August Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: January 6th, 2017
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, the Far Shore / the Ryukyu Islands
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 more experienced god and shinki volunteers.




Meeting Hall

God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a small meeting room, with tatami floors and a stage 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. Paper and pens are provided to all the attendees as an unsubtle suggestion to take notes on the information they're given.

The speaker delivers her welcome speech in the monotone of someone who's practiced it far too often. Hopefully no one's feeling sleepy! She adds that gods should be cautious of anyone on the Near Shore who might ask to use their shrines to visit the Heavens, and should instruct their shinki to be cautious as well. There is an unrecognized god who the Heavens believe to be attacking them. 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. Each of the shinki is wearing a brightly-colored sticky name tag reading HELLO, MY NAME IS ________, and all of their names appear to end with the syllable "mei."

A variety of weapons are available in the dojo for shinki and their gods to practice with, and a row of straw targets are set up along one wall. Outside, in an area carefully roped off with red ribbons, are six animated training dummies, also made of straw and dressed in plain cotton jackets and trousers. They will immediately engage anyone who enters the area marked with the ribbon, but will not pursue opponents outside it. A white-robed shinki nearby keeps a sharp eye on the animated dummies, and will intervene if anyone tries to destroy one. The white-robed shinki appears to be a particular expert in magic, and will occasionally offer to help out anyone who's practicing a spell more challenging than the Borderline, especially if they look quite lost. His nametag reads HELLO, MY NAME IS SABIMEI. (To interact with Sabimei, please comment on the "NPC REQUEST" thread below! If you prefer, you may also handwave his assistance or advice with your character learning spells.)

Physical Training

Two of the white-robed shinki, whose nametags mark them as Toumei and Kimei, are standing off to one side of the training area near a pair of large, curtained tents. They each have an enormous wicker basket full of clean, folded beach towels, and a rack of what appear to be wetsuits and swimsuits in a variety of styles and sizes. Once suited and toweled, new and veteran residents of the Heavens alike will be handed a pretty white-and-gold cockade that can be pinned to their suit or tied around their wrist by its ribbons, and either Toumei or Kimei will escort them to a beautiful, but rocky, Near Shore beach. Tropical plants, palm trees and high grasses surround the area, and although the sounds of cars are audible from a road not too far away, the only sign of human presence on this beach is an ancient, rotting fishing boat pulled up well past the high tide mark.

It's quite chilly, with a brisk sea breeze, but there's room to run up and down the beach, a net set up for beach volleyball, younger shinki building sand castles, and showers for the brave souls who venture into the water. The surf is impressive today, so swimmers will get the chance for some serious exercise. There's also the chance to climb through the wreck of the old fishing boat; inside, piles of old seaweed and drifting sand host curious crabs, and a curious explorer could even find treasure... although nothing more valuable than large seashells, old one-yen or five-yen coins, and bits of weathered sea glass.

Rest and Refreshments

When sunset comes -- early, at this time of year -- the shinki bring giant picnic-sized bento boxes with five or seven layers of carefully packed foods, and pile wood for bonfires that leap with flames edged blue-green from the salt. The bento boxes contain a wide variety of traditional foods, many in the style of traditional New Year's dishes: sweet potato and chestnut, slivered carrot and burdock, whole fish, toasted mochi, sliced lotus root and more. A fireworks display starts over the ocean once full night falls, fountains and bursts in every color imaginable, some so ornate that it's hard to believe they're not helped along by a touch of magic. The display lasts half an hour.

After the last fireworks, the shinki will guide everyone back to the Meeting Hall to return to their homes. The wind is getting chillier, and gods or shinki who stay too much past the firework display will notice the tiny, creeping forms of glowing ayakashi no larger than a fist, looking like little jellyfish on land. They don't seem hostile; instead, they're fixated on the boat, and will climb on it and settle onto the rigging and wood of the boat, chirping quietly to themselves and snuggling in so that the whole boat seems to glow with an unearthly blue-white light. They can be fought and defeated, but if attacked, will fight back: and be careful! Those jellyfish tentacles spread blight instead of stinging, and they're longer than they look.

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 at a beach (isn't it winter?!)
• Relax and watch the fireworks
• Have fun~

Comments

NPC REQUEST

[godsoffortune]

Please comment here if you would like an NPC to interact with your character, or have any questions regarding handwaving NPC interaction!

[unlucky7]

Can I get Sabimei here please?

[incinerators]

SHINKI TRAINING.

[ a tall girl (six feet tall, to be exact) with long red hair can be seen walking around the premises with a smile on her face. her name tag reads, "HELLO, MY NAME IS PYRRHAMEI." she's not quite sure what the 'mei' is for, but that's not important. what's important is that this is pyrrha's first time learning how to use borderlines, as she's a new arrival and still getting adjusted to life here in the far shore. she's read through the pamphlet thoroughly--and it's a lot to take in, so she'll need to reread it again at some point--but she's mostly interested in perfecting her borderline technique.

she's currently practicing with the straw targets, with a javelin on the ground beside her. ]

Line! [ she's getting the hang of it pretty quickly! ]

PHYSICAL TRAINING.

[ pyrrha is donning a fashionable swimsuit, but she's not here to swim. she's here to train a little more, wanting to keep herself in top shape for her new role as a shinki. she looks like she's ready to start, but if someone happens to be nearby, she'll politely wave at them in greeting. ]

Hello, would you like to join me for a quick jog?

R&R.

[ the food is real good, and pyrrha's enjoying a bento, sitting on a towel in the sand as she munches on a piece of mochi. she's never going to say no to company, and she looks thrilled with the fireworks display. it's probably the most welcome she's felt--not like she can remember anything other welcoming, anyway--and she swallows the last of her food just as the fireworks finale starts. ]

Isn't it beautiful? [ she has a pleasant smile on her face. ] I wasn't expecting my first day here to be so...so fun.

Shinki training

[unlucky7]

[Ginia watches from the side as Pyrrha practices her borderlines, the casual stance of a bystander paying keen attention. The pamphlets are good for teaching the basics of borderlines, but they leave out a few details.

For example, you can attack with borderlines.

Ginia slips into view as Pyrrha sets up a borderline. Without a word, Ginia slashes her fingers in a line across the new shinki's barrier, sending a strong attack smashing in with the full intent of breaking the wall. Nothing personal, it's just the best way to learn borderlines.]

[revolutionfalcon]

[A: Physical Training]

[After refusing in no uncertain terms the offer to join everyone else on the beach, Shun has remained in the dojo to take advantage of the somewhat thin number of people here considering the alternate option. There are certain things it can be more difficult to practice when the place is crowded, and while Shun does get the chance to get some done at his own temple, others are difficult to get the means for.

