The Business had stayed afloat even through her kidnapping though the Syndicate had helped a bit there. They had someone manage it while she had been away. She had thrown herself back into her work to keep her mind occupied, So she had taken an instructor role at her own dojo something she has been hesitant to do before. Auras formal training was only a year or two old and while she had fought most of her life, her power had ensure their was rarely a need to know how to fight hand to hand with any skill. Being able to form a sword from your fingers helped keep that issue away.

She was just finishing instructing a group of twelve to fifteen year old's through basic forms and ome discussion on good points to hit a target like the knee or the neck. Most of the kids were mutants but not all. She smiled as they began to pack up and leave. This was what she needed to be busy, not to think about what she had done or the past. She wanted these kids to have the childhoods she had been denied hwich was shy she had founded the place. If they knew how to defend themself s they might have a chance and maybe she could help those with nowhere to go as well.

Once the kids began filing out, She shook her head to clear her thoughts and struck a punching bag a few times a bright blue flash emerging with each hit from her knuckles. She tried weaving her students powers into the martial arts where she could and so used her power differently to try and avoid suspicion. The mages had taught her the basic spell for show to change her Aura color and it worked out well for her task.

The front of the dojo was well painted with a white and sky blue sign though all the windows were coverd with heavy blinds to prevent people seeing in from the outside. It was a well maintained building and fairly large in size. She gave a few more punches to the bag until with a growl she hit it and knocked the bag and the holder back a few feet. Kimberly was dressed in yoga pants and a t shirt with her long brown hair in a tight braid.

The door to the dojo opened and in walked a 5’10” midwesterner. Corn fed and smiles, the strawberry blond looked a bit thick - muscled and maybe of mind - but his hazel eyes had a friendly wonderment to them. Dressed in sneakers, well-fitted gray sweats, and a Notre Dame hoodie, he moved in and looked about. He grinned and waved at a few kids and their parents as they left.

“‘Ey dere!” he called then cleared his throat. “Oh uhm hey there,” he tried to sound a bit less like the Chicagoan this accent was used for. “Sorry you da instructor or owner or both maybe? I was hoping to find a good dojo to practice and maybe get some training too.”

Ved smiled big, “I’m Teddy. Nice to meet ya!”

He waved.

Kimberly adjusted the bag and rolled another much heavier looking out beside it. At the sound of the door her eyes looked over and watched the door open. She straightened her back a moment then looked over the new guest. Certainly not a regular she knew but that was not at all uncommon. New people more so mutants were always comming and going from the place. It reminded her a bit of Sanctuary, her old home.

"I am Kimberly and i am both instructor and owner" she said with a polite smile even as she still accessed the man. "This is a good place for training, we serve a wide range of people both Mutant and Human. Is their a particular style you wish to learn? We have a few instructors but we are limited on what we can teach though we do have hours for open training as well" She explained wondering what the man was capable of. Judging by his size and build she was guessing he certainly had some power behind him.

"Do you have any powers that may effect training? I di not need another 50lb bag going through my window and car again" she said with a shake of her head. Months ago a kid had claimed to be human, in reality he was a ten year old with the strength to bench press a Rhino. At 5'7 the man had only a few inches on her but he had a wider built then the this but well tones Kimberly.

Teddy leaned back on his heels, bright smile on his face as Kimberly introduced herself. He stuck his hands in his pockets as she talked about the dojo’s place for Mutants and Humans alike. When she asked about a particular style of training he bopped his head side to side. There was a chuckle and a blush as she mentioned a large bag flying through a window and car again. His hazel eyes went wide with surprise and amusement.

“Nope, no powers to worry about,” he shrugged. A hand left a pocket and pointed at the bag she’d just been hitting. “I saw your blue energy though, whatever that was looked cool. Guess you got it under control though as the bag didn’t fly through a window and car,” he chuckled.

