December Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: September 25th
Where: Bishamon's temple, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods and shinki



Gods and shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided to Bishamon's temple, where a reception area and a traditionally styled dojo and training ground have been made available for the day. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the details of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.




God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a Western-styled reception hall within Bishamon's temple for an informational meeting covering the basics of proper god behavior, although the minor deity conducting the meeting is in too much of a rush to take questions afterwards. They are encouraged to discuss the information with each other and ask questions of more experienced gods, as well as instructed to guide their new shinki appropriately.

Shinki Training

Various shinki volunteers, both in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's shinki and in Bishamon's red-piped black uniforms, are stationed around the dojo, passing out helpful informational pamphlets. They will be happy to instruct the newcomers in the use of the borderline as well as offering an explanantion on the basics of what is expected of a shinki and the importance of teamwork with other shinki and with gods. Shinki are encouraged to work together to practice what they've learned and discuss their perspectives.

Someone has brought two overflowing boxes of back issues of From Ama, the Heavenly magazine, which includes profiles of successful shinki and gods, historical tidbits, and the occasional magazine quiz to help shinki determine how well they're currently working with their god or what their greatest strength might be.

Physical Training

The dojo is stocked with a wide variety of practice weapons, traditional and modern, to offer some practice opportunity to gods who, for example, find themselves with a sword shinki but are at risk of cutting off their own toes. It's also useful for veteran new gods wishing to train with their current partner shinki.

This month, a clever shinki magician has created a dozen straw-stuffed training dummies, some with sword-length sticks and some with polearm-length sticks, that have been enchanted to really fight back. Unfortunately, the spell isn't perfect yet! They're good training partners, but sometimes they might go a little haywire and try to smack passersby.

Rest and Refreshments

Along with bottled water, there are several large boxes of energy drinks and vitamin drinks in small amber glass bottles, and an array of protein bars and meal bars. One particular shinki in white, a bespectacled twentysomething man, is explaining the health benefits of everything on the table (even the water!) with great enthusiasm to any guest who looks even a little confused. It takes great tact to discourage him.

Party games have been set up on the lawn near the refreshments table: Twister, Kubb, lawn Jenga, and more.

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
• Play some games
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[purr_ince]

Shinki Training

[Armed with a pamphlet and a magazine or two he's settling to read. It's easier if he sits by himself to study and learn so he's found himself a quiet spot. One leg crossed over the other - he may be unknowingly sitting just so in a way that makes him pull attention and the lighting is just right. It's all unconscious but it's deeply ingrained in him. The thing to ruin this is how pensive he is with a frown.

He might be feeling a little overwhelmed the idea of being someone a god depends on is a bit much for a fifteen-year-old. It's not about the fighting though. It's the other stuff. The basic stuff. Stuff he can't recall and his lack of memories is staggering. He can't even unlock the other phone that he'd found tucked into his pocket.]

This is going to be a challenge.

Physical Training
I

[After having been named and meeting his god -(dess?) he's uncertain if they make a gender distinction - Adrien is practicing drawing borderlines. His eyes are narrowed in concentration. Once he's done it a handful of times he's exhaling, that intense look fading.]

I think I've got it. What do you think? [He says to no one in particular as if he's just used to talking and getting an answer from someone or something.]

II
[Adrien had toyed with various weapons and he'd decided he only liked a handful. There were swords, and he'd liked the rapier best - it felt good in his hand - but in the end he went with a staff length pole. There was something familiar about it. Something that felt natural. He's throwing himself into fighting with the dummies, training hard. When one of the two he'd been going at it with veers off he's using the pole to vault after it.]

Hey! Get back here you. We're supposed to fighting not playing cat and mouse.

[And then it's raising it's weapon to attack some hapless person.] Hey, Look out! [His voice is firm and he's throwing the pole forward with just a hint of spin, sending it into the back of the dummy horizontally throwing it's balance off just enough to send it down to the ground.

He's hurrying forward to pick up the pole, gripping it and leaning on it slightly, his other hand rubbing at the back of his neck; panting slightly.]

Sorry about that! You okay?

Rest and Refreshments
I
[After some pretty intense training Adrien has gotten a bottle of water, one of those weird little amber bottles. and a couple bars to eat. Usually, at least he thinks anyway, he doesn't eat such things. But it doesn't matter what is usual. It's what's there and nothing about this is usual. He's content though. One of the bars is between his teeth - unopened as he shrugs off the white over shirt he'd been wearing; he's hot and even if it's not thick it's an extra layer he doesn't need.

Then he's tearing his bar open, breaking tearing it with his teeth rather than his fingers. He can't get a proper grip for that. Biting into one of the bars he's giving a soft hum. It tastes like a cookie. He's turning the bar over reading the back of it curiously.]

Huh... Dates? Cashews? Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel. How the does all that taste like a cookie? Snack bars are weird.

