"Hard-core" Training. [Open-to-all.]

[light_of_willpower]

Who: (Future) Trunks and whoever is interested! Open to all.
When: October 22nd.
Where: Open Grounds (and Sky) near Caireen's Temple.
What: An open area and invitation for some harder-training than is usually done during the intro-events.



Bishamon was always kind enough every month to open part of her temple and its grounds for new shinki and gods, and Trunks was grateful for that. But he was also pretty sure he, and a few others he could think of, would appreciate a training session or two that wasn't geared towards most of the new arrivals. (Not that there was anything wrong with new arrivals, or those who weren't as skilled as others. They all had to learn.) Fortunately, he also had an understanding Goddess, who had decent space around her temple-grounds, and who knew he'd take care of clean-up and everything else.

Especially since some of the platforms and structure's they'd used from the game of hide-and-seek were still placed around. Celestia'd been kind enough to help Trunks with forming clouds into various loops and shapes to provide some obstacles there too. Clearly marking the space closest to Caireen's temple as off-limits, just in case as well.

It still left them lots of open ground on the edge of the forest, the beach-area, and the sky. Perfect, as far as he was concerned. Word-of-mouth, mostly making sure to stop by and visit friends he knew would be interested (like Snow and Goten) the date he was planning this, and then just setting things up.

He didn't have animated straw-dummies, but then--most of the people he was expecting were far beyond straw-dummy level.]

Comments

[sing_for_me]

[Alex blinked in surprise. That was a lot easier than she expected.]

Ah..! So you're--

[This was one of the people who befriended Tem. Her shock melted into a warm, appreciative smile.]

It's nice to finally meet you. Um..I'm Alex. We spoke recently..about Temeraire?

[light_of_willpower]

[Head tilting at her surprise, but then she continued. And Trunks straightened up a bit more, smile leaving and expression serious. Bowing though, formal.]

Ah, it's nice to meet you Ms. Alex, although...I'm sorry I wasn't able to find Temeraire anymore than you were. I haven't been able to sense his energy either...

[light_of_willpower]

"Oh good, you can too then?" Trunks brightened with Piccolo confirming about the blast, as well as adding his new found flight. "I've been trying to study how I do it, which is tricky because something in me clearly KNOWS, and I do best when I don't think, but I have to try and 'think' to learn how I'm doing it."

That made sense--and was probably more babble than Piccolo wanted.

"But that's part of why I got Celestia to help me with the clouds--so those of us who can fly, can practice too. I've also marked off the area around the grounds that my Goddess would rather we NOT destroy or tear up." Because Trunks is assuming the other shinki is here for sparring first, anything else later.

[sing_for_me]

[His formality caught her off guard-- it was something she noticed quite a few people here were like. Alex wasn't used to receiving such respect.]

It-it's ok, Trunks! Alex is fine--and you don't need to bow..!

[The bowing seemed to be more of an Asian thing, she noticed. She saw it back in Ergastulum too, but that was saved for the mafia bosses. Even then they didn't bow so deeply.]

Really...I should be the one bowing. Thank you for helping me search for him.

[Her expression softens as she relaxes, this time returning the gesture.]

Thank you..for everything you've done for him.

[light_of_willpower]

[He's more going for politeness, than formality--but he'll try to remember. Once facing her again, he sighs, and still looks serious.]

No, it was my pleasure honestly. If I'd realized sooner, I'd have helped search more. He was a good friend, and we both arrived at the same time. I know he took his duties as a shinki seriously, so I wanted to help.

[Says the other person who takes his shinki duties seriously.]

[sing_for_me]

[While it wasn't exactly scary, he did have an intensity about him. It probably helps knowing he is--was--a friend of Tem's.]

I'm..glad he had you since the beginning then. He really..was good.

[Alex enjoyed talking about Tem, but having to speak of him in the past tense was difficult. Her head lowers a bit, clasping her hands together and fidgeting around with her fingers.]

Please, don't feel bad. You did plenty. I just wanted to come and thank you properly for that.

[light_of_willpower]

[Intense is a good way to put it, although Trunks didn't realize it himself usually. Consciously taking a breath, trying to relax himself more as he notices the fidgeting.]

He was, and he wanted to be a good shinki for you. It was fun, and honestly I think it helped me too? Trying to relearn things I know, but don't know I know---it's made me more aware, certainly, while trying to teach him how to move and fight as a human.

