thenearshore | 007 | Clean Up Your Act

Entry tags:

007 | Clean Up Your Act

Who: Everyone!
What: Spring cleaning
When: All day April 15
Where: All around the Heavens
Summary: The Heavens don't like things being cluttered, so it's time to clean up a little bit.

Main Hall

While the main hall of the Heavens seems spotlessly clean at all times, that's not the case at all. In fact, it's been at least a decade since the last time they actually cleaned everything out properly. There are a lot of hidden closets and back rooms that have layers of dust and dozens of boxes filled with nothing but junk. Who knows, though! You might find something interesting and useful in there along with all the garbage.

Suprises

Unfortunately, some of the older temples on the Far Shore seem to have some interesting surprises tucked away, ranging from cursed artifacts all the way to magical creatures locked up in long-forgotten rooms. You are free to be creative with this as a way to get your characters into trouble while cleaning.

Complimentary Dinner

After all of your hard work, you deserve to have some tasty food and refreshing beverages. So the Heavens have provided that for you, so that you can wind down after a long day. It's not as fancy as the banquets they often put on, but there is a nice array of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy.

Counselling

As usual, there is a white-robed shinki bearing the gold chrysanthemum of Amaterasu sitting at a table in the Main Hall. There is a small sign that denotes her as the counselling shinki. Anyone is welcome to approach her, and she will smile serenely at anyone passing by as well.

In Summary:

Clean up your home
Help clean others' homes
Get the main hall clean too!
Hope no hidden magic jumps out
Seek counselling if you need it
Enjoy your complimentary dinner
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His gaze turns hollow, following the white grains that are pouring out from her hands to pool at their feet. Words fail him, reason fails him, and as the realization starts to sink in, as the rice piles up on the floor into a little mound, he shuts his eyes tightly and takes a deep breath.

She...really is a god, isn't she? And he's really dead and reincarnated as whatever the hell a shinki is.

Well. He'll figure that out later. Right now there's a much belated bow he needs to get to, and he's falling to his knees to kneel in front of her.]

Forgive me, for my disbelief. [He says, admonished. Still in shock, but at least his disbelief has cracked.]

[ This is not how she imagined her introduction with her shinki to be! Then again, she had no template for how it should be. All she knows is that she can't stand for this sort of mood! ] No-- oh, that's not necessary, truly--

[ She insists, stepping forward. She'll cross another line, perhaps, with how her hand goes to his shoulder as if she could have him stand up again. The shinki of Amaterasu don't bat an eye at Lu Meng's motion, but to Sanae this is all very new!

Plus, he's older than her, from a famous legend. If anything, she should be bowing to him! ]

[If she bowed to him he'd bow even lower; there's no way he can ever accept a bow from a god!!!

It's difficult to puzzle out his emotions right now. Is he mourning what he's lost when he can't even remember it, is he upset that he's dead, when technically there's no value in a life that holds no significance because he has no memories of it to begin with? His feelings are a troubling maelstrom in his heart.

He is uncertain about what is to happen to him from now on, if his current incarnation is a punishment of sorts for all his misdeeds in the past. But then he feels a gentle touch on his shoulder, and her voice, as worried and frantic as it is, cuts through the heavy thoughts that blank out his mind. She had cried for him, she had tried to comfort him...and even after he refused her, she was still trying to help.

Shame on him! How can he allow himself to wallow in self-pity and misery. Does he not still breath? Are his arms and legs missing? He can still think, he can still act, he can still live, if not the life he had before then a new life presents itself to him today. He does not know what a shinki is. But if a shinki is to work in partnership with a god, and if he is her shinki, then he must not--- no he cannot, he refuses to allow his emotions to bring him down in front of her.

So carefully he brings his eyes up to solemnly meet hers, purpose slowly flickering back within them.]

My lady [Yes it's my lady now, she better get used to it] said that I am to be your shinki. May I trouble her to know what is a shinki?