II
[Adrien has found a board with a series of holes cut into it with varying point values on it. There's a stack of differently colored bean bags in front of it and he's picking up a couple of the black ones. Stepping behind a line that had clearly been drawn as a clear boundary. Toeing the line he's tossing one of those black bags in his hand to get a feel and good grip on it Then he's pitching one forward underhanded.

It thwacks on the board half in half out of one of holes. Frowning Adrien tries a second time. The second actually goes through one of the lower circles and he shrugs.
It doesn't matter it's not like anyone is here to actually fuss at him about scoring]


Wild Card
[If you want to do anything specific with Adrien or meet him in a certain way toss it here.]

physical training two: the traininging

[priforprince]

DON'T ENGAGE SOMETHING IN COMBAT IF YOU'RE UNPREPARED!

[ The person who had nearly been attacked is okay.

The same cannot be said for the teacup on the ground. ]

[purr_ince]

[Holy sweet mercies that's LOUD. Adrien finds himself flinching and he's shrinking back slightly for a moment, hunching his shoulders. Then he's frowning.]

That wasn't my fault! They're sentient. It's not like I can control it. That would defeat the purpose of having training.

[But he's glancing to the teacup feeling a pang of regret.] I didn't mean to let it get away from me. I'm sorry about your.. tea? and cup.

[priforprince]

[ This explanation does little to placate the wounded (?) party. ] A skilled opponent would have preoccupied it.

[ Not that she cares about this paltry training. Hibiki exhibits the depths of her apathy by turning to one side. ] To think we're now attracting this level of shinki....divinity is a more egalitarian pursuit than commonly imagined.

[ She says that big long English word like it's a bad thing. ]

[purr_ince]

Are you saying you doubt my skills? [There's an annoyed twitch of his brow.] I'm a little rusty but that's no reason to be so unpleasant.

[You might be dressed like a prince but you don't act very princely. He's shaking his head at her.]

We can't all be perfect. Besides - [He's leaning on his weapon, he'd come over here to be nice and apologetic but well... Maybe he's not so much anymore.]

I was fighting two at a time. It might have been a bit much for my first day.

[priforprince]

Hm.

[ Despite the boy growing more upset, Hibiki is calming down. She is above this now. She is lofty. Elite. ]

Those who are perfect don't concern themselves with the others.

ii!

[diehardreaper]

Yuuki!

[ There's a flash of light from a shinki being summoned. The strike hits what looks to be a barrier of light that flashes upon impact but it's enough to distract the dummy long enough to get dispatched by the pole. ]

Good job, lad! Getting quicker on the reaction time. Revert, Noel.

[ A small boy appears next to Ron, breathing a sigh of relief. It's the boy that catches sight of Adrien's approach and tugs at his god's empty sleeve to get his attention because whoa, this kid could totally be related to his god. The hair flippy, the eyes, the hair... It's the reaper who answers Adrien's question though. ]

Yeah, we're alright. Served as a good enough test for Noel's training. How're you carrying on, though? Did that manage to get away from you?

[purr_ince]

[Adrien is nudging the bottom of his staff and bringing it up across his shoulders and the back of his neck; wrists braced against it. There's a curious and appreciative tilt of his head, a smile one his lips.]

Thanks for the help!

[His voice is a cheerful chirp.]

Glad to hear it. Your uh Noel, was it? He's pretty impressive. His reaction time is pretty good.

[The blond is giving a sheepish smile but his green eyes are bright with excitement.] I'm alright, just might've bit off a bit more than I could chew. One didn't seem challenging enough but two is apparently a bit much, I guess.

[He's swinging his staff down, to free up his hand. Mindful to give Ronald the proper hand so as to not make him deal with the possibly unpleasant reminder of his missing limb.]

Thanks for the save. I'm Adrien.

[diehardreaper]

[ Noel, unfortunately, isn't all that used to the attention -- or the compliments. He hastily mutters a 'thanks!' before turning particularly pink and hiding behind Ron. Unfortunately, the god can't help but chuckle before ruffling his shinki's hair. ]

M'sorry about him... he's a bit shy. But yeah, he's been working on being to produce the shield exactly when I need it.

[ And there's no denying he does appreciate the proper hand being offered out. He returns the handshake though, smiling back at the boy. ]

Ronald Knox, taking the place of Baron Samedi. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Adrien. Those things looked a bit unstable though you handled yourself well enough!

[purr_ince]

[Aww! Cute. His expression softens a bit but he doesn't push the issue. If Noel wants to hide and be shy that's fine. Adrien is sure he'll warm up to him eventually. Maybe. Who knows.]

Don't be. It's nothing to apologize for. Well, he's making good progress that's for sure.

[He's tilting his head to the side, like a curious little kitten.] Baron Samedi? [He might have to go look that up later, theology wasn't really part of his education. He'd think he'd remember some of that because he remembers physics and math and reading...]

