genessia | 002 [ACTION] Here and There

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002 [ACTION] Here and There

A. Obligatory Pokemon Prompt

[He was trying to meditate, trying being the operative word ever since Hanzo found himself the caretaker of 3 rather busy Pokemon. Hanzo had found a particularly nature-esque part of Nova City, a park or something—and it even had a bit of flowing water. Mareanie currently resides in the riverbed, doing its best impression of it's currently meditating trainer, while Gible is... doing its best. (read: busy chewing on a rock and lumps of grass.) Rowlet, in all of her lazy glory was hanging out on a branch, upside down but intently watching anyone who came too close by.

....aaand also gently dropping one leaf after another atop Hanzo's head. It's about when the 5th leaf lands and causes the rest to topple off that Hanzo's patience snaps.]

that is ENOUGH! [unfortunately it's a sharp enough exclamation that it echos in the silence of the early morning around them. Rowlet herself, doesn't seem phased—just amused.]

B. Archery Practice

[Hanzo has no intention of letting his skill with a bow wane, though he is not using it much as of late. Which is why he's found a place to set up an archery practice range—or found one, at least. The arrows he's currently using are the simple sort, scatter arrows being far to dangerous to use for practice.

Currently, despite the hustle and bustle of other range users, Hanzo's focus remains steady, pinpoint focused on the target in front of him as he pulls the arrow back and adds a strong twist with a turn on his wrist.

[[a]]Should someone come by and break his concentration with a question, or bump into the archer's elbow the shot will go wild, the intended curve of the shot swinging wildly so that instead of hitting its intended target, the arrow lodges into the wooden side rail instead, causing Hanzo to murder a curse under his breath and shoot a dark, stabbing glare in the offender's direction.

[[b]]Should that NOT happen... The arrow springs from its taught position and curves sharply, landing on the farthest right target just as that target's user lands their own arrow, causing both arrows to split neatly in twain. Hanzo simply straightens, pleased with himself.]

C. Tea Snobbery

[One can only subsist on sake for so long, so seeking another beverage, and perhaps a moment of solitude that perhaps didnt include a certain blonde doctor checking in on him (MERCY PLS), Hanzo has found himself in a small tea shop tucked away in one of the many corners of Nova city. He's chosen an aromatic green tea, with the added aroma of some local flowers. Unfortunately, as he raises the cup to his lips, Hanzo's face twists as he chokes back the drink.

It's not a pleasant experience, and he winds up coughing for a moment, struck by the overly astringent flavor of the drink. It was definitely NOT what he had expected. Not to mention his calm and collected demeanor had been rudely shattered. He's a little embarrassed.]

Who can call this tea?

[he shoves the cup away much to the dismay of the waitress who had come over when he'd started talking. Hanzo ignores her and instead focuses his gaze on someone else about to partake.]

Do not bother, it has gone bitter. [Trust the angry looking old man. He's already gathering his things to make an exit, since he's long since paid his tab...]

D. Wild Card

[Nothing else works? Pick this and give me your best shot. Open to pretty much anything! Shoot me a PP or a PM if you're unsure.]

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[Eliot had stopped in to test some teas here and buy a few loose leaf bags for his roommate... which is proving troublesome. His personality is split, and his knowledge is split as well. 'This' Eliot doesn't remember much about tea brews. Worse yet, his vampire tongue doesn't register flavors normally. It's not like he can rely on his sense of taste to sample them.

So to the confused vampire, Hanzo's outburst is a sign. He spins around to see the other, then reaches out desperately to stop him.]

Ahhh wait. Bitter is bad? [duh, Eliot. He regains some composure and rephrases his question,] Do you know much about tea?

[WHOOPS DONT. No touch. Hanzo's hand is quick to grab Eliot's by the wrist, stopping him from actually grabbing Hanzo. The archer frowns, the expression lessening ever so slightly when Eliot actually spits out his question.]

I know enough. [he glances at the tea that Eliot seems to have been about to buy.] Do not brew it to hot, or it will be bitter. But if you brew your own you can make it to your own personal taste.

How inelegant.

[The comment is sharp and borderline hateful.

Augustine was just returning from his brief visit to the office today when he thought of taking a stroll through the park. His head is still killing him from the other day and he's feeling quite weak but he needed the fresh air. His stay in Nova City won't be for long since he means to return to his bed soon. However, he cannot help but look moderately appalled with this rude fellow over there.]

They're babies, you boorish oaf. [He almost growls under his breath.] Treat them with care.

Edited 2018-03-14 17:02 (UTC)

[Hanzo is STILL TRYING TO MEDITATE, thank you, despite his pokemon who do not seem the least bit phased by Hanzo's sour mood. He responds to Augustine without bothering to open his eyes.]

