July Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: August 5
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

[untodeath]

god training.

[ Guess who's back, back again--

It's a mystery why the superior Gods had decided to bench her for the last few weeks, but Grell can't be upset about it. After all, she's been upgraded to Goddess Kali. She may need to take some notes in order to brush up on her Hindu folklore, but her new abode is phenomenal. A proper kingdom for a woman like herself!

In any case, Grell is eager to ensure that she won't be disappearing again anytime soon. Stalking the training area, she will eye any God that seems to know their way around a decent fight. ]

My, such passion. Though, wouldn't you say that dance is most entertaining when performing with a partner?

[ ooc: This is an opportunity for Grell to practice her god power. Please feel free to contact me to discuss limitations! ]



rest and refreshments.

[ Grell will occasionally wander into the garden for some deserved rest, between her victims of the the day. Accepting the towels, she will partake in the refreshments - and, of course, touch up her makeup. ]

It's important to always look one's best, as you never know just who might show up, right~♡?

[ Her favorite spot is perched atop one of the planter walls, beneath the shade of the grand trees they contain. Even so, she won't object to the company. Shy may even close her compact to offer the guest her attention. ]



wildcard.

[ Surprise me! You are welcome to hit me up at badtouchking for plotting, too. ]

rest and refreshments

[death_glare]

[ If Grell's able to draw her attention away from herself for a moment, she may notice someone else in the reflection of that tiny compact's mirror. He's a bit of a distance away, mind you, and has yet to notice Grell's presence. But there's no mistaking that black suit, strict posture and perfectly combed hair - even when seen from behind. ]

[untodeath]

[ When Grell does register that familiar silhouette behind her, there's a single moment in which she stops cold.

Staring into the reflection, she must ask herself if she's truly looking upon who she believes this to be-- but there's simply no mistaking it. She knows him all too well, having very well admired him from every angle there was to be had.

Just like that, she's up so fast that the compact in her hand lands in the planter behind her - the cup at her hip clattering on the ground. Why, she even collides into him before his name can even leave her lips! ]

Wi~iiill♡♡♡!

[ Latching onto him from behind in a near full-body hug, she croons with absolute elation. ]

You're heereee!

Rest and Refreshments

[stonebird]

(Sansa is dressed as regally as ever, but her hair is loose and almost...wild. She is a goddess of the forest - the Georgian Dali specifically - and she likes looking the part.)

I am in perfect agreement. (She glances upwards to find the source of the voice. It is amusing that said source has a beautiful red mane of her own!) Are you concerned for your appearance? I do not think you should be.

[untodeath]

[ Well, isn't this young woman a sight! A lovely little renaissance beauty.

Grell's approving grin does falter, however; she wasn't quite expecting a reaction such as that! Very cordial, despite.

With a chuckle, her lips coil into a splitting, pointy-toothed grin. ]

What a fine lady you are, to say so. [ Snapping her compact closed to fold between her palms. ] Why haven't I met you before?

[diehardreaper]

[ He wasn't feeling it really but he was coming to get his new partner. Maybe he'd finally have a shinki he'd be stuck with. Who knows. So while he'd only been wandering the sidelines, a spark of red against the foliage catches his eye.

At first Ronald doesn't believe it... but there's no mistaking that crimson -- well -- everything.

There's the tiniest pang in his chest as he approaches. He'd lost his shinki, lost his boyfriend... but at the same time, he had his scythe returned and now this. He reaches up, rubbing his eyes briefly before stepping up with the usual energy. ]

If I'd known you lot'd be here, I would've dressed up a bit better!

[ Is this what that witch meant when she said the universe had to be kept in order? To gain, one had to lose after all... funny how the afterlife worked out. ]

God Training

[trademark_skull]

[The last time Emizel challenged another god, he got kicked royally. He needed to step up his game if he was going to do something like that next time, especially if he has to fight up close again. Hence the reason he was here now.]

...Huh? [But he did not expect someone to watch either. All he managed to do was cut down a few targets. It's...nothing all that impressive.]

[untodeath]

[ Eyes brightening behind red frames, she sits upright and sets her drink aside. ]

Ronnie! [ Grell extends a hand with a roll of the wrist, to beckon him nearer. ] My, am I glad to see you here! I've yet to acquire a new cellular phone, so I couldn't message you! Do forgive me.

[untodeath]

[ Simple execution or not, she is primarily approaching him for the weapon in his hands. Folding her hands behind her back, she leans over to observe the scythe from his height. ]

Impressive deathscythe you have here. [ Grell says with a side glance in the boy's direction, and one splitting smile. ] At least, I assume that's what this is.

[trademark_skull]

[Noticing that the scythe was being examined, he shifted it.] Y-yeah, it is.

[There is no mistaking what it is meant for. Even if was a bit detailed than your normal black scythe. It has a bone-like design after all. Bones typically meant death of some sort.]

