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~

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((continued from here.))

[So it is that Yamato finds himself shuffling down the corridor hand-in-hand (still) with his newfound friend. They've freed themselves from their baby duckling army, and even though they both feel a little guilty about leaving them, it's safer for them this way. And, y'know, a bit easier to walk.

After days of nothing but heavy depression, guilt, and loneliness, it feels strange to be able to breathe again. He's not his usual cheerful self, not by any means, but Souji's wrung some smiles and even a laugh out of him, which is more than he's managed since the night he turned his sword on Ayumu. This mood won't last forever, but at least for a while, his gloom isn't quite so oppressive.]

Ayumu-san? [His voice is tentative when they find her, since she's busy and he's well-aware of how ungrateful he's been. She's not Shepard, and it hurts to think of her as his goddess, but... she didn't ask for him, either. The least he can do is show her he hasn't been moping in a corner all day. Again.] Are you busy? I wanted to introduce you to my new friend.

[Currently Ayumu can be found standing on top of an extremely tall bookcase with a bucket of hot soapy water at her feet. She takes a break from her diligent scrubbing of a dark stain on the wall to glance toward the sound of Yamato's voice.]

Oh, there you are. Well, I am but I could use a break.

[Honestly, she'd noticed he'd wandered away from her quite some time ago but pretended not to notice. Ayumu's not any happier about this re-assignment than he is, truth be told. As much as she likes Yamato normally, it's been difficult having him in her home when he's so clearly unhappy with her. But she's been bearing it as well as she can. He is her shinki, she is responsible for him, and it is her duty to bear the burden of his emotions, no matter how unpleasant they might be.]

Give me a moment?

[Ayumu sets her scrub bush down and with barely a glance at the floor first, just jumps back down into a graceful landing. She straightens upright, brushing dust and soap suds off her clothes. Then she finally looks toward Yamato and his new friend.

After running into Hijikata earlier, seeing Okita now isn't nearly as much of a shock as it would have been. And after speaking with so many shinki on their first day, she's noticed that they all have a similar aura of 'newness' that most of the gods she's met has. It's very subtle and if Ayumu hadn't spent so many years honing her intuition and developing a sharp eye for details, she never would have picked up on it.]

Oh, hello there.

[She flashes Okita a cheeful, friendly smile as if this truly is the first time they've ever met. For him, it likely is. Of course, Ayumu could always be wrong, too. She isn't always right about these things.]

I'm Ayumu. What's your name?

[Even though the situation, as he understand it, kind of has to be tense and strange between them, Souji still wants to make a good impression on the person who is looking after Yamato right now. It must still be someone he respects and cares about a great deal, to allow her to do so, even though Souji might suspect that it did not come easily.

So he immediately drops into a bow at first, low and graceful.]

It's a pleasure, Ayumu-sama. I'm Okita Souji, and I'm-

[But then he looks up and... he doesn't really know what happens. He has no idea who this woman is, has no clue why he suddenly feels as if the air has gotten a bit thinner around them. And he certainly has no clue what compels him to finally let go of Yamato's hand, allowing him to walk up to her and embrace her tight, half like a brother and half like a lost child.

He can feel that he's shaking, and he knows that he can't think too hard about it, can't wonder why this is happening. So after a moment or two he simply lets go, steps back, and gives her a somewhat embarrassed and overwhelmed smile.]

I'm really glad to meet you. [He grabs a hold of Yamato's sleeve in an attempt to steady himself.] I'm sorry if that was... strange. I'm not sure why I did that.

[Well, that was a pleasant surprise. Ayumu beams at him immediately. Okita always did know just how to make her feel better when she was having a rough day. And it's good to see that the loss of his memories hasn't diminished his charms any.]

Oh, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I like getting hugs. Giving them, too!

[And she demonstrates this by wrapping her arms tightly around Okita herself. She strokes that beautiful hair of his in a soothing maternal gesture. It might look strange to Yamato to see his new goddess being so demonstrative and loving toward his new friend. Even though it's clear she does care for her shinki, Satoshi, and worry for his well-being, Ayumu's never displayed this kind of exuberant affection toward him before.

Ayumu rests her forehead against Okita's a moment, still petting his hair, and just basks in his presence. From observation alone, it'd appear that Ayumu's embracing a beloved friend or family member that she hasn't seen in years instead of a stranger she's only just meeting now.

