Kazamaru Ironworks

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS–

Maximos Dark - Ankokuko

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The cloaked traveler would find a man clad in a large dark trench coat, with neck-length silver hair and deep red eyes sitting behind the counter on a chair. His legs were crossed and rest on top of the counter, his thick black boots impeccably clean as his eyes scanned the pages of a small book held in one hand, while the other hand lifted a small teacup to his lips. The man didn't even look up to see who had entered, continuing to read as he set the cup down and turned a page as he spoke.

Welcome to Kazamaru Ironworks. If you're looking for the forgemaster, he's currently unavailable. If you're looking for one of the stock weapons, just let me know what you want and I'll see what we can do for you.

Truth be told Ryudo was not incredibly pleased. With Vargus waddling around the apartment, her tummy large with child, he'd been forced to run the show while she handled her own personal routine in the mornings. He didn't like shuffling around his schedule to accommodate Ryugi's interest in fighting tournaments. But if his displeasure would help out his niece, he supposed he could make an exception, even if unpleasant and meaning he'd have to deal with...commoners.

Ryudo Kazamaru, the King of "I don't give a damn", didn't even bat a lash as Alexa revealed herself. If you'd seen one human female, you'd seen them all, and when you didn't care after seeing the first, you certainly weren't going to care after you'd seen yet another in the vast sea of their cities. He didn't really care about her accent either. His mental perceptions alone told him she "wasn't from around here" so to speak. Her whole being felt "off". He wasn't one to care either way.

He's probably at the Crimson Hawk Hotel here in Latent if you're in a hurry.

A turn of a page, another sip of tea, and that was all.

Ryudo wasn't insulted by the woman's suggestion that he was somehow, in any way, Ryugi's student. Far from it. In fact, he found it absolutely hilarious. And thus, due the the sheer ridiculousness of the assumption, he allowed himself an amused laugh to convey his amusement. After laughing at the woman for a moment, he calmed himself, sipped his tea, and then glanced at her with his deep red eyes.

I assure you my brother is not my master, nor has he ever been.

Ryudo's eyes turned back to his book and he continued reading from his previous spot, not making any further eye contact.

If it is training you want, seek him out at the Hotel. If it is a weapon you want, you may purchase any of our standard gear.

Otherwise, our business is concluded.

Ryudo had better things to do than waste his time tending to the wants and desires of one woman. His book was more interesting than her. Her business was with Ryugi, not him. So he certainly didn't want to continue the conversation further. It wasn't his problem.

The utter failure of Heaven or Hell had been only a few short weeks ago, and yet, the Kazamaru household was long past that event. They had bigger things to worry about, like the shouts and cries coming from the bedroom as Vargus Kobayashi continued to perform one of nature's miracles, and a water glass shattered against a wall as Ryugi ducked for cover.

You try being calm and serene when something the size of a football is getting pushed through YOUR midsection!!

I was just trying to offer advice... Ryugi warily poked his head back up, only to dodge a blast of energy this time that struck the wall.

You're a male! You can't possibly offer advice on something like THIS!! Gaah! Just give me some breathing room and let me focus, okay?

But, I want to stand by your side through-- Ryugi's comment was cut off by a particularly draconian snarl and glare from Vargus. Right, you know best. I'll just...be outside if you need anything... That said, Ryugi backed out the door and closed it as Vargus continued. Birthing in a human body was far more complicated than they'd first imagined. But Vargus had insisted on going through it anyway to better understand the complexities of the human form. Ryugi wasn't sure if she was regretting it now, or if she was just in a bad mood, but either way, he wasn't going to stand around and get hit by a won-ton blast of power from his frustrated mate. He stepped out into the living quarters, placed his back against the door and sighed.

Told you. Ryudo sat on the couch sipping a glass of tea and reading Latent's local paper.

Thanks for the help. Ryugi spoke sarcastically and watched Ryudo as he continued reading, the cup floating into the air beside him as a stirring spoon moved of its own accord.

Anything for my little brother. Now, have you thought of who you want to invite? Ryudo glanced up from the paper and shifted his crossed legs.

Of course. Maximos, Stephen, Tilly obviously, Damion, and Hono. Maybe that frost paladin too...

Ryudo grumbled. Is that all? I'll invite them, except your shadowy friend, since I know you wanted to do that yourself. Ryudo closed his eyes and the cup of tea floated to the table in front of him. His breathing slowed for a moment and he looked as if he was thinking very hard about something. Less than three seconds passed, and he turned back to his paper, the cup floating back to his hand where he took a sip. All done.

Ryugi blinked. That fast?

I work quickly.

Ryugi sighed and shook his head before heading towards the "guest room" which was the only quiet place in the apartment. He searched through his outfit until he found what he was looking for. He took hold of the Black Shadow Necklace and closed his eyes, calming his mind. He decided against summoning his friend, since that would be far more disruptive. But a single telepathic phone call to alert the shadow would suffice. He felt his body relax, his mind become more at ease, and he made an effort to contact his good friend.

"Busy?" Maximos said, as if he had never heard the word before. Utterly confused as to its meaning or place in this conversation. "No, not at all Ryugi, I always have time for a friend."

"I'm just--" Noises continued in the background, Maximos seemed about ready to say something when he gasped, and quickly shouted. "No no no Walter dont put it there! Wards have to be placed concentric to the Alsanctin Node. It has to go on the left, the left! If its misaligned the portal tears, and things can go through both ways. Do you have any idea what Luminous would do if even a flicker of light came through that!"

"Where was I?" He paused, for maybe the length of a breath. "Oh! Yes! Congratulations! No, no, now's the perfect time I'm just..."

There was a sound like something was being moved or waved very quickly. "...trying to save the world."

Maximos paused again. There was absolutely zero sarcasm in his voice, he had just never equated what he was doing with the time it was taking, or being important. Maybe he was just that random, maybe he just honestly never saw it as that special. But, there was a clang as something metal hit stone, likely the floor and Maximos said. "Huh, maybe I am a little busy, but never that busy. No one should ever be that busy, its unhealthy. And you sound so happy! By Noct...it would take me hours to fly to Latent from here."

"You there! I said gently! Do you know how hard it is to tear an opening in space and time quietly? One wrong bang, one off nod--no, no, Walter, my left!" Maximos sighed over the connection. He really couldnt read Ryugi's mind, or feel his emotions for this distance but there was a sound like a door closing, and things went mostly quiet except for Maximos' voice. All at once his tone became very serious. "Ryugi listen to me. This is a very important day for you, filled with alot of important things you'll need to do. But what I am about to tell you is absolutely essential, so listen very closely and follow my instructions directly and without delay."

A pause, a steady breath and then. "I need you to take that necklace and throw it into the nearest dark corner, as fast and hard as you can. Now!

Ryugi knew Max well enough to recognize that tone. He didn't bother questioning his friend's order. As quickly as he could, Ryugi's hands were around the jewel and it was slipping off his neck. He glanced about wildly, looking for a dark corner. He found two. One was under the bed, another was in the closet. The closet was closest. In a flash, Ryugi opened the closet door, cast the necklace into the darkest section, and shut it, leaving the necklace in darkness as he backed up a few paces, listened, and waited...

Ryugi did his very best to hold back his laughter over his friend's predicament. It was his fault, of course, for tossing it in the closet, but Max had also said a dark corner, and dark corners were somewhat lacking in the room, which was fairly well-lit by windows. Ryugi opened the door to spy one of his oldest, and certainly dearest friends, as well as the lump on his head.

I'd love to show you the rest of the apartment since you haven't yet been around to visit since we moved in, but given the current circumstances, a full tour can wait. Ryugi grinned and took the necklace from Max's outstretched hand, placing it safely around his own neck where it hadn't moved since he'd received it those years ago. That done, he stepped back to allow his friend exit space and spoke again. Considering the current state of affairs, I'd say I'm quite good...assuming Vargus doesn't throw around any more blasts of energy. We can't afford a bunch of repairs when there's a baby on the way as we speak.

As Ryugi finished, he perked up and moved to the door, opening it to reveal the main room of their apartment. Kitchen and table, couches and coffee table, television, and a completely calm shadow elemental flipping through pages of the newspaper having just finished the last few sips of his tea. From the door at the far end, one could hear the sounds of heavy breathing and groans as Vargus continued to go through the birthing process.

Please, come in, make yourself comfortable. My home is your home. You're the first to arrive, and the others should be arriving shortly, or so I'd hope anyway... Ryugi seemed quite fidgety. More-so than Max would have ever known him to be. This was understandable behavior of an expectant parent, of course, but it might still prove to be a strange sight. I'd be with Vargus, but she asked me to give her some breathing room, so, for the moment anyway, I suppose we have some time to sit and catch up. Ryugi made his way over to the couch and chairs and moved to take a seat, motioning for Max to do the same.

Ryudo, if you would, could you--

She asked for space. She's fine. I wouldn't be reading the paper otherwise. You're acting all too human, Ryugi... Ryudo spoke without looking up from his paper, except to lift his blood red eyes to Maximos and speak once more. Mister Dark, always a pleasure. That said, he turned back to his paper. Unknown to Maximos was that, in Angaran tradition, the female dragon would always seek a safe place to birth her young, while the male stood out and away from the entrance of the nest, usually a lair or cave, keeping watch over his soon-to-be-born children. Traditions had changed a little over the years along with the adaptation to human form, but for the most part females still demanded privacy, as it was an inborn instinctual drive during birthing. Ryugi had spent many years among humans, and such, his perceptions were more human than draconian when it came to being an expectant father.

If you say so... Ryugi sat himself down on the couch and tried his best to calm his nerves. During the interim, Max would be able to get a good look at the surrounding room, as well as Ryugi. The walls were adorned with various paintings, one of which showed Ryugi's hometown of Presea, hung over the fireplace. The walls were a white and light-grayish blue. The carpet was also an off-white hue and fairly soft, rather than harsh synthetic material. Ryudo was wearing his typical trench coat-like garb, but Ryugi was wearing his clothes differently.

His white coat was missing, and his black jacket had been rolled up to his biceps. Gone too was his white scarf, and the black jacket was unzipped from the top, showing the white shirt underneath. His gauntlets and gloves were absent as well, but he still kept the black boots on, sans the metal shin guards, and of course he was wearing his trademark dark gray pants tucked into the boots. All in all this was Ryugi in a casual outfit, and it allowed Max to see just how fit and trim Ryugi was without all of his gear on. Max would also spy Ragnarok leaning against the wall near the door to Ryugi and Vargus' bedroom, close at hand should Ryugi need the weapon. The apartment reflected an easy and comfortable environment, one of relaxation and closeness. As Max would be finishing his glance around the apartment, Ryugi would speak up.

So, Max, how have you been? What have you been up to?

"At the moment you have a shadow priestess living with the norse god of thunder in an expensive condo in Latent - so yes, I could see two dragons living in here!" John Tomorrow said with a grin before rubbing his newly shaved chin with a frown, tossing his nearly bunched ponytail behind his ear. "Be a bit of a squeeze though, i'd imagine..."

John, unfortunately, had forgotten a lot about Ryugi - but Raven assured him that he was a kind, honourable man, and nothing John had seen differed from that description. He wore dark jeans and a deep red, almost maroon t-shirt with an old tattoo print of an eight legged horse with a staff welding rider atop beneath his black biker jacket. He was happy Hono'o had talked him into not riding the Triumph - the last thing a new kid needed was two people smelling like petrol hovering around...

"Typical Asgard rules state that everybody gets drunk when a new child is born into ther clan...i should have brought some mead..." He muttered as they approached the door.

So this was a casual Ryugi.

Strangely, without all that armor Ryugi looked alot lighter. And yet he was fidgeting and speak faster and, if indeed possible, more than usual. This made him seem heavier, and certainly more stressed. Although Maximos began the conversation with something of an unpleasant frown on his face, by the end of it Maximos was smiling so wide he was on the verge of laughter.

Ryudo called it right. Ryugi was acting so very much like a human. Ryugi was funny to watch, in that he was as dragon as they come. And yet, he was acting human. Ryugi did not have 'human' nature. He was not human. This was what he had learned, what he had seen, what he had understood and been taught by a group of dragons. This was how Ryugi and the Angaran dragons saw humanity...And yet, they had faced humans at their absolute worst in times of war, but they still saw this. This man, polite and shaking at the birth of his child. Maximos didnt laugh, but he almost wanted to. It was funny that Max somewhere wished more humans could be as human as Ryugi was.

Breaking reverie, as cordially as possible, Maximos gave Ryudo a small salute and said, "Ryudo, likewise."

He knew the other dragon was reading, but he was very confident he still saw and understood his quiet greeting. It was a shadow thing.

"Yes." Maximos said as if in tandem with Ryudo with a smile and nod taking a seat. "Let sleeping dragons lie, and all that right?"

This was actually quite the quaint apartment! Not bursting with magic or power. Not overly decorated it would pass by positively unnoticed by the common man, which may seem like a slight until one realizes it was inhabited by dragons, instead making this place actually quite unique! Of course, Ryugi had to phrase to Maximos the most loaded possible question of the moment.

What had he been up to? Aria. Saving it. Opening portals. Complex magics that would sound like paragraphs out of text books to even begin explaining. Instead, Maximos cocked his head slightly to the side and decided to answer the question in a most immediate sense.

"Well, I've been better. I've recently come into an enormous headache." He said this while still smiling brightly and gestured to Ryudo's tea cup. "May I have some tea?"

And then he looked back at the fidgety Ryugi and frowned slightly. He patted the breast pocket of his black vest, grinned feeling a soft lump and said, "Actually, it looks like you need some of this more than me."

Max leaned forward as if he was about to stand up. "Wheres your kitchen? You do have a stove yes? I may need you heat this otherwise."

Tomorrow Wrote:

John stood there, so big he might not fit through the door, clutching the well wrapped gift as if he was a little boy going to a birthday party. He chuckled and shook his head with the thought of Maximos drunk, and wondered if he could get him to sing if inebriated enough...he bet Maximos would most likely sound as bad as Hono'o thought she did

"Aye, well, its not a celebration without drink and merriment..." John said pointedly as he pressed the doorbell with a metallic knuckle.

Men... She rolled her eyes but smiled as she knocked at the door. "That is what tea is for silly, this is a birth... not a bachelor party."

