001 | The Welcoming Feast

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: A little bit of explanation, thank goodness.
When: Early morning. (February 15, 2016)
Where: The Heavens. Specifically in the Meeting Hall.
Warnings: Exposition is coming your way, sit back and enjoy the show!



The Heavens have summoned you. And there is no way to turn down a summons from the Heavens. Of course, some of you know where you are and what you are probably doing here, but most of you might be completely confused as to what is going on. All gods have been ushered into the meeting hall, where every person suddenly becomes anonymous and obscured, while every shinki has been gathered up outside in the hallway, both sets to listen to the same message sent by Amaterasu herself. And while you cannot see her properly or really figure out what her voice sounds like, you definitely know that it's her speaking:

'Welcome, one and all, to Takamagahara. There are many new gods and shinki here today, and I hope you all find your stay pleasant. I wish that I could explain to you exactly why you find yourselves here now, but I am unsure of the details myself. Please make use of the shinki dedicated to our services in order to make yourself more acquainted with your new position. You can find them by looking for my golden insignia.

As compensation for the trouble you are all being put through, I have had a wonderful feast prepared. I only hope that it is to your liking. Feel free to eat and drink as much as you would like, though please do not leave before the clock chimes midnight, for that is when your homes will be prepared.

I ask that all pre-existing gods please help those new to our ways. Let them know what is and is not acceptable and what duties will be expected of them. I am counting on your all to support the Heavens in this confusing time as we attempt to sort things out.

Thank you all for your time. And I am truly sorry that you have found yourselves in this situation.

With that, the figure that is Amaterasu bows deeply and disappears from their sights. The gods are released from their chamber and the shinki are allowed to roam. All exits are manned by a white-clad shinki, bearing a golden, embroidered Chrysanthemum on their chests. So, technically, there is no way out. You can't even seem to teleport out by any means.

All that's really left to do is enjoy the food and hope that you'll actually be able to leave after the clock chimes midnight. Though the clock doesn't seem to work on a minute-by-minute basis either...



Banquet Hall

There is food from literally every culture and walk of life here. Everything is prepared gorgeously and deliciously, no expenses spared. There are shinki bearing the Chrysanthemum carrying out new platters of everything as it's eaten up and nothing seems to go hot or cold as time passes - it always at the perfect temperature for eating and it never tastes anything but delicious. Maybe there's a little magic making it taste so good...

On top of the delectable dinner, there are plenty of desserts and every kind of alcohol available and constantly being refilled. The liquor is being offered to gods and shinki alike, no matter how old they are/look. Let's hope that you can hold your alcohol.

Counselling

In the main hallway, there is an innocuous door with a small, nicely written sign that reads "Gentle Counselling". Inside the door is a small room with a few sweetly smiling shinki inside who are willing to listen to your problems and answer any questions you might have. They are also here to help out any gods that are having a hard time dealing with knowing about how their shinki died and also any shinki that is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that they are dead.

Did Someone Say Games?

A large room connected to the back of the banquet hall has a wide variety of games set up for everyone to enjoy. There are old-fashioned board games (like chess and Othello) as well as newer ones (like Candy Land and Sorry!). On top of that, there is every kind of console available with every video game ever made - and plenty of handheld devices for everyone to be able to play. The devices don't seem to work outside of this room, though, so you'll have to stay there if you want to keep playing. Gaming is, after all, a great way to get to know new people!

After Midnight

Finally, the clock starts to chime. It seems like it's been days and yet only minutes at the same time. Time seems to work so strangely here in Takamagahara and it's hard to keep up with what's going on. But now that the shinki guarding the doors have left their posts, you are more than welcome to leave. In fact, the Heavens seem to want you to leave because all of the food has disappeared, none of the games work anymore (including the board games, which keep flipping over when you try to play...), and the friendly shinki are smiling as they usher you out the doors.

You are welcome to start wandering around Takamagahara, but it's an ambiguous sort of place and might just take you straight home anyway. Feel free to go home and start bonding with your partner. Or sneak home with someone else because your partner is a meanie-pants. It's up to you!



In Summary:

• Amaterasu says you're stuck here and she doesn't know why. Sorry!
• There's lots of food to eat, though! Eat your fill.
• Oh, and there's booze too. Try not to get TOO drunk.
• Guidance/Grief counselling is available, if you need it.
• Use gaming to get close to others!
• Try to start bonding with your god/shinki. Or just form new friendships. Whatever you feel best doing!
• Have fun!

Comments

Yamato no kami Yasusada | ota

[okitactless]

[So... this is death.

Well. Yamato may not have his memories, but somehow, he gets the feeling this isn't what he expected.

He's fine with being dead, really. And he's happy being a shinki, even if he hasn't properly met his god yet. To have someone relying on him, to be a partner, to be useful-- it all feels perfectly natural.

Sudden, mandatory parties, though... he's not quite sure what to make of that.

