June Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: December 7th
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 rear of 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.

Once they've had a chance to have things explained, they'll have the chance to relax and enjoy an afternoon party.




Meeting Hall

God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a much nicer room than the warehouse where the last set of new gods got their informational speech. It's a smaller meeting room, with tatami floors and a small dais at the front of the room where the speaker stands. A minor deity is giving the speech, and none of the white-robed shinki enter.

The speaker delivers her welcome speech with the intonation of someone who's practiced it many times. Newly arrived gods 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. They are allowed to remain in the room as long as they wish, should they want to discuss questions with each other or with more experienced gods who are here to help out.

Shinki Training

Various shinki in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's hosuehold are stationed around the dojo, passing out informational pamphlets that have been freshly printed. They will be happy to answer any questions or instruct the newcomers in the use of the borderline. They also accompany their answers, or lessons, with 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.

The dojo is back to its old, fully functional self; a set of motionless straw targets line one wall, to be used by people practicing with any of the weapons spread out on tables or hanging in racks on the walls. Outside, six animated straw targets wait in an area marked off with red ribbons and warning signs. Anyone entering the marked area may find themselves in combat with one (or more) of the magical training dummies. Those who leave the marked area, though, won't be chased.

Physical Training

Beyond the dojo, a scavenger hunt has been set up throughout the grounds of the Meeting Hall. Brightly colored plastic balls are hidden in shrubbery, tucked into support beams, floating among reeds in the ponds, and lurking in even cleverer hiding places. When a god or shinki gets their hand on one of them, they will burst open to reveal a hidden prize, such as candy, small toys, or accessories. How many can you find?

As well as the scavenger hunt, the white-robed shinki are engaging in more serious physical training and will be happy to let new gods or shinki join them. Sparring matches with practice weapons from the dojo, jogging laps around the hall, sit-ups, push-ups... or, for the younger shinki, competing to see who's the fastest to climb a tree.

Rest and Refreshments

Midafternoon, once the last of the scavenger-hunt prizes have been found, the white-robed shinki will turn their hands to clearing away the training equipment and laying out a lovely buffet table. Bright lanterns are hung from the trees, and a few shinki even take up a station on one side of the training area and begin playing shamisen, koto, wooden flute and drum. Although their instruments are traditional, their music selection ranges from some very classic Japanese tunes to others that sound surprisingly modern. The koto player can really rock!

Old and new gods and shinki alike are welcome to circulate, socialize with their friends, partake of the buffet food and enjoy the music. There's even room for those who feel inspired to dance, and plenty of privacy offered by the extensive garden for those who would rather retreat with their new partners to have a serious conversation.

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
• Relax at a party
• Have fun~

Comments

[bass_instincts]

I Shinki Training
Shin really wasn't sure what to expect from this training session. It felt strange, almost dreamlike to be here. He knew his name, and that he had been in prison -- and is still wearing the grey shirt with a serial number on his chest -- but that was all he had as his identity. Meanwhile there were these strange shinki in white and gold going on and on about the responsibilities of a shinki to a god and a god to a shinki. He starts tuning it out early on, feeling like it was a lecture he heard a hundred times already.

Finally it came to actually drawing a borderline. Shin's name is already emblazoned on his neck, and he's distinctly aware that Adrien had been keeping an eye on him this whole time. It was causing him a dull sense of anxiety he barely registers himself as he policies his actions and movements. It was making his borderlines rather unstable and inconsistent as well.

II Scavenger Hunt
Shin was instantly into the idea of a scavenger hunt. His eyes go wide when he's told what the plan was, and the sad, angsty teen quickly melts away. Shin perks up and a rather charming and childish grin spreads across his face.

He's quick to start searching high and low for the magic plastic balls. It's not too long before he's got white rabbit candy in his mouth and a pocket full of other candies, trinkets and toys. He might have had to fight with someone over a few of the prize balls, but that let him feel all the more proud of his spoils. It isn't until there's few prizes left to find that he gives up his search and switches to trying to figure out how to get the hang of the kendama while slowly consuming a sugar stick that he keeps grabbing at like a cigarette.