That was the thing about quiet people, we oft ignored their silence but when they did choose to speak volume was not an issue as the very act carried an impact all its own. Maximos for one stopped speaking and turned around to face Ryudo.

"Is that a fact? I learn something new everyday. Thank you Mr. Kazamaru." The words almost seemed...off. That last name had been so attached to Ryugi in Maximos' mind, and the two brothers were so completely different it seemed odd that they should be similarly named at all. But, without any real hesitation Maximos rose to his feet, adjusted his vest and tie, and offered Ryugi a nod before he followed after Ryudo.

"Actually, if its all the same to you," Max said patting his breast pocket one more time. "I have this blend all the time, I would love some of whatever blend it is your having."

The Shadow felt a familiar tug toward the door, Raven was here. The Priestess and the Paladin could not be in a room together without knowing. That likely meant Tomorrow was here, but there would be time for that later. Best to let Ryugi distract himself with new guests, honestly, Maximos overcome with curiosity. Ryudo and Maximos had something of a very interesting conversation back in Angara as small as it was. Ryudo showed wisdom, perception, and a certain level of mental acuity that Maximos found rather enjoyable to be in the company of.

"Ryudo." Max said, breaking formality just for a moment now that the two were alone in the relative privacy of the kitchen. "What is your take on all of this? When last we spoke you gave me something of a warning regarding your brother, did you foresee this child when you gave that warning?"

John laughed as Hono'o almost tackle-hugged the poor dragon-kin, reaching out to grab his right hand to shake it in a powerful grip. "Don't be so formal, Ryugi - call me John. And congratulations!"

The dragon man was lucky Hono'o had gotten to him first - babies put John in a giddy mood, something about a new life being so fresh and innocent, ready to tackle the world...John was pleased to be here. Plus he got to meet new people - bonus!

His grin broadened as Hono'o called out her hello to Maximos. Any opportunity to speak to his brother was a good opportunity...even if he barely understood a thing the shadow man said. "Max! Get out here and get your hug!" He called with a laugh, wondering with muted glee if his brother would even consider the possibility of a hug from the giant...

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

John it is, then. In either case, it's good to see the both of you. I'm glad you could make it. Please, come in, make yourselves at home. Ryudo and Max should have some tea ready in a few minutes. Ryugi glanced to John, looked thoughtful for a moment, and then nodded in the direction of the refrigerator. If tea isn't your thing, I'm sure there are some alcoholic beverages in the fridge. You'll just have to take a peek.

o.0 "Ryudo?" Tea was just fine for her, but more importantly she was wondering who the person with the familiar sounding name was as she took the gift back from John and presented the wrapped box to Ryugi. "For your Daughter"

Hono, thank you so much. I'll put it over by the coffee table right now. Ryugi smiled, taking the gift and placing it on the table as he said he would. Gifts were not normally a part of draconic childbirth, but Ryugi would accept the token of warmth and giving nonetheless. He'd set it down before turning back to Hono. As for Ryudo, he's my older brother over there helping Max with the tea. You can tell which one is him from his charming disposition. Brotherly love and sarcasm ran deep in the Kazamaru family.

Maximos Wrote:

...a bright and charming smile appeared across his face and he leaned towards the door of the kitchen and called out. "Guten tag, Damerabe mein schön Priesterin!"

Maximos for that moment appeared as if absolutely nothing in the entire world concerned him. He had the bright smiling face that nearly everyone saw him wear and knew him for. A happy smile told the world everything was good! It let the darkness be bore alone. Maximos' smile was in very many ways, the same as Ryudo's silence. But when the greeting was done, he looked back at Ryudo with a face absolutely lacking any mirth, and spoke in a tone absolutely enraptured in seriousness. Maximos reached forward, and clicked the stove to a very low flame. "Excuse my forwardness Mr. Kazamaru, but this tea has presented me an opportunity I cannot pass up. Your wisdom, good sir, I feel I must call on for a matter most important to the both of us."

At about that time Tomorrow called out, and Max leaned toward the door again and shouted out, "Tea, Tomorrow! Never underestimate the importance of tea! You can crush my spine in a moment!"

And back to Ryudo, the smile once again gone. "What has your brother told you...no, I dont assume that is how you get your information at all. What have you learned of Aria?"

Ryudo was patient. He was almost eternally patient. However, when something was to be done, dawdling only served to irritate him, which lead to the misconception that he was, in fact, very impatient. Regardless of these incorrect appearances, Ryudo's patience was not tested by Max's dimming of the flame. A matter of utmost importance required one's time regardless of other activities. Ryudo listened intently.

Then, as Maximos mentioned Aria, the shadow would see something entirely uncommon for Ryudo. A slight pause in his movement. It was something so absolutely minuscule that anyone but Max or Ryudo himself might have missed it entirely. The pause lasted for all but a fraction of a second as Max would see Ryudo's hand turn down the heat on the stove just a hair more. Enough, Mr. Dark, to know that you are planning a homecoming.

Ryudo had his ways of gathering information. His mental prowess was immense, surpassing his physical limitations by several exponential orders of magnitude. For Ryudo, mentally lifting an object was so simple and boring it was no more interesting or difficult than blinking. Hacking into the dimensional layerings of the universe was far more his idea of fun. All he did, he did to understand, to learn, as Max had so perfectly stated. What had Ryudo learned of Aria? What had Ryudo not learned of Aria?

Alexa Valerie Norman finally made it to her destination, drawing the occasional glance from people whom she passed by; it's not very often that people saw a fully decorated paladin in this day and age, even if meta-humans were exceedingly common. She simply ignored them as she had far more important matters to attend to.

Gracefully, she approached the Ironworks. Without wasting time, she brought her right hand swiftly to the door as she landed on the front doorstep.

~KNOCK!

Surprisingly, the woman wasn't completely cloaked for her visit for once; it was already faaaaaaar too hot outside for the excessively warm attire she always afforded herself underneath. Even though she had been in Gaia for almost a year now, she never got used to the fact that the average temperature of the continent was NOT subzero and, sadly, there was a distinct lack of snow three-fourths of the year. Most people couldn't comprehend WHY the Favian Vanguard dressed in such a manner, especially considering her affinity towards ice and her complete resistance to anything cold. Alexa felt the need to present herself favorably no matter where she traveled as so not to bring discredit to her homeland... even if no one she's met in this realm had ever heard of it.

Maximos Wrote:

"Ryudo." Maximos said, placing down the spoon and once again meeting the dragons eyes. "I need your help in this."

Ryudo was not insulted to be made aware of his own ignorance in matters such as these. After all, learning about a world cloaked in darkness and hidden from outside influence was difficult, if not impossible in most cases given the rarity of information on Max's home world. However, Ryudo always had his suspicions. Predictions made from countless observations of behavior and personality. Ryudo did not see the future, he predicted it through logical analysis.

So my suspicions were correct. I rarely assume, Mr. Dark, and your words have given me the knowledge for which I've been searching for some time. Ryudo sighed and turned to face Max before speaking, meeting his eyes. My brother is the type of man to charge into any fight as long as it could save lives, or make the world a slightly less dark place than what we both know it to be. He will not enjoy being left behind, and allowing you to undertake this yourself. The thought of giving his life to save an entire planet from "darkness" would not phase him. What is the life of one man against the slow death of millions and billions of lives? Ryudo allowed himself another faint, knowing grin. But monsters like us, Mr. Dark, we know just how much the life of one man, or his actions, can truly be worth. Your planet, your home, is in need of its hero once more. My brother must be made to understand that your home needs you, just as this world and its people need him, just as his daughter will need him. You need not ask for my assistance, Mr. Dark. It is already given.

John laughed at Ryugi's very humble words, a belly laugh that he had to suppress. He had best not spend too much time with the noble dragon-kin - he was likely to give John a big head! He gave the man a hearty clap on the back in reassurance. "My dear man, it's not the story that's important but ther manner in which its told!"

A good wordsmith could make a trip down to the local supermarket for some milk and a loaf of bread an epic tale.

Then he had to get up the show in more people, John sitting up at the sight off the paladin in full regal armour. That was interesting! He couldn't wait to find it her name - he loved meeting new people

Ammiel Moonblade Wrote:

"Good day, Miss Raven."

Hono was afforded a curt nod. Alexa had met the woman once before at the Crimson Hawk, but they hardly exchanged any words. That is, outside the ludicrous allegations that Ryugi and Alexa were an item. Hono may have been kidding in earnest, but the frost paladin hardly shared the same sense of humor. All in all, Alexa merely found the woman to be of poor taste, but was otherwise currently indifferent to her.

Rave nodded a polite hello of her own, having found that the other woman was a serious snore, and more than a little incapable of taking a joke...

Rae was willing to give the other woman a chance, but her chilly demeanor made Rae head for the kitchen before things started to frost over

The new dragon was fascinating, there was something very dark about him compared to Ryugi...

With a grin she jumped on Max's back, hugging him as she pressed her cheek against his and introduced herself to Ryugi's brother. "Hi, I'm Hono'o!"

With a Raven jumped on Max's back, hugging him as she pressed her cheek against his and introduced herself to Ryugi's brother. "Hi, I'm Hono'o!"

And all at once, it seemed the topic at hand seemed forgotten. Max smiled brightly from ear to ear, he would have hugged her if he could have, but instead he just played directly off her introduction. And said, "[color=darkredRyudo Kazamaru, may I have the pleasure of presenting Lady Hono'o Raven.[/color]"

Then Max bowed. It was a formal and proper bow, as in bending over. Maximos didnt assume this would be a problem for Raven, seeing as how even if she simply hung off his neck she would still be nearly two feet off the ground. So, in actuality, all Maximos had done was given Raven a chance to perform a display of introduction he knew Ryudo, like himself, had an affinity for. A handshake or whichever greeting she wished.

At which point he would stand back up and say, "So Ryudo, I have your assistance in helping your brother?"

For a moment Rae hung off of Maximo's back like a monkey before she slid off his side to put her feet back down and dipped into a low curtsey that managed to look fairly good despite the pant suit. "The pleasure is all mine..."

She meant that, seeing as how the empathic priestess was fairly certain she had met yet another person in Ryugi's apartment that was not much fun at all... more and more she was glad that she brought John with her

"What are we conspiring to do to Ryugi~Sama now Maxi dear?" Her lips did quirk into another smile, but there was a troublesome glint to her eyes... Raven was always up for a new prank

With a curt nod, she let Ryugi go about his business, empathizing with him and his wife. As such, she turned her attention to John.

Tomorrow Wrote:

John stood, grinning at the overt display of respect and bowing his head to her in return as he gripped her wrist in a warriors handshake, engulfing the poor woman's hand much like Ryugi's. "Well met, Alexa. I'm John Tomorrow." The name probably meant nothing to the woman, and his warm smile took less credit from the barbarian reputation John had...

The woman made no noticeable reaction to either Tomorrow's gargantuan hand or his name, clearly not being able to recall having met him before. As expected of an unwilling Planeswalker.

Tomorrow Wrote:

"Nice armour, aren't you hot?"

Alexa afforded the man a faint smile, followed by a short shake of her head. As she spoke, she made her way to sit on the opposite end of the couch of Tomorrow.

"Not really. Normally it isn't a bother at all, though verily I must admit that the climate here isn't very co-operative with me. However, I've learned to cope."

Those with high magical senses would know what she meant. Alexa was subconsciously pulling in arcane energy in very small quantities, using her sword as a catalyst. This energy was then distributed evenly throughout her body in the form of cooling 'ice' magic, effectively affording her a form of air conditioning under the armor.

Those with truly exceptinal magical senses might catch something else; it seemed that all of her abilities were channeled through her sword. Alexa lacked the means to draw in mana herself naturally, quite possibly making her the least powerful being in the entire building by far... for the moment.

Tomorrow Wrote:

"You have an interesting accent - is it germanic?"

Alexa would have to admit, that terminology had her a bit confused. However, realizing that it must reference a people or nationality she knew nothing about, it didn't show in her expression.

"Ah, no. I'm not exactly from this region. I hail from Favia, a country I have no doubt you've never heard of from a region you certainly don't know exists."

There was a certain edge of bitterness during that last bit, but it clearly wasn't directed at Tomorrow. The author would like to note that Tomorrow wasn't too far off the money, as Alexa's accent could be described almost like an odd mixture of Swedish and Welsh. She didn't speak entirely colloquial "Common", explaining some of her odd vocal mannerisms. The author would also like to note that she doesn't speak a different language entirely because he's faaaaaar too lazy to play it out and simply 'doesn't feel like it'.

However, the Thunder God wasn't given much time to dwell on it as Ryudo, a rather cheery individual and quite possibly the only person she's ever met that's actually managed to make her look perky by comparison, entered the room to serve some much desired tea. With a simple nod, she acknowledged his presence.

"Good evening, Ryudo."

Alexa had only met the Shadow Dragon on a couple of occasions, but she made a point to remember his name (following an embarrassing introduction where she assumed he was Ryugi's pupil). Regardless, she didn't hide the fact that she didn't like him. It wasn't his personality that got to him; she could respect him as a person. The natural xenophobe distrusted Ryudo for the power he wielded, not his merit of character.

"We're much obliged, thank you."

That said, there was no reason for her to be rude, especially on a day like today. Alexa delicately took her cup of tea from the table, supporting the bottom of the cup with her left hand.

Ryugi simply sat on the couch, enjoying the sight of some of his closest friends sitting there together. Old ones, new ones, all gathered in celebration of a new beginning. It only made him smile. He was proud to open his home to these people, some of whom he'd known for years, others that he'd only known recently. But they were all a part of his life here in the Lands of Man, and he could think of no one else he'd rather share this moment with. Being that as it was, he was simply content to relax and watch the goings on, moving to allow room for others to sit.

Ryudo was not much for hand shaking, but he did not want to seem rude to this man that his brother had welcomed with open arms. Regardless, he was not about to allow himself to be shaken like a rag doll as his brother had been. It was unbecoming. Handshakes are not my way, Mr. Tomorrow. Regardless, I am Ryudo Kazamaru, Ryugi's older brother. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. The tea was placed on the table, and Ryudo made cups available for each person there, including Maximos and Hono, even though they were not yet at the table. Ryudo would nod in Alexa's direction in greeting, before he slowly poured tea into each cup.

