"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

[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?

[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.]

[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.]

[light_of_willpower]

[He wouldn't have judged her if it had happened that way. Not everyone was a fighter, and not everyone was meant to be. That's part of why he wanted to do the best he could and protect others.

Still with the compliment, that blush is...not fading. Darnit. Keeping his head ducked for now, and trying to hide behind another drink of water.]

Honestly, thinking about it, even if one doesn't fight--but just knows how to dodge and move? That still probably goes a long way towards helping defend against ayakashi.

[sing_for_me]

Ah..someone else said the same thing before. But..can't you only run for so long? It doesn't really...get rid of the problem.

[light_of_willpower]

[Yep--definitely going to check on Alex. Even if it wasn't also what Tem would've wanted, Trunks would do it. That was another statement that was telling, that Alex clearly had had trouble in life.

He's probably good for a break from some of the active stuff, for now.]

I didn't say run, did I? Although sometimes that's the solution--and you're absolutely right. You can only run for so long.

[Despite the blush, there is a smile in his voice though.]

I'm probably good for a break, if you wanted to get some water and join me? I...I don't mean to pry, but it seems like you've had a rough time before. We could brainstorm some strategies to help with that defense and movement thing, if you wanted.

[sing_for_me]

[Oh, he didn't say that, did he? She wasn't expecting the invitation though.]

...Was..it that obvious? [ Compared to him, she obviously wasn't a former warrior or anything like that. ]

I...would appreciate some pointers.

[light_of_willpower]

[A nod, and the friendly smile is back, and slightly bigger.]

Only because of how you phrase some things. If you're comfortable sharing specific concerns, that could help too, but I don't want to push or pry.

[A nod of his head as if she should follow him, and he's walking. Heading off the field obviously and to an area that has a rope with flags laid against it on the ground--marking a boundary. The shadows of the stone columns that encircle Caireen's temple are a few feet away from that marker, and a cooler is nearby with bottles of water.

Close enough to the temple if his Goddess needs him, but not so far close as to hopefully get it caught in any crossfire or damage. There's a blanket or two also spread out, and another bottle of water is taken from the cooler.

It's with an ease of movement and familiarity that also said he was aware, and in control, and was a fighter, that he folds himself down to sit on one of the blankets. Offering the second bottle for her to join him.]

Mai wasn't the kind of fighter I was, but she definitely saw hard times too from what she's told me, and she definitely has experience working with fighters and warriors. She has a strategic mind though, and had to learn how to use my vessel form--a long sword. What's kind of amusing, is that I seem to know how to use a long sword myself, even though I don't remember it.

[Which was also him trying to put Alex more at ease, and that he wouldn't judge.]

[sing_for_me]

[ Ah, she wasn't all too good with words, but he was also very perceptive if he managed to get that much out of it.

She follows after him, looking around the temple grounds. She didn't know much about gods, so Caireen and her mythology was unfamiliar to her. The place was beautiful though. ]

Oh, thanks. [ Alex takes the water, smoothing her dress under her with her free hand so she can sit down on the blanket, folding her legs to the side. ]

Mai sounds very capable...and amazing. I'm afraid I don't have any experience when it comes to strategies or combat..

[ All it was really was survival, and not really in the best way. ]

[light_of_willpower]

[Trunks had been carefully making sure to watch Alex's face, given her clothing--and when she moved to sit, he kept his eyes away. Mostly because he'd blushed enough at her compliments. He was also used to Mai, who usually wore looser clothes compared to Alex's own. This time it was out of shyness, if there was any pink in his face.]

Not everyone does, and that's okay. Not everyone needs it, really. I only know which God you're supposed to be, not actually what you're a God of. Besides, I'm sure Mai would seem an odd choice as the Goddess of Children, until you talk to her and know her and watch her. Once you do, it's obvious why she is in that role.

[There is also DEFINITE fondness for his Goddess in his tone.]

[sing_for_me]

[ Alex had just figured that the flushed look on his face was just due to having worked out. Maybe he was more tired than he was letting on.

It was a relief to hear him say that he didn't believe everyone needed it. Alex wasn't a fan of violence, and would rather not be the one inflicting it as well. She sips at her water quietly as he speaks, listening to his optimistic words. It was sweet how he talked about his goddess. ]

I looked up the god I was assigned to a little..I mean, I don't think working as a god in general suits me..but all the more Oshun..She's in charge of a lot of things that I'm not very good at..

[light_of_willpower]

[Nope--he was finding it actually took a lot to make him tired, while training. Usually it was sparring with Piccolo, or that time with Snow, or facing Goten. Goten was also a bundle of energy though and seemed to be really hard to wear out too.]

Well, tell me about Oshun, and we can brainstorm together? I honestly don't know how they get who for what God here, but there must be a reason.

[sing_for_me]

From what I remember..She’s a river goddess. There was something about sweet waters that heal, but I’m not able to do that. She’s also called the mother of orphans, and protector of the poor or people who no one else cared for...[ They could have used someone like that in Ergastulum ]

She’s a goddes of love and fertility...and um.. [ Sexuality and pleasure, but that wasn’t relevant. Alex hoped that wasn’t the connection they made with her anyway. ] She also brought joy to people, with music, dance..things like that. The Yoruban people sounded very fond of her..and she does sound nice..

[ Save for that bit about either withding water or sending floods when she’s pissed. ]

They also said that she taught people things, like agriculture and magic. She did a lot for her people... [ So they felt like very big shoes to fill for someone like herself. ]

[light_of_willpower]

[That love and fertility and her trailing off definitely had him looking down again, trying not to blush. Sounds like Oshun was a classic major Goddess for the people who worshipped her. Definitely big shoes to fill, and while Trunks didn't know Alex well, he had a good guess she was feeling that too.

So he's quiet (and trying to get that blush to fade) while he thinks over it for a moment, h'mming to himself in thought.]

Maybe start small? You CAN do holy-water, which helps a lot with things. And you can definitely watch over orphans and poor and others who aren't cared for. Try to bring them joy even if it's brief, so they don't give up hope. Just...start with the little things, and once those are easier for you, you could try other things too.

[sing_for_me]

Y-you mean actually be like her?

[ Alex was worried enough about messing things up. Being active would be the opposite of avoiding all that. ]

I don't know how to do any of that...

[There's always that one thing you're good at that brings people shot-termed joy.]

[ The hoarse voice in her head has her gripping her bottle tightly, causing some of the water to spill out as she wills it away. ]

I can't do anything for them..

[light_of_willpower]

[Was it that crazy an idea? He's blinking at her, with his head tilting. Then studying her more closely, seriously.]

...why do you think that, Alex?

[Deliberately keeping his tone gentle, as he doesn't want to make her too uncomfortable. But so far she's shown no reason he can think of why she can't.]

[sing_for_me]

We're just..very different from each other.

[ She wouldn't even know where to start with that list. ]

[light_of_willpower]

So?

[That didn't necessarily mean it was a bad thing. There is no judgement in his tone either. Just honest curiosity.]

I'm just a shinki really, so--I can't necessarily know what it's like to suddenly be put in the role of a God. I do know it's my job to be a good partner, at the very least in rending ayakashi. To me though, being a good partner also means offering support to my Goddess, in what she feels is her role and purpose. For Mai, that's being Goddess of Children. Does she fulfill that, in the same way as whomever Caireen was incarnated as before?

[A shrug of his shoulders, and an encouraging smile.]

You're different than the Oshun before, but that doesn't mean you can't help, if you want to. Like I said, start small. You're a Goddess, so you can make Holy Water. Help distribute that to protect people and give them hope, since a lot of the poorer and uncared for could be easy targets for ayakashi. Making their lives a little easier that way would be a small way to honor Oshun's role, even if you're different than the Oshun incarnation before you.