[Head tilting, there is that small smile again; maybe a hint of shyness, while still serious.]

You didn't have to thank me, but I'm glad to meet you all the same. Most mornings we trained together, and I did my best to keep it challenging for him, while not being boring since he complained about that enough.

[But there's affection in his tone, if a bit of a sigh too.]

I wish I'd rediscovered some of my own skills sooner. I know he wanted to take you flying, and we'd talked about a sky-course, like the one Celestia helped me with today, for people like Tem. Granted, I'm not sure how I'd make an obstacle course for a dragon otherwise...

[sing_for_me]

So that's where he'd run off too in the morning.

[She chuckled as he remembered him briefly mentioning doing some training. It touched her to know that he put in so much effort. Talking about him and Trunk's smiling did help calm her down.]

Oh, he did a couple of times. It was...ahh, I don't really have the words. Sometimes I still can't believe it actually happened. It had to be the most amazing thing I've ever experienced.

[Admittedly, it was pretty terrifying at first.]

[light_of_willpower]

It really was, watching him soar...

[That brightens Trunks up some more, as he had enjoyed watching Temeraire.]

I think once he had gotten a harness, it would've been easier. I didn't actually know until shortly before he...

[A pause, then he's ducking his head, and sighing.]

Turns out one of the skills I sort of relearned, in an emergency no less, was that I know how to use my own energy to fly. Tem and I did get to explore the mountains once, before he vanished...but I wish I'd discovered that sooner. I'm sure he could've helped me get better at it.

[sing_for_me]

Someone was nice enough to make him one. It's..still at the temple.

[One of the reminders she had of their time together.]

That's..amazing. That you can fly.

[She was trying to register that, but the image was...hard to wrap around her mind. The look on his face squeezed at her chest. It sounded like he was really looking forward to working on that ability with Tem.]

I'm sorry...I'm sure Tem would have loved to fly with you...

[light_of_willpower]

We did get to, briefly, but I think he'd also have enjoyed the chance to get some revenge on me, as trainer in stead of trainee.

[It's a sad smile, but it is a smile.]

I'm not the only one, as I'm sure you've met Goten. If you haven't, I'll be surprised as he seems to know everyone. I was studying him, actually, since we had some other similar abilities. Then I was on a mission with my goddess, and a crisis came up, and she fell and I just sort of dove without thinking about it, and have been practicing and trying to consciously relearn it since.

[One hand reaches up and brushes a bang back, slightly embarrassed.]
I think the only thing I actively mind about not having my memories is that. I have no idea what I actually know how to do or not do, and I was definitely some kind of warrior. I've been trying to relearn what I can, so that I don't hurt someone if it comes up in a situation suddenly.

[sing_for_me]

[She perks up at the mention of the young boy. It was no surprise though that Trunks commented about him possibly knowing everyone. He was quite the social butterfly. Alex waits till he finishes his story before commenting about it though. She listens to him raptly, and quite amazed that he can talk about someone falling to their almost possible death like it was a normal Tuesday. Yet another thing to get used to in this place.]

I'm...not sure where to start. [She admits, chuckling bashfully.]

I do know Goten. [She smiles fondly as she says his name.] Though I thought he could only fly with his cloud. And I'm glad your goddess is alright..It sounds like your ability kicked in when it really mattered. Maybe..that's how your other memories or abilities will resurface?

[light_of_willpower]

[There is a breath out and a sighed "me too" in relief, with a sheepish grin about his Goddess being alright.]

Goten can fly without Nimbus. So can I. So can Piccolo. Near as I can figure, we all use our energy--Chi, is what Hakkai calls it.

[Head turning, back towards Caireen's temple actually, as Trunks is thinking for a moment, then speaks once more.]

I'm actually hoping against that, if only because I COULD hurt someone, even if I'm also really glad it did when I needed it.

[Back to Alex though, as he doesn't want to be rude.]

Mai's been really supportive of my efforts though. I'm also really glad you have something to remember Temeraire with, physically. I can't imagine how you're storing the harness though.

[sing_for_me]

[...Just how many people can fly here exactly? And how has she not seen anyone doing that?]

Ahh, it's..kinda of just up on the roof. I can't move it because of the size, but it's fine. It's underneath some shade at least.

[Temeraire was usually the one to put it on. though she did assist with the latches.]

..For..what it's worth..That you care about who you might hurt says a lot about you..in a good way, that is.

