July Training

[unlucky7]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: June 22nd, 2017
Where: Ebisu’s temple, Nagashima Resort on the Near Shore
Summary: A chance for gods and shinki to put their skills to the test… at a water park?



The morning of training, a mass message is sent out to everyone on the contact list.

Training will be conducted on the Near Shore today. Please meet at Ebisu's temple for an overview and directions.

Please see the following list for what to bring.

The list of what to bring is a short one: a container to carry blessed water, sunscreen, a swimsuit and towel, a bag for an outing, comfortable shoes and clothes for moving in... the list sounds like something suited for a to a beach or an amusement park.

(Spoilers: It is.)

A map with directions to Ebisu’s temple is also included.



Introductions

Everyone is led to a large conference room in the temple. There's a long table set up with food and drinks: assorted rice balls, bread, pastries, simple assorted bento boxes, tea, coffee, water, fresh juice. There is also a table with shinki pamphlets and maps to the area if anyone wants one. There are chairs set up facing a projection screen.

Once it seems like there are no further arrivals and everyone has had a chance to mingle and get any refreshments they want, some of Ebisu's shinki encourage people to find a seat. The lights dim slightly as Ginia, dressed in a sharp black suit with a dark green tie, steps in front to address the crowd in sign language, another shinki interpreting for her.

"Thank you all for gathering. Today's training format will have a different approach. As we all know, ayakashi are a common problem on the Near Shore. While reports of larger ayakashi have dwindled, small and some medium-sized ayakashi remain. They are drawn to areas with a high population of humans and where negativity or strife can brew.

Everyone, today we're putting our skills to the test and hunting ayakashi. "

Ginia pulls a remote from her pocket and displays a map of a sprawling entertainment complex with an amusement park, onsen resort, water park, shopping center, and hotels on the screen.

"This is Nagashima Resort, one of the most popular vacation and entertainment destinations in Japan. With an amusement park, shopping centers, a water park, botanical garden, and onsen resort, it's a destination for all ages year-round. Because of that, it’s ripe for ayakashi causing trouble.

"The first part of training is reaching the amusement park. You'll teleport to the Near Shore to one of Ebisu's shrines. From there, four paths in increasing difficulty are marked out with ribbons and flags: white, yellow, red, and orange. If you wish to bypass the course entirely, you're welcome to reach the location through public transportation or other means, the choice is yours.

"Once at the site, you'll want to keep an eye out for ayakashi. Flushing them out with borderlines and blessed water is an option, as is seeking out areas problems might occur. Keep in mind the large number of children around means our actions will be noticed, so take a subtle approach or pull the fight to where it won’t be noticed. Also please keep property damage to a minimum.

"After you've had your fill of hunting ayakashi, please enjoy the location's facilities. Full admission and ride vouchers will be provided for everyone as well as a stipend for food and souvenirs."

Ginia grins and gives a thumbs up.

"Do your best and have fun!"

God and Shinki Training

With no new arrivals, gods and shinki are encouraged to work with their temple or other temples to figure out strategies. Or make plans for how to spend the day, there’s no judgment at all. Ebisu, Tsubasa, and Chris are around to provide support and information for gods. Any shinki that want last minute borderline practice or a refresher on light moving can talk to Ginia or Ebisu's shinki.

Physical Training

Beginning at the entrance of Ebisu's shrine, the four routes are clearly laid out. All four take advantage of the lightness all shinki and gods can tap into to jump higher and longer distances and stand on just about anything. The easiest route, white, is a longer route that’s more street-level, but requires using some leaps across the road or use of lamp posts to cut across areas.

Yellow is entirely crossed with lamp posts and electrical poles can be managed without ever touching the ground. It's a pretty direct route and easy for someone focused on lightness the entire time.

Red moves higher, mixing up lamp posts and signs to bound off, as well as a few rooftop runs. It requires a few tricky jumps that can be easier with borderline bridges or teleporting, but still entirely possible with the right planning. Like the yellow route, traversing means never touching the ground until reaching the entertainment complex.

Orange is the most physical of the courses, requiring precise jumps or teleports along rooftops, vertical wall jumps, and a few blind drops or teleports downward to get to the next section. A shinki who can make bridges with their borderline can test their skills with bridging some of the larger jumps, while a god can test out flying in tighter areas or teleporting.

