deercountry | (open) miyagi-do gathering for new & existing students!

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(open) miyagi-do gathering for new & existing students!

Who: You, you, and you!
What: For members of Miyagi-do, those interested in Miyagi-do, and whoever else might end up there! (Visiting a friend, etc)
When: Some time first half of month.
Where: At Miyagi-do Dojo in Crenshaw!

MIYAGI-DO: A NEW DAY (AN APRIL LOG)

Miyagi-do has seen some unexpected activity in the last few weeks, but has also--fortunately--seen a return to normality. An upgrade, even, where the damage sustained after a student's accidental explosion caught parts of the dojo in the ensuing chaos now gone after hard work hired, with thanks to the builders and those who helped with funds.

Even the sensei of the dojo has recovered from his own injuries, welcoming students--old and potentials--to classes. Along with a few touch-ups to the dojo, there are other changes, new and old, that should be addressed:

1. A (SEMI-)NEW SENSEI

He's been around for a month now, but here's your formal introduction to Miyagi-do's second sensei, Sensei Toguchi. Sensei LaRusso would have introduced him as a...not old, but dear friend from back home who has also learned from the school of Miyagi-do back in Okinawa. Skilled in the use of sais, you may find Sensei Toguchi a different kind of sensei from Daniel LaRusso. But we'll let you see that for yourself.

2. YOUR VERY OWN SNACK PROVIDER

Truthfully, this is a figure who's been around the dojo since the start, doing exactly what he does now...but Daniel LaRusso would not be himself if he didn't take some time to introduce Hakkai to the class as the person who makes their snacks and refreshments. Because Hakkai deserves his thanks, and you cannot escape a dad man like Daniel.

3. ICE BRACELETS: A NEW FORM OF PROTECTION

Miyagi-do has always worked to help individuals with what it is they want out of the dojo. Sometimes, this can just mean having somewhere to meditate and to find comfort in your own body than to focus on the fighting aspect. But Miyagi-do always leans towards protection, and learning how to respond and to engage with danger. It works to help individuals learn how they can use their own powers in ways that they prefer.

And in his announcement for the start of April's lessons, Sensei LaRusso has a bracelet to share to those who want one, after he's explained what they are. They're ice-powered bracelets--not super powerful, but with proper training they can be used as a means of defence. Spread ice over the ground, freeze certain limbs to surfaces, or even use it to shroud an enemy's face just long enough to distract them.

Sensei LaRusso will show how to use the bracelets to manifest the ice, and Robby Keene will also help in demonstrations, as well as with students individually. Dummies and can be used as stationary targets, and are a great way to learn how to disappear the ice, too--especially if you want to focus on using them for actual living targets, which either Sensei LaRusso or Robby can help with (or, if you're really that into getting iced...!).

ENDING NOTES

This log covers the first lesson of April, as well as continuing forward if you want to add extra days and lessons! Please familiarise yourself with what Miyagi-do teaches. Newcomers are welcomed, and there will always be a place to get food and drink...thank you, Hakkai.

Feel free to make your own toplevels on this log, it's meant as a mingle for existing students and those interested in checking out Miyagi-do! You can hang around the snack table, practice some karate, meet the teachers (and food provider...), maybe try out the new fun ice bracelets or.. you know, you can always just hang out with Daniel's Omen. He's a good boy who will stop to get belly rubs from everyone. You can't reject him. Sorry if you sat down for three seconds and are now stuck with a dog on your lap. He will not move.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He could be embarrassed.

[Which is the least "bad" option. Or, the option less likely to frighten and worry the man in front of him. Because the other idea he has...]

[Well. It's the option he'd know all about, isn't it.]

Please, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It would be best if you spoke with him yourself. But I feel... I can understand wanting to put an event behind you. Especially one that gravely hurt you, or those around you.

[Like your family. Your friends.]

It's also possible he does not fully recall the events. I've also seen that occur before.

[ Daniel at least doesn't think this is embarrassed. Not because Robby can't get embarrassed, he's seen it happen before, but this sort of incident wouldn't really pull that sort of reaction out of the boy.

But the rest..

.. well, at least that's.. a little more likely, he supposes. Robby was shaken up by it all. And Daniel thought it was getting better, but.. maybe it's not? ]

No, I.. appreciate you weighing in on this. [ Though he doesn't smile, there's something a little softer in his tone as he says it, like Daniel wants to make sure Hakkai understands he's being honest about this here, even if Daniel may still seem very troubled at the moment. ] I'm just worried about him. I mean, I'm worried about all my students, especially after something like this, but..

[ His voice trails off. Daniel shakes his head, gaze momentarily lowering before he aims it back at Hakkai. ]

Robby is extra special to me. He's basically my son at this point. I.. have to make sure he's alright.

Then I can only suggest speaking with him.

[Hakkai has his suspicions as to why Robby would be so dismissive. It would fit, he thinks, to want to sidestep any questions. A traumatic experience. One you don't want to repeat. One you likely revisit in all of your downtime...]

[Yeah. He gets that.]