Edited 2016-08-17 03:20 (UTC)

[ She doesn't know what has gone through his head, but to have all of his troubles at this new revelation of his death and new duty seemingly be wrapped up all at once-- to see a new purpose filling his eyes instead-- is rather impressive. She wants to ask him if everything is alright just to make sure, but since he's already changed the subject, she'll oblidge. ] A shinki is... a holy tool that the gods in this world use. A regalia. [ She pauses. ] The shinki is the soul of a deceased human, given a posthumorous name by a god. I did not not Name you, because I was brought from an entirely different world, as were many gods and other shinki here.

By calling that name, the shinki's form becomes that of an object, something that the god may use to enact their will. With a shinki in hand gods may perform great feats, and it is only with the aide of a shinki that a god may slay ayakashi-- corrupted souls that prowl the Near Shore, or mortal world.

[ She pauses, and then she clarifies. ] But shinki are more than just tools. They act as guideposts to the gods, as stewards. Their duty is to moderate the aramitama into nigimitama within the god. [ Mitama, for the curious. ] They let their god know what they as a human believe is right and wrong, good and evil, through their counsel... as well as their feelings, for their souls are connected.

[ She releases his shoulder, and instead crouches down to be eye level with him. She brings a hand to her chest, and then extends that same hand to tap on his, right where his heart would be, as if to emphasize this point. At that, she smiles kindly at him. ] Which means that you and I are connected in this way, too. Through this bond, the shinki remind the gods what it is to be human. [ She was both human and a goddess at one point. Now she is all god, although it's funny. She still feels like her old self. Perhaps there's not much of a difference after all? Or maybe she had been plucked from her world too early. ] And that humanity must never be underestimated or dismissed. It is something invaluably precious.

[He listens intently to her words; this is all still so hard to believe, but this, this is to be his new purpose, the reason for his new existence. It makes sense to him that a spirit becomes a tool for a god; what doesn't though is her second point about what it means to be a shinki.]

I am to guide you?

[Him, a lowly mortal? Surely someone's mixed up the paperwork in Hell. How could an earthly human tell a heavenly god what's wrong and what's right? Before he can ask her if she's sure though her hand is right above where his heart should be...if he even has a heart left. Even that bit of physical contact flusters him a little, as unused as he is to having a young unknown woman close in so tightly in his personal space, and that moment of hesitation gives Sanae a bit more time to complete the rest of her explanation.

His frown from earlier turns more thoughtful and less pensive; that does clarify things a little for him. He'll have to ask her later what it means to be connected through their souls; he gets the feeling that she's doesn't mean it to be metaphorical. But...yes, he thinks he's roughly got the gist of what it means to be a shinki.]

I see. By having a helper that can offer a human perspective, a god will be able to better understand their human followers.

[He closes his eyes again, brow furrowed as he tries again to sort out the jumble of emotions within him. It's all just a little too much and too soon. Grappling with the loss of his identity, learning that he's dead and then suddenly being elevated to a god's right hand man is a lot to take in over a day. A lot of responsibility too, especially since his god is a god of immense power, a god of miracles.

A young impressionable goddess with so much power in her hands. The wrong guidance, even just the wrong nudge, and there would be consequences.

Yet although the burden is heavy, the burden is welcomed. This purpose is welcomed, for it gives him reason. Already an old pulse that's familiar yet not is returning to his veins, that restlessness, the excitement, the determination, it feels both old and new to him, but more importantly it feels right.

So when he opens his eyes to meet hers once again, they are the eyes of someone who has made a final decision.]

I'm not too sure if I have the wisdom to guide a god. After all, I don't even know if I was an honest man or a liar in my past life.

But...if you will have me as your shinki, then I swear that I will do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards you. I will be your weapon, I will be your guidepost.

I will be your shinki.

[Hands come together to the front to form the traditional fist and palm salute; he never thought he'd be giving it to a woman. But a weight has lifted of his heart now that he has found a new identity, and he will embrace it wholeheartedly with all he has.]

Edited 2016-08-17 16:09 (UTC)

[ It seems he comprehends that a shinki's aide also helps a god better understand, and even relate, to their followers. And in Sanae's mind, it helps the gods better serve their followers, because she believes that that is what the gods must do. ] ...Yes, that's exactly it.