As such, he's being watched extremely closely by the white-robed shinki as he takes on all six of the straw dummies at once. The weapons in his hands, rather than the many more practical options available, are the bladed war fans he takes up to train with on occasion here, and he seems to be practicing chaining moves with them. Spins, leaps, and other quick movements to link together his fighting almost with the grace of a dance are executed with relative ease, even if he is a bit careless about the dummies inasmuch as he can be when there's someone who doesn't want them destroyed nearby. He's still using them as footholds or launching pads every so often for his moves, and his impacts with the tessen are hefty even if he's angling them so he doesn't actually do more than blunt force damage.

It doesn't take long for all six dummies to be sprawled across the ribboned area - again, and Shun lets out a faint sigh and straightens up, opening and closing one of the fans as if trying to train it into an instinctive motion.]

What's the point of having things like this if you can't fight full force against them?

--

[B: R+R 1, a.k.a. Not Either Of Those Things]

[When it starts creeping towards sunset, Shun takes note of the fact that nobody has returned yet, and assumes something might have gone wrong. The reassurances of the attendant shinki do little to sate that concern, and after a bit of assertion, he manages to get a description of the location out of them so he can teleport there himself to investigate. And also avoid having to change, because hell knows he isn't bothering with any of that swimsuit business today.

Once he realises it's basically just another of the Heavens' dinner gatherings, he's mostly just annoyed with it, but figures he'll hang around to make sure nothing does go wrong - but unfortunately for him, it's also not that long before the fireworks display starts. He's not very fond of fireworks for a variety of reasons, and though he makes a token attempt to watch them initially, there's an instinctive, defensive twitch each time one of them explodes, and eventually, he backs off into the high grass to ride it out.

That ends up being much longer than he thought, though, and he looks increasingly irritable - and ill-at-ease - the longer the display goes on.]

How the hell do people watch this sort of thing for this long? [It hardly seems like it would be that interesting, his own personal dislike aside...]

--

[C: R+R 2, a.k.a. Jellyfishing]

[At least there might have been something worthwhile out of this in the end. Shun hangs around after the display to make sure everyone else leaves, but it also means he's around long enough to see the tiny jellyfish emerge. His initial instinct is to attack them - however, since they're not yet attacking any people, he instead just observes to see what exactly it is they want.

Their clustering to the boat is...odd, to say the least, and Shun comes quite close in his mild curiosity, blue-white light washing out his features even further than they are already.]

Strange place for them to be drawn to.

--

[D: Wild]

[[As usual, Shun's open to sparring and such things with people who approach him for it.]]

B!

[papillonprincess]

[ Now here's a familiar face. Somehow, she's glad to see Shun. Even if they haven't spoken since the Murder Arc, it's still good to know that he's around. It's... a relief, really. He's a sensible god, albeit a little dry.

Like now. ]

I take it fireworks aren't all that interesting to you?

[ She steps up from behind, arms folded behind her back with the smallest polite smile. Really, Shun, lighten up. ]

[declamando]

[A: New Beginning (Closed to Ayumu)]

[If Maria was asked to imagine Heaven, this probably isn't what she would have pictured.

Still, there's something almost comfortable about being led into a dojo that she can't quite put her finger on and feels like she shouldn't try to. Instead, she distracts herself with the pamphlet that she's given, reading over what's there with an increasingly concerned expression. It's a lot to learn...and very little of it is good. It's also not the kind of thing she'd like to take without hearing some more personal experience first, so she starts to speak before she even checks to see if the shinki from earlier is still there.]

Excuse me, could I trouble you to-- [And then she looks up, and then shinki have moved on, leaving her looking a little sheepish before pursing her lips and looking around her for anyone who looks like they might know what they're doing.]

Can I not even train until I find my god...? [It's said more to herself than anything, a tone of mild frustration, but her eyes are scanning the crowd and her head held high. Even the slightest sign of someone looking out for her would be an immense relief right now.]

--

[B: Physical Training]

[Maria's not really dressed well for training, but she does feel like she wants to train. It doesn't seem quite right being in this kind of place without doing so, so she removes her short coat and sets it aside, leaving her in a singlet, skirt and heels. If she's going to find out what she can do, it might as well be now.

With the help of an attendant shinki, she manages to track down a punching bag and some partial protective gloves for her hands - small, armoured ones rather than something like boxing gloves. The sensation of wearing them feels comfortable, and Maria steps around the bag briefly as if picking an angle before settling into an easy attacking stance and letting loose.

The sound of the bag being thrashed to within an inch of its life by the force of her punches is likely audible through most of the dojo, and the lack of her overshirt makes the well-defined muscles working in her arms and back all the more obvious as she keeps going, a satisfied smile slowly developing on her face. This is good - this is easy yet also exhilirating, and she lands one last thundering hit on the bag that almost topples it over before it falls ponderously back into balance on its weighed-down stand.]

I suppose that answers one question, doesn't it? [Maria holds a hand to her head. She's sweating a little, but not as much as she would've figured after that kind of exertion.]

--

[C: R+R (except not really)]

[Maria doesn't hesitate to move her training along to the beach, though the bikini she's wearing that leaves very little to the imagination might not give off the impression that she's training. She does set her towel up off to one side and sunbathe for a while every so often, but for the most part, she's keeping herself active, and that includes heading out into the considerable surf to get some swimming done.

Unsurprisingly given her muscle, she tears through the waves with relative ease, though it's clear rough surf isn't that familiar to her specifically. Still, she adapts her movements a little as she goes to ease her way, and by the time she makes it back to shore and flips her wet hair over her shoulder, she's letting out an exhausted, but smiling breath.]

I hope these training meetings are always like this, it's a good variety... [She's untangling her hair a little with her fingers before she heads off to the showers to wash the saltwater out properly.]

--

[D: Dinner and Fireworks]

[Maria accepts a bento box with thanks and unpacks it with an eagerness that's attempting to be a little bit restrained and demure. She feels like she shouldn't be too uncouth about this, but at the same time, she's extremely hungry and all the food looks delicious to boot. She eventually starts with some of the sweet potato and chestnut, but lays out the other layers of the box so she can decide which ones to eat in an order that suits her.

And then the fireworks start, and memories or not, she doubts she would have seen anything half as spectacular before now. Her food goes briefly forgotten for the first minute or two, though if she hears the sound of anyone moving around her, it'll snap her attention back to ground level.]

Oh, sorry about that. [She packs her food in a bit closer to her, so it's taking up less space.] Did you want to join me?

--

[E: Wild]

[[Since Maria's just switched from god to shinki, if you want to plot something specific then feel free to hit me up at reviseleviathan!]]

B

[mithrarin]

[Past a certain point, Dust's skin starts to crawl.]

[He doesn't know why, though. What he's reacting to is something purely subconscious, read by instinct and processed by a part of his mind that only forms shapes that his active intellect colors. And the only shape it's passing on is that something is wrong, and he should be aware.]

[...Perversely, this feeling and his efforts to figure it out completely distract his mind all through the practice moves he's unleashing on target with his staff, and only at the end when Maria speaks does he finally acknowledge her.]

Answers a question?

[papillonprincess]

a. Morning - OTA

Natsuru!

[ She remembers it all. Remembers her time here as a shinki, remembers all those songs she'd practiced, the battles she'd fought... and now here she was, back again - and as a god this time.

