10376/Knock Knock. Whose there

Knock Knock. Whose there
Date of Scene:	09 December 2019
Location:	Vic Sage's apartment
Synopsis:	Shiva visits Vic at his apartment.
Cast of Characters:	Question, Lady Shiva
Tinyplot:	City Fall

---

Question has posed:
It's been a few weeks since Vic had his guts perforated by the Shredder while in his alter ego The Question. The lifesaving medical efforts of The Shadow and her Birds of Prey all but saving his life, leaving him with little more than some (more) scars, and a wounded sense of pride.

Vic is currently in his sparsely furnished apartment, dressed down into nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, his body contorted into a position that most yoga practitioners, and all but the best contortionists would call uncomfortable. His eyes are closed, having 'gone inside' as he calls it. Contemplating. Thinking. Pondering what his mistakes were in his confrontation with The Shredder among a plethora of other questions that constantly run though his mind.

Lady Shiva has posed:
As he works through his meditation, contemplation, soul-searching, or whatever other label he might choose to use, someone else reaches the apartment and has let herself in.

He has security measures. Someone like him certainly would not be without. Only his visitor happens to be trained to avoid such measures to reach her targets. This time, the target is one Vic Sage. Letting herself in, Shiva has silently entered the room where he is working through his motions. She glances to the new scars at his abdomen then back to his face, moving closer, to be within striking distance.

Question has posed:
Shiva is silent as always. Her unexpected presence in his home seems to go unnoticed as Vic continues to mediate with his eyes closed...but this is the Question. His observational skills border on the supernatural. As she reaches that threshold where a leg would be able to extend and strike, Vic comments. "Hello, Shiva."

Slowly one eye peeks open and it moves to locate his 'guest'. "I can't say I am surprised to see you. You tend to show up at times like these."

Slowly he starts to move, to untangle himself from the human pretzel of a position he currently finds himself. "Do I have a moment to get dressed?"

Lady Shiva has posed:
"No."

There is no venom in the word. No anger. It is a simple answer to a simple question.

She closes that distance between them at speed, arm driving out toward his face in a swift and powerful punch. Never mind the fact he'd be barely able to defend himself at this point.

Only after she has delivered that blow does she step back, frowning a bit then moving off to the kitchen where she begins to make tea for them.

Question has posed:
As Shiva moves to strike, Vic does go to defend...but maybe his reactions are slowed by the painkillers he must be on, or maybe deep down his thinks he deserved it. Either way, the blow strikes home and Vic falls back, body splayed out like a tossed rag doll as he is rendered unconscious by the blow.

Minutes later the reporter allows a little groan of pain to escape his lips as he starts to rouse once again. Slowly he picks himself up from the undignified position he finds himself in, and methodically stretches his muscles and cracks various joints as he realigns himself. "It's good to see you too." he calls to the apartment, towards the sounds in the kitchen.

Lady Shiva has posed:
The only response from the kitchen is the sound of a kettle being settled on the stove top. Then a cupboard opening and some dishes, likely her bringing out the cups she will use to serve the tea. He better have tea in the apartment. If not, that punch may be the least of his worries.

She moves to the living room again, waiting for the water to heat as she eyes him. Shiva is unchanged. She has some sort of ageless quality to her that has always made it difficult to discern how many years she has been around. She tends to have that zen like aura about her--even when she is killing someone. It's an oddity but very much her. For most, she is almost unreadable unless she wishes to be but this man knows her well. They have been friends (?) for some time.

"You are lucky you are able to be seen," comes the very distinct answer. She always speaks precisely, her accent there but not overbearing. "I had believed you to be of high intelligence. My previous assessments have been proven incorrect. What were you thinking?"

Question has posed:
Vic continues to play self-chiropractor as he turns his head towards as Shiva returns to the living room portion of his modest apartment. "Obviously, I wasn't. My emotions got the better of me in the moment, and I reacted. Stupidly."

