10/7/2003

03:35 PM

Logfile from Toshie.

 

New York Deli

Like any New York Deli, the place seems to be divided into different sections, the first part a small mini bakery that satisfies the early morning needs with an assortment of bagels, rolls, pastries, danishes, and pots of coffee always on the boil.

The deli counter itself holds various different kinds of breads and rolls for sandwiches. Beneath the glass counter, there is a fine selection of different meats and cheeses, both imported and domestic. Ceramic pans are filled with different types of chopped salads, potatoe, lox, whitefish, egg, tuna, ambrosia, olive, etc.

Jars of perserves line the windows, strings of dried sausages and pepperoni dangle from the ceiling over the small eating section with the simple tables and chairs, a quick spot to eat in the noon rush of the city, or a quiet spot for a morning cup of java.

Nakago is here.

Obvious exits:

Exit

 

Dosekiryuu comes into the area from elsewhere.

 

Jonathan called it an early day today, after the foreman got on his case about not being careful enough up on the 35th floor.  A cold smile spreads across the large man's features as he takes a bit of his reuben, thinking with satisfaction about the likely reaction the foreman will have when he returns to the worksite tomorrow morning.  To find the concrete substructure has developed numerous cracks -- mini faultlines, reall -- overnight.  It might only be a small step, but it /is/ a step in the right direction; the company Jon currently works for is responsible for numerous instances of ecological disasters, and they're finally being repaid.

 

Toshie is perched at one of the many tables at the deli, settled near the windows and off in a corner so as all the better to drink in the sun from outside and avoid being jostled by anyone who passes by her table. Caesar salad with grilled chicken seems to be the order of the day, although it seems as though most of the chicken has been pushed over to the side. Why? To be fed to that gluttonous and spoiled bird that is Shen, of course. Sure, one would think a raptor perched on the napkin holder on the table would be rather alarming, but apparently not a soul notices (because they can't see the bird). "Stop gulping down your food. You will choke," she admonishes.

 

Dosekiryuu

Towering over six and a half feet, he possesses the brawny, well-developed frame of a weightlifter, stopping just shy of being overly muscled.  Native American ancestry is strongly suggested by his harsh, chiseled features and skin the color of burnt umber, as well as the straight, glossy blue-black hair often bound in a ponytail to drape down past his shoulderblades.  Proud, expressive eyes of lustrous amber peer out from beneath a prominent browridge, while thin, severe lips rarely hold neither smile nor sneer.  When he speaks, it is in a rumbling bass rusty from disuse, seemingly almost deep enough to cause the ground itself to tremble.

Clothing is obviously not much of a concern for this man.  An oversized simple black t-shirt, faded to dark grey, hangs loosely from his broad shoulders, while frayed stonewash jeans are worn beltless.  Black steel-toe workboots, scuffed from frequent wear, encase his feet, and there is no sign of jewelry or other adornment anywhere on his person.

Dosekiryuu appears to be 21 years, 3 months, and 12 days old.

He is awake, but has been staring off into space for a minute.

 

Yuurin

Delicate of presence is she; this svelte young woman of just a little over five feet is but a wraith in form with her sinewy build and vaguely asian features. A wealth of sloe-black hair generally descends to about mid-back with the shine of health evident along those silken tresses. Feline-lilted eyes with irises of seemingly sundered amber and flecked with pyrite's false glimmer are rimmed with thick, dark lashes. Pixie nose is perched over a pair of dark lips, her face accented with cheekbones' dramatic angle only to be softened with a pair of youthful dimples. This young woman is a sinewy sylph by all accounts with muscles borne of an athletic life and a silent grace very well tamed.

Ash grey but set with darker striping, a raptor's feather is attached with a small bead of jade to a singular plait in her hair.

Vintage blue jeans with that dirty look quite popular now hang just off of her hips, adorned with a wide black leather belt and silver ring. Pants drop with a straight leg down 'til meeting a pair of black leather boots with just the slightest of heels and mostly hidden underneath the pant leg. Button-down school girl shirt is left mostly unbuttoned except for a couple in the middle, the front of the white shirt tied in a knot at her midriff just as the sleeves are rolled up to just shy of her elbows. A series of chain necklaces, mostly silver and some with pendants, are quite evident with the number of buttons left undone in her shirt. Her hair is drawn up in a series of braids and twists in an organized chaos of sorts to crown her head. Bright red and startling white streaks to go with the overall darkness of her straight locks, the majority of which hang down haphazardly.

Yuurin appears to be 17 years, 7 months, and 1 days old.

She is awake and looks alert.

Carrying:

 Shen (#406)                           

 

Why is it that Jonathan always has the misfortune of sitting near the crazies in this city.  Of course, perhaps it's due to the increasing number of unbalanced people, no doubt a reflection of the earth's own sickening condition.  All the same, it's so distracting, but at least this one is just talking to herself and not singing Elvis songs backwards, like the last one.  Continuing to slowly devour his sandwich, the native American does keep one eye on the young woman seated just two booths away, though, just to make certain she doesn't suddenly devolve into worse behavior.

