飛べFLY HIGH！！ (open)

[asas]

who: shōyō hinata & you! and closed prompts!
what: some snake’s den open prompts, and pre-event closed prompts! shōyō is a warmblood and a nightwalker; due to the nature of the event at snake’s den, i’m up for +18! if you have any questions or would like to plot something, you can pm me or contact liberos!
when: january!
where: the red, beach, the gate, and others!

content warnings: jumping really high, ig (there’s nothing right now, really— i’ll add for any as they come!)

ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛᴏ

[ shōyō wasn’t much of a stage seeker as bokuto (he remembers the time he was introduced to the black jackals and the big hoot was just scrabbling for the introductory crowd’s attention right behind the curtains (and then outside of it). but, talent shows? he sees no reason not to join in with his own act, especially when he’s been itching madly for some fun. playing volleyball was a hit and miss, not enough people yet, and he’d quell just a drop out of an entire mountain of thirst with a little bit of practice with those who had wanted to do something with him. what can shōyō do? when he’s next up and announced, all five feet and nine inches of him bounce to the center of the stage. my name’s shōyō hinata and i could fly! oh— and i need volunteers!

it may be you, or a friend, or a bundle of trenchies who’ve decided to answer the call as shōyō points out any takers to come up on stage. he fixes everyone into a mixed group, pulls back and does his quick second warm ups. anyone backstage probably saw him already getting his blood pumping, so all he needed now were some toe hops and stationary sprints.

once he’s ready, he runs, short stops right before the volunteers before saying, playfully: warm ups! what was it that bokuto would do to get the watchers excited? right— clapping! shōyō claps his hands above his head a few times to get a few others to do the same as their drum roll. once he’s ready, shōyō has his eyes high above the heads of his volunteers, really as if he’s seeing something. his highest peak of concentration comes in the form of rio vision; he pulls up into a long legged sprint that turns short, pulls his arms back into a full swing behind him (technique, but they look like wings), and once he’s pivoted his feet to kick the stage’s floor with a loud bam!, shōyō’s already soaring high above their heads. he jumps over all of them. again and again, before actually ending the performance. his highest jump reaches 3,5 meters— almost twelve feet off the ground. not the highest of vertical jumps, but for his height? it really does look like he’s soaring.

after all of that, he’s hardly panting, and off the stage shōyō looks so undeniably pumped!!!! that he comes jouncing down like ah . . . yes, they are the same. ]

It doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing formal clothes! I can go all, whoosh, boing! Without feeling all tied up! Ah— Do you want me to jump over you too?!

[ madam generosity has gifted him with a sporty formal look for starters— pale shorts and summer blazer with an orange little bow tie to compliment the white! due to his warmblood, sleepers will also find that it is much easier to set your goals straight or feel confident around shōyō. it doesn’t give you the same energy to keep up with him, though . . . so good luck?! ]

ᴅᴇᴘᴏɪs

[ shōyō didn’t need much of any relaxers to talk to people, neither encouragement. he was naturally social and flocked to those who were shy, alone or isolated, or hell! maybe you’re already having a good time and he stops by anyway. he’s simply like that! ]

Heya! So— wanna dance, or something?! You can pick the something if you don’t wanna dance!

[ if he hasn’t come to you, perhaps you come to shōyō, and he’s all out attacking the food bar. maybe he’s in your way or you just want to talk to him, for some reason, whether for his impressive calves or unbeatable energy that he’s managed to keep constant throughout the evening (even when the music and tone of the party has gone down several notches)! but once he looks around— ]



[ no words. only (rigorous chewing noises). ]

Comments

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul is surprised to have been beaten to the beach, judging by the look on his face when he spots Shōyō. He's brought the weapons, as promised, two simple, workmanlike training spears with blunted tips held in a tied rope carrier he fasten to sling over his shoulder.

He did suppose that being able to jump that high (3.5 meters!) would required a high level of discipline, but he didn't expect that it would outstrip his own, or he would have been here before dawn too. Not out of competitiveness, of course. Simple preparation.]

Shōyō? [Paul calls out as he approaches, even though he's fairly certain (given the temperature) this shouldn't be anyone else.] It's me. Paul. You're already here.

[As if that's not readily apparent.]

What's a tangerine?

