the sun rises (ota)

[brushy]

Who: amaterasu & you! (and some closed prompts)
What: mostly the blooming of the guardian saplings in their designated locations; refer to the page! also a reminder to check ammy's info page regarding her appearance to your character, if you already haven't!
When: throughout may
Where: arouuuuuu--

Content Warnings: plant body horror + harm being done to an animal in one of the closed prompts, monster body horror for anyone who wants to tag with their monster dreams!

[ during the first few daylights of may, amaterasu is diligently at work; she trots almost nonstop left and right to visit the small, green little saplings that would become strong with the sun. it's always so cloudy in trench though, even if daylight is finally upon them after an entire month of darkness. on the morning of the eighth, there is something different about this sunrise; a distant wolf's howl accompanies its ascension as the rays shower trench in a way it possibly never has. it's warm, welcoming, and wishes a brilliant day to all of those who greet it (especially mothers— she's only now just found out about mother's day).



at the locations of the Mental Health and Recovery Clinic, Trenchwood Farm, The Sanctuary and Farther Shores, one may either see the phenomena happening or be drawn to the blooms already in full: the once hardworking greenlings have grown unreasonably fast into reaching trees, bark and all. they're missing something— until it happens. an unseen force encourages them to bloom, and in an instant, the cherry blossoms burst with life, with energy and a powerful, energetic kick into the polluted soil its roots bury in. it doesn't stretch far, but it helps, and it tries its best to maintain the soil and water around it clean and purified. those sensitive to the supernatural will feel a palpable lift in the pollution where these trees are situated, that they are of great origin, important, sacred. animals will naturally be drawn to them, and so will people. for their beauty, for their shelter, and of course, for their purity and bridge to being closer to nature. even those who are not supernaturally inclined will undoubtedly feel at peace under these gentle giants. what's not to feel peaceful about, viewing the cherry blossoms gently hovering in the breeze that greets you under the shady branches?

you might even be there to catch the sight of a white wolf admiring her handiwork. or, perhaps . . . that's not a wolf at all. a woman, a little rabbit, or even a snow-white horse (or, is that . . . a dragon?). it's hard to tell with this shapeshifting blanket she was given, and amaterasu has delighted herself in bringing it everywhere for its comfort (you can tell; it's already pretty dirty, but it's not as if she cares). ]

(ooc: just as a note, amaterasu can either come in her regular wolf-shape or a temporary form, either human, statue or one of the other brush gods! please let me know if you have a preference, to maintain or shapeshift (and the desired shape, if any)! if there is no preference, i will randomize! hmu at @liberos.plurk if you would like to plot further!)

Comments

[stoicsilhouette]

[He smiles and nods] This is Pepper and Kage. They help me hunt, and we've all gotten much better since then.

[ Megumi puts one his hand into his pocket, while the other supports Ammy. Like clockwork, Kage and Pepper's tails go a mile a minute as they look up with large puppy eyes. They know what's coming.]

I recently had a surplus of [he pulls out a few strips of a reddish brown dried meat ] venison and made some saltwater jerky treats.

[ The two bands of meat fly through the air. Kage jumps up and catches the first piece, while Pepper misses completely and lands in the sand. Noticing his failure to secure the treats he happily prances over to where it fell. Pulling out another strip he presents it in the palm of his hand right under Ammy's tiny pink nose. ]

If you need it smaller, I can break it up for you. Tell me what you think.

[The meat is not spiced and its texture is pleasantly chewy. Like all good jerky, it has a leathery look and snaps off with ease. Megumi is aware of the toxic effects of certain additives such as garlic or onion on canine and feline bodies. Lucky for Ammy, this treat is completely safe to eat!]

[brushy]

[ !!!!! food. very unlike a cat when the strips are held up, amaterasu's paws are pressed upon the boy's chest to raise herself, her tail swaying behind her in a way. her attention is nabbed! and when the two are thrown, she only doesn't bolt (read: pounce) after them because this hold on her doesn't allow it too much! she nearly falls! nearly.

—it's her turn!!! there's a treat just for her! she doesn't respond, doesn't speak, she is far too busy taking the piece into her tiny mouth and chewing wildly. she eats the whole thing. wolfs it down. gobbles it up.

and licks her lips and whiskers with a wide open mouth and loud purring. ]

Bless you, boy. Exquisite. Is there more?

[stoicsilhouette]

[ Its great to hear that from someone other then Pepper and Kage. Let's face it they are not the best judges considering they eat just about everything!

Seeing her eager response, he gently puts her down on top of the yellow blanket, he doesn't want to but she did almost fall. and pulls out another treat.]

This is the last one I have on me, but I have plenty back at camp. You're always welcome to stop by.