That done, he would take a seat in the corner, levitate his own cup to his seat, and take a sip, leaving the others to add whatever flavors they might have wanted to the brew. Sugar, honey, milk, cream, lemon, and other such things were laid out for the guests to choose from. Quite an assortment. It was quite clear that the hosts had planned for the tea in advance.

Did one ever really get used to being hoisted off their feet by a bear of a human being and squeezed? The awkward look on Maximos' face as he began fixing his clothes before they entered into the unspeakable state of being disheveled, said no. But he was no less friendly or the act, the Shadow grinned an ear to ear grin and clapped his hand on Tomorrow's shoulder in reply. Max imagined it was something like the feeling parents get when holding a child's hand, and engulfing the entire thing. Max's hand was a pale spider on John's shoulder, John's hand was on the verge of being better classified as a bear paw, and covered the whole of his shoulder joint and collar.

"Always!" Maximos cheerfully replied, as if attempts at John's life were as common as hot dog stands on the corner. It was all in jest of course, and laughing lightly Max added, " 'Always a pleasure to see you too, Tomm."

Now came talk of this promise offered to Raven, which made this birth sound like a post-war viking feast. That look in John's eye, and a wink...it was all rather ominous, and yet just as curious, which of course made Max smirk. But the formalities must be obeyed!

The Shadow nodded, and said. "That sounds wonderful, but..."

And his hand gestured to Ryugi. "...this is Ryugi's gathering, its really up to him. I will have some of this tea though!"

With that, he plopped in the nearest seat, scooped up a mug and made himself comfortable. Which was promptly followed by making himself uncomfortable, as he noted there was another person in the room! A woman at that!

"Hello Madam!" He stood and offered his free hand to her, warmly and politely as ever saying, "In all the bear-hugging I must have missed you, unforgivable! I'm Maximos, Maximos Lucillien Dark, and its a pleasure to meet you friend of Ryugi's! I like your armor! You dont see many people sporting such classic gear on the streets these days, but I dare say with Gaia as it is more people should!"

He didnt ask her name, that might be too forward. Something about this woman said that she was not exactly the bubbly type. But if she wished to give it, he was not opposed. And then, he would plop back down in a chair.

Rae leaned against the door frame leading back into the kitchen, smiling softly as she crossed her hands over her chest and watched the pandemonium ensue.

So Max was almost certain that they weren't coming back... that was why he wanted to bring Mr. Sour along instead of Ryugi. She didn't know Ryudo enough to consider him that way, but she liked Ryugi and his brother seemed a tad stuck up and she didn't like that much. Raven tried her hardest to be happy-go-lucky.

Well at least she had told John no babies of their own for now, but there was still always later

o.0 "Might want to let Damion in before he gets too grouchy." She smiled a bit at the knock on the door, knowing that aura quite well since it was still tinged by her own long ago donation to his metaphysical abilities.

It was a sad, sad day when the magical things in the world stopped being surprising in any fashion. The notion didn’t reach Damion’s brain though, who simply waved back at his friends and smiled. There was only one individual in the room he didn’t recognize yet but like everything else here he was sure it would become apparent with time. The Hydra sidled up into the room as Ryugi stood and vacated his seat, pausing in the doorway to deposit his newspaper wrapped gift next to the door before vaulting the couch into his seat with a thump. He was dressed in his usual conservative attire of black tunic and black pants, barefoot as always despite the setting.

He’d have taken abit longer to view his surroundings but then Ryugi was speaking and his attention was focused upon the dragon Father.

“ Congratulations Ryugi.”

He mouthed the words, no sound passing over his lips as he anticipated some outburst of noise from either the others or somewhere else. Green eyes flickered around the room to the first person to make noise, a smile still on his face, easing back in his seat slowly. This was the Hydra’s first chance to relax in weeks, the end of HoH pushing him into the wilds to fight and kill some of the best challenges of the northern regions. Ryudo’s summons couldn’t have come at a better time, helping to wrench his slowly deteriorating mind back to the realm of society, humanity reasserting itself. Surrounded as he was with people he began to feel better and more human with each passing moment.

John smiled to his brother as they parted ways, before moving to the tea set to pour himself a cup as well as Hono'o, dumping six teaspoonfuls of sugar into Hono'o's - apparently she wasn't sweet enough. He smiled to the lady paladin as he did, an interesting sight - a man the size of a freight train spooning sugar into a teacup with a metallic arm holding the teaspoon between forefinger and thumb, fingers raised in delicate movement.

"I look forward to it, Miss Alexa." He said to her with a warm grin, the excitement in his azure eyes, before finally finishing stirring the tea in their cups enough to take them over to Hono'o, standing with her at the entrance of the kitchen, seeing as he took up two seats as it was and now all the seats were taken

He handed Hono'o her tea with a kiss to the cheek before turning to look over the small gathering of people as Ryugi admitted a familiar looking man with bare feet into the room. ""So many new faces, Hono'o..." He whispered to her excitedly. "I haven't seen this many people together as one for a long, long time...."

At least, not beating the crap out of each other when they were.

Ryugi said his words, and John felt a little guilty for being there - this was Hono'o's circle of friends, after all - but from what he had heard of Ryugi as well as what Raven had told him, he knew it was an honour to be here at this moment, and it was a memory he would cherish.

"To good health and safety, at home and in battle." John said firmly to Ryugi, his smile broad, before taking a drink of his teacup and fighting the urge to smash it into the ground, as was typical of barbarian toasts.... "...And to good luck with the next child!" He added with a laugh.

Maximos, after a stern and proper handshake let himself drift backwards into his seat, folding one leg over the other and resting his tea on his lap.

"Alexa. Valerie. Norman." He said the name, enunciating each part properly, so as to make sure he learned it properly. "Three proper names, very nice names at that! A pleasure! Any friend of Ryugi is a friend of mine."

And then, what was this? A knock at the door. The Shadow perked up in curiosity which Raven quickly dispelled! And then he door was open! Surprise of surprises! Damion looked so very different, but at the same time that was part of the surprise. Maximos had become quite used to Damion's evolutions! Now, here, the Hydra looked very wild. The portents of his humanity hidden behind primality and beast. And yet it was fitting. It seemed right.

Max didnt know whether to say a salutation or perform something more animalistic, perhaps tilt his head, nod? Bow? Instead, Maximos gave a wide wave from his spot on the couch and shouted. "Hello Damion! You look well!"

He did! For Damion. And then, in the subtly silence that followed Maximos sipped his tea, looked around the room taking in everyone's faces, smiled brightly and then said. "Well isnt this fantastic!"

As Ryugi thought it, so did Damion, the sudden realisation that he'd never so much as visited his friends without some specific purpose in mind suddenly foremost in his mind. The thought came with no guilt however but just the simple awareness of it. After all, guilt would mean he'd avoided his friends, his allies, his dearest treasures intentionally instead of simply by becoming wrapped up in his day to day life. As it was, he was happy to be back amongst them, taking in a deep breath and settling further into the cushions of the couch and letting the conversation go where it will.

" I've been visiting the less accessible places of my swamp.

While in most swamps the very act of stepping into them presented a sort of danger all its own, Damion's swamp was just as likely to kill you as not. Visiting the far northern corners of his domain had been an epic worthy of the bards but would remain his own story to tell in good time. As he relaxed and uttered his single sentence his fingers slowly curled into fists on his thighs, the only evident tension on his body despite the lack of actual aggression around him. It was just the way he was.

He wondered where the baby was and the woman with which Ryugi had chosen to mate, glancing around the room again to make sure he hadn't missed anyone. Her scent lingered below everyone elses but he knew it was just from being in one place for so long. The Hydra wondered if dragons layed eggs, and just how the two had managed to mate in the first place, more from Ryugi's general personality than any actual physical matter. The man had always seemed preoccupied with other things as opposed to ever being with a woman after all.

All things he'd find out with time undoubtedly.

Never before, and if Max's worries turned out to be true... then perhaps never again would this group all gather in a time of peace and celebration. An ominous sort of thought for a birth, but then she wasn't always known for her cheerful thoughts.

Raven raised one brow at Max's claim that he had a headache... part of her wondering why he hadn't asked for her help in making it go away, but then the rest of her clued Rave into the fact that he was talking in some kind of code and instead she sipped her tea... glad that he was staying focused.

"Shopping... then I went shopping again, and then just for a change... I dragged John shopping with me!" In Raven-speak that meant not a whole lot, although she had mostly managed to keep entertained in finding Tomorrow things to do that didn't induce nose bleeds.

Was Maximos telling half truths? Was he hiding some secret plot? Or was he referring to the door that Ryugi had closed on his face when he first appeared here and the headache which resulted there-in? Sometimes a dark corner, is just a dark corner with nothing in it. Except for when it wasnt. And the truth of the matter right this very instant was --

"That's very good John!" Maximos clapped, and there was no mockery in the gesture at all. The eyes were the window to the soul, in the very same way you could see the souls of others which such a sight, you could, with practice, see when the proverbial windows were open. He might have given the other man pointers on how to shut the vision off but...Max's eye didnt really ever shut off anymore.

"If you want to see something really neat," Max said, and then sipped his tea with one hand, then raised the other and held up his index finger. The finger was brought down to tap at the soft fleshy area beneath his right eye, the whitish grey colored eye, "focus it on one eye and try and see through both. The two blend together into one picture. I've been told their are special glasses that do the same thing with kinds of light, three dee glasses I think?"

He lowered his hand and chuckled a bit. "Careful though, its pretty nasty on your head at first."

"I'm just happy I'm finally trying something different!" John said with a laugh, waving his hand over the crowd before him. "All of you, i'm betting, use magic daily - aside from my electrical power, I've never even considered using magic, and i've realised how much of a fool i've been to just dismiss it like I did in the past."

He looked down at Hono'o's cup and wondered if he could create tea within it, seeing her eye the pot. "It's quite exhausting, conjuring things and casting runes - much more exhausting then using my own powers. Maybe one of you could explain that to me, being better versed in this world..."

He looked over everybody as he asked - nothing like a group discussion for self improvement. What else were they gonna talk about, politics?

Ryugi sheepishly grinned as Max mentioned his headache, and was mostly quiet as the others talked about their goings on, until they started talking about magic sight and those funny pictures and glasses. I never could get those glasses to work right. I always wound up going cross-eyed and looking foolish. Ryugi sipped his tea, adding to the conversation about Three Dee Glasses and Magic Eye Pictures, or something. For a name like "Magic Eye" one would imagine there was something magical about them. Of course, Ryugi never found out what was supposed to be magical. Squiggles and bright colors just made him dizzy when he stared at them for too long. Maybe THAT was the magic they spoke about. I was never very good at casting magic. Bringing forth my elements were always easiest. I had a friend that taught me about magic runes to a degree, and I still retain the knowledge of how to use them, but it's much harder for me than anything else.

At just that moment a particularly loud groaning moaning cry came from the bedroom door, and faster than one had ever seen him move, Ryugi had leapt over the couch and was making his way into the room to check on his beloved, teacup spinning upright on its plate, leaving the company with Ryudo's charming personality.

Ryudo had certainly heard the conversation, but chose not to add anything to it. Instead, he was busy reading the auras and energy from the elementals and mental thoughts of those in the room. He knew Max was lying, and yet not. Half-truths were something of a specialty among the both of them. The mighty Tomorrow exuded pure power in his aura, while the dainty Raven had a mixed aura. She was contemplating something fairly strongly as she stared at the teapot. Feel free to help yourself to more tea, Lady Raven. You need not ask.

Maximos nodded, and then nodded some more as Raven gave her lecture. Raven had most definitely schooled Maximos in the art of Magic Sight. For a time he could only see Souls and Spirit, then Raven taught him how to perceive the arcane. Through questing and various other peoples along his path, Max learned how to perceive Blood, Distance, Time and a bunch of other things he had lost count of. They had all blended together, and he had infact learned the lessons Raven spoke of. Case and point, the Shadow was not wearing his glasses which he had quested across Angara with Ryugi to acquire in order to focus his magical vision. When Raven concluded, Maximos laughed a proud sort of laugh, gestured wide to the woman and said, "And that's how its done Tomm old friend, a lesson from the master!"

And then Tomorrow worked in an additional question, combined with Damion's comment and the Shadow felt the inclination to assist! Ryugi's did however make him chuckle. Silly magic eyes. He was not an arcane master by any stretch of the word, infact he was physically unable to cast magical spells in the traditional fashion but text based magic. Well, he had created his own variety of the stuff so...

"I can perhaps offer a hand with that Tomm!" He sipped his tea once more then set the empty cup down on the table. If Raven got more, he would steal a bit but otherwise he was content to speak. "The trick is..."

Maximos said and then stopped, his eyes squinted and his hand moved to his temple as if his headache had suddenly come back in force. His mouth shut, and the Shadow for all the world looked very distraught. Then he shook his head and looked over to Ryudo with a pleasant albeit slightly displeased look on his face and said. "Mr. Kazamaru, I dont want to be rude, but could you please stop that?"

He shook his head again and rubbed his temple and forehead and continued slowly. "There are alot of...pieces in my mind. Soul fragments, from a...complicated past. Attempts to enter my mind are like trying to read a book when each time you turn the page the book changes, and the previous book and next book after a while begin fighting for the attention of the intruder against all the other books. Its..."

A pale hand rubbed his temple a final time before laying back down on the couch. "...distracting, friend. To say the least."

It was also the reason why Maximos had no psychic abilities to speak of. What Maximos did have, however, was some skill with runic magics which he tried to focus on, smiling brightly and turning his attention back to Tomorrow. "The trick, is concept. You use the runes as a language to describe the concept in your mind. Its like art really, instead of math. No equations but formations! Understand?"

Ryudo raised an eyebrow as Maximos called out his passive perceptions. Ryudo wasn't into the habit of actively reading minds. But the mind gave off subtle electrical impulses that his psychic senses were able to pick up. It wasn't so much reading a mind as it was having a very strong sense of empathy. He could read the signals to gain a glimpse of what might actually be going on within someone's mind. Of course, reading a mind and thoughts directly wasn't beyond his capabilities, Ryudo just, by in large, found it a bit revolting to mess in the active affairs of other beings. Memories were interesting, like a story. Thoughts were often personal, primal, nasty things that he didn't care to deal with. Regardless, the shadow dragon offered the shadow an apology. My apologies, Mr. Dark. It's a very old habit, and those are the hardest to break I'm afraid. But I will make an honest attempt to reel in my wandering mind as per your request.

