Path of the Vampire forum

Soft steps skid across the floor, bare feet skimming a hairs breath from the wooden floor with the faint rustle of cloth. Large, balance steps swept out, carrying the uniformed male across the empty floor gradually. A loose, comfortable grip balanced the wooden blade before him, carrying out slow, careful movements. Then things picked up, and the steps became short and light. Swift thrusts and feinted parries accompanied soft grunts, pushing each movement for both speed and control. One, two, then a twist. Then he was on the defensive, maneuvering through practiced steps to push limits on his control with them. Finally, he slid to a halt, the blade back at his side.

Turning away, he stepped to the edge of the floor. Hands lowered as he bowed formally to one of the other teachers on their way out, receiving a bow in return before the other was gone. Taking a sip of water, Yasu eyed the time. "You've been checkin' that clock for two hours now. You wouldn't be...anxious, would you?" A voice slid like a snake over his shoulder, but the male gave no glance back. Instead his eyes skimmed the doorway, as if assuring himself of his privacy before garnering a reply for the wraith. "It's been awhile since I've done a private lesson. Is it wrong for me to be at least somewhat aware of the hour?" A snicker rose from the other party. "Aye, but being aware and apprehensive are different things, ain't they?" the thick Irish brogue taunted him.

Heedless of the others prodding comments, Yasu only sighed. His eyes skimmed the uniform that had been lain out on a chair near the entrance. It was much smaller than his own, and the dojo manager had been fleeting on his description of the new student. It was this lack of information that put the man most ill at ease. Many things he could deal with, but not knowing was the worst. At least with knowledge, one could be fully prepared for a change in expectation. A flexible plan could be created for any situation, but how did one plan for something without knowing what to plan for? True, it was just a lesson, but even in something as small as this, not knowing was the worst. Absentmindedly, Yasu thumbed the hilt of his shinai, the bamboo blade he used in his teachings. Dressed appropriately in his full bōgu and so on, he felt stiff and formal, almost overly so while waiting for the time to pass. With another soft sigh, he dropped to his knees, resting the blade across his lap. Settling into a seiza position, he shut his eyes against the wraiths murmurs and the rest of the world, slipping into a practiced meditative mind.

A vague sound, a light click of steps encroaching on the small buildings space, drew Yasu from his peace of mind. With a faint twitch of his features he shifted his attention to his surroundings, remaining in his current position. A moment passing, then the soft questioning call of a greeting. A females voice by the sound of it, and no doubt his student. The thought made him sigh faintly. No wonder the information had been kept vague, it wasn't the first, nor the last his rather outgoing superior had tried to match him with a student in the interest of a pairing. Too bad the man had a sense of good matches like a penguin trying to fly south for the winter.

Shifting his feet out, the soft rustle of fabric stirred from the silence as he found his footing and returned to it. Nearly silver eyes slid around the main room, then over to the small hall that led to the somewhat cramped entrance, the bamboo blade held at his side like a sheathed blade might. With light steps, he moved to the edge of the room and turned back, initiating a small, smooth bow to the room before continuing on his way. Past the office, then another side hall to the changing rooms. Standing just past the entrance to the latter, he took in the sight of the entrance and his supposed student.

Naturally, the t-shirt was one of the first sights he took in. Clothing choices said much about a person, after-all, and while the line of text was vaguely amusing, it's informality only added to a growing assumption. The numerous inks along her flesh gave the impression of a rather loose, young at heart female, one of the most difficult to teach, if past examples stood for anything. Still, there was no parent here dragging her along, and the air of independence leaned towards a more positive assumption that attendance was a self-sought choice. Sliding his gaze from head to foot, he spent a full minute taking in her appearance in a somewhat intrusive manner, but with no sign of impure intention.

Once he was done, he closed his eyes calmly. "I'm Yasu O'Doherty. You may call me O'Doherty-sensei or simply Sensei within the dojo. If that's a real blade you may leave it in the office until the end of the lesson." His tone remained formal, maybe a tad stern for a first impression as he gestured to the weapon she carried. Moving to the side, he tapped a clipboard on the wall. "Just sign in and proceed down the hall into the main room, and leave your shoes at the door. The secretary will guard any personal effects you wish to leave with her." Two more gestures to the aforementioned shoe rack and office. Then he turned away without waiting for much reply, returning to the main room. Stopping at the edge, once more he bowed before entering. He took up a patient position by the wall, his gaze ahead an unfocused.

"She's a cute one~" Invasive and unwelcome as ever, the comment slid over Yasu's head, and he squashed the urge to roll his eyes. "Don't give me that look, kid. Live a little, hehe." Inwardly Yasu sighed. Another downside of such a match up. It gave his unfortunate companion all the more fuel for his sideline commentary.

Yasu was quickly becoming pleasantly surprised with his new charge, whom followed each instruction with a quick and respectful air. He heard little to no time being wasted as she went about completing the simple tasks set before her. What was more, she even knew the basics of dojo respect, granted by her bow rather than simply stepping onto the floor. It may have been easy to miss, but those who knew him or had an attentive eye would notice just shred of change in his features for the better, just a little edge of the initial briskness. He dipped his head, laying his weapon on one of the many chairs on the one side of the room and going to pick up a pile of clothes on another. A third pile held armor similar to his own.

