A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:42 pm

Although she did not consider herself worthy of the invitation or the audience it granted her with the Princess of this country, Genevieve did not let that hold her back from attending- even if it was just to see what she needed; Nor did it hold her back from wearing her proper and formal attire, governed by her Church and religion. The stairs to the Palace, richly decorated from a distance and the grandness of its decorations brought into vivid detail the closer one brought themselv to it.

The columns of the palace were tall and supported domed roofs and sheer, delicate fabric trimmed the spaces between the columns and hung from the edged of the aforementioned roofs, fluttering with the whimsy and fickle changing of the winds. Keeping the heat of the country at bay and keeping up the lush elegance that the Palace supported. The floors seemed to be marble, and if they weren’t, they were polished to that-high of a standard. As one entered closer into the palace, following the rugged and enclosed hallways, they came to the next room- and open courtyard, the center of which filled with nobles and royals wandering about, enjoying the exotic lushness and vibrant colors of the plants that survived the heat, careful gardening, and lack of water. The occupants of the garden, strolling along and enjoying the painstakingly taken care of fruits and blossoms of the palace gardener’s obvious labor as Geni looked at them wordlessly.

It felt so strange; it seemed only yesterday that she was one of them. One of these people who took the efforts put into such ‘little things’ as this garden for granted.

Now she was someone who understood full and well, the effort put into their huge garden.

Geni carried on, not entirely sure of where to go at this point as she continued walking through the airy corridors of stone, lined with columns that held up a long, domes roof as well, make something that might have seemed like arches for ‘windows’. They held no windows nor panes of glass, only semi-thick curtains of decedent reds and goldenrods, to keep out the harsh sun and the heat from those travelling through this ‘hallways’. The heat was actually something Geni could tolerate today, however, many summers she found herself quite grateful to have a room underground where the dampness was more refreshing than ever. It was a bit humid, a heavy musk in the air of the gritty sand and sunshine, the warmth pressing against the skin with an underlying reminder to keep one’s fluid intake high. She continued down the pathway without paying much mind to it, nor the tinkling of her gold jewelry and adornments that were needed for a formal visit of this magnitude.

It was nerve-wrecking and she didn’t know how to handle it.

She didn’t feel comfortable here or in this situation; maybe another should have been here. There was still remorse over her loss and failure at her own Chunin Exams. There was no confidence that she could have gained from her loss aside from the reassurance in her summoned help. Her ornery dragonic partner, who was willing to take a huge gamble just before the end. Then her other summon who had been more than willing to help turn the fight into something more manageable. Though she hadn’t gotten much training in, she still felt overwhelmed by being invited somewhere so significant and so-intimidatingly lavish. Something akin to a little match stick seller in a mansion of someone rich, she had no idea where to keep her eyes. Even giving her the sense that her walking around to try and find the library was some sort of taboo. She was just confused and lost, she wasn’t much more.

In all honesty, she had wondered twice as many times about turning back and going home, compared to the numerous well-placed steps she had taken. As she looked around, she looked down a hall and saw the figure who had given her the letter, standing down an enclosed hallway. They smiled, “This way.” Then turned away and walked down the hall as Geni blinking in surprise. She followed and tried to be polite about it- as the figure hustled around a corner, jostling her to raise her pace and turned the corner as well.

Further and further she hustled, ignoring the tossing of her own hair and bangles, as she chased the figure deeper and deeper into the palace as she lost track of turns, corners, and paths. When he vanished around yet another corner, she turned it just as fast, screeching to a halt as she found the figure once more. He stood at the end of a hall, standing in front of a door, grinning, “My, that was fun. Fix yourself up now.” They voiced and Geni spent a few moments collecting herself, calming down her racing heart, as she spent a few moments fixing her dress, veil, and ornaments, before the figure reached back and put their hand on the door handle. They turned it and opened it to the library; tantalizingly teeming with walls that brimmed with books, lush tapestries that depicted stories with no words that had been caught in time, and the thickest curtains she’d seen so far, that hung over the walls and draped to the floors. As if they kept secrets behind them. As she wandered in slowly, the figure shut the door behind her, leaving her only a few moments to glance back and see a sly, vulpine smile before it vanished from view completely.

