to train in using the borderline and some of the basics of what is expected of a shinki. It is encouraged that shinki group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies.
Bishamon's lead shinki Kazuma offers a lecture to new arrivals that will thoroughly cover some essential points about teamwork with both shinki and other gods.

Physical Training

The dojo is stocked with a wide variety of practice weapons, traditional and modern. There are volunteers here as well, willing to assist in basic training. (Or even more advanced sparring, depending on the volunteer.) Essential for gods who, for example, find themselves with a sword shinki but are at risk of cutting off their own toes.
Also useful for veteran new gods wishing to train with their current partner shinki.

Rest and Refreshments

There is a garden off the dojo that is free to be used for rest and conversation.
Should anyone wander outside the designated area, some shinki of Bishamon's will attach themselves to them and not leave them be until they return to the dojo.

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 just taking a quick break to cool down. Even hand towels are provided by Bishamon's helpful shinki. The Heavens wants everyone to stay in good condition!

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
• Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
• Get in some training
• Don't get dehydrated
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[reformedsinner]

Yes.

... I appreciate the perspective.

[He lets his hands fall back to his side and glances at Yuri with the faintest sign of amusement flickering into view in the creases at the corners of his eyes.]

Of course, I wouldn't want to cause the Heavens any trouble, when they've been so kind and accommodating.

[Somehow, he manages to say that entire line with a straight face.]

[onerous]

[Yuri stares at Hakkai or about 3 seconds before she snorts and has to turn away to stop herself from actually laughing out loud.] Sure, of course. Don't worry, I'm sure that line will work on anyone else.

[There's a million and one questions racing through her head, she doesn't know where to begin with them, and as she watches him it's with a complicated mix of emotions. On one hand she's happy to see him, but... Would it have been better for him to have gone home? At least this confirmed he wasn't dead back home, which she's <>very happy about, but at the same time it still meant he was here again. And since he wasn't her shinki anymore, that... Where did that leave her? It's a stupid feeling that she knows is unwarranted--they were friends, right? But that had been with a Hakkai the Shinki, with few memories of who he truly was. Was Hakkai the God much different?

She crosses her arms over her chest, regarding him quietly a moment, fingers itching with the desire to reach out and touch him and make sure he was real. Instead she curls her fingers into her sleeves and asks:] What are you going to do now?

[reformedsinner]

Find ... my shinki, I suppose.

[She's visibly uncomfortable. Hakkai tries to lighten the mood with an exasperated little huff as he confesses:] It still feels strange to put it that way. Ah -- is Jeep still at your temple? I hope he hasn't been too much trouble?

[onerous]

He's still there. [She smiles, just a little and nods] He's been fine, I promise. You can come over and take him back whenever you like--he's yours' after all. [She's not about to keep him from claiming the little dragon, after all.]

...Speaking of. I, ah. I know you'll have your own temple now, but... You can still consider my temple a home as well... My doors will still always be open to you. [She tucks her hair behind her ear and lowers her gaze with a sigh. Didn't they just learn about open communication and all?]

Sorry, it's all... a bit much to take in, but you're still you. [She just has to remember that much.]

[reformedsinner]

... yes, I am. I haven't changed as much as I'd thought I would have.

[He flashes her a smile, this one sharp-edged: he understands why she'd wonder whether he is still the shinki that she knew. He'd thought that having the holes in his memory patched at last would change him; he'd assumed that, not knowing, he wasn't the same person who had been shaped by those memories.

It's odd, to realize that he was exactly the same person, and just hadn't remembered why.]

I do understand myself a little better now, but that's all. Thank you for the offer, Yuri. In fact, I haven't had the chance to see my new temple yet, so I may take you up on it.

[His eyebrows arch, teasingly, and he adds:] If Neji doesn't mind, of course.

[onerous]

That's-- good. I think. If you were a handful before... [She shudders to imagine what he's going to be like now. Fuujin better watch out.

