*Fucking stupid ass ex-cop, just look at her, her face is all bruised, her lower lip split in the corner, held together by tinny band aids, her nose is a bit swollen and both eyes dark in the corners that nose is obviously broken, she doesn't look very happy and curses when she's shocked by the doorbell, she takes a good look around the place when the old man lets her in, the menu thing is taken and she gives the old man her cell number and name, Brandi Carter, yeah, that alias is still useful for now. when she's escorted out she's once again not too happy, frowning she asks* Is that it? I don't get to meet anyone? *There's a frown, and a wince at the frown, she steps back out onto the street and just stares at the closed door for a minute before slowly walking away*

 You receive a call about 4 hours later," Yes Miss Carter? You came by the Bujinkon Dojo? Perhaps I can help? Would you like to come by tomorrow, about 3ish? I would like to speak with you about your interest and how I can assist you."

Yeah, I'll be in when you open, thanks! *He sounded a little familiar, didn't he? Ah well, the next day she arrives right on time, the dor bell is rung, she dressed herself down today, white tee shirt, jeans and tennis shoes, her hair pulled back in a bun, her bruises aren't quite as bad as they were the day before, the split in her lip looks be days into healing, her eyes not quite so black, thank goodness for being Ghoul...*

 An Asian man in a black dress shirt and jeans opens the door. "Pleased to meet you, please come in we can sit and speak. Do you care for tea? I just brewed a pot of orange white tip." He walks you through the dojo and sits upon the bamboo mat. He pulls over a tray with a small ornate steaming pot and a pair of tiny cups covered with Japanese characters.

"So what brought you to my little Dojo and what is your interest in Bujinkon?" While he pours you a small cup of tea, handing it to you.

*With a raise brow she follows him in, she isn't sure if she should take her shoes off, ah well, he'll tell her if she does or not, she takes a seat and gets a good look at his face* aren't you that Toshi guy Gand introduced me to a while back?

 "I am that man, but as you are here as a student, should I accept you, you will need to put away the idea of me as that man. I am your Shidoshi, your guide and instructor in the 18 forms. I do not really teach martial arts if that is what you have come for, I teach the way of the Ninjitsu. I teach how to hide in society, I teach how to protect oneself, I teach how to become a tactician. Why have you choose this Dojo? What do you seek to learn?" with a calmness in his face.

*Her face is far from calm, but she understands how this works, sh shows him respect, more than she ever shown any one else in a long time by holding her snapping comments. She nods to him a bit and points to her face* This will never happen to me again. *She sighs and takes a cup of the offered tea, she takes a small sip, can never be too careful, for all she knows Gand told him spike her cup, she looks up into his eyes and smiles a touch despite the painful split* My life is built on the ability to hide, I need to learn how to better protect myself. I came to this Dojo because, well, to be honest I'm not sure. I was walking along the street and bam, here it was, at first I wasn't sure this place was even still open, but I tried..and here I am.

 "The Kami have shown many their true path. I cannot say, I never met your ancestors. Your answers ring true, but even you realize as do we all, we are hardly ever children of circumstance. We direct our lives as we see fit, and are often the hand that places ourselves in dire situations. I do think your ancestors have guided you here, you are their legacy. They are seeking to help you in your path. Do you have something of your family, something you have only gracious thoughts of, something sacred? If you do, I can show you the ways of the Kami, and in so doing grant you insight into what they are saying to you."

*She frowns at that and slowly shakes her head* The last thing I had from my family was taken away the other night when I was attacked, besides, I'm not too sure any of us would want to know what my ancestors have to say to me *Her hands tremble just a touch, memories of her past scare her a bit*

 "They have guided you here. I would not dismiss them so casually, it would appear some of them at least wish you well, and care for you. The first thing one must do in becoming at one is to determine our own weakness. Only then, can we begin to see as our enemies do. Only then can we bend their eyes so they perceive only what we wish them to. When you entered yesterday you perceived me as a doddering old fool, Today you saw me as someone you knew, yet only now do you begin to see me. You must know yourself before one can begin to grow, and even I still grow. We are a collection of the elements but cannot allow ourselves to become to intertwined with one. They all can lend you great strength but will all destroy you if not balanced."

hmm..*She sits back and ponders his words a moment* How can one begin to truly know themselves? Can you teach me?

