Open and Closed

[kagenonadeshiko]

Who: Yamazaki Ayumu, Cho Hakkai, and you!
When: late July 17th to July 19th
Where: Various spots on both the Near and Far Shores
What: Wardrobe problems, borderline practice in the park, and shopping.
Warnings: Possible mentions of violence, torture, and rape in the Hakkai thread if it comes up.


July 17th, night, the Far Shore (Open)

[The first few days of Ayumu's afterlife have been decidedly bizarre. How she'd gone from her present self to an ill-mannered child and later a cocky teenager is beyond her understanding but she's grateful when that final burst of energy comes, finally turning her back into herself even it did strand her on the Near Shore far away from her god's temple with nothing but a child's yukata and sandals to wear.

Ayumu's nothing if not resourceful, however, and the dilemma was solved easily enough with a little convenience store theft. And that's how Ayumu can be found strolling through the Far Shore back to her god's temple wearing a neon-orange glow in the dark rain poncho, a pink child's yukata tied around her waist in a makeshift skirt, and carrying a tiny pair of sandals in her hand. It's hard to tell for sure but she appears to be clutching a large wad of bloody paper towels in her right hand.

Regardless of her present attire, Ayumu makes eye contact with anyone she happens to pass by, offering them a cordial smile and cheerful greeting.]

Good evening! Nice night, isn't it?


July 18th, daytime, the Far Shore, the park (Open)

[Given Ayumu's current lack of wardrobe, her clothing options are pretty much limited to whatever she can find in her god's closet. His pants are a lost cause, being far too big to fit her small frame. However, the shirts are salvagable so she helps herself to one of those. He's taller than her, enough so that it hangs down low enough on her thighs to be somewhat decent enough to go outside in. But then again, Ayumu's definition of decent tends to be downright scandalous by modern standards, perhaps made worse by the fact all she's wearing at the moment is a shirt clearly recognizable as Hakkai's.

Currently, she's sitting on a bench, knees pressed together rather primly while she reads the information pamphlet given to her on her first day. Mentally, she's in a much better state to comprehend and absorb the information today so she's taking advantage of that with a little private practice on her borderlines. It's been a little rough going so when she finally gets it right, Ayumu jumps up from bench with a little cheer and fistpump at her victory.]

Yes! I did it!

[She's all smiles for the time being. Ayumu knows she still has a long way to go before she'll be able to consider herself a good shinki but it's a start. Dismissing it is much easier after which Ayumu celebrates by merrily scooping up a rather startled, floppy-eared puppy and holding it aloft.]

And you, my dear, are witness to my triumph.

[Ayumu drops a light kiss on its nose, apparently oblivious to any other witnesses to her antics.]


July 19th, morning, the Near Shore, shopping district (Closed to Hakkai)

[And at least, it's time for another victory to celebrate - clothing of her own! It'd taken patience and a careful strategy of wearing nothing but Hakkai's shirts for him to prioritize a shopping trip over work but it'd succeeded. Even without the bond between god and shinki, Ayumu's clearly in good spirits as she looks peers through the windows at the different clothing on display. Most of the styles look odd to her as they had when she'd been wandering the Near Shore as a child but clothes are clothes at this point and Ayumu will literally wear anything that she hasn't had to steal or improvise on her own.]

There's so many different styles, Hakkai-sama. I'm not sure what to pick. What do you think would look good on me?

[She turns to him for an answer, still barefoot and wearing another one of his shirts. Even though it's morning, it's still warm enough that she isn't cold.]

Comments

July 19th

[reformedsinner]

[It's not that he minds her borrowing his clothes before she gets a wardrobe of her own. Of course he doesn't: he knows exactly how annoying it is to be stuck with nothing but the clothes you'd arrived in, and while he'd had a lot to do yesterday after the displeasure of being trapped as a young man for two days, getting her to the Near Shore and picking up some proper clothing was today's top priority.

It's just that he wishes she'd borrow trousers too.

Or something. Or that the shirt she'd borrowed this morning hadn't turned out to be the same sea-green as the one he'd picked. He'd almost gone back to change when he'd seen her, but that would have been too obvious an admission of weakness. And with any luck they'll have her in more appropriate clothes well before they run into anyone who might remember them.

He clears his throat, looking at the display window of the nearest shop instead of at her, and tries very hard not to look flustered in any way.]