 

Toshie pushes around her salad with her spork, apparently not all that interested in it until she unearths a tomato wedge. Yum. Popping that in her mouth, the girl leans back in her seat with a sigh. "We should go to the park today. Maybe you can chase around more of the pigeons. You really have to leave the dogs in the neighborhood alone. One more of those little Taco Bell dogs go missing, and people are going to start getting wise. Chi... Chi... Chiwow-somethingoranothers." Shen gulps down another bit of chicken, rather wishing it still alive instead of some cooked stuff. The bird turns one eye onto Jonathan across the way as soon as Tosh leans back, revealing her finely feathered self. Peer.

 

Blink.  Blink blink.  It /is/ always possible that Jonathan is the one going crazy, not the girl.  he'd swear one of those pieces of chicken just disappeared.  And then...  Taking his drink in one hand and the plastic basket of sandwich and chips in the other, he rises, and rises, and rises from his seat, until all 6' 7" of construction worker is standing up.  "Pardon," he says politely as he edges out of his booth and steps around one of the employees before heading towards the young woman's table.  "Chihuahua," is all he says when he's standing just beside it, although his eyes are not on the girl.  Nor the salad.

 

"Wow," Tosh mutters, looking, up, up, up at the person before the table. Why is it that all of the guys she comes across are so tall. Makes her wish she put on boots with at least another inch on the heel, for all the good that does. "Chihuahua," she repeats, the word still unfamiliar upon her lips, and not sounding quite right, but close enough. "Thank you." She blinks at the man, and then slowly turns her head to look at Shen (who is staring right back at Jonathan), and then back again. "Is there something...?"

 

Is there something?  "Probably not," the enormous man replies.  "Just wondering who you were talking to.  And who you were feeding."  Perhaps this is one of those seishi people that Chiaki and Kieran had told him about.  Or maybe he really was just seeing things... or not seeing things?  "If you don't like the chicken, you can get the salad without, you know."  His deep, gravelly voice almost seems to make the floor vibrate as he speaks.

 

Toshie blinks at Jonathan for another moment, and then turns her head to peer back at Shen with uplifted brows. "He can see you, right? Are you going to tell me if he does? Shen, you can be quite stubborn." There is a note of exasperation in her voice as the teen finally turns back around to face the man standing there. She plucks up a piece of the chicken, ready to pop it into her own mouth, only to have the bird pounce forward and steal it out of her fingers with a snap of her beak. A scowl at the falcon, and then she slants a gaze over to the man.

 

While he cannot sense the flow of nature's energy on his own, years of working with his grandfather and his family's spirit rattle have made Jonathan at least slightly sensitive to the chi around him.  Especially when the 'feel' of that chi is identical to the power that runs through his veins, courtesy of the powerful spirit named Nainokami.  He thus gets an impression of what stands before him, even if his vision is by no means clear.  "You are young to be a shaman," he states, assuming the creature to be a spirit guide.  Realizing he's still holding his food, he sets it down on the edge of th girl's table.

 

Toshie has been called a few things in her life, and that certainly isn't one of them. She peers up at Jonathan for a long moment, blinking owlishly at him. Feet plant against the floor, pushing her back up from her slumped position. "What sort of one is he, Shen? A nice one?" The bird doesn't seem to interested though, busily gulping down chicken as if it is about to go out of style. "Are you?" She licks her lips though before biting down on her bottom lip, waving a hand at the seat across from her.

 

It takes longer for Jonathan to wedge himself into these booths than it does to get out of them; they just weren't built for people his size.  By the time he's through, his knees are resting on the underside of the table, but at least he's politely not invading the girl's leg room.  "Thank you," he offers as he slides his food and drink in front of him, tossing a chip into his mouth as he looks more closely at the young woman.  "Am I a nice one?"  His dark, impassive features don't change as he considers the question, giving it serious thought.  "That depends.  On what you consider nice."

 

Toshie's eyes manage to open even wider as he climbs into the seat, teeth biting even harder on her bottom lip to keep from giggling. As the table is jostled slightly, Shen shows her displeasure by shooting the man a glare, and then begins again on the unprotected chicken, tearing it into strips before eating it. "I have only met one person who was not so nice. But I have been listening to her. She is getting better." Her head cocks a little to the side as she watches Jonathan, "You seem nice so far. Who are you?"

 

"You certainly speak like a shaman," the man rumbles.  "Many words come from your mouth, but little meaning accompanies them.  I'm too plain to speak in riddles, so I will answer simply.  I am Jonathan.  I am one who wishes to answer the earth's cries.  I am still hungry."  So he picks up his sandwich and takes another bite, before any of /his/ meat can be snatched up.

 

Toshie blinks at him, reaching a hand up to tuck a stray braid behind her ear. "Nice to meet you, Jonathan," she replies, forgoing her salad and reaching over to take up her splurge item, a strawberry shake. "Shen seems to accept you, so you must be someone that I should know. Are you one of Her's? Karen told me that there was another one, but I don't think that you are the one that prefers to stay away from people."

 

To anyone else, the girls words would be meaningless, but to Jonathan... "I should have known," he comments as the sandwich is lowered again.  "Sakamaku did say that I would find what I needed as long as I held true to my path."  He offers what might pass for a smile on his usually dour face.  "I assume you are one of Her's as well, then.  And I was correct; you are a shaman and that is your spirit guide."  Another chip vanishes into his mouth.  "I know of Karen, though I have yet to meet her; she was mentioned to me by the others."