[A beat.]

Thank you, Ammy.

[ His eyes hold a steady gaze towards the tree and his voice is much softer than usual. Too often, he thinks of the world as an unfair place, but then individuals prove him wrong with their random acts of kindness. Being abandoned by his parents at such a young age, Megumi doesn't know a mother's love. However, something instinctual tells him that Ammy's actions are the epitome of selflessness and resonate within him as motherly nature. After all, look at what she's shared with the Trench.


Hope.]

[brushy]

I shall, always.

[ and not only for food! she has little ones here. all the pups and this boy who so greatly cradles her and gives her the last of his treat, even now. ever the glutton, amaterasu consumes it quickly, rubbing her cheek against the young man's leg with a purr (followed by the rest of her slinky cat body. ]

Thank you. Now, to the camp!

[stoicsilhouette]

[His eyebrows raise. He didn't expect her to want to come so soon, but there is no reason they can't go. He looks at his pups, as he walks over to the tree. He puts his hand on its trunk, feeling its cleansing properties once more before heading towards his campsite.

When they arrive, it doesn't look much different from their last encounter, with the exception of more drying racks and an ample supply of meat. There is another large canine sitting next to the rack. This one seems more aggressive but melts like tar into the shadows upon their arrival.

He begins plating portions of the same venison meat. Everything he does is very by the numbers and organized. He places the meat down making sure everyone has a fair and equal portion.]

Bon appetit. [ He says this very dryly. Yes he knows shes a cat, but couldn't resist. This is his attempt at comedy. You dont have to humor him, he knows it was terrible.

Before sitting down, he grabs a flat piece of wood. Reaching into his shadow, he pulls out a small knife and begins carving something into the wood. He stops looking up at Ammy.]

What kind of care does the tree need regularly?

[brushy]

[ oh yes, she is feasting. she will even let the others smell her rump and everything! so long as they do not go for her share. tiny mouth, you see! it may not go in as quickly, but it does fit as endlessly as it always has. her tail sways high and low, and from her throat came elated half-meows. ]

You must, mm, oh, [ eating noises, ] simply keep an eye on it. Make sure there is nothing wrong . . . Can you speak that word again? You sounded like a dear friend of mine. He uses those fancy words.

[stoicsilhouette]

Fancy word?? Oh she means French? See look where his dry jokes get him. He continues carving into the sign.

Bon apetit? [First as a question.] Bon apetit [Then as a statement. He shrugs his shoulders and looks over at Ammy.

A beat]

Is your friend a god like you and Sakuya?

[Ever curious about Ammy's world. One where he perceives the gods to actually play a larger role in providing for the inhabitants. And not by making life more difficult like the pthumerian in the Trench or the godless world he came from.]

[brushy]

[ she does not know how to say that— but the sound is nice. she could see him. oh, how she missed him . . . ! nya, she meows sweetly and happily, charging through the rest of her meal with fervent chews. ]

No, no, and neither is he a spirit. He is a man from the Moon Tribe. Flashy and flamboyant, he is— Waka. He would call me a cherry.

[ . . . “ma cherie”. ]

[stoicsilhouette]

A cherry? [ That's cute. Must be a nickname??] He must know your sweet. [ A small smile as he continues carving. Sorry Ammy he doesn't know enough French to be able to put that together! But don't worry, next time he is at the archives he will look it up. He's a compulsive googler with a great memory.

The delight in reminiscing about her friend is written all over her face. Along with some meat bits!]

How did you meet Waka and the moon tribe? [Looking back up from the wood, there is a glint of curiosity in his eyes.]

[brushy]

[ d'aw, you. with amaterasu's meat done and licked clean, she purrs and lifts her tail, strutting to the boy's legs to give them thankful rubs, both for the food and the praise. ]

Oh, we have gone so far back together. He may not be a god, but he is an alley of the celestials— a mystic being with a purpose aligned with mine. It feels as if I've always known him.

[ and that's not wrong. there was a time when amaterasu's memory was a bit fuzzy— she couldn't remember him. but it returned. he came back. ]

I sadly did not meet all of the Moon Tribe. There had been a tragedy, on the moon. When we met on the plains, he was but one of the few survivors.

[stoicsilhouette]

[Socially Megumi would never give out a compliment, but for Dog Mom he absolutely means it and has no problem letting her know!

Purpose? A fleeting thought crosses his mind.]

Is your purpose to spread light?
[He knows he felt the sun from her.He continues to nod as she speaks and pet her tiny head with his free hand before returning to carve the wood.

Tragedy on the moon ]

That's terrible. [Even in a place gifted with gods like Ammy, there still seems to be loss and grief. Would happiness mean less if sorrow didn't exist? He wonders.]

