Seeing Spirits

Subject: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 5:50 am

Naseru & Kozue	The City of Ba Sing Se was massive enough that, even though Naseru was back in it and had a home here, it was on the other side of town, which in turn meant that it would take at least a day to get there. As a result, he rented a room at nearby inn. At 25 years old, he was a competent earthbender and a very knowledgeable scholar. However, what a lot of people did not know about this pale and slender fellow was that he was also devilishly street smart and knew how to defend himself. He was swift to act and react, and his earthbender strength made him a formidable opponent. However, he was not here to fight. He and his little 9-year-old adopted daughter Kozue were here to rest for the evening. They were not terribly tired, and so they were not going to bed yet. However, he did remove his shirt, and was already barefoot anyways. He left Kozue's dress on, as that was all the little girl had on besides her socks, shoes, and skivvies. She was playing quietly on the opposite side of the bed, to the point where she was not even visible at all to anyone who entered the room. Naseru did not mind this, as he expected to be the only one to be in this room tonight besides his little girl.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 6:34 am

Noriko Tatsumi	The quiet of the night was imposed upon when a small hullabaloo started up, across town. Men were shouting and a dog or two began barking, but it was mostly unobtrusive, being that far away. However, the night's tranquility was soon shattered when a dark, shrouded figure crashed into the room from the window. Tumbling over once before landing in a crouch, the figure turned, catching sight of Naseru almost immediately. While the eyes were visible, the rest of their face was obscured by a painted Noh mask; the colors different shades of red, white and black. The commotion, meanwhile, seemed to draw nearer... Eyes darting from Naseru to the window, the figure seemed indecisive.
Mood: Hurrying Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 6:39 am

Naseru & Kozue	Briefly, Naseru's eyes went as wide as dinner plates. Kozue, however, did not even stir from where she was, having not noticed. Instantly, he took a defensive stance, not exactly about to let himself fall victim to a raider or a bandit or whatever else have you./ "What tha... who the hell are you?" He made a step towards her, ready to strike her if she tried attacking him or attacking Kozue--although he was not even sure she had seen the younger girl yet.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 6:57 am

Noriko Tatsumi	Reaching up, the figure slid the Noh mask off, along with the cowl, revealing a young woman. Moving to stand, glancing back at the window, then to Naseru, she also, rather suddenly, began ripping her clothes off. "Get down," She hissed at him, bundling her clothes and mask together, shoving them all under the bed. Moving toward him, she shoved Naseru onto the bed, crawling in on top of him. Though it was an intimate act, it was performed without a hint of emotion, aside from hurried irritation. Grabbing the blanket, she pulled it over them both, obscuring her scarred body and his pants. "Play along," She hissed again, through clenched teeth.
Mood: Hurrying Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:07 am

Naseru & Kozue	Before Naseru could really react, he found the girl stripping to her underwear (for after seeing her underwear, it was more than apparent that this individual was female) and taking him to the bed. Before he could even mention the blind and deaf girl that was hiding behind the bed minding her own business, she was on top of him in her skivvies, trying to pretend to make love to him. Realizing that either the fates had blessed him or cursed him, he went along with it, viciously groping her butt in the process, playing along quite well. Whoever this creep was, she wasn't hard on the eyes. the scars on her body were intriguing, but not enough to detract him from her looks. He didn't feel bad about making noise, as Kozue was deaf. Either way, he was going to take full advantage of this woman now, for barging in on him and then forcing herself upon him. His ways were not necessarily cruel nor wicked, but he would definitely have fun with this.
Mood: Devious Condition: Surprised	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:17 am

Noriko Tatsumi	Growling at him briefly, she shot him a warning look, before starting to move her hips in his hands, playing the part... okay. In no way was she amazing, but it would pass, so long as no one was looking too closely. Her hair fell from the gathered bun which had once been neat, fluttering down to Naseru's shoulders. Moments later, there were footsteps in the hall. The door to the room was shoved in, and four or five rather unsavory characters, pushed their heads in to check it out. Looking over to the door, eyes wide as if in shock, the woman gave a very accurate shriek of terror, grabbing at the blanket, to cover her body. From her position, the men would also be able to see Naseru under her, though not Kozue on the other side of the bed. Or the fact that neither of the two adults were actually naked.
Mood: Faking it Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:22 am