[ WC: 935 ]

Fri Apr 28, 2017 6:35 am

Today was a day like any other at the palace, at least where Akihana's library offices were concerned. And yet, the kunoichi reflected from behind her desk, finally putting away the report Princess Tehniyat had so painstakingly penned as one of her final acts of shinobi administration in this city, it was like no other day. The report that the blonde had put away had been perused many times and for many different reasons. the first few times it had been read over for Kenshin, detailing his unusual entrance into the chunin battle and his subsequent fights which had led the blonde to entrust him with a mission she would have given few else. The second time it had been read over to question Hikari Namikaze's reliability and finally, the third time it had been gone over had marked the first time Akihana could not comply with the Princess's verdict.

Akihana did not know Lady Genosis well, but she knew enough about the priestess to understand the girl's background. Lady Genosis had been along the first to embrace the shinobi arts in a culture that shunned them, she had been right alongside the likes of Kyousuke Snow and Lucian Nazar in helping the shinobi and civilian relationships all over the country. Records of her previous missions showed the same and yet Princess Tehniyat had failed the girl because she could not fight in a mission that demanded combat.

Akihana knew the princess was correct from a technical standpoint, and yet technicality was all the princess had to rely on. Could she really be faulted for that?

As a chakra signature neared the library, Akihana took the moment to compose herself, sitting up straighter in her heavy wooden chair and smoothing down any wrinkles that may have formed on her silky lavender gown. The garment itself would have been a touch befitting her station had it not been enhanced with network and sheer full length sleeves that gathered around the pale columns of her throat into a cloak that ended in a soft train behind the young woman. Still not accustomed to royal jewelry, the kunoichi wore only a single delicate gold bangle encrusted with amethysts and a tiny golden tiara that rested atop her blonde head amidst of a wave of curls, the same purple amethysts shining through her locks. Ser Kyouske stationed at his usual post behind her and to the left made no remarks of the decision he knew was about to be questioned.

His silent faith in her gave her the courage she needed.

The door opened, a guard revealing the young ninja of the High Lady's Church, introducing Genevieve Oasis in all formality before introducing Akihana as he Queen Regent. Once the announcements were done, the guard left as silently as he had entered. Smiting warmly at the newcomer, Akihana gestured to one of the two chairs opposite her desk. "Lady Genosis, please do have a seat. I'm afraid the tone has been set rather formally but I encourage you to be at ease." Should the priestess take a seat, Akihana would continue.

"I hope you had a pleasant journey here, and that this invitation did not keep you from something otherwise important."

Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:42 pm

Geni listened momentarily to the woman before her be introduced as Queen Regent, and looked over to see her Sensei, standing next to her. She gave him a warm smile before giving the woman her undivided attention. She was regal and once more Geni felt at unease in her presence even as the woman requested the opposite of her. The former priestess took her temporary place in one of the seats; sweeping a hand under her posterior before she did so to push her skirts out, and placing her hands in her lap.

She kept her eyes on the woman and smiled, moving some of her hair behind her ear as she answered, “I did have a pleasant journey, but there’s no need to worry on your end, Miss.” Genevieve answered and said jokingly, “If I wasn’t here, I’d just be knitting at home.” It wasn’t a joke about how much of a life she didn’t have. The joke was probably that she spent her time knitting and trying to cook edible meals on her own, rather than training as every other ninja she knew, spent their time. “Hello, Sensei.”

Knitting in her little garden was enough for her, but that wasn’t the point right now. The fact of the matter was, that she was probably here for something important- perhaps this lady had deemed her unfit to be a ninja in their world, and wishes to request that she return to her life within the confines of her religious order. “I hope you’ll forgive me, I am a bit nervous as to why I’m here.” She said honestly. Quietly wondering if her Sensei had been brought in to solidify the fact that her efforts weren’t on-par with her other, younger teammates, and point out that her being older made it more difficult for her to understand the ways of the ninja. Perhaps he was here to sign off that, he too, thought she should return to the Church of the High Lady as a Priestess.

No matter the case, her head swam with hundreds of not-too-positive ideas, and she hoped that she hadn’t failed so badly at uniting the way of her Church and the views of the Shinobi, that she would be returned to once she came. She wasn’t sure if she could see herself in the life of a Priestess anymore. Perhaps it was a better path.