[asas]

[ aha, yes! shōyō can’t quite stick another verbal greeting in now that his mouth was full with someone nearby (it was rude; picanha was okay, but paul didn’t need to see a half munched egg shredding it up on someone else’s tongue. instead, bright and easily recognizing the other from his attempted selfie, shōyō hums out an approval that’s coupled with a wave. the crow too, hops in place, circles with another three or so hopes before finding the energy unbearable to keep still with. she’s taking off!

it gives shōyō at least a second to swallow what he has, pluck out the aforementioned (and sadly shriveled) tangerine slice, and hop (very much like the crow) to his knees and then bare feet. ]

A fruit! Here, sit down a bit— [ hand clap! he’s offering one to warm up the morning with these nippy winds, and guiding them down. hopefully, paul (dune paul, where there’s too much sand) is alright with sand. ] I was having breakfast and brought you some, if you want!

[ he sees the goods, but he seems to be refraining from saying anything right off the bat, or else poor paul won’t know what to respond to! for now.

(his eyes aren’t doing as much of a terrific job of refraining, for the record.) ]

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul is, in fact, all right with sand. He sits down next to Shōyō after unslinging the spears and thrusting their ends deep into the sand to keep them upright, accepting the slice of fruit with a slight, friendly smile. He smells it first, for the experience (and for poison, as a reflex) and then takes a small bite when it seems clean enough.

It's good, even if eating citrus next to the sea feels almost too familiar. He casts that thought from his mind and eats it as his eyes trace Shōyō's Omen in her energetic path. She suits him, like so many Omens do their Sleepers.]

Thank you. That was good. [Paul's breakfast was a cup of tea, as it is too often lately, so he's very sincere about that.] What do you think? Do they seem like your kind of weapon?

[He does notice the looking.]

[asas]

[ shōyō finishes a spoonful of cooled porridge with a slice of another dehydrated tangerine before darting his eyes back to his visitor. teacher? mutual student. ]

‘ve always thought knives would be easier, [ small, compact, sharp, dangerous. it was more an obvious choice than one thought out. so, he confesses openly: ] but I dunno a thing about weapons.

[ so he’s not exactly his own proper guide, and he knows that. shōyō might even be some years over paul, but this offensive sort of lifestyle wasn’t one he had to deal with. his days consisted of taking buses or biking to and from practice, preparing for games, waking early, sleeping early, sleeping well, eating well. following the spears and how they poke right out of the sand like flags has shōyō’s eyes now fixating on the metallic glint from the base to the exposed tip, a featherlight brush of his free fingertips riding one of the pole’s bodies up until there’s no surface left to reach.

he’s very physical about things, where booksmarts may lack, so feeling it, feeling the vibration of it hush up his arm like a whisper was like opening the first page of a manual. ]

People can’t get close to you with one of these, huh?

[ knives, you need proximity. the spear— you can keep your distance. he’s feeling around for what may suit him, but perhaps he’s already given the yes away. ]

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul observes Shōyō tactile exploration of the spear approvingly. There are many different types of intelligences, an even broader array of aptitudes. Paul had an idea that Shōyō might be worth teaching, if he wasn't bragging; this is only more evidence for the hunch.]

No, not if used properly. [Paul nods, adopting the tones of instruction: clear, patient.] There's no shame in not knowing, only in not asking.

Spears are one of the first weapons any civilization makes for a reason. You have more options with a spear than a knife. I've been practicing more with them myself since I came here. [He evaluates his fellow pupil again, eyes shaded.] Why do you want to learn to fight?

[asas]

[ truth! and shōyō’s glad that his ignorance is temporary— he asks about anything he doesn’t know. alas, what’s spurred this desire wasn’t bloodlust, and shōyō’s gaze gaze out to the sea, briefly along with the morning winds. ]

I got beat up real bad a couple of weeks ago. In a trap. Like one of those— things that snare your legs up a tree.

[ it was more like being stuck as a pinhata than losing in a fight, but even then. if he knew how to hold his own or had a weapon on him, he could’ve gotten away. sleepers, they recover faster, and there’s also healing magic to account for— but shōyō still bares the fading remains of brown and yellow hematomas, scabbed scrapes and ankles reinforced with stretchy bandaging. thank god for his bag that came with all his usual goods, for even his knees are benefiting with some colorful tapes. ]

I never had to think about getting attacked like that— you know? My focus, and my job was always volleyball. [ he needs his body. it’s the greatest tool he has. ] I don’t wanna hurt anyone. I just wanna stay safe.

[terriblepurpose]

[The way Paul nods, that was another correct answer. He looks away, out over the water, and leans over his knees as he watches the waves slowly and ceaselessly rolling to shore. When he speaks, he's slightly quieter.]

I was in a trap too. [Which he should have anticipated, but that's a failing of his own to deal with.] Not my favorite experience.

