I call back the fellow that came in earlier bearing a foreign accent and arrange a meeting. I answer the door in a pair of jeans and a ratty old Depeche Mode shirt when he arrives.

Chris showed up at the agreed time and smiled when the door was answered then he said, "Master Toshi?
My name is Chris Jack and I was hoping to arrange private lessons.
There is another matter which I meant to speak with you on as well, if you are willing. May I come in?"

 "Certainly, please come in we have quite some time to discuss anything you might wish to know. First though, would you care for some tea, I have some delicious Jasmine pearl that I recently acquired and I find it sets a proper mood." He leads him inside to the sparse dojo, in a hole in the wall building in the slums. There is a pair of chairs and a small table with a fresh pot of tea steaming. He draws two small cups, fills them both, and offers Chris one while holding the other. "Now, what is it you wish to know?" smiling politely.

Chris accepted the cup with a short bow and then said,
"I was wondering if you accept students for private lessons first off. I'm not particular about groups.

I also wished to know if you would accept the friendship of a lifeweaver...."  

--Last edited by DaveyB on 2008-07-15 17:40:32 --

 "Well as for your first question, I generally teach in groups, but I can do a personal regiment. There are aspects of my arts that I can never teach you should you never participate in a group though. My forms vary greatly from those usually taught in martial arts, so groups serve useful demonstrations, especially in tactics and strategy.

As far as your second question, I believe we all play a part in the sacred web of life but I have no idea what you are referring to? Perhaps if you were to explain, I could offer a better answer," looking at him a bit confused.

Chris looked confused for a moment. He could sense the power all around and had followed the lay lines here. Reality showed this place to be one with the Arts. Perhaps it was the language.

Chris tried again, "I am a practitioner of the Arts in the Tradition of Verbena and the path of Lifeweaver. You are a practitioner of the Arts as well, though I'm not sure which tradition.

Due to my nature I'd be unable to learn defence in a group that does not include only those of the Arts. It would expose me too much. I hope you understand,"

 "Your language is a bit new to me, I do believe I know of what you are referring to. There are others within Sanfield that would be much more suited to explain things though. My training occurred in Nippon and my teachers do not belong to what I have heard of these traditions. What little we dealt with there were not pleasant, but I fear that having moved so far away, I have had much more contact with them."

He sips his tea calmly,"My Shidoshi has never varied his teachings for those whom are gifted or not. Our lessons are for all, it is just more difficult for those not as gifted. Most do not ever gain the true enlightenment some are capable of. Is it not the practices of these traditions to do the same? As my Shidoshi always stated 'One can never alter the thoughts of the people by choosing whom he teaches'," trying to gain a bit more insight into the inner workings of this foreign sect.    

Chris listened intently to the master. Once he was done Chris thought for a few moments and then smiled and said, “It is difficult to speak with words about something beyond words, but I will try.

Those who awaken beyond the mundane are few. In a past age those who awakened used their enlightenment poorly. While a few among them like the ones in Shambala  acceded to full enlightenment, many did not. They used their awakens poorly; warring and dominating others. They showed no unity and served others badly. Due to this one group with unity that still served others gained greater power than them all. The group with unity created a new age, the age of reason, which we are still trapped in.

When those who had used their awakens realized that the age of reason was upon them it was too late. They and those to follow must see the age through its course. To keep from falling back into the poor habits of waring and domination they created the traditions. Each tradition is made up of those who are most gifted in one of the arts or elements. In this way they hoped to keep peace amongst themselves and help all through the age of reason.

The tradition I belong to is called Verbena. It is those who show the most gifts with life. Many Verbena believe this to be the path of blood. Those like myself believe it to be the path of water, of service to life.

I believe that the best example of serving life was once practiced in Shambala. Many Shambalans awakened to ascend past their need for bodies. Yet some who might have stayed with the flesh to help others awaken and aid those who had not. If I was given the choice I would stay as well.

I moved here to leave behind a life that did not suit me any longer. When I sought to find where I should go I was drawn to this time and place. When I sought to find the best way to do so; to put right thought before right action, I was drawn to this dojo. I know the art here is similar to my own and I know that those who serve here are kindred souls to myself. So I wish to help.