 

Toshie's lips tighten briefly for some reason, and then she nods her head slowly. Her hand slips over, gently drawing over Shen with fingers that pet through the gray falcon's feathers. "I am not sure if shaman is the right term. But if you wish to say that, then that is fine." Her golden-irised gaze finally lifts back onto him, "I live with her. Protecting her if it is necessary, although it hasn't been so, yet."

 

"You must be quite favored by our patron to serve as the priestess' guardian," Jonathan observes, although his tone is not dismissive in the least.  "I had thought to offer my own services in that regard, but if it is unnecessary, I shall reconsider my role."  He pauses for a sip of cola -- this /is/ his lunch, after all, before belatedly inquiring, "What are you called?  I have given you my name, and I know how you refer to your guide, but I do not yet know your name."

 

Toshie watches him quietly for a moment, refraining from correcting his words. "Toshie. But I tend to be called Tosh most often though. I do not mind being called either way though." Her hand draws away from the bird, dropping down into her lap. "Reconsider your role?"

 

"It is good to meet you, Toshie," Jonathan states before explaining.  "The abilities given to me by the great spirit Nainokami, they have many uses, but only if I have a specific task to apply them to.  Often, I simply wait until a task arises, but I had hoped to make myself more useful by offering my service to the priestess.  If you already fill that position, then it seems I must resign myself to further waiting, since using my powers needlessly might be counterproductive to what we all hope to achieve in the end."  Jonathan's coworkers would be amazed that the man was speaking this much in one sitting.  Of course, they'd also be amazed at the content of the conversation.

 

 

10/8/2003

12:13 AM

Logfile from Toshie.

 

 

Toshie continues to enjoy that yummy strawberry shake, slurping from the straw as she peers across to Jonathan. "It is not so much as filling a position, Jonathan. And it is not something exclusive to me. You can do so as well. I do not mind sharing, if it is even something for me to share. 'Resign yourself'? You make it sound like something less?"

 

"Boredom takes me on occasion," he admits.  "I do not have visions like Sakamaku, nor do I socialize with people like Higuchi.  So if I do not find some other way to spend my time, I'll be doing little other than working, watching for signs, or speaking with the spirits.  I am patient... but even my patience wears thin after many months."  He flips off the top of his reuben, scrapes off the kraut, and slides the basket towards where he last saw the spirit beast.  "Does Shen like corned beef?"

 

Toshie blinks for a moment at him, and then nods her head slowly, "Boredom? It should not be like that. You need a place where you are comfortable... not to say bored, or stimulated constantly. But... comfortable. I do not think that is what you have yet. That might be your problem. A role? That sounds too defined. Unless you prefer that sort of definition." Her head tilts just a little as she asks him, only to blink as Shen leaves off her chicken and finds some variety with the offered sandwich meat, and causing a stifled giggle. "I think that is a yes."

 

Massive, heavily-callused hands rest on the tabletop as Jonathan clarifies, "I do not need definition so much as I need a direction.  Always have I had something specific to achieve or accomplish, but now I have only a nebulous goal to attain and a barest hint of a path to follow.  Thus far, I have faithfully trod the path and I have been rewarded as a result, but I miss the certainty of having firm objectives."  He's a doer, not a thinker, but having nothing to do leaves him little to occupy his time but thinking.  "When I was younger, my grandfather laid tasks before me.  Then, simple survival became a goal in and of itself.  Now... Now I strike against those who rape the earth as the opportunity arises, but I am often left to my own devices.  Sakamaku has offered guidance when he receives his visions, but those have been but few and far between."

 

Toshie frowns briefly once more, only to listen closely to him. "You need to think for your own, Jonathan. I have... been in Nainokami's presence but twice in my life. When first I was lost and alone... and when she asked Karen to be the miko. Neither of those times did she tell me what I was to do, nor did I ask for it. And I have never been fortunate enough to even meet Sakamaku. So, I have chosen to do what I think is best, and Shen has been there for that. I love Karen, and that is why I protect her and live with her. Nainokami did not direct me to do that. She has yet to ever direct me."

 

"When I was in a dark place in my life, She came to me and gave me a reason to continue.  That is what I live for now; I have no doubts or hesitations about what purpose my life is to serve.  But on a day-to-day basis, I wish to be useful to the great spirit we serve.  If not by fulfilling Her wishes directly, then by placing obstacles in the paths of those I oppose, or by assisting those who are integral parts of the path I myself follow.  The former I have been achieving on my own, but the latter requires outside guidance."  Jonathan's words are solemn and serious, spoken in an almost meditative rhythm.  "Always has my life been guided by the spirits, directly at times but more often through intermediaries.  When I was young, I did not realize this to be so, but now I do and so I seek to place myself in service to the earth in whatever way I can.  It has likely been different for you; the path of a shaman is a much more individualistic path.  I, however, was raised to be a warrior and a protector.  I must do that for which I was raised."

