Meditation [FINISHED]

[Moriteruze Kaori]

Kaori had been surprised by the treatment that she received from the Humans on the Mainland. She had not traveled too far from her town, only perhaps a day out at sea.

The Humans did not look too much different than she. They were furless, with slanted eyes and pale skin and slender bodies. She was not fluent in their language, but Matthew had apparently been trained here in secret when he was younger.

"They are not used to seeing creatures like us," he had told her before they docked at shore. "Is there something that you can do to shield our identities?"

However, in fact there was something that she could do.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

She closed her eyes and concentrated, her magic extending to cover both herself and Matthew as she thought of appropriate disguises for them. Her knowledge of Humans was limited, though, and there was nothing that she could do other than make them look the way that she saw them in her own thoughts. Having read pretty old books, the best persona that she could come up with for herself was a woman with long, brown hair with a flowing green robe. For Matthew, she chose something resembling a wandering warrior, a ronin as she had read in books for this particular country.

Personnel soon came to the boats to gather information; appropriate identification and paperwork for their vessel was necessary, she supposed. Kaori stole herself into another room, trying to still perfect her own form. Through a crack in the door, she could see her companion as he clapped his hands together, sitting himself on the ground to discuss terms in their seemingly strange, complicated language.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

It was several minutes before they were done, and when the man who had come in to speak to Matthew left, Kaori was poised on the deck of the ship, marveling at the cherry blossom trees that had been planted all around the harbor.

Kaori's keen ears heard the small gasp that fell from the merchant's mouth when she glanced back at him briefly.



"Is everything all right, sir?" she asked kindly. She was hoping that Matthew hadn't done anything to him that was...unprofessional. Having dead Humans on her ship was not something that she wished to put on her list of deeds.

"It's...uh...fine...ah...everything's fine," he said, and he hurried away.

When Matthew came outside, he started as well. "Ah...Kaori...a bit regal, don't you think?"

"I wanted to look like someone to be respected. I do not want to be treated like another citizen. It leaves too much open in terms of someone discovering my identity..."

"I-I see..." Matthew said, but his face said something else.

Kaori ignored it.

"So, shall we go into the Mainland, then?"

[Moriteruze Kaori]

Walking the street, she saw that the harbor was more or less a home for those who were selling the fruits of the sea. Fish vendors were boasting of every catch that they had made, which consisted of many different types--some of which even Kaori had not seen Matthew walked along side her, and the pair of them received a few glances. Many merchants were just content trying to solicit them to buy; Kaori was sure that to them she looked like a person of wealth.

Passing the large market she began to see bits of landscape as well as roads that led to the main portions of the city.

"What...shall we do?"

Kaori paused. "We need a mode of transportation. You speak their language; is it possible to procure such a transport without funds? We have naught but silver coins...and only a few of them at that."

Matthew smiled. "I have a small clip of yen with me, from when I used to live in this country."

Kaori furrowed her eyebrows. "Yen?"

"That is the currency here. But I only have what I have saved from my previous life, Kaori. I only have enough to get us a place to stay for one night and to get us there. I have nothing else."

"...my currency cannot be converted?"

"...I think that we should save what you and I have from Aledo for emergencies--silver is considered a precious commodity, at least if things have progressed from when I dwelt with Humans..."

"Silver is precious?" Kaori pondered this. Her own city had to excavate the silver that they had...but they were a small city, and their money circulated from hand to hand...

"Yes. I would advise you to keep it hidden."

A car passed by, something that Kaori recognized--every ethereal creature was taught about the basic dangers of the Humans. Cars were one of them.

Matthew stuck out a hand, and the car, which was a black color, pulled over, some sort of ornament on top.

"The Lady," Matthew said, "will be having her first taxi ride."

[Issac Verro]

Handing the driver his fare, Issac stepped out of the black car's street side door with his sword in hand, only to be caught of guard by the taxi's new passengers. Upon first sight, Issac was enamored by the beauty of the female, her garb only further accentuated her beauty. She smelled of flowers to him, as he casually walked around to the other side of the vehicle to initiate contact. "I have that for you madame." Issac said smiling as he opened the cab door for her, getting close enough for nearly all of his senses to be overwhelmed, a sly smile spreading across his face.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

The charming smile on the Inu-jin's face did not hide his thoughts, and while Kaori was not in the position to refuse his kindness in holding the door for her, it was enough for her to look away from him in contempt. Matthew knew nothing, and while he was at the ready for any emergency situation at any time, he saw nothing wrong with the kind stranger and even spoke to him out of amazement.

"...they allow you to walk around freely in that form, brother?"