Finally, she releases him and steps back.]

I'm thrilled to meet you, too, Okita-san! Is this your first day?

[She assumes it is. There's no way that Ayumu would have overlooked his or Hijikata's presence had they been here before today.]

And you don't have to be so formal! You can call me Ayu, if you like.

[Souji brightens up a bit in relief that he hasn't offended somehow, and then Ayumu is suddenly hugging him in turn, and all he can really do for a little while is cling to her. Whatever it is that makes this feel so natural, whatever it is that makes the world feel more right like this, he's just not going to think about it. It doesn't matter. Something, deep down, has mended itself, and it all happened without effort or thought, so let's keep it that way.

As she finally releases him, there's wetness on his cheeks, and he hurriedly dries it away, laughing in embarrassment. He's pretty sure he shouldn't be inconveniencing her by crying, that this is... inappropriate somehow, but at the same time it doesn't feel strange either. It's part of this, whatever it is.]

It's my first day, yes. Hijikata-sama gave me my name just before the cleaning started.

[A quick headshake.] And if you'd like, please call me Souji. And I'll call you... Ayu-sama still sounds kind of formal, doesn't it? So maybe I'll say Ayunee-sama.

Edited 2016-08-18 10:10 (UTC)

[Still as precious as ever. A world without his smile and laughter to brighten it is a dark place indeed, even if he's living now without their memories. Bonds like theirs can't be broken, even by time, death, and memory loss. The new suffix will take some getting used to but it's so wonderful to once again be called sister.]

Ayunee-sama? I like that name very much, Souji-kun.

[If possible her smile increases even more with tenderness and warmth at the sight of those tears and that embarrassment. As strange as this new world is, it's also a realm of second chances. The wound she'd suffered upon seeing him dying alone in that sickbed with no one to comfort him in is only now starting to close. She may not have been able to be there to hold his hand then but no obstacle or force in Heaven or Hell will stop her from doing so now.]

How are you liking it here so far? Is Hijikata-sama taking good care of you?

[There's a barely perceptible razor edge of sharpness underlying her tone that makes it clear that Hijikata had damn well better be.]

[He's still sort of holding on to Yamato's sleeve, as if that is some kind of fail-safe that means the situation is under his control. It's a weird instinct, making him feel like that pinch of cloth is something far more solid there for a moment, but it's an easily dismissed thought.

He's glad that the name is approved, and bounces happily up on tiptoes in acknowledgement, straightening up as if praised.]

So far it's been fun. I mean, cleaning can be a bit boring, but there's a lot of interesting things here, and many of the temples and places are really pretty.

[And here comes that beaming smile, but also that strange steadiness of demeanor and serene certainty, which Ayumu must've seen quite a lot of before. Hijikata's name is still just as powerful, even if the reasoning behind is as yet both more complicated and more simple.]

Hijikata-sama has treated me very well. I'm honored to be his Shinki, and... [Somehow he feels he can be a bit more candid, a bit less formal, so his smile and voice soften a bit.] ...happy. I'm happy he's my God. He's been very kind.

[Ayumu giggles softly. Of course, he would be. And it pleases her to see him serving their commander once again. She's always been able to trust Okita to take good care Hijikata and hassle him about taking care of himself when he needs it.]

Well, I'm glad! It's important to be happy with those you serve and care for you.

[For a moment, there's a flicker of sorrow in her eyes as she glances toward Yamato briefly. He's looking better today than he has been lately and it's an honest relief. There's not much she can do for Yamato besides take care of him the best she can and hope for another miracle but she doubts the Heavens would be that kind to her. Ayumu has a feeling she's used up all her miracles by just by simply being alive, promoted to goddess, and getting to see and talk to her brothers again. And of course, there's recent developments with Axel to be grateful for, too.]

Which temples have you visited? I've visited a few myself. Perhaps I should visit more soon. We could all go for a walk sometime if you like.

I am! And... well, I hope he's happy with me too, so far. I hope I can serve him as well as he deserves.

[Ah, there's that fervor too, that dedication which certainly goes a few step beyond obsession, and a few hundred miles beyond mere duty. Yamato has it too, sharpened by the mindset of an actual weapon, by being someone who's had very few opportunities to have it balanced by tenderness and compassion. But it's the same, even though the circumstances are different, and it shines with the same light.

