CE Subscription Office and Lounge. [CE Fall 2012]

[Kyogi]

[Let’s end strong boys]

Kyogi grinned hearing the small banter between the Doctor and the florist. Even if that’s what they all say he was pretty sure they were her on business not love interests. With the presents acquired the journey to this person’s home could continue. Luckily they knew exactly where to go. Kyogi moved quickly with the Doctor and in no time they found a large building just where the card’s address had directed.

Kyogi scanned the building it was quite detailed unlike any building he’d seen in the sound country or really anywhere in his travels. The most interesting part of the house was the door. It was easy to spot the woman standing in front of the door. With the outfit she was wearing Kyogi assumed she worked for the examiner or the owner of the house. When they got closer Kyogi was a bit surprised to hear Luigi had called ahead. It did make explaining why they were here a bit earlier. ”That’s right, we are here to see her. May we enter? Is she ready to see us?” Kyogi was curious to get a look inside this large building and although the maid didn’t seem like a door guard there was no reason to push past or be rude to gain entry. The information they sought was close.

[The Doctor]

The Doctor looked up and around just at a glimpse to take in the tower building. He headed over to the front door as it was at the lowest floor and two steps up. He glanced over at the windows besides the door. This was a common architecture structure from housing he is used to however the way the floors were divided up was odd to him.

What he could tell however was that this house belonged in a silk-stocking district just by how much detail went into the house. As they reached the door the doctor would see the maid in her black dress. Immediately he quickly observed and tried to gauge her abilities, history, and all other forms of information just by observing. He was using his Know Ability, Evidence Analysis, Observation, and other forms of Analytical reasoning to gain knowledge from her. To anyone looking it was a simple quick glance.

She did not look like a fighter, he could guess her age by the wrinkles in her face. He knew she was washing not too long ago and she barely saw the son. He tried to see if there were any hair on that black dress as it would be much easier to spot, perhaps an animal of some sort? He tried to get an understanding of her strength in many forms.

"Hello there, are you the ones Luigi called about? For an appointment with the lady?" the woman would ask as she was looking at the chocolates and flowers.

The Doctor was looking at her eye movements trying to get a grasp of what she herself was interested in. Depending on what she gravitated towards the most the Doctor would honestly reach, grasping the item and extend it out towards her giving a slight bow as he gave his same smile.

”That’s right, we are here to see her. May we enter? Is she ready to see us?” Kyogi spoke out.

This somewhat surprised the Doctor as he glanced back without altering any head movement. The Doctor would straighten up and continue giving his smile. "Yes my lady," he quickly spoke out in his calm collected voice. "I am the Doctor, and these are my Colleagues (If they followed along). "The outspoken gentleman's name is Kyogi." he continued with a soft sigh. "Can you please let the lady of the house know I am here and is seeking an audience with her." he finished holding the other gift. If the woman did not gravitate towards the chocolate, nor the flowers he would hold them both in his hand.

[Solus]

C

learly the woman seemed to be mainly interested in the the Doctor. Probably because he was the one carrying the gifts? "Your parents called you doctor?! Well, that does set expectations I guess..." Okay, so she was clearly not the brightest of the bunch, she did seem to mean well. Probably why she was cleaning and not a doctor. She put the broom against the wall, next to the door, clearly intending to return here soon for more sweeping after showing your party in. Brushing her skirt with her hands she would somewhat try to remove some small dust stains she clearly encountered from kneeling on a floor. "Please, come in." she said, stepping inside, completely disregarding the fact that any possible stranger could simply have answered 'yes' to her very first question.

Behind the door there was a hallway, used for storing coats, umbrellas and shoes, that led to other rooms as was common in Hi no Kuni and Cha no Kuni houses. She stood still for a moment here, half expecting you to hang up your coats, yet not protesting if you chose not to do so before moving on before things would become awkward. The next door at the end of the hallway on the left side would lead to a drawing room. The floorboards had a certain patina indicating age, but once stepped on them they did not feel aged, indicating that old wood had been reused in a new floor for an authentic feeling. The furniture was of the same stock, dark wood and antique, but clearly placed here in recent times. The walls were white however, giving a sense of space to the room that was only four by five meters in size. The large window on the left side of the room was located next to the door outside, allowing copious amounts of light inside.

Your target sat at the centre of the room, sipping green tea from a lavender gold rimmed cup. Complementing cups and a teapot from the same set stood on the round table in front of her. From the latter a steam was rising up that filled the entire room with the smell of the green tea. When you approached you first saw her curvy figure from the right, which was clad in a form accentuating pink kimono with a embroidered floral pattern.Raven hair framed her face, which she revealed when she turned her head to face you. She was handsome, especially for someone her age, her lips crimson. Putting down her cup with her long strong fingers, which looked as if they had made many a seal in her days. They were clearly strong and flexible, this woman must be of A-class, if not S-class upon first observation. She did not seem to possess any exceptional strength, but she looked fast and her fingers were at the same state as those of S-ranked Genjutsu and Ninjutsu masters, who could weave handseals at impossible speeds. "Hello and welcome to my humble abode, Doctor and followers." How she had heard that through the wall was a mystery. She gestured with her arm to the other three free chairs at her table. "Please, sit down and please tell me the purpose of your visit.

[Kyogi]

Kyogi grinned a little bit at the mention of his outspokenness he just liked to get to the objective if he could help it. However attention was on the Doctor between the greeter and him. She seemed to not quite understand his name but it didn’t bother him that much. Not everyone kept the names given at birth. Once they got the okay to enter Kyogi followed after ignoring the coat storage he didn’t intend remove his clothing. Kyogi didn’t expect to be here very long.

After but a brief pause in the first room they continued to the next where the woman was located. Target acquired. A pleasant smile formed on his face as this was just one step closer to completion. His eyes locked onto the tea next noting the steam and the scent from the tea. It had been awhile since he’d enjoyed a fresh cup of tea. Looking over the woman Kyogi could see why the Doctor had wanted to meet her. Was this the Doctor’s type of woman, Kyogi wondered silently. Kyogi nodded as they were welcomed. Finding his way to a chair Kyogi would let the Doctor explain his reason for the visit. All he would say was, ”Thank you for welcoming us into your home.”

[The Doctor]

The Doctor was somewhat taken aback from the maid. He honestly did not expect such bubble reaction. The Doctor didn't question her as she simply invited them in. This was obviously a Chuunin Examiner's home and a home owned by someone of such stature must have some ability.

The Doctor followed her, as he waved his hand in a "no thank you" manner as he wanted to wear his clothing without problems. He admired in the architecture of the home as he had not seen a home such as this in a long while. Mostly he visited homes found in small villages where they were more modest in size. He really enjoyed the negative space of the rooms giving the illusion that they were larger than they should have been.

Following they reached the room where the one he was looking for sat, drinking on some green tea. He noticed the gold rimmed cup as it complemented the teapot. He noticed the floral Kimono, raven hair that framed her face. He could tell just by observing she was a strong woman. He could see she was flexible just by the information that was barely there. He still could not truly gauge her strength but he knew she was strong. She was truly a remarkable woman to be a Chunin Examiner.

"Hello and welcome to my humble abode, Doctor and followers." How she had heard that through the wall was a mystery. She gestured with her arm to the other three free chairs at her table. "Please, sit down and please tell me the purpose of your visit.

The Doctor gave a respectable bow as he lowered his upper body, and placed his right hand over his chest. "A pleasure madam." He stood up and walked over towards her.

”Thank you for welcoming us into your home.” Kyogi spoke out as the Doctor walked over to her.

He would place the flowers and candy at a stand before walking towards the seat. "Chocolates, and flowers for you madam." he commented eyeing her facial expressions to see if he could get an estimate on if she was pleased. The Doctor would continue. "The bouquet has a basit flower," he continued taking a seat. The seat he sat at was not directly in front of her. It was to the side as sitting directly in front causes friction as people do not normally know where to look at.