“I’ve boxed for years, started in junior high when I was getting picked on. Dad brought me to a boxing gym. I figured I wanted to learn something more like, well less about direct violence and more like jujutsu. Hold them to calm down, disarm people, get some discipline for myself that’s not just,” and here his voice got deeper like he was acting tough, “Oh I’ll punch you in the face if you start with me, bro.”

Another shrug as his voice went back to normal, “What I’d read a few different martials arts would be good for that so I figured I’d check out this dojo before I went for a run today. What do you think?”

Well no collateral damage was always good, dealing with police was awkward when she had to talk with them. She smiled softly with a bit of pride peeking through. "I lack that amount of power fortunately but are right about control. I can basically make my punches and kicks stronger and decrease incoming attacks power. Without control i could easily shatter someones bones but fifteen years of practice helps a lot" she said which was almost true, but the lie was needed. It was hard to raise a child when your home kept getting attacked.

The guy seemed honest enough for her. Something about what he said about being picked on and learning to fight sounded familiar somhow but before she could dwell on it the thought fled. "We can help with that, i have an instructer that teaches Brazilian jujutsu on Wends and Thurs nights, i sometimes attend myself." she offered though she had not attended herself in months.

"Any barbarian with a bit of power can take a life but to take the tougher road of disarming them and preventing them from hurting themselfs or others is always the right path, at least thats where my path had lead me. Sounds like you got a better mind set then many who come in here, im pretty sure we can work something out for you, Friend teddy." she said looking around a bit. "What makes you say you need Discipline though?" she asked curiously

Teddy pursed his lips slightly, a few nods given but eyes still wide as Kimberly mentioned her power, “Control’s good then, yup.” But he tried not to interrupt any more as she continued. His smile increased about the instructor availability and he gave an affirming nod of interest.

He wondered where the barbarian comment came from, a curious furrowing of his brow and slight cant of his head giving that away. Ved wondered too - did she know a barbarian or did she just play Dungeons and Dragons? Either way, this chick was cool.

That smile became a slightly bashful grin, his eyes glancing away as if he was nervous - he wasn’t - when she complimented him and called him a friend. “Oh well, I don’t want to be one of those guys who just gets older, falls into a routine, doesn’t keep up with his physique and well, relying on all the punching of boxing isn’t going to cut it,” he nodded. “Also I did some like better person reading and so the discipline, the safer approach of learning to take someone down rather than out seemed, er, well… wise.”

He shrugged, wincing a bit at the focus about himself. Ved had created Teddy to be a well-meaning kid who moved to New York to get away from a tough family life, but was meandering a bit. People did that all the time here, and it made for easy meetings. It also gave Ved a good persona to go out seeking to learn, meet new people, find new things.

“But uh, yeah, I’d love to sign up for the Brazilian jujutsu then. You looked amazing over there, so if you think the instructors are good, I am so in!” Teddy nodded excitedly.

barbarian she mused mentally. It was one of catagorizing her old self. She nodded "Control is key. More so for those with offensive based powers. Powers or Martial arts is all the same in that regard, used well with discipline you can protect yourself while doing minimal harm or you could choke them out until they die. To my power for example if i control my power i can knock a person out, if i don't well if their lucky it will be painful.? Point is control and discipline are the foundation. she said realizing that comment was prolbely less then needed information.

"Learning new things also allows you to be more creative. Which living in this city is a very good skill. You never know what you will have to defend yourself from here. I have seen a zombie dinosaur, a giant red man flatten a prison on TV, an actual dragon man, a girl who could make herself explode at will and a guy who bared up actual wolves. What im trying to say is if you have to fight be creative and know what you can do but if you can just get out of the situation. she said recalling old friends and few not quite friends. Kaitlynn had never warmed to the idea of being dropped on the mansion to blow it up. And the wolf guy left shortly after she joined the order.

"I think they are and i have not had many complaints. One moment" she said going over to a desk against a wall that ahd some dust on it and from a drawer took out the paper work forms. She hated this crap but she was told it was for insurance reasons and well not getting people hurt. It was short but asked things like hows your heart? select a class and the like. She walked back and offered the paperwork.