Either way, she relaxes at the reassurance, just glad to know he's alive and whole, and she's about to say as much when Hakkai has to be a total jerk. Her face turns red and she coughs and clears her throat.]

W-why would he mind? He'll be fine. [Why do you gotta call her out like this, man.] I think I take back being glad you remember everything from here...

[reformedsinner]

I can think of a few reasons why he might!

[Hakkai laughs merrily at her evident embarrassment. So the two of them are together, and it sounds like they haven't talked much about it yet, either? Well, there's no accounting for taste.]

But if you're sure...

[And, amusement still clear in his voice, he deadpans:]

... it's too bad my memory couldn't be more selective, isn't it?

[onerous]

[She takes it back. She takes it all back. She hates you Hakkai go away. She presses a hand to her face as she blushes furiously.]

You're not allowed over. I changed my mind, I'm keeping Jeep. [WE'RE GETTING A DIVORCE AND I'M KEEPING THE DOG.

She peeks through her fingers at him and shakes her head after a moment] ...I really am glad to see you again. It's nice to know your personality is as horrible as ever. [Rude.] So I was worried about you getting your memories back for nothing.

[reformedsinner]

[Ah -- he's missed this. It really is good to see her again, and, oddly, to find himself in a less hopeless situation here than he'd come from. Their disappearances are a serious problem, of course. But he knew, now, that they weren't the torment he'd been afraid of, even if he still wasn't sure of their cause.

And no one he knew here was under a possible sentence of madness and death. Including himself, although, despite that, he wasn't taking off the limiters.

(And it was a real shame that he hadn't known who Ukoku Sanzo was in time to kill the man when he'd had the chance.)]

I'm glad to see you again, too, Yuri, but are you threatening to hold my dragon hostage for my silence?

[With another merry chuckle, he shakes his head right back at her.] I'm afraid my personality never changes.

[onerous]

[Yuri turns her head away as she lowers her hand, trying and failing to hide her smile.] That depends on if the threat is going to work or not. Ah, but I suppose that won't stop Jeep from leaving on his own to get to you...

I'll have to find something else to use as leverage. [Just. Casual blackmail talk, this is fine and normal.

The funny thing being that it IS normal, for a given value of the word. It feels nice to fall into the back and forth again, like nothing much has changed, and she can feel the rest of her doubts and tension unravel]

[reformedsinner]

He does have a mind of his own. My tea, on the other hand, you could easily hold hostage.

[He flashes her a teasing smile. It is fine and normal, after all. For their definition of normal, which is fairly close to the sort of normal Hakkai likes best.]

If I promise not to tease too much, incidentally, may I drop by and pick it up?

[And Jeep, and Jeep's bed, and he's left the rest of his things there too, of course.]

[onerous]

[Yuri crosses her arms over her chest and looks away, as if giving it some actual thought]

I suppose that'd be fine... If you agree to stay for dinner too. [Take out and cup noddles are great, A++ she never wants to eat instant ramen again. Please cook for them once in a while again Hakkai.]

[reformedsinner]

Hmm, I think you could convince me.

[Another flash of amusement's visible in his eyes as he glances back up at her and shrugs.]

Would I be cooking or would you?

[Is this cup noodle and coffee he's being invited to have for dinner?]

[onerous]

[Yuri coughs and clears her throat and she looks away, embarrassed. Asking a guest to cook is rather rude, but--]

Well. I'm sure I could help, but I wouldn't want you to lose out on an opportunity to cook for us again. You know, for old time's sake... [As if it hasn't only been a few days for them on this side of the universe.]

[reformedsinner]

[Enjoy this extreme rarity, Yuri: Hakkai's actually laughing at you and it sounds genuine. That embarrassed little throat-clearing....]

I'd be happy to, Yuri, for old time's sake.

-- Besides, I've been traveling for a very long time, and it'll be nice to have a kitchen!