Race other people, help out someone struggling on a route, or skip this portion entirely, the choice is yours.

Ayakashi Attacks

While there are no large ayakashi to fight on top of a roller coaster, the amount of ayakashi around is still plentiful. Crying children, stressed parents, dates going poorly, there are plenty of reasons for negativity to brew and ayakashi to latch onto or encourage the behavior. Common are small ayakashi; tick ayakashi irritating people, coin purse ayakashi making people spend more, bird ayakashi enhancing bad moods, all sorts causing minor mishap. Medium ayakashi, such as slender shadows unnerving children or ayakashi latching onto mirrors and showing one’s worst self, are less common but still lurking about.

Rend them and keep the day lively and fun for everyone, but don’t get caught by any children in the area. If you do, better come up with a story fast. Some kinds are as persistent as ayakashi when it comes to getting an answer.

Rest and Refreshments

Before leaving Ebisu's temple, everyone is given vouchers to exchange for tickets for the parks and 10,000 yen in spending money. There’s plenty to do at Nagashima Spa Land. The water park with its multiple slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and swimming pools is the perfect way to beat the heat and the main attraction. However, for those who want to stay drier, there's also a full amusement park with rides for all ages and excitement levels. From merry-go-rounds to haunted houses, a giant ferris wheel to thrilling roller coasters, the 40 rides across the park should be the trick

For those who want something a little more relaxing, there's a botanical garden to stroll through with beautiful illuminations at night. There is also a large onsen resort with multiple pools for a nice long soak. There’s also a large shopping center nearby and plenty of food options across the entertainment complex.

In Summary:

• Try racing against others through the city
  
• Put the skills you’ve learned to the test against ayakashi
  
• Enjoy a day at a water/amusement/spa park
  
• Have fun~

Comments

[hypomeneo]

[Judar knows about the existence of the God's Greatest Secret, and while that's incredibly dangerous if he's ever named by a god from his world, it's an incredible comfort as well. Even if he can never tell Judar what he saw, there's an honesty and totality of consent present that both of them need, as used and abused as both of them were during their lives.

It's always a delicate matter for a shinki turned God to take shinki in turn, just by the nature of what they've lived through. For Waver, given the nature of the Mage world with its many abuses and broken systems too similar to the ones here... it's even more delicate. But he prayed for this in Hawaii, even if godhood was not his desire, and just a simple release was. He has to take the lessons learned and guide in turn.

He does wish Hakkai was still here, though. There's a lot he would love to talk about.]

"Of course!"

[Her god is her utmost priority! Second is his Temple and Iskandar! Third is hugging every cute animal she sees!

(Hibiki's spygoats are a favorite)]

I am, even if I feel a bit like a parent at times. [Eirene has that hugging cute animals thing, and it's a challenge to guide that sometimes to appropriate expressions without killing the impulse dead. All spontaneity and self desire in a soulless needs to be nurtured at every step.] I really like the gardens and onsen. Iskandar is more thrilled with the more active amusements... [Guess who's been dragged into fun? Absolutely right.] It's all good.

[Someone is in a suspiciously good mood. And it isn't just the better sleep.]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia picks up her backpack as she listens, splashing a little blessed water inside for safety.]

Glad to hear. I figured there was enough here to suit everyone's tastes and not mind clearing out some ayakashi.

[And helping out the businesses, though with the heavy traffic Nagashima Resort already sees, the financial gain through a bunch of god and shinki isn't that noticeable. The greater boon is clearing out ayakashi. But pragmatic as Ginia is, she wants everyone to have a good time too.]

You're looking chipper. Good to see.

[hypomeneo]

Well... ah...

[He twists his ring.]

I'm engaged. Iskandar proposed two days ago in Hawaii.

[unlucky7]

You mean engaged again, because I'm pretty sure the first one still counts.

[But if Iskandar proposed again (and in Hawaii of all places), then this one must be a formal proposal in the eyes of common and modern culture. Ginia moves for a hug, stopping to make sure she didn't miss any blight on her arms and hands, then closes the distance in a tight hug. Don't worry, she's mindful of the hair.

She's grinning when she pulls away.]

You know Natsumi and Terumi will kill you if you don't let them dress you for the wedding.

[hypomeneo]

Killing me is the least of what they'll do!

