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

[spacedog]

It's okay.

[Really, it is.] Have you tried these things yet? [He doesn't know what most of the food even is called but that doesn't matter. At all.]

[peoples_keeper]

Izaya studied the food the other was holding for a moment. "Ah, I haven't tried much of anything just yet, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole situation, you know? How is it?" He was still deciding if he was going to give out his 'God' name or his actual name at this time.

[spacedog]

It's really good! [Probably best at this point that Izaya doesn't know that Coal also thought that Purina Healthy Dog was really good, too. He shrugs at the other guy.]

I guess I don't have much to wrap my head around. I'm a shinki so I don't have memories. Are you a god?

[And yes, he is totally at peace with not having any memories.]

[peoples_keeper]

"Is does look like you are enjoying it. I might just have to try some later." Coal, Purina isn't really all that healthy, you should be eating a raw meat diet not that Izaya really cares... about dogs.

"That makes sense. I, myself am a God apparently, "Omoikane". So as a Shinki, how would you describe your mental state right now? How does it feel to not know where you came from?"

[spacedog]

[Coal looks thoughtful for a moment and then he shrugs.]

I feel normal, I suppose. It doesn't matter where I came from if I'm here now, right?

[Everything seems very easy, really. He doesn't know why other shinki are worried about not having memories. He might even consider himself to be better off than some of the gods, who seem rather upset about becoming gods and leaving their spaceships or whatever behind.]

[peoples_keeper]

"You aren't you the least bit curious about your past experiences or maybe what was your favorite food or who was your best friend?"

He supposes there are cases where people haven't always been interested in finding out about their past after getting amnesia, he was just curious if that was something that all the Shinki here share or if it is due to their actual personality traits from their previous lives.

[spacedog]

[He hesitates a bit and then shrugs ambivalently.] I would be nice to know those things, I guess, but it also feels like we're all meant to start over here. So I think I'll just concentrate on figuring out how to be a shinki and what this place is.

It's weird to think I'm dead though? But... [He gestures to the food and the other gods and all the other shinki--really, everything in the room.] This isn't at all bad. If this is what it is to be dead, I rather like it.

[peoples_keeper]

Izaya laughs a bit boisterously and smiles at Coal, "You sure an interesting guy. Such a positive outlook to your current situation. Well I guess when in Rome, right? What's your name?"

[spacedog]

I'm Coal. [He grins at the god happily.] I don't know why anyone wouldn't feel positive with this kind of welcome? Maybe it's different for the gods, but a brand new start in a new place seems... well, it seems right.

[Maybe that was a little bit too much straightforward talking, but Coal is okay with that. It must be strange to be a god, though, and remember all the things that came before. To Coal, that sounds kind of difficult.]

[peoples_keeper]

"I should think that it may also be difficult for some Shinki, I guess it just depends on their predisposition and that would go for the Gods as well. For instance, I was in the middle of things when I was brought here so suffice to say, I have some mixed feelings about the whole thing. I suppose if everyone had the same reaction it wouldn't be as interesting."

Izaya looks Coal over again feeling something out of the ordinary, ah, could this be. "You know Coal, this might be a little sudden, but I think you may be my Shiki."

YES THAT WAS A LITTLE SUDDEN?

[spacedog]

[Coal blinks at the god. Why not? He tilts his head a bit to the side as if he's trying to appraise the god a bit, and then stands a bit straighter. He hasn't... made a bad impression already has he?]

R-Really? [A veeeeery tiny but super pleased smile starts growing on his face. Just being able to put a face to the god he's supposed to work for is surprisingly nice.] I'm your shinki?

Come to me my lump of Coal~

[peoples_keeper]

Izaya takes not of that smile and reaches out a hand to shake Coal's his own smile appeared briefly. "Please take care of me." And upon touching Coal he sees something that he can't quite comprehend. "... ..." The hell?

merry christmas, Izaya. (somehow so fitting?)

[spacedog]

[Coal nods solemnly at his god's words. He will definitely do his very best to take care of Omoikane... though the sudden pause at physical contact alarms Coal just a little bit.]

Is... is everything okay? [He looks at Omoikane with concern, gingerly taking his hand back. Is it something Coal did???]

That's all he gets for christmas.. how did you know?