Thank you, Mister Knox. [Adrien nods.] Yeah it started off well enough then that one.. [He's gesturing with his staff to the fallen dummy.] Seemed to go a bit crazy and go after people. Might be a bit buggy, I guess?

[diehardreaper]

[ Hey, he's made with the sparkly eyes toward Hibiki. Surely in time, he too shall make the sparkly eyes toward Adrien. For now, the praise earns him a quick "Ah!" before he turns even redder and just clutches onto his god's empty sleeve. There's a shake of his head though, a soft laugh following after. ]

Blimey, don't start with the Mister Knox bit. S'what I'm called when I'm in trouble. Ron's fine.

[ And he does grin back after, just to assure the boy he isn't mad or bothered too much. ]

They're unstable blighters, those things are. First time they've been used so I'd wager they're still trying to get used to whatever spell's animating them. Bit of good practice though, provided they don't take anyone's head off!

[ Ron pls don't laugh about decapitation. ]

Rest and Refreshment

[all_seeing_eye]

It doesn't.

[Someone is still pouting about the refreshments.]

They should have given us real cookies. Or curry.

[purr_ince]

But it does?

[He's taking the wrapper off of his and breaking off part of the end he hasn't taken a bite from and offers it to her with a smile.]

Have you tried it yet? It's really good. There's little nibs of chocolate and the texture isn't bad for a snack bar.

[He's head tilts and he's blinking at her.] Can't say I've ever had curry. What's that like?

[all_seeing_eye]

[Futaba sighs, defeated. It's not this guy's fault Heaven can't figure out food. She reaches out and takes the bar, taking an ever so tiny bite.]

...Actually, you're right. It's not too bad.

[Curry, though. That's her true love. Her eyes light right up as she swallows the bite down, and she replies with dramatically clenched fists and a slight lean in toward him.]

Never had curry? You've gotta fix that. It's the best food ever!

[purr_ince]

[Adrien grins picking up the other bar he'd gotten and offering it to her.]

I do have pretty good taste. Since you liked it, here.

[The blond doesn't know what he's started but he's got to admire her passion and the way her eyes brighten. He's giving a little laugh.]

Not that I can recall. Maybe I will here. It's not super spicy right?

[all_seeing_eye]

[Futaba takes the bar, nodding gratefully as she unwraps it.]

It can be, but it doesn't have to be. The kind I like is made with coffee.

Shinki Training

[pure_radiantics]

[She walks up to him with a pamphlet but starts when she gets up close.]

Oh! You already got one of the pamphlets. That's great.

[But she does sit down next to him with a smile.]

[purr_ince]

[Adrien blinks lifting his head to peer at Kairi, a small shy smile on his face.]

Was I not supposed to have one yet? Someone in the robes handed it to me, I didn't catch a name.

[As she sat down he closed his pamphlet sitting it and the magazine he had aside, politely giving her his full attention before asking curiously.]

Are you part of a welcoming committee?

[pure_radiantics]

Oh it's fine that you did! Not everyone takes one from strangers, so I try to talk to people first.

[She points to the pamphlet, in approximately the place where her name is located.]

That's me. I'm Kairi.

[purr_ince]

Oh. Well, it's not usually a good practice but I'm a stranger in a strange place surrounded by strangers. Best to take the risk. It's good of you to be so helpful though.

[Adrien really does think that. It's nice to see a friendly warm face. Not that he had seen anything of the opposite though. He's glancing to the folded booklet then smiles. Turning to her he's extending a hand.]

Nice to meet you, I'm Adrien Agreste.

[pure_radiantics]

[Her mind is swimming with memories of other sweet blond boys she's known here and aren't around anymore - Roxas and Yukine namely.]

Adrien. Alright. Can I ask... if they handed you that pamphlet, does that mean you're a shinki like me?

[It means they'd have more in common and, in her experience, shinki need far more guidance and reassurance early on.]

physical training

[kokuyoyo]

[And yet, since Chikusa is around...]

....Good enough, I guess. But still weak.

[It's not a judgment call, although the dull tone Chikusa permanently has in affect could make people think differently. That's just how all lines are in the beginning. He knows from experience.]

[purr_ince]

[He's arching a brow. That voice isn't the one he'd been expecting. Not that he knows what exactly he'd expected. Someone whining about something or other... not this. He turns glancing over at his shoulder.]

Well, I'm still trying to get a handle on it.

[He can concede that it's weak and he's not the greatest at it but he knows he's got to start someplace. But the way this guy talks - it gives Adrien an idea and he gestures with a hand.]

You want to give a newbie some pointers then?

[kokuyoyo]

Practice.

[ w e l p ]

[After a second of that totally not helpful advice, however, Chikusa sighs quietly and continues on.]

And... find what way of thinking is best.

[purr_ince]

Well that was a given.

[Adrien smiles faintly. Simple answer aside it's still true advice.

He pauses as the other adds on to his original advice.]

What way of thinking? What do you mean?