Post by Lady Munin on Apr 8, 2016 4:33:37 GMT
The building was unremarkable besides the fact that it looked like someone forced a used book store, herbalist, and small warehouse to share the same space.
The building itself was grey and had seen better days like most of the neighborhood it was located in, but it was obviously well maintained.
A fluorescent neon sign in the window proclaimed it to be the iron lotus. Gold print in Kanji and English lined the windows, boasting advertisement of herbs, crystals, and collectables.
It was an odd store to say the least, but nothing truly outlandish. Though the red clay that lined a wrought iron fence gave some pause. There was no red clay in this area after all…just black dirt.
Press nodded towards the Clay, a knowing grimace filling his expression. Youth spotted it, and shook his head in disbelief. "What are the chances that she would know another hunter?"
"Damn near impossible. Only explanation I can give is fate." Press replied, closely inspecting the clay and salt lines. They were tight and neat, the same way he liked to make them, and that indicated that someone had been doing this for awhile.
Youth groaned, and rubbed his temples on either side. "You know how I hate fate. That means that someone in the cosmos is fucking with us again."
"Or it could just mean that we were meant to meet her. Come on, let's see what this place is about."
Press pushed open the glass door and made his way inside, and after a few more seconds of pouting, Youth followed.
Inside was polished wood paneling and countless small apothecary drawers labeled with the names of plants and various other substances.
The smell of herbs and incense hung lightly in the air. As did the sound of voices speaking in Japanese with the occasional laugh.
Press took in the sites and smells of his new surroundings, and noticed that some of the plants and herbs plied to their trade. The voices were too far out of earshot in order to make out what they were saying, but he recognized a few of the words that made it through. He leaned against the counter, and called out in the direction of the voices. "Munin?"
Munin popped out from the velvet curtain behind the polished counter with a welcoming smile.
Her hair was pulled back in a strict french braid. Her clothes were simple black training gear.
Behind her was an elderly Japanese woman of indeterminate age, that stood at about the same height.
She gave the men a knowing look, but remained politely quiet.
Munin: Ah, you decided to stop by after all.
Press could feel heat rush into certain points of his body, and he internally fought back the reaction at viewing the attractive woman before them. His eyes remained glued to Munin a moment longer than he had intended, before shifting to the elder. He regarded her with a respectful nod, and said in damn near perfect Japanese. "Good afternoon, ladies. It is nice to see you again, Lady." He smiled warmly, then turned to the elder, some of the warmth eroding from his expression. "Sempai." he curtly, but respectfully said, nodding again.
Youth still stood in the doorway, he too understanding everything that had been said. Furthermore, he had a better grasp of the things that hadn't been said. The curt respectful tone in Press' voice said, "Hello, thank you for having us." The knowing look was a warning, "Welcome, but not too close."
He shook his head, and shrugged, knowing that there wasn't anything left for him and Munin to do but be themselves. He bounded up to the counter, and leaned against it boyishly, and gave a sly grin. "Howdy, Munin. Nice digs." he said cheerfully, casting a wink just for effect. He had found a useful secret long ago, that you could learn a lot about people if they viewed you as the village idiot.
He was surprised when Munin winked back, before turning to make the introduction.
Munin: Press and Youth this is Jin, Jin this is Press and Youth. Obviously the two men I spoke to you about.
Jin: Ah yes, welcome. We are happy to have you in our humble establishment. Please follow me to the gym.
The two men followed the two ladies past the velvet curtain and deeper into the building. Press took note of the sigils carved on either side of the door, and appreciated their craftsmanship. Sigils were a permanent barrier, a sign of ownership, and indicated places that had been around for a long time.
After turning down a few hallways they entered what was obviously a large training area.
Munin: Jin's family is in competitive martial arts they travel around the world to compete.
"That's way cool" Youth replied, stepping over to some of the practice swords, taking one from the rack, and expertly spinning it around his body before coming to a stop into a perfect Mugai-Ryu stance. "I've had a little practice with a blade." he said sheepishly, replacing the sword in it's proper place.
Press leaned against the far wall shaking his head, and crossed his arms over his chest. He was impressed with the set up, and the dedication that it took to master martial arts, but it had never been his style. He punched things. It's just what he did.
Munin: Jin you never told me where the boys were. I thought they would be here...
Jin gave a practiced smile and motherly smile that would put anyone at ease.
Jin: They all went on a short camping trip. You know how much they love the outdoors...Oh my I seem to have forgotten to lock the shop. Nin would you mind doing so for me?
Munin: Of course, I will be right back.
Jin smiled as the young woman made her way back to the shop, before turning back to the two men.
Jin: Have you boys gone...camping lately?
Youth rubbed the spot behind his neck, before omitting a half hearted chuckle. Press gave over all of his attention, despite being aware of the close proximity of Munin when she passed through the door. His throat felt suddenly dry, and he cleared it before speaking. "We had some business in Mexico recently. I assume with you being so close by that most of the camp spots have already been used up."
The older woman chuckled pleasantly amused.