[ His humbleness makes her smile, and she withdraws her hand from his chest, remaining kneeling in front of him. A wise man would be able to identify when he may be lacking in wisdom, after all, and she wonders if she sees that particularity of his admittance. But it shouldn't be surprising, not when she's speaking to someone as legendary as him.

Peraps because she knows who he is and from what stories he hails,when he salutes to her and swears his allegiance, she feels a bit undeserving once again. He's promising guidance and loyalty only through his confidence in the gods.She hasn't exactly proved herself to him just yet, has not yet earned it. And so-- ] Likewise, I swear that I will earn your devotion and trust... to become someone for whom you are proud to be a shinki, as well as a god strong enough to bring happiness and content to anyone who may need it.

[ She smiles then, the last remnants of her tears finally subsiding. She's happy that he appears to have a new conviction for this new life-- and he's strong and admirable for turning his despair into fuel for his duty and purpose so soon. She hopes that she can make this new world as peaceful and satisfying for him as possible. It's the least she can do.

At length, Sanae decides that she, too, should perform that same salute. It seems only right, doesn't it? She presses her first to an open palm, bowing her head. ] Thank you.

No. Thank you, my lady.

[He bows his head, and while his gaze is drawn down there is a brief flicker again of that inner chaos in his eyes; he is not as unaffected as he would like to be. Yet when he raises his head his expression carries nothing of the sort.

Whatever his troubles are, whatever questions he has, whatever sorrow and uncertainty that plague the innermost parts of his heart, they are not for her to deal with.

...and it looks like he'll have to deal with them later anyway, because it seems someone has found some more demon dust bunnies that are less than happy at having their home disturbed. The yells and curses quickly get him onto his feet, but when all he sees is a pair of elderly shinki waving their brooms around trying to smoosh the dusty rabbits, and a couple of younger shinki laughing at the almost comical gestures of their senior shinki, he relaxes even as he feels the whole situation is just plain odd.

It is going to take him awhile to get used to this.]

[ Sanae doesn't catch the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Nevertheless she'll remain attentive to his emotions and adjustment in his new role. It would be rather overwhelming for anyone-- that he's holding himself together this much speaks to his strength. Still, she worries. It's not just because he's her shinki that she cares. It's him as a person that she would feel the need to comfort and figure out what's wrong-- and figure out if there is anything she can do to help. Whether that help comes from sitting down and talking to him about what he's feeling to helping him learn what a computer is, she wants to make sure all of his needs are met. As his god, it's the very least she can do.

But as a minor commotion of dust bunnies continues to brew over their shoulders, Sanae stands. ] ....Ah. I suppose we should get cleaning. They did ask for our help.

[ And seeing those spirits-- ] Um, earlier I... found some of those dust bunnies and contained them. I want to find them a home. By one of the other shinki, I was told that there is already a temple here for me.

[ She looks at Lu Meng. ] We should see what it's like together! [ ... ] And maybe find a place to put all of the dust bunnies, too!

Edited 2016-08-20 08:41 (UTC)

Heaven is asking for our help to...clean?

[Really. All the cool myths about gods and demons and celestials and dragons, and his first few moments in Heaven is spent with a broom? This is...well he shouldn't complain especially since there are other more serious matters to brood on, and he is technically in the service of Heaven right now as a shinki serving a god.

...but seriously? A broom feels wrong in his hands but it's going have to be his weapon of choice for this particular battle. And...over there, a shinki's giving out big bags to store trash in. He retrieves a couple and takes one with him, shifting the broom to one hand and holding the opening with the other.

He nods again to his god.]

Then let's not waste anymore time.

[He swings his broom and brings it down on the first rabbit, keeping it pinned and squealing. Twisting the broom so that it remains stuck against the floor, he grabs the rabbit by the ears, grimacing slightly as irritation begins to settle in his throat from all the dust. Said rabbit is then shoved into one of the free bags, and with a couple of twists he's tied the bag up and trapped the rabbit within. He might not be very gentle with the dust bunnies, but he certainly gets the job done quickly.

