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 Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:24 pm
Musei sighed, sitting on a nearby rock. I'll do it. I'll do it without getting mad. I have to. He lifted a single hand, palm upwards. He narrowed his eyes, concentrating on his breathing once again. What do I want the wind to do? Musei chewed on his lip slightly, pondering the question. I want to focus the air into my hand. Breathing regularly, he focused on the air materializing into a small little ball in his hand. Slowly, he felt a stirring of wind touch his palm, teasing it almost.
He suppressed himself, continuing to concentrate instead of breaking for an asinine victory dance. Slowly the wisps became more defined, and he could see the swirling right above his hand. He stood, and the air ball moved with him. "Hah!" He said, triumphant but still concentrating as hard as he could. Then, he turned slowly, and tossed the ball at the rock he had been sitting on. It dispersed on contact, but it lasted far enough to make the contact.
He sat against the rock, staring at the sky. "Hmm. This is one of those moments when something philisophical should come to mind." He murmured, only to himself. "But, truthfully, I find nothing. Practice makes perfect, I suppose."
Then, he shivered. That's right...my coat... He rubbed his neck in embarrassment. I bet she thinks I'm trying to hit on her or something...ugh. Hesitantly, he made his way up the stairs, trying to remember where his room was. I think it's...oops...
He had burst into none other than Niima's room. He couldn't help but smile, however. The way she was clutching his coat, her staff, and her sitting pose; it was laughable. It seemed like she fell asleep musing, like an old hermit.
He turned, hoping she hadn't woke. Next door...NEXT door. He made sure it was the one he was using, and took off the odd clothing before plopping into the bed. Maaan....these guys know how to live. Was his last thought before drifting off to sleep. Sure, he'd only sleep for a while, but he was sure beat.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:01 pm
Once Niima was safe and snoozing in Taizen's Room, Taikai and him conversed a bit about the battle, and about the disappearance of Guardian. Could they really ask Niima to leave without Guardian? They didn't even know where the cat was! Taikai seemed a bit concerned about Taizen's parent's, which in Taizen's own opinion, was irrelevant. They were both bender's. Mediocre in every, but it wasn't like they were going to die or something. he shrugged it off, and commented on Niima's words before sleep: 'You need a soak in the bath house.' Taikai protested bit at ffirst, and thene ventually gave in.
But, before he went, he suggested to Taizen that he might want some different kind of clothing,, one that wasn't threadbare, and on the verge of ripping clean off hisbody. Heh, Taizen had never really noticed such mundane thign's as clothes. They were seen as a necessity in the south pole. A child without atleast an extra layer of clothiong on was punished, but the quality of said clothing didn't really matter. Taizen was of course, notin the south pole. He promised that he would find some clothes, and the old man dissapeared from his sight.
Once gone, Taizen wondered whether or not he should try to go back into the room for the neatly folded Yukata that Niima had given him. He decided against it. Chances were, something would end up destroying that hard-made peice of art. And Taizen could care less that it was beautiful design, or perfectly light for bending, or any other purpose there might be. He cared more about the hard work Niima put into the Yukata staying safe, and neat, under the bed.
So, Taizen began to go off, in search of the hospitality of another monk, or refugee. And finally, Taizen began to feel a continence of shame, since he'd come, he'd brought os much... 'Excitement' to this place... Surely they wanted them to leave... Where was that woman that Niima had spoken to Taikai about? The one that would have gladly fed him t'ill his leg's would be of no use to him any more? In the kicthen? As he turned the corner, he thought he caught a glimpse of that boy- Musei was it?- He seemed tired to... Well, best ignore the child, he was probably searching out Niima, he was an orphan, right? A few motherly words would most likely comfort him, but he seemed wise enough not to go waking people.
As he made his way to the kitchen's, walkign quite slowly, and making sure not to bring attention to himself, found each cook that should fit Niima's description. Well, he was bad at judging women, they all seemed to be worried about the same thing, or atleast laughing at the samething, apparently some girls were bickering amongst themselves, over a boy... Who would need a mate? It was something you only needed when reproduction was necessary, people should have comrades. comrades that would help them achieve a mutual goal. But after a bit of his stalking, he singled out a woman that seemed quite a bit more youthful, (Atleast she acted like the younger girls anyway) She seemed around Taikai's age, perhaps that was the one Niima had been talking about?