Perhaps a sundress?

[There are several light, summery dresses on the display. He points out a blue and white one.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Is that a knowing glance she casts his way? Maybe. But she's in a good mood and inclined to be merciful even if Hakkai did put his shinki's lack of clothing after announcing classes were back in session. And it's not like she had to go naked; she had access to some clothing, at least, and managed just fine on her own, weird aging magic and memory loss and all.

Ayumu gives the indicated dress a once over. It's certainly one of the more appealing styles she's seen despite being unfamiliar to her. The flower patterns are nice; it seems she likes those. When she was trying to steal yukatas from vendors, those drew her eye the most.]

Oooh, I like that. It's very pretty. Maybe more like that.

[It doesn't look like it'd be too hard to move around in either but Ayumu supposes she could always cut slits up the sides if he needed to. As for their shirts matching, Ayumu doesn't mind or give it a second thought. Besides, a god and his shinki matching is almost poetic, isn't it?]

[reformedsinner]

[Some would say poetic. Some, on the other hand, would say it looks like she'd slept over at his house and grabbed the first thing to hand when she woke up: which isn't an entirely inaccurate assessment, except for all of the assumptions that accompany it.

But at least she likes that option. He pulls open the shop door, and the bell tied to its top chimes merrily against the wood as he holds it open for Ayumu.]

Shall we look inside? They may have more in that style.

[The price hadn't been unreasonable, either. He squashes the penny-pinching habit that suggests to him he should be looking for a sale. Money isn't too tight -- he's earned more here than he would have at home, and with most household expenses magically eliminated by living in the heavens, he's doing quite well.]

[solaris9]

[ He's back to his normal self again, which is fine. Goku didn't mind being small, but he's glad his head is a lot higher up off the ground now. One of these days, he'll be even taller. He hopes so, anyway.

He's walking through the park when he spots a familiar face doing a familiar thing. And she's got a puppy! It doesn't matter what age Goku is ... apparently he's always going to love puppies. He gives an enthusiastic wave and jogs over. ]

Heeey. You did it!

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh, hello, Goku-san!

[Ayumu beams brightly at her new friend, setting the still dazed puppy down one ground. After a few seconds though, he's happily wiggling around their legs, tail wagging back and forth.]

I did! I finally figured out what I was doing wrong. We were supposed to have our fingers like this the whole time.

[Ayumu demonstrates, clearly looking pleased with herself. Maybe it's a small thing to be happy about but when a person has as much to master as she does in her position, every little bit counts.]

How are you? How have you been?

[solaris9]

[ The puppy is pretty cute. Goku crouches on the ground so he can pet the little guy. ]

Ooh. Yeah, someone showed me how, later! I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how to find you. And then I got small and forgot stuff again. But I remember, now.

[ Does that make any sense at all? ]

What about you?

18th

[bussounoshima]

[Sharak recognises that shirt, she's pretty sure. Actually, she's pretty sure she remembers a certain someone wearing that exact shirt on a specific outing. She's pretty sure it's the same shirt.

But, you know, Hakkai usually wears pants so she can't be certain.]

... Well done. [She considers mentioning that it might be a bad idea to jump around while dressed like that, but who is she to judge another woman? It's fine.] Definitely a triumph.

[kagenonadeshiko]

[A closer inspection will ensure that it most certainly is Hakkai's shirt and also that Ayumu messed up the buttons when she put it on. She'd honestly tried her best but it was hard to figure out buttons when she doesn't know what they are. She'd been upset, too, and trying to repress it so it wouldn't sting her god. But she'd tried. That should count for something, right?

Her victory over the borderline, the puppy starting to lick her face, and now a nice lady coming to talk to her are lifting her spirits though.]

Oh, hello! Thank you very much!

[Ayumu beams, glowing a little under the praise.]

[bussounoshima]

[Sharak is only wearing on sleeve properly and has a fucking tail tacked onto her belt, she cannot judge anyone. Much less a lovely young woman who actually tried.]

Hey. [But. Hm. Definitely Hakkai's shirt but why would she be- ... Ah. Sharak smiles and nods down at it.] Is he in trouble?

[Who would have access to Hakkai's wardrobe but whoever his new shinki is?]

The 17th

[bartenderizing]

[ Because of the direct eye contact and friendly passing, at first Shizuo thought nothing of it. He smiled and was about to return the greeting, until something really sunk into his mind. ]

Yeah- Uh. Wait.