Naseru & Kozue	When she growled at him, he gave her a look that, while his mouth stayed closed, clearly shouted "what are you going to do about it, sucker?" The footsteps and the door bursting open shocked Naseru as well, and so he didn't need to pretend either. He just needed to hold that face long enough and pray that Kozue didn't wander what had happened. She had done the work of covering them, and so he went back to groping her and thrusting his hips slightly as if he was slowing down from doing the deed as if he paused when they came in. However, he was watching them closely to see what they did.
Mood: Devious Condition: Surprised	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:30 am

Noriko Tatsumi	At her cries of "get out, get out, get out", the men all backpedaled, muttering apologies as they went, though one did a double-take and shot Naseru a thumbs-up. Soon after the door closed, their noise resumed, as they were obviously searching for the woman currently in Naseru's bed. Noriko's screams stopped as soon as they had moved on. Lifting herself up, though still straddling Naseru's waist, she listened carefully, just to make sure that they'd really gone. With a nod, she went to get off of him, her expression fading from 'embarrassed and scared' to her usual look of concentration. It seemed that, danger now passed, she was planning to collect her things and go, herself.
Mood: Relieved Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:38 am

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru grinned at the man in question, suddenly realizing that they were not after him. He had nothing really for them anyways. He travelled lightly as far as money was concerned (although had plenty of it) and so maybe if they wanted to steal Kozue's fancy clothes... but otherwise, he had nothing he could do or give them. the instant she got off of him, he was on his feet as well, instantly blocking the area of the bed where she had shoved her clothes. "You really think you're going to just get up and leave without telling me what that was all about?" he taunted, also a little bit upset at the nerve of it, but he hid it well. "Think again, lass." It was at this moment, perhaps after sensing the "thumps" of them hopping off the bed, that Kozue's little head popped up from behind Naseru. her expression was neutral and curious, but Naseru did not even turn around, knowing who it was. He was watching her closely, not necessarily checking her out as much as trying to predict her next move. He would turn aggressive instantly if she tried anything on Kozue. On him... he'd fight back of course, and fate would dictate the winner and the loser.
Mood: Devious Condition: Surprised	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 5:04 pm

Noriko Tatsumi	Balling her hands into fists, Noriko tensed, as if ready for a fight. Her eyes moved only briefly from Naseru to Kozue, but, while she was surprised to see a child - especially considering what her apparent guardian had just allowed her to pretend to do - her gaze was quickly centered on the man, once again. The girl was deemed not a threat, and so she was dismissed until further notice. "You saw," She spoke quietly, her voice terse, "Those men were thugs and I had to take cover." Noriko clearly left out half of the explanation, but she was already trying to move around Naseru, to retrieve her things. As of this moment, she was trying to get out with engaging him, without even touching him again, if she could. Notably, despite being in only her undergarments, the woman, whom had not yet given her name, still had a rather commanding presence. Noriko didn't care that Naseru was seeing her body, and she let him know it by ignoring the fact all together, even now that the situation had ended. That, coupled with the fact that she had been (mostly) fine with his hands squeezing her backside.
Mood: Guarded Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:01 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Kozue's expression had not changed at all. Sure it might be easy to tell that based on her eyes and the lack of detail in them, that the youngster was blind, but there was no real sign of knowing she was deaf unless it was making a sound in front of her that she did not respond to. Naseru did not need to move much to keep her from retrieving her clothes and things. "I think there's more to it." he smirked, managing to do so unsuggestively. His eyes were sort of darting around her undressed form not only to take in her scars, but also to see her stance and analyze what she might do should she strike. He took what was very clearly a defensive stance, which may have been an indicator that he had no intention of throwing the first move, but he also did not intent to let her off scot-free either. He was fast for an earthbender, his lithe body being built for speed. Naseru didn't know her name or care much about it at this point. He just wanted answers. After all, if she left, then he would be alone to foot the damages, and he was not exactly one to let something liek that slide either. That money could go to better things, after all.
Mood: Devious Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:31 pm