At the banquet, he can be found chewing on something leafy and green, which may or may not be part of the decorations.]

But I don't understand. Do we need to eat?

ii.

[Yamato isn't terribly familiar with games, but the idea of competing is incredibly appealing. So he spends some time just watching, learning how to play by observation. Eventually, he decides to try his hand at air hockey. Holding the puck, he wanders around the room, asking politely, "excuse me, would you like to play?"

But the gentle, friendly young man disappears as soon as the puck hits the table. Like a switch has been flicked, he shifts into a battle stance, hitting the puck hard enough to send it flying like a bullet.]

Ora ora oraaaa!

iii.

[Finally, once he's done eating the plants and making holes in the walls, it's time to head on home.

That's the idea, anyway. But passersby may notice Yamato simply sitting on the ground outside, quietly staring up at the sky.

So this is death.]

ii

[idkmybffgon]

[It might not be expected, but this is the sort of thing that Killua LOVES. The moment that he sees that battle stance, it's like his own body responds without him even having to think about it, settling into something of a crouch at the other end of the table.]

Bring it!!

[Seemingly effortlessly, Killua meets the puck with his own paddle, which only sends it shooting upward and ... then ... onto the floor. Oh air hockey.]

...uh. Whose point is that?

[okitactless]

[Yamato smiles, and it's an odd, distant expression on his face--almost as though it belongs to someone else. But it seems he's found an equally eager opponent, which is exactly what he'd been looking for. Excellent.

...

Oh.]

Isn't it yours? Since I didn't manage to hit it. [Air hockey? Baseball? Dodgepuck?? WHAT IS THIS GAME.]

[idkmybffgon]

[Killua lets out a laugh and goes to pick up the puck, flipping it before catching it.]

I'll take it!

[He sets the puck down and then slams it back towards Yamato without any further prompting.]

[okitactless]

[That's fine by Yamato! Killua is obviously going to be a true pal around here, he knows what's up.

(They're going to break all the things, aren't they.)

The puck comes skidding over--is it even touching the table??--and Yamato's ready to meet it, a wild glint in his eyes. He doesn't hold back when he whacks the puck in Killua's general direction, since obviously Killua isn't going to either. HE LIKES THIS GAME this is a good game.]

A!

[dominatriarch]

Only if you feel like eating.

[ She'd actually asked for a light dinner before leaving. After all, if it was important, there sometimes wasn't enough time to eat at these little shindigs. But booze. She's glad it's there. Looks like this evening was for making sure people don't kill each other.

Like this guy. Because... is he eating... a plant...? ]

I... believe you may be eating part of the centerpiece.

[okitactless]

[Well, that's a little more helpful than what Amaterasu had said, anyway. (Not that he doesn't appreciate the sun goddesses' efforts, of course.) He tilts his head, contemplating. It's only something they do if they want to, then? Like a hobby. Interesting.]

Oh? [He blinks, looking down at the leaf in his hand.] Isn't it the same as those dishes, there? I thought this one would be more delicious, because it's so pretty. [Pointing at some of the salad bowls a little further down the table... why are some leaves edible and others aren't??]

[dominatriarch]

Ah, no... those plants were chosen merely for decoration. I don't think they'd taste any better than whatever's offered.

[ Laughing would be rude but she can't help but shake her head with the smallest smile. ]

Incidentally, have you had the actual salad?

[okitactless]

Oh, I see... then pretty things aren't for eating. [Honestly, he's a little relieved. He doesn't have to feel guilty for thinking the food is gross if it's not food.

Unsurprisingly, he shakes his head.]

No, I haven't. I didn't want to take any food others were eating.

II 1/2

[sleepingknight]

[The request had been met with a cheerful "sure" because why not, a little game sounded like fun!

Her cheerful expression changes immediately once the puck goes flying, narrowly missing her face.]

2/2

[sleepingknight]

...Umm... I'm pretty sure the puck's supposed to stay on the board!

[She's not even all that concerned with the close call, calmly going over to collect it from the floor and holding it up between her fingers for him to see.]

You can't just hit it as hard as you can, you gotta keep control of it!

[okitactless]

[Bless you, Yuuki... for his part, Yamato nods, very seriously. He's taking mental notes here, this is important!!]

Could you show me?

[He doesn't know how to not go turbo...]

[sleepingknight]

Sure! Watch this--

[She sets the puck down and gives it a solid whack, sending it scooting towards Yamato's goal!]

iii; hello shinki

[roeh]

[Although the plan might have been to get wasted, Shepard isn't quite so dense and she wasn't about to compromise herself in a situation that is still so foreign, with variables that are completely unknown. Still that didn't stop her from drinking enough to give her a sizable headache. As they tumble out into the night, with little direction or any sense of where to go, she finds herself slumped at the base of a tree within earshot of Yamato -- though she's far too wrapped up in her own misery, with her head buried in her arms, to notice her companion.]

Mórrígan huh...