Taizen made his way to the kitchen door, making sure to walk by when the woman would notice him. He would walk slowly, and tenderly, as though he were in great pain. (Well, in order to get tht emotion he just had to press down on his foot a bit harder than usual.) He also purposely ripped a bit of the cloth, and kept it in full view at all times. After crossing the open door, he waited several moments before peeking in again. The woman looked a bit surprised at what she had seen, and had her finger's to her chin in thought. She finished the pastry she had been working on, and proceeded out a different door. Taizen wondered if his plan had worked, where had she gone? Tos earch out Taikai? To tell the other women? He waited longer. Until eventually, he could make out a bustling sound amidst the leisurely clinking of plates, and spoons. Taizen peeked his head inside.
Ah! He had eben right! The woman was adjusting a robe- apparently a males robe, but there were possibly so many styles of clothing that Taizen couldn't comprehend, he chose not to hope. He waited for a few moments until she would look towards the door again. And then came across the door again, again looking to be in famine, and his clothing in shambles.(He'd created another rip just in case she needed more convincing) And the woman immediately rushed towards him, calling for him to stop. Taizen grinned in the hall, no one wasaround, he had succeded! He turned around slowly, confused, and yet still looking quite homely. She immediately ushered him into a different room, commanded he replace his worn and torn clothing with some other's, and that afterwards, he should feast until he were satiated, and 'plump enough to go for a whole day'. Of course, Taizen acted as though it were too kind. And he played it perfectly, he would not take more of his host's, generosity... of course until she wore him down and he 'gave in'.
After eating and thanking the women for the new clothes, with the thread-bare clothes neatly folded in his hands, he said farewell, and gave her one of those grins he'd thrown around at the exhibition, she flittered,and said that it was no problem at all, before asking him to send Taikai down to the kitchen before he starve to death. Mission successful
As he made his way back, in new, white robes. He began to think of Niima again. She'd held a vigil for him... Why not he repay the favor? He had thoughts of healing her in her sleep, but... Perhaps that would disagree with Niima. He'd heal himself up first, that way she couldn't fuss! She did love to fuss... Anyhow everything seemed to be in order when he walked in, he grabbed the skin of water he'd brought with himself on the first day, and bended some onto his legs. The shimmering was no where near as great as a normal healing. (It had only eben a day of recovery, and was calling upon his own healing energies rather than someone elses.) But it sufficed. He could walk around without occasionally wincing. He retreived another bowl of water quickly, for Niima in case her fight had brought her mroe injury than Taizen could see, and waited, on Taikai's bed. Across from her. Hmm... His eyes were drooping, and they were heavy, he splashed a bit of the water on his face to keep awake. She would not find him asleep! Not like she'd fallen asleep on him!
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 4:13 pm
Atleast she had fallen asleep in attempt to comfort him. However, there was no comfort for her at this time. Her brows dipped down and her features tightened, a frown tearing across her lips and remaining for the better part of the twelve hours she slept through. That's right. 12 Hours. She was woken not by Taizen and his splashing but by a knock at the door. Her legs lashed out and her back thudded against the wall as she sat into upright position, her eyes wide. Huh Wha! Type surprise. It was then that she doubled forward and groaned in protest, her body singing in obvious pain. Now she wish she had stolen Taizen's bed or something to that effect.
Another knock and she shifted to stand, using her staff to assist her. She didn't even realize Taizen was there, still in the daze of slumber. She wobbled her way to the door and opened it, finding herself staring blankly at..Nayll. Nayll gave her the oddest look and a frown to follow.
"Miss Niima. You look..Awful."
"Meh..Gee thanks Nayll. What do you need?"
Nayll realized his words had been out loud and he flustered at the fact she replied on it. She stared at Nayll waiting for him to get over his state.
"I uh..Master..Dyn wants to speak with you." he was quick to reply in studdered words.
Her shoulders slouched when he said that and she gave a nod to the bewildered man. "Alright. Tell him I will meet with him in a few minutes alright? I need time to ..freshen up."
Nayll gave a quick nod and took off the way he had came. Closing the door by pressing the staff's butt end at the door's bottom, she stood there and mumbled. Eventually she turned around and realized Taizen was there. She would stare..stare at him as if he where a mirage. What was he doing playing with water? And in white robes. Him ..in white. Now that was a sight. She offered him a faint smile but said nothing to him. Apparently she was..thinking.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 4:36 pm
Despite his attempt to stay awake, Niima had slept far more soundly than he had expected, and lost himself to sleep as well. This sleep was peirced by moments where Taizen would sit up abruptly, fear that Niima would find him asleep rather than the other way around. That'd happened several times, and then when he awoke, and was about to settle himself down for another nap, he thought he heard a knock on the door. No, he was sure he heard a knock on the door, because if he didn't then Niima certaainly did. Contrary to many other time's Niima had slept, she woke from this one violently, thus surprising Taizen into sitting up immediately, he could only wonder from what nightmare she had woken from- though he could only assume from what she'd told him- "Niima, what-?" He stopped himself, Niima seemed dazed, far too dazed, she probably didn't even notice him there until after Nayll had dissapeared. And even then Taizen felt like the reaction was far too prolonged.