It was then that Kaori remembered that she had purposefully shielded herself and Matthew from those whose minds could not handle the reality of their presence. As an Inu-jin, Kaori wondered how he saw her? In her true form, or were his own innate magics not enough to break through her simple barrier of disguise?

It was after these thoughts that she turned to him, no longer allowing herself to be upset by what she had sensed.

"Thank you," she said, making her way inside the coach. Matthew fitted himself in after her, and the driver looked as though he was going to leave.

"Wait," Kaori said, poking her head outside of the window to the Inu-jin. "How well do you know this city?"

[Issac Verro]

Issac looked at the man sheepishly as he inquired about his lack of concern for his appearance in the presence of non -Jin's. "Well brother, no one allows me to walk around, I go wherever I please, looking however I please." Issac said smiling as the man, his sight impaired by the magics at work. "I think people shouldn't hide themselves from anything or anyone, we are what we are, well... because we are that way?" Issac commented in confusion at his own words before turning back smiling at the women who'd asked him of the knowledge of the city.

"Pretty well I guess, I've been here a few times so I guess I can say I know the places I know, but that's pretty much it, unless you're looking for somewhere in particular, just ask if thats the case." Issac said leaning on the car, his sword's scabbard on his side, gently brushing against the car.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

Despite his lewd thoughts when he had first seen her, Kaori had taken a liking to this Jin. Not only was he the first one that she had not seen in a little while who wasn't from Aledo, but he had been courteous to her, and seemed kind. Kaori would need someone who could know the city better than either herself or Matthew, who hadn't been in this area in years.

"Could I interest you in accompanying me as a guide? You will be amply compensated for," Kaori said, her voice a pleasant hum. "And you have the look of a warrior. Perhaps you could teach Matthew here a thing or two..." But even as the words escaped her lips, she could feel Matthew's frown.

[Issac Verro]

"Miss, you've already got my interest, accompanying you would be a bonus." Issac said as he grabbed his weapon and walked around to the front of the car, getting back inside via the passenger side to to not cramp the two people in the back. "So where would you guys like to go, hopefully it's not somewhere where I'd have to use this old thing..." Issac said, placing his sword in between his legs so it would fit inside the car. Sensing Matthew's dismay, Issac attempted to lighten the mood a bit by attempting to mend his broken pride.

"Who knows, Matthew might know everything I'd have to teach anyway." Issac said placing his hand out the open window. "Driver, take us wherever the lady says." Issac said smiling to himself as he reclined in his seat.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

At the comment that Isaac made gesturing his sword, Kaori smiled. "I am simply traveling through here. I plan on leaving this area soon. Are you alright with that decision? There a disturbance in the cosmos, I fear. I sense something strange, and I will travel the Mortal World until I find the cause of such a disruption. There have been rumors of War up above from my associates scattered in this Realm...I must visit them, so that we may take the pieces and put them together..."

Matthew frowned. "I think that its about time for some adventure, madam. Weve been couped up for too long..."

[Issac Verro]

Taking a small sterling silver flask from the inner lining of his kimono, Issac removed the top and began to sip the bittersweet mahogany liquid contents, sighing in refreshment afterward. "A war you say... haven't seen one of those in awhile." Issac said, commenting on Kaori's statement.

"Sir, could you please put away the alcohol, I'll be pulled over if the authorities see and open bottle of liquor while I'm driving." The cab driver said in an annoyed voice, already perturbed that his former and current passenger sat in the front next to him, allowing him no comfort from his awkwardness.

"Oh, sure thing." Issac said replacing the top casual. Listening to Matthew's comments, Issac scratched his fur covered chin in earnest curiosity, "Couped up my lady, exactly where are you too venturing from if you or Matthew here don't mind me asking?" Issac said, turning around to see Kaori's face, an image he found almost heavenly.

[Jin NPC]

Tabitha could see that the sun was beginning to set. Good. No one would be able to notice her soon enough, with the darkness helping to cover her already honed stealth abilities.

She really didn't know what this job was for, just that it came directly from the top--the head of the family, Kaori. The bitchiest fox you could ever find--and she was not going to refuse a job from that woman. No, no, she would rather keep her head, thank-you-very-much.

There were trees all around this old fashioned city--unlike some of the more industrialized towns in these Human infested areas--and they disguised her. She could see the coach clearly, and she monitored it with ease, not even bothering to look at the passengers. She knew who was in it. That disgraceful daughter of a coward who held the Head of Family's name. Tabitha didn't know her, honestly, but knew that she was a failure, and she had to die. Apparently, by the Head Mother's orders.

Too bad. She had seen the old pictures and the girl was quite pretty. So, so bad. Poor thing.