"Oh yes, this area hasn't had much activity for a long time, but we still must stay sharp...Every once in a blue moon the pest get restless...brave even.
She smoothed one hand over her simple black work kimono.
"It is very interesting that you two should cross paths with Munin..."
Youth shuddered a bit at the statement, and tried to push the word 'fate' out of his head, but despite his best efforts it taunted him from his subconscious. Press nodded, but he wasn't overcome with the same fears as his partner. More willing to accept fate to take the lead from time to time. He locked eyes with Jin for just a moment, and then just shrugged, not offering a reply to her comment.
"Our little raven of memory knows much more than she realizes. She does not know about this life of pests and camping."
The older woman gave Press a look that demanded his attention. His gaze met hers once more almost unwillingly.
"She lives a normal life...At least one without the pest that we deal with, but you must be careful with her. Munin is very dangerous in her own way, and it may be better if some things remain nothing more than a half remembered nightmare...Do you understand."
Press returned the gaze, his more obstinate nature pushing to the forefront. "I understand just fine. The real question is, 'does she?'" He let the statement linger for a moment before continuing. "As far as we're concerned our business with her is wrestling, a means to an ends to be sure, but one could say the same of world class martial artists. I have no intentions of mixing her up in 'that' line of work, but these things don't really play by any set of rules but the obvious. If fate has shown her hand, who's going to stop it from playing out exactly how it's meant to? You?" He smirked at that, and rolled his eyes.
The older woman did not flinch at his words. In fact if anything she seemed even more amused.
"Young man I have been doing this for over thirty years. I think I have dealt with fates meddling a little longer than you. Remember my words...and do not underestimate her."
At that moment Munin came back into the room.
"Well the store is closed, now that you boys have seen the training area we will leave you to it. Jin san the tea is ready..."
She paused and looked between the silent crowd.
"What?"
Press smirked at the elder, and nodded. "That's the funny thing about wisdom, it's always associated with age, but it's all about experience, and that doesn't mean the same thing as how long you've done it, but how much you've seen." His eyes scanned both ladies before heading for the door. "Just cause we haven't done this in awhile, you both would be wise to remember that." With that he left, not giving anyone the chance to respond.
Munin arched an eyebrow at Youth.
"Where is he going?"
Youth just stood there, silent, afraid to breathe. His partner sure did know how to suck all the air out of a room. He smiled sheepishly, and quietly edged his way towards the door. "Thanks again for the hospitality." He bowed slightly, then made his way hastily for the door.
Read more: officialpurepro.boards.net/thread/26/when-hunters-featuring-bombtrax-munin#ixzz45CqzIKnv
The building itself was grey and had seen better days like most of the neighborhood it was located in, but it was obviously well maintained.
A fluorescent neon sign in the window proclaimed it to be the iron lotus. Gold print in Kanji and English lined the windows, boasting advertisement of herbs, crystals, and collectables.
It was an odd store to say the least, but nothing truly outlandish. Though the red clay that lined a wrought iron fence gave some pause. There was no red clay in this area after all…just black dirt.
Press nodded towards the Clay, a knowing grimace filling his expression. Youth spotted it, and shook his head in disbelief. "What are the chances that she would know another hunter?"
"Damn near impossible. Only explanation I can give is fate." Press replied, closely inspecting the clay and salt lines. They were tight and neat, the same way he liked to make them, and that indicated that someone had been doing this for awhile.
Youth groaned, and rubbed his temples on either side. "You know how I hate fate. That means that someone in the cosmos is fucking with us again."
"Or it could just mean that we were meant to meet her. Come on, let's see what this place is about."
Press pushed open the glass door and made his way inside, and after a few more seconds of pouting, Youth followed.
Inside was polished wood paneling and countless small apothecary drawers labeled with the names of plants and various other substances.
The smell of herbs and incense hung lightly in the air. As did the sound of voices speaking in Japanese with the occasional laugh.
Press took in the sites and smells of his new surroundings, and noticed that some of the plants and herbs plied to their trade. The voices were too far out of earshot in order to make out what they were saying, but he recognized a few of the words that made it through. He leaned against the counter, and called out in the direction of the voices. "Munin?"
Munin popped out from the velvet curtain behind the polished counter with a welcoming smile.
Her hair was pulled back in a strict french braid. Her clothes were simple black training gear.
Behind her was an elderly Japanese woman of indeterminate age, that stood at about the same height.
She gave the men a knowing look, but remained politely quiet.
Munin: Ah, you decided to stop by after all.
Press could feel heat rush into certain points of his body, and he internally fought back the reaction at viewing the attractive woman before them. His eyes remained glued to Munin a moment longer than he had intended, before shifting to the elder. He regarded her with a respectful nod, and said in damn near perfect Japanese. "Good afternoon, ladies. It is nice to see you again, Lady." He smiled warmly, then turned to the elder, some of the warmth eroding from his expression. "Sempai." he curtly, but respectfully said, nodding again.