Vic slowly stands from his position on the floor, moving a few steps to gather a pair of sweat pants that have been unceremoniously tossed onto the arm of the couch. "It's something I have never been able to shake fully. Once those come into play, I loose focus. But you already know that."

He looks over to Shiva, "You know what's scary? He may be on par with you. Or dare I say he may even be better."

Lady Shiva has posed:
That gets a reaction. Not one that most people would pick up on but Vic would. The tiniest narrowing of her eyes. It's like a scream from a normal person, that small motion.

"I would disagree." The narrowing of her eyes is gone, everything back to normal. "I worked with the Foot in the past. While skilled, found him to be lacking in anything I have not already learned." Which may be why she never challenged him. "Though..."

She tilts her head slightly as she considers. "That was a long time ago. Perhaps he has achieved a level he would be worth my time." A lilt up in her voice, as though she is excited by the prospect.

"I intend to speak to him anyway. He is not permitted to kill you. We know only one person is allowed to do that." The kettle whistles and she turns to go back in the kitchen for tea preparation.

Question has posed:
"Perhaps." says Vic, taking a seat on the couch, taking a moment to rub his now sore jaw while Shiva is occupied in the other room. "He is certainly better than I am, even without the blades and armor. I managed to get one or two good strikes in, but obviously I didn't make much of an impact."

He glances up towards the kitchen as Shiva starts talking about how she worked with him and the Foot in the past. There is no shock or surprised registered on his face, but a brow does go up when she speaks of going to see him. "I see. Well, if you do go and speak with him...be careful."

It's not the words that are surprising, but possibly the genuine emotion of concern for his 'friend' behind them. It is an unlikely friendship they have, but it is a friendship. Right up until the moment it isn't, which Shiva's last comment foreshadows. "Right. I'll make sure I do my best to survive right until you decide to kill me."

Lady Shiva has posed:
A few moments later, Shiva returns to the living room. She has two mugs in hand, a slight distaste with the fact he doesn't have a proper tea service. She offers one to him.

"Thank you." An appreciation that he would try to appease her wish. His understanding of their relationship is one of the reasons they have one. Most people wouldn't get that she could be a friend, even if she one day intended to take their life. They wouldn't understand that she felt he might be the one to, someday, be able to defeat her. It wasn't talked about. It wasn't a discussion for over tea. It was just something understood between them.

She moved to sit on a chair, settling in and bringing up her mug to her lips to take a sip, watching him over the rim as she did. She lowered the cup to her lap, resting it atop her thigh. "I am lacking on details. What happened precisely? It will adjust my tone of conversation with him."

Question has posed:
Taking a sip of the offered tea, Vic nods his thanks to her. "I was following up on some information I had obtained about a meeting taking place in the city. Black Mask and Penguin were rounding up the usual suspects at the church and were trying to unite them all under one banner. Under The Shredder as it turns out. From what I found out Shredder has already united the gangs in other cities and is now trying to do so in Gotham."

Vic pauses, contemplating how to proceed as he sips his tea once again. He finally comes to a conclusion in his mind and continues, "I wasn't the only one there that night. There was another in my line of nighttime activity. We listened for a bit, to figure out what was going on, but then my companion decided it was time to go to work. The Shadow started to taunt Black Mask and Joker, pointing out their weaknesses in an attempt to discredit them. Things went downhill from there...and then HE showed up.

There is another pause in his story as he takes another sip of his tea, "Once he showed up things really went to hell. A lot of people died. I couldn't do anything to save anyone, and The Shadow and I 'hid' under whatever power she has as Shredder slaughtered those that defied his order. It wasn't till he started to arrange the bodies in an attempt to frame Batman and/or his pack that I really lost my temper. I broke cover, went after him and, well, ended up like I ended up."

