Budo Zen Dojo: Standing Strike Tournament Announced!

Retire the South School?

Yes	15.4%	[ 2 ]
No	84.6%	[ 11 ]
Total Votes:			[ 13 ]

[Samayou Tamashii]

Samuel watched the young man apologize, of course he felt the young man did not truly mean it. What if a child or someone had been present, someone could have really gotten hurt 190 pounds of flesh traveling at that speed was dangerous when it crashed.

As for his "hot chick" sense, well he was correct a rather beautiful women was in fact outside but one, was also inside. Samuel did not go outside to see the other women, he could smell the feminine scent from here, that is also how he could sense another women who strode up the stairs. He noticed her as she entered and her tightened stance spoke of a women ready to attack. Most if not all the people in this room are new, and one just came crashing in with commotion that would put anybody on high alert.

He strolled over to his bag, hoisting the large duffel bag over his shoulder as he glanced at her, then a nod to the young man who had made the rude comment about hot women.

"Seems he discovered a flaming table is not a good surf board, you can relax I think...until he gets another idea anyways."

Samuel then turned to what he assumed was the head student, or at least one of the more experienced ones. He was eager, after a nine hour car ride he wanted something more to do then stand around and socialize.

"Chonan, right? Well my friend, I don't know about others but I have been driving all night to get here, so I am rested and ready for the day. It seems for me and my...build...I would best be accustom to the South School I think. Though as for attunement perhaps I could try, or at least form some sort of branch with my Psionic abilities, Wind perhaps? But I did not say heart of the World, regardless I am sure I can learn a plethora of things here. I understand your rules, harm is not the intention. I am ready to begin the day, first the meditation room then, perhaps try and see if it is possible, no harm in trying I guess."

[Masataka Daisuke]

"Well, that was... unexpected." Daisuke's words were remarkably blunt, considering present circumstances. Sarcastic, almost. He didn't budge, didn't make any attempt to get out of the way of the bizarre, makeshift surfboard. Most likely because he understood that he didn't have to. He trusted that he would remain unscathed, his cool eyes watched as the man haphazardly crashed down-to-earth. He was positioned somewhat out-of-the-way, off to the side of the group proper.

Hands lackadaisically resting in his pockets, Daisuke looked over the burgeoning group, still content to remain in his position. Out of the way, on the sidelines, he watched and waited. Chōnan really did have a knack for selling the place, and with that in mind Daisuke wasn't entirely sure what he could do to help, so he simply made himself available.

[Tresondros Ecstuffuan]

Tres nodded when Chonan asked if it was clear that sparring wasn't meant to maim his opponents. "Of course", though he seemed lackadaisical about it in his response, Tres was clear that training wasn't meant for hurting the opponent or proving anything to anyone. It was meant as simply what it was.

Tres didn't care about looking at women right now. He had all the women (read: One) that he could ever want back home in the city of doors and he did a lot more than look at them. Tres thought about Lovi and resisted the urge to shout: 'Woo!' as he often did.

"I'll probrably flip flop between both schools. I'd like to get a good understanding of your method's and then I can assess how best to learn them for my own purposes. For now, I'll start here...In the southern school."

OOC: Headed out for the night guys

[The Vansin]

[South School]

Chōnan nodded.

"Many students learn from both. A well rounded education is a worthy goal." he said.

"You can meditate in the Zazen room anytime you feel tired. It's pretty good after a fight, it freshens you right up and usually I find I can compete in multiple tough fights in a single day if I meditate after each." he advised.

"Daisuke! Do you mind showing the gentlemen to the Zazen room?" he requested. As the senior most student of the North School Chōnan's word was the closest thing to an authority in the Dojo. The ultimate responsibility of keeping the traditions and functioning of his school fell to him. Not only that, but any student sufficiently talented could depose him any day...

Oh well.

"It was nice meeting you both. I hope you enjoy your time here."

[Elliterate]

The South School

She watched, quietly as the man approached her, a curious gaze in her amber eyes. Her thumb rested softly upon the round stone of pearl inset directly upon the centre of the bamboo hilt. She watched each step towards her when he was two steps from her she inhaled, stepping boldly out into the door way, ready to meet him in a strike-

He spoke.

The slightest hint of surprise registered on Jun Kaze's face,

"Oh." She said with a faint look of surprise. "I see."

It was all the quiet woman managed before the hulking gentleman began addressing Chōnan.

New students?

She crossed the threshold of the door way and walked towards the back of dojo floor. The dojo li filled with completely new faces, barring the face of the firebender, and while Jun was bursting to know exactly how all these people had come here all at once? And what sort of bender surfed on a burning table? She didn't say anything more. Content to observe quietly for now. After all, she had been taught by the Grand Masters that the answers to all questions reveal themselves to those willing to wait and listen.