That squirming bag is set aside as he returns to tackle the remaining rabbits. This is not quite as glorious as he thought Heaven would be; Heaven wasn't supposed to be dirty, ever. But every duty, every task, every request must be carried out with due focus and dedication.

Even as he wonders why they're going to be keeping such dirty creatures in her temple.]

Edited 2016-08-20 08:51 (UTC)

[ She watches him with wide eyes as he effortlessly-- or seemingly effortlessly-- and smoothly catches one dust bunny already. To see him so readily grab a broom, a bag, and know exactly what to do with it is pretty impressive.

Sanae would never be able to catch a rabbit or a dust bunny without the use of her abilities. And this man took all of thirty seconds to form a plan, grab a broom, and execute said plan to nab their first bunny. ] Whoa... [ She whispers, amazed.

And then she realizes she has to begin her job at cleaning, too! She grabs a broom. ] Congratulations on capturing your first bunny! [ Have a clever smile. ] But don't worry, you won't be leaving me in the... dust for long. I'll have you know, I'm a seasoned veteran in cleaning temples.

[ Literally being a miko is 50% exorcisms and 50% maintaining the temple grounds. ]

[He's not sure which it was that caught him off guard so badly that a bunny nearly skips away from his broom; the fact that she, as a god, was bringing herself down to his level to do some sweeping...or that incredibly lame pun. And...is she really amazed, it's just catching a rabbit, that's basic hunting knowledge 101. With her miracles, she could probably just snap her fingers and trap them in a hutch, all in a blink of an eye.

Frowning, he keeps his grip on the bunny firm and tosses that one into the next bag. Now that he's not so much in shock at finding out his fate, there's some return to normalcy for him. Or at least, what feels to be normalcy, as his tone slips into something that's slightly lecturing.]

My lady, there's no need for you to dirty your hands in this matter--

[Ah. But her sleeves. He hadn't noticed them earlier, but the pristine white of her sleeves has smudged with soot. And there are smaller smudges on her skirt and her top, and now that he has a closer look, there's a bit of a spider's web hanging from her head.

She...she really is cleaning this place up with the rest of the lowly shinki, isn't she? He admires that humility, but really, surely it's not proper for a god to get her hands dirty. He clears his throat and continues on.]

--I can easily handle these rabbits. Please take this opportunity to rest and wash up; it will not do for a god to look like she's crawled out of the attic.

[ She's about to pounce on a rabbit with her broom when he speaks. He's saying that it's not proper for her to help clean? But-- ] No, no, if someone asks for help-- whether human or the heavens-- I'll respond! [ She insists cheerily, looking back at him. ]

Besides, I don't exactly know where my temple is to bathe or change. [ Or even if she has clothes to change into, ha ha haaaaaa. ]

But don't worry-- next time the gods ask for us to clean, I'll be sure to give us both aprons to wear.

[ Yep, he'll get one too. ]

If it is a temple, there should be facilities for washing up.

[And thankfully so, because this particular bunny is really putting up a fight and sending dust everywhere. Now he's getting dusty too.

But dust is only just dust, and he's quick to ignore it. (As well as the question of, why an apron apron's aren't used for cleaning!!) He secures that bunny's capture with a tighter knot before he stands up to walk over and help Sanae with her particular bunny. This one is a skittish one, hopping from place to place and leaving sooty marks everywhere.

He's glad that she's already imbued with a strong sense of responsibility. A leader has to set the example, after all. Later on he'll wonder if he should be giving his goddess nods of approvals as if she was simply a young teenage girl (when she is in all appearance and mannerisms, a young teenage girl goddess),but for now he gives her one, falling back into an old habit he doesn't remember.] My lady's generosity is an inspiration to all. If we work together, then we should be done with these rascals quickly.

[He holds the bags while she sweeps the bunnies up. But while she's busy swinging the broom and getting distracted, the quiet glances with which he regards her carefully with are hopefully missed. She might not realise it, but he's watching her now. He wants to see what is the nature of this god that the Heavens have tied his string of fate with. Her display of power earlier had been incredible, and she has been nothing but kind and helpful to him since. He didn't really think he'd have to be careful of her, but it still pays to know who he'll be serving from here on now till eternity.]