"You seem to have a quick grasp of etiquette, but I'll give you the run-through either way. Coats and hats are to be removed before entering the dojo. Bowing before entering and leaving the dojo and main floor each are both customary. Sitting with your legs stretched out, one or both knees up, or laying down are also not to be done in the dojo. Food and drink are to be kept outside except on special occasions. I can give you a full explanation of any of these rules if you like after you have changed." A neatly folded set of clothing was presented to her. He lifted the top piece, then the second with further explanation. "This is the kendogi or keikogi, and this is a hakama. A jacket and trousers in a sense. If you need any help, just ask the secretary. The changing rooms are down the hall you passed on the way in." A pause as he handed her the items in question. "I'm afraid the first lesson is primarily focused on theory, so if you were expecting to jump right in to swinging your weapon about you'll find only disappointment today. You won't be even touching the weapon 'till day three." Though his words might have seemed harsh to some, the calm, nearly friendly expression on his face took away much of the bite, and his tone shifted to match. "Also, there will be a locker ready for you tomorrow, so you won't have to leave your things at the desk next time if you prefer. Next time you come in, just stop by the office and Ms. Akage, the secretary, will provide you with the lock."

After handing over the clothing and finishing, Yasu stepped back and appraised how she further reacted. He wouldn't have been surprised if there was some confusion at this point, but he had a feeling she'd adapt well, as she had already. At least he had faith that she would find the other woman in the building to be a formal, but very kind older female. Keiko Akage, age fifty-three. The white haired secretary had been working here since long before him, of course, and there was a reason nobody crossed her, calling her the devil-in-glasses if anybody crossed her, and the rumors amongst the other sensei flew that she'd once ridden with Hells Angels, fueled by the woman herself. However, on the other hand, she was also the kindest woman Yasu knew, though he didn't exactly know very many. Making others feel welcome in a new setting was certainly more her specialty than his.

Dominique and etiquette in the same breath was a compliment she was not entirely prepared to hear. She tried to follow formality out of respect to wherever it was applied to. She could say rosary, kneel, bow and refrain from saying anything that wasn’t in the bible itself when it was called for. She didn’t have to believe in something herself to in order to respect its tradition, ritual or value to another. Her Catholic grandmother taught her that and so much more. the woman who chose New York City as her adoptive home was a believer of every prayer said and every precious worn bead rolled between her fingers. Yes, Dominique could really benefit from applying how she was raised to her dealings with others more often. Perhaps she would eventually. For the time being, it was a huge step for her to leave that self-imposed safe shell she had been holed up in and look at the world around her for what it really was. Staring at the Sensei in front of her holding clothing was part of that.

Dominique watched each item that was lifted for a visual while the explanation of what she was looking at was delivered clearly. She nodded slowly. She eyed the kendogi and then the hakama. This was the most clothes she would have worn in quite a while. Well except that latex Batgirl outfit last Halloween that Kenlie had to use the scissors to cut her out of. Baby powder would not be needed for this outfit she was setting her sights on.

The young shadow’s lips were about to part to ask about how she was expected to put it on but she quickly pressed them back into an attentive firm line. Yasu continued to explain how to do just that. It was a lot of material. Sort of like the habits the nuns wore at the convent that were incredibly kind to her. Talk about layers. The amount of material stood out when she imagined moving about in it with a sword in hand. She was used to fighting with her sword for an entirely different purpose. This attire, the formality and refinement of it all, added to her growing enthusiasm as to what she would learn. It seems she was going to go make nice and polite with Ms. Akage. She would help her figure out how to wrap up in the items as well as give her a lock tomorrow. Or perhaps Dominique would wing it and hope she got it right the first time on her own.

Tomorrow? She blinked. So, it was not a Monday and Thursday thing? She was grinning on the inside. This was hard core training. Could she become the last Samurai? Likely not. However, she wasn’t entirely sure if she was looking at one. If he was she was pretty sure there was some kind of code and honor thing that kept him from saying so. Her nose wrinkled lightly as she eyed him without thinking about it. This actually was pretty cool. A sudden itch spread across her nose and as hard as it was to resist she refrained from chasing it with her hand. She squeezed the fabric of the kendogi and hakama instead. Her expression relaxed as the annoyance went away and relief washed over her without having to give in to any distracting urge.

There was a brief period of time that Dominique stood there waiting to make sure the man was finished speaking. The air was sweet and she had quietly noted she was in the presence of a strong human heart. The beating was healthy and consistent as was the faint sound of the blood that circulated below the surface of his skin. He was safe. Of course he was. Her jaw tightened a little as she looked down at what she had been given.