[Masataka Daisuke]

Daisuke had never been a fan of meditation. He had always been fond of action. His father had often commented that it was odd he turned out to be an airbender, as his temperament could be quite fiery and impatient, at times. Now, however, after spending some time at the dojo, he had come to appreciate the Zazen Room much more than he could have anticipated.

Therefore, in answer to Chōnan, he nodded resolutely. "Sure thing." He said, shifting his attention forthwith from the firebender to the newcomers. "It's this way, if you're interested." He gestured past, through the North School to the doorway at the far end. "I'll admit I wasn't fond of it at first, but taking a break and having a good think in the Zazen Room every once and awhile really does work wonders." He explained, speaking in general, to any one of the several newcomers.

Hands remained stuffed staunchly in his pockets as he turned on his heel, proceeding to make his way to the meditation chamber.

[Samayou Tamashii]

When Chonan was done addressing them he nodded and smiled, turning back to the small girl he had approached once before. He nodded in respect and smiled, speaking once more as he un-slung his large duffel bag from over his shoulder and simply held it by his side. She was interesting, quite, yet serious and stern. He wished to talk to her more, to get to know her better and since her scent suggested air maybe she could help him.

"Pardon my manners before, I am Samuel. I was hoping maybe you could show me the meditation room, maybe tell me more about the school and yourself perhaps?"

He offered his right hand in a greeting, once she took it he would kiss the back of her hand and smile. A smile on his face did seem out of place, many said pale white empty eyes and black contrasting skin made it seem off set. Add on his 6'6" frame, powerful build and the thousands of scars that adorned his body and it over all was not a fitting match to see him smile.

However he would give a proper greeting for a proper lady, his people though considered animals and tribal held many up standing and civilized ideals. Truth was they were only beastly in battle, at home they where gentlemen.

[The Right Honorable MG]

Masataka Daisuke

[The South School]

"'Zazen', that's what you call those tacos with the rice in them, right?" The red-haired swordsman spoke up, "Sounds good to me muchacho, lead on!"

Now that he was actually paying attention to his surroundings instead of the ladies, he was starting to realize that this probably wasn't the strip club he'd been aiming for. The male-to-female ratio was way off and the place smelled distinctly like sweat and pain; and not the good kind. Not to mention there wasn't a single stripper pole to be seen. What had that big guy and the others been talking about? Something about a school? Ah, whatever, it wasn't important, there were TACOS to be had!

Strolling after Daisuke, the swordsman let his left forearm rest on the sheath of the blade on his hip, his hand dangling nonchalantly as he moved to catch up with his new friend. "Hey man, did you scope out that chick with the dreads? She totally digs me, I can tell."

[Epic Myth]

The Dead Goblin

The Dead Goblin had entered, silently like a predator of the night but strangely enough, she was sensed before she even announced herself. And it was from the most likeliest person, the man who came in with a crashing landing and whole lot of jovial ruckus. She did not enter their circle yet, instead, she lingered out by the entrance of the Dojo and listened.

Sky-blue eyes scanned every person, from the impressionable and Casanova of red hair. He's...he's going to be the bane to my side.

To the giant men, one with dreads and strange creamy/black skin. The other a standing hulk of muscle and intimidation, for others of course. Giants, lovely...

There was also the tall lanky guy to the side, he looked weird to her for some strange reason but he was compliant in leading them to another section. Azima had came in too late to hear exactly what was going on, seems like they needed to meditate.

There was another girl being entertained by the giant, but by then, her attention waned and refocused on who she could perceive as the head student or so. At last, Azima moved from the door-frame she was slouched against. In she came with a strut, dreads flowed behind her lightly, her 5 feet and 9 inches of frame was slightly taller than the average height of a woman but she doubt it matters much when big men had entered before her. She stopped a few feet and glared. "So, where can I sign up, Monsieur (Chonan)? I want to learn how to break folks with yer...martial arts, or whatever fancy words ya have fo' it." There was an accent to her voice, something close to Cajun speaking folks mixed with urban street. Apply that to her womanly bass and the vicious aura she carried with her, on a usual basis, people would be wary of Azima.

[Location :: The South School]

[Elliterate]

South School

Jun Kaze slender black eyebrows raised in suspicion as the man took her hand and kissed the back of it. Her lips twisted into a contemplative frown. The customs of strangers were... so... strange. As soon as she was able she removed her hand and tucked away in the voluminous folds of blue fabric about her waist.

