[open] just direct your feet

[nopixiedust]

Who: Wendy and others
When: November 23
Where: The Shinki Sanctuary and Far Shore
What: The Sanctuary needs some care tended to it, but that's not the only thing Wendy runs into while she's out and about.


A - Shinki Sanctuary

The Sanctuary hasn't had too much business as of late, but that hasn't stopped Wendy from regularly checking in on it anyway after her usual duties to Hibiki. Just because it's not needed, apparently, right then and there doesn't mean it's useless. It's like having a weapon on hand, or a cell phone. It'll be used eventually.... It's just a matter of when.

So here she is again today, helping keep things clean and stocked! Anyone passing through the area or using Amaterasu's temple as a small cheat to teleport between the Shores will find her. It's pretty easy to spot Wendy in her red dress, with its white ribbons. She skips about the shrine grounds, humming a little bit as she sweeps the paths clear of leaves and other debris. Some might even catch her using the broom as a prop, dancing and spinning along to some song within her own head.

Or she might be tending to the local chickens which hang around the place, all of them gathered around her feet while she tosses out some feed for them. They're not exactly kept chickens, so spreading it around is fine so long as everyone gets a bit, right? Although that does make it hard to move, and she huffs down at the poultry. "Hey, hey, watch it!"

Needless to say, there's a lot to do! But if someone arrives and doesn't greet her first, it's inevitable that Wendy will soon realize that she's not alone and stops whatever she's doing. "Oh, hey!"

B - Far Shore, Harvest Time

Sometimes, returning to the Far Shore isn't as simple as just going straight back to the temple that's been claimed as her own. Sometimes, it's easy to get roped into things.... but in this case, Wendy can't say she's against it.

With how she looks like a young girl, some of the shinki don't want to drag her into too much heavy work... but that hasn't stopped Wendy from shoving her way in anyway. Some might see her in the fields, still wearing her red and white dress, bouncing everywhere and peering about for sweet potatoes to gather that have been put to the side.

Whenever she sees someone passing by, she waves her hand up high and bounces a little. "Hey! Come help us! If we get enough, then I was told we can roast them!"

C - Far Shore, Tangerines

It's been impossible to miss the brilliant orange fruits that have been hanging from the trees lately, so different from the bright sky and the plants that they hang from. Wendy doesn't really trust persimmons, if she's honest, at least out in the wild. They look like they should be tomatoes, growing down closer to earth on a vine or something. So she passes them by with only a wary glance.

But tangerines? Tangerines are fine! Tangerines are just a kind of orange, right? And, even though fresh produce is hardly uncommon, Wendy still can't help but feel that oranges and things like that are a rare treat. So when she spots one hanging low enough to the ground, well...

Hopefully anyone else also making their way through the Far Shore doesn't have anything important they want to get to. In the blink of an eye, Wendy is bounding over, grinning widely and her bag peeking full of tangerines. She already smells like one. "Hey! Where are you going?" She looks like she's going to vibrate out of her skin, with how much she's moving around even when standing in one place....

Comments

A

[sassywelshcatgirl]

"Shinki Sanctuary", huh..."

Comforting to know that maybe SOMEBODY out here was looking out for shinki, considering how much they had it rough. No memories, stuck serving any god who laid claim to them, just being tools... rotten deal, eh? So on hearing of this place, Nia decided to come down and stick her head in. Just to be prepared... just in case, you know?

So that was what she was doing. Literally sticking her head in. "Oy, who's in charge around here?"

[nopixiedust]

"Over here!"

That sure would be Wendy, waving her hand from where she's sweeping some of the stone paths. With autumn in full force, it's always good to clear leaves and all sorts of other things out of the way. Still, she puts a stop to that for now, quite pleased that someone's shown up.

"How can I help?"

[sassywelshcatgirl]

"I... I said 'in charge', didn't I?" Nia stared in surprise at the girl, one hand resting on the frame of the entrance like she was reserving the option to shove herself away. "You're a kid."

[nopixiedust]

"The kid in charge," Wendy says, friendly look disappearing in an instant as she removes one hand to place it upon her hip. Challengingly, her chin jerks up. "No one else is behind the maintenance of this place."

[sassywelshcatgirl]

Nia bristled openly, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "A sanctuary for shinki -- people who actually could get hunted and killed just for not being some god's property -- and no one else is helping with it?!"

[nopixiedust]

"I have people come around to make sure ayakashi aren't lurking around," Wendy points out, one finger flicking out to point at this new girl, "and a friend of mine helps when she can.... but I'm the one in charge and the one who got this place up and running in the first place. Because, no, before that? No one had anything available."

Which isn't necessarily surprising on a human level, but...

[sassywelshcatgirl]

"Yeah. That's... pretty much what I expect, no lie."

And it also meant she was stuck. After all her yelling and snarking about how badly shinki had it here, how they were treated badly and unfairly -- well, hearing that and just walking away would make her so much of a hypocrite that even she couldn't live with it.