It's this revelation that has her bolting the minute she's excused from god training. If Natsuru was her shinki... then what had happened to Maria? Did she leave? If so... then she'd come back at the most opportune moment. She's running through the hall Natsuru's the kind of girl who sticks out in a crowd, anyway. It should be easy to spot her. Hime, however, isn't. In her carelessness, it's likely easy enough for her to run into someone else without meaning to.

Or into a pillar.

Yes, that one right in front of her. ]


--


b. Physical training

[ Once the panic has died down though, she's realizing there are things about being a god that don't carry over to becoming a shinki.

The borderline, for one, she's quick to discover no longer works. Instead, there's a new sort of thing she has to learn. Doing the same hand motion for the borderline doesn't cause her to create one. Instead, it creates wings. Butterfly wings. Obsidian butterfly wings.

There's a blink when she realizes what she's done, glancing behind her and turning to try and get a better view of her new wings. ]

That... this certainly is new...

[ They're not that huge, thankfully so they won't be slapping anyone around. Her surprise turns into the tiniest pout when she realizes they don't quite move when she's trying to will them to. ]

Though it doesn't seem like they're functional at all...


--


c. RnR

[ She's managed to find somewhere near the sea but not quite a distance away from the bonfire. It's a bit cold, after all, and the fire is welcome. But in a way, she kind of needs time to think.

But on the other hand, she doesn't really want to be alone...

So once she notices someone nearby, she's going to clear her throat to get their attention. ]

Care to join me...? This bento is far too much for one person.

training

[abysmalactor]

[Sawatari's still figuring out how he can use his tiny shinki form for combat, so while he's not actually in said form right now, he was testing things out for when he is.

He's not being very successful, so it's easy for him to get distracted by other things. Like those giant wings.]

Woah!

[He hasn't realized he's talking to a god yet, though, so he's clearly perplexed.]

What, what, is that some kinda spell or something? How'd ya do that?

[Why can't he do something cool like that, man?]

[myblueskies]

Shinki Training: Spear training.

It was training time again! In the days since New Year Romeo had been helping Elfnein tidy everything up. It had been a fun few days but he was glad it was back to normal and quieter now!

But he was excited for training day and getting to see all his friends and maybe make some more!

This time when he went to the Dojo he went to the weapons and selected a practice spear. It was a short spear, meant to be used one handed by an adult but it worked for Romeo's height. It was the same as the one he had practiced with when he and D2 had been learning.

He began going through the footwork he had learned, holding the spear up and moving it carefully. He knew he had a lot of practicing to do if he was to be good at it but he would try really hard so he was best able to protect Elfnein!

Physical Training!

Sandcastles

After a little bit of confusion at why he had to change clothes to go to the beach Romeo was ready to go! He was excited! He'd not been to the beach before and swimming was always fun!

He stood watching the volley ball, it looked fun! So did the sand castles! He wanted to do everything!

Building sand castles was fun and so was digging! He soon became occupied by trying to dig a hole bigger than he was!

He is soon stood in the hole, sand flinging out of it! Hopefully it doesn't hit you! He's not exactly paying attention!

Swimming!

The only way to clean off after digging a giant hole is to swim! He's not sure why he was made to change into the really tight weird one piece suit but he understands it a bit better when he runs into the water. It's cold! But the weird material of these clothes make it not as cold on his body, his chest is much warmer than his hands, feet or face.

More magic from the heavens! He laughs as he dives down and swims around. The water stung his eyes a little but it was still very fun!

"How long can you hold your breath?" He asks the nearest person. Because this was still training, right? So they should learn some things!

Picnic and fireworks!

Romeo is shivering happily wrapped in an oversized beach towel next to a bonfire. He has a Bento box and is eating carefully with chopsticks. He has about mastered them now! Practice really does pay off!

He watches the fireworks with wide eyes. "Just like at the amusement park!" His first ever day. The day he had met Elfnein and she had let him go back to her temple. He looked sround , he had lots of friends now and made new ones all the time! He snuggled in the towel feeling warm and happy.

Sandcastles

[badassfreakingoverlord]

"ARRRRRRRRRGH!"

What let out that horrified yell? Well, a quick glance over the edge of the pit only reveals the corner of a large book that a collapsing pile of sand had almost entirely buried.

[mithrarin]

Shinki Training

[The training dummy takes a swipe at Dust's legs, swift and sure, and Dust has little chance but to leap. His sweeping cloak and long tail highlight the flip he turns above the dummy's wooden head, making it a far more perfect circle in that sweet moment when his head and shoulders just begin to come up.]

[The moment ends and Dust lands, stabbing backwards with his staff to rap the training dummy. The blow isn't perfect, landing off-center and skipping sideways across wooden back, but it's enough to send it clattering away. Dust brings the staff forward, stabbing out with it to intercept another dummy hastening over to him, and this blow is much cleaner, to greater effect.]

[In the space that move offers him, Dust lunges for the side of the ribbon-marked arena, clearing himself as fast as he can before any of the artificial opponents can intercept him. Rolling sideways and leading with his shoulder, Dust twists neatly under the ribbon barrier and back to his feet in one smooth movement.]

Still needs work. [He rolls the staff between his two hands, running over the sequence in his head.] What am I missing...?

Dust Training?

Good work, you guys.

[He can't even remember how he'd started to train Chinatsu, except that she didn't know how to fight and Dust thought everyone should, especially here. And Marinette needed training because he's a sword in vessel form, and they both wanted him to be useful to her. So it's not like he's just forcing it on everyone...]

[But as he congratulates the girls on their good work -- and it is good work, a fact that constantly fills him with pride and sincere fondness for the two -- and tells them to go enjoy the beach or whatever, he can't really stop smiling. Watching them grow in ability and develop their skills is a delight, and it's taught him a great deal too. A surprising amount, actually, as he's started questioning and examining his own techniques so he could pass them on.]

[When they leave, he's still there, a thoughtful look but an unmistakable smile on his face.]

Maybe this is one of those mythical hobbies I enjoy and I ought to work on.

Beach Trip

[Dust had very carefully put on a wetsuit, tucked his clothes in his towel, and gotten taken to the beach... after which he had immediately changed back, without guilt. Anything less than a wetsuit felt uncomfortably naked, especially surrounded by people who weren't his species and really reminded him, especially in swimsuits, of how different he was. And the wetsuit itself... isn't designed for fur. Not at all.]

[So here's Dust, tossing a volleyball casually up into the air to catch it again, and looking for other people to play with. Come join up!]

Beach Trip

[smilingbullet]

[ D2 didn't really wear the clothes they were told to wear either, instead going back to Forrest's to pick up other clothes that he got from the Heavens when he first arrived. That had also been at the beach, months back. How nostalgic. ]

Dust! [ He waves at his friend. ] What're you doing playing all by yourself?