 

Toshie is listening to him quietly once more, a hand reaching out to try to still the gluttonous Shen, or at least slow her down some. That is going to be one bloated bird. "I am not so sure you will be able to find that, Jonathan. I am curious to know what you have been doing since that time? Simply sitting by and being bored, as you said? I am not sure... but maybe Karen can help you? Maybe by just talking to her, or seeing her. Maybe you will discover from there what you need to do. If it truly is what you at first desired to do, protect the miko, then you should do so. When you meet her, you can make that decision as well." She gently slides to her feet, moving to stand with a dancer's grace. "I suppose I am asking if I can take you home with me? Or are you busy now?"

 

"Even if I was busy," the large oni states in his gravelly voice, "I would make time to meet my miko, regardless of the cost.  As it is, I happen to be entirely free.  My boss and I had a... disagreement... today, so I am not going back to work with him anymore.  So I am certainly not busy."  With the young girl no longer sitting at the booth, Jonathan opts to just slide the table over to make standing up easier.  Of course, the table /was/ bolted to the floor, but the bolts were rusty, right?  It's not as if the concrete floor just gave way around them.  "Do you often ask men to come home with you?"  It's so hard to tell if Jon is cracking a joke or not.

 

Toshie blinks at the noise the table makes, which is also enough to cause the raptor to cling to the plates, but finally just give up and take to the air. More than likely making a deliberate pass to flick a wingtip at the other man's head. Tosh blinks and giggles though. "Oh no. You are the first." She reaches over as if to grab at his wrist to urge the big guy on. Kieran doesn't count. And neither does Malachai.

 

Royal Elizabeth - Suite 502

Soft lighting warms the gold and burgundy tones of this apartment into something welcoming and faintly sybaritic. The walls of the main living area are painted in a rich russet shade, a border in golden hues near the top showing faintly Japanese hints. A multi-segmented couch curves around a soft Oriental carpet, a cherry-wood coffee table set on each end and a matching longer one in front. There is a television, a simple TV-VCR combination with a shelf beneath its stand for two different gaming systems, along one wall, the other covered with a number of framed photos and paintings of Japanese autumn and the change of the leaves around various temples and shrines.

The kitchen, while small, is scrupulously neat, the cupboards and fridge kept well-stocked with all sorts of food, the drawers quite tidy. There is a small breakfast nook off of the kitchen, a small table with four chairs set about it.

Karen is here.

Obvious exits:

Exit

 

"I feel honored, then, to be the first man you invite to your place," Jonathan mentions simply.  "And you need not fear for your virtue in my presence.  Especially with your guide keeping watch.  No man works well under pressure, especially not when the pressure comes from being eyed by a predatory creature of the spirit realm."  It's certain now; Jonathan is teasing.  Unfortunately, he hasn't yet learned to modulate his voice from anything other than that serious bass tone to indicate an attempt at humor.

 

Toshie simply gapes at Jonathan as he says that, and then can't help but giggle in response. "You do not have to worry about Shen so much as me, dear sir. But she appreciates the compliment." She obviously meaning Shen. But, tug Tosh does... but not quite all the way to the apartment. A key works in the lock, and then the door is pushed open to reveal Tosh and Jonathan. She pats his arm once more and skips ahead into the place,  "Go ahead and find a seat. I can get you a drink... and find Karen. Karen?" Her voice raises at that last, then the girl skips forward in search for her miko.

 

Draped in just-cut fabric at the moment, with a mouthful of pins, Karen's not exactly her usual tailored self -- but she /is/ comfortable, at the very least. "Ara?" No more pins in mouth. It makes talking hard. Shifting the cool blue fabric onto her other arm, she pokes her head out of the bedroom, her braid tumbling over one shoulder. "Toshie-chan? I heard another voice..." And indeed, there's the owner of that voice. An inquisitive look is given first Jonathan, then Toshie, but she continues on easily. "Were you looking for me?"

 

Since the chairs around the table in the breakfast nook look like they'd shatter beneath his weight, Jonathan opts for the sectioned couch, settling himself upon it and stretching out his long legs.  As soon as the miko pokes her head out, though, he quickly rises again, inclining his head respectfully.  "Priestess."  In place of a name, he uses her title, and for the moment that's all he says.

 

Toshie bounces forward as soon as Karen shows herself. The girl reaches out to try to slip that fabric rather carefully from off of Karen, and set it aside. Once that is done, she reaches out now to take Karen's wrist and tug her into the main room. "Come. I have someone to show you. You will want to meet him. His name is Jonathan, and he says that he is one of Nainokami's. Shen seems to think he is alright too." Releasing the miko though, the girl pops back a step to watch.

 

The fabric is easily slipped off -- it's light, the inner lining of something, perhaps. A few steps (especially with Toshie's help) bring Karen out of the room entirely and into the living room, her expression remaining curious, then a flicker of triumph is swiftly replaced by formality -- she bows to Jonathan. "Senshi," she greets, "But please, just Karen -- if I may call you Jonathan?" She straightens up smoothly, reaching for Toshie's hand once more to give it a thankful squeeze. "It's good that you met Toshie-chan. Do you have anything you wish to tell me, though, or have you come to meet me?"

 

"I've come to meet you and to offer you my service," Jonathan rumbles.  "Toshie has told me that she already serves as your protector, but I too wish to serve you in that capacity if you would permit it.  As I have told the shaman," he explains, indicating Tosh with a nod, "I was raised to be a guardian.  Currently, you are the most vital item in need of protection, since without you, my path will never come to its proper end."  No, he doesn't /always/ speak like that, but it occurs more often than one would guess.