"Thanks, i'm self taught for over twenty years but everything has limits and if if we do not grow we will wilt. Glad to have you aboard and on yea theirs an app or something you can fill this out on as well. Lived here long? she asked in part to guage how much of the crazy city he had seen or heard about. De ageing, other earths, shared dreams, this was one wild city.

Ved had to appreciate Kimberly’s explanation about control. It was definitely important for those with offensive powers, else they got noticed, arrested, or taken out real quick. Even his own ability required control, lest you go way too far and get picked out. Any good con person would tell you the same. He sure hoped this instructor here focused on knocking a person out, rather than causing pain. Of course he had to wonder why she’d need to worry too much about learning a fighting style but clever applications - like with his power - mattered in a fight.

There, she said it! Learning new things allowed you to be more creative.

Of course Teddy reacted not with pleased satisfaction but casual agreement with a slow nod. It was a very alright alright alright appreciative nod. However he had to grimace at all the things she started recalling, his brow narrowing with a little worry. It was mostly faux worry but honestly some of those things were concerning. Ved and Teddy both were concerned.

She took a moment to retrieve something from a desk. He took the few pieces of paper that she offered up. A few nods and she prompted how long he’d lived here. That was complicated.

“Thanks, yeah. I’ll just fill this out since I’m here,” Teddy said with a few steps over to the counter. He grabbed a tiny pencil and began to fill in a few details including a relay number that’d go to his phone. “Yes and no,” he answered her as he worked. “I moved here a few years ago, but had to go home for a bit. Family stuff.” He frowned, implying some not great news but he didn’t go on.

“But I’m back now,” he gave a small smile and a nod. “It’s nice to be back. Although I think I’d like to avoid any zombie dinosaurs,” he chuckled. “Did you take it out? The kids clearly love you…” he glanced to the door, “And the parents must really appreciate your guiding them. Neighborhood protector eh?”

Hazel eyes looked back to Kimberly with all the charm his mutation subtly carried. He didn’t even need to fake the admiration; she seemed pretty great. There were some cool people here in NYC. A slight sadness came into his tone, “It’s always nice to feel someone else cares about your well-being.”

So he may have encounterd a few of the stranger things that had happened in the city but may have missed the other earth. She was always curious on how long some had been in the city because their were those who did deal with the chaos nyc seemed to love and embrace. Chaos she had helped with many times in the past. "Wheres home then if ya don't mind sharing friend. I have lived here as long as i can recall but i did go off to Japan and the amazon a few times" she said deciding not to mention going to somalia.

" Nope, she was not hurting anyone when i saw her so i had no reason to engage. Found out later she robber a museum of dinosaur bones for some reason" Kimberly said recalling the heist rather well. She still had some of the swords she had stolen on the caper. Where was her sister? She needed...wanted her by her side. Or remy...remy knew the forest like she did. " Have not seen her around in awhile or any of the people i mentioned. Had she been hurting someone, then Yes i would attempted to delay her til the cops or x men arrived assuming i could knock them out...well can a zombie get knocked out?" she said really having no idea on the zombie thing, she had fought zombies but had aimed for lethal blows.

"Many of these kids and parents are terrified. Parents because they see the worst of mutant kind on tv and worry thats their childs future to kids who are getting picked on becuse they grew wings. she said with a sigh and took a moment. " A month after we first opened an anti mutant gang or group attacked the place during the class. The other instructors took the kids and parents to the bomb shelter below and i put nineteen in the hospital. Very little pisses me of more then someone hurting a kid. Win's a lot of brownie points when you save peoples kids to and so some stayed and word spread. They know if danger comes they are safe and that i will put myself between them and the kids. You are right it is nice to know someone cares, its what i would have wanted at their age" she said recalling her own past.

"My parents, took me on a trip to africa then sold me me to guerilla group. i put hundreds in the ground by thirteen. I grew up with people who cared about me only because i could be a weapon. Then i got sold to a High ranking yakuza member and spent time in japan. Eventually my handled were dead and i had nowhere to go, so i came here and did the hardest thing i could, i became a decent person" well not entirely true the core parts were, She had been a child soldier though not sold and not africa, still she had to tell the cops something when she hospitalized 19 armed gang members.