Noriko Tatsumi	"Look," Noriko hissed once again, her body still tensed up, "I don't have time for this; those goons were part of the Half-Baked Dragon." Assuming that Naseru knew what that was, she continued, "If they come back and find me out, my operation is fucked up beyond all repair and the gangs keep running rampant. Just gimme my stuff and I'll get the hell out." Her tone, despite being irritated and rushed, was civil enough. Since he had her clothing practically hostage - and she didn't want to cause another scene by disabling his legs - Noriko was trying to be diplomatic, trying to make Naseru realize the gravity of her situation, without giving too much away. The Crimson Spirit wasn't too well known in Ba Sing Se, yet. The fact that he hadn't recognized the mask was proof enough. She was hoping that he wouldn't remember what it looked like, afterward, to connect her to the masked persona.
Mood: Getting Angry Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:41 pm

Naseru & Kozue	"You should have thought of that before you fucked up my evening and my bill." he retorted, but then instantly did a 180 at hearing the name. Kozue crawled out from her corner, plopping back on the ground and playing with the doll she had in her little 10-year-old hands. "Half-Baked Dragon?" he raised an eyebrow, "that might explain what they came bursting in for." instantly his mind was in 5th gear. "Look... now you've got me interested. I've been doing extensive research of the gangs of this city, with the intent of finding and exploiting their weaknesses. I am not exactly a one-man army to do it alone, but if your operation involves weeding some of those bastards out... perhaps we can cooperate somehow." He was not making any suggestive tone, despite him being topless and her in her skivvies. He kept a defensive stance and was watching her closely. Clearly someone with enough skill to kick in a window like that had enough skill to be a decent fighter. If she tried fighting him, he would fight back. he tapped on the ground with his foot three times in subtlety, which in turn made Kozue suddenly grow wary behind their backs. She did not move, but her little ears, despite being useless, perked, which was one of the youngster's signs that she was sensing her surroundings, but staying calm. Naseru had various ways of communicating with the child, and convenient, most of them were silent, such as the subtle hand motions he was making that Kozue was sensing and acknowledging. He may not have been a warrior or a crime fighter, but he was subtle, swift, and smart. "and if you're against the idea..." he added, "then you'd be well to think of a good way to compensate me."
Mood: Interested Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:19 pm

Noriko Tatsumi	Though her first inclination was to tell the man to shove his compensation where the sun didn't shine, Noriko stopped, considering his proposal. The gangs here in Ba Sing Se were smarter than the small-time operations in the villages and towns; she wasn't able to patrol aimlessly at night, as she had been, and just expect to stumble into a group of them. Eying the man before her, she tried to get a read on him. His stance was good, even if he was fairly small - so was Noriko, after all. His eyes watched her every movement, and he even failed to really stare at her bare body, which she would have expected. "Are you sure you're cut out for this kind of work?" Noriko asked, a little aggressively, which might show her military background, "You've got a kid with you." She gestured toward Kozue, only then noticing that the was blind, "A disabled little girl, at that." While she wasn't against the idea of having backup again - she had relied on her unit before, in the war - she wanted to hear his response. That would help her determine if he was useful or not. A sissy rich-boy wouldn't be much good, except for information; in that case, she would barter for the information, instead of becoming a partner.
Mood: Thoughtful Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 10:23 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Had she tried to brush him off, there would have been trouble, because he would have stopped her escape (or tried to), despite taking a non-aggressive approach. He stayed confident and didn't let much on about himself. "Are you sure YOU'RE up for it?" he countered with a grin. "you might be able to wipe out the amateur gangs in the small towns, but the big city is the real deal. I don't make offers unless I know I'm in." he smirked when she mentioned Kozue. "Disabled or not, she knows you are here. Say hello, Kozue." he made a motion with his fingers which Kozue caught with her keen heat senses. Smiling, she gave a cute little wave. "And she has the nose of a shirshu. With your scent on me, she could track you across probably about half of the city. Surely you know the old saying... when you lose one sense the others become heightened. Well now multiply that by two." He'd let that sink in for a moment before he continued. It would be pretty easy to guess what other sense Kozue was missing if it was not touch or smell. "As for me... you wouldn't have to worry. I wouldn't be volunteering to help you off some gangsters unless I had skills of my own." he didn't want to give them away, but he wanted to make sure she knew that just because he was not in the military did not mean that he did not have extensive combat experience. People often underestimated the small, thing scholarly boy, but what he had were street smarts, and not just in terms of connections. His skills were part of why he was not picked on in school for being the nerdy overachieving kid who had all the right answers.
Mood: Interested Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:02 pm

