April Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: May 8th 2017
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods and shinki



Gods and shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided to the rear of the Meeting Hall, where a traditionally styled dojo and training ground have been made available for the day. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the details of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki or from 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.

Once the speech is over, new gods are joined with the rest of the gods in a larger room, although it still has a raised stage and tatami mats. There are worried whispers that they might be given another questionnaire to fill out as was the case a month and a half ago, while others are wondering if this is an impromptu conclave to follow up on Suijin's findings on behalf of Amaterasu.

Well, after a few minutes, Fuujin arrives - with Kaede close behind him. "I hear you all plan on sticking around, so listen up." He crosses his arms and walks towards the front of the stage. "You want to prove we can trust you so much, you can pull your own weight. This whole time, we've been training you and your shinki. Time to show us what you've learned and just how much effort you're willing to put in off the battlefield. Kaede, explain." Fuujin steps back, and Kaede steps forward.

"What my Lord Fuujin means is that we will begin accepting volunteers for temples of the New Gods to host these training sessions. Training should continue to cater to the needs of God and Shinki alike. Prospective Hosts should contact me, Lord Fuujin, or one of the other Counselors Lady Suijin and Lord Raijin, if they are interested in opening up their temple, so that we might make recommendations based on your planned activities." Kaede bows to the crowd. "Lady Suijin and Our Lady Amaterasu also send their regards in this matter."

Although Fuujin harrumphs a little at that final remark, Kaede steps back. "Alright, that's it! Go on if you've got other business."

Shinki Training

There are stacks of informational pamphlets sitting out on tables around the dojo. There aren't very many of the white-robed shinki around, but the few who are present will willingly answer any questions or instruct newcomers in the use of the borderline. They accompany their answers, or their 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, but they are damaged in a way that doesn't make them terribly useful as targets. A couple of shinki are trying to repair them on the fly without success, all by hand.

Physical Training

Amaterasu's shinki took the time to reassemble Bishamon's obstacle course on these grounds! Climb walls, crawl through mud, jump across randomly spaced stumps, find your way through a maze and collect one of each of five different-colored ribbons being handed out by shinki attendants for completing each section within the allotted time. Every so often, Amaterasu's shinki high-five each other for setting a good example for future training sessions and sound excited about being allowed to participate in trainings instead of managing them all the time.

There's another segment inside the hall though, away from the noisiness outside. There is a place set up to do low-strain stretching exercises called Rajio Taisou. Afterwards, this includes a duration exercise for practicing seiza sitting position. Those who succeed for at least 15 minutes are treated to an immaculately prepared hot drink of traditional green tea, or a similar sort of beverage upon request, then another at 30 minutes, and so forth. Don't worry, the drink cups are the traditional size - slightly smaller than a modern mug.

Rest and Refreshments

While the usual refreshments and snacks are available, for those who are still up for it, Amaterasu's shinki have one more session that everyone can participate in. They'd originally planned for it to be shinki songs only, but say they decided to make it more general singing practice. They'll sing a handful of kindergarten-age songs twice-through each as warm up, and then move on to some popular enka tunes as well. They have light koto accompaniment, a small piano, and a drum.

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
  
• Discuss with your temple-mates if you'd like to volunteer to host training
  
• Choose your style of physical training: high- or low-impact
  
• Enjoy singing together
• Have fun~

Comments

[reformedsinner]

Life does go on.

[He's silent for a moment, before determinedly brightening.] Ah, is that so?

Did he have you working on his paperwork or was it a real vacation?

[kagenonadeshiko]

It was a real vacation for the most part. I spent a lot of time simply relaxing. I didn't need to cook or clean anything the whole time I was there though I did my best not to be too much of an imposition on their hospitality anyway.

[Between the fun chats with Ebisu's shinki and time spent unwinding in the baths, Ayumu almost feels completely rejuvenated.]

It was nice. I'd like to repay Ebisu-sama's kindness sometime if I can. And maybe plan some more trips in the future. I think this one -

[Ayumu pats Toyo's head again.]

-and Joscelin might enjoy that.

[reformedsinner]

Joscelin must be happy to have you back.

[Chikusa probably isn't going to be, but that's something Hakkai can deal with the next time he sees his exemplar.]

Will he be staying with you now?

[kagenonadeshiko]

Yes, he's been overjoyed and wants to move back in with me. I told him that I'd discuss it with you first. I don't mind if you wish to retain him as a shinki. He seems content working with you.

[Chikusa wasn't happy to see her but that wasn't a surprise, even if the borderline had been. But she'd tried. There's only so much others can do for a person if they're unwilling or unable to be helped. She knows that better than anyone.]

But I have... concerns. Joscelin was talking about quitting school in order to put in more hours with Ebisu-sama to help support us. I know he's very intelligent and educated but... I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it because of his appearance.

[Even if in many ways, Joscelin is still very much a child, at least, around her.]