[onehandsomeslickninja]

Shinki Training

[Lining up at range against a straw target, Edge takes sight down his arm -- mostly to set his own mood and focus, not because he thinks it will actually improve his shot. Once he's found his center, he straightens his neck, tucks in two fingers, and calls out:]

Line!

[The slashing Borderline whisks through the air to slash through the straw target, but not quite on center. Scowling, Edge balls his hand into a fist. It's a lot like trying to use ninjutsu, but tapping entirely different sources, and though he'd gotten the wall forms down with work and effort, this is another thing entirely.]

[Well, there's always the same tricks...]

[Edge flicks out one wrist, dropping a knife into his hand and hurling it as part of the same motion. As his hand comes back up and forward, he points again, calling out the Borderline in the knife's wake.]

[A slashing line hammers out at full speed, powerful and direct, to cut through the target right as the knife reaches it. But rather than look satisfied, Edge just throws up his hands.]

...I have got to stop needing these crutches.

Physical Training

[Speaking of crazy people going in the water, here's Edge -- wading right in as the waves surge forward and back. Considering the swimsuit only emphasizes that he's all wiry muscle and no fat, he might very well be able to keep warm in the cold air and colder sea. He looks like he's fine, anyway -- he even turns to wave at people who might be watching, beckoning them in!]

[Then a larger wave crashes not too far out, and the water surges up to hit his swimsuit proper. Cold fabric abruptly sticks to his legs, making his eyes shoot open as he gasps.]

It's -- just going to take a moment to get used to! It's really okay!

R&R

[Camped close to the fire, Edge lets the heat bake into his bare back. Swimming had after all been fun, but now the warmth is a pleasant counterpoint to end the day on. Somehow he's managed to end up right next to one of those giant bento boxes, so anyone wandering by gets a waved request to come sit and join him.]

Physical training

[papillonprincess]

[ The water, she decides, is a little too cold for her liking. She's much more content to walk around, taking a break from trying to figure out just what exactly had changed with her upon her return.

Well, at least he's looking okay. That's another familiar face she'd like to check in on at least. She offers a smile back coupled with a shake of her head. ]

I'll have to pass. You know what they say about swimming right after a meal.

[ She'll stay near though, folding her arms behind her back. ]

Hello, Edge. Have you been well?

voltron s6 spoilers up in here

[galrarm]

closed to keith.
[ It's Keith's death he sees, and Shiro... Shiro feels like the breath's been knocked out of him. Two things stick out to him: One, that Keith is fighting for his life; two, that his opponent... is Shiro himself.

He isn't sure how they got to that point. Shiro doesn't want to believe it. But the proof is right there, isn't it? Keith is there, standing not too far away, and Shiro feels sick. Still... he needs to be there for Keith, even if he feels like he's the last person who has a right to that.

He approaches him. ]

Hey. Keith, right?

god training
[ Shiro is the very picture of a model student, and he listens attentively to everything. It's a lot to take in, but Shiro won't underestimate the value of all the information. He has to be the best god possible, for both his shinki.

And after the lecture is over, he approaches... maybe you? ]

I wasn't expecting a lesson the first day here, [ he says with a smile. ] Were you?

R+R
[ Man, this is the kind of food he's been missing. Shiro's seated near one of the bonfires, and he allows himself to take in what all is in the bento box. He digs in happily, and watches the colors of the fire. ]

Pretty incredible, [ he says, to whoever's seated nearby. ]

R+R: The Sequelening
[ ... well, that's concerning. Shiro watches the jellyfish ayakashi with careful eyes. If they suddenly turn hostile, then Shiro's fully prepared to do something about it. ]

I wonder why they're drawn to that boat.

howdy howdy howdy

[yousaytron]

[Training day had snuck up on him.

It’s probably, Keith figures, a combination of losing a good number of days to an unexpectedly long nap, and the days following it being occupied almost entirely with hunting down what remnants he could of his last temple. But, whatever the case may be, he’s here now, a bit older and more roughed up looking than the Keith Shiro left behind, but one that should match what he had seen almost perfectly.

There’s a part of him genuinely hoping that heaven hadn’t decided against letting him find his own partnership to forge once more, but if they had... hopefully they’ll at least stick him with someone he can confidently work with. Of course, the chances that it would instead be a total stranger are high, and when Shiro approaches him, says his name, he gets an inkling that the latter is what’s in store for him.]

Yes.

[The look he gives Shiro isn’t exactly scrutinizing, or cold, but does leave the impression that he’s just sort of visually assessing the other, like he might be able to figure out if he knows him or not if he were to recognize some feature on him. But... no dice. ‘And you are...?’]

[lightblooming]

1. Shinki Training

a. [ For some reason or another, Aqua's nametag reads HELLO, MY NAME IS AQUAMEI. What does the mei mean? Being a shinki is new to her, so perhaps it has something to do with that? ]

What exactly does 'mei' entail?

b. [ Either way, she'll be picking up a sword to practice with. The sword feels light in her hand, and with that, its easy enough for her to stop forward, swinging it back and forth with quiet cries. Despite that, she furrows her brows, frowning slightly. ]

... I just need to practice more. [ This would be easier if she had some pointers... But, she'll do her best to learn on her own, if need be. ]

2. physical training

a. [ There's some initial confusion as to why she's suddenly not only being escorted from the dojo, but handed a swimsuit - but she gets her answer once she's taken to the beach. By the time she gets there, the beach is already crowded with others who are playing volleyball, or swimming.

Chilly or no, the sun is shining and the sea breeze feels nice. She can't help but smile slightly. ]

... This is where we're training? It's beautiful.

b. [ If your character approaches Aqua for swimming, volleyball, or even exploring the wreckage, she'll hesitate slightly. ]

I wouldn't mind, if you didn't have someone else in mind to ask.

3. R + R - sort of.

[ Aqua's attention is mainly on the ayakashi gathering by the wreckage - seemingly staying put once drifting to their destination. She'd heard about what they are - but seeing them makes her want to act almost right away. ]

Those are ayakashi? Should we really just leave them be? [ She's likely going to go after them herself, really. She isn't one to just ignore them. ]

4. wildcard

[ Feel free to throw any prompt my way! ]

2-b

[galrarm]

[ He's a little taken aback by the color of her hair; she certainly looks human. But his smile is friendly and open, and he nods. ]

I could use another set of eyes while I explore this.

Closed to Sabimei

[unlucky7]

The nametags are a new touch and a helpful one at that, even if it is a bit embarrassing realizing the person she's been looking for is the one in charge of the animated training dummies. It's quite obvious on reflection.

Ginia squares her shoulders and waits for a moment where Sabimei isn't too busy before approaching him. She bows her head toward him and offers a polite smile as she plays a message already written on her phone.

"Excuse me, but I was told you're an expert in magic. I'm having difficulty with a song spell and was wondering if I could get your some advice?"

[godsoffortune]

Sabimei turns towards her, raking a thoughtful glance over her. "You're one of the new shinki, aren't you? We haven't been introduced. Sabi, vessel name Seki, and called Sabimei."