Noriko Tatsumi	Holding her hand out, for him to shake, she muttered formally, though with a fake surname, "Noriko Yamaguchi, former specialist of the Earth Kingdom Army. I've notched my belt with more enemy soldiers and criminals than you can count." She was standing at attention, though she did not salute, as she would have to another soldier. "So... how do you want this partnership to work?" Dropping her stance, she began moving toward him at a very languid speed. She was trying to get at her clothes again, though still very clearly prepared to stay and listen, or plan, or explain, rather than run off. Before she could grab them, however (or before Naseru could block her once again), there was a loud rapping knock on the broken door. "This is the Dai Li," came the commanding voice, nearly shouting, "We're conducting a search and questioning!" Then, because the door was mostly open, it was pushed in, admitting four of the elite Dai Li agents.
Mood: Businesslike Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:27 pm

Naseru & Kozue	"Naseru Amiti Litzak; scholar and expert at the streets and schemes of the Earth Kingdom and its capital city." he replied, shaking her hand. Not necessarily one to doubt someone's claims without investigation, he smiled. "An unnecessary war for sure... although your service is surely commendable with that kind of record." It was a friendly compliment, for Naseru respected his country and those who fought for it. Naseru did not move to try and block her from her clothes this time, although also didn't step out of the way just yet. Before he could, there was a knock at the door, and several Dai Li agents stepped in. right after hearing the knock, Naseru mentioned for Kozue to move, and the child skillfully hid behind the bed again disappearing from sight. as they came in, Naseru raised his hands to about neck level to show that he was unarmed. "Questioning?" he raised an eyebrow, staying calm, as he had done nothing wrong unless Noriko was a criminal. Then he was guilty of sheltering one. "Ask away then." he said calmly. The innocent had nothing to hide.
Mood: Interested Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:45 pm

Noriko Tatsumi	Because she could no longer grab her clothes - and since all she had was her Crimson Spirit outfit - Noriko stood beside Naseru, lifting her hands in much the same way, though she did have the presence of mind to try and look uncomfortable at her near-nakedness. "What's happening?" She asked, with wide eyes, "First those men, and now..." Her gaze moved from the Dai Li, to her new partner, as if they were lovers and she was looking to him for support. Though the Dai Li did not take their eyes off either of them, their leader spoke a quick apology, for the woman's state of undress. "I am sorry to burst in on you folks... like this," He finished awkwardly, "Those men were criminals, and we're trying to get a description of them, to aid in our search." He nodded at Naseru, "Can you remember anything about them? Any distinguishing features?"
Mood: Faking Fear Condition: Good	Link: N/A

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:58 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru smirked as he heard the Dai Li out, and then turned to Noriko as if to give her a reassuring look as her lover, but in reality, giving her a face that could have screamed "watch and be amazed." "I remember them." he began, "there were four of them, and they all had markings and made signs of the Half-Baked Dragon Gang." he began. And then, with surprising detail, he began to describe them, including what they wore, and any distinguishing features that stood out on these lackeys. he was charismatic-sounding. He had a smooth flow to his voice, and a calm and collected, almost smug demeanor. He continued to describe what he could of the thugs, while Kozue quietly played in the corner. She was not discrminating evidence at all, as She was clothed, very well-groomed, in perfect health and in very good shape, so despite the odd pairing of the two, Kozue would not be taken away for abuse of any kind, because Naseru took extra good care of her. "Any other questions, officers?" he asked them once his descriptions were complete.
Mood: Interested Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:34 am

Noriko Tatsumi	Noriko remained quiet, allowing Naseru to do all the talking. While she was impressed that he'd remembered all that detail, in such a short amount of time, it also dashed any options she had as far as ditching him went - even though she had not been planning on it. He was far better at talking to people than she was, as well; something that would definitely come in handy. If he were to handle the information, as well as the public relations, while she handled the sneaking, breaking and entering... it would work out quite well for her, and her mission. Because the child looked vaguely like both Naseru and Noriko - she had black hair like them both, at least - she raised no alarms with the Dai Li, who were conversing quietly among themselves. Their leader turned back to Naseru, giving a grateful nod. "You've given us plenty to go on; thank you for your cooperation. Once again, we apologize for spoiling your evening," He mentioned, figuring that they had been very intimate, before their interruption. With that, they left, carefully shutting the door behind them; as best they could, since it was broken, anyway. "Finally," Noriko let her arms drop to her sides, moving down to a kneel, grabbing her clothes from under the bed.
Mood: Calm Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 1:20 am