 "I can only aid you. You must reach deep within yourself if you are to become someone else. The Ninja were skilled trackers, spies, masters of subterfuge. They were not of noble blood, they were simple peasants whom inspired fears for that very same reason. Who was a ninja, when you are surrounded by peasants. How could you allow a peasant to kill you, or any Noble? They would speak of their ties to demons, of their powers of the night. They possessed none of these, instead they relied upon their enemies weakness of pride to cloak themselves. As stories began to spread they allowed them to grow into something of legend. They were paupers in feudal Japan with power and they used it to their advantage guiding society to their whim, watching over those whom were ignored. Killing those that they deemed unworthy. These are the techniques I can teach you, but you must be of sound mind and body."

*She grins to him and nods* I don't think that should be a problem..*There is something that stirs in her heart, a feeling she's never felt* This is right *She looks down at her trembling hands and chuckles softly* Yeah, this feels right where I belong

 "Very good, your first lesson will be in the art of Seishin-teki kyōyō, spiritual refinement. You must learn yourself, and purify the kami within. Abstain from that which pollutes or confuses the soul. One cannot go forward without clear sight. Do not let the elements control you. Should you become angered do not let the fire consume you. Should the wind speak of hedonism do not let it confuse you, Should the river try and divert you stand as a bulwark. Should the earth try and grasp you do not allow it to harden you. All of these are good in small amounts but in excess they will control and imprison you. The spirit will you meditate upon and the Kami that are guiding you. Purify yourself for a week, then shall you return. Then shall we pray to your guiding Kami. Should you need anything, I am here. Your path currently is your own to forge, You now have the rudder, Steer it as you choose."

Yes but...Shidoshi *She bows her head a touch* I am so new at this, a lot of the words and names you just used make no sense to me, I've never meditated before, I don't know where to begin

 "Then we shall do it here until you do understand. I want you to clear all the fears and doubts from your mind, imagine an entire world around you of cool mist gray as stone, impenetrable. You are here alone floating. There you will dwell, think of only your hopes and dreams. Think of your time as a child when your imagination was all you knew. Remember what you thought long ago, remember when the world had not corrupted your vision. You need not speak of anything you see to me, It is only for you. It is your Zen place. There you are everything, clear and pure."

*Her brow creases a bit, this is going to be harder than she thought, but she closes her eyes and concentrates..not a lot she fears, easy enough to push that aside, doubts..well..it's hard not to doubt anything after getting beat to hell by some ass hole cop..and really where the fuck does he get off blaming her....oooh wait...her breathing slows as she realizes she's pissing herself, she lets that thought slip from the center of her mind and tries to imagine that Zen place he spoke of, her head bows, hands folded in her lap, there's a lot to filter through, this soul is a dark and tattered one..how could she possibly imagine her dirty self as pure?*

 You realize after a bit that a fresh cup of tea is sitting before you, and the smell of cherry blossoms is strong again in the room. There is a tranquility to this place, and the strong smells help clearing the mind of uncertainties and doubts, "Very Good Karlie, Do you feel any different? Reach out and enjoy the tea, do not force yourself to stay there. This will be your place of strength and your home. One should always think of home well, never as a difficult and hard place to find."

*She keeps her eyes closed, her hands find the warmth of the cup without difficulty, she brings it to her lips and slowly sips at it, she lets her mind slip away, a light smile touches her lips, she is feeling relaxed, something she's never really felt without the aid of drugs before*

 "I have laid out some blankets and a pillow. There is a futon in the corner, You are free to stay here as long as you wish. I want to make certain you are comfortable with your meditations before you leave. I shall be in the next room."