[ It's not the rain poncho, the children's yukata or the fact that this woman was barefoot while walking around. In the time he was processing and confused as to the why (still not giving mind to the clothes themselves,) the blond points at the paper towels. ]

Ah... You're not hurt, are you?

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh! This?

[Ayumu lifts her injured hand a little and laughs.]

Just a little bit. I cut my hand trying to open something. A package. It's nothing serious.

[It's really not and she seems to knows a little bit about wounds and wound care, at least, it seems. She'd known enough to clean it and bandage it a bit. Once Ayumu gets back to the temple, she plans to tend to it properly once she can access the medicine room.]

[bartenderizing]

You cut yourself opening a package?

[ He only started to question it because as she explained, the blond started realize just what the woman was wearing. Not what was or wasn't showing, but the fact that it was a poncho and kids clothes. ]

... Are there no medical supplies at the temple you're at, that you had to rush out?

[ Because where else would she be opening a package? Then again, that still didn't sound right. Why? ]

18th

[misterfrumpyface]

[Walking and reading at the same time is perhaps not advisable, but Erk's gotten rather good at it. He can avoid tripping over anything or bumping into anyone... still, not being focused on his surroundings means that they can occasionally catch him off guard. The sudden cheer from the woman on the bench ahead of him does exactly that, and he looks up with a start, just in time to see a borderline dissipate.

...Wait. Is that... Lady Yumi? He thought she'd vanished. That sure looks like her, though... using a borderline. Like a shinki.

Well. Putting two and two together isn't terribly difficult, but now Erk faces a dilemma. Should he say hello? She probably won't remember him. Is it safe to let on that he knew her before? Should they just start fresh? Should he avoid her altogether?

...Why isn't she wearing any pants?

With a long sigh, Erk shuts his book. Avoiding her probably isn't an option at this point, considering he's been standing in one spot and staring at her for the past half minute. He finds that he doesn't really want to, either--she was never unpleasant to speak with. He'll just have to proceed carefully, then, and be thankful that at least he can't see down her top this time.]

Congratulations. Is that the first time you've gotten it to work?

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thank you! And yes, it is.

[Ayumu turns to the unfamiliar boy, gently hugging the puppy to her chest, who seems to have gotten over its momentary surprise and started to lap at her chin. While she's still clearly recognizably the same woman from before, there's noticeable physical differences now. Her left eye is disfigured now, sightless under its heavily drooping eyelid and the angle her left wrist bends out looks a little off somehow. There's also a scattering of scars from what appears to be numerous deep cuts along her arms and legs. She's gotten used to them but others might have a little difficulty.]

I had some trouble with the hand gesture at first but I finally got it right.

[Her smile's the same as always though - warm, cheerful, and friendly.]

I hope I didn't disturb your reading.

[She peeks a little curiously at the tome.]

[misterfrumpyface]

[The first time he met her, it was cats. This time, it's a puppy. Erk eyes the little creature warily, hoping it'll be content to stay right where it is; he's still finding cat hair on his cloak, and he doesn't need to add dog hair on top of it.

Yumi's eye and her numerous scars are noted, but Erk's not about to make any mention of them. It's none of his business, and even if it was, she almost certainly has no recollection of what happened. It's unexpected, perhaps--he wouldn't have pegged her as a candidate for a violent death... but then, how well did he even know her?

So while a frown darkens his features momentarily, he doesn't dwell on the matter.]

Not at all. [He glances down at his tome with a slight shake of his head.] I've read through this book several times. I was simply reviewing it. If anything, I should apologize for disturbing your practice.

--Ah, but forgive me. My name it Erk. [She'll have forgotten that, he reminds himself. Her smile may be friendly, but there's no trace of recognition in it. It really is like meeting her for the first time all over again.] ...It's a pleasure to meet you.

18th

[redmare]

[Chinatsu may or may not have been stalking the little puppy to the park, hoping to pet and befriend it, when it was suddenly picked up by someone. Aw man, was it the owner?]

Ah! Ayumu-san?

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh, Chinatsu-san! Hello!

[Ayumu smiles brightly at the sight of her new friend and plops back down on the bench, puppy in hands.]

Sit, sit! How have you been?

[redmare]

Please, just 'Chinatsu' is fine.