Ryudo was about to offer the shadow, and the rest of Ryugi's guests, more tea when there came a faint knock at the door, and the faint sound of a familiar voice. Ryudo's hand once more spun in the air and the door opened, revealing the tiny muse, Miss Tilly Pace. Ryudo quickly offered her a greeting as Ryugi was not currently there. Ah, Miss Pace. Please, come in and make yourself at home. I trust you know your way around the apartment, yes? We also have tea if you would like. Ryugi should be back shortly...

"Aye, and don't go poking around in my head....my brain is so messed up, you might not find your way out again..." John added to Maximos' comment on Ryudo's apparently impromptu telepathic insertion. "....And that goes for the rest of you too. You've been warned."

He took a sip of his tea. John's brain was so messed up it would be better referred to as scrambled eggs. There were more scar tissue in there then synapses - the sheer fact that he could breath properly, let alone walk, talk, cast magic and fight, was more then a miracle - there was some type of purpose for it. As it was, Ryudo would probably start crawling up the walls if he was that sensative to electrical impulses - that was the problem with John's messed up brain. It was firing constantly, like a blender whirring at full speed - and if you dipped your toe into it, you were likely to lose the toe.

John looked back to Maximos, nodding as the man spoke. "Aye, thats what I do....here, i'll demonstrate." He placed his teacup onto the ground and lifted his hands, holding them so his palms were open and facing him. He looked down at the palms and visualised the Runes he wished to cast, sparks of static curling over his palm and fingers to leap into the air, hanging there within his grasp, each individual Rune hovering in a glowing haze of power. After only a few moments, the static symbols had become long, a few lines hanging in the air - before suddenly they merged, snapping and squarking, before finally disappaiting....to reveal a single, long-stemmed, de-thorned, ruby red rose. John smiled, catching it in his hand as it dropped weightlessly, lifting it to his nose to sniff it's divine aroma, before holding it out for Hono'o with a wink and a smile.

"Each rune is a letter, a symbol of power. I add the letters one at a time, forming the picture in my mind even as the power for the image grows in my hands. When the letters form a sentence, a statement of what I wish to create, it is made. 'Red rose, no thorns, long stem, perfect aroma.' I've seen such things before, so i know what i want, but i need to spell it out to make it work..."

He looked back down to the palms of his hands. "I can make it happen without having to form the runes, but its easier when i see the runes themselves - i guess its like reading from a recipe book." He turned one hand over the other and pinched his fingers together as Ryudo opened the door, allowing the meek girl into the room. As she placed her gifts down, John began to rub the fingers over his open palm, the static flowing over his arm down to his fingers where sand seemed to drop, piling on his palm slowly - before he blew them off his massive hand, the sand-particles turning into ultra-light pink cherry-blossom leaves, floating through the room like bubbles.

John smiled proudly in satisfaction, dropping his now empty hand and crouching down to grab his cup of tea - but found himself unable to stand properly, falling back onto his behind with a grunt, blinking heavily as he tried to stop the tea from spilling all over him. "Uhhh..." He groaned, lifting his hand to rub the bridge of his nose and shaking his head. "Dammit....this is what happens when I show off..."

Unfortunately, his little spectacle also had the downfall of exhausting him, his mind not yet ready for such heavy abuse of power - and that was just changing one tiny thing into another tiny thing. It would be a long time before he could fashion clothes or items of heft and weight....but he had time. And Hono'o was a good teacher...

Smiling through John's practical demonstration of his power, it was a beautiful bit of magic... Orange eyes only flickering to Ryugi's little shadow for a moment before she hopped off her stool and brushed John's hair out of his eyes as he nearly collapsed from his use of the rune magic. "Silly..." She leaned in to lightly touch her lips to his forehead, flooding the big man with energy once more before she moved to fill her tea cup again, humming softly under her breath as she filled Maximos' as well.

Her head empty again form the remembered mind clearing chant, even as her tea cup was full, she sat back down on her shadow-stool... shields sliding across her mind to keep out the mish-mash of emotions that were filling the room.

Oh she saw Damion, it made her otherwise all around good feeling sink to the pit of her stomach, though she feigned her well known smile still. And what with not receiving a single hello from anyone in the room, Tilly was starting to have second thoughts of visiting, even if it was for the baby's sake. Looking away and down, Tilly quietly picked up the small, gift wrapped box that she had just set down as to distract herself from the overwhelming awkwardness in the room. It was hard enough for the muse to talk to people, let alone a group. Plus with Damion here, she didn't want to make anything sad.

With that, Tilly eyed a chair a little further away from the group and decided to sit there for the time being, and with a shy sigh, she did so until anyone decided to address her.

She was used to being a wallflower.

Antique Queen Wrote:

She was used to being a wallflower.

"Hello."

Tilly would look up to see Tomrrow, massive like a mountain, so big he almost plunged her into darkness as he blocked out the light from the window....holding out a small cup of steaming tea for the girl with an inviting smile.

Hono'o's little kiss had given him the boost to rise to his feet again - he would do the rest on his own, but he definately needed another cup of this delicious tea Ryudo had made, and as he had crouched down before the table to pour himself another cup, Raven beating him to refilling Maximos' or her own, he noticed the only person who didn't have a cup was the new arrival.

And she looked like she needed one.

"My name's John - have I met you before?" He asked curiously, narrowing his eyes and cocking his head slightly to the left as he tried to figure out where he had seen her face -

Before Ryugi spoke up, revealing the newborn to the world, cradled in her mother's arms.

John's head snapped up like a wolf that had spotted prey, his azure eyes wide and full of excitement. Babies.

He loved babies.

If he bothered to ever look up anything about who he was supposed to be, he would find out that the Norse God of Thunder - aside from being a god of thunder, lightening, strength, destruction and for some reason oak trees - was also a god of fertility. After all, after a good storm the landscapes tended to drink in the rainwater and become more lush - so he felt a natural affinity towards children and babies,

He looked down to Tilly with those excitedly eyes, which seemed to protray the message of i'm sorry, but BABIES! and proceeded to make his way towards Vargus with the intent purposes of hovering over her. "I want to see, let me see!"

Raven smiled and even chuckled softly as the new parents put Maxi on the spot with their version of the name game... she couldn't have thought of a better prank if she had planned it, although she was quite certain that Maximos would manage to come up with something fitting in just a few moments.

Vargus smiled and Ryugi chuckled. It's a pleasure, Maximos. Ryugi could only grin as the others admired his daughter. he couldn't get over how tiny her fingers were. Especially when she blinked and tenderly reached out to try and grasp Max's wiggling fingers. Vargus simply played mother and watched carefully as Ryugi spoke up. Max, don't be silly. Think of something that means a lot to you. Maybe something or someone that means or meant a great deal to you. As long as it is something meaningful, something that comes from your heart, I'm sure that it will be a lovely name.

At this point, Vargus spoke up. Now, love, don't put him on the spot so much. She looked to Max and smiled. I know we're terrible to drop this on you... But, we wanted it to be something special. So, don't feel like you have to give it right now. We still have all night. You're a very intelligent and caring man, so Ryugi has told me. I'm certain you'll choose a fine name.

By now, little Ryumi was glancing around at all the people with her pinky-red eyes, but despite her apparent interest, she still seemed quite keen on reaching those wiggling fingers.

Max listened to both the Dragon's, but there was something about Ryumi's little fingers reaching up for his hand that he could not resist. Babies did that all the time, he knew that, it should have been simple fact with no real enduring meaning behind it. But there was something to it. His fingers, this child. Pure as can be, reaching out to something as tragic and blood stained as Maximos perceived his hands. And yet, something in her subtle action seemed to almost vindicate them.

"Her...hands...they're so tiny." Maximos said, slowly, almost as if it was slowly dawning on him despite its obvious nature. He didnt plan on giving them to her, and then...he did. He lowered his hands just enough so that she could reach them, hoping that baby dragons didnt come with rows of baby dragon teeth that wanted fresh bleeding meat. It seemed unlikely.

They were just so small, so tiny. He even found himself leaning over to Tomorrow and saying, "Do you see these John? Her hands...so small..."

Little Ryumi seemed to brighten when her tiny fingers grasped hold of Max's, one finger in each little hand. As she made contact with the shadow's fingers, she smiled and proceeded to move them back and forth before looking up into his mismatched eyes with her own pink-tinted red. They blinked a few times, but didn't leave his eyes until a large thumb started stroking her forehead, at which point her eyes closed until John spoke to her.

Oddly enough, as she looked at the two men, they'd get a feeling that, despite having just been born, it was fairly apparent that the little girl actually understood what they were saying, even if she wasn't speaking a word herself, and as John spoke of her cheeks, the little girl smiled and poked her cheeks with her fingers, as if showing that she understood the compliment, and was pleased.

However, as the big man finished, the little girl turned her eyes once more to Maximos, as if waiting for something to happen.

The man would find that the shop was actually closed today. However, it was possible that he could return at a later date. Perhaps when the Forgemaster and his wife were not entertaining company over the birth of their new daughter.

Tomorrow was right.

That name, it did cross his mind, but it did not feel right. Ryumi was a person her own, she did not deserve to be cast in the memory of someone gone millenia ago.

There was something in her grip, in the way these tiny fingers grasped his own with such curiosity, such open freedom. These hands, so tiny now, could accomplish anything, they could grow into anything, they could become anything and Ryugi had given him a share of the responsibility in helping guide that path. Almost selfishly, he saw in himself a chance to make up for so many deaths by helping one new life. But more over, he saw her parents, the bright places she had come from and the path she could travel down.

There was a feeling in his heart, at the sight of her face and her little smile. That was what he would give her. As she had given him. As he would try to give her, whenever she need it for as long as he could. A first impression, something shown in a child that would bring good fortune, isnt that what Vargus said? Maximos looked the little girl directly in her bright eyes, and very softly spoke a single word.

"Vespera." He smirked, and nodded and then repeated it again slowly, emphasizing the word properly. Ves-pair-ah. He looked up, eyes passing from Vargus to Ryugi, then Tomorrow, and back to the couple. "Its Arian, it means, to bear hope. To carry or hold it."

And then his mismatched gaze shifted, looking back down at the small child in Vargus' arms and said very specifically to her though seemingly to all assembled. "Ryumi, Vespera, Kazamaru. What do you think?"

"Ryumi Vespera Kazamaru..." John rumbled, rolling the name around his tounge like he was tasting a vintage wine. "Ryumi Hope-Bearer....aye, that is a fitting name..." He said with a curt nod, before slapping Maximos on the back with a victorious laugh. "Congratulations Max, you do have an imagination, ha! Now hurry up, I want a cuddle!"

Babies. Awesome.

"Whew, I'm glad." Maximos was smiling rather brightly now, it seemed he had somewhat underestimated his own naming prowess. Ryugi liked the name, Vargus liked the name, and even Ryumi herself seemed to like it! It was the only gift he had for this little girl, with tiny hands and an infectious innocence about her.

Tomorrow clapped him on the back, causing the Shadow to lurch forward, although he was able to catch himself just before falling on Vargus disastrously. It was about then that Vargus' question caused him to leap back a full step, he stuttered over his own words a bit, the right words, the right way to say that while Maximos was fully capable of helping this young girl, and his dear friends, and gifting her with a name he was a very far cry from becoming a Disney character and cuddling babes softly. This mind could give freely, goodly, and kindly. But these hands were...still for other purposes.

"Vargus I, no, I dont think I should. Really, I..." Max was waving his hands in front of himself, striving his best to be polite until, "Congratulations Max, you do have an imagination, ha! Now hurry up, I want a cuddle!"

Max stopped cold. His hands fell down to his sides, and he turned slowly to Tomorrow, cocking an eyebrow and looking wholly displeased as he said. "No John. We are not cuddling."

He was perfectly content to let Tilly approach and discuss her gift with Ryugi because he could not possibly emphasize hard enough and sternly enough to John how much this was not happening. He picked up certain notable details in what she said, but chose not to comment on them, focusing on looking past the large Aesir to Raven as if to silently ask if she could do something about her over-eager man-friend here and his need for cuddles.

HonoRaven Wrote:

Rae grinned at Max flashing fangs for a moment, her eyes sparkling. "He meant the baby, Max... He wants to hold Ryumi."

On an impulse she wrote the name in the air, mingling runes and glyphs from different languages until it looked just right.

John looked down at his brother, a mortified look on his face.

"...So thats how it is, huh? You use me for your own carnal pleasure, and all I want is a bit of affection, and you..."

Tears began to well in his eyes, his bottom lip quivering as he looked dispondantly down at Maximos...before a wide grin broke the facade, tapping the back of his hand against Maximos' chest. "Sorry, i'm just fu - uh, messing with you, I really want to cuddle the baby." He opened his arms wide, cocking his head to the side as his grin broadened, ther cheeky glint flashing in his eyes. "....Unless you want one first? It's okay, hono'o is very understanding..."

Vargus smiled and chuckled as Max and John went back and forth. Now now, boys. Settle down around the new baby. You'll all get a chance to hold her later if you want. But, right now, I think it best if we started going through those lovely presents you've all brought. Ryugi stopped grinning over the two men and Max's apparent aversion to physical contact with another man before chiming in as well. That sounds like a great idea.

Vargus moved to sit down on the couch, as did Ryugi. By that time, Tilly was offering her gift to Ryugi, who took it and began to open it. What could it be? He knew Tilly could create various things as she so desired, so the gift could literally be almost anything. Carefully unwrapping the paper gave way to removing the cloth that surrounded the little bracelet. It was a beautiful shimmering translucent metal that looked as if it were made of opal itself, and Tilly had created it with her own two hands. Tilly it's more than okay, it's absolutely wonderful. Ryugi smiled and stood to give the little muse a big dragon hug, being careful not to smoosh the poor girl. Thank you. It's a beautiful gift, and I'm sure Ryumi will love it.

He ended the hug, patted his "little sister" on the head, and sat down, offering the bracelet to Ryumi, who was instantly transfixed by the pretty colors and shimmering symbols. She took it in her hands and just looked at it curiously. It was quite clear she liked it. Now then, didn't we have a couple more gifts to get through?

((Sorry! I've been at Anime Expo. However, I'm back now.))

