8733/Seeking Greatness

Seeking Greatness
Date of Scene:	19 November 2021
Location:	Greenwich Village
Synopsis:	Shiva is back in town. So is Alexander. She goes to see her former student and has a proposal.
Cast of Characters:	Alexander Aaron, Sandra Wu-San

---

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Greenwich never changes.
    Or perhaps that is not accurate to say.
    Greenwich is always changing, but by that nature it remains in a stagnant state of perpetual change. It is a neighborhood that has its traditions, yet also is constantly adopting new ones. There are folk fairs, festivals, block parties, celebrations galore as the Bohemian block builds connections although often they are flimsy things. But beneath it all there is a steadiness to it, the architecture for most of the buildings has remained untouched through the years, and a traveler from the fifties would be hard pressed to pick out changes. Beyond the electric cars and the digital displays in everyones' hands.
    Yet it had been a year since Alexander had been down this street. Hands in the pockets of his heavy peacoat and his blue jeans swishing lightly as he walks. It amused him on some level to see the place at this time of night still partially cleaning up from whatever celebration was held that day. A few food trucks are serving at the least, and some stands are being broken down. No signage to show what the event was. Oh well.
    He didn't stand out too much in the neighborhood even when he lived there. And now, with his beard and partially long hair, even those few neighbors who knew him might not recognize him at a glance.
    Yet that doesn't mean he hasn't been seen.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
As he walked, he might start getting that feeling. The little sense that something wasn't quite right on the street. Here or there, a few young men were hanging out and talking in small groups of two or three. Perhaps seven total. Each of them had the same color scheme to their clothing. Either hyper coordinated in the fashion department--or more likely those were the colors of their oganization. Gangs did love those. And the people packing up would be leaving with their earnings for the day.

One booth was just starting their breakdown when one of the owners opted to head off. Down the block, toward the bank ATM where they could deposit the money so they wouldn't be carrying it. Though it was darker, they figured it was a safe bet.

As they started on their way, a few of the groups of men opted to leave as well. Different directions. Yet they knew this part of town well and were working their way around. There were two alleyways between the location of the festival and that bank. They would have their opportunities.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It looked like a typical split play, one group to engage and distract, the other to come up from behind. And really... it was none of his business.
    At least that's what he told himself at first. Greenwich was never that bad with crime. And gangs? That's new. But this... it was just as likely he wouldn't have been here tonight. He could have gone... anywhere else. Really it's not his job to deal with..."
    Dammit.
    Perhaps against his better judgment, or perhaps some flicker of his humanity flares, for Alexander Aaron finds himself taking the turn away from the building where his apartment was. If he still had it. He'd check later. No harm in shadowing this guy as he makes his deposit.
    That decided, the young Olympian steps back onto the sidewalk on the other side of the street, mirroring the merchant as they make their way for the deposit. And if his presence throws off the gang's plan then hey, all the better. With a little luck they might just bail on the idea.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
Wasn't that interesting. Things had changed in the last year.

Things were playing out as expected. The man carrying the deposit wasn't obvious. The money was tucked away inside his jacket. He was walking like one normally would be. Not too hurried yet obviously on his way to a destination. He was doing everything right.

Sadly, so were the small group of men who stepped out onto the sidewalk ahead of him from the second alleyway further distant. Likely not even noticed by their prey. Three young men in their mid to late teens. The started walking toward the target. Their paths would cross around the point the target was just past the first alley.

Easy enough. Though the other man walking their direction, with the beard and long hair, was a concern. Though honestly, they had numbers on their side even if he was some good Samaritan and tried to help.

As their paths crossed, the three young men basically blocked the sidewalk as the one at the front addressed the business man. The thug had a cigarette in hand, unlit. "Hey, got a lighter? I can't find mine."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A distraction usually goes smooth. You're the element there to cause surprise. Not to be surprised. Which is perhaps what happens when that blond guy with the friendly face raises his voice.
    "Marco, man. Is that you? How long has it been like a year?" And no sooner than that does that guy with the short beard starts to saunter on up, looking at the guy looking for a lighter straight on.
    "One sec, man. I got a book of matches from that bar we went to." He doesn't seem drunk, probably just mistaken. But for sure in this moment, likely comes across as an asshole since suddenly the focus isn't on the guy with the money. But now the guy with the cig as it turns some eyes onto him.
    And that angle Alexander chooses, it perfectly brings him in with such ease to interpose himself between the group and the merchant... then precisely equally distant between the three men there.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
The merchant seems confused for a moment but he isn't stupid. He recognized the situation he was in and he follows Alexander's lead. "Has it been that long? Seems like half of forever!" he says in greeting although his eyes keep flicking to the thugs, perhaps making his acting not as up to par as it should be.