 

Just that hand-squeeze by Karen is more than enough for Tosh to bounce to her toes in happiness, barely contained excitement glimmering in her eyes. She deliberately bumps into Karen softly with her hip, muttering to the miko, "Hear that. He calls me a shaman. It is nice." Her eyes flicker back to Jonathan though at his words, and then a curious and almost expectant glance to Karen. "He is quire serious about that."

 

"Ah," Karen says, changing her hold on Toshie to a loose arm around the younger girl's shoulders, dropping an affectionate kiss upon her dark hair before her gaze turns back to Jonathan. "I thank you, and you may do as you wish; what can I do to make this easier for you? I am not the type to walk into danger, I assure you."

 

"But danger may walk into you, and I would not want the great spirits desires extinguished because you were not amply guarded.  Neither do I wish to impose upon you if you do not wish my protection, though.  If you accept my offer, I would take up residence with you, or nearby at least, where I could be at your side in a moment if trouble did arise.  During the day, when the risks are typically less severe, you would walk freely, but I'd ask that I be allowed to accompany you once the sun passes below the horizon for it's nightly rest.  Unless you were already being accompanied by Toshie and did not wish me to be present; the great spirit would not provide you with a shaman who is incapable of serving to defend you.  Would this be acceptable to you?"  Jonathan asks a lot of someone he just met.

 

Toshie smiles softly, leaning in to the miko with an sigh that is just this side of being awe-struck. "Karen is a very nice lady. Danger of no sort has ever found its way to our door, but that is never to say that it could at some point." But she abruptly falls silent at what the man is requesting, provoking a blink, and then speculative glance up to Karen. She keeps silent now, waiting for a decision, if any, to be made.

 

Karen hears Jonathan out, considering this for a moment. "Toshie-chan?" she asks of the young woman, turning to look at her, "What do you think? I do not mind, Jonathan, but this is not only my home but Toshie-chan's as well." She's not taking all the responsibility for this, no. "Were I to walk after dark, Jonathan, much of the time I would want a guard, but there are times that I do not -- as Toshie-chan has said, we have been lucky thus far with avoiding trouble, simply because of the seishi, only some of the Suzaku -- not those who directly oppose us -- know that I am the priestess, as far as I know."

 

"I would, of course, respect your wishes in such matters unless you were clearly making an unwise choice.  Meeting with these seishi by yourself, for instance, whether or not they directly oppose us, is something I would strongly oppose."  Jonathan decides to seat himself again, in large part so that the priestess and shaman do not have to continue to look /up/ at him.  "I would let my actions be guided by the both of you in all other circumstances; I am but a tool of the spirit, after all, while you are her avatar," he says to Karen, then directs his attention to the other woman, "and you are her medium, her eyes in this realm.  As long as you were not placing yourself at needless risk, I would provide whatever service you asked of me or provide no service at all."

 

Toshie shakes her head from side to side. "It is not for me to decide. I am here because of you." She turns her head though to look at Jonathan, watching him quietly. "It is easy to see that Jonathan is quite large. And quite an impressive presence. He would be a good protector for you. I would think twice in trying to harm you if he were around. There might be other rooms avialable on this floor or one near to it. And if he were to stay in here... I will happily give him my room and bed, because I do not think he will fit all that well on the couch." He doesn't seem to fit all that well on it when he is only sitting there. "You must decide for yourself this time, Karen."

 

Karen smiles gently at Jonathan as she moves to settle upon another portion of the couch, trying to tug Toshie along with her for moral support. She's quiet as the two speak, then she nods. "If you were able to find another place here, it would work well... but Toshie-chan, are you so willing to leave quickly?" she asks in a quiet tone. "I would prefer that you did not, but I am not going to keep you here if you wish to leave. Jonathan, shall I arrange for another apartment to be leased in your name?"

 

"If you would not mind my presence here, the floor would serve adequately.  The closer I am to you, Priestess, the more secure I would feel, but I also have no desire to incovenience you, Toshie.  I own a sleeping bag fitted for my height, and I spent much time as a boy sleeping in the forest.  Compared to rocky ground, your floor would be more than comfortable."  In case that idea is not agreeable, Jonathan does concede, "Otherwise, yes, a nearby apartment would be appreciated if you can arrange such matters."

 

Toshie is easily tugged along. She drops over onto the couch as well, leaning her head over to rest upon Karen's shoulder. Her hand slowly draws down Karen's braid as she speaks, "Not unless you ask me to leave." And, naturally, there is a reluctant note in her voice at ever the possibility of that. She looks across to Jonathan though, blinking at him. "He is quite adaptable, isn't he? I don't suppose he would let us play dress up with him though." Yes, a flicker of amused teasing there.

 

Oni women. Scary people, really; always threatening dire things like dressing people up. Resting her cheek upon the top of Toshie's head, Karen straightens only to shake her head at Jonathan. "There is no need for that; I believe I can find another apartment in this building for lease that is suitable," she says warmly. Toshie's reassurances make her relax a touch, losing an unconscious tension there. "Adaptable, yes. Thank you for speaking with me, and coming to meet me, Jonathan... may I offer you anything else, though?"