The tilt of his head that he offers her is one of deliberate acknowledgement, without being a bow.

"I should be able to help you with your song spell. Can you--" He gestures to the phone. "--sing?"

[pirateofdragons]

[A. Physical Training]

[Jae-ha has absolutely refused to wear any of the swimwear. It caused some disputes with Toumei and Kimei, because excuse you, they had worked their butts off for this. Don't be disrespectful! But Jae-ha is adamant in his decision, refusing to show off his leg to anyone.

Who in the right mind would want to see that

So after finally managing to convince them that, no, he does not need a swimsuit, Jae-ha immediately heads over to the fishing boat. He's a lot more curious about that than anything else, sifting through it to find any treasure he can find.]

[B. R&R]

[He's enjoying himself.

While the food isn't as great as Yoon's, Jae-ha has gotten himself a bento box and enjoying whatever's inside. He can't help but gaze upon the fireworks, watching its reflection shine on the ocean waters, creating an even more beautiful display than he could imagine. He's not familiar with this, but he finds himself enraptured by it all the same.

For some reason, there's something almost...warming to watch the show.]

[C. R+R - Jelly Jelly]

Think we should go check it out?

[Jae-ha is curious about the sight of the ayakashi gathering together.

He cups his chin in thought, nearly tempted to go jump over just to get a better look.]

[creepface]

[ Rasu shakes his head while he fidgets with his long braid. ]

A-ah, n-no, they, m-maybe they're g-going to bed? I, I know they're a-ayakashi but, but they're not d-doing anything b-bad right n-now?

[ stellar god, clearly ]

[kokuyoyo]

A - God Training

The teenager in the dirty pink beanie with a pair of fuzzballs attached to the sides isn't supposed to be in this room, but that has never stopped him before. It's easy to sneak into places if the people watching over it are too stressed with overwork and one is good at sneaking in the first place. For all that he's a tall lanky teenage jackass, Chikusa is also very quiet and subtle, after all.

Yes, even with the beanie.

His interest isn't in the speaker, however, although his gaze flickers to her occasionally when she mentions things such as an unknown god. For the most part?His gaze roams lazily over new faces, taking everyone in. No one new.... Sometimes he thinks he's looking for people in particular, but other days, he thinks it's mostly just habit which has him taking stock of every person who arrives and dwells in the Far Shore.

Still, he has been paying attention, and he sighs when she finally leaves the room. "Still as inept and useless as always..."

B - Shinki Training

Chikusa has aggressively refused any introductory name tags, because hell no is why. Rather, instead of harassing the local newcomers as he sometimes does, he's taking to harass someone on the exact opposite end of the spectrum. Yeah, that's right, he's bothering Sabimei.

Those near the ribboned off area with the training dummies may get to watch thi ridiculous little show. It's honestly a pretty simple one. Chikusa constantly tries to sneak up on Sabimei to use a "Silence" spell, Sabimei in turn always blocks with a borderline and will occasionally try to use "Bind" right back, Chikusa will block as well, and eventually the lanky teenager will slink away.

Feel free to interrupt Chikusa's sulking by asking 'what the hell'. He doesn't seem to venture far as he slumps against a wall to people watch after each of these attempts.

C - Physical.... training?

Frankly, it's a miracle how Chikusa has even been accepted to this little get together. He's still wearing his beanie, and he has apparently managed to stubbornly bypass wearing swimswear of any kind. Nope, he's still in the same casual wear as ever,face buried into where his hoodie is folded up around his neck. Sure, he does have the cockade... but that seems to be the only concession he's made to this whole mess.

Despite his own great reluctance, he is exploring the beach, trying to see if he can recognize it from previous events. Well. One event, in the summer, when it was more fitting to have any sort of beach party. He can be found squinting at a volleyball net for a moment, highly suspicious and wary. Go on, ask him for a game.

D - Rest

If there's one thing Chikusa can be relied on, it's his ability to go through a whole lot in the name of free food. He knew there would have to be something with all this nonsense... and he was right.

And hey, Sabimei has told himself to practice more of his spells more often, right? So if anyone isn't too carefully, they might find some of the food on their plate or in their bento disappearing when they look away....

No one should have taught Chikusa the invisibility spell. No one.

Physical training

[letteropener]

Celestia didn't try to sneak up on anyone, and she didn't think her wingbeats were particularly quiet -- and by her standards they weren't, all things considered. How other people heard them was another matter.

"You look like the net is going to attack you," she commented as she flew past, a volleyball between her forehooves.

[ittenbari]

[Physical Training]

[Sakon is someone who can absolutely rock a wetsuit, but rather than head into the surf like is probably intended, he's managed to get distracted by something else.]

It's gotta be taller!

[There were some younger shinki building a sandcastle, but the project seems to have been handed over to Sakon, who is enjoying this way too much.]

And a fenced-in yard to put crabs in!

[You could probably get him to go somewhere else, but he seems pretty invested in the castle.]

[R&R]

Um...um, hey...

[Sakon has eaten more than his share of bento and apparently moved on to sake after that. He's a little wobbly and flushed, which is probably why he hasn't tried to stumble home yet. He gets lost and he knows that, so he's going to have to wait for someone he knows to stop by before he tries to go anywhere.

But something weird is going on.]

Is the boat glowing or did drink waaaaay too much?

R & R

[killercoat]

[ Akutagawa is staring at this unusual phenomenon as well. He doesn't understand why the jellyfish are drawn to this abandoned ship, but there must be something they can use there. Maybe the vessel is completely functional? He doesn't know, but it seems unwise to investigate unless he knows what these creatures are capable of.

He loses his train of thought as he sees fumbling in this direction. Akutagawa looks at the man as he stares at the ship as well. At the question, however, he gives an honest response.]

I suppose both of those apply here.

[ The ship is glowing and if someone is wobbling around, they must've had a lot to drink. He looks back toward the ship.]

It is odd.

[fauxcalibur]

[Physical Training]

[Saber has never played a single volleyball game in his life, but that isn't stopping him from standing by the net with a ball in his hand and looking eagerly at anyone who makes the mistake of getting too close.]

Fancy a game?

[He assumes he'll be able to figure it out as he goes along. And if he can't and no one is willing to teach him, past trainings have taught him the concept of dodgeball and he's more than willing to do that instead.]

[R&R]

[Saber is sitting on the beach with a bento box open in front of him, half-heartedly poking through the contents with his fingers.]

One day they'll actually serve something filling...

[It's not that it tastes bad. He can eat it. He just...isn't extremely enthusiastic about the idea.]

[Closed to Edge and Suzaku]

[He didn't expect a new shinki at all and now against all odds he's ended up with two. However, everything still needs to be formalized and he's determined to make a good impression this time. This is why he chose to show up at the meeting hall this time rather than wait until everyone has been dismissed for refreshments. And why he's wearing his armor and carrying his sword for once. Sure, it isn't the first time the shinki have seen him, but it should hopefully help them think a little better of him. He does take his job seriously. When it suits him.]