If you want to stay safe, the best thing to do is avoid fights. You don't seem like someone that seeks them out, which is good, but if I teach you this, walking away from them is another thing you have to learn. Will you do that?

[There is play in training. Paul has always found the joy in the sport of it. But he understands better now why this lesson was something his teachers repeated until he was bored to the ears with it. Being able to pick up a weapon is not nearly as important as being able to put it down.]

[asas]

[ shoyo’s nod is one of understanding and empathy. he’s sorry, and he definitely gets it. paul seems to know much more than him, so the attention the older athlete gives is utmost and respectable. a nod, a nod again, ]

Uh-huh, [ shōyō rolls his wrist to emphasize that he has a few ideas coming; very expressive. ] ‘Cuz like, the only reason I wouldn’t be walking away is if they won’t let me in the first place. Best thing to do is do what you need to to leave, right?

[ sounds on point, to him. shōyō is competitive, but there’s a stark difference in healthy competition and a dangerous situation you need to get out of. ]

I don’t think there’s anything to prove in staying in one. I can do that.

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul extends his hand to Shōyō, after another evaluative pause. The empathy did it as much as the answer. Whatever volleyball is, this student of the art seems disciplined and moderate.]

All right. [There's a nearly reverential seriousness to him now that may seem out of place, but Paul only has his own teachers to go by.] Every time you pick up a weapon, my hand will be on the hilt with yours as long as you call me your teacher.

Remember that. That's what I ask in exchange for the lessons.

[asas]

[ out of place! shōyō has a word for that. if paul wasn’t cool already, this had taken the slice. shōyō approves and extends his hand to the other’s a firm, agreeing clap, leaving a now scraped empty bowl of food nestled in the dip of his lap. ]

As long as I’m holding a spear, that’s you. Sensei.

[ he’ll always be the student, in that case, and paul, his upperclassman— but he’s been appointed straight away to coach with much of it greatly deserved! ]

That— and I owe you an improved vertical jump. [ he pats the dark mineral bed beneath them, now with a free hand, ] The sand is the best place for it.

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul's seriousness holds at sensei (a word he recognizes from other studies, driven by another student), gripping Shōyō's hand firmly -]

Then it's agreed.

[- and then he releases him with a nearly boyish smile and leans over to start unlacing his boots.]

I do want to see that - bare feet? [He remembers, but he asks anyway.] If that's what's been holding me back, I'm going to be irritated.

[Said with no irritation to speak of.]

[asas]

[ now, with the tract complete? there are just two young men here, being boys with each other. shōyō’s grin nearly bursts. ]

You’re gonna love the result, though! Shoes are like, [ shōyō uses his hands and compacts them while putting away his finished breakfast utensils, wrapped back in a cloth and put away in a bag. ] like extra cage-weights. If you exercise barefoot in the sand, it gives your feet their natural range of motion to work with! So you can strengthen your ankles and such— we’ll just go slow so you don’t raise your injury chances.

[ also, at least. when it’s not scorching. shōyō demonstrates while paul preps for the removal of his own shoes, rising to his feet and rolling his joints. ]

In volleyball, we need all the motion we could get— and since sand is so unstable, it’s hard to get a hold on a move you’re happy about. Vertical jumps, especially, ‘cause when you kick you’ll feel like, slurp, [ he gestures with both hands, pulling downwards: ] the sand just sucks you up. You end up using more kick, and more motion to get the same thing you would somewhere solid.

[ but there’s the point, and shōyō makes sure to raise a finger to that, ]

After a while, if you try the same thing on solid ground, you’ll see how much higher you can jump. You did all the hard work on the sand.

guess who lost the notif for this (me)

[terriblepurpose]

[There are only so many different ways to talk about the physical capabilities of the human body across time and space. Paul nods along to Shōyō's explanation in the welcome relief of recognition, still smiling as he sets socks and boots aside.

It's not that he hasn't had fun with other people. The Archives have been a source of all kinds of play, in their own way. But there's something about the feeling of cold sand under his feet and the quickening of his pulse in anticipation - without the looming pairing of threat - that has been missing.]

I think we should take advantage of your mobility as much as we can. Being able to add the momentum of a leap like that to a spear thrust - but we'll start on the ground. Take it slow.

[He rises to his feet after Shōyō, unclasping a heavy-looking metallic bracelet that was hidden under his sleeve, then offers it to his new sparring partner.]