[untodeath]

[ With a hum of understanding, her focus shifts to his eyes, then. ]

How intriguing.

[ While well aware that worlds other than her own don't function in the same fashion, it's still an unusual sight to see a child wielding a scythe, and without any physical characteristics of a death god. ]

Reminds me of one I've seen, not long ago. Belonged to a traitorous reaper, one who had caused us quiiite a bit of trouble.

[trademark_skull]

[Perhaps not even just a death god, but they're slight features that don't look like they belong to a human either.]

[Though upon hearing a traitorous reaper - and the implication - Emizel held the scythe closer. Protectively.]

I dunno, I never met you before.

[untodeath]

No, I'm quite certain I haven't. One I'm speaking of had about -- ninety centimeters on you. [ Grell muses, eyes wandering upward, as though to envision it. Features turning a touch blissful then, one corner of her mouth quirks upward. ] Ah, and the face of divinity.

[ Catching herself, she teeters back to stand upright, clearing her throat with a wiggle of the shoulders. Shakin' it off. ]

So, you're a traitor, then? Or just a reaper.

[trademark_skull]

[D...divinity? As in--]

[Well, he can get back to that later.]

I am a reaper! I don't know what you mean about all this traitoring nonsense.

[There haven't really been any of that where he came from. And he was the real deal.]

[untodeath]

Well! Good, then!

[ Grell breaks into a bright shark-toothed smile! ]

I've yet to meet my kind from another realm! [ There's a tilt of the head, now. ] I must say, I'm a bit envious. [ Reaching up, she taps a finger to frames on her face. ] Stylish as they are, my glasses tend to retract from the effort that I put into my eye makeup!

[humanitree]

god training.

[This is all very new to Mikaela. After all-- this was Held's territory. Though she had heard prayers offered to him before, it had never been her place to answer. Truthfully she doesn't understand why she was chosen. But she will do her best.

There are two things of interest to her. First and foremost is the godly power that was bestowed upon her. Taking a knife that had been prepared for those who wished to train in battle, she instead points it at herself; making a light cut down her arm, into her own flesh. It's enough to produce a small line of red and a few drops of blood. But almost as soon as the blade is pulled back, the cut tapers and quickly heals; the cells in her body seeming to automatically reverse the damage.

Her eyes widen as she watches in awe.]

I suppose there's no doubting it... I've changed.

[The second is new knowledge. About what she is to do, who she is and how she can help others. Anyone who seems knowledgeable will be approached with a smile. It's certainly nice not being alone in this process.]

It's a lot to take in, isn't it? Even though I've been close to a god before... it's very different when everyone's looking to you. I hope I can live up to their expectations.

rest and refreshments.

[ Because she knows that she's overdone it before, Mikaela is careful to take breaks. In fact-- she'll also take time to deliver drinks to others who are hard at work training.

She always returns to the garden, enjoying the beautiful rest area while she re-hydrates. If you join her though she'll gladly strike up a conversation. Even if she seems distracted and peaceful, as soon as she turns her eyes on you, she becomes focused and friendly. ]

It's a lovely garden, isn't it?

[diehardreaper]

No worries, Miz Sutcliffe. We've s'much time as this world allows us, after all!

[ He does come over though, his hand in his pocket and his jacket hanging over his right sleeve as he's grown accustomed to doing. ]

I'd wager from the fact you remember my name and the bit about the phones that you're still a god then? Have you said hello to D2? Got myself acquainted with the lad at the point of your sudden departure.

[untodeath]

[ Grell hops to her feet, giving the other reaper a good look. Normally, one couldn't expect much change to come about for their kind - although, last she'd reunited with the young man, he managed to lose a limb somewhere along the way.

Much to her satisfaction, he's seemingly keot the rest of himself together this time. It earns an appeased sort of nod. ]

Yes, very much so! Although, I'm not the same goddess I'd been previously, strange as that may be.[ Pausing to sweep out her arms, she straightens up with pride. ] I now stand before you as Kali. [ And theyre pulled back in with a clasp of the hands, then! ] Oh , you should see the new accommodations!

[ --Wait. She's getting off track! Closing her mouth, she blinks, taking it back a few pages and sobering up a smidge. ]

You said you've met with D2? Was he faring well? Is he here now--?

[ ANOTHER REALIZATION hits, and Grell is taking him by the shoulders, then! ]

Exactly how long has it been?!

[bartenderizing]

[ Meanwhile, Shizuo was resting on the sunny side of the wall, laid out on the ground. Completely relaxed. While he may be in more casual wear- though those dark jeans do look pretty good on him,- and his hair is far wilder and wavier, that voice will always remain the same. ]

I mean, everyone's training out in the sun, so I don't know how good you're expecting people to look.

rest and refreshments

[declamando]

[Maria's been trying to brush up on her hand-to-hand again, since she's much more used to wielding a sword, and she's stepped out of the thick of things to recoup herself for a few minutes. It's during that time she comes across Mikaela while admiring the garden herself, and while she doesn't speak initially, assuming the girl wants some peace and quiet, once Mikaela initiates conversation, Maria turns a light smile on her.]