Naseru & Kozue	"You're welcome." he nodded casually, and with a simple nod at their apology as if to say it was okay, he watched them leave the room. tapping his foot three times, Kozue felt it and took that as her sign to return back to the more visible open. This time he stepped out of the way to let her get her clothes. "So..." he quipped, "What's your course of action?" He was curious, but at the same time, he wanted to make sure she knew that he had not seen the end of him. "Surely you wouldn't think about just trying to run off..." Kozue was leaning forward from where she was standing, curiously sniffing the air in Noriko's direction, as if curious. "Do we have a deal? or are there amendments to add?" He was willing to compromise if needs be, and it was also clear that instead of being a hindrance, little Kozue would probably be a help. What he did not mention was that she was also a very competent firebender. He had not taught her in the ways of offensive combat, but the youngster knew how to defend herself quite well. She had keen heat senses and had reflexes that could rival Naseru's. Primal Firebending skills came in handy that way.
Mood: Interested Condition: Wary	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 1:58 am

Noriko Tatsumi	Noriko began pulling her clothes back on, ignoring his questions until she was fully dressed, though she left off her cowl and mask, letting them both hang loose from her shoulders. "I joined in a partnership with you," She spoke slowly, "I wouldn't run off. I keep my word..." Then, in regards to his other question, "We should talk about the details; would you like to meet tomorrow?" She left that fairly open-ended, so that he could choose the place and time; Noriko had no schedule to keep, after all. Crossing her arms over her chest, she watched both Naseru and the young girl, wondering if she had made the right choice. While she was technically the one who initiated contact, she could just pay for the door and then leave now... but then she'd still have no idea where to start. No; Noriko would stay on this path, for now. Whatever would happen, would happen.
Mood: Calm Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:26 am

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru watched her get dressed, leaving his shirt off since he was about to go to bed. Kozue approached him, tugging his arm. she traced a sign into her hand and nodded, before turning back to Noriko, now fully dressed. "ah." he nodded, "good to know there are still honest people in the world. I respect that." He was being honest and not sarcastic with this. Then, in response to her other question, he answered: "How about in front of this building a bit before noon?" he offered, giving her the same leeway. That would be right around the time he would be checking out anyways, so it wasn't a big deal for him. Kozue woke up early, and she usually helped Naseru keep from sleeping in too much. "How does that sound?" he asked, keeping a reasonable tone. If they got the deal worked out, he'd undress Kozue and get her ready for bed and would let them sleep until morning, as that had been what he had been about to start preparing to do before Noriko had busted through.
Mood: Interested Condition: Calm	Link:

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:45 am

Noriko Tatsumi	Giving a nod, Noriko answered, "That's good. I'll be here." Then, she pulled her mask on over her face, yanking her cowl up over her hair at the same time, hiding her feminine features entirely. Glancing over at Naseru, she muttered, slightly muffled, barely loud enough for him to hear, "Thanks for playing along." Placing her hands flat on the windowsill, the shrouded Noriko hoisted herself up, expelling a soft breath. Crouching in the window for half a moment, she was soon through it and out into the night, sprinting across the courtyard to a high wall. Jumping into a nearby tree, she skimmed over the wall, disappearing from sight.
Mood: Calm Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Seeing Spirits Sat Sep 21, 2013 3:25 am

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru nodded. "As will Kozue and I." he agreed, "she'll be an asset, not a liability." Just a word of reassurance if anything. It was little more than such. He did pay attention to her mask, the same way he had with the half-baked dragon members, but he said nothing and just casually glanced at her as she disappeared. he was still shirtless himself. His next course of action was to wrap some things up before going to bed. Helping Kozue out of her dress, eh let her play in her underwear a bit as he finished getting ready for bed. After he was ready, he slipped her shoes and socks off and helped her into a little nightgown, and with a movement to put out the lights, to two of them snuggled into the bed and were asleep within minutes. Their relationship was akin to father and daughter, and so there were hardly any inappropriate undertones to the two sleeping together. * * * * * * * * * * True to his suspicious, he was woken the next morning by Kozue. After some breakfast, he got her (and himself) dressed and ready for the day, and soon the two of them had checked out and were waiting in front of the building for their masked friend. Naseru wondered when she would show up, but was only going to give her about 15 minutes after the hour he had promised.
Mood: Content Condition: Rested	Link: