March Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: October 25th
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, 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 the Meeting Hall, where 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 what looks like an old, large warehouse behind the Meeting Hall for an informational meeting covering the basics of proper god behavior. Several chairs have been moved in, but they're squeezed together between packed shelves and boxes of old ritual clothing, scrolls and rusty or chipped household goods. A minor deity is giving the speech, and none of the white-robed shinki enter. 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 in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's hosuehold 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 explanation 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.

Back copies of the "From Ama" magazine, including puff pieces about new or rising gods or successful shinki, advice columns for resolving problems between gods and shinki, temple photographs and other articles of interest to gods and shinki, have been brought out in boxes and piled up next to a table holding a few remaining copies of the shinki questionnaire for any new shinki who want to keep one around until they can answer the included questions.


What is your name?

What is your god's name?

How do you see your duties as a shinki?

What is your favorite part of life with your god?

What is your least favorite part of life with your god?

What advice would you like to give your god?

Do you wish to be assigned to a different god? []Y []N

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. Several magically animated straw-stuffed training dummies, many of which have been carefully mended and patched with neat black stitching, are set up on the lawn with a white-robed shinki hovering nearby to watch over them. They make good training partners, although anyone who comes too close risks being targeted for a sparring match whether they wanted one or not.

The white-robed shinki are still busy cleaning and preparing the Meeting Hall for the big annual meeting of the gods. They'll recruit anyone who looks as though they're not too busy in order to help scrub floors, weed, sweep paths and walkways, and shoo away any unwelcome little spirits that are hiding away in dark corners of the hall. Heavy lifting is good exercise... right?

Rest and Refreshments

There are casks of fresh, cold water near the dojo to make sure no one gets dehydrated, but for those who've finished working, hot tea and enough seasonal treats are available to make it look as though the Heavens bought out an entire sweet shop. They're being distributed by a few shinki in indigo-blue and plain brown robes with the sleeves tied back, who aren't above teasing the newcomers a bit.

Young shinki are playing in the nicely manicured garden, trying to catch crayfish at the lake edge, dashing around playing tag and hide-and-seek. Just be careful you don't get caught in the middle of a game of "Kagome"! If you do, you'll really be stuck until you guess someone's name.

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
• Enjoy a traditional tea
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[subtract]

[Add is looking over more of his research when he's suddenly struck with a vision—a surge of subdued emotions, bodies crumbling and falling apart like ribbons, a vast and overwhelming emptiness...

It's not one vision, but two. Familiar figures. One that makes him hesitate, and another that makes him jolt to his feet. He's gone within seconds, his tools clattering onto the floor in his haste, fragments of spacetime spinning in the air to mark his departure.

He feels sick, this can't be right, but he has to be sure. He needs to find them.]

[A - Shinki Training]

[He's lucky that the people he's looking for are easily distinguishable, but after causing such a mess and spending weeks avoiding everyone... well, it feels a little awkward to be approaching people out in the open now. But this is for something important, so whatever.

Doesn't matter how busy anyone may or may not look. Add is going up to anyone who (probably) doesn't already hate him, either waving them down or grabbing them by the shoulder to get their attention. Don't expect to get away with ignoring him.]

Hey, have you seen a guy wearing a black hooded cloak? He's about this tall. [and he gestures for roughly Roxas' height, which is on the shorter side.

He's looking for another person, too, but... he might need a little more time to figure out how to describe what his other "friend" looks like.]

[B - Rest and Refreshments]

[Of course Add gets stuck in the stupid Kagome circle in the middle of his search.

Unfortunately, the kids seem to be oblivious to his temper. He's literally generating sparks of anger over here, and they're just laughing and singing that stupid rhyme like irritating people is part of the fun. Maybe it is?? Add is not having fun, though. He is having the opposite of fun. It involves a lot of threats and yelling.

Anyway, Add looks like he's about ready to electrocute a child, so maybe someone should tell him not to do that or something.]

[swordofzero]

[Suzaku turns around when his shoulder is grabbed, his hands come up almost like he is expecting an attack but he relaxes a little when he realises it is someone who wishes to ask him a question.

He thinks for a moment] There was someone wearing a black hooded cloak here before [He looks around but can't spot them now.] I'm not sure where they have gone though.

[subtract]

[Add's eyes go wide, and he quickly turns to look around as well—but, of course, the hooded figure is nowhere to be seen.

But if he's still around here somewhere... that's good. Add isn't going to rest until he finds him either way. In the meantime, he turns back to Suzaku for further interrogation.]

Did you speak to him at all? What was your impression of him?

[swordofzero]

I didn't. [Suzaku seems to take the interrogation with ease.] I didn't speak to him [A black cloaked figure was quite distinct though, easy to notice and remember.] I didn't see his face either, he seemed content to observe and didn't join in as much with the others.

[Which Suzaku had noticed because he also was more comfortable observing and practicing on his own rather than joining the group of unknown people.]

[subtract]

[He sighs, slightly annoyed that this total stranger didn't think to talk to Add's friend that has nothing to do with him. Standing back and observing sounds like something Roxas would do...]

Fine. That's good, I guess. [He still needs to find him, but it doesn't sound like Roxas is having a difficult time or anything like that.

Add pauses, hesitating before going into the other pressing question on his mind.]

Also, have you seen someone with... well. [how to put this?] He has gray hair, and... there are gaps, around where his arms should be. Among... other things.

[He's pretty distinctive, if a bit unsettling.]

[swordofzero]

[Suzaku nods again, he thinks he knows who the man is talking about. The strange looking man who was in training.] Yes, he was in the meeting hall as well. I'm not sure where he went either.

[Unfortunately Suzaku is also the hang back and observe type, so didn't speak to him either.] The shinki wearing white robes were asking for help cleaning [Strongly encouraging those who were on the edges and therefore not looking busy] Maybe he is helping them.

rest and refreshments!

[festal]

( She won't pretend to know Add particularly well, at least, not on a deeply familiar level but she does know him and can recognize when he'd rather be left alone. With surprising quickness for one generally so hesitant to jump into things, she's quick to place a gentle hand on the shoulder of one particular child who seems to recognize her right away, calling out, "Sakuya-bime!" To which Sakura only smiles quietly and kneels down beginning to fus with fixing his kimono properly and asking, )

Are you having fun?

( And she might give Add a particular glance to show she's also asking him for his opinion but also... for a little bit of patience, please. )

[subtract]

[Saying he'd rather be left alone would be putting it lightly today. He's completely on edge right now, his expression contorted with anger, but that's mostly to compensate for everything else he's feeling right now. It's hard to tell if he's ready to scream or start crying at any moment. All he wants is to get out of this damn circle and go find his friends.

It's a good thing that Sakura shows up when she does, because he really was starting to consider force as an option. He's still steaming with anger, but it starts to fizzle out when she looks up at him like that. He definitely can't push down any children while she's watching him...

But, if she can reason with these brats, Sakura being here is definitely a good thing. He doesn't answer, but he stares at her with an expression that clearly reads please save me from this binding circle of nefarious children.]

[festal]

( Thank you for not pushing down any children in front of her, Add. Well, even if he doesn't speak to her, she understands enough. She'll turn her attention back to the child who is clearly trying to rope her into playing with them (Add, obviously included). While she doesn't answer the child right away, she smiles and listens to him carefully before finally speaking. )

I'd love to. ( Clearly, she's going to leave Add to the dogs! ) But.... My friend and I need to go take care of the new gods and shinki. Maybe... we'll come play later?

( And she really does sound sorry! But a maybe isn't really a promise so she doesn't mind suggesting it for now. )

We'll think about it once we're finished, right, Add?

[subtract]

[Add winces at the suggestion of playing this stupid game. How is it even fair when he doesn't know any of their names and Sakura just gave away his? He's at a clear disadvantage here. He wouldn't be stupid enough to agree even if he did want to play their dumb, unfair, one-sided game!

"Maybe" still feels like an invitation to get surprise trapped again later, but he sighs.]

I'll consider it. [He won't, but whatever. Anything to get rid of these obnoxious kids.]

[festal]

( "I'll consider it" isn't good enough and the kids are calling him out on it right now! They're chiming at him to promise and Sakura looks flustered as she tries to get them under control. )

Oh... Wait-- You shouldn't... It isn't very nice to-- ( And she places a gentle hand on the ring leader's shoulder which seems to calm him down almost instantly. ) I promise.

( She doesn't mind at all. As for Add? )

But today is a very busy day for everyone. So please, be patient and think of a lot of fun games for later, okay?

( The boy isn't buying it completely but even he can read between Sakura's polite lines. He can take this chance to sulk and whine some more or take advantage of it and make the best with what he can. He seems to prefer the latter and gives in for now, shaking Sakura's hand with both of his and running off to think of more games for later.

Waving good bye, she smiles as they run off. And still bidding farewell, she begins to speak to Add, )

All of these new friends must have them excited...I'm sorry, Add. ( And she'll finally, properly turn her attention to him, ) It might be fun to play with them for a little while, though.

[subtract]

[Add sighs loudly, feeling drained from all the hassle. He doubts that'll be the last he sees of them... he'll have to keep an eye out so they don't sneak up on him again like that.