III Rest and Refreshments
Shin was fairly impressed with the buffet layout, even if he's probably already rotted a hole in his teeth from the candy he'd found earlier in the day. Even with that, he thinks he can use a bit more food. He sends Adrien a message as he gets on line so that his God knows where he is and they can start planning when and where to meet back up and when to go home.

In the meantime, Shin gets food and finds a place to sit near the music. Even the traditional instruments he's appreciating, his foot finding the beat in the base line. Shin might be wearing a grey shirt with a black serial number over the chest, but even with that, he looks far more welcoming than he does standoff-ish. Sure, he has blue hair and holes where piercings should be, but he doesn't look like he's trying to be tough like might be expected from someone dressed like him.

IV Nicotine Nausea
There's a few times during the day that Shin just has to stop, taking a deep breath and holding his stomach. He's not sure exactly what it is he's looking for, but he keeps holding these candy sticks like a cigarette. It wouldn't be all that hard for just about anyone close to a smoker to catch onto the little tics in the way he plays with his pocket like he's fighting the urge to smoke, or the way he starts making a lighter-flicking motion when he has to wait somewhere, even if he keeps doing it by his chest.

V Wildcard

V - As discussed.

[purr_ince]

And look at his shinki. Just look at him. He looks so happy. Adrien had pointed out some of the balls and suggested they try working together to get some for a bonding and trust building thing - that's how you do this right? Well maybe not but he's learning and Shin seems like he needs some fun so three birds one stone or something...

He might have shaken his head at the little disruptions over the balls and told Shin to share. There were plenty for everyone and everyone should be able to get a few dozen or so. He isn't going to point out that in some places more appeared after a slight passage of time - clearly for exactly this purpose.

After a bit though he's noticed something odd. Shin would stop and seem to be hurt or ill. Something Adrien didn't understand. Once or twice he could excuse and just right off as him being too active or maybe some kind of cramp but this has happened at least five even after he ate some candy and got a drink. Concerned, Adrien is tucking away his own trinkets and candies - things he'll split with his finds later on - and moving to Shin. "Do we need to go sit down? Are you hungry or thirsty?"

The blond rests his hand on Shin's shoulder. "Tell me what you think you need and we'll do it. We'll get in somewhere warmer and I go get you something to nibble on and eat." Then he frets. "Unless you think it's something more serious? Do you think you've over done it today?"

[bass_instincts]

Shin didn't pick on anyone younger than himself, and never got too mean, just competitive. If he came across any kids, though, he'd seem like he's giving it his all, but lets them win. That didn't mean that he wasn't going to otherwise try to get as many trinkets as he could.

He hadn't been sure why his stomach kept hurting, but it wasn't severe, so he hadn't put all that much thought into it. Especially in the middle of something as entertaining as a scavenger hunt. Honestly, he was a little surprised with how quick Adrien caught on. He blinks and says, "I'm okay. My stomach's just cramping." He fidgets a bit, trying to figure out the thing that has been bugging him all day. It was a craving, but he wasn't exactly sure for what.

[purr_ince]

"Let's try getting you something to each and see if it's something like that? You might just be really hungry." Given what Adrien had seen when he named Shin well, he's not sure what exactly it was his shinki might need but they'll work it out together. If they can eliminate the basics it'll lead to the answer eventually. Food, drink, and rest are the basics. Shin didn't seem to be tired given by the way he's running about so that can't be it.

Reaching out, he's holding up a bright blue ball. "Last one. Let's go eat something. Something a bit more nutritious than candy and sweets." He knows Tikki can live off of the things but humans needed more than that. "I bet they have a little bit of everything so we're bound to find something you like. They always have a variety of things."

[bass_instincts]

Shin's surprised to find his god so doting. In a way it was nice to be fussed over, but he was pretty sure there was no reason for concern.