[ Lu Meng will see the main face of her personality: her happiness. It's coupled with her rather simplistic and caring nature, as she tends to her cleaning. While she may hum, while she may make a game out of her tasks, while it may appear as if she's not treating this serious-- in reality, she is paying attention to all the little details and nuances to cleaning. She makes sure no corner is left unsweeped, no shelf left undusted, and no table unvarnished. She doesn't stop with a particular section until she's satisfied, that is, being able to see her beaming reflection on each polished surface.

It's at one of these surfaces that she also catches his reflection, and it's then that she notices him glancing at her. With a laugh she waves at him via the reflection, knowing that they've made eye contact. And then it's back to work.

As for the bunnies, it takes her a while to learn how to catch one on her own. Mistakes are made, she jumps to soon, she swipes too quickly, she becomes disappointed, she apologizes for failing, her mood plummets..... and then she tries again, happy as ever. However patience is a virtue, and with his instruction she'll be able to catch a few the traditional hunter's way, just as he teaches. She forgoes using any miracles for these captures, and he'll find that for anything involving cleaning, she won't use her miracles.

Should he ask, she'll simply reply that she enjoys it and that it's not a bother to her. It reminds her of her home, and she feels comfort in knowing that others will enjoy a clean and nice living space once she's moved onto the next temple.

Which happens to be one that's over water, clouded in a fine mist from the spring, still and pure, seemingly untouched for centuries. The torii looms overhead the quiet and tranquil waters, a gate to a holy, untouched place that reverberates in serenity. Beyond the fine mist one can make out a few buildings that are built above the water, but their detail remains obscured. It's hers, although perhaps she just doesn't know it yet.

And she's brought dust bunnies. ] Hmmmm.... this place might need cleaning, too.

[...so in short, she really is acting like a giggly, overly-emotional and goofy teenager, chattiness and silliness included. These are not necessarily bad character traits; her youth could be the reason behind her seemingly endless positive energy. It does mean though that he's not too sure on how to react when she waves cheerfully at his reflection; privately he thinks that she's acting a bit too young for her age, but really it's nothing harmful. So in response he merely nods back in acknowledgement before returning his attention back towards the windows he'd been wiping down, wondering if she even realised that he'd been keeping an eye on her. Some people might consider that kind of behaviour rude.

She's young. She's got a big heart, the willingness to learn and work for it. But...she's probably naive and overly trusting, and those are dangerous qualities to have when she's got so much power at her fingertips. She may or may not be careful with how she uses her abilities (he can't really judge that over a cleaning session) and he ponders how much experience she has had as a god before she was called to Heaven. That's another one question to a growing list he'd like to sit down and discuss with her when they have the time.

But for now there's a storehouse that needs cleaning. And a big hall. And then some weeding in the garden. And it's almost a disgrace how carelessly stacked those boxes are, he should go right over there and set them up properly. And so on and so forth, as he relentlessly tackles cleaning job after cleaning job. With an objective, a task at hand to accomplish, the more philosophical questions on existence and identity are slowly buried as he keeps himself busy and focused on the job.

Someone had kindly offered them a cart to help transport all the dust bunnies they've trapped. Lu Meng spares an uneasy glance at the rustling bags and cages behind the driver's seat, over 300 rabbits impatiently waiting for a new home. Can they even find that many hutches for the rabbits? And what about maintenance? What do dust bunnies eat? Do they procreate? He really really hopes not. He really thinks they should just dump the bunnies and clean them up for good.

But her voice draws his attention back to the front of the cart, and he gazes at the large body of water before them, the entrance crowned with a simple yet vibrantly painted vermilion gate. And on the other side of the springs he can see the outlines of more structures up ahead, although the presence of the mist means he can't see if they are on a separate piece of land or kept above the water's surface with stilts. A distant roar of a waterfall gives him an explanation for the mist at least. Getting off the cart and extending a hand to help her off, he remarks:]

We should be careful. We might be in Heaven, but there's no telling what other magical mayhem we might set off once we're over there.

