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Post by paperbard on Feb 16, 2007 21:23:35 GMT -5
Kynagen scowled deeply at Gengoro.
I lost family too, but never in the way you will experience
Kyangen's fists clenched even more tightly at these words. After brooding for several moments, Kyangen looked back up to see the man already leaving. Angrily, he called out to the man. "Lost family! I never had a damn chance to have one in the first place! Consider my beloved's death into your calculations! And now my mother! I am no stranger to loss." He scowled deeper. "But I'll relay your information to our large and blunt friend." Turning away, Kyangen called one last thing over his soldier. "And you better not give me the colder shoulder again... or you may lose the one friend you may have in this place. No man is an island... and you shouldn't burn your bridges so soon."
Kyangen's scowl turned into a smile as he strolled down the streets... looking for the 'Jade Pehonix' tea house. All the while, his rough hands strayed to the letter he kept inside his left pocket. Rubbing the warm paper in his hands, Kyangen's thoughts drifted. Oh Mother... what happened to you? His other hand went to the necklace he kept around his neck, holding the locket attatched to it between his thumb and forefinger. And you Mika... I wish our fates had been different. I could have lived my entire life with you. I love you.
Another tear touched his eye. Damn it! I'm going soft. Ah well. There's a time and place for such things.
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Post by gengoro on Feb 17, 2007 2:46:03 GMT -5
"Sure I know he's a Fire Nation person," Chou explained, "The way he walks and the way he fights. I see him practice with his maio dao at night. I know his moves. I was a soldier once too, ya know."
He took another cup of tea and sipped it as he thought of his past.
"I was one of the few Earth Kingdom soldiers that was stationed in Shai City with the Northern Water Tribe. I was one of the few that learned their style of fighting. Couldn't learn to bend of course, but their fluid style of fighting was more unpredictable than the rigid Earth Kingdom style. Gave me an edge."
Chou took another sip of tea.
"So what history do you have?"
~-~-~-~-~-~-
Gengoro looked back at Kynagen that left him to go back.
"Your families death, that was merciful compared to mine. My own family, if given the order, will kill me."
He continued to look around for a familiar face.
"Now, I know that one of the Yao scum could be around here. I just need to find a familiar face from before."
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Post by xun on Feb 17, 2007 3:47:33 GMT -5
Fascinating, Xun thoughtfully tapped the bowl’s rim with the chopsticks. To learn so much from so little, and so quickly.
But any matter of dealing with Gengoro and his ethnicity would have to wait until later. Right now, there was a more important matter to handle… eventually… whenever he decides upon leaving or whenever Gengoro and Kynagen arrive at their destination. Was the matter was over… well… what else could be done less then giving the spooks a head up.
“My story,” relaxing in his seat after the surprise. “Feh,” Xun nonchalantly turning away as if his past, which he was to soon lie about, was of no real importance.
“Just some ogre that decided to come down the mountain,” grinning for a moment. “Just your typical troublemaking youxia. High ideals in an arrogant form, though… much less like those two. Especially nowadays. But I take it you have no patience with our sort—after how quickly you got rid of Gengoro. And here I was assuming you hired him specifically to deal with those punks.”
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Post by paperbard on Feb 22, 2007 22:24:01 GMT -5
Kyangen sighed heavily as he strolled through the densely packed streets of lower Bai Seng Sei. An elderly couple shuffled past his broad form listlessly, their faces downcast and sorrowful. Why so many people here? And why are they living in this dump? Kyangen pondered the situation. These people must be refugees. Of course they’d be put in the poorest part of town. That’s how the government does its business. Kiss tail to those in power, and oppress those who can’t fight back.
His fists clenched in anger. It’s just not right! These people flee the war, only to be told there’s no such thing as soon as they enter! It’s degrading their suffering! They are simply fleeing one oppressor, right into the waiting arms of another.
Lost in his thoughts, Kyangen almost missed the little fingers probing his purse. With a twist, Kyangen whirled around, his hand bearing firmly, but not harmfully, on the would-be pickpocket’s hand. The young boy jumped in fright, his dark eyes pleading.
“I’m not gonna hurt you kid. I just think you should earn that coin before you just take it.” Smiling at the kid, Kynagen bent down so that he looked less imposing to the frightened child. “I need you to go to this old man’s resteraunt.” He then proceeded to give the child instructions on how to get to the establishment he had just previously occupied. “I need you to find an odd man by the name of Xue. He’s a big guy, a little on the fat side. Tell him Kyangen Mitsumi requests his presence at the Jade Phoenix Tea House. Guide him there, and when you arrive, I’ll have a whole gold piece for you.”