Still, Adrien's forceful enough that Shin gives in, "okay, but I really don't think it's that." The ball popped open, revealing a little cell phone charm of Chococat holding a fish. Shin laughs at it, having already seen Adrien in his Chat Noir costume, "do you think it's a sign?"

[purr_ince]

"Humor me? Because if it's something worse than that and you're sick or something the sooner we figure it out the sooner we can get you help. Before it gets worse. We don't want that."

Adrien laughed softly. He's laughing because it even has a bright green collar. "We should put a bell on it then he'd be a purrfect copy. He could be a dead ringer for Chat Noir." Happily, he's patting Shin's shoulder. "I'm pawsitive it is. I need not other confurmation. How about mew?"

[bass_instincts]

Shin cracks a smile at the first cat pun, and is resentfuly laughing by the last one. "No, I think I'm convinced."

He starts working the charm onto his phone, "so, where do we get food around here?

Nicotine Nausea

[dredefulchilde]

"Are there no cigarettes in Heaven?"

There's a small boy looking up at Shin with vague curiosity. Joscelin isn't entirely sure how he knows the signs, but he does and they're as clear as day. That isn't what had originally drawn his interest, however. The man stands out in a crowd, with his blue hair and prison jumpsuit. He seems far more interesting than the banal chatter around them, that's for sure.

[bass_instincts]

Shin looks down at Joss surprised. He'd been a little worried about just what had been driving that craving feeling, but hearing cigarettes it clicked in perfectly, even though the thought had crossed his mind before. "How did you kniw? I wasn't even sure."

[dredefulchilde]

...Wait, how did he know?

Joss looks puzzled momentarily, and then shrugs. "I...just did, I suppose," he says slowly. "It's like I've seen it somewhere before."

[bass_instincts]

Shin shrugs a little, "I guess you're a shinki too, then." He kept getting that same feeling himself, knowing what things are without being able to explain how he had come across that information.

And that meant this kid had also died, and died young. Shin felt he was the kind of soul that really deserved a second chance. Not himself. If he's wearing a prison uniform he figures he probably got what he deserved. Shin didn't think he would kill someone, but the truth is, for all he knows, he was executed on death row.

His own name is rather easy to see emblazoned on the side of his neck, but Shin hadn't noticed yet a name on the kid. "Did you find a god yet?"

[dredefulchilde]

"That's what they keep telling me," Joscelin says with another shrug. He'll parse the mysteries of this new universe later. "I got the same 'hello, you're dead!' pamphlet as everyone else."

He can't help but eye the prison uniform curiously. It seems to be unique to Blue Hair; he can't spot any others in the crowd. (Joss himself is wearing something neat but thoroughly unremarkable, though the "bruise" color palette isn't doing his already sickly pale complexion any favors.) "What do the numbers mean?"

Joss frowns. "No. I haven't. They tell me someone's been assigned and I'll be meeting them later, but I'm not sure what that means."

[bass_instincts]

That was messed up. They just let this kid wander around lost and on his own?

"I think it means you'll randomly get assigned a god." Shin makes a bit of a scowl. He'll just have to be the one to stick with the kid, then. At least until he knew he was okay.

He lets out a little breath, his expression pulling towards shame, "The numbers are like a name, I guess, but for prison." He didn't see the need to lie, even if its shameful. Joss would eventually learn anyway, and how would one shinki not knowing help when he's sure most others could tell.

Shinki Training

[thevanguard]

[ There's someone else practicing nearby, but it's the sight of the wavering Borderlines that eventually catches his attention, drawing Yata over to the source. He's short and dressed in baggy skater clothes, a dark beanie tugged low over his unruly red hair, but he's in a good mood today so there's an easy grin on his lips as he watches the next Borderline the unfamiliar boy throws. ]

Nervous?

[bass_instincts]

[Shin laughs a little, putting his hands in his pockets. He is wearing a Greg button up shirt with a black embroidered serial number. The sleeves are rolled up so they don't fray the gauze around his wrists. Unsurprisingly his blue hair is growing out a light brown and there's holes were he probably once wore facial piercings.