Perhaps re-introductions are in order? Or should we dispense with formality?

[Says the guy in the shiny metal suit.]

[swordofzero]

[Suzaku nodded at Saber and Edge when he saw them. Saber was impressive in his armour and sword and Suzaku couldn't help but feel slightly shabby in comparison. His coat was formal at least, a gift from Princess Yona for Christmas and one he had left at her temple to collect later. Lucky in hindsight as it meant it had not disappeared with Lord Kija's temple.

He made up for it in stiff formality, hiding behind instincts to mask his nervousness. He had lost his last two gods and he can only hope to do better this time.] Reintroductions sound like a good place to start.

[killercoat]

Shinki Training
[ Erecting a borderline seems to be integral to the role of a shinki. So it only makes sense to learn and perfect it. Once Akutagawa learns it's one of the best defenses against ayakashi besides physical attacks, the shinki makes it his mission to learn it. Though, being adept at creating a barrier doesn't come with ease. He's a bit of a slow learner, but he keeps at it as if failure isn't an option. He has to be able to construct one. At least one!

He tries again for the umpteenth time, positioning his fingers and directing his hand as if drawing an invisible line. When he shouts "A line" his voice comes out a bit rough. He believes he's done everything correctly, but nothing happens. What is he doing wrong? His brows furrow at his inability to create a borderline perplexes him. He lets out a dry cough, probably from fatigue. Maybe someone can share some insight on what could be the issue? Or encourage him to take a break? Good luck with the latter.]

Physical Training
[ Akutagawa was under the impression that the shinki were leading them to a more intensive training facility. To his chagrin, it turns out to be a beach. Akutagawa frowns feeling as if he's been duped. He shows a great dispassion for the new scenery. Instead of joining the others in merriment, he decides to go walking along the beach alone. From time to time, he stares out to sea and somehow he feels this weird sensation of dread. Why? If you spot him, you might see those gray eyes glare intently at those waves as he tries to make sense of that weird emotion.

Finally, the heat starts to get to the shinki, and he decides to take refuge under the shading of a palm tree. Though it's not a surprise why he's hot, he's still wearing his clothes, and he doesn't seem like he's going to shed any layers. If you pass by at the right time, you might see Akutagawa turning his coat sleeve into a blade out of boredom, and then reverting it back. You can question him about it, Akutagawa seems just as curious, trying to gain a grasp of his ability.]

[swordofzero]

[Suzaku was training in borderlines himself. His some in the room was silent though. Ginia had told him how Borderlines could be cast without speaking and Suzaku had been working on making borderlines cast that way stronger.

He notices the man nearby though, who seems to be struggling. He let's the line he is holding drop and moves towards him.] Do you require some help?

[replicatedform]

► Shinki Training
Part 1: This isn't a musical
[Compared to most of the shinki here, Yamanbagiri is doing a different training. He's... singing?

He seems to be practising a song spell, trying to get the musical tone and beat right. Yamanbagiri does have a nice voice, however, but he doesn't have any musical training to an expert's (or the fanatic) ear.

Sometimes, he would pause with a frown, before trying again. Why is he singing here? Well, with the white robed shinki around, he could always ask them for advice if he need them.]

Part 2
[Or perhaps, they get to see Yamanbagiri getting zapped by lightning spells from Sabimei when he try to practice the song spell. It's not a very powerful shock, but each time he didn't ward it off properly hits his pride rather hard.

After several attempts, Yamanbagiri forces himself to step and step away for a break. All while muttering to himself.]

I was so close...!

► Physical Training
Part 1: I have to wear what
[Yamanbagiri haven't even change into the swimsuits. He's just holding the swimming trunks in one hand, while his other one is gripping his cloak tightly.]

... Do I really have to wear them?

[For some reason, the thought of wearing a swimsuit seems to bother him.]

Part 2: He did it anyway
[Somehow, Yamanbagiri find himself wearing the swimming trunk anyway. But he never relent on his cloak. Indeed, the familiar white cloak is still wrapped around his body.

So he's both feeling his cloak's reassuring weight (as light as it is), and how exposed (but still covered enough!) he feels right now.

It's a wonder he manage to come this far to the beach.

Hoping to force himself to forget about it, as hard as it might be, Yamanbagiri quickly goes to explore the beach. Coming across the old fishing boat, his curiosity lead to him checking it out and see what he might find.]

It's probably just wreckage... Oh?

[Did he find something?]

(OOC: Will randomise the ~loot~.)

► Wild Card
[Got your own scenario? Bring it here. Plot with me over PMs or Sonica if you want to hash out something!)

Shinki Training part 2!

[rockthemonkey]

[Goku was just listening to Yamanbagiri's singing, a little confused but enjoying it nevertheless. It looks like fun! This guy doesn't look like he's having fun, but why else would he be singing? Maybe he's just got one of those faces. Or maybe he's trying to improve and getting frustrated. It must be rough!

Then some other shinki starts throwing lightening at him. That's a little harsh. Super cool, but not a nice thing to do. The singing guy doesn't let it stop him from singing though, which is pretty awesome!]

... I thought you sounded pretty good! [Does he think that was Sabimei's way of heckling a performer...]

[estinien]

(Physical Training)
[ There are a lot of mysteries in the world that have gone unanswered over the millennia. Who built Stonehenge? Did a meteor really kill the dinosaurs? Who managed to talk Estinien into changing into summer style clothes? All of them are great mysteries and as such, Estinien will not be one to tell how he was talked into changing out of his Ishgard clothes into this ensemble. He'll just take that bit of ire out on watching everyone else around him, arms folded as he keeps half an eye on an intense volleyball match that seems to be going down. From what he can glean they're meant to make sure the ball doesn't touch the floor, though apparently slamming it into the opponent's face doesn't count as a fail. He's already been asked a few times to join in; apparently being a ridiculously tall elezen wins favour when it comes to such games. Each time Estinien has turned them down, deigning to continue watching until something worthwhile catches his attention. That or if someone realizes that wording things as a challenge is the perfect way to get the dragoon to join in.

Estinien nudges a nearby seashell over with the tips of his toes. So much down time. With no dragonwar left to fight he's suddenly the receiver of a lot of free time and he can't help but wonder what he's meant to do next. There will always be a battle to fight or an enemy to destroy, but right now there's a big question mark over that and the elezen frowns to himself. Now he has to deal with this stuff on top.]

Who would have thought that Gods could spend their time frolicking in the sand?

(Rest and Refreshments)
[ Estinien hadn't watched much of the fireworks, spending more of his time looking around the place than anything else. If he's going to be stuck here then he's going to have to know every inch of the location and a colourful display of fireworks won't stop him. Everyone else is welcome to enjoy them or whatever they want to do, as long as they don't drag the elezen into it he'll have no issue whatsoever.

Doesn't stop Estinien pausing to rummage through the bento box he's been given. At first it seems to be just small things, nibbles and morsels. It's only when he gets to the final layer that Estinien pauses, a small smirk gracing the corners of his lips. A whole roasted fish. Even he can't deny the rumbling sound his stomach is making at the sight of it. Naturally it's a perfect opportunity to come and ask the dragoon something, just as he's about to take his first mouthful of food.]