The four in the alleyway have made their way to the opening, closing the trap as they step out behind the merchant and Alexander. But they don't do anything, looking to their leader for direction but keeping a wary eye on the two men.

The gang leader considers. Seven versus two is not bad odds for their side. Except, they didn't want to have a fight. This was all about quick and easy money. "Matches would be perfect," he finally says to Alexander with a smile.

Which is the cue for the four men behind to break off, heading the opposite direction. Thus giving the indication that the two are out of danger. This time.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Luckily he does indeed have a pack of matches, fresh from the Verdant club which he pulls from his pocket. A quick look up and down the street, then Alexander gives a nod to Marco and holds up a finger as if to say he wouldn't be that long. Which lets him focus his attention on Mr. 'Got a Light?'
    "Here, man," The young Olympian murmurs as he pulls one of the matches out, flips the book to create the striking surface and snaps it to life as he holds the burning flame up. It's in that same moment, perhaps a trick of the light, that the youth's eyes /blaze/ to life, flaring with what seems to be such utter malevolent disdain that lashes across that short distance into the man who was running the distraction.
    "You don't want to be in Greenwich anymore. In fact ever fucking again. You come back here and you're in for a world of shit." Then the match lightly touches the cigarette and gives life to that orange ember at the end of it. Alexander shakes the match then smiles easily enough, no sign of those glowing eyes.
    "Cool, seeya man." That said he turns and moves in the direction of 'Marco'.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
It has to be a trick of the light. The flame from the match being brought close to his face when he was puffing in air to help light the cigarette caught between his lips. Yet, there is something more than the light. Something more than the threat. He's used to threats. He didn't get to his level in the gang without dealing with that on the daily.

It was the malevolence. There was something palpable. He Felt the gaze. Felt the words. Felt the power. Felt the--fear. Something he didn't even know he could feel anymore.

"Yeah, bruh. Not a problem." And with that he turned tail as his two cronies looked at him oddly. They hadn't caught the entire exchange but they knew something was off here.

The trio turned to leave, glancing back a few times to make sure they had not become the prey now.

Marco glanced to Alexander. "Thanks. Usually there's no problems around here. They just started showing up in the last couple of weeks."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Yeah?" Alexander says as he watches the group leave for now, tilting his head to the side to glance over his shoulder, as if making sure he knew where the other group was. "Wonder why that is."
    For a time he chews his lower lip in thought, gaze distanced as he ponders, then he shakes his head. Not his business. Not a mystery. He isn't freaking Scooby Doo. Though his lip does twist up a little at the idea. Alexander motions with a nod of his head, "C'mon, go do your thing, I'm just over there."
    And 'over there' happens to be one of the brownstone loft apartment buildings, so it's at the least on the way. Still he stuffs his hands back into his pockets and starts to walk after.
    "Oh hey, what was the shindig about today?" Out of curiousity's sake.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
"Fall Festival. Not to be confused with the Thanksgiving one next weekend. Or the Happy Holidays one the week after," Marco says with a laugh. He continues to the ATM, slipping in the business card and typing in his PIN. Then a quick movement to take the cash out of an inner pocket and shove it into the slot where it is retracted into the machine for counting.

Once it finsihes, he takes he takes the receipt and turns back to Alexander. "Thanks again. I owe you one for this, seriously."

Then he turns to head on his way.

When Alexander turns to head back over to the brownstone, there is someone standing on the steps. A woman who is obviously Chinese. She is wearing a red shirt, with gold stitching and wooden styled buttons down the front. Black pants. A pair of simple black slip on shoes that fit more like slippers. She does have a light jacket over the shirt, to keep the chill off.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Sure, man." Alexander's voice is light and casual as he waves the guy off, still standing nearby on the corner. Not close enough to read the guy's pin number though, of course. He waits for the guy to get some distance, then turns back towards the other side of the street.
    From her perch she'll see him. A little older, perhaps an inch or two taller, broader of shoulder. Though that last could be the pea-coat. He ever so dutifully checks both ways before he crosses the street, giving the needed 'token jog' across the way so that the car that's rolling up and past once he's by doesn't think he's just strolling across and possibly wasting his time.
    It's then that he reaches the stoop and looks up...
    She's good enough at reading others that she'll catch that moment of recognition. The subtle double-take that is invisible to most anyone else. Save perhaps her daughter. Alexander, however, pauses with one foot on the lowest step as their eyes meet.
    At first he smiles a little, eyes taking her in, then drifting over her frame. For some reason his lip twists a little with some unvoiced inner thought which if she were privy to she might find amusing. Or not. Then he looks up at her.
    "Shiva. Good of you to welcome me home." Since indeed, this was where he had last lived. Hopefully his stuff wasn't thrown out on the curb over the course of the last year.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
"Welcome back."