He shrugs a shoulder, setting his tea down onto the table and showing his hands with visible healing slice wounds over the back of them. "I got these to remember him by, as well as a nice perforated bowel. If it wasn't for The Shadow taking me to...wherever it was she took me to get medical treatment, you would have had to come find and kick my ass in the afterlife."

Lady Shiva has posed:
There is no interruption as he speaks. Shiva simply sits and sips her tea. Waiting. Listening. Taking in the details for later. Others might interrupt a narrative, throw in questions when he paused to compose his thoughts. That was not her way. Everything in it's time. There is no need to hurry or rush.

When he finished, he was given one of those rare smiles from her, an amusement that she would seek him in the afterlife for such a thing. Of course, he wasn't wrong. She probably would.

"I do not know where she took you. I was unable to locate it. This annoyed me." Her annoyed was never a good thing. "I spoke to Red Robin and he shared you were alive. Things may have gotten...ugly? That is the correct term? Had he not let me know." She may have started working her way through the town until she got her answers, something no one would have appreciated. "With the Batman in recovery, a move on the city is not unexpected. The villains have been rampant, though his people try to keep them in check." She does not count herself amongst them. She never has. Sadly, her definitions didn't match most others.

She looks Vic in the eye for long moments. "You must learn to control your temper." Simple. Like learning to ride a bike. At least by the way she says it.

Question has posed:
"That makes two of us." Vic says as he picks up his tea again, taking a sip. "I don't know where they took me either. I was unconscious when I was taken there, and had other precautions taken when I was escorted out. After they patched me up I could hardly argue with their request for secrecy."

He pauses, cocking his head to the side slightly and questions, "How did Red Robin know? I haven't been in contact with any of that clan for some time, though if Batman is in recovery maybe I should reach out."

Vic looks up and locks eyes with Shiva, "You know I have heard this before. Our mutual friend has also mentioned that on occasion. My temper and cockiness is how we ended up in this dance to begin with."

Lady Shiva has posed:
"I did not ask how he knew. He did not know where you were, just that you were alive. Perhaps his people have contact with this Shadow." Shiva sips her tea then balances it back atop her leg as she considers him.

"I understand Batman is in recovery. I arrived in Gotham to offer my services. He is being assisted by the Amazonian princess. Though she can teach him much, she has super powers. She is not used to working through the strain that happens to a human form, under stress. Perhaps he will seek me out. Perhaps not." It makes no nevermind to her but she did come to this city. For her, that's like offering an invitation. Again, others just don't see things the same way. Her perceptions are a bit skewed.

As their eyes lock, that half smile appears on her lips. "Considering our mutual friend and myself have told you, one would think you would try to improve. Yet, you continue down the same path, wearing a rut which will make it only harder to break free."

Question has posed:
Vic snorts slightly looking away. "Well, you know what they say about old habits. At least I am not as much of a dick as I was back then so I think I have moved on to a different path with less of a rut." comments Vic as sets the mug down. "Speaking of our mutual friend, have you seen him recently? One of these days I should make time to check up on him so he can be as disappointed in me as you are. Why should you get all the fun?"

Lady Shiva has posed:
"It has been at least a year since I spoke to him," Shiva admits as she continues to cradle her mug in one hand. Her other hand is resting atop the arm of the chair, comfortable, relaxed. Around him, that is one of the few times she will get that way. Not that she's off her guard. That never happens. It simply cannot after so long. It's why she's still alive.

"He would be more understanding. Offer some philosophy that sounds like it came from a fortune cookie," she says with amusement. Another side of her few see, that sense of humor. "Sadly, it will be good philosophy, which is all the more annoying."

Question has posed:
Vic Sage chuckles and nods, "He can be annoying, something we can both agree on. Still, as annoying as it is, it does tend to be pretty good advice. I can't help but respect him, after all he is who made me what I am today...with your assistance of course."

Vic stands. He tries not to show it, but the subtle way he move shows he is favoring his abdomen. It still must be sore. "May I get you some more tea, Shiva? I am in need of a refill."