Yes, that makes sense for you. But with something of this nature, I believe all you can do is offer to speak - or listen, as the case may be.

[He folds his arms, suddenly wishing for something more to do with his hands.] Forcing the issue can cause one to close off, and I doubt that's the outcome you want.

You're right.

[ That it's definitely not the outcome Daniel wants. It's not like he hasn't been shut out by Robby before in the past - a past that does feel quite some time ago by now - but it was absolutely awful back then. And it had bad consequences too. Not just on Daniel's end, but on Robby's own as well. ]

It's just-- We don't always have that luxury here, you know? [ Of not speaking. Of offering to listen, and then letting the issue go if someone doesn't want to talk about it.

Not with the levels of danger here in Trench. Not with the lurking threat of corruption. It's what makes Daniel extra fussy to all the people around him. ]

I'd rather make a big deal out of nothing than miss anything that could turn into a huge issue later.

We don't always have that luxury, regardless of where we are. Do we?

[Here, there, anywhere. Waiting to talk to someone about anything may not always work out. Danger is everywhere. Even in places you think you're secure.]

[Like a home in a quiet village.]

You would know him best. I'm only offering an outsider's perspective, after all. [But he really does think the boy is the type to shut down. To lock out all attempts to begin that conversation. He'd know that sort of person, wouldn't he? Hakkai is the master of sidestepping awkward conversations.]

[Or personal ones.]

I know. [ Regarding that last point Hakkai makes, that is.

Even though those two words come out sounding more like a sigh than a statement. Not even because of Hakkai, or because of anything he's saying here, but.. it truly is one thing after another here in Trench, isn't it? Just when Daniel thinks things are getting a little better, there could be something wrong with someone so important to him. His kid. ]

.. I'm sorry. [ Daniel feels like he ought to at least say that to Hakkai here though, giving the other a tiny - though somehow also a little sad - smile. ] I know I must be looking like a real worrywart over here.

[ Please, Daniel.

That's what you always look like. ]

You've little need to apologize.

[Though he does understand, considering Hakkai himself apologizes on the behalf of the others pretty consistently. But someone has to! Goku might, on occasion he remembers, but Sanzo or Gojyo? Apologize? They'd sooner turn to dust where they stood.]

Though, I wonder. Is... that much different than your normal self?

[OUCH HAKKAI. You don't need to murder a man right there when he's feeling stressed.]

[ THIS CALLOUT.. THIS EXTREMELY VALID CALLOUT..

Thankfully this isn't the kind of stressed where Daniel gets easily cranky - or rather, he hasn't reached that state yet, which means he doesn't really look annoyed at the callout. Instead he just lets out a sigh that sounds a little like Daniel's soul outright leaving his body before he continues with: ]

It's a little different when one of my kids is involved.

[ That's extra stress, Hakkai. This is advanced stress. ]

Surely you can imagine how rough it is trying to take care of a kid in a place like this. [ Not that it's easy even under normal circumstances.. but in this hellhole? Please. ] To try and keep them safe.

[Can he?]

[He's never really had to look after a child beyond lessons. Frankly, the closest to an actual child around is Goku. And anyone could see he was more than capable of defending himself... ]

[Well. Until recently.]

I can. But fortunately, you seem to have many eyes and hands to rely on here. Surely, you don't expect yourself to do this all alone?

[ Ah. Another callout.

Perhaps a slightly less intentional one, but it's a callout all the same - and it shows in the way Daniel looks away, looking faintly embarrassed. It's the main sign that yes, maybe he does expect himself to do this alone. The problem of holding yourself to way too high standards for any human. ]

Well, it-- it mainly has to be my responsibility. If something happened, I wouldn't want to blame it on anyone's neglience but my own.

I wouldn't say it would be negligent. A parent should rely on their partner, after all.

[He even holds his hands up, like he just plain knows what Daniel's going to say to that. Yes, he knows your wife isn't here, let him finish.]

You have quite a few here, don't you? Those who would help you, let you rely on them?

[ .. he lets out a huff of breath. ]

Robby has another dad here. [ A tiny pause, and then he adds: ] His biological dad.

[ He at least ought to give Johnny that credit, right. ]

But all things considered, I'm not so sure that fact can just make me let go of some of the responsibility. [ If not just because Johnny is..

.. well.. Johnny... ]

And... he isn't assisting?

[Does he understand that right? It does happen, of course. It's not uncommon at all. But if the man was here... surely reaching out to ask for another set of eyes, another pair of hands, wouldn't be out of line.]

[Right?]

I suppose I can understand not being able to separate yourself from what you have to do. And I am undoubtedly not in any position to judge...

[ God. Hakkai.

Talk about a complicated topic.

Especially since Daniel sighs the moment Hakkai asks that first part. Not even because he's annoyed Hakkai is asking, but more just because sometimes thinking about Johnny just gives Daniel a headache. ]

I mean, he's.. [ His voice trails off. Maybe Daniel is wondering to himself if he's really about to defend Johnny Lawrence here. He's done that so many times at this point. Hasn't he filled up his points card enough to be allowed to be a little fed up here.. ] He's trying, but he doesn't tend to be very good at that, if that makes any sense.