[Seems this whole god things is just as hard to come to terms with. At least Shepard familiar with the fierce and regal deity. She decides to take it as a compliment.]

eeeeee HI!!

[okitactless]

[Yamato hadn't imbibed any alcohol--he hadn't even eaten much, truth be told. So many others had been so eager about the food and drink that it seemed liked a waste to deprive them of it. He's a tool, apparently. Why would he?

But he's not oblivious to the effects of alcohol, even if he's never experienced them himself (not that he'd remember even if he had). So when she speaks, he lowers his head, and simply stares at her for a little while.

Eventually, though, he does shuffle a little bit closer.]

Excuse me. [In front of her, should she care to lift her head, she'll see bright blue eyes and a mop of fluffy hair, an iconic blue and white haori draped over a young man with a curious, innocent look on his face.] Are you sick?

sorry your god doesn't know the first thing about swords

[roeh]

[She's not ready to look up just yet though she does have to fight the urge on hearing his voice. Something about sudden movements and mild nausea not mixing too well.]

Yeah. I mean no. I mean I'll be fine.

[Slowly, slowly, like the rising moon, her eyes appear above the horizon of her weary limbs. They're just a bit hazy and unfocused but it does nothing to dim their verdant severity. She's sizing him up in her own time.

Blue. She thinks. And young. So many of the people here are so young. Or so she thinks.]

Definitely one of my better nights. How about you?

i

[darkduelist]

I don't think we do. [Standing nearby, Yuto responds to the other's question.] It's not like we can... starve to death, right? [They are already dead, after all.

Then Yuto actually looks at the other... and notices what he is trying to eat.

Er.]

...I don't think you should eat that.

[okitactless]

[Yes, that's a good point. But then why are they at a banquet, of all things? Maybe it's more for their gods than them... or maybe it's just to help them transition, since plenty of them seem to be happy about all this food.]

Hm? Oh, I'm sorry. Was this yours? [Was he eating someone else's food on accident? No wonder nobody's touched it...]

[darkduelist]

[Yuto blinks once, before he actually replies.]

No. [Er.] That's a part of the decorations.

[That guy really didn't notice at all? How? That thing doesn't even look edible!]

why this...

[returnedfromtheline]

[Yukine eyed the guy warily when he approached asking to play a game- presumably of air hockey, going by the puck. This was the guy who had been eating the centerpieces earlier... but he... seems okay now. So he'd agreed to it.

He sure is regretting that now. Yukine gapes at the air through which the puck had passed, then slowly turns to see that it is sticking out of the wood post of the wall.

The heck--]

What the heck?! [Flustered but angry, he rounds on the guy.]

You don't hit it that hard, idiot! What if it'd hit my face like that?! Keep it on the board! The board! [He slaps his hand on the game's 'ice surface' with a glower. This guy is crazy...]

because yams has two settings and both of them are turbo

[okitactless]

[If it had hit your face, Yukine, he would've told you you needed better dodging skills... but luckily he doesn't say that out loud, because he's too busy being confused.]

Eh? Why would you keep it on the board? Isn't the purpose of the game to hit it past the other person?

[Is this not how you win? It looks like winning to him!]

so cute though ;;

[returnedfromtheline]

Wha-?! If it was you sure got that down. Why are you playing if you don't know the rules?! Ugh- HERE!

[He pulls the puck out of the post (crap- that's a scary amount of force no matter how you cut it) and slams it to the gently blowing table.]

This is the playing surface. Like in real hockey, you keep the puck on the ice. It's against the rules for the puck to go flying, got it? You are supposed to get the puck past the other person here. Just here. [He points directly down at his goal.]

Hit the puck into the hole. Got it?

i.

[sweetdeath]

[Tsuzuki's mouth is full of beef Wellington when he hears the plaintive question nearby, and he turns around, blinking.]

Probably not--

[It comes out muffled, so he swallows, and tries again.]

Probably not! But it tastes great, so why not tuck in?

[After all, not eating never killed a Shinigami before, and it sounds like they're all gods of one sort or another now. His new title's a lot nicer than Shinigami, and that means he's even less likely to be vulnerable to little things like lack of food or water.

It doesn't mean being hungry or thirsty is fun, and he can confirm food tastes just as good as always -- better, because when was the last time he had food this good? Probably the last time the Count of the Castle of Candles invited him by for tea, and that was always a little nerve-wracking.]

It's free!

[okitactless]

[What exactly are you're putting in your mouth, Tsuzuki... Yamato may not have any memories, but it doesn't seem like something he would've gone for even if he did want to eat.]

That's alright, thank you. I don't want to eat anything someone else might want.

[Someone like you, Tsuzuki...]

[sweetdeath]

There's more than enough for everybody! You don't have to stick with... rabbit food...

[Actually, is that part of the centerpiece? Tsuzuki just kind of assumed it was salad, but it does have that weird, glossy, ornamental look to it.

He trails off, and then adds, dubiously:] Uh, you had to eat before, right?