The wide eyed boy nodded and sped off into the crowd.
****************************************************
Feeling rather akward, the young boy entered the restaurant cautiously. Looking around the room for a few seconds, he was able to find a man who seemed to fit the strong fellow’s descriptions.
“M…Master Xue? Kynagen M…Mitsumi asks you join him at the Jade Phoenix tea House. I can guide you.”
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Post by gengoro on Feb 27, 2007 2:24:07 GMT -5
Figuring that his original plan would be a little haphazard, Gengoro continued on. He wandered the streets for a few minutes to find the place that he was looking for. He also made sure to watch his pockets for any wandering hands.
After a few minutes of searching, he found what he was looking for, the Jade Phoenix Tea House. Much larger than the original tea house he was at, he walked inside. There was no doorman to greet him, so he just sat at any location. Soon after he sat down, he met a waitress who greeted him.
"Good morning sir," she said while she smiled, "Just yourself today?"
"No ma'am," Gengoro replied, "I'm waiting on a few more people."
~-~-~-~-~-~-
"I hired him for choirs is what I did," Chou scoffed, "And lousy help to."
Before Chou could continue, a boy from the street came into the tea house. He looked like he was in a hurry and breathed hard from exaustion. He looked around and saw Xue with the old man.
"Somebody wants to meet you in the Jade Phoenix Tea House," the boy huffed.
After Chou looked at the boy for a few seconds, he knew what was going on. He crossed his arms, hoping to dismiss the boy pretty soon.
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Post by xun on Feb 27, 2007 15:35:01 GMT -5
As Xun ate and listened to Chou continued berating of Gengoro, they were interrupted by a young boy who barged inside the restaurant. Hurriedly, huffy and puffing as he caught his breath before the two men after making a scan of the patrons and heading straight towards them.
Xun nodded after hearing the soft spoken, yet quick talking, bated breath child. Leaning downwards to catch all he said. It would seem that this matter may be concluded far sooner than he would have guessed it to be. Or at least there would be a meeting to settle the matter.
“Duty calls,” Xun said, looking to the folded arm Chou. “Or duty as far as a youxia is concerned,” placing down coins to pay for the half eaten meal. After a moment he gave a coin to the greedy eyed child as well.
“Any loving words I should give your adoring former employee?” Xun jested as he began standing to follow the child.
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Post by gengoro on Mar 5, 2007 19:36:06 GMT -5
"Yes, tell him not to get killed, cause I enjoy beating up on him!" Chou spat. He then motioned Xun to leave the shop, knowing that trouble would soon follow him. He stood up from his seat and continued to service the customers that continued to come into the shop.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
The time was almost here. The Jade Phoenix was much larger and busier than the other shop was. Gengoro was greeted by the waitress. He replied back with a smile.
"I would like to have just a pot of tea and a bowl of plain rice please?" Gengoro asked.
"Of course," she replied, "It will be a few minutes before you get the rice. I'll be right back with both."
She then left and Gengoro sat by himself, waiting to see if the other two would show up like he asked. He looked around and saw that there were more windows in the building. Just with that, his hypothesis was that this area had less crime, so very few if any burglers would break into this restaurant. The floors were cleaner and made with a better quality of wood. The air wasn't musky either, instead replaced with a fresh and clean smell, like a breeze passing by.
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Post by xun on Mar 5, 2007 20:48:27 GMT -5
Unable to reach the oversized man’s hand, the boy often grabbed at the ends of Xun’s shirt, tugging at Xun to make him move faster—with a much success as an ant pulling a cart—when the boy was not running ahead of Xun to show the way towards the meeting place.
Noting the changing surroundings of people and buildings from underneath the cheap straw hat, the meeting place was obviously going to be in one of the “cleaner” looking districts of the Lower Ring. Something which begged the question as to why they would meet here, save to lessen the possibilities of certain unwanted ears eavesdropping upon the conversation, perhaps?
The answer would be answered eventually as the child tugged him inside the tea house. The decorative inner décor and open air hinting at the overall upscale persona of this district. After a few moments of searching and waving away one of the serving women he spotted at least Gengoro the little bow however seemed to be still searching around the confines. Probably for Kynagen, Xun figured.