Ryugi turned to Hono and John and spoke.

Didn't you two bring a gift? I could have sworn you did...

Raven managed not to actually wince as John brought up their cute little tower of gift boxes... Tilly's gift had made her wonder if she couldn't just slip out without anyone remembering the little trifles she had brought

When the boxes were opened they would reveal a single dark feather in the smallest box. Not more than three inches long from the silver tipped quill with it's little ring and crab claw clasp to the silky soft tip. It shone, black but with a multitude of colors when you caught the light just right... a special gift, although no one had yet to use the few that she had given out over the years. The clasp made it so the feather could be attached to almost anything...

The second, slightly larger box, contained a wire hoop with three strings attached to a ring in a triangular pattern, and a slim black cord that could be attached to the ceiling so that when suspended the weaving of silver gold and black threads that made out a spiderweb pattern for a dream catcher could be viewed while laying down. The web sparkled a bit with tiny glass beads and dangling bits of crystal... it was meant to be a mobile for the baby.

The third box was a bit bigger than the second again, and within it contained a blue teddy bear with a gold embroidered lightning bold on it's white tummy... a fuzzy companion.

A magic necklace to follow her through life. A dream catcher, hand crafted if Maximos had to guess. A adorable little blue teddy bear, and a feather. Which while seemingly simple, when clearly belonging to a large black bird like a raven and gifted by a woman named Raven was bound to be much more than simple.

And then look! Even Damion brought something! It may have been wrapped in newspaper, but Max never read the newspaper so Damion had just wrapped it in text covered wrapping paper.

Part of the Shadow wanted to just nervously scratch the back of his head and whisper. Well I gave her...a...name, so he didnt feel left out. But he didnt, instead he looked over to Ryudo and the frost Paladin wondering they had perhaps brought something too.

As Ryugi worked to unwrap the gift from Damion, Vargus turned to address Hono and John.

Your gifts were very lovely. Does the feather hold any special significance in either of your cultures?

Vargus was always curious about the ways in which others lived, and this was a prime opportunity to learn.

Contrary to his looks and demeanor, Damion was not a poor man, prefering to live simply instead of the high life he could have. But occasionally splurging was required, and it seemed he'd done just that. Seemed that way anyways.

Below the layer of box and wrapping newspaper were three distinct items for three special people. The first was a little wooden box wrapped in bubble wrap to protect it from the glass bottle that occupied a the same space, along with something that shimmered and shifted oddly in the light like oil on water. Once unwrapped it became clear that the box was a music box, a small brass key in the back jutting away from the dark wood that smelled faintly of sap. The wood was a deep red, not bloody or anything of the sort, but red none the less. Small serpent designs had been etched into the wood and then laquered over to help them stand out better, focusing mostly around the edges and the key and clasp.

" It's for the baby."

He offered helpfully, incase its purpose wasn't clear enough. Damion had gotten the wood himself, he wasn't capable of brasswork and the clockwork mechanisms inside completely eluded him.

" I don't know the song name though, sorry."

The bottle sloshed softly as it would be inevitably removed, moving thickly across the inner surface, clinging to the edges like syrup. The bottle was crystal clear, allowing the light to fully illuminate the brilliant white liquid within and cause it to glow, something abit like captured moonlight. Staring too long caused shapes to become evident in the liquid, tiny dancing things that swirled and twisted and, if one put their ear to the bottle, laugh.

" That is for you and your lovely wife. It's a bottle of Fae wine, from the Faeries of Ithaka I was told. I was told to warn you it would be....strong."

At the time Damion hadn't even been sure if they even drank alcohol. Taking things for granted was a quick way to get killed after all, but the gift had seemed appropriate.

" The little...whatever those are inside aren't really there. The wine possesses a minor enchantment to produce that effect."

No sense making them drink living creatures that seemed so happy. The final gift was perhaps the only truly simple thing. A white blanket, it's edges somewhat frilly with lace, but the fabric otherwise blank of any decoration. Light refracted off of it like motor oil though, shimmering with vague rainbow shapes as it was moved around.

" And that is simply waterproof, once again for the baby."

He concluded, looking rather pleased with himself. The tradition of gift giving wasn't unknown in his island culture but rarely was it done at births or anything other than weddings to help a new couple along. But he'd seen this kind of thing in movies and tv shows when he'd stopped to watch such things.

After Ryugi had hugged her, Tilly more or less stepped to the back of the small crowd. She had said and done her peace and now it was time for the others to do as they pleased. More gifts came and were unwrapped for the small child, and all the Muse could do was stand back and smile. The gift of life was the greatest that was given today.

And as the drinks were poured, Tilly found herself a small glass of cider, raising it up to honor her best friend's toast.

"To friends, company, and new beginnings.."

Tilly smiled warmly.

John had drunk his beer quickly as everybody revealed their presents - beer went down fast with him, he needed to drink an entire case before he felt anything - and he was waggling the empty bottle between his fingertips absently as Damion unveiled his presents.

He smiled to Vargus as she spoke to them, nodding to Hono'o as she answered. What else was there to say? He shook his head at the notion that the dreamcatcher would actually work - he would've thought that it would be the complete opposite of what Nocturne would want, a charm against bad dreams...the teddy with the lightening bolt on its chest was amusing, though. Was Hono'o trying to supplant his cuddle abilities with a stuff imitation? Hopefully not!

His eyes widened as Damion unveiled the gifts. He had no idea who the man was - but he had taste! The rosewood music box was absolutely gorgeous with it's design, and the blanket was very practical - drool/piddle proof blankets were a godsend for new parents...

But the wine was definitely a great touch. John was facinated by it - he's drunk many different spirits - rum, whiskey, grog, firewater, paint-thinner - but he'd never seen a spirit with actual spirits within it!

Ryugi poured the wine, and John placed his empty beer bottle down on the floor and took up the wineglass with a nod of thanks, grasping the thin flute in-between his index finger and thumb with infinite care, bringing the glass up to his face to look intently at the little spirits as they danced and played within the syrupy liquid, the faint tinkling of laughter reaching his ears from the top of the glass...before he realized he could hear all their glasses laughter, the sound of children playing, happiness seeming to bubble from the top of all their glasses and the spout of the uncorked bottle.

It was very fitting for the setting, and as Ryugi charged his glass John raised his own as well, smiling to Vargus and Ryumi as he spoke. "Friends, company and new beginnings...to hope...and the future too."

The bubblies from the cider tickled Tilly's nose as she sipped at the sweet liquid. It almost even made her sneeze. Recovering, she fixed her posture and simply listened to everything that people said. Especially Damion, his last words struck a key that sang to her like an evening bird.

Most of her world was bottoming out from beneath her anyway, though she did try and make the best of it. Today was one of the better days, surrounded by people rather than being alone and by herself. It might have been a fate that was accidentally bestowed upon her, but as always, the Muse would take it with grace.

Letting her eyes glance up to the baby, she smiled sweetly to the new little being and in her heart, she hoped and knew she would have a far better life than Tilly could ever have or wish for. There would always be people more fortunate than her, and she had come to terms with such a notion.

Her eyes dropped along with her already meek spirits, though, she still managed to keep that sweet smile everyone had known her for.

Perking up a bit at Ryugi's words, the Muse bit her lip a bit at the subject. Her creation was a sorry one, at least in her eyes. And to detract from depressing everyone in the room all at once, Tilly stood up and quickly tailed Vargus into the kitchen just as she once used to follow Ryugi.

"I'll help you in the kitchen Mrs. Vargus.. You really shouldn't be up and about you know. You should be resting."

Tilly smiled lightly before glancing back at her old partner as he held his new baby girl.

"But I doubt he could cook anything other than meat on a stick. I should know.."

A slight giggle.

John took a sip of the wine, causing his eyes to widen - mead! It was like a very fruity mead, only with less honey and more....apples. He fought to gulp the beverage, making sure to sip it delicately - he was in company, after all. He had a thing for apples, for some reason. He did not know why, but for some reason, cider and apples seemed to...excite him. He fought the laughter that was bubbling up in his throat - he didn't want to laugh out loud and blow a hole in the wall or something...

He decided to answer Ryugi's question on their own specific birthing rituals. "Aye, well, when I was born my father took me and threw me into a cave of wolves, and left me there overnight. All of the Tribe were metahuman, and it was a good way to bring out your powers....it was also the main reason why the Tribe was never very prolific, heh..."

"Between the group of us, I'm sure we could manage something rather delectable. Well, perhaps that was a bit unfair as well...I personally cannot cook to save my life. I'm sure Raven, or maybe Ms. Tilly are adept, yes?"

John snorted a little, trying not to let his wine come out of his nose. "Heh...Hono'o, cook?!" He muttered with a smirk - before catching himself, smiling apologetically down to Hono'o, reaching out to pat her on the shoulder reassuringly. "Eheh, sorry honey..."

It was true though. Apart from the occasional culinary feat involving cookies - which were damn awesome - John had never eaten a home-cooked meal he hadn't prepared himself whilst staying with her... She was very adept at ordering out, though....John thought she knew just about all the numbers of the good take-out places in Latent off by heart...

He placed the glass down on the coffee table and linked his fingers, stretching them out in front of him, the knuckles in his right hand cracking audibly as he grinned a wicked grin at Maximos. "I'm surprised by your archaic views of women belonging in the kicthen - men are just as capable at cooking! For example, you are looking at a man who could make ancient dirt edible! Stand back, and marvel!"

He was a warrior, a soldier, used to armies and war - and one thing you learned whilst in war was how to cook! An army marched on it's stomach, and morale was directly linked to the quality of food given to the soldiers - bad quality food resulted in moody soldiers, and soldiers upset with their food typically were upset with their commanders, and soldiers upset with their commanders did not follow orders!

He was not afraid of spending time in the kitchen! He marched straight into the room and stood tall, looking down at Vargus and pointing a finger straight at her. "Madam, excuse me, but I demand the kitchen!" He looked down to Tilly, grinning down to her. "Miss Tilly - will you be my second?"

Freezing a bit as the giant man asked for her help, her facial expression as she gazed up at him looked something akin to this.

OAO

"Sure.. I'm only good at baking though. You'd have to tell me what to do, sadly.."

You're all very thoughtful, but really, I'm fine. However, if you feel you absolutely must assist me, I could perhaps use someone to cut up vegetables for me. I hope some stew is something you'd all enjoy.

John grinned down at the two women, almost clapping his hands with glee. "What a coincidence - I was hoping to make a stew!"

Stew was best for a soldier - a good collection of vegetables and meat, covering all the things a strong warrior needed, as well as hot broth to warm their bellies and bodies. Stew could be kept for a long time as well - the longer the juices soaked into the meat and vegetables, the better it tasted and was good for the consumer. Typically, John would actually wait a day until serving stew, just because of that - allowing it to actually 'stew' gave it more flavor...

But they had hungry stomachs now, and apparently, young Tilly didn't know how to cook! John nodded to Vargus, accepting her permission to assist, before turning to Tilly, smiling down to her, noting the woman's lack of confidence. "Miss Tilly, cooking isn't all that hard, you just have to be methodical and follow the recipe. A stew is quite simple, I'll show you how to peel and dice vegetables, and Miss Vargus can show you the rest..."

He took a small knife from a knife block in the corner of the kitchen and took any vegetable Vargus would throw at him, piling them up next to the chopping board. The giant would then usher Tilly to stand before the board, with knife in hand, and lean over her to show her how to peel or dice the vegetable. He was big enough - and she was small enough - that it was almost like a father teaching a daughter.

Everything else seemed to fade as he showed her how to grip the potato in one hand and turn it slowly on the edge of the knife, allowing a little spiral of potato peel to come from the tip to the bottom, working its way down the potato before finally coming to an end. He grabbed the peel and held it up, bouncing it like a spring with a grin before tossing it to the wayside and allowing her to attempt it, whispering advice and encouragement to her as he did, peeling the other potatoes as she would work on her first.

Then carrots - he showed her how to slide the blade just under the skin so only a wafer-thin peel curled up from the bottom to the tip, allowing the curl to fall to the side before turning the carrot and doing it again, working methodically...

((I love cooking. Beef stew is my personal favorite. Lovely rich broth....mmm. I want some now

Oh. Oh no, this was bad. John was getting up and offering to cook, and Maximos did not like it. He imagined his stomach was about to dislike it even worse. It was true John was a soldier, and as such perhaps he had to prepare food, but food at wartime was not know to be delicious so much as nutritious. The Shadow frowned a wide and obvious frown and looked at Raven, as if she could perhaps save him. Food was infact, linked to morale...but Tomorrow was a viking. Vikings were not exactly known for having wonderfully high morale, so much as they were known for being in a terribly violent disposition and...

Vargus was standing, insisting really. And this time, Maximos did not dare argue. He looked, he just hoped, he might have even prayed if he did not believe Nocturne would consider this a terrible joke and make him suffer through it anyhow. Though speaking of such, while Ryugi's statement was not a joke, the irony of it did make Maximos laugh. He replied to the dragon by chuckling and saying. "So in the end, the hero actually got the...princess?"

He made a dismissing sort of wave in front of himself accompanied with another small sip of his wine and said. "Well, honestly Ryugi..."

Max was about to make a comment about it all being very boring and dismiss the subject as easily as he always dismissed mentioning Aria. But with Damion joining in, he was now the relative center of the attention and there was no polite way to go about it. The room had turned on him! He shook his head and softly laughed under his breath and the finished the sentence an entirely different way than he began it.

"...it really depends on if your first born, or second born." The words may have been stated as directed at Ryugi, but his glance shifted from the dragon to Damion and then down to his hands as he continued.

"First born's are tasked with carrying on the family traditions and honors. They are believed to be closer to the Shadowfather as they came from him first. They're given formal markings, seals, and blessings and are pampered a bit more until they're old enough to join the Academ. Relatives and a member of the clergy are set to watch over you, monitor your actions to properly assist in giving you your second and third names when you reach quarters." Max moved a hand to his wrist and slid his sleeve up just enough to show a hint of the sort of markings he might have meant. But then he let his sleeve drop and almost unceremoniously added. "If your second born, in my age anyhow, your meant to be a soldier. You'll be carrying a sword as soon as your able too and in combat every day since until your old enough to officially go to war. They dont waste much time on blessings or names. If you stand out, you may be sent to the Academ. Tragically, most arent expected to live until their quarters ceremony. You can probably guess which I was."