But even someone like Souji needs to breathe in between these moments of intensity, and so a moment later his smile is as sweet and innocent as anything once more.]

I'm not sure which Gods they belonged to, to be honest, since I'm quite new. I know the big mansion belongs to Bishamon-sama, but that's about it. [A sheepish little laugh.] Perhaps if we go walking together, you can tell me a bit more?

Of course! I've yet to visit everyone's temple but I can show you the ones that I do know.

[It is tempting to simply drop her current task of cleaning and show Okita around but she's far too disciplined to just leave her job here unfinished.]

As soon as I finish here, I'll give you a tour of the places I know.

[Ayumu beams, her moment of sadness gone as if it had never been. She turns to Yamato.]

Would you like to come along?

[Ayumu's been trying to give him a respectful amount of distance the past few days but it'd be rude to ignore him outright with him standing right there.]

[To Yamato's credit, he doesn't seem offended by any of this. He watches them embrace and talk, dutifully patient, and he doesn't miss that sidelong glance or the words intended for him. But it's too much to think about right now; just because he's aware of his own behavior doesn't mean he knows how to make it better. Not without, in his mind, disrespecting Shepard's memory and abandoning his loyalty.

He's too content right now to consider it much, anyway. He may not like this arrangement, but he still likes Ayumu just fine, and it makes him happy to see her approve of his new friend. It's a nice welcome for Souji, too, and right now, Yamato wants more than anything for his new companion to keep smiling like that. It's probably just a means of distraction, he knows, focusing on someone else to avoid the things he can't change for himself. But if he's trying to make Souji happy, then he's doing something good with his time, and Ayumu can't resent him for that. No more than he suspects she already does.

It's nice just to watch them interact, and Yamato does nothing to shrug Souji off, nor does he try to step between them. It's almost a surprise to find Ayumu addressing him, and he blinks, like he'd forgotten they could speak to him too.]

Hm? Oh, well-- [Truthfully, he'd kind of planned on trailing along after them anyway, reluctant to part with such a kindred spirit so soon. He looks at Souji for a second before he turns back to Ayumu, lifting a hand to tug self-consciously at his ponytail.] --yes, I'd like to you, if you don't mind...

[He's tried to stay out of her way at her temple, as if distance could lessen the effects of his guilt and sorrow. He'd turned his sword on her, after all; why would she need a shinki like that, when she's got Satoshi around? But this is a direct invite, and if she doesn't mind putting up with him for a while, he won't refuse it.]

[It hasn't lessened it at all. For the past four days, Yamato's stung her consistently enough for her to start feeling fatigued and sickly. If he hadn't been family, Ayumu might have considered alternate gods for him to serve but in her mind, that wouldn't solve the problem at hand. It'd simply pass it on to someone else and they might not treat him with the same patience and care she does.

No, whether they like it or not, Yamato is her responsibility now. For the time being, all she can do is bear the burden of his suffering in silence and try to make him as comfortable as she can. After all, she feels what he feels and it brings her sorrow to see him in such a poor state. Why would Ayumu want to make things worse for him by adding to his list of troubles? Besides, it's much easier and productive to just stay busy.]

I don't mind. It's been a while since I've looked around myself. There may be things I missed.

[And it'd be a good opportunity to familiarize herself with some of the new faces around here. The more contacts and resources Ayumu can gain, the better she'll be able to assist Hijikata during their time here.]

Just wait here. I'll be back in a few minutes.

[And just iike that, Ayumu starts climbing back up the bookshelf behind her.]

Of course we won't mind, Yamato-kun.

[Of course he's noticed the tension that seems to exist between the two of them, and it's not hard for him to see why, but addressing it directly probably won't help. It's not really his business to do so, and besides, he can tell that this is all pretty complicated.

He nods enthusiastically as Ayumu starts climbing the bookshelf again, and then flops down onto the floor to wait, giving Yamato's hand a light tug in lieu of a suggestion that he join him.]

Ayunee-sama is very nice. Thank you for introducing us. [He bounces lightly where he sits, adding a bit more quietly:] I'm glad you've got her looking out for you. You've got a duty to your God to stay well taken care of while you wait, so she won't have to worry, right? [Okay, maybe he can't help meddling a little bit.]