Have you ever heard of a personal shield generator? It's - [he realizes, immediately, that the explanation he was prepared to give is not going to translate like the things about ankle strength] - a field of energy that deflects weapons. I'd like you to use it while we practice.

when will notifs come back from the war

[asas]

[ shōyō offers his hand to help paul up as he straightened, digging his heels into a cool little pool under him that gave way to his weight and forced him to dig just a little harder. it was something he enjoyed from the sand— sand pushed you around. sand was a bit of a bully, but the kind that would make you stronger and was gentle when it needed to be. to bury his toes and wiggle them until it molded a fine print to anchor himself was refreshing, compared to the blazing sands in rio. it reminded him of the hours spent before sunrise, or after sunfall (it might’ve been colder than he felt it, but his warmblood ran hot).

being offered the bracelet and immediately imagining something out of a scifi movie, shōyō’s eyes widen and his lips part in awe, tentatively resting his fingers around the offered device. ]

Neat . . . ! [ he’s never seen anything like it in real life, not beyond futuristic media. ] But, ah— what about you?

[terriblepurpose]

[Paul smiles, not unkindly or condescendingly, but with an easy confidence in himself that all but radiates off him towards Shōyō. It's the self-assurance of someone who absolutely believes what he's about to say next:]

You won't be able to hit me yet.

[The 'yet' is also confident, this time on Shōyō's behalf. Paul pulls one of the spears from the sand and offers it to him. It's a short spear, only about Paul's nearly two meter height, and relatively light, just over a kilogram.]

Put the shield on your wrist and I'll activate it for you. It's going to feel a little strange until you're used to it.

[asas]

[ ohhh, that. that type of confidence is not unwelcomed. it’s not loathed or disliked. paul may be some years younger than shōyō (nearly ten, i just realized), but he’s still his veteran in the way of the spear. rather than scrunching his nose or some other sort of distasteful gesture, shōyō feels a smile tracing his lips high, giving fire to his eyes to burn. there is nothing better in the world for shōyō than a challenger. a challenge. he was nothing right now, but— it sparked an even greater desire to be.

minding the device’s limits, he clasps its arms around his wrist and holds it out for paul to do the rest. ]

It’s going to be fun, learning all this from you. [ the best part about learning something new is getting good at it. rio has taught him as much. ] Wait for me, ‘cause I’ll get you, one day.

[ he has the humility to understand it won’t be so soon— but paul’s call has been accepted, and he’d like for him to know that. he’s going head first into this, and takes the spear with his free hand.

neat. beyond neat. the chill of it against his fingers, the weight. he’d have to feel it with both hands, but in due time. ]

[terriblepurpose]

You had better, for getting me up this early.

[The playful challenge is met in kind, Paul continuing to smile as he activates the shield. It shimmers around Shōyō in a pale blur, then resolves to the clarity of air with only a slight refraction. The atmosphere held closest to the skin will run a little staler than its environment, but Paul doesn't think (having trained in one most of his life) it should slow Shōyō too much.]

Fast strikes deflect. Slow strikes penetrate. I will want that back when we're done, so don't get too used to it - but just to start.

[Paul is reasonably confident he could avoid accidentally impaling his sparring partner, but 'reasonably' isn't quite sufficient, and besides - it's important to learn what it looks like to be actually struck at. Paul pulls his own spear from the sand and backs up, noting the weight of the sand the way Shōyō described it, then settles into a stance of readiness.]

You begin with what's touching the earth. To achieve the correct stance...

[Paul talks Shōyō through it, modeling the correct placement of feet and occasionally stepping close again to offer a physical adjustment. He's a through teacher, even if this isn't his finest subject, and he finds, as the morning wears on and the sun feebly reaches to warm the sand - he's having a good time.]

[asas]

[ the shield almost felt like a full body buzzing, like the deep humming his chest would feel close to a bursting speaker thrumming with the catchy samba beat played on flamengo beach. it would startle him, with each activation, but soon enough each bzz would be understood as a warning, or alarm. he had his time to feel the full weight of the practice spear and how his hands and fingers would either splay or curl to find the right point.

surprisingly, he catches onto balance, at the very least, having studied the topic to adjust his center of gravity at all times to the dig of a ball and still keeping upright— it comes in handy, and he finds the knowledge successfully applicable. he just had to get used to an extra body: the spear.

shōyō is the type of student that’s lively to teach. he’s attentive, obedient, self-critical and adaptive, if given the tools he needs to make the adjustments. he learns a lot especially because he wants to.

and that is why, throughout the morning, from spear-sparring, to taking plenty of demonstrative hits, to later passing along a work out routine on strengthening a vertical jump (and legs, in general)— he’s had a wonderful time, and will continue to do so for as long as paul remains his upperclassman (which was indefinitely). ]