I would like your opinion as his current god and a teacher on that if it's not too much trouble.

[reformedsinner]

I'd like to keep him as a shinki, although he's only stayed with me some of the time, so he's certainly welcome to move in with you if you'd like.

[His smile is there and gone again, but he frowns with real thought at her question.]

Do you need the support? Or is he looking for an excuse to quit?

[kagenonadeshiko]

I'm a little concerned about our finances since I'm fairly certain that all of my followers have moved on in my absence. But it's like I told Joscelin - I'm sure that we'll fine once I've had time to start working again. I know that he's attending for science and math. If he's enjoying the classes and they're beneficial to him, I don't want him to stop going.

[Ayumu takes a sip of her tea before continuing.]

He's old-fashioned. I think he feels it's his role to be the man of the house.

[It's really cute and endearing but she's still the adult and with that comes responsibilities, especially with children in the home.]

I was wondering if there was maybe some sort of test he could take so I could better understand just where he's at academically before any decisions are made about his work and schooling.

[reformedsinner]

I think he wants to take care of you. [Hakkai chuckles softly.]

There are some aptitude tests that I could give him, yes, but I think it's good for him to continue his studies. They're a grounding influence. As for Joscelin's income... why don't I offer to pay him for his time destroying ayakashi with me?

He does it already, and so it would be a way for him to support you without cutting into his free time.

[kagenonadeshiko]

If it's not any trouble, that would be a big help.

[It's an honest relief to be presented with another option that doesn't involve taking her foster child out of school. At least, one person in the temple should have a proper education.]

I think the aptitude test would be a good idea, regardless, just so I know where his strengths and weaknesses lie.

[Ayumu glances over at little Toyo, who's been so silent and still during this conversation.]

Maybe test this one, too. I know that she's soulless but I'd like to try to help her, even just a little bit.

[Perhaps it's a lost cause but the shinki just looks so young.]

[reformedsinner]

It's no trouble at all. Somehow, there are quite a few humans who've made the mistake of worshiping me now.

[His glance at Toyo is thoughtful, but genuinely interested.]

-- Yes, if you don't mind me giving her a few tests, I'm curious to see what her answers are like myself.

[What do soulless shinki know? Is it different from one to another? Would a child only know the schooling she'd had time to receive, or do their external appearances not reflect their understanding at all?

They might not be useful questions, but they are interesting.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thank you.

[As strained as relations are, this seems a safe enough role to play - that of a parent concerned with the education and welfare of her children and it's not even a lie. Something more professional and emotionally distant. At the moment, peaceful coexistence in the Heavens seems like a more realistic goal to aim for than amends.]

I'll bring them both by the school sometime soon then. When would be a good time for you? I'm afraid that I don't know much about how long testing like this usually takes.

[Different time and educational standards and all.]

[reformedsinner]

I have a better idea of Joscelin's level, but as for Toyo... hmm, give me a few days to gather the testing materials?

[Professional and emotionally distant is easier. Hakkai's in no shape to have even a normally sincere conversation right now, much less one with Ayumu. They have a gift for finding one another's vulnerabilities.

And, at least the last time he remembers their speaking, he doesn't think she'd understood what his problem was. Explaining it to her, the time before, had not gone well.]

I'll want to have a wider range for her. Since I have afternoon classes, let's start the testing after breakfast. Eight o'clock?

[kagenonadeshiko]

That would be fine. It will take us that long to get settled in.

[Shopping for clothing and what toys Ayumu can manage comes first . Toyo might be a soulless but she's still a child. The least she can do is make sure she's taken care of and as comfortable in her new home as can be.]

If there's anything else that I should bring, please give me a call and let me know.

[reformedsinner]

Of course. ... You'll be in the phones again, won't you? As Vesta?

[He takes out his phone as he asks, looking down at his screen, scrolling through contacts. It's a minefield as usual: some names there, so many not.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

I haven't checked yet but I should be now. Everything else seems to be back to normal. anyway.

[Maybe Ayumu's been here for too long if she's starting to view this place as normal. But it is what it is. It's best for her in the long run to simply accept it and make do with what she can.]

[reformedsinner]

You are.

[He pauses on her entry, and looks up from the screen.]

It is good to know that's back to normal, at least....

[kagenonadeshiko]

Yes. It's a start.

[It'll be good to get back into a routine, find her center and some stability again. Mundanity's good for that.]

[reformedsinner]

Yes.

[He draws himself up, offering her a formal and impersonal little bow, and puts the phone back in his pocket.]

I should let you both get settled, shouldn't I? You know where to find me if you have any questions. That, at least, hasn't changed.

[kagenonadeshiko]

'Kay. Thank you.

[It's good to know that the school and his temple haven't changed. As for if anything else, well, they'll have to see. There's a lot to work out. At this point, just making it through a conversation without either of them shouting or being tempted to throw a drink in Hakkai's face is a victory worth celebrating.]

I'll be in touch.