[Like not help him navigate Gion's traditional culture, where he's unexpectedly started growing in popularity. Waver has no idea why a Taoist god is taking off there of all places, even if he's popular among the progressive inhabitants only.

Excuse him as he hugs back just as tightly (but not too tight, because E ranked strength is still something.

(thank you about the hair. Summer's making it take a beating. All the extra work he needs to put into it now... arrrgh.)]

Trust me, I need all the help I can get. I'd never turn them down. They helped me get Iskandar's ring in the first place!

[Even if that was initially meant as only a present because he got it when he was shinki.]

And... ah... It does. Call this the official engagement.

[unlucky7]

Now I understand why Natsumi looked so pleased.

[Like a cat in a sunbeam that one, more so than usual. No doubt they'll offer up all their services. At a slight fee of helping out with prayers because staying afloat is the way of Ebisu's temple, but they'd help out of love too.]

Let me say again congratulations and know how very happy I am for the both of you. Where in Hawaii did he propose?

[hypomeneo]

[She's always right and always wins. The big sister Waver never had and never knew he needed until he met her.

But of course, such is the way of things. Iskandar and him are very pleased to help out.]

Mauna Kea Observatories! [Which sounds like an awfully strange place for a proposal, doesn't it?] I knew he was up to something when he showed up at my Temple in a tie [Somewhere there is a dramatic gasp. Oh, it's just those tourists over there looking at something on their phone.] but I thought he was just going to take me to somewhere fancy.

[Iskandar in tie almost never happens, okay? Waver tends to wear the suits between them.]

[unlucky7]

[A romantic spot differs to each person. The significance is something for them and them alone.

From the way Ginia's brow crinkles, she's having a hard time picturing Iskandar wearing a tie. It's not an impossible image; he would certainly look good in a suit. Merely a difficult image to imagine.]

Getting whisked away to Hawaii is pretty fancy if you ask most people.

[hypomeneo]

Oh, I won't argue it's fancy. But not the kind of fancy that usually requires dress clothes, you know?

[More like beachwear and sunscreen. Not ties.]

[unlucky7]

A fair point. But then that means Iskandar dressing up is all the more special.

[She smiles and waves a hand lightly.]

Don't let me interrupt your story.

[hypomeneo]

I'm surprised you haven't heard this part of it yet with all the office gossip. So he got me to ask to use Ebisu's shrine in Hawaii to get us there.

[Because like hell they were asking Fuujin for use of his. Waver thinks there's a betting pool going on about what just happened. It would explain a few certain texts he's gotten lately.]

[unlucky7]

I think people were trying to keep it a secret since you're my friend.

[Poorly, though. It explains a lot of the giggling and knowing looks, as well as continued sighing at Waver's taken status. But for as much as the temple loves its gossip, everyone knows who should be the one sharing the news too.]

I suppose it would be poorer for me to find out second hand than from you personally. I can forgive being two days behind. I imagine the day after was spent basking in the afterglow.

[hypomeneo]

[Waver suddenly flushes. Listen... they are them, okay? Iskandar is a Greek God and their relationship is very Greek as well.]

Aha... you could say that.

[MOVING ON.]

I appreciate their restraint; I wanted to tell you myself. [Then he chuffs, amused.] And them not ambushing me the moment I walked in the Temple. Though I bet a few of them were tempted.

[He heard the giggles. He's seen the hiding of grins. He knows who you are! Alas, the hearts of those young men in all those departments. He keeps breaking them!]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia realizes the double entendre after the fact and blushes a bit herself. Ah. Yes. Right. She's happy for the love lives of all her friends and it's also something she doesn't want to think about.

MOVING ON.]

I imagine being around for decades has a way of tempering things. For the most part.

[Some personality traits will never die. If people aren't exploding from excitement and hiding secrets, it's probably because everyone is too tired.]

Though once you begin making wedding plans, be prepared for opinions.

1/2

[hypomeneo]

Wedding plans. [Waver slowly drags his fingers down his face, sudden realization dawning.] Christ, I know nothing about weddings. I never expected to be married, unless roped into an arranged match. Shit.

I mean, Iskandar's been married three times already, but I'm sure he didn't actually do any of the arranging. The Susa weddings were hu---

[...

This is the moment where Waver's mind locks up and metaphorical sparks come out of his ears. Reboot. Reboot.]