[Somehow he doubts it though. The sounds of the waterfall, the breeze that's playing among the trees, the clean waters of the lake casting a watery double of the bright gate right underneath it; if not for the ripples caused by the breeze, he reckons that the image below would be an exact duplicate of the scene above.

It's quiet here. Peaceful.]

Edited 2016-08-20 18:34 (UTC)

[ A painted bridge grants them access further into the still spring. It seems like such a pristine, untouched placed, a place that has a underlying loneliness to it. She can't help but wonder who might live here. Sanae takes one look back at Lu Meng before moving forward. ] Don't worry-- if something happens, I've dealt with nefarious spirits before. [ She adds reassuringly: ] I'll protect you.

[ Crossing over the bridge is an uneventful process. The mist seems to part at Sanae's presence, and slowly but surely the air of isolation and stillness, the area doused in the shade of mist, lifts. The light of the heavens warms and brings life to the colors around them-- showing the vibrant red of the awnings and railings, the clear blue of the water, the marble stones closer to the temple. It's as if the two are being welcomed into the area. ] ...This place is beautiful.

[ She whispers in awe. ] Ah, there's a plaque up there. [ On a smaller torii that marks the temple entrance, a golden plaque shines upon one of the pillars. She walks over to it to read the name written there. ] S...Sanae Kochiya.

[ A pause.

And then she shouts in surprise. ] ---This is my temple? [ she's learned from Amaterasu's shinki that new gods are offered temples to live, but to think that she would have an expansive place like this is a bit much. She's used to sleeping in a humble room off of a main temple. Not having an entire temple and a large modern house like that! ]

[Her comment stops him in his steps for a brief moment, an expression of surprise across his face at her bold proclamation. But she's moving onwards into the temple without much worry, and he quickly picks up the pace to keep up with her. She is the god here, he reminds himself sternly, not just some damsel in distress that needs rescuing. Her experience in the supernatural must top his.

As the mist begins to clear and more of the temple reveals itself to them, he feels a sense of serenity and awe building within him; even if he hadn't known that they were in Heaven, he would've guessed that this is a holy place, tucked away from the chaos of the material human world. He wonders if this temple had been forgotten or abandoned, untouched by any other deities for unknown reasons. But as they approach the entrance to the main temple's complex, he notes that unlike the other rooms and temple they had cleared earlier today, this temple is spotless, everything new and clean. Perhaps someone else had come by to clean this place already. If they did, then they did a damn good job. He has to agree with Sanae that this place is quite scenic...if isolated.

The golden plaque glimmers, catching the last rays of the sun. It takes a slight squint for him to read the inscription, and the realisation settles in just as Sanae shouts out in surprise. No wonder the temple had been in such a spotless condition then; it must've been erected for the new God of Miracles.]

And what a magnificent temple it is. A worthy abode for a God of Miracles.

----It's almost too much. Have you ever seen a place like this?! It's like-- it's fitting for a god or someone! [ She exclaims, because she almost can't believe it. Almost can't believe that she has such nice things constructed in her name. And she's never really thought of herself as a god; truly, there have been times when she's forgotten she is one. This rivals Kanako's shrine! And don't even her her started on that house!

She turns to look at Lu Meng as they come up to a split between the walkways, one leading to temple and the other to the manor, her expression of pure disbelief. ] ....Maybe there's another Sanae Kochiya. Or a god of miracles! [ But no, she's the only god of miracles, apparently. The only one from her world. And, perhaps, the only one in this world, for that name plaque has no other title besides her real name. As Lu Meng might find out, that's a good indication that she was a goddess in her own world, and replaced no old one in this one. ]

[ Until he sees another god's temple, the significance of her name being the only name on the gold plaque is lost to him. For now, there's only a slight smile at her surprise and excitement. ]

As my lady correctly described, this is an abode befitting a god. And it is your name that is inscribed on the plate.

Let's find a place for those rabbits of yours, then we can properly explore the rest of your new home.