He is nervous, and gives a glance over to a young blond boy sitting towards the edge of the area. He's not focusing on Shin, but he does keep checking on him. Since Shin's name is obviously shown on his neck, it's probably not too far a jump to guess that the boy is his god.] Yeah, it's hard to focus.

[thevanguard]

[ Yata follows the direction of his gaze, and while he doesn't know the god sitting across the way, he's pretty sure he's seen him around a few times.

Yata nods his head in the direction of the blond. ] He your god?

[bass_instincts]

[Shin nods, looking over at Adrien.] He's nice, it's just... [he frowns, realizing he doesn't know why it's bothering that Adrien is watching, even if he's giving him space. All things considered, he should be thankful. Adrien's not hovering over him, but is making sure that he's okay, which is understandable after he'd shown up with a leather restraining belt around him tight enough to cause some friction burns and bruising in the short time he still had it on.]

[thevanguard]

It's new. And weird? [ Yata casts him a sideways glance, his lips quirking a little. ] Showing up here and being told you belong to a god and everything else that comes along with this gig... it takes some time to wrap your head around.

He does look pretty nice, though. Happy. He smiles a lot, huh?

[bass_instincts]

[Shin lets out a bit of a laugh,] I showed up with a leather belt restraining my hands too tight, and a prison uniform, and despite that he just kept being nice to me. [He frowns a little,] at least until he named me.

He didn't stop being nice, but for a few minutes he wouldn't stop crying. It's been strange. [Especially since now he's been keeping an eye on Shin without being overbearing, despite the fact Adrien looked at oldest the same age as Shin.]

R & R

[deathmetalist]

Excuse me!

[A girl appears! Carrying a large plate of food and trying to balance it while she lifts her other hand up. It's kind of crowded in this area but she wants a good view of the performances and music. His appearance doesn't really intimidate her as she peers down at him and asks-]

Hey, do you mind if I sit over there?

[bass_instincts]

[Shin smiles warmly at her, gesturing to the spot next to him.] Go ahead.

[She was kinda cute, even though she looks a bit younger than him. Without his piercings it's a bit more obvious that he's still in his early- to mid-teens.

He keeps smiling,] Are you a music fan, too?

[He isn't sure why he said 'too', but it felt natural. He had been drawn right to the front to appreciate the live performance.]

[deathmetalist]

Thanks!

[She's hungry! Actually- this is her third plate. For some reason, she doesn't really feel like she's eaten much though. Which is weird. Continuing to think on the subject isn't of interest to her though and she moves along to the topic at hand as she sits down and makes herself comfortable.]

I'm enjoying the music, so it must mean I am. [She doesn't really know if she liked it when she was alive, but it's the present that's important. With a grin, she turns to the boy-- maybe just a bit older than her, but he looks pretty cool! He has a unique style.] I like the songs with a faster beat! Though I don't know all of the instruments up there right now. It's nice getting to relax and listen.

[bass_instincts]

[Shin laughs,] I guess it's the same here.

[He looks over the instruments and starts naming them as he points them out. He's not sure why he knows what they're called, but he's not to worried about it. He could already read some kanji, and his name definitely sounded Japanese, so he figures it must just be because he is from Japan.] I like the ones that sound really harsh and loud, as well as faster.

[deathmetalist]

[She nods, paying attention as he lists them off. Wow, he really is musically inclined.]

I knew the shamisen... though not really that one-- [She points] the koto [Is what he called it, she thinks. Though that one was especially interesting, too.]

Do you mean something like a guitar? Or maybe drums? [The names come easily. She can't really remember what music she might have listened to but of course, she's familiar with the instruments and various genres associated with them.]

[bass_instincts]

Both, but I think the sound of a bass must be my favourite. [He leans back against the table and a little bit towards Yui,] I'm impressed with all the kinds of sounds they're able to coax out of their instruments. It makes me want to try.