"So what do you need help with, then?"

[nopixiedust]

"That's what I was asking you." Finally putting her broom to the side, leaving it to lean against a wall, Wendy starts to approach the other girl with her brows crumpled together. "Are you looking for another god?"

Whether the current god is a dick or anything, well, she'll save that line of questioning for later. Prying right off the back can just be bothersome.

[sassywelshcatgirl]

"I want out of the whole game, but I'm not getting that," Nia said with a resigned shrug. "Honestly, this just sounds like the only place that actually is trying to look out for shinki that I've heard of since I came here. I wanted to know what it was all about."

If it was real, or just some other cruel joke. At this point, the most cynical part of her would have expected cages, for shinki to be kept 'safe' from ayakashi till some god decided to adopt them. But even she felt that was a bit too far to be credible.

C

[priforprince]

Ah, it's Wendy. Hibiki is all smiles as her shinki approaches, tranquil and languid to her shinki's energy, but in equally high spirits. The persimmons she'd sampled after Rosalie wouldn't stop batting one she'd found around the temple were of such high quality she feels lifted above even this heavenly plane...

"I thought I'd take tea in the garden." Raising her arms, Hibiki twirls around once, sparkles trailing in her wake.....

And keeps sparkling, and smiling, even once she stops. "Occasionally setting up my own table is a refreshing change."

This is a lovely, elegant, magnificent day. She feels full of grace, good humor, and positive, relaxed feelings towards everything and everyone. This is how she will feel every day after the revolution. She is sure of it! How delightful to encounter it ahead of time.

And to have such an enterprising shinki. Whatever Wendy may be up to, Hibiki is sure it is an excellent idea.

[nopixiedust]

That is a frankly unbelievable amount of sparkles, even for someone like Hibiki. In fact, there are so many sparkles that it almost feels like she should be cheating somehow. Is there a fan somewhere around here? Did she set something up like-

Wait. Wendy's overly quick mind trips back over itself, and her movements are a little more exaggerated than usual as she takes a step back with her hands going up to her face.

"Eh? You really set up your own table? That definitely doesn't happen most of the time!" Honestly, she's not even been sure that Hibiki knows how.

[priforprince]

"It was simple." Hibiki is pleased with her success. It is such a joy to be so very good at absolutely everything imaginable, for then, one never has to fret about anything at all. "Would you care to join me?"

After tea, perhaps she'll nap....she can take it easy. She doesn't have to make that movie if she doesn't feel like it. This puniverse's lack of a PriPara can't bring her down.

This is all fine as-is.

[nopixiedust]

Maybe this whole time she's been underestimating Hibiki's ability to live as an actual normal human being who can take care of herself...? Maybe this isn't even the real Hibiki but some sort of clone. All kinds of things are strange in the Far shore, but she never thought her god making her own tea and table might be one of them! Although now that she thinks of it, she could really use some of that tea...

"Sure!" Popping forward again, her hands linked behind her back, Wendy beams. "I feel fully energized today! Tea will just make everything better!"

[priforprince]

"Then, after me." Hibiki will lead the way to her tea table, which....had no assembly required. When she realized she would like to set things up, and that she didn't know how to put up the folding table, she teleported a small wooden one outside instead. Whether this is a win or not on the self-sufficiency spectrum is anyone's guess.

It's to Hibiki's liking, however. She takes a seat in her large upholstered chair (which she did enlist the help of some passing spirits with, then gave them tea and cake for their efforts). "For my part, I find it a relaxing beverage."

Is it cooled off sufficiently now...? Yes, so it is. What a good life decision being patient is. Isn't it wonderful that Hibiki is patient all the time.

[nopixiedust]

In contrast, Wendy is much more lacking in the patience department for right now. Why go slow? There's just too much energy vibrating through her, but she doesn't burst off in front of Hibiki. Instead, lingering behind the god, she wastes all her excess energy by spinning about and giving a couple of hops. Anything to work it off, really.

When they finally get to the table, Wendy wastes no time in plopping herself right in it. "And it helps with sickness, too! Or being exhausted. Every kind of plant or tea is important for something else!" Was that a bit of a ramble? Maybe. But listen.

[priforprince]

Were Hibiki in a less relaxed mood, Wendy's antics would have irritated her; as-is, they're unnecessary, but endearing - Hibiki's track record for enjoying practical things is not great under any circumstance.

"Its healing properties are exceptional," she agrees, sipping her own cup. "Have as much as you'd like."

You might have to make the next pot, now that you're here. But. Generosity. It's here. So are desserts.

[nopixiedust]

"Thaaaanks, Hibiki~!" And just cool enough for her to get right into it, although she at least doesn't just gulp it down. Even when hyped up on blessed tangerines, she has the presence of mind to drink things carefully. That's something, at least.

Although that reminds her- "Oh, did you see the tangerines that have been growing all over? I had some and they were really great! I should get a basket and see about bringing some back here!"