2/2

[hypomeneo]

We don't have the bloody money for anything like that.

[Things you have to consider when marrying the King of Conquerors.]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia covers her mouth as a tiny laugh escapes. There's truly the look of a man getting hit with a whole bunch of realizations all at once.]

If you want a grand spectacle, time to save up. You could always work full-time for a bit.

[There's an easy way to get some money, though even that might fall short of a ceremony fit for a king.]

Though does it need to be so fancy? It seems like all a wedding needs is the location, someone to perform the ceremony, and maybe a celebration after.

[hypomeneo]

[GINIA, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. The Susa Weddings lasted five days! It was lavish even for a state wedding! (partly because so many people got married, but! But!) It was THE event of the ancient world during that time.]

Or raid Fort Knox. That might just about do it.

[Waver looks faint.]

In my opinion, no. It's not a state wedding; we don't need lavish displays of wealth to display power or for other political reasons [Susa was very political after all.] that really get bloody ridiculous the more you look at them. I think what's going to hang us up is custom and ritual. Ancient Greece, Persia, and Egypt don't really have guidelines for marrying men, and god knows, us Mages like following the old ways.

We just might have to make our own. Maybe incorporate some customs from here. Opinions are welcome.

[Natsumi, Terumi, ever want to have serious veto power on a godly wedding? Here's your chance!]

[unlucky7]

If you're planning a heist, I do have a growing list of people who could stand to have their assets put to better use.

[Serious or joking, who can tell. It's true though, Ginia is vastly underestimating the size and scope of such an event.]

It is your wedding. The two of you are free to make it whatever you want. If you want ideas, you could talk to Aymeric and Leo and see how they handled things.

[She smiles at the memory.] It was a very lovely ceremony. Ebisu officiated it. Great dessert selection.

[hypomeneo]

[Waver raises a finger. Puts it down. Actually...

Satya would smack him right now. Because he doesn't have as much of a problem with that idea as he should.]

Let me get back to you on that.

[That could swing from serious to joking on his end as well.]

I think we might do that. It'd give us a good idea on how to start. [Then he laugh-sighs because he remembers a few frustrated BBS posts.] And what not to do while putting it together.

You think Lord Ebisu wouldn't mind officiating again?

[He can't think of anyone else they'd want to ask. And it'd be a cold day before they'd ask Amaterasu or her retainers.]

[unlucky7]

[Millionaires and billionaires make so much money they won't even notice if some of their funds are diverted. Besides, it's a crime how much they horde, they're doing everyone a favor.

The chaotic good spirit lives on.]

I don't think he'd mind at all. He was quite delighted to help Aymeric and Leo. I imagine he'd be even more delighted as the two of you have helped his temple out.

[A sly smile forms as she taps her chin.]

Make sure you have a platform for him to stand on. Something with a railing for safety. Don't mind one of his shinki standing by him just in case.

[hypomeneo]

[It's for the economy! Do it anyway!]

I'm glad.

[Beat.]

Aaa?

That bad, huh? [Waver smirks a little in humor.] I'll even put up a Bounded Field. Don't want to take any chances.

[Okay, that's enough ribbing. Ebisu is too pure and triggers all his Must Protecc instincts for Waver to really want to give him a hard time.]

[unlucky7]

There were no problems at the last wedding, but he is small and uncoordinated. Expected as he did have to grow his limbs. A pity coordination wasn't part of it. It also doesn't improve much as an adult from what everyone says.

[On the other hand, as Ebisu's shinki, Ginia is all too willing to lovingly tease and share all the gossip about the tiny old god.]

He'd use Kunimi all the time if he could get away with it. Have you met him, Ebisu's exemplar?

[hypomeneo]

Only in passing to get forms signed off on. I don't know how he ever escapes the office. Half the time I meet him, I'm wondering if I'm going to have to dig him out from underneath the paperwork when it inevitably collapses on him.

[That's Lord levels of paperwork. Truly terrifying.]

[unlucky7]

I'm pretty sure he doesn't leave the office unless he's accompanying Ebisu somewhere or sending a message on his behalf. I can't say I envy his position.

[The trials and tribulations of being the newly assigned exemplar to a God of Fortune. Ginia has a lot of respect for him but would never want the responsibility he has.]

From what I've heard, he's the crush of those who like their men tall and broad-shouldered.