Stooping a tad and clapping a hand on the boy’s shoulder he lead the way towards Gengoro. “Looking for a employment here?” the man jested as they neared Gengoro.
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Post by paperbard on Mar 7, 2007 12:53:16 GMT -5
After several more minutes of searching, Kyangen was finally able to find the Jade Pheonix Tea House. Standing in the misdt of the moving crowd, Kynagen eyed the tea house suspicously. They don't appear to need much security. Kyangen noted the plethora of windows, easy access for burglars. Must be a much better neighborhood.
Several people jostled him as they went about their business. What really disturbed him, however, was their lack of speech. Here he was, stanidng in the middle of a busy street, and no one even bothered to complain. They just went past him wordlessly. These people are so downtrodden, even in the better palces fo the city.
After several moments of contemplation, Kyangen decided to test his abilties. Been a while since I've blended into a crowd. I wonder if I can give the little boy and that fat guy a scare.
It didn't take him long to blend in, there were certianly enough people. He simply put his large hat over his head, averted his eyes, slumped his shoulders, and wandered around in circles, using the crowd's presence to hide his own.
About an hour later, he noticed the boy and older man heading towards the tea house. He started heading towards them, going against the flow of the crowd, but was unable to get to them in time. They slipped in and Kynagen followed several moments later.
Walking in, Kyangen stretched his arms out wide, yawned dramatically, and got the kid's attention. "Looking for me kid?" He tossed the kid a gold coin and started to look around for Gengoro. Upon finding him, he grinned. He strolled dramatically towarsd the slightly older man and plopped himself down in the chair beside him.
"So... what's the deal?"
He turned to one of the waitresses and ordered a steak and some chou mein before turning back to Gengoro.
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Post by gengoro on Mar 14, 2007 2:42:57 GMT -5
Before Gengoro could speak, he looked around and made sure that there wasn't any spies for Yao's Gang nearby. After looking around for it to be clear, he leaned forward to the other two.
"I think we should attack Yao's Gang when they show up at the old man's shop," Gengoro explained, "Knowing gang mentality, they will bring at least half of their force just to prove a point. Knowing them, they are not going to be well trained in the art of combat."
As Gengoro continued, the waitress came back with the tea and bowl of rice. She bowed swiftly and continued on with her work.
"Here is the plan: I will look like I am by myself in front of the shop. When they do come, they will think I am by myself. While they are distracted with me, the both of you will flank them and thin their ranks. Any questions so far?"
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Post by xun on Mar 14, 2007 14:10:06 GMT -5
“An ambitious endeavor,” Xun shook his head as he leaned away. It seems Chou may be a better judge of character than expected. Gengoro possibly was foolish… and maybe even Kynagen. Who most certainly would be gung-ho in approving and participating in this plan.
“But where does this leave the ‘at least’ other half to be dealt with afterwards? Assuming we can defeat ‘at least’ half of the between the three of us. And that is even if none of them are earthbenders themselves.” he made a sidelong glance towards Gengoro for a moment. “And I doubt either of us are benders ourselves.” Xun looked away rubbing his chin for a moment before turning back towards the other two. “Though…,” the hint of a grin was appearing, “I grant the challenge itself would be rather fun.” The stroking hand his beard ceased its movements, unconsciously balling itself into an eager fist, the veins and grip underlying the strength within them.
Xun held back a regretful sigh. “I doubt your former employer will be happy with all of this but you may count me in despite,” he nodded. “When do we need to be ready?”
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Post by paperbard on Mar 17, 2007 20:34:39 GMT -5
Kynagen stared wordlessly at Gengoro and Xue Xue as they discussed the plan. When the waitress arrived with his food, he grinned at her, gave her a gold piece as a tip, then turned to his meal. Scarfing it down with vigor, he looked up now and then noticed the two others giving him odd looks.
"What? That old coot kicked us out before I got my breakfast, and I haven't eaten since last night. I'm hungry!"
When he had finished, he pushed the bowl and plate away form him, and placed his hands together, forming a steeple.
"First of all... I'd like to point out that bender or no bender, a dagger in the side is a dagger in the side. You just have to make sure you can get close enough to them without getting hit. Simple enough if you plan in advance."
He stroked his chin and nodded towards Gengoro. "I know you don't think much of me, I can feel your disapproval radiating off you like some palpable aura. You know what? I don't care. I don't give a damn what you think."