[Yamato's nod is a bit more subdued, and he watches Ayumu carefully for a minute, making sure she doesn't falter. But it's easy for Souji to grab his attention, and he smiles as he joins his new friend on the floor.]

I'm glad you like her. I knew she'd like you. [Then again, who wouldn't? Souji's so new, but already Yamato's decided that he's wonderful, and he can't imagine anyone thinking otherwise. What must his god be like, Yamato wonders, to have been given such a good shinki? Undoubtedly, someone gentle and kind.

His smile fades at that, though, and he looks down, adjusting his hakama with his free hand. Souji's right, of course. Shepard wouldn't want him to act the way he's been acting. He's done a poor job representing her in her absence, and an even poorer one of supporting Ayumu until Shepard comes back. Can he even call himself a shinki, at this rate?]

She's been very kind to me since we met. I wish we could've just stayed friends. [The threat of abandonment looms over him every day, just as heavy and real as Shepard's absence in his heart. But how could he possibly thank Ayumu for taking him in, for keeping him, without feeling like a traitor?]

[Souji nods in sympathy, because really, it's not as if he can blame Yamato. The very idea of Hijikata being gone, of having no choice but to take on some other God's name... well, it makes him feel sick. Even if that God was Ayumu, or someone like her. He just can't fit it into his head, and trying to imagine it makes him shiver, reflexively closing his free left hand over the name there.]

I understand. [Earnest, urgent, eyes wide and intent.] If- If Hijikata-san went away... I'd like to say "never". As in, "I'd never let another God have me". But I would, if I had to.

[He bites his lower lip, fidgeting a bit, his fingers now trying to follow the blood red lines in his palm.]

But... maybe it's a bit like being a cat, you know. You have someone who takes care of you and looks after you, right? [He tries for a smile, reaching up to pet Yamato's fluffy hair.] But one day your owner gets sick, and has to go to the hospital. So your neighbor comes in to look after you instead. But even though you like the neighbour and you're always happy to see them, you'll still cry by the door at night because they're not the same person that you're missing. That's not because you're ungrateful. That's because you just want a very dear person to come back to you.

[Maybe it's invasive, but Yamato leans against Souji as he watches the movement of his fingers. To have such a prominent name must be a good sign, he's sure. But does that make a hidden one like his bad? It's not something he's ever considered before, but it invades his thoughts now, a sharp-edged sort of curiosity. Some part of him thinks he ought to try being jealous, but it passes as soon as he thinks it. He can't be jealous of Souji. It's a ridiculous notion.

He keeps his eyes on Souji's hands as he listens, even though he tilts his head instinctively into that caress. He nods, and nods again, and soon enough, it's all he can really do. Souji's right; he's right about all of it, and it makes perfect sense. Yamato isn't often one for tears (the past week notwithstanding), but right now, he feels like crying from the sheer relief of being understood.

Ayumu is a great friend. Yamato has no trouble accepting that. But the idea of fighting for her like this, instead of beside her-- and more importantly, the idea of doing so without Shepard's express permission... it leaves a sour taste in his mouth, something that clashes with the guilt in his chest.

If something were to happen to Hijikata-san, Yamato thinks, he would do anything he could to keep Souji from getting thrust onto a new master. Anything to save his new friend from this kind of confusion and pain.]

But we're supposed to serve, right? [His voice is very small; partly out of conscious effort, because this isn't a conversation he particularly wants Ayumu to hear. But mostly because it's all he can manage at the moment.] So does-- do you think that makes me a bad shinki? To wait for Commander-kun instead?

[If Souji was more given to introspection, perhaps he'd wonder why on earth he's not more awkward about how they just naturally lean against each other, his hand still moving soothingly over Yamato's hair. But it just doesn't feel strange at all, as if it's the most natural thing in the world for them to be this close, and why should he question it? He has no memories, no frame of what is normal for him or not; all he has to guide him is feelings, and so far those have all been hard to explain, but they have still felt right.

He'd know Hijikata had been waiting for him, hadn't he? That he was meant to be with him.

And embracing Ayumu had also been the right thing to do, hadn't it?