Edited 2016-08-21 23:01 (UTC)

[ He's so deadpan to her excitement. Isn't he in awe?! Isn't he amazed???! Or maybe he is, and is just really good at reigning in his emotions. Or far more mature than her. Probably both.

In any case, Sanae leads the way further into the temple grounds. There are wide platforms above the water, possibly for entertaining or larger rituals, but no real adequate place to hold a host of bunnies. However towards the house, there are large rock formations and smaller islands that serve as bases for trees and bushes, but none of them suitable for housing all of her new fluffy and dusty friends. She heads past these and the house, walking towards the cliffs and waterfall that serve as the back border of her property. After a moment's pause, she begins to hover up besides the waterfall to check what lies above the edge of a cliff.

After a minute or so, she returns back to Lu Meng, smiling. ] Just above there is a plateau! It's flat enough to keep the bunnies.

[ Hopefully he won't be too stunned by her ability of flight. ] Why don't we just let them roam free up there?

[ He shouldn't be too surprised that flight is one of her many abilities; otherwise how would the gods and deities in the stories descend from heaven to speak with mortals? He's still a little startled to see her float up there effortlessly,but he's recovering quicker from all these spectacles the longer he's been in Heaven.

The one minute away gives him some time to soak in his surroundings and enjoy the quiet and peace. After the chaos of spring cleaning he's quite glad for this break. Looking at the natural beauty all around, he's suddenly struck with an odd sense of gratitude. How many people get to enjoy this kind of luxury living after death? There's no doubt in his mind that being a shinki is going to be tough work, but he knows he's lucky to be here, and even luckier that his assigned god is a kind one.

When she returns with news of the plateau, Lu Meng makes a quick check of the place first, telling her to wait a moment while he looks around for a way up. There's a small path for him to follow up, and once he's up there, one look around was sufficient to tell him that she had found a good spot.

He follows the trail back down to his waiting god and nods at her.]

The plateau is satisfactory for the rabbits. I'll begin transporting them up.

[Another glance behind her, towards the other strange structure connected to the temple. It's their living quarters but he doesn't know that just yet. Heck, he doesn't even know it's a house, the design is nearly 2000 years ahead of him.]

Lady Kochiya, would you like to explore the rest of the complex? It would be good to familiarise yourself with your new home.

[ As soon as the rabbits are settled and happy-- they'll erect a fence or paddok or hutch or whatever the heck it's called later-- Sanae turns back to Lu Meng to answer him. ] Oh, of course! Plus, we'll have to clean this place too if it's dirty. [ Spoilers, everything is new that it isn't dirty. ]

Let's begin with the temple! [ Arguably the most important part. Sanae will take the trail back down with him, and this time she'll walk as usual. ] ....Hm. We'll have to build an actual path up to above this waterfall, too. Someone could easily slip on these--

[ Guess what happens next. ]

[The pen he'd put together out of pieces of scrap wood donated from the temples they cleaned was a temporary solution; dusting his hands as he stands back to watch the rabbits spring and hop around their new home, he knows he'll have to come up with something better. Something that fit in with the beautiful place around them rather than this scrappy fence.

Oh, and a path. That's what they need to build too. The rocks are a little slippery, shining wet from the spray of the water, and the fall that someone would take if they lost their footing...well, no one can die again in Heaven, right?] I'll see to the construction of a proper path up here then once we're settled--

[And that's when he hears her shriek, sees the sudden drop as she slips on a patch of moss. Thank Heaven he was right next to her; his hand snaps out to grab her arm right before she takes a nasty tumble.]

Lady Kochiya! Are you alright?

[ Ah, right before she's about to fall, she feels her arm being grabbed and her body pulled back to a normal balance.

That could have been a disaster. ] S...sorry. [ She says, breathing out of relief. ] That moss is more slippery than it looks.

[ She'll give credit when it is due, of course. And while he's still holding onto her arm, she turns slightly to look up at him. ] Thank you, Lu Meng. [ She smiles sweetly at him, grateful that he's saved her from a nasty fall. This also tells her that his reflexes are quite honed. And, honestly? Between this and him helping her out with the dust bunnies, she feel inadequate in comparison. He's very talented! ]

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