(Wildcard)
[ooc: down for anything. If in doubt, Estinien can always be found on a nearby rooftop.]

R&R

[lookingforhead]

[Celty's not here to bother Estinient, rather the audible rumbling at the sight of his meal is what caught the helmeted woman's attention.

She'd done her best to politely turn down the bento offered to her, but it was pushed into her hands and the Shinki was off to deliver more of them before Celty could do anything.

So as the Elezen is getting ready to dig in, here is a strangely dressed woman offering him her own meal as well.]

[goingbananas]

1. Fishing Boat
He has no idea that it’s currently winter in the Far Shore. Hell, he doesn’t have much clue about anything beyond the basics of becoming a shinki, having gone through a similar training scenario before. But though things have become much different, Sanada decides not to sweat things for now and just enjoy the moment for what it’s worth.

Hence why, after he’s been appropriately outfitted and cockaded, he joins a group of other shinki in exploring the old fishing boat. After a few minutes of searching, he quickly stops with a ha! of surprise—

“Hey, I found something!”

2. Goofing Off
There’s another cool thing about beaches, especially from a high vantage point, from whence Sanada makes a running leap with an enthusiastic cry of “CANNONBALL!” before throwing himself into the water and making a gigantic splash. Because of course.

3. Rest and Refreshments
So it’s the New Year’s already, huh? You wouldn’t know it from the tropical nature of their excursion earlier on, but he’s not going to complain—least of all about the free food. Neither will he make a fuss when it turns out that he’d been reaching for the last piece of mochi and had nearly jostled another person aside in his haste.

“Oh, sorry about that. You can have it.”

4. Wildcard!
[ Bring your own prompt. I can do prose or action. ]

2

[battered]

Goofing off is great and all, but with the angle of the beach day being for training, that's the approach Raichi's taking for now! Maybe he can be cajoled in to some more relaxing activities later, but for now, jogging in the sand it is. You know. Real workout stuff!

Of course, it's hard to miss that canonball cry, and even harder to miss the resulting splash the diver created, and that on its own is enough to give Raichi some pause to admire that magnificent maneuver.

"Whoa!" He's mostly commenting to himself, but it's possible that he's being loud enough when Sanada resurfaces that he could be able to hear his next comment of, "That was amazing!!"

[hakingitup]

Physical Training

[No, Hak was not prepared to go to the beach today, what are you talking about? He takes the swimsuit and gets dressed before heading down in a dark blue suit. He doesn't even wear a shirt this time so please enjoy the muscles on view. He stands there with his pole arm on the ready as he looks on the beach. If he sees someone else looking around with a weapon, he tries to call them over.]

Here to train?

[Even if he's on the beach, he's not going to stop working on this.

Though, after a while, he decides to walk the beach, one hand on his polearm and the other in his pocket, looking out to the ocean a bit and keeping mostly to himself.

And he looks very easy to bug.]

Rest and Refreshments (lies)

[In moments that don't surprise Hak anymore, is looking at forms of ayakashi going straight for the boat to cover it in light. He doesn't know if they'll cause problems, but based on everything else he's dealt with, he can't exactly leave these alone to potentially cause problems.

Looking at the person standing beside him, he sighs.]

Let's get rid of them. You first.

[He probably will end up going first but he wants to see if this person will try.]

r&r

[creepface]

[ Honestly, Rasu was just looking at the ayakashi light up the boat since it was really pretty, so it makes him jump to be spoken to. ]

I, um, w-what?

[ He hadn't even heard what Hak said in the beginning, only the last part, so he's kind of confused. ]

[priforprince]

[ Physical Training Scouting ]

[ There is no lifeguard on duty atop this lifeguard's chair, though a purple-and-gold umbrella has been affixed to the top. Instead, Hibiki sits high above everyone else, peering through ornate opera glasses at the physical training area. A glass of iced tea sits on the chair's arm next to her.

Her movie's script is almost ready. So whom should she cast?

If you're participating in the training activities, and if you're doing well, you will find a text message on your phone from "Apollo" when next you check it. ]



Your motions are like the mighty wingbeats of a swan in flight. I wish to propose to you.

Visit the lifeguard's station immediately.

[ ....Hibiki, no. ]

[ Wildcard - Vacances ]

[ When Hibiki's done scouting actors for the day, she moves the umbrella down to the base of her lifeguard's chair to where a beach chair has been set up instead. There, she kicks off her sandals so her feet are bare (they land perfectly next to each other, because Hibiki), dons a neck pillow and a pair of wireless headphones, switches on classical music, and promptly falls asleep. Writing her script is exhausting work. A nap in the sea air, so clean and free of sentence enders, will revitalize her.



Shikyoin Hibiki, God Apollo, frequent refuser to have any kind of fun but her own, is completely unguarded.

Surely no one here would take advantage of that. ]

wildcard!

[papillonprincess]

[ That's just like Hibiki-kun... words she thought she'd never hear herself think ever again. But far be it from her to pass up such a golden opportunity. And it is her first day back. She can't help but be a little looser than usual. It's the giddiness, the sheer relief that she's back and has her memories in tact.

Which is why she's standing over Hibiki and letting loose with a super soaker right to the face. Should the prince awake, it'll be to a king standing over her with a small smug smile and a primed water-shotgun.

Guess who's back, oh prince of the sapphire revolution? ]

[failboatboss]

god training [??];

[ First a mafia boss, now a god?! Tsuna could feel his nerves getting the best of him as he was trying to take notes. Shinkis? What in the world? He was responsible for someone now? He couldn’t find Reborn either, which was a little concerning as well. Plus, having to stay aware of this person attacking others.

Tsuna was fidgeting a ridiculous amount, his notes a mess. He didn’t even know where to start, so even people are leaving the room, he just sat there, trying to find a way to get around this. He had to get home…plus, this had to be some weird Reborn trick.

Furiously running his hands through his hair, someone may need to help him before his anxiety explodes. ]

this boy needs some beach time;

[ Once he gained some relief, Tsuna decided to take a look around to check his surroundings. Reborn would probably yell at him if he didn’t at least do that. However, when he arrived to the beach, Tsuna actually smiled. He hadn’t been to a beach and enjoyed it in a long time, so maybe this wasn’t so bad. There wasn’t any mafia business…

He changed relatively quickly and immediately when to the water, but didn’t get in all the way. Tsuna didn’t feel confident about his swimming abilities in a strong current, so he was happy with just listening to it. Closing his eyes, Tsuna sighed. ]

At least I can enjoy this for a few moments without having to worry about someone blowing something up or shooting a gun…

[ Eventually, he may take a walk to look at seashells, but for now, join him in feeling a little relaxed. ]

wildcard;

[ Want something specific? Go for it! Tsuna will be around and exploring, so whatever is fine with me! If you want to plan something, message me on hopegoats ]

wildcard

[priforprince]

[ As Tsuna looks for shells, he will find something near the lifeguard station that is definitely not shells. In fact, it looks like...broken glass. Quite a bit of it. The sand around it is damp, too.