Did it matter her skin was going to be cold when it slid into it? No. She was able to commit to what be expected of any Kendo student. She would not bring in more than any other off the street. Her speed and dexterity would be left at the door as would her strength. It served no purpose within the walls she was standing if she wanted to learn. One blur of her and sword would have red flags raised all over the place. She was genuine in wanting to learn what he could teach her. She had developed an insane amount of discipline in holding all that back. Pottery class was her other option and she just couldn’t see her holding any interest in that beyond three pen holders and two vases tops.

Once Yasu had left her to continue on with his recent instructions she turned and made her way towards the office where the secretary could be found. She nodded at the white haired woman giving her sword a stare. Eyes met her own and she went on to change. If she could put together a shock cage that was of the highest quality then surely slipping into the items in her hands would not be an issue.

Dominique looked down as she found herself alone in the changing room. She held up the kendogi. She looked down at her white tank top. Her eyes went again to the kendogi. Did she put it over the clothes she had on or did she pull off her top? The bra currently holding her top half together she was pretty sure stayed on. Right?

Dominique sighed. Why is it so hard to ask for help? She sucked up her confusion as a curse of her pride. In that instant she decided to pull off the tank top and slipped into the kendogi. Once that appeared to be on correctly she went to work at slipping out of her yoga pants and into the hakuma. She turned around a few times as she got that part situated. She felt incredibly small in comparison to the combination of top and bottom when she was finally finished.

It was not a bad thing at all. If was just different than the cling of denim at the curve of her hips and cotton stretched across the top of her body. The one sensation that centered her was the comfort of her bare feet on the floor beneath her as she walked back towards the room she had exited perhaps ten minutes prior. Yes, that alone made her feel comfortable and right as she stopped, bowed then stood erect once again before stepping into the room.

The enthusiasm on the girls face as he spoke was obvious, though the cause for it wasn't so much so. He couldn't find any source in his own speech to fuel it. Still, it was refreshing to see. The girl left quickly to dress, leaving him alone once more with his thoughts and eagerly distracting companion who wasted no time in drawing a conversation from him when it could, such as now. He could feel it like a chill creeping up his spine as it slithered around him, and though there was never a physical touch, it was that grip on his very anima the thing held that drew such uncomfortable physical sensations.

"You're bloody aloof even though you get to teach a juicy bird like that. What gives, kid? If it were me, I'd be turnin' this into a real private lesson if you get me~" The cool taunt slid over Yasu's left shoulder, earning a soft sigh in reply. "You're no better than Yamanochi-sensei," he murmured softly. Leaning back against, the wall, he shut his eyes and crossed his arms. "I have no interest in a mot, male or female. This is a professional lesson." A snicker grated on his mind as the wraith dug in deeper, causing Yasu to cringe against a sharp pain assaulting his temples. "What about Jaxon huh?" it cackled softly. "Jaxon is a friend. Now shut your gob already." Reaching up, he covered a hand over his eyes to push back his discomfort, neglecting to notice the woman's approaching footsteps.

When he lowered his hand again and opened his eyes, he nearly jumped out of his skin. Seeing her already back, a look of surprise briefly took hold of his features, then quickly was wiped away as if nothing had happened. He pushed off the wall and made his way back over, determined to keep the situation uninhibited by whatever outburst of his she might have caught an ear of. Instead, he took in her appearance again before nodding appreciatively. "Now that you're dressed, we'll begin with the basics. I'll explain the second piece of your uniform at a later point. First of all, do you have any questions though?"

The question wasn't at all one he'd been expecting, and for a moment he paused in deep thought. His eyes strayed from the student as his hands crossed behind his back, memories dragging to the surface of his mind. It had been a very long time since he'd thought about his early days in Kendo. The question he'd been presented with was more personal than the woman could guess, and it was a while of stretched silence before he spoke again.

"As you can probably guess, I'm not from Japan, or at least I wasn't raised there. I was adopted in Ireland at a young age. It was my mothers idea, a whimsy of hers to keep a bit of culture alive that I take up a sport with origins in such a place. Honestly.." Yasu paused, his expression softening with a distant gaze. "I might have quit if it weren't for my Aunt. She taught me to see the value in the training, and to find reasons to stay that were my own. How to value it without relying on the wishes of my parents. I've been trained in kendo since I was of age, and I just received my fifth dan last year. My sensei back in Ireland was a strict man who spoke little English and even less Irish, and only taught private lessons. For many years we made no progress, but we eventually found an understanding that took no words. From him I learned everything I know. I took on teaching after my fourth dan, and only moved to Harper Rock a few months ago. It was long, my training, and full of its own challenges."

With a soft sigh, the older man lapsed into another moment of silence. He could still remember those long days of training, learning not just how to master the art of Kendo, but also the skill of focusing his mind against the will of the creature that clung to him. Mingled in had been his own sorcerer training, full friendless days, but happy ones with the bit of family he felt close to, even if many of them were not blood related. It was nostalgic, thinking of that special relationship he had had with his teachers, and reminded him now that he was a teacher himself, and had a responsibility to offer such a comfort to his own student. A student who was no doubt still waiting for further words. Clearing his throat, he returned to focusing on Dominique. "Everyone has a different reason for pouring themselves into a task. It is up to you to find your reason and never forget it. Were there any other questions?"