[Chinatsu gladly sits next to her, pretty chipper about having found a friend and a puppy.]

I've been alright! Finally met my god--er, goddess. How about you--- Um...Ayumu-san, what..are you wearing?

[Or not wearing, rather, was the question. Her eyes looked over her friend, a bit concerned.]

July 18th

[lostinshadows]

[Lavi applauds her from somewhere behind.]

That was very good.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thank you.

[Ayumu puts the puppy back down and turns to greet her observer with a smile.]

Been watching long?

[She may have been absorbed in what she was doing, but it's unusual for her not to hear people approaching at all. Either way, Ayumu doesn't mind that she has an audience. It's nice to have to have company and sometimes a pair of eyes watching her can drive her to improve faster.]

I'm afraid I messed up quite a bit before finally getting it!

[She laughs.]

[lostinshadows]

[He gives her a smile in greeting.]

Not too long. I came just a minute or two before you succeeded.

[Lavi ventures a little closer, crouching a bit as the puppy comes to greet him.]

Borderlines can be initially difficult to get used to, so messing up isn't surprising as long as you get it.

July 17th

[starfestival]

[There's no better way to describe it. The Weaver is aghast at what she sees. At first all she can do is raise both hands up to her mouth in shock and then, immediately, she rushes to the woman's side.]

What on earth has happened? You- you need new clothes immediately!

[She's barely containing her poised speech. Barely.]

Please - may I craft a white yukata for you? It will not take long, it is a simple thing.

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Ayumu brightens a bit at the offer. It's tempting, very tempting. Clothing is something she's in dire need of. She's in no position to refuse charity and knows it.]

Only if it's not any trouble for you. Thank you for your kindness, miss.

[She smiles gently at the elegant stranger.]

It was the changes.

[It's really the only way Ayumu knows how to describe it. Hopefully, this woman will know what she means.]

I was caught on the Near Shore without fitting clothing so I had to find something that did. This was all I could find at this hour.

18th

[kokuyoyo]

[Being at Axel's temple still feels a little too- odd. This is the second time that him and Ken have had a strange moment between them, and yet it's nothing at all like what occurred at the festival. As children, it had felt.... natural to fall in line with Ken, to work with him. In fact, they had almost felt more of a team than as they are now, working under Axel.]

[And those names...]

[Chikusa knows better than to think too deeply on it. To think of anything that might have connections to his past life. Still, occasionally, he can't help but marvel at their closeness, and it discomforts him.]

[So. He's out and about, hoping to find somewhere quiet to read and work, when he pauses at the familiar figure. She's maimed, now, but he recognizes her.]

[He also recognizes what it means for her to be able to cast a borderline.... and whose shirt that is.]

[Don't mind him raising his cell phone to take a picture of you, Ayumu.]

....You need to practice more. [An idle observation. And then, very suddenly- ] Are you going to cook?

[Enjoy this nosy ass teenager just getting in your business, Ayumu. Ignore that he hasn't changed very much from his childhood, besides in lankiness and his cute knit cat hat.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Ayumu sits back down on the bench, cuddling the puppy close in her arms and scratching behind its ears. After her exchange with Hakkai on her phone, she'd intended to head home as promised but couldn't quite bring herself to part with her canine companion just yet. It's hard to resist lingering a few minutes longer with a cute puppy when Ayumu has an empty temple and a very awkward dinner to look forward to.

She may not recognize him from her time as a goddess but she certainly recognizes him as the scared little boy she'd met on the stairs at the school so she offers him a big sisterly smile, strangely reminscent of one she'd had during their previous encounters.]

In a few minutes, just saying goodbye to this furry little fellow before I do. He's been keeping me company today.

[All in all, she'd accomplished the mission she'd set out to do - spent time with a couple of new friends she'd made, made some new acquaintances, finally mastered her first borderline, and got an apology out of her god and a promise to fix her clothing situation as quickly as possible. And hopefully, her god's lady friend is right and this is the only time Ayumu will have to teach Hakkai this particular lesson.]

Goodbye, my dear. I'll return as soon as I can with some dinner.

[Ayumu gives the puppy another kiss on the head then lets him go. She has no idea if the animals of the Far Shore need to eat but the little canine gives an enthusiastic tailwag regardless before jumping off her lap. Then she turns her attention back to Chikusa.]

So what did you do with your phone? I couldn't tell.