"I will get to the point," the Doctor commented placing his hands together, sitting back. "Four years ago an exams took place in this city. This exams gave permission for participants to become "Chunins" for their respected villages. As a Doctor, and The Doctor I have a run in with the Village of Sound in a constant basis, and my curiosity has peeked when running into a Chunin of these exams. He is a curious fellow, and one who many may believe not suited as a Chunin." The way he spoke was to the point. There was no hint of lying in this man. He did not wish to play games, not with this woman. The Doctor felt that would be foolish just from the observations. He spoke quickly and concisely before continuing. "I would like to know why he became Chunin. I would also like information on other participants for my personal records. As a man who travels around it is best to know who should be hired as bodyguards."

The Doctor stopped once more and took in a deep breath before closing his eyes just for a brief moment. "The information," he continued looking at the woman once more. "I am looking for is perhaps Holodisks, and other reports. I would like to know if there are any video archives that were taken during these exams." he stopped and looked at her with seriousness in his face.

(Holodisks do exist just a heads up, its in the Gadgets index.)

[Solus]

F

or whatever it would be worth, the woman seemed genuinely happy and pleased as she accepted your gifts. "Aww, thank you, they are beautiful! I see! You shouldn't have." Of course the latter statement was the mandatory hollow phrase when receiving a gift. She would put the chocolates on the table for now and place the flowers on an ornamental table within arms reach. Clearly she would not leave her guests alone to store away her gifts. Without asking if either of you desired any she poured another two cups of tea for her guests whilst listening to the requests that were the purpose of the visit.

The woman took a sip of her tea, clearly thinking over her answer. "It is the job of the village to send those who they think are ready to become Chuunin. It is the job of the Chuunin Exam committee to test if they truly are. If he made it through the exams successfully it means that this person is mentally and physically fit to perform the duties of a Chuunin, no matter how much a curious fellow he is. Perhaps it is a defence mechanism of his, to lure others in a false sense of security?"

She put her cup back on the table. "The exams were broadcasted across all nations, what would you want beyond that? You can probably pick up a recording there for a bottom price." She stirred something imaginary in her cup with her spoon since there was nothing on the table to even put in the tea. "Tell me, Doctor, why should I give you holodiscs and records of something that is clearly classified since no-one else has it? There are many people out there hiring bodyguards, what makes you special?" at least she did not say 'no' yet, so far so good.

[The Doctor]

(Skipping Kyogi per Request)

The Doctor listened to how she explained her defense in against giving him the information he needed. He knew that there were a broadcast of the exams however he also knew that the information given was somewhat artistic to say the least to make the Villages feel "special" in their people.

He slowly reached forward grasping the cup of tea in his delicate manner in which he was brought up to be. Pinky extended he took a sip placing the small dish on his lap before placing the teacup on the small dish.

The Doctor gave out his warm smile he was known to do before speaking out. "Madam, first allow me to say this is exquisite tea," he commented before taking another sip of tea. "For the exams, yes I do know they were broadcasted, however you and I both know that was shown as a jest of good faith and entertainment. What was broadcasted was not everything shown. Now please do not get me wrong I am not searching for the backroom deals, no I am simply searching for every possible angle of these exams that showed the skills of these young masters," he continued calmly, speaking quickly before taking another sip of tea never leaving his eyes off of the woman while continuing his warm smile.

The Doctor then glanced over to Kyogi briefly before turning towards the young woman, as he heard her comment about "Why".

His smile disappeared briefly before he raised it once more looking down at his tea, then up at her once more. "What makes me special?" he asked rhetorically. "Because my dear, I'm the Doctor." he said without hesitation, looking at her in the eyes.

"And as the Doctor it is my duty to know who works for me, and who should work for me. If I were to establish relationships with villages of any sorts then as the Doctor I should have the best," he stopped briefly before taking a drink once more. "You know what it means to have the best, do you not? With your lovely home, exquisite tea, wonderful view, and a helper who will not ask too many questions. It is a simple request. I would like to know who these people are."