Lady Shiva has posed:
"Yes, thank you." Shiva offers her cup to him as she watches his movements. That tiny narrowing of the eyes again as her annoyance shows. She is not appreciative of someone she enjoys spending time with being injured. Likes is a term that probably fits. Cares for. She keeps those words out of her vocabulary and tries to not even think them. Such things are complications and weaknesses.

Doesn't change he is a friend she cares for, despite her personal denial of such even in her head.

"I can send word you wish to see him," she offers. "It seems you might benefit from his skills." Not simply the fighting but he's quite a talented healer as well.

Question has posed:
Taking the offered cup, Vic nods. "I might like that, actually. It has been some time since I have visited. If you run across him in your travels, tell him at the very least I give my regards and that I will make time soon to come visit. Maybe he can tell me the scorpion story for the hundredth time, because I haven't heard it enough." chuckles Vic. "I'll be right back, make yourself at home." Because it isn't like she hasn't already, but now the permission has been granted.

Lady Shiva has posed:
"I will seek him out and deliver your message," Shiva says, agreeing to his request. As he moves into the kitchen, she rises from the chair and walks quietly across the living room. Over to the window where she looks out at whatever view he might have.

She's dressed as she often does, with an Asian style shirt in red, black pants and simple black slippers. Her lightweight black leather trenchcoat is over the top, falling to her ankles. Hair worn down, healthy sheen to the black tresses.

Her mind wanders from the Dragon to the Shredder to the state of Gotham.

Question has posed:
The view is nothing that spectacular, but the apartment window at least has a view rather than looking out onto a brick wall or into another apartment. It also conveniently opens out onto a fire escape, which makes leaving or arriving from his nighttime activities a little easier should it be necessary.

Vic takes a bit of time in the kitchen as he refreshes the tea, and returns with the tea in addition to a bowl of freshly prepared edamame for a light snack. "So, plan on being in Gotham long, or are you just passing through? I'm sure that the Bat will have something to say about it when he is back on his feet one way or the other. He always does."

Lady Shiva has posed:
"He appreciates my presence when it suits him. He asked for me to teach another of his progeny, the new Batgirl. Some time back," Shiva admits as she continues to look out the window a moment.

She turns to return to her seat, taking the cup with a slight bow of her head in appreciation. "Thank you." He is one of the few who would hear those words leave her lips. She settles and sips, giving an approving nod. "We shall see if she is up to the challenge. Otherwise, my only intention was to offer to help Batman in his training as he recovers. Though, he has found other resources for that."

She considers as she sips again. "Now, speaking to Shredder is high on my list as well which usually would mean a trip to New York City. I will reach out to my contacts and arrange a meeting."

Question has posed:
Vic places the bowl of edamame onto the small coffee table in the center of the room, the mention of the Shredder causes Vic to subconsciously move a hand to his abdomen, the multiple parallel vertical slits still red and healing. "You probably don't need to talk to him you know. I doubt I rate high on his list of things to do. Hell, I doubt I am even an afterthought to him." mutters Vic as he lifts his mug to his lips to take a sip. "Don't trouble yourself." But Vic knows that Shiva does what she wants, so his words will likely fall upon deaf ears.

"As for the Bat, if he has Diana working with him I think that his situation is likely sorted. I wasn't sure he was alive still, to be completely honest. It was something I was going to check into before I was sidelined. It's good to hear he is at least still breathing after seeing what kind of beating he took."

Lady Shiva has posed:
"I doubt you are even an afterthought to him. You are more than such to me though." Shiva's version of 'but I like you so'. Which is all he needs to hear to understand that she will be reaching out to Shredder. No matter what. "I wish to know what he intends for this city, as well." So it's not all about him.

She sips the tea again and considers the edamame, as though trying to pick just the right piece. "I am certain the Bats would appreciate your assistance during this time of challenge." She shifts her focus upwards, a hardness to her expression as she adds, "Once you are fully recovered."

