Kesshou sat upright in bed, woken by a screaming infant a few doors away. He groaned and stood up slowly, uneasy on his feet. His apartment was pathetically run down, but he could barely afford it with the small amount of money he made giving brief firebending lessons to children and teenagers. He wished for students with more than a day's interest, for full-time apprentices. Standing in the empty living room of the apartment, he breathed deeply, feeling his body's energy, then quickly moved into a wide stance. Crimson flames curled from his knuckles as he whirled, his knees bending and straightening, his arms extending upwards, retracting, then flying back out to release bright flames. Kesshou relished the odor of singed hairs as the form intensified, smiling as he filled the apartment with a fog of smoke. His form completed, he stood upright, breathing deeply.

His morning routine completed, Kesshou left his apartment for the streets, hoping to make more that his bare minimum to survive. A few nights ago, a couple of teenage boys he taught had treated him to noodles at a small restaurant. He sighed as he realized this was the pinnacle of his social interaction in the city thus far. He passed a few crowds of people, heading towards a small part of town with restaurants and bars serving Fire Nation cuisine, hoping to find more 'students'.

He found himself sitting on the sidewalk, as some messenger or courier had rushed past him, unintentionally knocking him down. He stood up and dusted himself off, irritated, but was distracted from pursuing the messenger by a poster in the corner of his eye. He turned and read it quickly. It seemed to offer a chance at self expression, giving an address in a downtown district not far from here. Intrigued, Kesshou decided to follow up on it. Perhaps his dedication to exposing traditional firebending culture would be rewarded here.

A short while later, Kesshou saw the building indicated on the poster. From the exterior, the building looked like a run-down warehouse. The windows were aglow and flickering, indicating lamplight as opposed to electric lighting. Kesshou smiled. Perhaps this would pan out quite significantly. He opened the door, peaked his head in, and saw a young girl, just past adolescence, sitting with her legs folded. He body was partially covered with ink, though it was hard to tell if they were genuine tattoos, or just brushed ink. Her face was gentle, and her yellow attire was not particularly attention-grabbing. He walked into the room proper, standing upright with his feet apart, kicking his wooden sandals, and held out a hand, smiling. "Ayo, my name is Kesshou. I'm presuming you hung the poster I saw, something about self expression?" He looked directly at her eyes, trying to gauge a reaction, resisting the impulse to continue talking. First impressions were everything, and he didn't want the most important one since coming to the city to turn sour because he couldn't shut up.

((OOC: Sorry for my lateness, guys. I didn't know that this was posted ))

Hardly was their a day that clothing design crossed Jing's mind. That might have something to do with his job as a seamster for a local tailor, but nonetheless, it was his passion. The modern era had brought about major changes to the fashions of the world. Clothing seemed to be head more towards practicality than it used to. The days of traditional ornamental dresses and outfits had long past. But the clothing of today had this new, minimalist feel to them, and the best designs of all included subtle references to different cultures and traditions. Jing wanted to bring the past to the present, and birth a style that was the essence of Republic City. But he lacked the right inspiration to do so.

While traveling to the shop yesterday, Jing happened upon this poster. It detailed the location and time of a meeting for the “artists” of Republic City. Whoever made this poster did their job well; Jing was interested. More than interested, actually, he planned on being there. But the only part that didn't sound appealing was that he was called an “artist”. He didn't like that word. He didn't consider himself among the league of the true “artists” of the world. Although there was no way he could ever be in those likes if he didn't try.

There was a bit of preparation needed before could attend this meeting. After Jing had arrived home, he packed a bag with some essential things: all the fabric that he personally had, his sewing supplies, his sketchbook and pencils, and some advertisement art that he had clipped from the newspaper. Just some of the essentials needed to explain what made him an “artist”. Contrary to the nervousness that Jing was displaying whilst buzzing about his home, he was actually quite excited to get to utilize his creativity for once.

Once it came time for the meeting, Jing was a few blocks away. He took the long way so that he didn't seem to eager. Eventually he arrived at the place. On the outside, it didn't appear to be the arty haven that the poster seemed to imply. Jing opened the door and saw two people having somewhat of a conversation. So as not to disturb them, he walked in unannounced. Apparently there had been a lull in the conversation prior to his arrival because they both turned and looked at him. Jing froze, then smiled awkwardly and said “Oh, hello there! I'm here about the 'Artistic Revolution'. This is the place, right?”. The man was in mid-hand shake with the girl, who was sitting in a comfortable looking cushioned chair. They both seemed harmless, so Jing began to look for a place to set his stuff.