[peoples_keeper]

"..." Izaya continues to stare at Coal for an uncomfortable amount of time. "Do...hmm how to say it... you know what? Nevermind. I was just reminded of something and I can't put a finger on it." Are you a giant exploding rock, Coal. Coal... coal.. giant lump of Coal?

Izaya forces a small smile still trying to make sense of the vision. The one who stands in front of him seems human-esque, his reactions are also human-like. He's going to forget he ever saw that... just kidding, he'll ignore it for the time being.

just a hunch. though I bet Santa knows better than to climb down that chimney

[spacedog]

[Not exploding on purpose, Izaya.

Coal tries not to feel anxious, though he has the sudden feeling it'd be easier to deal with the situation if... if he weren't so human. Instead of giving into the temptation, he swallows and forces himself to try to talk his way through it. Awkwardly.]

I can't say I've experienced that. Being reminded of something, I mean. [He feels like the talking isn't helping. What if he's saying the wrong thing? This is his new god he's talking to. And dammit, when did he finish the last of his juice? His mouth is so dry....] Do you want some juice? [He blurts it out, holding up his empty cup and then looking towards the table of refreshments. He is willing to go fetch something for Omoikane.]

Izaya is so rotten he even has to buy his own coal for xmas.

[peoples_keeper]

That's right, Coal has no memories. Izaya carefully watches his reactions with interest wondering if Celty would make similar facial expressions with her not being human and all. The informant chuckles a bit at his awkwardness and the way he changes subjects.

He might as well join in the festivities a bit, no one has shown any strange symptoms akin to being poisoned. "Yes actually, I think I would like some juice." Fetch Coal.

lol well at least this year his coal is also a puppy?

[spacedog]

[Coal fetches. He returns a moment later with some apple juice for both himself and his god. At least he feels like he's being helpful, and his god probably at least appreciates that, which is good because it would be nice to be appreciated instead of watched so closely.]

Here. [He holds out the cup to Omoikane.]

not much better... hahaha

[peoples_keeper]

Apple juice, an interesting choice, Izaya humors Coal by taking the offered cup and sipping some. "Thanks. Not planning on trying out any of the liquor?" He looks like he could be a little underage, it's not that Izaya cares, but if Shinki kept their personalities it could be possible that their curiosities are also in tact or perhaps those societal rules would still be ingrained on them meaning the same rebellious tendencies of a teen would still be there. He is set on testing out many theories.

everyone wants a puppy for christmas, okay?

[spacedog]

[Coal shrugs and then makes a grimace.] I don't really like the taste. [He did try something that turned out to be whiskey earlier, but he gave the glass to one of Amaterasu's shinki pretty quick not knowing that wasted alcohol is a total party foul, sheesh.]

What about you?

Izaya's mun wants all the puppies...

[peoples_keeper]

"At least you're honest. I generally like to stay sober, someone has to be the designated driver right? Anyhow, I'd prefer a cup of tea." Izaya has never driven anyone home, Izaya doesn't even own a car, he enjoys walking or public transit because people watching.

Coal's mun wants all the horses...?

[spacedog]

[It's never occurred to Coal to not be honest. He hesitates a moment, sending a glance towards the hot beverages. If Omoikane had just asked for a cup of tea first, then he wouldn't have guessed wrong and gotten the god apple juice. But Coal nods helpfully.]

Do you take sugar in your tea? [Or anything else? Now would be the time to say it.]

And they went and built a farm together. The End.

[peoples_keeper]

Izaya tilts his head a little bit at Coal. "No, I take it plain." He sets the cup of juice down on the nearby table.

That was a great story

[spacedog]

[Coal obediently fetches some tea, and of course doesn't add anything to it, and then offers it to his god.]

Here.

[He really does like being helpful, after all.]

[peoples_keeper]

Oh... Izaya blinks as the kid trots off to literally get him some tea. Well, he supposes the way he said it could be interpreted that way. In any case, he's rather obedient if not a bit simple. The God smiles amiably at Coal.

"Thanks. Well anyhow, Coal, I look forward to working with you as a Shinki. We'll have to sit down soon somewhere a bit quieter and find out how to make best use of this God, Shinki relationship." Izaya put his cup of tea up a little as if to say cheers before taking a sip.

[spacedog]

[Obedient and a bit simple is exactly what Coal his. But in his defense, he doesn't really even like complexities.]

I would really like that. There's a lot I still don't know about being a shinki, but I'd like to learn.