Question has posed:
Letting out a long almost exaggerated sigh as Shiva talks about being recovered, Vic nods. "Yeah, I have a little time left before I am ready to go back out on the street. Once I do, I'll see if I can't find a convenient rooftop to get in touch with one of the Batclan and offer my assistance. At the very least I suppose I could hit up the JL and see about getting in contact that way, but I feel the Batclan tends to keep things more down to Earth."

Vic selects a piece of edamame and snacks on it slowly, chewing quietly for a moment. "Do you need a place to stay while you are in town? You are welcome to stay here, I can take the couch."

Lady Shiva has posed:
"I have a place I can stay though the offer is appreciated," Shiva says as she picks up a piece of edamame and settles back in her seat again. "I would never put you on the couch in your own home."

Though it isn't advertised, there is an old dojo which is boarded up which she uses when staying in this town. The back area had been turned into a small apartment of sorts, with a kitchenette, with a small stove, and a cot set up so she isn't sleeping on the floor. She is one to like her creature comforts but she also isn't above 'roughing' it when she needs to. She nibbles then sips her tea before speaking again.

She shifts in her seat, preparing to stand. "I will not continue to dominate your afternoon. I know you have many things on your mind." Always. "I have some tasks to pursue now that I am certain you are on the road to recovery."

Question has posed:
Vic nods, setting his tea down and offering a hand to Shiva in a gentlemanly way to help her to rise. "I always do." mutters Vic with a slight chuckle. "It's why I find myself in these messes in the first place. You are always welcome, Shiva. Not that it would stop you if you weren't, but you get the idea. I'm sure I will see you again soon."

He pauses a beat, watching her as she rises to make sure he isn't taken off guard by an unexpected turn of events. "Maybe next time we can have a proper sparing session, and you can impart on me your solutions to keeping your emotions in check better than I have been able to."

Lady Shiva has posed:
Due to politeness, Shiva takes the offered hand as she rises to her feet. He is recovering. There will be no more surprises, of the physical type. The initial he had been deserving of for worrying her. Though, she of course expressed it as making poor choices on his part.

"I have imparted such wisdom many times. It has yet to reach the brain inside what may be the thickest skull on the planet." She moves to the kitchen with her cup, intending to rinse it out properly and put it away. She is every the thoughtful guest, when not trying to kill someone.

Question has posed:
"It's that thick skull that helped keep me alive after our first, well technically second, encounter. You can fault it as much as you like, but I tend to appreciate it." chuckles Vic as he follows Shiva into the kitchen. "Who knows, maybe one of these days it will finally sink in."

Lady Shiva has posed:
In the kitchen, she takes the time to wash out the cup. Then a careful drying process. Finally, it is put away in the cabinet she had taken it out of. Shiva turns back to him. "Doubtful. It is one of your most aggravating traits."

That hint of a smile returns to her face. "And most endearing. As with all things between us, it is complicated." She motions to the living room, walking that direction and going to the front door. She had considered the fire escape but opted for a more traditional exodus.

Question has posed:
Vic walks her to the door, and opens it for her politely. "You never know, things change." he says with a smile. "If it wasn't for you, things would have been much different in my life. A different take on Richard's butterfly story. Instead of a butterfly wondering if it was a man, or vice versa maybe it is all just one big butterfly effect. Turning points that change projected outcomes. Things can always change."

He stands by the door and bows, eyes downcast in a show of respect, but just barely raised enough to keep her in his peripheral to also respect the danger she poses. "Until next time, Shiva."

Lady Shiva has posed:
The bow is returned by Shiva once she is in the hallway. "Rest. Recover. Do not make me come back outside of a social visit." Translation from Shiva speak: Don't make me hit you. Again.

Then she turns and walks down the hall, not a sound as she moves to the stairwell and disappears through that door.