The Shadow smiled, despite the dark nature of what he was saying. He laughed again and took another bubbling sip of his wine. "Look at that, you both have me rambling about nothing. Damion, I think its your turn."

People talked and arrived. Alexa even allowed herself to laugh at the antics displayed between Maximos and Tomorrow. Tilly she recognized from her first encounter with Ryugi in the plains. Damion she had never actually met.

When Maximos mentioned Ryudo's mental intrusion, she allowed herself to shoot him a dangerous look from the corner of her eye. While she didn't entirely distrust the Shadow Dragon, she certainly didn't like him, a major factor being his awesome telepathic powers. She didn't like the feeling of helplessness that came with knowing that your psyche was a simple plaything for someone who could read everyone like an open book. She relished her mental privacy, which is something he scarcely granted.

Then came the big moment. When Vargas emerged from the room with her daughter in tow, the expression behind her eyes noticeably lit up. Externally, Alexa was as stoic as ever. Internally, was fawning over the adorable newborn dragonesss. While she wasn't proficient with raising or dealing with children herself, Alexa was still rather fond of them.

Her, she amusingly watched Maximos give the child another name. In the end, he came up with a fitting and beautiful name for the small dragon child, despite his initial doubts.

When the discussion came to gifts, Alexa flushed for a brief moment. As she received a last minute invitation, the thought of providing a gift never even crossed her mind. Culturally, this could be seen as an insult to the dragon family.

Fortunately, the frost paladin was quick to recover. Reaching into the pouch she kept at her side, she pulled out a small, ovular disk wrapped in blue cloth. When unraveled, the perfectly smooth silver mirror would be cold to the touch, though not quite cool enough to cause numbness or discomfort. Upon closer inspection, it would be possible to tell that the mirror was not created out of glass or any material one would expect, rather being comprised entirely of enchanted ice.

"The Glacial Mirror is something I created while I was learning to perfect the powers granted to me by my lady Solais. Unless subjected to extreme heat," she said with added emphasis directed at the Fire Elementalist(s), "this mirror will never melt. Unlike typical glass, it is far more difficult to break or fracture... though I still don't recommend throwing it across the room."

It was a fairly low-rank magical item, but it was charming in its own sort of way. The knight only hoped that Ryumi would enjoy it when she was older.

Following this, Ryugi proposed to share Damion's gift of Faye Wine with his friends and comrades. Now the paladin had nothing against alcoholic beverages, but there were certain substances that were simply too much. While she was generally more accepting of magic in Gaia nowadays, she wasn't about to drink or eat anything that portrayed a realistic image of anything laughing or frolicking around in it. Besides, it looked like something that a mentally unstable Sorcerous Knight or HoH Captain would drink. She certainly didn't feel that she fit into either category.

With all due respect, I think I'll pass on the Faye Wine.

At least, that's what she wanted to say. As it clearly wasn't poisoned or immediately bad for her health, protocol dictated that she would eat or drink anything generously offered to her at the table setting. In her culture, to refuse or even attest would be an unforgivable insult to the host. Raising her glass as it was presented to her, she joined in the toast with no further thought on the matter.

"To friends, family, and the start of a new adventure."

Following this, she drank deeply of the strange liquid, playing her part with perfect demeanor. One thing was for absolute certain: Damion had completely understated the strength of the Faye Wine.

Alexa wasn't considered a lush (especially considering her position), but she had a socially acceptable drink from time to time. She knew how to find her way around any bar or tavern. However, the woman had never tasted a grade of alcohol nearly as potent as the enchanted Faye Wine. Even so, the wine was far too rich for even her tastes. Perhaps winging it and drinking half of the glass was a good idea.

Still, the paladin managed to keep her nearly flawless composure, though her cheeks flushed to betray her thoughts. It would be difficult for even her to hide her surprise at the drink.

Ryugi might recall his former ally-gone-rogue Moonblade, a man who had expended a considerable portion of his family's wealth to amass the single largest private collection of Faye wine for human consumption (which admittedly, given its rarity, wasn't a whole lot). Whether his mental stability was the cause of the highly excessive mass consumption of the enchanted liquor or vice versa was unknown, but it was certainly a thought worth exploring to someone who actually cared more.

Maximos Wrote:

""Well, perhaps that was a bit unfair as well...I personally cannot cook to save my life."

Following a more ginger and delicate sip of the Faye Wine, Alexa responded to Maximos with a shrug.

"Verily, you can't possibly be much worse than I am."

Saying that Alexa couldn't cook was an understatement. Anything that might have been edible before she entered the kitchen would surely be in an incurable state when she was done.

Following this, people talked about their birthing customs and regional cultures, of which Alexa took a genuine interest. Simply looking at Maximos, she wouldn't have guessed him to be from such an unforgiving background. However, that might have only been because she didn't truly know the man at all, having never experienced or heard an account of The Destroyer first hand.

((sorry, I've been lacking in free time. =( ))

"Yes." Was Maximos answer, after a small pause. He saw what Damion was doing there, but after his own attempt at a similar tactic it seemed hypocritical to call him out. Still, there was a certain level of solemness to Maximos tone, as would be expected in the description of any sort of war.

"We were at war with the Children of the Lightwatcher, the Luminai. They constantly invaded our lands perceiving us as a blight to creation simply because we were of an opposite elemental standing." As he spoke, Maximos' eyes drifted over to the mirror the Lady Alexa had presented, and then mischievously over at Hono. It may take dragons breath to melt steel, but it took a match to reduce a home to cinders. And yet still, he wondered what an artifact of such holy origins would produce as a reflection. He smiled, softly, and then turned back to Damion and shook his head.

"Sadly, my friend, I do not know. I am second born, so I was sent briskly off to training and war. My brother attended, but he seemed as xenophobic as the rest of my people by the time the war came to a close so...I would assume it was a school for us Children of the Shadowfather who..." And yet he did not finish his sentence, it seemed Maximos took a more detailed note of the small white spiders pouring off of Damion. Once his eyes set on them, he seemed unable to break contact with them. A mixture of dislike and curiosity on his face. Finally, be broke topic entirely and said. "Damion...what are those?"

Ryugi listened intently after placing the mirror along with the other gifts. Every woman needed a mirror. T'was the way of things. However, Maximos had mentioned he had a brother. Had he ever mentioned that before? Ryugi couldn't recall. He silently wondered why Max hadn't talked about him more. Perhaps he and his brother did not get along well, much like Ryugi and Ryudo over the years. Regardless, the notion of Max having more family was something he'd have to question the man about at a later time. For now, his attention, too, was drawn to the little bugs escaping like rats from a sinking ship from his friend. Far be it from Ryugi to be rude, but he had a certain dislike for spiders, and by certain dislike...

SPIDERS!? Ryugi bolted off the couch clutching baby Ryumi to his chest in the process, frantically looking at himself to make sure he'd escaped their twitchy little legs, and checked Ryumi to see if she'd been spared the same fate. Damion! Why are you covered in spiders!?

As hilarious as it might seem, the mighty dragon was terrified of tiny spiders.

It was suprising how one little word could cause such an explosive reaction from a majority of the room, the spark which caused the flames of fear to jump to life. The only indication it was even to begin had been the slight quirk in tone, the change in the Shadow's tone, and then the words. A bird took theoretical flight, A dragon screamed in fear and attempted to reach the heavens, and a viking ran fourth to do battle with supposedly furry beasts, all while the creatures in question scurried for the supposed safety of their chosen home. Panic and fear screamed out through their rudimentary hive mind and leaked out onto their hosts face, a twist of the lips and a flash of teeth from the elemental to scare off the 'predators' who surrounded him.

" Could everyone calm down please?"

Even if his face hadn't revealed just how uncomfortable Damion was at the sudden scrutiny he was under, his tone carried just enough edge to dispel any doubts. He cupped the tiny white spiders protectively against his chest to further shield them from whatever harm the others intended to bring down upon them.

" They're my friends. I feed them and they let me see from new perspectives."

This was only half the case but the full explanation was far more scientific and dull, requiring more of his focus than Damion was willing to give at the moment. Quarter sized spiders peeked out from within the tangled confines of his hair, crawling down his neck and from silk strings to his shoulders and arms like grotesque familiars.

Alexa's eyes narrowed disapprovingly, baffled at the group's recent display. Placing her drink down, she continued.

"Really now? You can all shoot fire out of your hands, engage in combat against dangerous meta-humans and do all these other fantastic things, yet you let spiders bother you?"

The powerful wine was already starting to talk for her, albeit unnoticeable to all but the most astute, slowly chipping away at her inhibitions. With a slight and nearly silent laugh, the woman allowed herself a faint smile as she continued, gesturing her right hand towards Ryugi casually.

"You're a man and now a father. Verily, you should act like it."

The spiders had initially escaped the frost paladin's attention, but she couldn't help to notice when the entire groups notice was brought to them in a flurry of sudden outbursts. Ryugi shrilled away like a little girl, Tomorrow was ready to smash things, and Raven was cowering on a perch. The only people not making deplorable fools of themselves here were Damion and Maximos, though arguably the THUNDER GOD might be forgiven.

Alexa blinked. Wait, Raven was on a perch?

The knight slowly turned her head to the location where the Raven's true form was resting. Raising her left brow, she studied the bird for but a moment, taken slightly unaware at her sudden transformation. With a sigh, Alexa resigned to the fact that people on Gaia were weird and that she really ought not be surprised by anything anymore.

Turning her attention to Damion, she continued.

"Please, would you care to elaborate? You must forgive me if I fail to see how the spiders help. I'm not as... knowledgeable in this sort of field as the rest of you are."

The phrase "Sorcery Abusing Heathen" was on the on the tip of her tongue, but she managed to stay it. As tolerant as she tried to be in this realm, she was still jaded and slightly hypocritical about the use of most magics. She was also a bit of a xenophobe, an aspect of her personality that was somewhat subdued thanks to both her time spent on Gaia and her friendship with the Dragon Warrior. Still, Ryugi and her new-found friends were an invaluable resource of knowledge, one she would be eager to exploit if they were willing to let her.

There was only one problem with being a raven... raven's didn't really show emotions all that well

So as Maxi asked a question that tried to make all her feathers stand on end, Hono'o shifted again.. the small black cat with her white bib and paws glared her orange eyes at everyone... now her fur was standing all on end making her look almost the same size as a much larger cat and her tail was lashing back and forth, a long, fluffy black duster. The cat didn't worry about the bugs... she was too fast, and too proud to let something as trivial as arachnids bother her!

All cats were very good at communicating how ticked off they were, so it was easy as pie now to open her little mouth and flash dainty little fangs at John with a soft hiss... letting the big man know that she would come down when she darn well felt like it, and that she didn't give a frell about the current topic... to prove it she settled down on her tummy, curled her bushy tail around her paws and glared at anyone who appeared to be looking at her too hard

There were some days when Hono's other persona thought that perhaps she was far more cat than bird...

Antifreeze green eyes flicked around the room to each of the seperate faces that regarded him, his upper lip trembling somewhat where his right canine lay hidden but for a flicker of occassional white. Damion was a very particular sort of predator not very far removed from the spiders he protected so ferverently. Being the center of attention was just as bad if they had continued on in their earlier behavior, caterwhauling and making a scene over creatures that could be found anywhere at all if one looked. Well, perhaps not these particular arachnids, but spiders were a common thing.

But like a man approaching a wild animal Maximos came forward in what was perhaps his least threatening fashion, even if he didn't have hands outstretched or speak soothing platitudes. His desire to learn and understand appealed to the tiny spark of humanity that still held sway over the feral mans mind, the spiders ceasing their own agitated dance to collect around his slowly spreading fingers and arms, leaving his wrists bare.

" Like this."

Without preamble or further thought on the matter he brought one chitin covered arm up to his mouth, sinking suprisingly sharp teeth into his bare wrist. The spiders reacted as any predator would in the precense of food, knowing what this ritual intailed to them, rushing forward to the edges of Damions mouth to sup at the tiny trickles of blood that escaped there. The elementals pupils expanded rapidly with the sudden rush of bloody vitality, the taste more than enough to set fire to his mind even if it was his own. With a slight quiver of breath he drew away to repeat the process to his other wrist, the tiny white spiders rippling with sudden red coloration. The vital liquid spread over their tiny bodies like water until the flow began to cease, silk webbing criss crossing over the new wounds like bandages as the creatures tried to protect their host.

As they fed and fixed, Damion said nothing at all and seemed to be in an entirely different place, tasting his own blood through a hundred different tiny mouths, the pinpricks of their tiny fangs like the cattlemans whip. The entire ordeal was perhaps the least orthodox method he'd ever used in such a peaceful setting and his head swam with bloody fantasy's that made it hard to focus. His blood stained teeth became bared in a faintly hungry smile, a druggy with his fix.

" Just like that."

He didn't expect the frosty female to understand the mechanics of it all, he didn't entirely understand it himself. It was enough for the Hydra to know that he could give for his home even as it payed him back in full, aiding him how it could.

The cat hopped down from her perch... not at all interested in watching the little white bugs feast on the blood that she had once upon a time helped to alter so that it could progress to what it was today... instead she padded along after John, twining her body around his ankles and rubbing against his legs for a moment before she leapt up to a conveniently empty portion of the counter so that she could watch what Vargus was doing.

Cats are not like dogs when it comes to food.. they usually don't try to beg, and most of them will look at you slightly offended if you try to feed them from your hand... but if you happen to have something that they think smells very good, and you just happen to be silly enough to trust them and turn your back on them.. they will then quite happily purloin a sample, or two!

With just this strategy in mind the cat that was a bird named Hono'o curled her fluffy tail around her paws and watched the cook and her two assistants with interest.

Maximos looked at Damion quite like he was a marvel. Feeding spiders was an odd enough concept, but to have them revealed to be some sort of vampire spiders was even more amazing. The little creatures turned from white to red, and whats more they seemed to be affected Damion's mind in some way. The docile way he spoke, the almost euphoric look in his eyes. Part of him wanted to correct the other man on the etiquette of indulging in mind altering practices while in the company of others, but such didnt seem like it would concern him.