So holding on to Yamato's hand, comforting him and being near him, has to be what he's meant to be doing.

He shakes his head, bumping his temple gently against the top of Yamato's head for a moment.]

As long as you serve when you're needed, and you'll be by her side as a Shinki should while you wait, I don't think so. She's a friend, right? She understands that you can't change what you are. [He frowns slightly, fussing over the other Shinki with a slightly worried air.] So you shouldn't punish yourself for longing - and not for staying with Ayunee-sama either. You'll just end up hurting her if you do, right? I know you don't want that, and neither does she, or your Commander-sama.

[The change is clear in him almost immediately; that one wordless "no" grants him the freedom to breathe, and his whole body seems to sink against Souji's. The tension isn't gone completely, but for this moment, just this moment, he lets the guilt go.

Ayumu hasn't once said she hated him. He knows that. She's never told him to get out, never mentioned that she wants him to leave. In every way, she's done her best to show her support. But it's Souji's affirmation, Souji's words that manage to get far enough to touch him. Ayumu's shown that she doesn't think he's a worthless shinki, but this is the first time since all this started that he's allowing himself to think it might be true.]

I'm sorry, you shouldn't have to worry about someone else on your first day. [He can sense that worried energy even through the maelstrom of his own emotions. It's touching, the patience with which Souji's been tending to him, and Yamato would feel bad about it if he didn't appreciate it so much.] But thank you, Souji-kun. I'll try my best.

[Just then, Ayumu finishes up her cleaning and drops down, scrub brush and bucket in hand. As she lands, some of the water sloshes up out of the bucket but not too much. It hadn't been that full to begin with. Even so, a bit of water splashes onto her haori.]

Sorry to make you wait.

[Ayumu does what's become second nature to her since inheriting Vesta's powers; she casually conjures fire the size of a candleflame to dry herself off. If Yamato's been paying attention to her at all around the temple, the sight of Ayumu using her powers in such a mundane way shouldn't seem the least bit unusual.]

[Souji shakes his head slightly, before finally just leaning their heads together for a moment. In a soft murmur, he assures:]

Don't worry about it, okay? I know you'll do your best, but if you need to spend some time not thinking about it... well, you can come to our place whenever you want to.

[Finding something else to do and simply not obsessing about it seems to Souji to be the best solution. If a thought is painful, you try not to think it at all... right?

He looks up with a beaming smile as Ayumu drops down, not feeling self-conscious at all about the topic of conversation. After all, he's trying to help Ayumu as well now, isn't he? The fire doesn't really faze him at all, though he does follow it with a fascinated gaze. She is a God, after all.]

We were happy to wait for you, Ayunee-sama. Are your tasks finished now?

Edited 2016-09-01 10:56 (UTC)

[As soon as the cloth's dry enough, Ayumu snuffs out the flame and picks up the bucket she'd set down briefly.]

They are as soon as I dispose of this but I can take care of it along the way.

[She smiles at the man with clear affection. Then leans over to nudge Yamato a bit with her elbow.]

Is everyone ready to go?

[Yamato doesn't bother pretending to feign reluctance. He looks at Souji with big, grateful eyes as he nods, as if he's never met anyone so benevolent. That's not true, of course--plenty of his friends here are kind, and willing to lend an ear to those in distress. But Souji is the first person, god or shinki, who truly seems to be on the exact same wavelength as him, and right now, that's worth more than blood or jewels.]

Okay, I will. Thank you. [Yamato isn't shy about... well, anything, but he only looks at Ayumu when Souji does. It's self-preservation, really--the undercurrent of fear that tells him any glance could show him an Ayumu that's reached the end of her rope, who's just about ready to throw him out. But Ayumu's clearly happy about his new companion, for reasons Yamato doesn't care enough to question. That, and the fact that some of his guilt has been absolved, has him feeling light enough to smile up at her too. It's not as bright as Souji's, but it's a start.

Souji's right. He can still be her friend, still come to her aid in an emergency, just like any good shinki would do. And he can still belong to his god as he does it. And when, when Shepard comes back, she'll be proud.]

Yes, we're ready. You didn't need any help with anything? [Not that he was exactly in the mood to be of assistance before he wandered off, but hey... better late than never.]

[Continued here!]

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007 | Clean Up Your Act

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