But for now, she would watch and wait...

[Moriteruze Kaori]

"I have not seen War in my lifetime," Kaori said, "Though I have been trained for it. Other than feudes that the Humans start with themselves, I mean. But honestly, none of we creatures take much a part in that ignorance any more. Our breed have tired of being used for convenience and burned as witches and monsters when we are no longer of service," she said, a scowl on her face as she spoke the words. But not more than a moment after, she smiled again, putting the moment behind her.

Then the driver asked Isaac to put away the liquer, and the dog did so without hesitation, then asking where they were from. Matthew sent her a glance to let her know that he found no problem in answering the question.

"We are from the city of Aledo, home to only Jin," she said softly, looking out of the window a bit as the sun began to set, "a few days off of the shore of this place. This was the closest piece of mainland that we could locate--as we are not familiar with the Human world, just our own cities within it--and we have a long journey ahead of us, as we are traveling to Egypt, where my fellows are. Alexandria, to be exact. There is a niche not too far from the city, called Aladia, where they are waiting for me. I hae sent word of my coming in advance. However, I am taking the time to travel manually rather than by magic, so that I can see that world that I was raised to ignore on the way. Is that a suffiencient enough answer?" she asked, fluttering her eye lashes facetiously.

[Issac Verro]

"Sufficient isn't the word." Issac said with a grin, completely enamored by Kaori's display. He hadn't met anyone like here, Jin or otherwise, and she seemed to be resisting his charms well enough, something that made here more desirable. "Aledo, heard of it before. Not many people go there nowadays, with the Aristocracy killing anyone they deem worthless, kinda makes the whole tourism thing shaky if you know what I mean. As for this Egypt place, can't say I've been there, so let's say you, me, and Matthew all enjoy the ride tell we get down to business." Issac said, resting his hands on his head. He was sure Kaori was withholding information about what was to happen when they arrived at the niche, but he didn't care, being near her was payment enough for whatever lie ahead.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

Matthew suddenly looked out of the window, his head whipping in and out in a matter of seconds. He then reached forward, tapping the driver's shoulder. "This is it coming up," he said, gesturing out to the building on the right side of the vehicles.

It was a large building, draped in ancient chinese decorations. It made Kaori breathe in a sigh for all of it's beauty.

"Are you sure that we have enough to actualy stay in such an establishment?"

Matthew nodded. "This place is owned by Monks. They do not charge for anyone to take lodging here. I have a friend who lives here, a monk who I used to visit when I was a young pup."

The car coasted to a stop, and Matthew looked to where Issac was in the front seat. "You'll be welcome inside, too. So don't worry. Perhaps we can train..."

[Issac Verro]

"Monks eh..." Issac said as the car came to a stop. "Yeah, sorry about the drinking, I guess." Issac said as he turned back to Kaori and Matthew. "Well, glad to know I won't sleeping on the ground tonight." Issac said, ruffling his shabby dress. "I wonder if these boys are good with a needle, my robes need tending to..." Issac said, stepping out of the vehicle to open the door for Kaori, taking his weapon with him.

"Here you go beautiful, and we can train in whatever Matthew." Issac said, anticipating a nice warm bed and some sake, which the monks should surely have here." Issac said leaning his sword against his shoulder.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

Even though Isaac was a little rough around the edges, he was making a very good impression on both herself and Matthew. Matthew smirked a bit as he watched the inu-jin open the door for her, Kaori taking the initiative and using his free hand to assist her in stepping out of the small vehicle.

Immediately after she stepped out onto the walkway, she smiled. She could sense that there was another person around who shared the same magical talent as herself.

...who are you? Where are you hiding, brother or sister? she called out with her mind. She closed her eyes briefly, concentrating for an instant on finding a possible friend. The energy that she sensed in the air was benign, so she was suer that the person didn't mean any harm, no matter what race or form.

In front of you, of course...

An image flashed in Kaori's mind, and she blinked her eyes open. Of course, her friend was sitting at the entrace of the temple.



It was a tora-jin, sitting near a mundane fox and brushing her hair. Kaori smiled, but Matthew, who had gotten out of the car while she had been searching mentally, approached the woman and gave her a hug.

"Hello Peana," he said, bowing deeply after he hugged her. "Where is Yama? Have you all room for guests? Where are the Master and Miss?"

Kaori knew that he was talking about the two Humans who had taken him in when he was younger. He spoke of them often, and Kaori looked forward to meeting them.

But after just a small moment, she turned away to look at the car as a departed; she could tell from Peana's thoughts that she wouldn't get to meet them at all.

"They have passed, came a deep voice, and a male tora-jin approached, sword in hand and in a gesture of welcome.