It is. This isn't the first time I've seen it, but I like to take time out to take a look whenever I'm here. There's quite a few lovely gardens around the Heavens.

[untodeath]

[ Wait. THAT VOICE. IT ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE--

Oh. That Shizuo guy.

Ticking her tongue in annoyance, she leans in on the arm that she used to snap around like some sort of red hurricane. ]

Well, if it isn't the Mighty Breast Vandal.

[ There's a sassy little quirk of her lips, as her eyes venture over him, all splayed out, as so. ]

Easily said for a man, in any case. Hair mussed, collar undone, muscles glistening with sweat-- [ Right, so he's not bad looking. Good reminder here. ] It's acceptable. Expected, even!

[ Swinging her legs over to turn his direction, she shrugs. ]

Women enjoy their men hot and hard-worked.

[bartenderizing]

[ It's a shame he didn't have much for the way of muscles. Though when you were thin enough, it could look close enough to having something. With the t-shirt that has its sleeves rolled up to the shoulder, the most of a peek that Grell was getting was his arms and a bit of the abdomen between the bottom of the shirt and the belt on his jeans. ]

... Vandal?

[ It's probably sad, but it was long enough ago that this doesn't jog any particular memory right now. ]

I mean, this is for training more than anything else. I can't really say there's much about enjoyment or expectations past getting better at stuff.

[ Though he doesn't move, Shizuo at least opens his eyes to look up and over at the- How is there so much red even when his shades tint the color of everything towards a purple shade? ]

Besides, it doesn't even look like anything's wrong with your makeup.

[revolutionfalcon]

[A: Physical Training (Acrobatics)]

[As always, despite not being new, Shun has turned up out of a combination of feeling obliged to help out given he was one of the first to suggest regular introductory training sessions, and wanting to train himself anyway. Out of the way of anyone doing actual fighting, he's set up a few blocks and beams of varying heights, and is moving between them in the least conventional ways he knows how. Backflips between platforms, aerial pivots and spins - if he's particularly into it, one might even catch him walking the length of a beam on his hands, despite that not really being a combat-applicable skill.

If anyone pays too much attention or gets too close, though, he'll flip back upright onto the nearest level surface, looking over the person with a somewhat wary, calculating eye.]

If you're here to learn rather than watch, then you might as well say it now.

--

[B: Physical Training (Swordplay/Hand-to-Hand)]

[Later in the day, Shun returns to his usual pattern, switching up between training with swords and hand-to-hand every so often. He's also switching between a very short wakizashi and a much longer saber to boot, and anyone with a trained eye will notice that while he's hardly bad with the swords, he's definitely inexperienced. Likewise, the same eye during his bouts of hand-to-hand will show that he's much more comfortable, flexible and familiar with that, pinpointing weak spots and pressure points and aiming for them with brutal precision.

While he's fine enough with taking things out on training dummies for some time, he still prefers an actual opponent, so if anyone approaches, he'll turn his attention from the spar to them with one last blow.]

Here to spar, or learn? [His tone is a little on the curt side, but not enough to be offputting. Either way, he assumes nobody's going to interrupt combat training without a reason.]

--

[C: Rest and Refreshments]

[Even someone like Shun who prefers to go as long as he possibly can without literally collapsing has to break sometime, and rather than glare at people around the refreshments table this time, he's wandering the grounds to get some time away from the main gathering. There's a bottle of water in his hand, but no sign he's eaten anything else of the ample offerings.

After a while, he settles down on the edge of a fountain to finish the water. However, just about every snap of swords colliding has his eyes darting back towards the gathering area, and eventually he lowers the bottle with a hiss of annoyance and the tension of someone who still hasn't quite adjusted to the luxury of practice combat being a thing.]

Too loud...

[diehardreaper]

[ Thankfully, he's been a good boy. No getting slammed into doors or facing off against blighted ayakashi shinki hybrids. His limbs (what remains of them, at least) are very much in tact. His heart however is another story.

But fancy that. A different god. He didn't think such a thing was possible.. but then again, Grell did manage to surprise everyone by breaking the norm.

He vaguely recalls Kali as a destructive god with her tongue sticking out but before he can comment, he's being grabbed?! ]

Ah... I'd say... a... a month? Yeah, prolly a month to the very day if m'not mistaken...

[ Then there's a small hum of thought. ]

D2's been alright. He's the lad what let us know you'd gone, actually. Can't say I've seen him yet but I bumped into him a few days ago so he's still about.

[untodeath]

It's almost adorable how naive your mindset tends to be.

[ Leaning over to plant her cheek atop an open palm, her lips push up into a half-smile with it. That almost-compliment might have her batting her as a bit! ]

Still a vandal, indeed. But adorable. I'm pleased you approve.