When Shiva spoke, it was without an obvious accent. No southern drawl, no Bostonian pronunciations. Nothing with a hint of her Chinese heritage to it. Many people assumed she would have one but she had been raised in the United States for most of her life. Though she had spent most of her life now abroad. Even when in other countries, speaking those native languages, she was not one to have an accent that made her seem a foreigner. Tricks of the trade. One didn't want to stand out when on a job.

"I trust your travels were enlightening?" Because it was all about gaining something when one left for extended periods of time. At least in Shiva's experience.

There was that stillness to her. Most people shifted or moved around a lot. Moved their hands when speaking. Something. She was just there. A zen like aura around her as though the world was in perfect balance, seemed at odds with the stillness which was unnatural. She was different, to say the least.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    The young man's head lowered slightly, his gaze drifting to the right, then back to her. She perhaps can tell that simple glance was to consider the distance between them, the likelihood of attack from her stance, any insight that might be gained by considering their shared angle. All of it, of course, useless. Since Shiva can go from still to deadly with no in between, and if she chose to become hostile their placement likely wouldn't bear too much impact on the choice of a victor. Though... it might give him a second or two longer life if possible.
    Still.
    Best to show no hesitation. And besides. She liked him. Kind of.
    "They were... long." He offers in reply as he climbs the stoop up to stand beside her. Now a good five inches taller than her, she still somehow seemed greater in height simply from her bearing. "But interesting. And you?"
    He finds his keys in his pocket and undoes the lock of the front door, twisting it open and then holding it for her should she wish to precede him. "Did you find a way to amuse yourself in my absence?" His smile was there, but it was a good-natured thing.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
It was all there. Written in his movements. The consideration. The analysis. These were things she knew from their previous encounters. He had it in him. He simply hid it from those who couldn't read the signs.

As he joined her on the porch, she did step to the side to give him better access to the door. Then when he offered to let her enter first, she gave a slight dip of her head in a nod before turning and walking in.

Unlike some people, Shiva had no problem presenting her back to another. After all, she could easily handle most threats so it didn't matter if they were in front, behind, above, whatever.

Once inside, she paused to glance around at the interior. A slight wrinkling of her nose at the dust that seemed to be lining surfaces. "I am always amused. There is much to laugh at in the world." Said flatly. She wasn't one to be giggling or joking around much. Yet she did sometimes mean things in a humorous light.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Turning and closing the door as they both entered, at that foyer beneath the large stairwell, Alexander's lip curves up as he shakes his head slightly at her answer. He doesn't say anything at first as he puts another key into the mailbox that's for his apartment upstairs, and as soon as he opens it it pops open with a few letters and envelopes almost falling out.
    Luckily he takes them up, but tucks them under his arm. Not looking at them yet, leaving them for later so that Shiva can have all of his attention. It's then that he moves toward the stairwell and nods sidelong toward her. "How did you hear I was back in town?"
    He half expects her to not answer as he starts to climb the steps, sneakers scraping on the gritty sandpaper-like grip that lines the stairs. At the first flight he turns to the side so he doesn't get too far ahead of her, timing it so they can walk up the rise together.
    "Or have you been waiting here the whole time so you can catch me off guard?" Since she did, and she likely knows she did. Might as well give her the excuse to crow about it.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
She catches most people off guard. It's sort of her schtick.

As they ascend, she is glancing around the place curiously. Or what seems curiously. Honestly, she's already been through the building at least three times. Checking out any potential threats that might be within just in case she opted to meet him in his apartment instead. This had worked out better on timing though so outside it had been.

"I have my sources." That was pretty chatty and forthcoming from her. Since she preferred not to answer things she found useless. "Did you visit your father before coming back here?" A question which might indicate that she actually didn't have the best of sources after all since she didn't already know. Or she did and was giving him that sense.