[ WC: 400 ]

Tue May 02, 2017 11:43 am

Seeing as the young lady in her presence was already filled with nerves, Akihana saw no reason to prolong her guests anxiety and moved straight to the point. Gesturing towards the cookie jar that was now very much a permanent fixture of her desk, the kunoichi smiled kindly. "Here, have one if you're fond of sweets. These are double chocolate chip, fresh out of the oven this morning." The blonde didn't mention that she was the one who had baked them, it didn't seem important in the overall scheme of things.

"Her Grace Princess Tehniyat was the one to issue the invitation, and she no doubt wanted to speak to you about your second chunin mission. The princess made very extensive notes on all participants of the battle, including the dragon and ninja you called to aid you." Akihana paused, choosing her words carefully.

"The Princess believed that you are not ready to progress as a ninja, that you did not perform well in battle and would be a burden to your fellow shinobi should you accompany them on missions. Her recommendation was to assign you a sensei who would instruct you with a greater focus on combat ability." Another pause as her golden eyes contemplated the priestess, wondering if she was about to do the right thing.

"I respectfully disagree with Her Grace's assessment of your ability." There, she had uttered the words she had been afraid of for days now. She had disagreed with the former regent and the sky hadn't fallen, the earth hand't caved in on itself and her body hadn't turned to dust. Akihana had been left to oversee Haven in the princess's absence and she had to do it her own way.

"Princess Tehniyat is a wise ruler, she has many commendable qualities including the fine management of shinobi - a challenge she was neither prepared for nor should have been expected to complete with as much efficiency as she did. However, the princess recognizes strength as she has been taught to recognize it. I myself hold that strength comes in many shapes and forms, and is not necessarily limited to battle ability." Warm golden eyes scanned the girl, waiting for Genevieve to absorb the information she was being presented with.

Wed May 03, 2017 6:21 pm

Genevieve listened and smiled as she was offered a cookie, leaning forward and taking one from the cookie jar before pulling back to sit back in her chair. While she broke of a piece of the cookie, she continued to give her attention to the woman while she at it. “Thank you for the offer, I appreciate it.” As she carried on, Geni frowned when the woman revealed that there were extensive notes on her- and her dragon and Kenshin, who she had summoned to her side to assist her.

And the revelation that it was her recommendation that Geni be assigned another Sensei and taught to focus on her combat skills.

True, they needed help but she didn’t agree with that. She didn’t agree with the Chunin Exams at all. She shouldn’t have to fight her countrymen to show that she was capable of defending her country, it was ridiculous to her and it was not something that should be practiced at all. Then the woman surprised her- by disagreeing with the previously mentioned Princess’s idea and suggestions. The woman awaited her response but- what was Geni to say?

Because in some quiet part of her- she agreed with the Princess’s decision.

But she also agreed with this woman’s.

She would be a burden if an, if something was to happen and she needed to rely on her teammates for assistance, but in essence, she saw few moments where her summons could not help her and fewer moments where she could not summon them. However, Geni also believed herself to be stronger in some less physical aspects than others, sometimes- on the days where her self-esteem allowed for it.

“Thank you, ma’am, I don’t know what more to say.” Geni said sheepishly, “However, in all honesty, I did come to terms with her decision- I have difficulty coming to terms with harming my teammates, so I thought perhaps I would be considered to “Soft” to be a ninja…” The young said, waiting to be open and honest with this other female.

Sat May 06, 2017 8:07 pm

Akihana listened to the young woman attentively, understanding how the kunoichi must be feeling at being simultaneously told she was and wasn't good enough for a calling she had taken great personal risk to choose. The blonde herself was no stranger to her standing in the shinobi world being questioned. For Akihana, it had always been her faith that had helped her stay resolute. She hoped Genevieve had something more to bolster her spirits when they encountered the shadows of self doubt.

In answer to the vibrant haired priestess, the medic spoke softly. "One of the greatest mistakes we ever make is believing that it takes a "type" to be a shinobi. Because that implies that shinobi do not possess unique talents, gifts, natural inclinations or personality. Being a Ninja is not a job, Lady Genosis, it is a ceiling. one we perform to the best of our abilities with what we have, and it need not necessarily be great skill at combat."