Yet I have never taken a traditional martial course before. My experience came first hand due to the need to protect myself. I now seek to follow a more disciplined path and seek order in my existence as I follow the path toward ascension,”  

 He ponders his words for a bit before responding. "We have always been, my masters before me have lain down the rudiments I now learn. We have always chosen to live amongst society rather than lording over it. The Kami taught a few of our group higher lessons, as gifts from our ancestors. Our island was wracked by war and factioning. We saw our people in dire need, our nobles the samurai ignoring their needs and dismissing them. We could not allow this. We started eliminating the worst of the transgressors, placing the others in fear we would do the same. We worked toward our own good, teaching the lesser people of our mountainous ways of survival. We learned as much as we taught. As the new age came about, the samurai again thought they were as gods of old. Only through death were they taught a lesson. They were subjugated by the Lightening People, whom are also under the same delusions. They are will workers whom also practice their art in  a martial setting. Supposedly here they are different but I am certainly not convinced. They bend the world to their whim and believed they could subjugate our clan as well. They were mistaken. We became hidden, luring them into complacency. They believed us gone, yet from those shadows we have arose. We have fought them and the metal dragons they serve. They have many allies with the other Yomi servants and they tend to utilize them in dealing with us, as their cowardice is legendary. Soon our island will be rid of them all. I have met a few like yourself whom seem to truly wish for a better world. I have also seen those that are quite twisted and I have seen the servants of the Yomi slide insidiously through your town. I am patient and deadly should they try and overtake me. I have dispatched their kind before and am not frightened of the task should it be placed in my power to do so. As for your traditions we shall see what fruit is borne before I am convinced of its altruistic purpose. I appreciate your candor, I can introduce you to some others that could assist you. I do not mind training you, but you will certainly rethink many things. My training does not vary from awakened to those whom are not. I teach all equally, though there are certainly areas that are difficult for others to grasp. Should you choose to is entirely your choice."

He rests back, enjoying his tea awaiting this curious man's reply.

Chris gazed down and nodded his head slowly. Then he looked up with a sad smile and said, "They are not my traditions and I have lived in this town less than a week.

Though once altruistic I don't believe the traditions are anymore. They seem to be more based on false motives. The need to name, explain, and feel special. That is the trap of pride that was the failing in the first place.

Yet my mentor shared that history with me. He is a good soul and a kind spirit. So I believe him.

I was drawn to this town by a need. I felt the need for a safe place here, for a haven to those in trouble. So I came and created one.

I felt the need for direction and growth. I was drawn here. So I came.

Does it need to be more complicated?"

 "No, not at all really. I find the simplest solutions fine. You seem self assured, a good quality. What are you looking for here? Sanfield has been a very dangerous place as of late."

He seems to smile and sit back enjoying his tea greatly, refilling  Chris' cup as well.

"Have you ever had any sort of training similar to Ninjitsu?"

Just then, loudly interrupting their metaphysical discussion, Nikki runs by the dojo, drunk as a skunk. Toshi and Chris can hear her practicing her best metal growl, yelling "YOU MUST LOOOOOT! ALL YOUR FRUUUUUUUIT!"
If they look outside, they can see her running past juggling approximately ten pounds of limes.

((2008-07-15 20:15:25 Nikki rolls 7 dice to Juggling limes 10,3,7,8,9, 10,9 (6 successes)))

(OOC: I would like to vote for one humor xp point for Nikki, that was fucking awesome)

Chris was about to answer when someone screamed outside about fruit. Well it took all kinds...

Chris then said, "If you refer to the martial training then I'm self taught in weapons and street fighting. With the perceptional skills I was taught by my mentor Hans. Hans taught me quite a bit but I'm not sure that it had anything relating to Ninjitsu.

I prefer to start something as if I know nothing at any rate. I'm ahead if I do then and lose nothing if I'm not,".

 "Well said indeed. There are a few pressing things I need to be sorted, how about starting next week? That way I can detail out a regiment that would be a bit more focused."

Sensing his time was up Chris stood and bowed then said,
"Give my number to any who are in need. I will gladly be the host for those who need sanctuary. Call when you wish master,"
then waited to see if the master had any final words before he left.  

--Last edited by DaveyB on 2008-07-17 13:15:00 --

 "I shall, and thank you for stopping by. I am looking forward to having you as a student," as he escorts him to the front door. "Be safe, this is a dangerous neighborhood."

Chris gave a short bow again and said, "I will, thank you for your time," then he left.

He decided to head over to that club he'd felt inclined towards, the Neon something...