[Others would rather use their power to oppress people, but it was nice to see that there are some that are still considerate of other people.]

[light_of_willpower]

Huh...I can try and come help move it, if you want.

[Ducking his head again, especially with the compliment, as there's a hint of blush.]

I...all I really want, is just for people to be safe. Mai is the Goddess of Children, and both of us really want to protect them and their smiles.

[sing_for_me]

Eh? Oh! No, it's okay. Thank you, but..I would like it to stay where Tem usually kept it..

[The more he spoke, the more she saw how nice a friend Tem had made. It was heartwarming, really.]

They're lucky to have the both of you looking out for them.

[light_of_willpower]

[If she says so; he can respect her reasoning. That blush isn't quite fading, but it's not TOO obvious yet. Thankfully.]

Well, if you decide you want help with it let me know. Or in general. I know Temeraire felt very protective of you, although he didn't tell me much. Some of it might've just been his feelings as a shinki, or him. He was really open about how he felt on things usually.

[sing_for_me]

[He really was the helpful type, wasn't he? Alex smiles appreciatively, though as he talks about Tem's feelings, her gaze falls to her hands, but the smile remains. It may be just a tad bit sadder now.]

Yeah..I felt safe around him.

[Alex still didn't know what she did to deserve him, but she was glad she had him even for just a short time.

A second later she snaps out of her thoughts, looking back up at him.]

I'm sorry--I didn't mean to take up so much of your time. You're training right now, aren't you?

[futhark]

Oh... [ Okay, his face turns a little weird for a moment when he listens to the story. Talking horse on it's own, isn't really THAT STRANGE, considering what happens in myth and legend. But add to that ability to fly, and correction that she's not actually a horse-but a pony and his brain is working hard to imagine the combination.

Ah, also, another princess- and the pegasi mention rings a bell and makes everything fall in place. And so his expression turns into one with curiosity ]

Can't say I've met her- but she sounds like she already was sort of a goddess back in her world. Running the sun sounds like quite a big deal.

[letteropener]

Well, Celestia was certainly not here to say that what any human did was unusual, because they were a very strange race in many ways.

Celestia follows after him with graceful beats of her wings, not trying to keep pace. As to why, well, the wall of clouds that forms the outer boundary of the track curves gracefully enough that a racer could keep their speed if they wanted -- but it leads directly into a great grey cloudwall full of water. Easy to go over or under... if somepony has time to react!

[light_of_willpower]

[Yeah--he was. It's part of like he told her, he wants to keep people safe--which involves helping them. So of course her comment about how she 'felt safe around him' is getting registered and made note of.

Trunks is going to definitely check up on and keep in touch with Alex after this.]

You're alright. I...train a lot honestly, so it's not a bother. Today I just kind of organized a bit more of a course and work-out than some of us get when Bishamon opens her temple. With no offense to her of course, but some of us are way beyond the Straw-dummies level.

[It's said with a tiny amount of pride, but mostly also deference to the busy goddess. That, and he liked training.]

[light_of_willpower]

I think she was, as she says it's actually easier here, if a bit strange because she's getting used to all of us 'not-ponies'.

[There is a grin though, and Trunks is amused but understanding with the difficulty Caster is having with the concept at first.]

She sculpted the clouds though, and made a course, for those of us who fly to get some practice in that way. Did you want to see?

[sing_for_me]

[Alex chuckled at the response.]

Mm, I could tell. [At least, if the size of his muscles wasn’t proof enough.]

That’s considerate of you. I guess those dummies could only offer so much. [Though she’s definitely not one of those people at that level yet. She just barely got the handle of dealing with just one.]

[light_of_willpower]

[That just makes hint of blush return in shyness, even if it's a compliment.]

I usually try to keep an eye out when they're around, see if they attack anyone who can't handle them or isn't ready.

[Again with the brushing back his bangs, and sheepish smile and side-look.]

I mentioned earlier, I'm pretty sure I was a warrior in life so...

[sing_for_me]

[She’s somewhat thankful he hadn’t caught her in one of her failed attempts...That would’ve been an embarrassing way to meet.]

That’s really helpful over here though. Makes it easier to handle ayakashi. I’m just glad we can at least use holy water as a temporary solution...but knowing how to fight is really useful.

[Which is why she tries, but she is pretty new to any formal style of fighting.]

You were probably a good warrior then. [At least, with how much he wants to help people out. It sounded almost natural for him.]