Still, the Shadow wondered what would happen if maybe the spiders were fed blood from a dead creature, or an undead creature for that matter. How did the link function? Regardless, he had another theory to test. Seemingly ignorant to the grossed out or otherwise unhappy reactions around him. He outright scoffed at John, putting forth the theory that a priestess of the Lord of Nightmares, would have bad dreams. The Shadow held out a hand to Damion and said.

"May I see one? I promise no harm will come to it." Vargus made a perfectly timed call. Science and exploration always did make Max hungry, but there was something else he wanted to test first...

Ryugi watched the exchange cautiously. Max's interactions with strange objects were always interesting, even if it was a creepy crawly little spider. Damion certainly had a strange way of doing things. Ryugi remembered when he was but your average man, but time had certainly left its mark. Hive-mind eh? Interesting. Perhaps there was more to these strange creatures than at first glance. They were still nasty, scuttly little things, but that didn't mean Ryugi couldn't appreciate them for their intricacies.

One would assume Damion would get a confused pulse from his tiny friend, borne away on shadowy fingers to a fate neither of them could have expected. But to assume that would be to assume that you understood the nature of the swamp's wildlife, that you knew beyond a doubt that each and every creature was out to kill you, from the smallest ant to the apex predator that was Damion. The daemonic influence of the creature Dagon was felt throughout the entirety of the wetlands and had done so for generations. Not a single creature had been untouched by the warping influence of the 'god' who by all rights should not have existed within this particular realm.

The spiders had their own limited intelligence in the same way tribal barbarians had their own culture. While no one in the room may have understood it, they possessed a hierarchy, leaders and castes within their hive mind that was completely at odds with the natural worlds arachnids. The spider that rested so comfortably and unmovingly in Maximos's hands happened to be of the leader caste, a locus for the blood of their 'leader' Damion. From him others could be lead and directed without Damion himself having to be there. Instead of being subsumed into the greater intellect of the Hydra the tiny thing had itself a greater intellect than the others, like any of the Locus caste.

So maybe it understood abit of what was going on, scuttling in place on its long red legs to face the two dragons in the room, all 8 eyes lost in the greater redness of it's body. Damion followed them with his eyes, somewhat concerned for the safety of his tiny ally. He couldn't come to think of them as pets, nothing from the swamp could ever be treated as pets, but to treat them as individuals seemed odd as well.

" take care..."

As he spoke, he wondered if which he was talking to, Maximos, Ryumi, or his little spider.

Ryugi very much wanted to get the little critter away from him. However, he wasn't going to be rude and make his good friend a liar. Ryugi's fear of spiders stemmed from a particularly bad childhood memory, of course, that was another story to be told at a later date. At the moment, he simply decided to trust Max and Damion to bring no harm to his newly born daughter.

Ryumi, on the other hand, was completely stricken with an innocent fascination with the little red spider. Her clear, red-pink eyes locked onto the little crimson arachnid like the eyes of a hawk surveying something, looking for any detail and trying to memorize it. She could seem to make out that she was being spoken to, and being spoken about, strange for something so young. However, as Max, Damion, and especially Ryugi would watch, Ryumi would smile a soft childish smile, and gently reach out a tiny hand toward the little red creature.

Then, most surprisingly, Ryugi would feel a light warmth in his hands, and his own magical detecting eye would spy some soft radiance emanating from the little form of Ryumi. It was positive energy, and the light of spirituality. It was a calming warmth that seemed to speak of her curiosity, and her desire not to do harm to the little creature, and, in fact, to try and communicate with it.

Oddly enough, both Ryumi and the spider were somewhat alike. Neither could really speak as fluently and openly as the other beings in the house. However, they had emotions, thoughts, and wills. If the spider did indeed have some sort of mental connection, even on a primitive level, it would understand Ryumi meant no harm, and rather, wanted to be friends, if it had the concept of such a thing. It wasn't exactly telepathy, but it was some form of enhanced empathy, not unlike the abilities of her mother, Vargus.

Even as a baby, not even an hour old, it seemed Ryumi already had some rudimentary form of elemental power and control... Ryugi, of course, seemed dumbfounded. Not that his daughter was displaying such abilities, all dragon younglings did, but he was confused by her actions. I... I think she's saying hello... Do you feel that, Max?

The cat leaned forwards, placing her front paws on Ryugi's shoulder so she could get a closer look, her whiskers brushing against the dragon's ear for a moment, twitching slightly as she scented the magic on the air.

Yes, well...I don't think she's too keen on doing that. She seems more interested in saying hello. Ryugi watched as his daughter tried to communicate with the little spider. It was strange seeing something so small and so young use magical powers of some sort. These were the simple times in her life. But once she reached a certain age, Ryugi would introduce her to fighting training. While they didn't live on Angara anymore, the mainland itself was still filled with hostile individuals, and Ryugi wouldn't always be there to protect his daughter. Some day, she'd have to fight and fend for herself. But for now, it seemed she was perfectly happy giggling and saying hello to the little crimson creature.

The black and white cat watched it all with unblinking orange eyes, going so far as to step all the way off the back of the chair so she could balance on Ryugi's shoulder as she leaned down to get a better view of infant and spider kin.

The baby smelled, amusing... all magical and innocent, and the spider... well it smelled a lot like Damion, and not like any other spider she had ever encountered before... and it was with sad eyes that she watched Maxi return the little critter to their friend before she could get a better idea of what it was made of

Ryugi shrugged at Max's jab. What could he say? Ryugi didn't like spiders, and that was that. His daughter, however, had certainly showed some interesting abilities. He watched as Max complimented Ryumi and gently stroked her cheek. Ryumi responded by smiling, her pinky-red eyes blinking and watching as Max took her little red friend away and took him back home. Of course, she wasn't saddened by the spider-kin's leave. Oh no. She had something new to interest her! It was long and twitching about so tantalizingly, and it was fuzzy! Any young animal was curious about such things, and a young dragon, human form or not, was captured by the world around her, just as Hono's kitty cat tail was captured by Ryumi's little fingers. Infants always had a habit of grabbing at something to examine it. Hono's tail was no exception.

While Ryumi snatched Hono's tail, and Ryugi watched, a soft voice from across the room sounded in response to Maximos' inquiry along with the faint clattering of dishes and utensils being placed around the kitchen table. What's next, Mister Maximos, is dinner. Vargus smiled as she placed a rather hefty pot, steam rising from it as she lifted the lid to reveal chopped potatoes, carrots, some white onions, celery, and some roast beef as well, probably salvaged from an earlier meal, on the table. I certainly hope you like stew. It's one of Ryugi's favorite dishes, along with my Dragonfruit Tarts. She beamed. I don't often get to cook for so many guests, so, I hope you all enjoy it.

Tomorrow deftly dried his hands on a towel after finishing cleaning the last pot, a massive pile of cooking utensils left to air-dry next to the sink...now the new mother would only have to clean the dishes and cutlery used for eating, unless someone else was allowed to help....the woman certainly knew how to run a kitchen!

Tossing the towel onto the hook where he'd found it, he walked into the room, sniffing the air and rubbing his stomach. "Mmm...smells as good as it looks!" He said with a grin, approaching Ryugi and Ryumi and chuckling to himself as the little baby tugged on Hono'o's tail.

"Shshsh, thats not a toy, let go please..." The towering giant whispered down to the tiny infant, light blue eyes locking with pinky-red gaze of the baby as he reached up to scoop the cat from it's perch with one arm whilst the other poked at Ryumi's fingers softly, trying to gently ease the cat's fluffy tail out of the chubby little fist. He knew babies, he'd raised children before, they could be here all night if Ryumi enjoyed her newfound sensation... "I promise, once we've all had dinner Hono'o will mark you up as long as you want."

He suddenly had a flash of his own children playing with Bin, his animated waste-paper basket, and the way they used to tug on his lolling tounge and stubby little mushroom legs, and had to blink for a second to reaffirm his smile.

Spiders aside, Maximos really did like dinner. Particularly, he enjoyed dinners which featured meat! Preferably cooked! Vargus had masterfully provided all of that, along with some additional scents and flavors that the Shadow found absolutely mouthwatering. He grinned a wide grin, then had to gulp due to the afore mentioned mouth watering and said.

"Incredible...Miss Vargus!" Still not sure what surname to call her by, but she she needed to be called something more proper than just her first name. Max gestured wide to the table and the stew in question as if he might hug the entire thing. Then he walked up beside the table and leaned excitedly over the pot to see the multicolored flavors of deliciousness swirling around inside of it.

"Incredible indeed!" He exclaimed, and then turned to Ryugi still grinning while gesturing to the stew and added, "You have really good taste! This looks delicious."

But then, as Maximos scanned his mismatched eyes across the room an almost theatric frown fell over his face pulling his lips down in a big pale downward curve.

"But what is everyone else going to eat?" He said in a sorrowful tone, blinking at Vargus and Ryugi and the others while putting both hands on either side of the large pot and began to lift it.

And then laughed, a good hearty, friendly laugh, and set the pot down proper saying. "I kid! I kid! Where would you like us all to sit?"

((You folks still participating in this? Or should I just call it finished for now?))

((I'm here, I'm here!))

John chuckled a little, a deep sound from the pit of his chest as Hono'o raced up his arm and stuck her nose in his ear through his long golden locks. "Aw, c'mon now Hono'o...she's harmless..." He reassured, lifting his hand to stroke her a little as Vargus explained the Angaran customs. His eyes were wide with interest, and he could not feel a little thrill at the tone of her voice - she sounded in command, like a general rallying her troops, and he was always one to pay attention to authority. Especially given the circumstances....

He looked at the table, taking in the positions of Ryugi and his family as well as Maximos. If their seating arrangement was to note possible threats and defensive positions, then his massive frame would easily take up a decent portion of vantage. The best position for him would be on the edge, furthest from the door and closest to the kitchen, where there was no obvious access from the outside - and if someone came busting through a wall, they would find a pissed Tribal barbarian trying very hard to be civil in their path.

Sitting, he lifted Hono'o off his shoulder to place her down on the seat beside him - "C'mon Hono'o, human form now, unless you want me to ask Vargus for a saucer of milk..." - and looked up to Vargus, smiling to her politely and winking as she made her subtle double-take of his portion size. "Thank-you Miss Vargus..."

Damn that smelled delicious. He'd been present during the creation, but to see it fully formed before him and ready to be devoured...

But then Ryugi rose his glass for a toast. Luckily, John hadn't polished off his glass just yet, and lifted his in unison. This was a grand day. A day of creation, of celebration. Of new beginnings and the reaffirming of old bonds. A day where a group of warriors could set down their swords and shields and give thanks to what is most important - not the wind in your hair or the sound of steel against steel, but blood with blood, kin with kin. Mead and bread shared amongst friends along with story and laughter is the best recipe for bond in the entire world.

He smiled to Maximos. The only man in this world he could call brother. It was good to see him again, and in circumstances such as these. He made a note to do it more often...

The others - even Ryugi and his family - he did not know. But...he wanted to.

"To future bonds." John said with a grin, taking a sip...before placing the glass down and clapping his hands together, rubbing them with glee at the prospect of such delicious smelling food.

Tomorrow Wrote:

An hour later, John landed outside Kazamaru Ironworks, barely missing an old man as he attempted to perform his afternoon walk. "Sorry, sorry..." John said apologetically as he stepped around a lizard man waiting for a bus, looking at him strangely with his big silver helmet, and walked up to the opening looking into the forge.

"Hello?" He called into it. "Mr. Kazamaru? Mrs Kazamaru?" He placed both hands on the counter top and leaned over it, looking down to the floor, his lightening-filled eyes peering around the place. "Ryumi?"

It had been a while since Ryumi's birth and subsequent baby shower. Hono'o had been kind enough to invite him along, and John had enjoyed himself immensely....although the day after, he'd had a splitting headache from that Fae-wine. And he could not help but worry that his barbaric tendencies had gotten the best of him....but he had changed much since then. The death of Odin and John's subsequent rebirth had borne many changes, a lot of them physical - he was no longer the hulking behemoth you could easily spot in a crowd. He was still tall, well over six feet, but his bulk had been replaced with something sleeker, the body of a lion instead of a bear. His hair, hidden beneath the helm, had a shining golden luster to it, like it was made of spun gold, and his iris' literally contained electricity within them....peering into his perma-frost blue would yield you a light show you might have never seen before....

...He hadn't changed much in personality, though. Even if Ryugi did not accept his offer, at least he'd get to see Ryumi again, maybe even have a bit of play before anything else....

"Hello?"

Empty Smithy - Young Girl

Months had passed since the birthing ceremony. After all, it takes a while for a man to go to Guldor, fight an epic battle, die, and get reborn, and who knew how much time had passed before that whole ordeal. The universe doesn't just snap its fingers and out comes a remade man after all. That kind of s**t takes time! Roughly six months in fact, or possibly more. Time flies when nothing happens, strangely enough, and it just so happened that time had not stopped for the Kazamaru household, or Ryugi's business.

As John poked his head in, he'd spot the forge burning away, but no weaponsmith. Now this was odd. Why would the smithy leave all his gear and belongings in the forge and not be around to attend? Perhaps he'd simply forgotten it? Perhaps he was out and about, and perhaps John would have to wait for him to return. However he'd feel a fairly strong poke poke against the lower right side of his back. As the big man turned, he'd spy a young girl appearing to be perhaps seven years old at the oldest. Maybe closer to six... In any case, the girl had pinkish-red eyes and a head of very light lavender hair. That, and she looked fairly pouty and cross. At her hip was a small wooden sword, something similar to a gladius, and she looked up to the hulking man with her arms crossed as she spoke.

Hey you!

Hasn't anyone ever told you it's rude to go poking your head into other people's business?

The girl's right arm snapped to the hilt of her wooden sword and she pulled it to her hand, striking up a fairly formidable fighting stance. Even more strangely, she seemed completely unintimidated by John's size. Of course, a wooden sword wouldn't do anything to John except perhaps give him a splinter, which might possibly get infected. Such a thing probably wouldn't even bruise the big man at all regardless, but alas, the young girl's gaze was steady, strong, and determined. It looked somehow familiar. However, before John would get a chance to react, except perhaps blinking in confusion, another familiar voice would speak up from behind him.