So hard to tell with her.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    That question actually did tell him a bit. She truly didn't know where he went or what he had been doing. Which earns her a cocked eyebrow as he continues the ascent another flight. And as they talk they stroll up even another.
    "He was with me." There's a pause then he adds, for it is always good to be truthful with Shiva. "Well, part of the time." At least to a degree.
    His hand slid up the banister as he strolled and then finally they were at the hallway that led to his apartment. A trio of doors down that he strolls along he carpeted hallway. "There was a gathering of my contemporaries, extended family. Some competitions."
    Then there's a pause as he considers and looks sidelong at her, "You actually probably would have enjoyed it." Considering the contests some of them had to go through.
    "Why are you back in the city?" He asks openly, even as he's unlocking the door to the apartment. "I mean, my self-love is great, but I know that I'm not that much of a draw to get you to wander by or change your plans."
    The door opens and... okay there's a smell. And there's dust. But at least it's not a gross smell. It's more... musty. And it looks like there's been some dust buildup on the small table that's next to the door. Alexander lifts a hand to try and lightly wave away the smell of a year's neglect, then starts to walk on in.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
"I do enjoy some competitions." Considering his relatives, she wouldn't be surprised if there were combat related ones. Which she truly would've enjoyed seeing. What sort of fighting styles might Olympians have that differed from the regular world? It would be fascinating to learn.

That wrinkling of her nose happened as they entered the room. "Perhaps hire a cleaner to deal with the place before you return next time," is her suggestion. She does enter more fully, glancing around at his home. Of sorts.

"I am in town on some business." Which could mean any number of things with Shiva. "While here, I thought to take in some sights." Which might boost his ego for a moment until she continued. "I am considering hosting a competition of sorts. For martial artists. This is your personal invitation."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    There's not much to that apartment all told. It had few things to identify the owner, no real tchotchkes to link to who lived there. It was very utilitarian all told. The main room had an entertainment center, but there was also an area near the window that looked out onto he street that was set aside for training. It had a heavy bag, a Shaolin wooden man, some pads on the floor. Over the hallway leading off to other rooms was a pull up bar, and against another wall was a salmon ladder. But beyond that... no posters, no paraphernalia. Nada.
    The keys in his hand ring as he tosses them into a glass bowl. He leaves them behind as he then starts to shoulder out of his jacket. Which reveals that he has indeed gained some meat on his frame with the muscularity visible on his arms, and something to his chest though that is mostly hidden by a black t-shirt that had a kitten with an eyepatch on it, apparently saying something in a speech bubble.
    "You know Sensei," Alexander shifts his tone of address, focusing on her fully. "If you ask me of it, then I will partake as you wish. Though I have just returned from a year of..." Those pale hazel eyes lift, distancing as if seeking the right word.
    "Difficulty." He lets that hang there for a time before he starts to move around the apartment. He leaves the kitchen alone, that is a beast best left to itself. "But if you need my aid in some part for this endeavour I will help. I just..."
    Alexander smiles a little and half expects her to become angry when he says this, "Have had my fill of tournaments and contests. For now at least."

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
Shiva moves over toward the window, taking in the training gear then looking back over at him. He's been busy in the last year. His physique change alone. He was always fit but now he was broader, a bit more filled out. It must have been an interesting year. His words reinforced that.

"I will not force you. Though it would be interesting to watch. To see what has changed in this past year. I will learn soon enough should you wish to continue your training."

Leaving him an options if he would prefer not to. After all, it had been a year. He may have moved beyond wanting to explore that part of himself.

"You may assist me in other ways." As though it was some gift to be allowed to help her. "Organization. Invitations. Some will not trust my motives due to --history."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "If I can, I will." Alexander says as he finishes a brief inventory of the apartment, then pauses there to look across the way at her. He considers their surroundings, then takes a slow walk over to the sofa opposite the television, it sits near those pads but not close enough to be a hazard. "I should also probably mention..."
    He seems about to say something else, then his brow knits as if considering it. Hesitation. But she knows him, it's not fear. And she can't read it as embarrassment. But something else perhaps. Whatever it is, he gets past it and says, "You know what, nevermind. Not important in the greater scheme of things."
    Straightening up on the arm of the chair he nods, "I'd offer to get you something to drink but I think I don't want to risk opening the fridge quite yet. I'll help however you need."
    A pause, then he adds with a slight smile, "It's nice to see you." Which might be surprising for him to admit considering that they have had a tumultuous relationship as master and student.

Sandra Wu-San has posed:
Mention of the fridge has her glancing that way. That tiny wrinkle of her nose as though she is imagining the odors that would waft out when the seal of the door was broken. She gave a negative shake of her head. "I have no need for a drink." At him saying it was nice to see her, that drew Shiva's gaze back to him. A scan to see if he was being humorous. It didn't seem so. Odd.

"We will continue your training soon. I will give you time to get your house in order." Since dusty!

She turned to head for the door then thought of something. "My number. 555-4732. For now." Since she did often change phones. Hopefully he remembered it or took it down because she didn't seem to be waiting for him to do so.

"We will discuss the competition at length as well. To begin arrangements." And then she moved to the front door they had entered through, opening it to step out into the hall. "Lock this behind me. You never know who might be in this neighborhood." And she closed the door.