Youth still stood in the doorway, he too understanding everything that had been said. Furthermore, he had a better grasp of the things that hadn't been said. The curt respectful tone in Press' voice said, "Hello, thank you for having us." The knowing look was a warning, "Welcome, but not too close."
He shook his head, and shrugged, knowing that there wasn't anything left for him and Munin to do but be themselves. He bounded up to the counter, and leaned against it boyishly, and gave a sly grin. "Howdy, Munin. Nice digs." he said cheerfully, casting a wink just for effect. He had found a useful secret long ago, that you could learn a lot about people if they viewed you as the village idiot.
He was surprised when Munin winked back, before turning to make the introduction.
Munin: Press and Youth this is Jin, Jin this is Press and Youth. Obviously the two men I spoke to you about.
Jin: Ah yes, welcome. We are happy to have you in our humble establishment. Please follow me to the gym.
The two men followed the two ladies past the velvet curtain and deeper into the building. Press took note of the sigils carved on either side of the door, and appreciated their craftsmanship. Sigils were a permanent barrier, a sign of ownership, and indicated places that had been around for a long time.
After turning down a few hallways they entered what was obviously a large training area.
Munin: Jin's family is in competitive martial arts they travel around the world to compete.
"That's way cool" Youth replied, stepping over to some of the practice swords, taking one from the rack, and expertly spinning it around his body before coming to a stop into a perfect Mugai-Ryu stance. "I've had a little practice with a blade." he said sheepishly, replacing the sword in it's proper place.
Press leaned against the far wall shaking his head, and crossed his arms over his chest. He was impressed with the set up, and the dedication that it took to master martial arts, but it had never been his style. He punched things. It's just what he did.
Munin: Jin you never told me where the boys were. I thought they would be here...
Jin gave a practiced smile and motherly smile that would put anyone at ease.
Jin: They all went on a short camping trip. You know how much they love the outdoors...Oh my I seem to have forgotten to lock the shop. Nin would you mind doing so for me?
Munin: Of course, I will be right back.
Jin smiled as the young woman made her way back to the shop, before turning back to the two men.
Jin: Have you boys gone...camping lately?
Youth rubbed the spot behind his neck, before omitting a half hearted chuckle. Press gave over all of his attention, despite being aware of the close proximity of Munin when she passed through the door. His throat felt suddenly dry, and he cleared it before speaking. "We had some business in Mexico recently. I assume with you being so close by that most of the camp spots have already been used up."
The older woman chuckled pleasantly amused.
"Oh yes, this area hasn't had much activity for a long time, but we still must stay sharp...Every once in a blue moon the pest get restless...brave even.
She smoothed one hand over her simple black work kimono.
"It is very interesting that you two should cross paths with Munin..."
Youth shuddered a bit at the statement, and tried to push the word 'fate' out of his head, but despite his best efforts it taunted him from his subconscious. Press nodded, but he wasn't overcome with the same fears as his partner. More willing to accept fate to take the lead from time to time. He locked eyes with Jin for just a moment, and then just shrugged, not offering a reply to her comment.
"Our little raven of memory knows much more than she realizes. She does not know about this life of pests and camping."
The older woman gave Press a look that demanded his attention. His gaze met hers once more almost unwillingly.
"She lives a normal life...At least one without the pest that we deal with, but you must be careful with her. Munin is very dangerous in her own way, and it may be better if some things remain nothing more than a half remembered nightmare...Do you understand."
Press returned the gaze, his more obstinate nature pushing to the forefront. "I understand just fine. The real question is, 'does she?'" He let the statement linger for a moment before continuing. "As far as we're concerned our business with her is wrestling, a means to an ends to be sure, but one could say the same of world class martial artists. I have no intentions of mixing her up in 'that' line of work, but these things don't really play by any set of rules but the obvious. If fate has shown her hand, who's going to stop it from playing out exactly how it's meant to? You?" He smirked at that, and rolled his eyes.
The older woman did not flinch at his words. In fact if anything she seemed even more amused.
"Young man I have been doing this for over thirty years. I think I have dealt with fates meddling a little longer than you. Remember my words...and do not underestimate her."
At that moment Munin came back into the room.
"Well the store is closed, now that you boys have seen the training area we will leave you to it. Jin san the tea is ready..."
She paused and looked between the silent crowd.
"What?"
Press smirked at the elder, and nodded. "That's the funny thing about wisdom, it's always associated with age, but it's all about experience, and that doesn't mean the same thing as how long you've done it, but how much you've seen." His eyes scanned both ladies before heading for the door. "Just cause we haven't done this in awhile, you both would be wise to remember that." With that he left, not giving anyone the chance to respond.
Munin arched an eyebrow at Youth.
"Where is he going?"
Youth just stood there, silent, afraid to breathe. His partner sure did know how to suck all the air out of a room. He smiled sheepishly, and quietly edged his way towards the door. "Thanks again for the hospitality." He bowed slightly, then made his way hastily for the door.
Read more: officialpurepro.boards.net/thread/26/when-hunters-featuring-bombtrax-munin#ixzz45CqzIKnv