"While you are here at least one person will care for yours as well. You like any student here can tell me as much or as little as you wish. It wont leave here. she said with a shrug. "how often do you go for runs? You seem to be in pretty good shape from the looks of it" she said looking him over

“Chicago,” Teddy answered, eyes wide and a mouthed wow about Japan and the Amazon. Kimberly had done some interesting things and some interesting travel…

He listened carefully as she spoke, working to finish his application. The zombie dinosaur wasn’t hurting anyone? It was just robbing a museum? That sounded like an interesting find for museum security. Hadn’t seen her around? She traveled still? He chuckled, shrugging; he didn’t know if a zombie could get knocked out. He’d sure try.

No, actually, he wouldn’t. He’d probably try to cut off the thing’s head.

The story about the kids and the anti-mutant gang was just terrible. Ved knew many tragic a mutant tale, kids or adults alike. He’d grown up being warned of racism, hatred and fear for the romani, and worse… It was good to know someone was willing to throw their weight around when such people tried something like that. He had to agree with her approach; someone hurting a kiss pissed him right off. They deserved worst than the hospital.

Teddy frowned at this part of the story, but gave a reassuring nod to her. By the time she was talking about being sold to a group in Africa he’d finished his app, putting the pencil down. His brow was heavy, his frown and eyes heavier still with sadness. Wait, hundreds in the ground? Damn, this was fucked up. Did she kind of like him or did she normally reveal this much to a stranger? Maybe the not feel alone thing had been put on too thick. Maybe she was lonely, but either way she was dangerous.

Damn, yakuza too? This was insane. Ved was starting to wonder how true, but even a fraction of it all was tragic.

“I’m so sorry,” Teddy spoke with a gentle whisper. “That all sounds terrible, though I’m glad the kids had you to protect them… Uhm,” he rubbed his arm as he walked over. He let his power flow over the app so that when she’d touch it, she’d feel a sense of ease. Maybe she was feeling upset, but maybe she wasn’t. Either way, encouraging her to feel at ease near him would hopefully at least be a positive for him.

“Yeah,” the hazel-eyed newbie held out the app for her. “I try to get a run in every other day. Some weights sometimes. And yeah,” he said with a slight, embarrassed smirk. “Thanks. I try. You’re in great shape too. And it’s great what you’ve done for the kids here.”

She nodded with a soft smile. "It was not a fun night no but this is the most densely mutant populated city in the world and with it comes the hatred and the support." she said in reply. It had been terrible, using her powers like this made responding to attacks as quickly harder. "In addition this city seems to attract real strange things like that portal to that parallel earth and a shared dream of what i think was a future? Also those Mutant hunting robots a few years back" she shook her head. Sometimes she wonderd why it always seemed to be this city.

She touched the app, sweeping it into her fingers. Aura took in a deep breath as she set the application in the inn bin. She smiles more genuine and less distant this time. She had no idea why but she felt a weight lift off her mind. Like the souls of the dead were screaming less loudly now. "Thank you! I don't mean to scare you, im really pretty friendly. Plus by letting people know what i can do, anti mutants will either avoid the place or make me and not the kids the target" she said feeling calmer.

"Thank you, im pretty active, i use to go on a lot of runs myself years back but i got out of the habit" she said leaving out those runs usually ended up with a dead anti mutant gang or atleast a few drug dealers or a mutant is distress. She did still go just not as Kimbery. Here she had to try and keep herself respectable. "Mostly weights and the bag for me, oh thats right, Equipment is over behind that wall" she said pointing to a wall that could be pushed aside to reveal another room that held equipment.

Teddy gave an uneasy nod about the high mutant population and the mix of hatred and support. He saw that every day. It was always for mutants like him, let alone how subtle his genetic gifts were, compared to those with obvious mutant physical characteristics. He recalled the parallel earth crisis but thankfully hadn’t had much to deal with other than learn. Mutant hunting robots were always a problem. There was just too much mutant hunting in general.