On the plains? What's that like? [He's heard of other realms and the term sounds very familiar. Imagining it to be the space between reality and dreams. Sorry not sorry for all the questions.He's very curious!]

[brushy]

[ oh, time to sit next to his ankles, now! her tail does a little wave before curling around her rump and front paws. so many questions, where does she start? for the first, ammy only smiles up at him— a cute, curling cat smile.

the second! she can manage a more concrete answer: ]

The Celestial Plains. It looks very celestial.

[ oops—?! that was hardly an answer. but, those are the unspoken rules! A you don’t just tell people about heaven! ]

It is another plain of existence— it would be a difficult task, to put into words meant for this one.

1/2

[stoicsilhouette]

[Celestial???.... to put into words
Realization hits like a truck. I just asked god what heaven looks like... inadvertently.

No comment. Just an embarrassed nod as his eyes cast away from both Ammy and the wood.

Had he thought about it maybe a minute more he would have decided hmm that might not be the best question to ask. A light pink paints his cheeks.To be fair, the realms he was familiar with, are way different in theory and not exactly associated with bliss. The dichotomy between his thought and Ammy's answer poses the next question. ]

2/2

[stoicsilhouette]

[Putting his knife back into his shadow he takes his finger and begins tracing the words before him. A small cloud of smoke blooms up and disappears as he burns into the wood releasing an earthy smell.

Two green eyes dare not drift from the board in front of him. ]

Do you think the Trench is meant as a punishment for sleepers? [His tone neutral and yet his expression quite somber. Mom, are we in hell for something we did in our old lives? ]

[brushy]

[ haha, what a cute young man, flustering up like that. she'll only regard it, but silent as ever: she perceives! ]

It may seem that way, I imagine. [ she tries her best to put herself in the place of others— the dangers here, and the suffering caused from it. oh, yes. she can see many, many considering it punishment. the wrath of the patrons for any committed wrongdoings. he is asking for an opinion, though. amaterasu will deliver. ] But, no, I don't believe so.

Trench is a world vastly different from ours. It functions in a way that is not within the reach of most understanding. But, just because it is different, and works differently, does not mean it is retribution, or in the wrong.

It is simply Trench, and we cannot expect it to be Earth, or Nippon.

[stoicsilhouette]

Soft Suicidal Idealtion/ Existential Questioning

[Wanting to understand its design and why it functions the way it does intrigues Megumi. Unfortunately, it often leads back to the moral dilemma he has presented to Ammy. Maybe he had expected it to work in ways he is more familiar with, without considering it may not have an equivalent that he is aware of.]

The weight of one's life is different here. Sleepers get reborn while others experience a more permanent death. It seems unfair to both parties. One only gets one chance at life while the other has no way to escape it.

[Maybe it's all this cherry blossom nostalgia but he can't help but make comparisons.]

Where I'm from, Sakura trees are synonymous with the idea of how fleeting life can be. Imagine one always in bloom. Does it lose its purpose if it can't experience death? [His tone a bit distant.

Black hair shakes back and forth, realizing he has shared more then he is comfortable. No pink cheeks this time. Just quiet.]

You don't have to answer that.[ He continues to fiddle with the wood, before looking for some loose tea to make. Awkwardly avoiding what he just said.]

Let's make Sakura-cha. (cherry blossom tea).

[OOC: I promise it will not stay this heavy! I say as I sip cherry blossom tea while writing.]

[brushy]

[ the cat's ear flicks, but she stays perfectly still and with her posture erect and elegant while listening. she would enjoy tea. it feels like a good break. ]

Would you like me to?

[ because, she has many opinions. and she has much time to spare when it came to philosophical talking of life and meaning, especially if it would help expand the mind of a young one. ]

[stoicsilhouette]

[Grabbing his limited supply of green tea, he starts a small fire in the pit. An old kettle hangs filled with fresh water. Gingerly, he takes 4 of the Sakura flowers, placing them in a separate bowl to soak. His motions are fluid across his campsite, as he meticulously checks the time that passes. Not wanting to present her a bitter tasting tea, he takes great care in the preparation.

He pours himself a cup of tea in an old light blue yunomi. He has another, but considers Ammy's present form. The only thing that comes to mind that he has, is a small yellow ceramic bowl with a chip out of the rim.

Setting the tea down in front of her. She can see the light brown color holding the delicate flowers in a state of suspension. The smell is slightly nutty mixed with grassy notes. Nothing overpowering, just simple, clean and delicious.

He takes a sip, and a rush of warmth overcomes his body. The feeling is comparable to resting in the sun on a cool spring day. Calmness sets in, feeling more centered and grounded he looks over at Ammy.]