"Well, Samuel. I am Jun Kaze, it is an honour to meet you." She said in a voice that was both soft and clear, "If you are interested in the Zazen room, I can take you there to meditate." She nodded in the direction the other were walking, She rolled forwards on the balls of her feet with an easy grace and fell in step behind them. Her eyes remained fixed ahead as she walked and spoke with Samuel.

"This school was founded by the Grand Masters, each of whom teach us different ways of approaching the same problem. It is important to always keep an open mind in all situations. Every problem has a different angle from which it can be approached. If you allow yourself to remain open to all possibilities, then you will never encounter a problem which you cannot solve."

Jun Kaze turned her head to the side, her long black hair billowing lightly as if buffeted by a light breeze,

"That is the purpose of this school, that is why I come here." She smiled, although it was a reserved expression, "I wish to watch, and listen. My art is not the same as that of the Grand Masters Yin and Yang, but that does not mean I cannot learn from their teachings and apply it to my own form."

As they crossed into the North school she gestured to the stairs which led down into the Zazen room.

"Down there is the meditation area. It is a very spiritual place. All four elements meet in harmony there."

[The Vansin]

[South School]

Chōnan turned to look at the seemingly random woman who now stood next to him. She must have entered while he had been addressing the others. It seemed there was something of an influx in odd looking newcomers today. What this meant for the Dojo...Chōnan didn't know.

"Uh, follow them." He said, throwing a thumb at the tall man and Daisuke. He didn't seem to be in the mood to repeat himself. Indeed, after he said this he walked out the front door and hooked around to the back of the building. It was fine if the new arrivals wanted a taste of the local color, but he was supposed to be training.

Outside, behind the Dojo and before the wide stream, the firebender continued that training.

He resumed his stance. Shoulders back, neck straight, feet shoulder width apart...he had his right hand chambered at his hip and his left hand was open, palm facing down, and held out as though to ward off attack. He kept the weight on his legs well balanced, though his upper body leaned forward aggressively.

"Kiai!" he yelled. the firebender's legs slid deeper into their stance.

His hands thrust out simultaneously. With a grunt, Chōnan hurled a massive column of flames. Jets flared from both hands so hot that that the fire closest to his hands burned blue. He continued releasing the energy, pouring out so much blazing fire that the air began to ripple around him. Chōnan's face fell into a pained grimace as the effort of expending so much energy took its toll on him. Nevertheless, he pushed on, thrusting his hands forward all the more and redoubling his efforts. Fire blasted from his hands like never before, and blue flame crawled almost a quarter of the way up his attack. It began to quickly sputter, however, before the blue flames could reach much farther and the firebender ran out of energy.

His arms fell to his sides and he slouched. The weight of his expenditure had finally surpassed adrenaline's ability to keep him on his feet, and the young man collapsed on to the floor. He fell gently on his back, caught and cushioned by the non-too-pleased grass, and stared up at the passing clouds.

There was something wrong. Blue fire wasn't coming to him. Yin's book has said that blue fire cost great energy, but Chōnan had never considered that it might take more energy than he even had. He was at the prime of his life. He wasn't even sure he'd ever get more energy than this...

Maybe it was his technique? Or his mindset? All of the bending arts required a certain controlled state of mind, and fire was the most sensitive of them all. Perhaps blue fire symbolized something he didn't have? Maybe it was only for guys with...good senses of humor? That would explain how Yin got the hang of it.

Chōnan frowned. That probably wasn't it.

[Masataka Daisuke]

The Right Honorable MG

"I don't think we have tacos..." Daisuke thought aloud, contemplatively. He didn't seem particularly off-put by the odd nature of the question. In fact, it seemed there was very little that could catch him off guard or surprise him. Then again, he hadn't spent the near-entirety of his life inside this, or any other, dojo, whisked away from civilization and tacos. "I can ask, though..." He added, head still in the clouds, as he thought aloud, "I do like tacos..." He announced, as though suddenly remembering a great secret.

Lanky legs carried Daisuke lackadaisically onward, his steps were light and his pace was even. To someone attuned to these sort of things, it was clear he had an affinity for air. His hair danced about now and then, as if affected by an intangible breeze. Lighthearted and carefree, that was Daisuke for 'ya. He laughed off the newcomers comment, about the lady-with-the-dreads "digging" him. "I'm not sure she 'digs' anyone..." He pondered aloud, taking note of a real "srs bsns" attitude she seemed to have. At any rate, it seemed she'd be coming along for the tour, as Chōnan directed her to tag along. "Why don't you ask her yourself?" The airbender added, grinning, as he came to a halt outside the door which led down, to the Zazen Room.

Now, standing beside other new arrival, Samuel, and Jun, who had been at the dojo for some undisclosed amount of time already, they observed the door which led down.