Who managed to break a teacup on sand? ]

[hedgehogsdilemma]

Shinki Training
[Borderline practice has become something of a staple activity for Shinji during these training sessions. He wants to make sure he's got this down solidly, and the thought of practicing with a group of people...

It's a little daunting, to be honest, be he's at least opening up to the idea that it might be better than working on his own all the time.]

Um, excuse me... [He really doesn't want to be a bother, but if another shinki is practicing making borderlines and doesn't otherwise look completely occupied, then they're probably a good enough candidate for his next question.] Would you mind practicing with me for a little bit?


Physical Training
[This is. Definitely not what Shinji was expecting out of this particular training day. The preparations for the beach are thrown at him in a bit of a flurry, so once he actually finds himself dropped off at the location he is.... less than enthusiastic about it.

It's so cold! It's way too cold to even think about swimming!! Honestly it's too cold to do much of anything at all!!!

So, towel wrapped tightly around his shoulders to fend off the chill, he's not so much participating in the activities of the day as he is walking along the length of the beach, far from the water as he can get, to help keep himself at least a little warmed up.]


Rest(?) and Refreshments
[Oh thank goodness for the bonfires. He kind of wants to take off as soon as possible, but the activities have yet to finish winding down entirely, so he may as well take advantage of the prime opportunity to warm up before leaving. The food is a nice bonus, too! With such a wide variety of things to chose from, it's actually enough to lift his spirits a little out of the sour mood being tossed, ill equipped, into the cold had put him in. So, you know, the night could be going worse.

Hopefully he doesn't accidentally snatch the last of something someone else was going for out of one of those massive bentos! He just wants to try a little bit of everything there is to offer.]


Rest and Refreshments Nah he's just leaving now
[And then the fireworks start up.

At first it isn't terrible, kind of like the steady elevation of his own mood falters for some reason, though it's not really enough to pull him away from the warmth of the fire or comfort of the meal. But as the show continues, he finds himself... enjoying it less and less. It's so loud, and despite knowing that more pops are coming, some of them keep catching him off guard and startling him.

About ten minutes after the show starts up, he sets aside whatever food he may have been working and gets up to brave the cold in an effort to find one of the shinki guide, or honestly anyone, to help lead him out of here. Better than sitting around being miserable for the rest of the night, at least?]

physical training

[nolittlesecret]

[That poor freezing kid. If Nari care enough, he'd try and warm him up. But as it stands, he's struggling just keeping himself warm even with his abilities. The shinki will find some warmth coming from the redhead as he stops beside him.]

Not up for a polar bear swim?

[nopixiedust]

A - Shinki Training

While she may not be a part of Amaterasu's temple, Wendy has still taken it upon herself to get a little nametag cheerfully displaying her name as she hustles about the grounds. Another round of orientation for new faces and, more importantly, information to spread! So anyone new to the Far Shore will find themselves being approached by what looks like a pre-adolescent girl, grinning up at them.

"Hey there! Has anyone told you about the Shinki Sanctuary?"

For those more used to seeing her, they're free to check in on how Wendy is doing inbetween her stops. There's the whole day, after all. She has the time.

B - Physical Training

Once she's done doing as much as she feels she can do, Wendy is more than glad to follow her curiosity over to where the two shinki are waiting. Her first day in the Far Shore involved a beach party, although in warmer weather than this... and she's glad to see that their selection of swimsuits have gotten at least a little better. Now she doesn't have to wear some old bag, but instead can go bouncing throughout the beach dressed in something much frillier and cuter. It's a little bit cold, but that's fine. She has a jacket draped across her shoulders as she goes to test the surf.

One foot in, of course, and she's backing off with a little shriek. "Ah! It's so cold! Whose idea was this!?"

C - Refreshment

Wendy doesn't really mean to stay late. After all, things are heating up with the movie Hibiki plans on making. That means her own workload is getting pretty busy as well, although more behind the scenes. Still, the fireworks are nice, so she she takes a seat with some fish nearby for her to munch on.

"I guess Heaven must be glad New Years is over with, too...."

[priforprince]

An exhale heralds the arrival of Wendy's god, who settles down next to her. Hibiki is eschewing food in favor of the omnipresent cup of tea, having now switched to hot tea when she couldn't stand drinking iced, even for the Beach Aesthetic, one moment longer. Comfort is comfort!

"A new year is a chance for a fresh beginning." This is the perfect time to dramatically reveal that Hibiki is, in fact, carrying two cups of tea. One is for Wendy, as Hibiki's seen her shinki running about industriously today. Hibiki wishes to support the Shinki Sanctuary's manager. She admires the spirit with which the project was conceived.

So: behold. She offers a cup. "Perfect timing for revolution."

[artificialrose]

A - Shinki Training

It's funny. These days, the training events and the time when shinki and new gods appear seem to be coming by so much faster than they used to. Garry can't even begin to imagine why that is. Sometimes, time just flies. He's had his own issues to be worried about.

Those issues can be for another day. Today? Today he's approaching any other shinki, giving a warm smile to them and gesturing to the sparring areas. "Do you want to practice your borderline?" He no doubt should work on his staff technique, but he can't help wanting to help other people. This is such an important thing for shinki, after all.

B - Physical Training

Do.... Do old gods and shinki just lose the ability to feel cold? Is that's what's going on here? Garry had been more than fine with accepting a pair of swimming trunks, but actually going out onto the beach has him rethinking how good of an idea this is. Still, he can always warm himself up, right? So, with a half zipped hoodie on, he starts doing a light jog of the beach, just to see what's going on.

Of course, if he sees anyone else who's chilly.... He slows his pace, glancing over to them. "Are you alright?"

C - Refreshments

It's as he said before: time really does fly. There's food, and fireworks, and, before he knows it, the night chill is weighing heavily down on all of them. The only reason Garry hasn't gone home immediately himself is because he's lost track of his hooded jacket at some point in the whole affair. It's as he's looking for it that he ends up drawn to the unusual glow on the beach.

"What on earth..." Making sure to carefully avoid each of the ayakashi as they make their way to the boat, Garry stares at it. "Is... no one else concerned about that?"

c - refreshments

[indragonyears]

Suck it, humans, Wrathion's perfectly warm--partly because he refused to take off his clothes, and partly because he's figuratively got lava running through his veins, so y'all can take your hairless helplessness and catch hypothermia somewhere. He's got his arms crossed, watching the ayakashi boat with a glowing-eyed interest of his own, head cocked just so as the blobs just do... that.

"Well, they aren't trying to eat anyone. It's almost civilized for those creatures, don't you think?" Things could be worse. They could have little bitey-mouths, and weird tongues, and be gurgling about what they'd do to the nearest set of toes--having them play nightlight is almost endearing.

... and burnable. Still highly burnable. That option's never really off the table.