 

Jonathan's response to Toshie's teasing comment might surprise her.  "If it meant you did not have to invite a stranger to the apartment, then yes, I would permit you to 'play dress up'."  He does add a condition.  "As long as no photographs were taken if the clothing was... inappropriate."  Karen's words are then considered, and dismissed.  "The thanks belong entirely to you, Priestess.  And no, there is nothing else I need, although I do appreciate the consideration.  Shall I depart and leave the two of you alone now?"

 

Hey, Malachai still owes her an afternoon. And she plans on enjoying every bit of it. He really does have such wonderful hair for playing with. Shen would really love to play with that hair too. Tosh does blink at Jonathan's response, causing the girl to sit up abruptly and peep across at him. "He might be a tricky one, Karen," she eases slowly. No malice or anything of the sort, just more speculation. "But good to have around."

 

Karen laughs. "You may live to regret that," she says to Jonathan, a flash of humour in her expression. "Whether you leave or you stay is up to you; I was working on something-" That being the lining that's gotten put somewhere else. "-and I may soon return to it, but for now, I think I am content here. Definitely good to have around; what is it that you are gifted with, Jonathan?"

 

"The great spirit has gifted me with two powers," Jonathan freely admits, since the information could likely prove useful to Karen.  "They would likely be easier to demonstrate than to describe, however.  Have you a pin or needle I may borrow?"  Hopefully this demonstration will reinforce Tosh's comment about Jon being good to have around.

 

Toshie was quite happy to lay there, snuggled up against Karen, but something or another causes the girl to suddenly boost to her feet. She is up and peering out the window with quite a concentrating look. "Shen... don't you dare... I would think she would be too fat right now to bother the McKinney's cat." She hesitates, casting an apologetic glance at the pair on the couch. "I'm sorry, but she if finding mischief again." A dimpled smile makes an appearance, offered to the both of them. "I hope that everything will be all the more... better with you here with us Jonathan. And that you have your direction." Tucking a few stray locks behind her ear, the girl darts for the door.

 

 

10/8/2003

04:07 PM

Logfile from Toshie.

 

There're always pins and needles around -- in this case, there's a pincushion on the table. Karen leans forward, unburdened by Toshie at this point, and nods to it. "Always," she says with a wry smile before her attention goes to Toshie. "Oh dear. Toshie-chan, do come back when Shen is happy once more? Take care."

 

It seems Toshie's spirit guide can be quite troublesome.  Better that she possess such a dubious gift than he; Jonathan much prefers his more concrete abilities.  Leaning forward to selecting the longest pin available, he examines the sliver of stainless steel held in his right hand while he splays out his left, palm up.  "If you need proof that the great spirit intended for me to be a protector..."  The pin is forcefully jabbed into the palm of his hand, but rather than drawing blood, the steel gives way and bends.

 

Karen shakes her head. "Proof is not what I needed," she says simply. "Toshie and Shen said that you were who you claimed to be." And that's proof enough for her -- though she'll mourn the loss of one nice long pin. Holding a hand out for the pin in curiousity rather than doubt, she regards Jonathan steadily. "What do you wish for from this?"

Jonathan extends his hand to offer the ruined pin back to the Priestess, but before he relinquishes it, his eyes close as the man's brow furrows in concentration.  Of its own volition, the metal pin straightens until it is once again perfectly straight, undamaged.  His eyes open.  "What do I wish for from you?  Or from Nainokami?"

Karen won't have to mourn the pin after all, it seems. Instead, she takes it back and examines it, testing the point with her fingertip and finding that yes, indeed, it's still sharp. His queries, however, earn a moment's thought. "Both," she says simply. "We both serve the same god."

 

"From you I wish only that you fulfill your role as priestess and avatar.  Whatever Nainokami decrees, I ask that you do it without hesitation, just as I myself serve Her."  Leaning back more comfortably, Jonathan rests those massive hands on his thighs, casting his gaze towards the ceiling as he considers how best to respond to the rest.  "From Nainokami, I only wish what she promised me.  An end to the tortured cries of this earth.  A balm for the goddess' wounds.  A chance to exterminate the parasites who feed upon our great mother."  That's all.  Nothing extreme.

 

Moments before Tosh enters back through the door, swooping through the open window is Shen. The bird pays no mind to those on the couch and simply keeps going right on into one of the bedrooms. The girl finally enters, casts a glance to her bedroom, and then looks at the pair on the couch with question in her eyes. "Is everything alright?"

 

A nod. "Then things will be well," Karen says, settling back and continuing to toy with the pin. Shen's entrance earns an amused, if appreciative look -- after all, it's difficult not to appreciate Shen sometimes -- before the miko shifts over to make space for Toshie once more. "We were discussing what Jonathan wishes from this."

"If it is not rude of me to ask, would you be willing to answer the same question?  I realize that the path I follow does not lead to the same goal as sought by the others; Sakamaku has said as much, and Kieran did not dispute him.  What then did the great spirit promise to the two of you?"  At least Jonathan doesn't want to know anything personal.