[Solus]

W

ith a smile on her visage she would mutter "Charmer..." under her breath as the doctor commented on the tea. The examiner seemed to quite like the treatment she was getting. Patiently she listened ash the doctor elaborated why she extend favours to him that would not be extended to others. Her eyes widened slightly at him when he stated that who he was was the Doctors best argument. Putting her cup back on the saucer she inhaled and exhaled slowly, slightly gazing past the Doctor into the distance.

The decision itself did not seem to be difficult, she looked as if she had more trouble with reconciling herself with what she was about to do. She sighed a second time but the dice had already been cast in her mind. "Fine, you win, 'Doctor'." She waved absent minded to the ornamental on which she had placed the flowers you had given her moments ago. "They are in a drawer under that table. One holodisk with statistics and another with all the footage. You can take it out yourself." She smiled at the doctor over her cup of tea."Does that satisfy all of your desires?"

[Kyogi]

Kyogi had been sitting silently as he sipped upon the tea given to them. He was listening carefully to the exchange of words between the Doctor and the Examiner. Kyogi was surprised to hear that the exams had been broadcasted, his curiosity to watch them was growing. It also made him wonder if his own exams had been broadcasted to the world? Kyogi held in a chuckle at the Doctor’s reason for why he should be allowed to have the holodisks. The one liner didn’t help his cause but he did back himself up afterwards.

Kyogi’s eyes shifted to the woman curious to see her reaction. ”Fine, you win, Doctor.” Happiness could be seen on his face should one look. The sound of success was always a good feeling to him. Kyogi eyed the drawer mentioned but simply stayed put he’d let the Doctor gather the information he desired. His mission was simply to protect and he didn’t sense any evil or deception here. It simply seemed that everything was going smoothly. Lifting his tea cup back up Kyogi finished his glass placing it back upon the tray. ”Thanks for the tea and your help.” Kyogi finally commented shortly as he waited for the go ahead sign to head out.

[The Doctor]

The Doctor looked up to her as she commented. He did not avert his eyes as a show of respect as she talked.

"Fine, you win, 'Doctor'." she waved absent minded to the ornamental on which she placed the flowers the Doctor gave to her.

The Doctor took a sip of the tea as she continued the conversation.

"They are in a drawer under that table. One holodisk with statistics and another with all the footage. You can take it out yourself." she said with a smile to the Doctor over her cup of tea. "Does that satisfy all of your desires?"

The Doctor gave a nod to her before finishing his tea.

"Madam that is more than satisfactory," he commented with a warm smile. The Doctor placed the tea cup at the end table.

The Doctor would slowly stand and give a kowtow to the woman while placing one hand across his chest and the other by his side. "Madam, I greatly appreciate what you have done, and I will trouble you no further. If you ever need assistance please do not hesitate to look me up in the Land of Sound."

If he was not stopped the Doctor would walk over to the draw taking the two holodisks and head out.

[Solus]

T

he disappointment that painted itself across the lady's face revealed that she was probably interested in more of you than just your gratitude. "I will most definitely pay you a visit if I ever find myself in Oto no Kuni." she stated with a smile, clearly looking forward to this future occasion. "If you ever find yourself on Nagi island again you will know where to get some great free tea." she said with the same smile as you grabbed the holodisks. "Safe travels." she finally stated as you showed yourself out.

[Kyogi]

Kyogi grinned listening to their back and forth. It appeared the Doctor had made a new friend or admirer. Kyogi thought of a smart remark to say to the woman but decided to hold his tongue. Standing from his seat he nodded respectfully to the woman and followed the Doctor out of the woman’s home.

[The Doctor]

The Doctor turned towards the woman noticing the facial expression on her face. He acted oblivious and gave another bow to her. "I will remember," he commented, answering to her . "Safe Travels madam," he continued before turning towards Kyogi.

"We shall take our leave," he commented to Kyogi before walking out of the House. Without making much conversation he headed towards the Flying Destruction Machine. He yearned to go home.

[Exit]