The four of them stood by for however long was proper.

"Well, that's the Zazen Room for 'ya." The airbender commented, gesturing almost-halfheartedly toward the door.

[Epic Myth]

The Dead Goblin

His answer was simple and curt, just how she liked it. So while he moved on to do his thing, Azima fell in line behind the others, preferring to keep a distance as she tailed them. At the very least, she picked up on the words of the girl practitioner speaking with the bulky giant.

Surprisingly, the woman -- Jun Kaze -- spoke some words that made sensed to Azima. When it comes down to issues, Azima has ninety-nine of them and there will be times that the answer just doesn't seem to come to her. No matter how direct, decisive, or brutish she could be when seeking it.

Maybe I'll learn a lil' thing or two 'ere after all. That's if this crazy martial arts mombo jumbo ain't just hype. She was one that desired to see things at first hand of course. Azima was a skeptical person, always taking things with a bit of salt. Yet, she followed the group from the back quietly towards this mystical Zazen Room. With the way her steps were, delicate, slow, and graceful, she would probably fade from existence -- which she would prefer until they arrive at their destination. A nap before actual work, she snorted condescendingly.

For the time being, she ignored the lanky dude and the samurai's conversation about her. From the back, Azima glared into stairway that led below. "Pardon moi," spoke the serious dread-headed woman, slipping between the group without having to miss a beat. She headed in first, sky-blue eyes set forward with a bit of determination to see what this mystical meditation would lead to. If Azima was right about this whole charade, she'll be heading back home in no time to stomp her foot into one of her gang member's asses.

So down the stairs she went, keeping that saucy sway that's a part of her being.

[Location :: Heading to the Zazen Room]

[DarkKingJilly]

[Outside of the Dojo; the Forests]

A brilliant and ethereal splash of light would erupt from the skies, a sudden and explosive burst of fire and energy flaring to life from the heavens. Thunder cracked as the gate between this realm and Heaven opened. It would soon be clear to anyone watching the skies that a streak of light and fire was racing down to the earth. Most would guess that it was some sort of satellite that had exploded or some other UFO. However the screams and cries of a man could faintly be heard within the fire.

"NononononoNONONONONONONOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"

Flailing in a futile effort to stop his fall, Lucas cursed and yelled as he crashed into the trees and into the ground. A small quake would shake the earth, smoldered branches, embers, and smoke enveloping Lucas as he lay still within the crater. Lucas knew the Council of his Heavenly realm didn't care for him but jettisoning him down to Gaia like this was too much!

[********]
Blood trickled down his head as the Celestial tried to get up. Lucas was feeling odd and he wasn't quite sure why. His body burned and ached in a way it had not done in a very long time. Lucas was not immortal but here on Gaia he felt more vulnerable than he should have. "Ugh..this can't be happening..."

((Y'all don't have to reply to this. I just wanted to get Lucas in here.))

[The Fiend of the West]

[Waking Up - South School]

The door to the South School opened, slightly after Samuel and Daisuke had headed to the Zazen Room; The 1st Senior Student of The South School entered shortly after. He stood a slightly below average 5'7", but was built very large for his height, almost absurdly so giving him a light 'blown up' look. This wasn't to say he was very muscular, infact he was the exact opposite; his build hid it very well but shirtless he would be relatively overweight. It wasn't perfectly obvious; but anyone with an attentive eye would call him 'chubby'. His head was large and round, a 'chuck liddel style' mohawk down the center of his head. His eyes were big and grey, but his lazy expression made them look much smaller then they were. He had a large nose; subtly bent to the left. He was dressed in a grey martial arts Gi, a grey t shirt under the gi to hide his chubby gut. The gi was slightly too long for him, the sleeves going slightly past his knuckles and the pants almost dragging on the ground. It was hard to call him ugly, because he had a friendly charm about him; but to call him attractive would be ignoring his slightly overweight build and his generally 'round' features.

His left forearm on the palm side had a beautiful gold tattoo from wrist to near elbow; curling slightly along the side of the arm and outlined in black. The out of place man was roughly twenty years of age; and while he looked like he might have brawled; he hardly looked like the South School 1st Student he was. "Lively bunch today, eh?" The young man said to no one in particular. His lazy posture caused his head to lean slightly to the left as his eyes scanned the room; he didn't stop on anyone or anything in particular.

The average looking youth rubbed the growing stubble on his round head; clearly displeased with the patchy nature in which it was growing. His mind had already drifted away from where he was into his own little world. This odd character sure didn't make much of an impact amongst these power houses, demon like men and famous Psionic warriors; but to anyone with a trained eye one thing was evident; this chubby mohawked little man oozed a bizarre confidence.