THEY know their place. [This is literally zero of your business, Augustine. He leaves the implication unsaid, however] They are young, but even young ones should understand restraint.

[Hanzo lets out an exhale, his kneeling position stilling again as Rowlet jumps down to rest on Hanzo's tattooed shoulder.]

[How's that meditation working out for you, Hanzo? Augustine doubts anyone seeking enlightenment would be this ill-mannered. The dhampir let's out a discreet sigh as he approaches.]

Do they? So, you treat these lovable creatures like mere pets, hm? [He's making this his business! Augustine stands before him now with his arms crossed.] How do you expect them to show restraint when you possess none?

[There's a challenge in his tone.]

Mere pets? I have seen many animals live much more luxuriously as pets than they would have otherwise. [Really what's gotten this dudes panties in a twist?]

Just because I do not let them run amok does not mean they are left wanting. [truly. Hanzo finally opens his eyes to look at whoever the hell it is who seems intent on picking a fight with his ... pet rearing technique.]

So? What exactly does that have to do with anything here? You should treat these little creatures with more care. [His panties are just fine, thank you!]

[The look of disapproval intensifies once this rude bloke finally has the decency to look at him now. With his arms crossed over his chest and dressed in the most lavish black brocade suit that money can buy, Augustine looks terribly agitated. Honestly, it's none of his business how this bloke raises his pokemon and he's in the wrong for being so pushy. However, Augustine feels oddly justified in his harsh criticism.

Hilariously so.]

You wouldn't scream at a child, would you? Why scream at them? Is it because they're merely animals to you?

An illogical argument. They are not children. [Hanzo stands up, the rowlet on his shoulder wobbling a bit before it starts to preen at the hair beside Hanzo's ear]

I have no interest in this conversation. [He whistles sharply, the assorted pokemon that'd been sitting with him turning to look at him before scrambling over to his feet.]

Perhaps when you wish to make a point you do so in a manner that is more befitting of your age.

Someone had been following him for some time. A little spirit, unseen and unheard. It wasn't exactly unusual behavior for her species as they were predators, though she had no intention of attacking Hanzo. This was made more potent by her seen and unconscous nature. In fact, she ended up floating just behind him.

Koishi did leave briefly after some time, returning with several sticks of yakitori and happily munching away while watching him.

Inevitably the smell of the food would reach him. Depending on how hungry Hanzo was depends on how distracting it would be. And once he began looking around with intent he was bound to notice the little youkai sooner or later.

[Luckily for Koishi, the arrow lands on its intended target, but Hanzo immediately whips around to glower down at her and her food.]

You again. Must you show up constantly unannounced?

Koishi blinked, her mouth stuffed full of food, more than a few empty sticks in one hand. She swallowed after a moment, smiling brightly. She had a bit of sauce around her mouth.

"Yes. Yes I must." She licked her lips, holding out the remaining two yakitori sticks toward him. "Here you are Mister. You're a good shot but you shouldn't shoot hungry. Or else you'll be distracted."

YOU'RE the one distracting him, Koishi!

[He is NOT about to take food from a youkai, that is generally just usually a bad idea. He sighs however, closing his eyes. Perhaps he should be more mindful of how much he eats before coming to practice. He'll keep this in mind for next time.]

I will pass. Did you have a reason to follow me around?

Satori were not known for luring people in with food though. Still, it was a safe policy to have. "Okay." And nom. There goes more yakitori. Delicious. At least she wasn't hungry and wouldn't be eating him.

"Mm..." She finished chewing quickly. "Well, you remind me a lot of home. When I first manifested there were lots of people like you around. They would march through our mountains and sis and I would sometimes follow them so we could pick the dead from battlefields. or if we were caught we might get the chance to sit and tell stories. Satori youkai are good at telling stories."

Just be glad Koishi doesn't really actively hunt anymore.

[Generally speaking yes, Hanzo tends to try and do the smart thing, luring people with food being Satori's MO or not.]

I see. [He still thinks you're weird, Satori.] But you are mistaken. You speak of the past, people that are far in Japan's history where I am from. [But, well youkai are more or less eternal he supposes.]

"Well, yes. But sis and I lived behind a barrier with other youkai since humans didn't need us anymore."

As she spoke Koishi was slowly, ever-so-slightly tilting to the left in the air. She was nearly 45 degrees off before she corrected herself.

"But even if its far away your mind is rigid. Overlapping and snug. And clear with fish and stones and trailing white and blue... And gold." Apparently she liked to speak in riddles. "Just like the ronin crossing the mountain pass. Sis and I would never try and eat them. We would listen to their stories instead. They always had a lot to tell. But that was centuries ago."

She was drifting closer. "Please tell me a story, Mister."