He placed his hands on the table, gripping it strongly. "Go ahead and judge without knowing. I don't care. I don't know you and you don't know me, so go ahead. Assume all you like."
He sighed for emphasis. "You'll need a better plan than that if you want to take on an entire gang at once. Trust me, I know. I fought the damn fire nation... and never once fought alone. It was hard enough with a band of brothers..." He gulps. "...and sisters. What you got to realize, is that no matter how inept they are, no matter how good you are a fighter, they can swarm you. No one has eyes in the back of their heads."
He stroked his chin again. "Besides. Portly here doesn't look much up to a fight anyway. He was looking for our help, remember?"
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Post by gengoro on Mar 19, 2007 23:50:17 GMT -5
The stern look of Gengoro gazed upon Kynagen under his jingasa. He stood up from his table and looked at the both of them.
"I am Fire Nation," Gengoro sternly said, "I just don't wear their colors anymore."
He looked around and noticed the scared stares from around the room. Tea cups spilt onto the floor from all around as they heard Gengoro's confession.
"A way to a gang's heart is through fear," Gengoro explained, "And nothings puts fear into the hearts of an opponent than knowing that they are fighting the Fire Nation."
"That is the stupid plan!" a voiced called from the background. Gengoro looked around and to his surprise, saw Fu Chou walking through the door, "That stupid gangs is just that, stupid, so they don't know what fear would be."
"What made you change your mind about that?" Gengoro asked.
"I decided that I need to rock the boat a little. Besides, keep your voice down around here about Fire Nation. You want to Dai Li to take you away?"
He sat down at the table next to them, "Now, do the rest of you have a plan, cause I would like to hear it?"
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Post by xun on Mar 20, 2007 1:57:42 GMT -5
Xun looked around longer than should be. Making certain of the patrons and staff who may have heard Gengoro's confession. Thankfully no one had yet to run out of the inn, probably informing the nearest Dai Li. Then again if they did such there was also the possibility that the acuser would also be carted away.
Barely four years he lived in this city, but in his line of work and with his connections, one tends to hear a number of stories.
"Now, do the rest of you have a plan, cause I would like to hear it?" Fu Chou asked as he sat to join them.
"I do not suppose you have any idea how many we may have to face?" Xun turned around back towards the table. His lips folded inwards as he tapped the table for a moment. "Kynagen, any experience with archery of any sort? If Gengoro... and possible you," indicating Fu, "are taking the front we can at least pick a few off from the roof top if we're quick enough. Of course it may be best to refrain from killing them..." Having his doubts as to the amount of force a fighter like Kynagen would use or a former (Fire Nation) soldier like Gengoro would for that matter.
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Post by paperbard on Mar 20, 2007 19:33:13 GMT -5
Kynagen’s eyes widened as Gengoro made his proclamation. Dropping his fork onto his plate, Kynagen’s mouth was agape. Clearing his throat loudly, Kynagen suddenly smiled. He then began to chuckle.
“This is beyond belief! Here I am, talking about killing fire nation soldiers, and here’s father flame sitting right in front of me!” Kynagen stifled another chuckle. “Far too rich. That is just too funny.” He cleared his throat once more after he composed himself.
“To tell you the truth, I’ve got no beef with you. So you’re fire nation, so what? You certainly didn’t kill Mika, my love, as we killed all the bastards that did. You look too young to have killed my father, so that’s out of the question. And I believe the Dai Lee are responsible for my mother’s death, so I have nothing to kill you for.”
He grinned. “I disagree with your whole fear thing. Gangs work on the mob mentality. The more people they have one their side, the brasher and stupider they get. Unfortunately, they also fight far harder, believing themselves to have the advantage. If we can somehow break their ranks, pin them down and separate them from their fellows, they should be easy to defeat. The individual is always defeated easier than the multitude.”
He turned to the fat man. “I’m just not sure how to go about that.” He pointed to the crossbows slung across his shoulders. “I am proficient with these, but they are a bit on the lethal side.”
Kynagen’s eyes widened. “I think I have an idea. It’s risky, and a little foolhardy. You see, the crowds in the busy streets are very dense. If we could retreat into them, avoiding the harm of civilians, I could sneak amongst the crowd and take the gang members out one by one. If we do it right, we could isolate them from the main group, using the crowd as cover. I don’t think they’d be stupid enough to attack civilians.”
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