"Niima..." Taizen gave her the look of an angry doctor, his patient it seemed was always in need of healing. "If you want to go see master Dyn I suggest you let me heal you." What? The way he said it, it was like he was keeping her captive...! If anything that would just irritate her into throwing some sort of tantrum, probably make her decide that Waterbender's were far too uncivilized to travel with. But, perhaps Taizen felt more like a father figure at the moment, than a partner. Who know's, all Taizen was thinkg about was the delayed reaction time Niima had shown.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 4:46 pm
And there was even more delay reaction to his words. Once they did register though the smile faded into a blank look.. "Why bother...?" It was said so flatly and coupled with such a dull look that there was not a ounce of emotion behind it. It wasn't because she was mad at him or anything. But she really did not see the point in him healing her. The person he wanted to protect her from forced her into a battle. Before that he literally volunteered her for a battle. So why? So she can be broken again?
She took a moment to stretch the pain away before moving to her knapsack. "Thank you though. I am fine..just sore." And a broken arm. Which pretty much remained lifeless at her side. Her staff was placed against the wall and she knelt down to dig for something to tie back her hair with and a cloth to wipe her face with. Her clothes..well...nothing could be done about that.
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Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 3:16 pm
Musei sat up, realizing he had slept longer than anticipated. Crap. He thought, ready to grab the gi from before. But he realized it wasn't there. He tilted his head in confusion, before noticing that another different colored outfit was in the same spot he had found the last. He smiled, sliding the shirt on his back.
He was adjusting the silken belt just as he realized that he had forgotten his cap. Musei shook his head, bending over his small sack of items where he could find his little bandanna-type head covering. Sliding it on, he felt a little bit more comfortable. Walking out, he sighed. I guess bending does get you tired; more than I thought. I wonder if bending more often is like working out?
He began walking out towards the grounds from before. He was going to try his chances there.
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 11:25 pm
"Because you don't need to be in pain!" Taizen hissed through his teeth, why was he so angry? It was probably that blank look on her face, whenever Niima touched upon that pain inside of her, for some reason it irritated Taizen, so very much so! It was like he had failed, and he hated failing. Wasn't it his job to help Niima become cheerful once again? you must understand; to Taizen, Bending and happiness were one and the same, he could not see any reason why Niima would respond so poorly to bending, and apparently, the reason she responded as such was his fault!
Her response irritated him more, she knew he couldn't abide by that 'im sore' excuse! Even if she was to say that, the limpness of her arm was exactly what he had been trying to hide from her before, and she expected to hide it from him? No, it wasn't hiding, it was refusal, Taizen could not heal her arm, she'd rather deal with the pain, and tie her hair up with one hand than let him heal her. All these actions... So many possible reasons... Most of them being his fault.
Now, by process of elimination, Taizen could conclude that the main factor in each of the actions, was because she needed a close bond, Taizen was to be that bond, but she was feuding with him, yes? So where was her second bond...? ... It was missing... Guardian was missing, that was why she was angry... That was the only possible reason. Perhaps she was more angry that Taizen had somehow misplaced the large cat than she was about being forced to fight. taizen grit his teeth and let out a huff through his nose. "What are you sore about...?" He questioned with obvious restraint. It was better to come right out and say things to Niima, dancing around the problem was not the way. Not with her.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 12:31 am
With her back to him she forced her broken arm to move, sluggishly tying back her hair before both hands fell to her lap. Her head rolled slightly as she looked over to him over her shoulder. "Silly..I am sore from lack of sleep, being nearly killed and being tossed around like a sack of potatoes in the last 3 days... And sleeping sitting up on the cold floor. Wouldn't you be? Look. Don't worry...if you fix it again it will just be break when I am forced to fight again. Which seeing how my luck is running will be in a few hours.."