 

Toshie drops into an open spot on the sofa, drawing a leg up only to curl an arm about her bent knee. "Oh. Alright." Fingers lightly pluck at the seam of her jeans, picking at a loose thread. She glances askance to Jonathan, as if considering what she should or shouldn't say, and then glances back to that thread. "Nainokami. She... actually roused herself to notice me, and take me from a place that wasn't good for me. She did not so much promise anything as noticed me. That is enough for me."

 

Karen folds her hands in her lap, cradling the abused pin between them with care. "It is not rude to ask... I had people that I wished to protect, and to free from the cycle that the Yang gods have created. And... there are those I love here," she replies, her voice quiet. "I will get two wishes to do with as I will. The third is the goddess'."

"Thank you for telling me," Jonathan says solemnly to both women.  "We are now bound by the shared knowledge, just as we are bound in Nainokami's service.  And I can readily understand your reasons, Karen, but what of yours, shaman?  I would not have thought you difficult to notice, by either mortals or spirits."  His broad shoulders then rise and fall in a massive shrug.  "Please forget I inquired, Toshie.  It is a private matter, and likely of no concern to me.

 

Toshie rocks her head against the back cushion of the couch, her eyes looking up to the ceiling. "It was a bad time, I had made too many mistakes to count, and I was in a place where nobody cared." Her head tilts over to the side, laying her cheek against the upholstery. "The details are boring. But that was then, and this is now. I like where I am now. I like who I am around and what I am doing." Her smile shows once more, "It is okay. You are one of the few that actually asked."

 

Karen reaches over to brush a hand over Toshie's shoulder briefly before settling back, silent for the moment to let the two speak. There are times when it is best to observe, or simply say nothing. Though she does look briefly abashed at some inward reflection.

 

"I am glad that the spirit took notice of you then, shaman.  it would not have been good for the earth if one such as you had been overlooked or neglected."  The big man inclines his head towards Toshie.  "I know that I am insignificant in comparison to Nainokami, but let it be known that I notice you as well, not as a pretty young girl, but as an indomitable soul sharing the burden of the great spirit's work."  His amber eyes then focus on the quiet priestess.  "And I notice you as well, Karen, for your willingness to change the world to right the wrongs you have perceived."  Now it is his turn to fall silent, as if Jonathan is running low on words to speak.

 

Toshie's smile is slight, warming as she looks across to Jonathan. "I think that I figured it out now. It really shouldn't have taken me so long. I am sort of embarrassed by that. But, I think... that you must be one of the nice ones, Jonathan." She winks across to him, only to peer back at Karen. "You are so quiet. This is not often like you. We aren't making you fall asleep now, are we?" She gives the miko a brief poke, smiling at her.

 

"No poking me, Toshie-chan," Karen says, laughing softly. "I simply thought that it was best o be quiet. You /are/ beautiful, and do not deny it." Dark eyes turn to Jonathan. "I wish to change some things... but if the world is swallowed by a void, then that may be the end of it all. And so be it."

 

He returns Toshie's small smile with one of his own, but Jonathan feels he must again point out, "Some would think me not very nice at all, Toshie.  I am /not/ very nice to those who block my path.  but to those who share the path with me, whether we seek the same destination or not?  We are brother and sister in spirit; to my family I try to be as nice as I am able."  To Karen, he protests, "Even Nainokami can not undo the great mother, even if She wished to.  At worst, the earth would be cleansed and left to experience a glorious rebirth, with the plague of humanity no longer troubling the great goddess.  I hope such is not the case, however, since even now there are still those who hold the great mother in proper reverence, but I would not shed even a single tear if all those who rape the land were to perish."

 

Toshie curls a finger around one of the random red-tinged lengths in her hair, watching as the tip of her finger begins to turn blue before loosening the coil. "Yes. Well, I have been known to be cranky when I am not being spoiled too." She slants him a glance and a grin. As for discussions of the fate of the world, she'll just keep silent there, mostly because she really hasn't thought that far ahead before.

 

"Perhaps," is all Karen will say in response to Jonathan's protests, though a touch of concern shows in her eyes. "Chiaki-san has shown me an outcome of this, and it... well, what I can gather of it is that those who have an ability of their own, gifted by gods or naturally inherent, will remain while others will not."

 

"Other than our counterparts who serve the spirits of the Yang, most of those I have encountered who possess unusual abilities have a greater respect for the earth than the average person.  If they were the only ones to survive the changes wrought by Nainokami and her brethren, I would be satisfied that the new generation of humans would be better prepared to accept their partnership with our earth rather than seeking to dominate the great mother who gives us all life."  In other words, Jonathan isn't too concerned about that possible outcome.

 

Toshie's lips draw into another fine line, still curling that lock of hair around her finger and releasing it as she will. "Either way, it will be something that would be quite..." She sighs, allowing her words to trail off. "I am not sure that I like thinking about a future like that, or if I am willing to accept it. It is not something that I have really thought about." She collapses back into the corner of the couch, quietly pondering to herself.

 

"For now, I will not worry. For now, I am happy." It's Karen's little mantra, really. Scooting over to hug Toshie and press another kiss to the young woman's hair, she sighs, then smiles. "And what will happen will happen; perhaps it can be changed, perhaps not. Saa. Jonathan? What would you wish for in an apartment?"