Kesshou turned, finding himself slightly irritated despite himself at the newcomer's arrival. He stared at the man, a young fellow in a near-sleeveless shirt and long pants. Kesshou smiled at him, more for appearance's sake than out of sincerity. Kesshou berated himself mentally, he didn't know why this man's sudden appearance would irk him as it was. Nevertheless, he put on a showy face and held out a pale, white hand. "Ayo, I'm Kesshou. By your statement, it would seem we are here for the same reason, but I do not yet know if this is indeed the correct place, as your arrival interrupted anything our host was about to say."

Kesshou could have smacked himself upside the head. That didn't sound friendly at all. No, it was as if he was berating the man for arriving at all. Kesshou sighed and turned back to the woman, waiting for a response, hoping he could keep from sounding like a moron or a jerk. He breathed deeply, making sure to carefully filter anything he said. This could be a great opportunity, he had to be considerate of group politics to make this work.

Jing made his way to the large table in the center of the room and saw a space for his bag. He plopped it on the table and began to take things out, but stopped when realized he was being extremely rude. Jing closed his bag and went up to the two people. “I apologize for interrupting, it was rude of me.” Jing said to the two, then he looked at the one called Kesshou and said “Very pleased to meet you Keeshou, I am Jing.” He then looked to the woman and introduced himself again. The girl seemed nice enough, but this guy had rubbed Jing the wrong way.

How hard was it to be nice? Everyone was nervous, seeing as none of them knew each other and they were plotting vandalism. The least one could do was be nice. But oh well, Jing was just happy to be with some artists. The room gave off a very cool vibe. All of the incense made the room feel much less dank than it appeared. Also, the random art supplies and jars around gave the room a lived in feel that was not at all a bad thing. This place had promise, and hopefully so did this meeting.

Jing was quite impressed with this girl, Kim, who seemed to be the organizer of this meeting. She knew the traditional greeting of Ba Sing Se, something that Jing had long ago given up on using. It was refreshing to see it used in, of all places, Republic City. With word that there would be no need for supplies, Jing kept his bag to himself and sat down for her presentation.

There wasn’t any portion of her speech that Jing didn’t agree with. There needed to be more representation and celebration in the culture of old. It should be more ingrained in a city with such a rich and diverse culture as the one they lived in. The only problem Jing saw was that she hadn’t laid out any plan of action or specifications as to what was needed for such operations. Kim did, however, say that she knew where they should start, so Jing was satisfied to wait on that one. But the question still persisted in his head, so he asked “What kind of artists are you looking for? Because I’m not exactly certain how a clothing maker would fit in to this.”

Jing could draw pretty well, but by no means was that his forte. Sketches of clothes were what he was trained in, not landscapes or still-lifes or anything else. Now he began to feel like he shouldn’t have come here. His eyes began to wander around the room, looking for any sign that his art was to be useful. When suddenly, Jing saw the mannequins and had a spark of hope inside. Maybe he should stay.

Kesshou listened to the woman, Kim, and smiled in agreement at her every word. She had introduced herself traditionally, with more formality than he would have reserved for for the situation. He was impressed. Her every word was carefully crafted. She was inspiring, her facial expressions and posture and words layered exquisitely. Kesshou found himself feeling dedicated to this cause, to her cause, to the cause he inwardly had been feeling was necessary for some time.

Her inspiring speech finished, the man, Jing, spoke up. He asked how he, a designer of clothes, could be useful to this cause. Kesshou smiled and spoke up.

Clearly, Jing, you believe your work is an art form. If you didn't, I don't believe you would have come here. Anyone who believes tradition is worth protecting and spreading can be of help, anyway. A talentless wretch from the streets could help us, could help us spread culture, inspiration... Kesshou trailed off, looking inwardly, breathing. He was here because he wished to expose the city to culture by force. Anyone could help with that cause. Art belonged to the public. Art is for everyone. Even someone like me.

Kesshou turned back to Kim, smiling. He put his hands on the table, palms up. Sifu Kim, tell us. How will we spread art throughout Republic City?

Kesshou listened intently, his smile growing wider with each word, with each carefully emptied vial of powder. Public dances and bending, statues of animals... It all sounded fantastic. Ancient calligraphy? Sifu Kim, you are a genius, he said to himself.

After she had placed the black powder on the most conspicuous and dangerous locations, Kesshou's face took on a thoughtful grin, followed by a spark of inspiration. He smiled, looking almost sinister, his amber eyes shining with an idea.

Sifu Kim, perhaps we could take the drawing and calligraphy a step further on the black locations, for they will be the most conspicuous, as I am sure you intended. His thinly veiled compliment was entirely accidental, lost as he was in the thrill of their conspiracy. Perhaps we should... Clear the canvas first, so to speak. White out the existing walls, and cover them with art, massive murals of both our own design and replicas of traditional pieces. And always with a message. Perhaps this." He coughed, trying to keep himself from stuttering in excitement. "'Art; for the people, by the people'? Something similar to that, in both a traditional and contemporary dialect. One whole wall on every major building in the city.