Pushing to stand she brushed herself off. "I have a favor to ask.." Her chin rose and she stared forward before looking over to him. She didn't like him being frustrated with her..they always seemed to be butting heads. Moving over to him she stood in front of him, looking down at him quietly. "I'd like Musei to come with us..I will take care of him if I must..I do not feel right leaving him alone. He needs strong guidance..and I think you and Taikai could be a strong role in his life. Please think about it.." She could only hope that he wouldn't jump down her throat about asking such a favor.
"We will see about healing me after I am done speaking with Master Dyn. I rather you not until you feel better.." Not giving him time to reply she leaned down to place a soft kiss on his forehead, if not a bit lingering. It was her way of being close to him..for that comfort she she had once felt. But from him all she really felt at this moment was..anger. Frustration. Her fault..and this caused her to sigh. Why was it..when she needed comfort for her heart most..there was none? Hopefully the little show of affection would calm him. Or make it worst..oi.
"Please..rest some." was muttered as she headed to and out the door. Leaving him to probably throw a fit about her leaving.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:41 pm
Niima's words cut, cut only like her words could, they were sharp, and [ainful, but they lasted only moments. Niima would not say something purposely to hurt him, she was too kind. She was merely answering his question, her answer just happened to contain reasons and things that Taizen could have helped avoid. But he didn't... Again. They cut, but they would not leave scars, not unless Niima would pursue these words to purposefully hurt him, and drive home her point.
to Taizen's subconsious relief, Niima did not pursue her words, instead she asked him to do something for her, Taizen was glad he could do something, if only to help even out the wrongs he had committed. Atleast, they felt like wrongs, even if he had done them with the purest intentions taizen could think of. Though, if one began to split atoms, they wouldn't be as pure as originally thought.
Musei? The kid...? The little runt orphan...? he didn't hate the kid, but she was actually bringing the kid up? Taikai would most definately be against it, he wanted them to get out of there as soon as possible, BEFORE they got another tag-along, what was he supposed to say? 'Me and niima decided to change the life of this orphan and adopt.' Like that would work... But then again, the kid was nice... And Taizen did like the idea of being a positive influence in his life, why not? He was trying to be a positive influence in Niima's, why not kill two birds with one stone...?
Oh, but a kid might ruin everything! a kid was a life! She was expecting him to help with the kid too, right? Sure she said she'd take care of him, but he was supposed to take care of her, by responsibility, he was supposed to take care of him too! Niima came with baggage... And Taizen was drowning under it...
taizen sighed, he couldn't come to his decision, little did he know it wasn't his decision at all, before he knew it, his cheek's had flushed red, and Niima had left the room with her broken arm, and Taizen was obliged to obey whatever it was niima had said prior to the kiss. He had lost his free will! Taizen would have to do somethign abotu that... But later... Now he had to find Musei, he walked outside, Niima had dissapeared quickly, he proceeded to Musei's room, (Niima's old room) And knocked on the door tentatively, he felt like a miserable old fool now that the kiss' effect was wearing off... No answer. He felt like Taikai! He knocked again. "Hello, Musei? he waited a few more minutes before determining he was not in the room, he proceeded to search for the boy, finding the boy preparing himself to Train, Taikai was across from Musei, swiftly approaching the boy. Polar seal dung! Now he'd have to deal with both of them...?!
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 9:17 pm
Sighs softly as she wanders down the hallway, her body basically going 'omg I can't believe you are moving in this condition!' and her mind going 'just get over it..noone cares..'. Her steps slowed as she came to Master Dyn's side, who happened to be staring out over the chilled fields of the temple. As soon as he knew she was there he turned and began to usher her off to the side to speak with her. Confused she followed along.
"Master Dyn is something wrong..?"
It was eerie but the elder didn't answer. Instead bidher to follow silently. She was lead past Taizen, her eyes briefly looking over to him worriedly. What was he doing up and around? Where was she going? Master Dyn offered the others a brief nod as he passed but kept to his silence, leading Niima into the inner sanctum of the temple. She was lead to a large hollow room and ushered in.
"You..will need some time..I will wait here.."
She didn't like this. He wasn't even telling her what was going on. Sighing she slipped into the room, following the long way into the wider center. It was there she saw something that caused her to stop. Guardian. Dead. White coat drenched in blood..even missing fur in several places. Her eyes went round and her head sank to the left. She just stared. Eventually she moved closer..and closer..until she was upon the fallen beast. Falling to her knees she collapses against the beast, not caring that she is getting bloody. She just lays against Guardian. Not crying. But also not moving..almost as if he had sucked the life from her.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:53 pm
Musei was completely silent, forming little balls of air and sending them to displace a small rock. Sadly enough, he was making a design...his family crest hewn with rock. With a miniature blast that ushered finality, the final pebble blew into place. He nodded, smiling, wiping the sweat off his brow. It looked almost accurate, in it's rocky, uneven way. A lion, armored and elegant, prancing across a cross of swords. He never understood why a simple peasant family had a crest like that.