 

The look Jonathan casts towards Toshie is somewhat surprised.  "Have you not considered what the effects might be when Nainokami and the other great spirits are freed to invoke their will upon the earth?  Admittedly, until the events actually occur, none of us can be certain of what the results will be.  I doubt even Sakamaku's dreams could penetrate the veil of time to accurately foresee all of that future.  But you should have some idea of what you will do when it comes to pass, since it is very likely you will survive to see the events unfold.  After all, I have offered my protection to the priestess /and/ the shaman; if it is in my power to do so, you will see the future that Nainokami creates."  He then nods at something Karen says.  "The priestess is correct, however.  While you should think about the future, do not let it concern you overmuch.  Leave it in the hands of the spirits."  And now back to more mundane matters.  "A space to sleep, a place to cook.  That is all.  My current residence is a small utility apartment; I have little in the way of personal needs."

 

Toshie's smile brightens at Karen's attentions. Is it any wonder that the girl is so awe-struck around the miko? Alas, her smile dampens somewhat at Jonathan's words. Again, a thoughtful line draws down at her eyebrows, watching him, and then a silent bob of her head in understanding. Her smiles returns at the mention of his apartment needs.

 

"All right. I'll see if there're any bachelor apartments available." Karen, somehow sensing that Toshie's unsure of things in this, seems more than happy to focus on the mundane for now. "There should be, and things will be well."

 

"I hope there is one available.  I do not believe the management would appreciate it if I unrolled my sleeping bag in the hallway outside your door if there were no suitable apartments in the building."  Again, it's hard to tell if Jonathan is being serious or joking.

[Yin] Mitama has a giant asian grocery next door. All my pocky and junk food supplies are taken care of. *eyes two bags of junk on desk* This is not actually a good thing

 

Toshie smiles, going back to fiddling with that loose thread once again. "And I am not sure our neighbors would appreciate that. If all else fails, there is always right in here. Karen really is a good cook."

 

Mental note: fix that loose thread fairly soon. Karen has this thing about working with material, and loose threads are just one thing that Cannot Be (unless it's in the name of Fashion). "Our neighbors are interesting people -- there is your place, Toshie-chan, which is also Kieran's, and perhaps that would work as a place... and then Saegusa-san, who is an onmyouji."

 

"Since you seem to know much about this building and its inhabitants, I shall leave the details to you, Priestess, if that is acceptable.  For my own part, I should return to my current place of residence and pack my few belongings.  Now that I have met you, and you have agreed to permit me to serve you, I wish to begin doing so immediately."  Jonathan rises from his seat, once again revealing exactly how large of a man he is.  "Thank you, shaman, for making this all possible."

 

Toshie will more than likely end up pulling out the seam of her jeans yet. Her fingers still though, glancing to Karen and then back to the other oni. "Hopefully you will be able to move in here soon." She bounces up from her place on the couch, blushing at first and the smiling, "Ah. It shouldn't be me to thank, but... well... /Her/."

Getting to her feet as soon as Toshie does, Karen bows to Jonathan once more, accentuating the difference between their heights. "Thank you, Jonathan," she says, straightening. "I will try to get everything sorted as soon as I can."

 

"I give credit where credit is due, Toshie.  Even if She guided us to meet, it was you who led me here to the Priestess."  Jonathan then inclines his head to both women.  "Thank you, Karen.  I shall see both of you again very soon."  And with that, he departs.

 

Toshie sees Jonathan out the door, and then closes it behind her by leaning back into it. She looks back over to Karen, watching her carefully. "What do you think of him? I probably should have called to tell you we were coming, but I was so excited after meeting him."

 

Karen settles back down on the couch, looking over at the door. "Mm... he is very focused, very intense," she says, her opinion delivered in a considered tone. "It's all right, I am glad you brought him home. You are happy to have found him? What do you think of him?"

 

Toshie nods her head, "He certainly seems that way. Very serious. He kept saying that he wanted a direction. That he is a warrior and needed to do something like such. It was very important to him." She finally pulls away from the door, both arms wrapped around her middle. "Of course I was happy to find him." And then her eyes light up again. "I am happy there is another with us."

 

"You worried me, saying that you would leave so easily," Karen says with concern, watching Toshie. Perhaps she shouldn't care, but she does. "He is kind, or seems so, but I would much rather have you here with me, you and Shen."

 

Toshie blinks, moving over to perch on the arm of the couch. Bad habit, that. "Oh, I wouldn't leave you so easily. I know that I can protect you. Not in the same ways that he can, but I can do it. Because he is quite large." Understatement. "There are not that many reasons for me to go, and there are none that I can think of right now. You can not get rid of me so easily." *smile*

 

Karen chuckles, tugging on Toshie's arm to try to unbalance the girl -- good luck there, really -- onto the couch proper. "Good," she says. "Being rid of you is not something that I ever wish to do. It would be horrible." She shudders visibly at the thought. "What would you like for dinner, though? To focus on happier topics."

 

Toshie easily flops over onto the couch, giggling as she bounces onto the cushion. "What would be horrible is if Shen actually did get the McKinney's cat. It is bad enough when she goes after all of the Chi... Chi... Oh, what were those called again? What did he call them? Oh, the little dogs you see on the commercials." Anyway. "I would like to go out for dinner. No cooking for you tonight." Tug. "Lets go."