Somewhat, yes.

It would help paint a better picture if I knew who it was you were talking about.

[Listen, he doesn't actually know who Robby's dad is. That hasn't been a topic of conversation, ever. Robby's never mentioned it. Johnny may have mentioned a kid but it's not enough to put the pieces all together.]

Though, trying should count for something, I think. Depending on the situation.

It's Johnny Lawrence.

[ At least Daniel isn't beating around the bush now. Hell, he didn't even really intend on doing so in the first place, it's just that he's so used to this fact that he kind of figures everyone knows who Robby's (other) dad is..

.. even though Hakkai is entirely valid in not knowing, honestly. ]

You know him, right?

[ Kind of hard not to with how much of an attention-drawing loudmouth Johnny is. Daniel figures just about anyone in Trench has got to at least have heard of him.

Especially after the dumb gay post. With even Hakkai jumping on Daniel!! ]

Ah. Yes. Your... friend who was confused about his feelings.

[Hakkai just smiles as he says that. This little bitch.]

We're well acquainted. He reminds me of someone from my own world, actually. [Except he's pretty sure if Gojyo had a kid, the likelihood of him not looking after the child would be next to zero. For many reasons.] Their mannerisms do, at least.

I can see why you would have some concerns.

[ Daniel visibly winces at the usage of the word 'friend'.

It's fine. Don't mind it. He's moving on to talk quickly enough afterwards. ]

He abandoned Robby and Robby's mother pretty soon after Robby was born. And his mother was also.. [ .. Daniel is a little less inclined to shittalk Shannon, given that he has nothing personal against her, and she has tried to get a lot better for Robby's sake than Johnny has at times.. ] .. struggling.

[ Sure, this is a lot of Robby's personal information to hand over, but Daniel both trusts Hakkai and feels like he needs this information to get the full picture.

Or to get why Daniel is so fussy here, aside from just.. being Daniel. ]

He hasn't had many adults he could rely on in his life. I want to be the one to get it right. For his sake.

I see...

[He'll just ignore that wince. Maybe he shouldn't have made that comment. Daniel knows him, but he doesn't 'Speak Hakkai'. Knows when he's just teasing, unless it's absolutely written out. Not his fault.]

[Children struggling, parents struggling. What a familiar story. Doesn't make it any easier on those involved, though. So Hakkai is quiet. Letting Daniel speak.]

Yes, it does make sense why you would want to assist him. Especially in the lack of other supports... I would help, but, he seems a bit hesitant to trust.

Yeah, and all of this-- [ He opens his mouth, then seems to think better of something, and instead continues with: ] --all of this crap sure isn't helping matters, I'm sure.

[ Did Daniel just swallow a swear. Is that what the pause was for?

Yes. Yes, it absolutely was. Nerd dad alert. ]

.. sorry to have thrown all of this on you for a moment, Hakkai. [ Daniel shakes his head. ] I'll try to resolve it somehow, so don't worry about it.

[Did that just happen. Did Daniel just - ]

[Hakkai travels with a handful of people whose mouths could, at times, make even the most hardened man look like a squeaky clean school child. Every other word, some days, is "fuck". And while Hakkai himself tends to refrain from cursing in all but the most distressing moments... this is...]

[He presses a hand to his mouth. Biting the inside of his cheek.]

Yes. I'm. Sure it isn't. [Is he laughing. His face is doing something dangerously close to an actual, sincere smile.] Of course not.

[Just a second. Let him clear his throat.]

But, ah, don't think anything of it. If I'm helping here, I may as well assist with this however I can, too. Right?

[ Hold on.

That last question is totally ignored for a moment. Because Daniel is too busy having his jaw drop a little, leaving his mouth hanging open as he stares at the other. There might even be the faintest hint of a coldblood-induced colour on his cheeks. ]

Are you laughing?

[ Thankfully he seems more flustered than offended, but-- H-Hakkai! It's not like he isn't glad to actually see you smile and laugh genuinely, but my dude, what sort of betrayal is this!! ]

I would never!

[Which is a complete lie.]

[His eyebrows are actually hitched up, and his voice is actually wavering. Like he's doing everything in his power not to double over.]

It's - I haven't heard someone censor themselves in front of another adult in... a very long time.

There's kids here! [ Daniel's tone is definitely moving up in pitch as he's saying that. In what is - clearly and obviously - the most manly way possible.

Also, these kids are clearly not even close to being within earshot of them right now. Yet Daniel sounds so convinced about what he's saying. Like it's not even an excuse, but what he genuinely believes.

.. which might just make it more embarrassing, huh. ]

I can't let them hear! It'll be a bad influence on them!

[He is not laughing. He is absolutely not laughing even a little bit. That would be rude.]

[But it's just. It's so funny. It's so fucking funny. Hakkai is... desperately trying to keep his straight face. So desperately.]

I - I don't believe any of them are even remotely in earshot.

[This is so hard. It's so hard not to crack up. His hand finally inches up to clasp over his mouth.]

(open) miyagi-do gathering for new & existing students!

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