[At least when she speaks in riddles she sounds more like a youkai than a lonely little girl. Hanzo took a step back, but did not raise a hand to push the youkai away. He grimaced at the request, shoulders tensing.]

I have no stories to tell. [that's a lie, hanzo. ...It's a personal story and not really one he's certain he wants to share with a strange little monster girl.]

Which was good. Satori could be very dangerous in the right circumstances. Koishi was currently very relaxed and not showing any hostility, though she did drift forward again when he took a step back. She never got quite close enough to actually touch him though.

"You shouldn't lie to me Mister. I know when people are lying." She didn't sound offended though at least." She laughed, the artery over her left shoulder twisting into a heart shape. "It doesn't have to be your story though. Just a story. I haven't had a human tell me one in a long time. And I'll give you one of mine in exchange."

She tilted her head the other way. "Or maybe you want something else? Tactics? Advice? Or something material like meat or sake?"

I do not desire anything from you. [Hanzo frowned. But he supposed he could indulge the youkai, and perhaps gain a little bit of silence for a while if he did so.]

If I tell you a story, can you manage to be quiet?

[please. He'll even tell THAT story, even if he finds it a little personal and a lot foolish.]

"That might be so but humans always want something, don't they?" She giggled a little. "And I'll be quiet if you tell me one. It would be rude to talk over you."

She seemed to vanish, though he'd spot her a moment later settling down on the nearest surface, sitting on her knees. Not that it mattered though. No one else would be able to see or hear her if she didn't want them to.

[he can't deny that's true.] Hm. [He doesn't really answer, however. Instead, he settles over where Koishi is, and starts his story. It's a personal one, but it's not like she would know that. At least that's what he assumes.

The story is a short one, but Hanzo at least proves to be a decent storyteller.]

She might know a little more than he suspected. Even without the ability to read thoughts, his emotion washed over her in waves. By the end of it the edges of her eyes were tinged dark and the blue sphere was open slightly to reveal the thick cataract blinding the surface.

She murmured something when the story finished. It sounded Japanese and archaic. And powerful. Something had sparked an aspect of her nature.

"You have told me something I have not heard, human. Words spoken with sincerity and truth. Thank you." For the moment Koishi's nature was quite visible. Almost palpable. "Favor I shall return in full. I will tell you a story."

She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "A beast, hated by all, came across a battlefield in the mountains while looking for food. Picked clean though it moved to cross it anyway in hopes fortune had spared a morsel. It found none, but came across a great shield, still pristine and radiant. And the hated beast saw its reflection."

"It reeled in anger, but the reflection crawled forward, soothing. For they were opposites in every way. And yet the same. Then inseparable, the hated beast took the shield upon its back so they would hunt and forage side by side. For the joy and love of someone who understand you was more a treasure than any piece of jade or finery. For no one knows you better than one's own reflection."

Koishi lowered her gaze slightly, her hand massaging her third eye. "When they found humans they were shunned and stones were thrown. The hated beast turned in disgust, but the reflection began to weep. For the beast's coldness and apathy had reflected into empathy. And so the shield cast itself down the mountain and was shattered."

"Instead of rage, the hated beast felt sorrow, and spent its days trying to fix a surface that would never again cast a true reflection."

A somber tale certainly. And one that was perhaps more personal to Koishi than Hanzo would understand for the moment.

[what's the point in exchanging somber stories like this? Hanzo frowns as she speaks, but keeps his thoughts to himself. Youkai are not fools, and there was probably greater meaning to the story than what it seemed on the surface.

Whatever the meaning, Hanzo chooses to stand.]

Are you satisfied then, with your stories?

Koishi just smiled, her darkened left eye closed. Her blinded third eye was staring blankly forward, approximately in Hanzo's direction. She was sensing his confusion "Don't you know, human?" The question was directed with very little context though she seemed more focused. At least for the moment.

"But yes, I'm satisfied. Do think on what I've told you. Perhaps you will be able to exchange stories with my sister too." She drifted back, making a little loop in the air before vanishing. She probably wasn't really gone, but Hanzo couldn't see her anymore.

[ As new as she is to the city, Cordelia has not yet managed to map the entirety of it on her own. Granted, she could just use the map already provided — but she thinks it best to be careful. Be aware and recognize landmarks should something happen to go amiss in the future.

It's for this reason that she stumbles upon the archery range. She is not an archer herself — more shield and sword personally — but she can appreciate the skill required. As such, she finds herself simply watching, arms folded over her chest. Hanzo is clearly talented and well trained, given how easily he split the other archer's arrow. When she's certain she's not going to disturb him, she speaks. ]

Impressive.

Hm.

[The response is quiet, but appreciative in tone as Hanzo lowers his bow and turns to glance behind him. From the way Cordelia's body language is set, he can safely assume that she's the one that offered the compliment.