A

[kagenonadeshiko]

Normally, Ayumu tries to stop by the Sanctuary a couple times a week to make sure things are running smoothly. This is the first time she's shown up to help in a week though, her guilt over neglecting her duties here adding on to everything else. It's been hard to motivate herself to do much of anything since Sanzang's disappeared. While she'd been staying with Lavi and Cardia, she'd tried to help out with chores as a way of earning her keep and thanking them for their hospitality. And today, she's been busy moving into Goku's but in her mind, she's been slacking here too long to not come by for a little while, at least.

Ayumu's seated, sorting through boxes of clothing, when Wendy approaches, and she greets her with a smile.

"Hello, Wendy. I like your dress. It's very cute."

[nopixiedust]

"Thanks. I thought it fit the season!" But that's really only polite small talk as Wendy skips over, leaning to the side to get not only a better look at the clothing, but also how Ayumu looks.

It has been a while, after all. With anyone else, she wouldn't really be concerned. After all, everyone has their own life going on, and the Far Shore is always full of some nonsense or another. Still, Ayumu has always been pretty punctual about this kind of thing... and she's been for it as well.

Finally, Wendy decides there's no point in tip-toeing around something like this. "Is everything alright?"

[kagenonadeshiko]

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. I lost another god but gained a new one. It's been a hectic week."

An honest enough reply but not as honest as it could be. It's not that she doesn't trust Wendy; she likes her very much and her friend has a good heart. It's just that there's nothing she can say about her absence. And maybe she's ashamed of letting her grief and pessimism overwhelm her like this. It has to be hurting Goku, too, right? That should be enough reason to stop but it isn't. And perhaps she's ashamed of that fact, too.

"I'm sorry I didn't call. I should have but it slipped my mind. I hope you haven't been too overwhelmed while I was gone."

[nopixiedust]

Oh. Immediately, Wendy's face folds up in a look of sympathy. She knows that road, although she's grateful that she's only had to deal with it once. Sure, it was incredibly soon after she'd come to the Far Shore at all, but... at least it was only once. For whatever anyone else says, Hibiki has been pretty reliable in this area.

"Do you want to look into getting a second one as a back up so that you're not left high and dry?" she asks. "I mean, if you do, I can ask around. I know lots of people."

[kagenonadeshiko]

"I'll think about it. I don't think I'm quite ready to think that far just yet. It hasn't been that long since I lost my other one."

But life goes on and she has to go on with it, right? Ayumu can't let it get her down too much, not when there could be another crisis she has to be strong for just beyond the horizon. She manages a small reassuring smile.

"But if you could ask around, just in case, I'd appreciate it."

Goku's disappeared on her once already. It'd be foolish to ignore the possibility that it could happen again when she least expects it.

[nopixiedust]

"It's no rush." Wendy shakes her head, understanding. "And you know if you ever need a warm bed that you can stay here. Even if it's just to get some space for yourself." It's not as if there are any rules about this, after all. They're the heads of this whole thing, they can do whatever they want.

"I'll talk around, see who doesn't mind an extra shinki." She presses her hands together. "What kind of gods do you like?"

[kagenonadeshiko]

"I'm not really sure. I've only had two."

Thinking about Sanzang and all the things she'd liked about her still hurts. So does thinking about all the reasons she'd been unhappy in Hakkai's service. She hasn't been with Goku long enough to really evaluate whether they'll be able to work together well or not. Still, it's better to be proactve about this.

"But my last one was very kind, supportive, and affectionate. She spent a lot of time with me at home just talking and spending time with me. Sometimes it was serious things, sometimes it was just silly things. She was very patient and understanding that I needed time to adjust before I'd feel comfortable living with and working with her."

It's very clear from the sadness surfacing in her expression the more Ayumu speaks that she'd been very content, maybe even approaching happy with her previous god.

"I never felt pressured by her. Even when I stung her, she endured it until I was ready or able to come to her but I always got the sense that if went on too much, she'd intervene. And she gave me advice when I needed and was stern with me when I needed that, too."

Ayumu misses her. She misses her so much.

"I felt safe with her and like I could trust and rely on her. She was very positive and very strong. The type of goddess I wanted to serve and protect because offered the same to me."

Ayumu looks down.

[nopixiedust]

Oh. It looks like she's really opened up a still raw wound. Wendy listens patiently, stopping what she's doing to take every single word in. Some gods and shinki really do get along together, more than just for the free housing and food. That makes picking someone new much harder, she reflects. There's a lot to live up to. Still, this whole thing was her idea. Thus, it's her responsibility.

When Ayumu looks down, finally finished, Wendy comes over closer to pat her on the arm. "So, at the very least, someone patient and friendly, but still strong willed, right?" She tilts her head to the side. "It might take a little while to find the exact right person... but I'm sure not every person in the Far Shore is a fire. Just be patient, alright? And you can stay here as long as you want, too, even if you're just hanging out."