Then, he heard footfall and panicked. He popped a few air balls into the center of the design, partialy wrecking it. To further make it unnoticable, he scruffed the surface of the earth with his feet, scattering the rocks.
Then he turned, eyes down. "Hello, sir." A twang of fear laced his veins as he realized he was alone...with the man he had so daftly insulted. Possibly to settle the score? He kept himself aware, just in case the man attempted to hit him; he might have enough time to flinch. "What brings you...to me, sir?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:20 am
Taikai waved politely, before surveying the area that Musei had used to practice, the rocks were all lumped in one area, so he had to assume Musei was improving his aim. "Hello there, Musei, I have some questions I'd like to ask you." The old man had a tender smile on his face, he still seemed to be kindly, at least he wanted it to seem that way, if things were not as they seem. Which was often.
Taizen slowed down to give Niima : 'okay, I'm doing it, but I wouldn't be if you hadn't asked me' look. Before taking a deep breath and marching towards Musei, the boy was easily frightened, and he knew he was just going to end up driving the kid away, so with some obvious restraint, he slowed himself to a casual walk. "What are you to talking about...?" He wasn't sure if he was angry, or if he was curious as to what indeed they were talking about, this confusion ended in Taizen speaking in a strangled hal-and-half voice. No doubt accidentally scaring Musei, Taizen could see it now... The fidgeting... Ah... The fidgeting...
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:39 am
Musei nodded, still looking at the ground. "Oh...okay. I can answer a few questions, I suppose." When Taizen asked the question, Musei nervously bit on his lip before answering, on the verge of mumbling. "T-Takai was just about to uh...ask me a few questions."
His curiosity broke through his fear, however, and he looked up. "Hmm. Why do you want to ask me questions? Why are you both there?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:25 am
"Ah, yes Taizen, I've been meaning to talk to you." Taikai said abashed, taizen mumbled something about having to talk to him about something to. "Well, you see, I'm here.... to ask how much Musei wants to learn to bend." Taizen raised an aeyebrow, tgiving him several kinds of look, meaning of which: 'I am your student, do't go picking up another.' And also the 'Besides, what do you think a few days of training an airbender do' Look. It was at this time that taizen had a look of revealation; one that went: 'Ooooohhhh!!!' :So, are you okay with that Taizen...?" Strange how two people who mean to ask Musei some questions, ended up not asking the questions, and rather have a silent conversation.
"Actually... I've been meaning to ask The same thing.... On Niima's behalf!" He added quickly, and Taikai had a similar look of revelation, and had a 'oooh!' look on his face. (He apparently didn't see anything wrong with Taizen being okay with Musei tagging along, if Niiima asked him to bring him.) "uh, actually Musei, it seemes the both of us have come to ask the same thing." Taizen sighed with relief that he didn't have to ask it. "You see, I was thinking about how you needed a teacher if your bending was to flourish to it's full abilities, and my conclusion was to teach you. However, i'm leaving soon, and, so is Niima, in fact, I believe Niima would like you to join us... It would be excellent for your bending." Taikai had of course left out that, since Musei was an orphan, he was a little worried about how his upbringing would be, the monks were kind enough to help raise Niima, but being without parental figures was tough on a child. Taizen chose to stay in the background and be silent.
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:37 am
Musei, in essence, stopped all bodily functions for about three seconds. They were dead still until Musei let out a single blink. His eyes then widened, staring at first Takai...then Taizen...then back to Takai. Really? They...they want me to...GO with them? No one has ever asked that. Ever! Do they really want me? They must...they both wanted to ask the same thing! That means... He looked up into Takai's eyes, tears forming in his eyes. He looked at Taizen as well. "You really want me? To go with you? I...I don't know what to say..." Of course you know what to say!
"...Yes! If you really want me to than yes! I...I won't be a burden I swear! I can cook, I can clean, I can look after myself!" A knot formed in his throat, and he couldn't talk anymore. He just looked at them, innocent smile and glistening eyes. Finally, after a few moments, he managed to squeeze out a few words. "How...can I ever thank you?"
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