Pausing to let the teenager opposite digest the words, she would continue a few moments later. "You know where you excel at, you've always known it but the world sometimes makes us forget. Rediscover that and make it your ninja way. We have plenty of fighters, what the world sadly lacks are diplomats and healers. We find ourselves in a world where everyone is concerned with landing the most devastating hit with not a thought for who will clean up afterwords. I gave my life to healing, and I have never regretted it." Akihana hoped that by divulging this small bit of personal information, it would comfort the young priestess somewhat. She had to find her own way in the world and be er own brand of ninja, and passing a test would not do much to help her in that overall goal.

"However, i would like to speak to you about the young man you summoned to help you in battle."

Wed May 10, 2017 11:19 pm

Once more, this woman’s words left her without any to say on her own, as she processed it all. She heard them but she also seemed to hear something else. It was buried in her last set of words and Geni had difficulty getting over this feeling she had. The woman was making a point to try and voice that there were plenty of fighters and not enough people to play the roles of ‘clean up’- in physical, mental, and political form. Thought it seemed as if the woman was trying to dissuade her from being any type of fighter or combatant entirely- that Geni just needed to quietly sit on the sidelines and do whatever was asked of her, in the way of healing. Then the woman said something Geni wasn’t sure she could take non-offensively-

That Geni needed to realize where her true calling was once more, and stick to that. It seemed more along the lines of the woman trying to tell her she wasn’t good enough a fighter and she needed to come to terms with the fact that she was just going to be a healer. Nothing more- then wanted to talk about the man she had summoned. Kenshin.

How many times was this now? How many times had people told her that she was not good enough for something others had pulled her into and expected her to overcome? How many more times would someone slyly tell her that she wasn’t qualified enough, that she was too old, or that she was too weak as a person, thinking that she could not hear what they were really saying beneath honey-coated words? Was this the paranoia of spending too much time with a creature that despised humans more than it did it’s own twisted kin- or was this the sharp-toothed truth that rolled off a venomous tongue, about her own kind, bubbling to the surface with her once-dormant frustrations? With all the negative emotions of anger and irritation and frustration she had kept pushed down and behind a warm smile, so often taken advantage of? Count to her the times people doubted her or scorned her for different, and recount the times she had overcome not just with her gifts but with her own intelligence and her own person; meekness shed in the light of a violent, dangerous primal need that erupted from the chunin exams and remained rampant in her blood.

“Excuse me, but I believe I am mistaken with what you’re asking me to do and perhaps you can clarify. It seems that you are trying to tell me that, because of the result of my exam and because I failed while giving it my all instead of forfeiting, that I am unqualified for anything outside of medical jutsu. If I understand you correctly, then I believe your words to be untrustworthy; for one moment, you believe there are different types of strength, and then you turn to say that my only type of strength is what set be apart from those of my church in the first place.” Geni voiced, “I take offense to your words, if I understand them truly, because I am more than ‘a medic’ and I am more than what your report might say- I am a bridge and I am a person.”

Perhaps this wasn’t the life she had expected but it had been the one the High Lady had given her- or was it the fire of the Dragons? She had been asked to step out of her church and stand in the sun, among people who didn’t know her name nor her heritage, and she had done everything asked of her… but still she felt insulted. These exams were from an ancient time and held no beneficial meaning aside from pitting friend against friend, partner against partner, so the onlookers could enjoy the show. Only for her to be asked to return to her meager beginnings when she had been showered with the vibrancy of a world forced on her, until her quiet spirit had drowned in the taste. Still the words of her reptilian summon vibrated in her being to be more and more than what she had been.

“I am a bridge- between my religion and the shinobi world, where the two have little tolerance of each other, and I put myself between them to try and keep some peace. I am a bridge between my faith to my church and my duties to my country, where I have been asked to become a shinobi and assist to keep the peace. I am a bridge between a dragon who can't stand the sight of humans, to try and teach him that humans and the creatures of the land need each other.” She continued and took a breath,

“So, I believe in short, that if I understand correctly, I cannot comply with your suggestion to ‘return to what I excel at because I forgot’, which I did not forget. I excel at many things your papers won’t tell you- I excel at learning and educating myself in the studies and practices of this Shinobi World I have been pulled into. I excel at listening and learning from my summon and my friends. I am- ok, well, I’m not great at knitting- but I am not solely confined to one practice anymore, and I do not solely excel at one thing any longer. I am a person and I grow by the day- and that person you’re asking me to be, that past girl who cared for just her religion and just her medical training.... She’s not who I am now, because I am so much more now.” Geni took a deep breath before adding,

“And I do not wish to talk anymore, if that is what you mean. For I believe my time better spent, improving upon myself and becoming a better person tomorrow, than I present today.” The former priestess said, raising gracefully from her chair and standing, as she calmly pulled her hands together to rest at her waist as she raised her gaze from the ground to the woman’s eyes. Perhaps she displayed something of power, but it was the only facade she could muster. Internally, she tried to pull herself together from her though her speech did not show anger, it did show something else- a tone of firmness and unsureness.