Kesshou was slightly shocked inwardly at the audacity of his plan, but smiled nonetheless. This was what art should be, after all. Public, forceful, as "in your face" as it could get, if necessary. He looked at Kim, and then at Jing, before looking back to Kim expectantly, his face wide with audacious anticipation.

After receiving such encouraging words from both the other male, Kesshou, and their leader, Kim, Jing was intent on receiving the entirety of this briefing. Kim went on further to discuss some of the things they would be doing and where they would be taking place. For the most part, Jing loved everything he was hearing. Since he had never seen any Firebenders in action before, an Agni Kai would be thrilling to witness. And he had never really gotten to show his skills at sketching and painting, so this may be where he could express those. Jing was visibly excited, showing through a wide grin.

Kim finished speaking, and while Jing was still thinking about what she had said, Kesshou began to suggest something for the black powdered areas. He mentioned a message, which would definitely be necessary if they wanted to maintain relevance among the public. Jing began to think of one, that would eventually be interpreted into the ancient calligraphy. “I like that, Kesshou..” said with a nod towards Kesshou, “..but maybe ‘Art equals life’ instead, or something along those lines? I just, personally, believe that the people need to know that art must be integrated into their everyday lives. But your idea does very well to indicate art is being brought to the people, which is another valid sentiment.” Jing hoped he wasn’t offending Kesshou with his words, but he felt this was an important topic. “What do you think, Kim?” he said, then looked to Kim for a response, since her opinion was the one that would have the most sway.

Jing didn’t feel comfortable calling Kim “Sifu”. He had just meant this woman, how was he to know what her influence would be on him? Until things went a bit further, he would remain on the simple “Kim” basis. Hopefully this wouldn’t offend her.

“And maybe, for some of the paintings under the yellow powder, I could do landscapes of the Earth Kingdom? My family would travel for one month each year to a different place in the land, so I might be able to make some neat scenes. And at the bottom there could be some calligraphy indicating where it is showing and our message.” Jing was beginning to think that he may be stepping over some boundaries with his planning, but he was just enthusiastic. So was Kesshou, whose face told exactly how excited he was.

Kesshou sat, thoughtful. Kim's idea sounded much better than his, he admitted shamefully. Admitting he was wrong, or that an idea was better than one of his own, was very difficult for Kesshou. Nevertheless, he though for a moment.

"Perhaps, depending on the location, of course; but perhaps we should think about ways to paint or ink the walls very quickly. Bending could help, of course, especially if we have a waterbender, but we don't at the moment. Maybe..." Kesshou's mind raced. He shuffled through the proverbial drawers of his psyche as he looked for an easy solution. "If either of you have ideas for how to quickly apply our images and writing to the walls, please speak up, because my mind is dry."

"No, not at all". Jung smiled and said this to their leader. She was obviously very prepared for this meeting and was truly devoured to the cause. It wasn't that often you met someone who was this into art, you'd be lucky if it was once in a lifetime. Her blushing was cute to Jing, she was a touch nervous. Which was completely understandable. Jing had tried to explain his feelings on art to people before with little to no avail. It's hard to convince people that your passion is legitimate when it's not appreciated popularly. But, when you're with a group of like minded people, these things came easy.

There was this feeling in the room that real undertakings were on the horizon. "I'm very impressed with your dedication, Kim. You've earned my respect already." Jing said with a slight chuckle, displaying how much he was enjoying these plans. Not to mention that we would all be artists, but Jing also had just met his first Firebender and Earthbender in Republic City. He had met two Waterbenders already, but neither were artistic. He couldn't wait to see them bend and get to know these two better.

Jing looked at Kim with wide, sincere eyes. He trusted her. She knew what she was talking about. Jing wasn't too familiar with the city, so most of the help with location choices would have to come from Kesshou. Also, suddenly, Jing thought about the law. Would they be breaking any laws with their actions? Kim probably had it covered and would talk about it soon.

Kesshou then spoke on a way to quickly apply their images. Which, when speaking on paintings, wouldn't be possible with Waterbender. "As for the quick placement of our displays," Jing said towards Kesshou, "I could only really be helpful with sculptures. Unless we premade these paintings on large canvases." Jing could see hanging them with bending all over the town. "We could clamp them to a building from it's top using Earthbending." This was flawed, in that any Earthbender could remove them if they disliked it. "But, that's just an idea. Hardly practical for sending a true message to te public."