After setting his bow down on the table in front of him he picks up a new arrow to inspect.] Practice is nessicary if I plan on maintaining my skill. [a pause.]

You are no archer, are you lost?

[ She has Questions, but it seems he has a few for her first. Rude, but fair questions. He's not wrong — she looks more ready to guard a keep than shoot arrows at a target. ]

Not so much lost as I am merely exploring. [ A hand moves to her hip now, weight shifting back and forth on her feet. ] I am Lady Cordelia Peacebringer. Newly arrived a few days ago. I take it you have been here a while.

[she definitely looks as though she knows her way around a sword and shield, that much Hanzo will give her at the very least. The next few things she says answer a lot of his unasked questions. Ah.]

A month. Compared to many here, I know little. [but he's making an effort to learn more.] Your title will mean nothing to most of them, if you have not already found that out for yourself.

And compared to me, you know much. [ She knows approximately jack shit at this point, save for what she gleaned from the pamphlet and her brief (unfortunate) look at the network. Which was weird, by the way, she's not used to that. ]

It is a habit I don't intend to break, regardless. [ She's still a lady, even if no one will acknowledge it. ] Might I have your name?

[Okay fair. he'll give her that. For now he's just going to put his bow away. There will be no more practice today.]

It is your choice, one I cannot fault you for. [And there's another pause, a small silence as he turns and steps over towards Cordelia.] Hanzo Shimada. If you have further questions, there is a better place to rest while asking.

[ A hint of wariness flits across her features, quickly brushed aside as nonsensical when she reminds herself of the current situation. She is not home, she is not in danger (probably), and he like herself and so many others has been brought here unwillingly. She is inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

She bows in greeting, a hand over her heart while the other motions for him to lead the way. ] Circumstances not withstanding, it is a pleasure to meet you, Hanzo. After you.

I am too old and tired to do you harm, Lady Cordelia. [well he could maybe probably if he had to but that just isnt the life he's after. As if to make a point, he easily strides ahead, his back exposed in a gesture of trust. He has no reason not to, after all.]

The teahouse is not far, and it serves excellent sake in the evenings.

[ Cordelia chuckles under her breath, the sound accented with the faint hint of a wheeze. ] You will have to forgive me. Prior to coming here I had only recently settled from a long, treacherous journey. [ So she's still kind of on edge. That, and Valsheria just kind of sucks in general because nothing is ever chill.

She follows after him, uncaring despite her status as a lady that he is walking ahead of her. ] Sake?

Understandable. [that she would find herself on edge. He waits, after a while, so that they can talk more easily.]

A japanese rice wine. Best served warm, for some. [it depends but hanzo has his preferences.]

[ A question lingers on her lips - Japanese? - but she doesn't think to ask it this time. One can guess, by the way he says it, it's some nationality. Maybe what he is? She has no idea. ]

Interesting. I look forward to trying it.

Edited 2018-03-23 22:10 (UTC)

[She may not ask, but she's correct. Hanzo seems pleased that she's keeping an open mind, and luckily they arent far from the bar now. All of our threads are drinking.]

You will not be disappointed. [when they reach the bar, Hanzo opens the door and steps aside, letting Cordelia go first this time.]

[ She nods her thanks and walks inside, a hand resting idle on her sword purely out of habit as she waits for Hanzo to follow. Once they're seated at the bar, she lets him take over ordering — it's not like she has any idea if Sake has any variations or whatever. ]

You seem quite at home here, despite everything.

I make do. I have been here for long enough to know my way around. [He pauses to order drinks, water included since well, it's the middle of the day.]

Enough, at least, to try to answer questions you may have.

[Luke is on his way home from his weekly visit with Satsuki who has yet to point out how gangly his limbs have gotten, that his smaller face has started to thin, that he's at the start of a growth spurt that will leave him looking far less like the child he's been since his arrival.

Regardless, he nearly walks directly into Hanzo upon the man's exit from the tea shop, startled. One hand immediately flies to his blue cap, eyes wide. His accent is decidedly English, softened with years away from home now.]

Ah--my apologies sir. Are you all right?

I am fine. [the words, in any other context could have been soothing, but the way Hanzo pronounces them they come off with a bite.]

The mistake was mine, I was just leaving. [again, something in his tone seems to imply the opposite of the humble words.]

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002 [ACTION] Here and There

C. Tea

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A. How Not to Train Your Pokemons

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so so so so so sorry

Fufufu! It's fine

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B. Let's just see what happens...

late forever cause i'm an asshole

For this you must wear the cone of shame.

negative.

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I love that story so much. Have one of mine.

Re: I love that story so much. Have one of mine.

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b for you a BITCH

lets do this

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C. Tea Snobbery = Owner of Teanie Teas

sorry this is late!!