[ WC: 1,071 ]

Wed May 24, 2017 3:06 pm

Akihana remained quiet through the priestess's rebuttals and accusations, taking in everything the indigo haired teen said with a calm expression. No stranger to being accused of things that were either untrue or misinterpretations, Akihana had learned a long time ago that taking offense for the sake of taking offense was never the answer.

She also had full faith that this kunoichi would learn the same lesson one day. She was young, she had the time.

As Genevieve rose to her feet, about to leave, the Queen Regent finally spoke. "It is the easiest thing in the world to leave with our own version of events, righteous in the conviction that we are the ones being victimized. It takes a brave ninja to sit down and discuss what went wrong and ask for clarifications. Do you have that strength right now, Lady Genosis, or will i be seeing you later?" Her golden gaze held nothing but warmth and kindness, no judgement to be found in her glowing eyes.

"I would b happy to meet with you another time too, if you desire."

Fri Jun 16, 2017 6:25 pm

Genevieve was unsure of how to respond at the woman talked to her. She didn’t want to continue in a conversation that she felt unwilling to participate in, nor one where she would be accused of not being a strong person. Perhaps she wasn't the strongest in the village, yes, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have strength. However, she didn’t want to seem uncompassionate by not giving the woman another chance to speak despite insulting her. Those weren’t the teachings of her faith; she was supposed to smile and forgive.

But for how much longer, could you ask someone to turn and bite their tongue for every little thing, when they had done so all their lives, and been given the allowance to have a choice about it? A choice whether to voice they were offended or not.

“I have the strength to stay, but forgive me for not having the forbearance to sit across from you.” She voiced and moved to stand behind the chair she had been offered a seat in, and put her hand atop it’s cushioned back. She preferred taking her hits stands up now, rather than taking them lying down as she once had.

Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:49 am

"As you please," the Queen replied, forcing Genevieve never having been her intention. Of course, it the girl took a little time to understand that, she would be all the better for it. Instant clarity though useful in the moment it occurred rarely left one with the aftertaste of growth and beneficial experience and anything worth learning, was worth understanding well.

"I stand by my decision that you will need additional lessons in physical combat. Ser Kyousuke will assist you. If he does not have the time to do so given his duties than he will appoint a suitable tutor. Either way, the administration wishes to see your combat skill improve." Having said that, she gestured to the file once more. "I also stand by my decision to pass you for the chunin table test where Her Grace Princess Tehniyat decided you unfit. I do not agree with Her Grace on that count."

Putting the file away now, she would contemplate the standing priestess carefully through warm golden eyes. "As to the matter of that young man you summoned into battle, I will not pretend to know your relationship with him, nor claim any rights to possess that knowledge. I would merely request you reflect on your decision hard. While it was an unconventional and ultimately fractious choice, you put him in danger at your expense. I am sure I have no idea what you were thinking, nor do i need to know. All I ask is that you reflect upon the value of another shinobi's life as you move forwards in your journey to become an accomplished ninja."

The blonde would pause, giving Lady Genosis the opportunity to speak should he younger female wish to. Any questions would be answered and should any more attempts at hostility be made, they would go ignored. Discovering oneself was rarely a peaceful process and some lashed out at others while some lashed out on themselves. Akihana herself had been among the latter, it was too early to tell which group this bright young woman would fall into.

"I believe that is all for today. As always, you are welcome to come to see me at the palace whenever you like, you need only to make an appointment. Ser Kyousuke will be in touch with you about your combat training and the mission counter will clear you for your final mission to achieve the rank of chunin. If there is anything more you need, all you have to do is ask." With that, Akihana too would rise to her feet, indicating the meeting over and wishing the other kunoichi farewell and fair fortune.

(Exit Akihana)

A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]

Re: A Tale of Two Lions. [ P, W/ Akihana ]