He scoffs a little at Sakura's suggestion. Even if he weren't already busy—] I have better things to do than entertain noisy brats.

[... that probably could've been said more politely, but really, he's not in the mood for mincing words. He remembers his manners a moment later, folding his arms as he turns to face Sakura as well.]

Thanks for the help.

R&R

[reformedsinner]

[Add looks like he's about to try to murder his way out of that circle. Hakkai pauses outside it, smiling in a deeply irritating way, and raises his eyebrows at the captive god.]

Oh, my. Do you need help?

[subtract]

[Add stops yelling at the kids as soon as he hears that cheerful, obnoxious tone. Of all the people he'd like to see right now, Hakkai is one of the very last on his list. He shoots the other god a glare.]

As if I'd need help from you. Why don't you mind your own business? [No way he'll make himself look like some incompetent idiot in front of Hakkai. He can totally handle this on his own!

Add scoffs, looking down at the nearest of the kids who are still insistently urging him to guess a name. Well, teleportation hasn't worked for him, and the brute force "shove down children until he can break free" answer seems a little too crude to be proud of right now, but he does have one other possible solution... even if it is still kind of annoying. Ugh.]

Alright, alright, fine— but first you have to tell me your names, I can't play your stupid game if I don't know what I'm guessing.

[He steals a glance over at Hakkai while the children excitedly introduce themselves, speaking over eachother and giving way more information than he cares to listen to. Just you watch, Hakkai, he's going to rule at this dumb game for kids.]

[reformedsinner]

[This... this should be fun.

Hakkai's eyebrows flicker upwards for a moment, and then he glances around, and takes a few steps to the side to find a nice, comfortable ornamental boulder, and sits down on it.

He folds his hands on his knee. When the children are done with their babble of excited introductions, he raises his voice cheerfully.]

I'm afraid we left on a bad note the last time we talked, but I wanted to mention I was impressed by the results of your latest experiment.

[subtract]

[Remembering all the brats' names would be a pain, but it helps to have a brain implant that can instantly store data on his machines with a thought. He's just told them to shut up and get on with their game when Hakkai cheerfully interjects. Add scoffs, folding his arms.]

You should be impressed. There's no one else here who's even come close to what I accomplished, even with the mistakes. [He is absolutely not going to talk about the other thing Hakkai mentioned. Just thinking about it makes him feel embarrassed... and with Hakkai being Hakkai, it's impossible to tell if this is an attempt at clearing the air between them or reminding Add that he still remembers that humiliating incident. Is this black mail or an olive branch??

The children don't seem to care much about this boring conversation, though, so they've already started circling around Add and singing the little rhyme that goes with it. Add is barely paying attention to them as he waits for them to finish.]

[reformedsinner]

[The crane and the turtle slipped, the children sing merrily, circling, and Hakkai's gaze drifts briefly to them before returning to Add.]

Hmm, I'm not sure that this place could stand too many people making those kind of accomplishments... but you did uncover some useful information, too.

I'm glad to see you're still in one piece.

A

[artificialrose]

[Good news, Add- Garry is one of those who doesn't hate you. So it's a good idea to grab him, dragging him out of his uneasy thoughts, and he blinks at the other.]

Ah- a hood? No, I don't think so. [And before Add can continue on his quest.] Are you alright?

[subtract]

[Ah yes, this guy. Add doesn't know Garry particularly well, but he at least knows he's not a threat of any kind. The annoying question isn't a surprise, though.]

I'm fine. So you haven't seen anyone like that? He should be with the other shinki somewhere.

[artificialrose]

If he's with the new shinki, then he's likely been roped into helping out... [Which can be a very easy thing to happen when one party is a complete amnesiac.] Do you need help finding him?

A

[deniles]

...A black hooded cloak?

[He's standing there, tilting his head. Fortunately, he doesn't have an opinion on Add, and he doesn't have a reason not to try and help him out.

Except that he generally doesn't want to.]

...Can't be more descriptive than that, huh?

[subtract]

[And Add doesn't really know Niles, so he doesn't know any better and simply sighs at the useless response.]

You'd know him if you saw him. Trust me, he's unmistakable. I couldn't give a more detailed description if I tried.

[Since he's hidden under that cloak 24/7 and doesn't even like showing his face... describing anything else would suggest those parts are visible.]

[deniles]

So you're saying all you know is that he has a black cloak on. That narrows it down.

[This is mostly Niles causing many dumb issues because he can.]

[subtract]

If you haven't seen him, just say so. I doubt we have that many people here in long black coats covering their entire body.

[deniles]

I didn't say I hadn't seen him, because perhaps I have. I just think needing more details isn't a bad thing in this case.