Yes. [Said in a small voice.]

[brushy]

[ amaterasu meows in small thanks, allowing the scent of hot tea to warm her nose and fur before kneading her paws where she stands. she would have it, in a moment! she didn't want to burn her tongue, though. her attention goes to the bouncing branches in a gentle breeze. ]

The cherry blossom trees also symbolize life and death— beauty and violence. Two sides of the same reality. [ she tests her bowl now, bends and curls her tail around paws that become neatly tucked underneath her, creating a perfect loaf of a cat. ] "Unfair". Perhaps— but if that is the mechanic this world works on, is it truly unfair? Or is it us, who would like for stone to become peaches?

[ again, there was no way they could expect something of themselves when things . . . were different, now. they won't work as humans do. as they once did. ]

We can experience death, but we will be reborn. The others, they are reborn in a different manner from us. A more lengthy process than ours, but perhaps due to the nature of our arrival. We are not native. [ her head turns to the blossoms in the distance. ] You can say that we are like cherry blossom trees, now, and the humans are like fruit. They grow plump, they fall, and rot, are buried, and take very, very long to grow again. Us, we are already rooted. It is easier to shed the old skin and return. The process is much quicker.

So . . . Why think of your impending withering, and your return, when you are still in bloom at this very moment?

[stoicsilhouette]

It's unequal from person to person and that makes it unfair, but I understand that the laws of a world can't be changed.

[Living in the moment is something Megumi needs to do more often. Being stuck in his head is not a good place to be. But he does genuinely hate the disparity between lives.]

I'm not worried about dying [lie] I just wish everyone had to oblige to the same set of rules regarding death. [That sounds juvenile doesn't it?

Quiet.]

There is a little girl here, Lexi. She comes to visit me often, and it took me awhile but I figured out she's...deceased. A ghost.[ He swallows hard and while the grip on the cup grows tighter.] I can't imagine what it must feel like for her to watch her twin brother grow while she's forced to stay the same age. If I die, I will wash back up on that beach[ head motions towards the ocean]. She doesn't have that option, [he looks down] and it's hard for me to accept.

[brushy]

[ that poses another problem entirely. amaterasu listens in silence. it’s a conundrum in a sense that she couldn’t pluck the feeling from him. she is a god, she doesn’t quite understand the problem posed, resolved so easily in her thoughts— she has always been the sleeper amongst her gaggle of humans, and when they die, that is how their lives cycle; amaterasu cycles in another way, and she is serenely at terms with it. she always has been.

but, she at least makes an effort to understand. she wants to. it must be hard, and he has her sympathies. ]

I see. [ it is all she could think to say, without repeating herself. a stubborn man will hear the same frase forty, fifty, one hundred times and will still be deaf if he is not ready. ] Has she been given a proper burial?

[stoicsilhouette]

[Hmm that's a good point. Aware of how she died, through the many conversations he's shared with her, but he can't recall that topic ever coming up. ]

I'm not sure...I-- haven't seen her grave. I wouldn't ask her that. [Said hushed. Silence.]

But your right, restless spirits can get stuck if not properly laid to rest.[ Green eyes wander as if lost in thought.] She doesn't seem like she wants to leave. [And that's troubling.] .

[ Admittingly, he does like her company sometimes, but he knows she doesn't belong here any more. The Trench has a way of corrupting even the purest of souls. Fearing the worst, he wishes for her to move on and not become a vengeful ghost. At that point, he'd have to step in and he would much rather prefer her to leave then force her to with an exorcism. ]

[brushy]

I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t ask. Why don’t you do it, then? Make a proper burial for her, and put her to rest. Show her love.

[ kneading her paws, ammy licks one of them as she skillfully twists her wrist inward. a fine, feline trick. ]

You are here while she is lost. You can do that, for her. That does not seem unfair to me.

It seems like a blessing.

[stoicsilhouette]

-[Blessing that's the meaning of his name. Something he always found ironic and has a love hate relationship with.

Hmm he looks at Ammy before tipping the bottom of his cup up, finishing the last of his tea.]
You're right. [He can't and won't argue with Ammy over this.] She does deserve to be put to rest properly if that is the case.
I've never done that before, do you have any suggestions?

[Sure he's attended more funerals then he would have liked, but he never was the one actually coordinating the ceremony. It goes without saying he will be keeping it small and private.]

[brushy]

[ amaterasu has never done one, actually— but she can feel them. there is no wrong way to honor someone as long as you have them in mind. they are the best interest, so the feline settles with: ]

Something from the heart shall do. I can help with that— flowers, and words.