"They passed more than four years ago. Human age a little faster than we Jin do. They have gone to a better place." he said.

Looking toward Kaori, Peana introduced herself. "And this is my husband Yama."

Yama bowed as Kaori turned to welcome him.

"This is Kaori," Matthew said. "She is from the city of Aledo. And our friend here is Isaac. He will be accompanying us on our journey."

Yama and Peana bowed simultaneously to Isaac. "We grew up with Matthew," Yama continued. "And any allies of his are welcome in our home. We still take in all here, and you all are welcome."

Peana frowned. "What dangerous business brings you all here?"

Kaori withdrew into herself. It was very rare that she was around others with her abilities, and she typically didn't have to defend against others probing her thoughts. However, having left them out in the open, she could see how Peana found them so easy to spot.

Forcing her smile, Kaori said, "We'll discuss it later. I am very interested in seeing what you're doing here."

[Issac Verro]

Bowing to the Tora-jin caretakers, Issac respectful handed over his weapon. "I don't think
I'll be needing this in a place like this. Thank you for having me." Issac said in his
usually gruff and lazy manner of speaking. Walking inside, Issac felt at peace, he had not
been in a place like this in some time and was fully prepared to relax as well as be of
service to Kaori, while making sure to respect the caretakers. Removing his worn sandals
before he entered the establishment, Issac carried them in his hands, hoping to show
reverence to the sanctity of the monestary. Walking on the polished wooden floors, Issac
walked over to Matthew, and laid his back against a wall, waiting to be shown to his
quarters.

"Do you and the missus travel disguised often?" He asked, removing a chewing stick from the
pocket of his robes. Placing the pungent and sweet smelling stick in his mouth, Issac chewed
happily on the end, breathing into himself, and exhaling in a relaxed manner. "Brandy bark,
care to try one?" Issac asked.

[Moriteruze Kaori]

[We can end the thread on your next reply, if you wish ^^]

Yama handed the Inu-jin his sword back before he even crossed the threshold into the monestary. "We do not confiscate weapons here. We encourage you to keep your weapons in the rooms that we will give you, but you are even allowed to carry them on your person. We have been saved too many times in the past by rogue warriors with weapons to bother being fickle about them now. Just keep in mind that such weapons must not be wielded in the monestary, unless there is a urgent matter of life or death. Toward that end, we have a small dojo behind his structure for the purpose of training. Matthew and I trained there all of the time when we were younger."

Kaori smiled; she knew how difficult it was for a warrior to part with his weapon, and she was impressed with the trust that Isaac had in the caretakers--animals that he had never met--that they would keep his sword well.

Matthew laughed at his fellow Jin as he took off his shoes, and preceeded to remove his own. "You have the right idea, friend--I had almost forgotten..."

Kaori took off her shoes as well. Peana laughed. "So, Matthew--how did you come to meet Isaac here? He looks as though he's certainly the life of this group!"

Matthew rolled his eyes. "Actually we met him on the way here. He was in the same carriage that we flagged down. He has agreed to help us with our goal, which we will discuss later..."

Hearing the jin in question speak, Matthew answered accordingly. "This is the first time that Kaori has gone out into the world of Humans. She is traveling disguised because she was under the impression that Jin are not accepted in general society--which they are not. However, some of the more rural areas more influenced by culture than money still welcome magic."

Kaori wrinkled her nose at the chewing stick while Matthew was speaking. "No," she said. "He will not be having any. Neither will I."

"I would like one," Yama said in his booming voice. "It has been a long while since I've had a chewing stick. Come. I'll show you to your rooms, and we will prepare dinner for you tonight..."

[Issac Verro]

Taking his weapon back, Issac's canines could not be hidden as he smiled, "Thank you, I'll keep the rules in mind." Issac said, placing the weapon back at his side. Hoping no one would be stupid enough to cause a ruckus here, Issac continued to follow the caretakers, thinking to himself how bothersome a scuffle would be in the place he came to relax from his travels. Listening to Yama speak of the days of the past, Issac mind flash back to his days as a young pup in training, struggling to hold his sword steady while he trained dutifully with his father.

Issac listened, but did not speak as he was brought up as the subject of conversation. He nodded when Yama looked in his direction for confirmation of Kaori and Matthew's tale, and reached into his robes for another one of his precious chewing sticks. "Enjoy, they're kinda strong so don't say I didn't warn ya." Issac said, graciously handing a stick to Yama. "So, Kaori... this special task of yours sound important. I hope I'll be brought up to speed over dinner. By the way, what are we having?" Issac asked, in a slew of questions, hoping to distract the topic of himself and his improptu meeting from the conversation.