Thankfully the accepted app seemed to work, his suggestion to relax and be at ease in the moment having a clear impact. He nodded and smiled a little brighter, blushing as his eyes closed and he rubbed the back of his head. “Oh of course. You’re welcome. Yeah you’ve been really friendly and a big help. Thanks!”

There was a nod about her activity level and running; he had no idea of her other identities after all. His hazel eyes went to the wall and he gave a nod about the weights. “Oh great, this’ll be good. I could use a chill place to work out and this is on my usual run path too. I’m all good with mutants,” he gave another nod. “Chicago is pretty liberal.”

Which was true after all, he just wasn’t truly from Chicago. Teddy was though and that’s all that mattered here.

“What-” he asked timidly. “Er, what days did you say again I’d find you here teaching and such?”

"I work on Tues, wends and Thurs afternoons. I also administer private classes on power control on request. she replied as she thought about what else he had said and how much info she had given away already. The place had done her some good as she had been handed over more responsibility once she began to learn how to actually run the place, like paying bills had been an almost foreign concept. One did not have bills in the woods. Her father taught her how money worked.

"Chicago was fun, the locals seemed happy i was there" she said stretching the truth, she had gotten attacked by a mov in chicago. She had fun they had not and the police found dozens of bodies the next morning. Better times when life was simple and she never had to think about the future.

Aura began to turn when she stopped a second, seemed to consider coming. "I Imported then kangaroo mean from Austrailia if your hungry, It's legal, get asked that a lot" she offered entirely serious and genuine in her offer it never occurred to her it was unusual, after all she use to raid the zoo to find food, she had not much cared for penguin but the goat and camel, as had many of the big cats had been rather tasty among others. It also turned out the meat has been a few weeks from expiring as she had intended to cook it moths ago, instead it had sat frozen in her absence.

“Oh well that’s great,” Teddy nodded quickly and rapidly about her teaching private classes. “I’m sure I’ll see ya on Wednesday or Thursday then,” he said in reference to the classes she’d noted before.

He smiled as she mentioned Chicago, not sure if he was supposed to ask about what happened. There was a distinct implication that the locals weren’t happy she was there. Considering her abilities, that probably meant a brawl but her traveling was starting to make it sound like wetworks. Ved at least could surmise maybe that much, but Teddy?

Nah, Teddy was a flirty guy with good intentions from Chicago.

She turned to go back to work, and Teddy was about to head out when she stopped and offered kangaroo meat. He stopped, a few feet from the door, and blinked his big hazel eyes. “Is- is that legal here?” He took a step toward her, uncertain no matter what. This woman had some stories to tell and then some!

She blinked as he asked if the kangaroo meat was legal. She had imported or had smuggled in much worse in her day and had many times achieved her own strange food items. "Oh it is legal. the real crime is the price, $27 a pound" she said shaking her head a bit. Their were far cheaper ways to feed ones self of course, but she had always liked exotic meat when she could obtain it which had gotten more rare since she had joined the syndicate. Smuggling endangered animal meat attracted attention, more so if done consistently.

"no charge, it was going to go bad if i did not cook it. Besides im not sure quite why but theirs something i like in you" she said not entirely sure why she felt so comfortable around this guy. She flipped the sign to closed and waived Teddy into the back. It was what might have been a one bedroom apartment with a small bed, a tv, however the roof had several windows propped open to let the smoke out, the floor was sand and in the middle of the room surrounded by a circle of rocks was an open fire with several hung of kangaroo meat slowly turning over the automated spit.

She liked to cook though she had never progressed much past campfire or spit based cooking she had in her time in civilization learned to use a stove as well. She waived to the chairs around the pit. "feel free to sit" she said checking over the meat satisfied she lifted the spit and slid the meat onto a large plate. It took her a moment but she went a retrieved silverware, something Aura rarely ever used.