Yes, and hasn't your father told you not to go around harassing customers? Especially the big ones... The girl immediately snapped the sword back to her waist and looked defensive. But Dad! He's being all nosey and stuff! You told me to watch the shop while you were in the washroom and this guy comes poking his big nose into everything... Ryugi simply smiled at Ryumi. Yes, I did. And you've done a good job. However, let's take a look at this behemoth for a moment...

Ryugi stepped out from behind the counter wearing an outfit John would have never seen on him before, or really anyone else for that matter. He wore his usual black pants and armored boots, however he wore a thick white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his biceps, thick black leather gloves, and a thick brown leather apron tied around his back. It was classic smithing attire if ever he'd worn it. The white shirt and the apron were stained in spots with black soot and burns from the hot metal that Ryugi would work with as he moved next to John and pointed at him.

Examine his muscles. They're big. While you're smaller and faster, he can hit harder, and you aren't exactly as bulky as this man. Also, feel that? Ryugi paused a moment and his daughter blinked, raising an eyebrow. Yeah, it's magical energy. What's so special about it? Everyone around here has it. Another grin from Ryugi as he continued. But his element is electricity. He's bulky enough to withstand your attacks, and his element compensates quite well for his lack of speed with speed of its own. Quite simply...he'd flatten you.

The change in attitude was immediate. Oh come on! You've got to give me more credit than THAT! Ryumi pouted again. Bigger just means he falls harder. I'm a dragon aren't I? I'm stronger than half the people here. This guy might actually pose a challenge! Ryugi sighed. Trust me when I say you couldn't beat this man, Ryumi. And just because you're a dragon doesn't mean you're the toughest thing on two legs, or two wings, whatever form you happen to be in. Respect your opponent and what he is capable of. Simply being rash and charging into a fight with a headstrong attitude will just kick you back down on that butt of yours. Ryumi looked a little dejected and Ryugi glanced to John before walking over to his daughter and patting her on her head with his gloved hand, stooping down to reach her level.

That fighting spirit you have is a wonderful gift, Dearheart. That strength and courage you have is something I'm proud you inherited from me. However, that strong self-assuredness is troublesome at your age. What do I always tell you, hmm? Ryugi's red eyes met his daughter's pinker ones and she sighed and spoke softly. Know yourself first, and your opponent second... Ryugi nodded and smiled. That's right. I only say that because I charged into one too many fights when I was younger, and I wound up learning the hard way. I just wish you didn't have to learn it that way. You're a smart girl, Dearheart, and on the field of battle, your brain will save you more than any weapon or attack possibly could. Ryugi tussled his daughter's hair and she made a soft smile back at him.

Ryugi then stood and turned back to John. Now then, Ryumi, this man here is John Tomorrow. He's a good friend of your Uncle Maxi and a distant acquaintance of your father... As Ryugi mentioned the man's name, Ryumi's eyes bugged and she looked surprised. Omigosh!! The REAL Tomorrow!? You mean that guy you said can stop a punch with his face and not break a sweat, that crackles with more electricity than a thunderstorm, the Thunder God himself!?! Ryugi looked a bit sheepish. Your father may have exaggerated his claims a bit, Dearheart... Ryumi huffed. That just means you lied... Ryugi narrowed his eyes at the snarky comment. That MEANS that this man deserves a little more respect than you gave him, and that you should apologize for harassing him. It was Ryumi's turn to look a bit sheepish for once as she fidgeted a moment before speaking.

Um...right... I'm sorry Mister Tomorrow, Sir. I'm Ryumi Vespera Kazamaru, and, um...I'm sorry for trying to cut you up with my sword. She looked up at the big man and smiled. So, we're friends now, right!? Ryugi just smiled and chuckled as Ryumi finished and spoke once again. I'm sure Mister Tomorrow forgives you, Dearheart. Now, head back up to continue your training with your uncle. As I recall he's going to cover some basic swordfighting again with your powers. Ryumi huffed again.

But Dad, Uncle Grumpy is so BORING! All he does is talk! He isn't at all fun or interesting like Uncle Maxi! Plus, he's creepy! I feel when he looks at me he can see into my brain! Ryugi grinned. That's because he can, Dearheart. He's psychic, so you'd better behave and listen to what he has to say. Ryumi looked a bit freaked out by her father's admission and glanced warily up towards the Kazamaru household. If you behave I'll see if your mother has any extra Dragonfruit Tarts laying around, or I'll give you a nice treat myself. Ryumi beamed.

Does that mean I'll finally get to see you fight?! Ryugi sighed and could only smile a bit. We'll see, but right now you have studying to do, and I have business with Mister Tomorrow. I doubt he came all this way with a full-body makeover and a new lease on things to simply say hello. Ryumi huffed once more. Alright, I'll go. She turned to John and smiled. Bye Mister Tomorrow! It was nice to meet you! And with that, the young girl scampered up the steps to the side of the Kazamaru Ironworks and into the Kazamaru's home.

Ryugi watched her go before turning back to John.

Well then, John, long time no see. Been a while, but I doubt you came all this way just to see Ryumi and catch up, or browse my wares. Is something on your mind?

Tomorrow Wrote:

John turned to the Dragon-kin and smiled a wry grin. "Am I that transparent?" He asked, placing his helm down upon the counter before running his fingers through his hair. "What am I saying, of course I am...yes, this isn't a social call. I must say though....she's grown up a whole lot from the last time i saw her....she'll be a real handful when she gets older."

Ryugi laughed. In the human state, she appears to age more quickly up to a point. In her true form she's still not very old. The rapid outward aging is a side effect of her human state. He sighed and continued, glancing towards the house where she'd left. As for the handful aspect, she keeps Vargus and I busy, that's for sure. She's a little fireball: sweet, loving, courageous, and pure-spirited. She fights with her heart before her head sometimes, and while that's dangerous at her age, it can be a great asset as well.

Tomorrow Wrote:

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed his comment and leaned against the counter, looking to Ryugi seriously. "But anyways....I am here for a reason. I've recently began working again - mercenary work mostly, protection and the such, but this job requires a little more expertise then I have. My client has requested someone who is skilled in the creation and identification of swords - not just the smithing, but the spirit too. Now, I can smith a sword, but i'm not a professional - which is when I thought of you." He waved his hand across the forge and over to the shop behind the wall. "I've seen your wares. You take pride in your work, and Hono'o tells me you can sense magical properties...I'd like to take you with me on the job."

His eyes twinkled. Clearly he enjoyed this type of thing...sitting still was not John Tomorrow's strong suit.

Mercenary work... I haven't done that in years. Brings back some memories, though not all of them good. Ryugi paused, deep in thought for a moment as he weighed what he would need to have in order before going on a trip. He didn't have a backlog of custom orders, so his presence wouldn't be needed for a while. They were well stocked on regular products, so Vargus or Ryudo could run the shop while he was away. And there were no immediate pressing matters to attend to either. Plus, this could essentially be called a business trip, and he could possibly be paid for his services. One thing weighed on his mind, however, and he turned back to John. I've nothing preventing me from joining you. You need a weaponsmith and someone good with magical sensing abilities, and I'm certainly your man. However, if I join you, it will be on one condition. Ryugi paused for a moment to let John ponder about what he was going to say before he spoke again. I want to bring Ryumi along with us.

Ryugi continued. You see, a long time ago when I was young, my father took me with him on some business trips. He delivered his wares into the Suhal Desert and the Altin Mountains, and sometimes took me with him to see the sights and sounds. As Ryugi spoke, he began gathering his things. Various weaponsmithing equipment was put into a medium size leather bag, some things larger than the bag itself. Ryugi had recently discovered the wonders of the item known as a "Bag of Holding" and had found it quite useful when carrying items around with him. He wanted me to know what life was like elsewhere on our island continent so that I could have a better understanding of life outside our village. Quite frankly, I want Ryumi to have the same experience. He finished packing his bag and tied the strings of it to his belt and placed in on the counter of the forge, before reaching up behind the counter and pulling free the handle of something, wrapped in bandages and linens, and hefted that onto the counter as well. He wouldn't travel anywhere without it, after all... As a growing youngling, she needs to be shown that the world around her is bigger than Latent or the Stadium, and that not everything is so simple. Ryugi crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the forge, glancing to John as he waited for the big man's answer. So, will you allow me to bring her along?

Tomorrow Wrote:

> Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote: > So, will you allow me to bring her along?

His hand stroked his beard, tugging at the whiskers a little as he ran his fingers over his lips. "...My only concern is her safety." He said slowly. "I have no doubt you can hold your own against anything we come up against - her, not so much. If you can promise me she won't recklessly put herself in harms way, then fine. Otherwise I'll fly her back here myself if I have to."

He hated children thinking they knew better. If Ryugi wanted her to observe life outside of the Forge, then fine, she could observe away, John would even show her a few things himself - but if anything happened to her....John would never forgive himself. Innocence is a thing which is lost only once, and can never be regained...although John understood Ryugi's reasons behind it, he wondered if the man understood the fragility of innocence and what its loss meant...

So, will you allow me to bring her along?

Ryugi seemed to understand, but he raised an eyebrow as the man spoke. I wouldn't underestimate my daughter, John. She's young yet, but already quite capable of defending herself. In any case, I would not suggest we bring her if I was not absolutely positive I could protect her from any harm that may befall her. He paused a moment more.

And exactly what are you dragging me into Mister Tomorrow? As far as I knew I was needed for my forging experience and my magical sensing abilities, you mentioned nothing about the potential for combat. Ryugi shifted his position against the wall and took another glance at the Aesir. Before this goes any further, I think you should tell me exactly what we should be expecting here. I'm in no position to go charging into combat all willy-nilly these days. Not with a family to think about.

Ryugi listened completely to John's story. It seemed like the typical tale of two cities where something had gone awry. He was fairly skilled at diplomacy, and it seemed that this job required more of his skills than the skills of John. In any case, given the circumstances, he saw no real reason why Ryumi couldn't come along on their trip. She wasn't kidding when she stated she was stronger than most people running around Latent, all she really lacked was experience. Whatever John's misgivings, Ryugi was certain the trip would be a good one for him and his daughter. Well, it sounds to me like a typical job. I may even get some business out of it. All things considered, I don't see why Ryumi couldn't come along. She'll have me for protection against any ill will targeted against her, so I'm certain things will be fine.

Your incentive is not needed, I'll go with you, and Ryumi will join us. It will be a good experience for her to see the world outside Latent, and to gain some perspective on her own life. That said, Ryugi hefted the bag over his shoulder and the wrapped object onto his back and called up the stairs to Ryumi. Ryumi! Come out here for a moment! I have something I want to tell you! A moment passed and after a short pause, Ryumi's head poked around the corner of the shop.

What's going on? Ryugi smiled and spoke. Well, Mister Tomorrow and myself are going to be going on a bit of a business trip to the Tellasa Province. It seems they're looking for someone to identify a lost sword of theirs, and they might need a diplomat as well. Ryumi looked puzzled as Ryugi spoke. However, I've decided that you should come along with me and see this place for yourself. Ryumi's pinkish-red eyes bulged and she smiled brightly.

Really?! I get to come along with you? Then she paused. Wait...but what about Uncle Grumpy? He was going to train me more tomorrow. Ryugi chuckled. Your uncle's training can wait. This is a chance for you to learn something you can't learn through training. You just have to see it for yourself, and...Mister Tomorrow says there is a slight chance of hostilities. The excited squeal that Ryumi unleashed was one only a young girl full of excitement could produce.

So I'll finally get to see you fight!? Ryumi looked absolutely giddy. Possibly. But we hope that's not the case. Anyway, you should run and tell your mother and uncle where we're heading, then we can get going, assuming your mother doesn't kill me first. Ryumi chuckled. Naw, Mom will be fine. She's always telling you to take me out of the city anyway and get me some fresh air. I'm sure she'll be happy. I'll be right back! That said, Ryumi disappeared behind the corner and footsteps were heard as she rushed about the house talking to people.

A few moments later Ryumi came down the stairs, a bracelet on her wrist and a feather around her neck. She still had her wooden sword at her hip as well, and a small bag of what Ryugi could only assume was snacks for the road. Vargus always thought about Ryugi's stomach, even if he sometimes forgot. Now don't you eat all that in one sitting young lady! And that goes double for your father! Ryugi chuckled as his love shouted a last minute warning from the window overlooking the storefront. Next time you show up Mister Tomorrow I expect you to come up to the door and knock. You're a friend, not a stranger, so don't be one! She left a final wave before she disappeared from view.

Well then, let's get going. We've got some traveling ahead of us before we get there I'd imagine. With that, Ryugi and Ryumi gathered their things and waited for John to lead the way.

Tomorrow Wrote:

"...I just realised...uh, do either of you fly, by chance? Or maybe teleport, or something?"

Ryugi blinked. Well, yes, I can fly, just not in this form. And the form that can fly, well... He glanced around the crowded streets of Latent. ...Let's say it isn't exactly middle of town material. Ryumi chuckled. Her father was right. If she'd learned anything from her training it was that humans generally preferred their human state over their true forms. Walking around town as a dragon tended to cause concern and general ruckus. Humans were strange creatures. So many species walked around town and they thought nothing of it. Lizard men, elves, dwarves, and all manner of magical beings seemed right at home in Latent. But a dragon walking around was seen as a danger. Perhaps it was because of the old stigma of dragons eating princesses and hoarding treasure...

However, once we get outside of town, then we can get this thing underway. So, I suppose you should follow me for the time being, Mister Tomorrow. Ryugi would then turn and head through the streets of Barton, after a brief swap to his more usual attire. If there was the threat of battle at all, his smithing clothes wouldn't hold up like his battle gear. The two dragons made their way through the crowds for some time, passing by shops of every sort and size until they would exit the city streets of Latent and pass beyond along the path towards the plains.

Now clear of the city, Ryugi motioned for John and Ryumi to stand back and wait for a moment.I'd stay about here if I were you. This could get a little windy... The warning in place, Ryugi would walk a few more yards down the path before stepping off the main roar and wandering into a small clearing. The energies about to be utilized and released weren't always the safest to be tossing around. As he came to a stop, Ryugi closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The soft breeze common across the plains blew across Ryugi's body as he stood perfectly still, calmly focusing his mind inward. His breathing slowed, and the world around him seemed to slowly fade away. More inward still he he became aware of the feeling of a soft thumping in his chest, the beating heart of his body, and the beating heart of his true form. Then, he found it, a small spark of energy within his body, a conglomeration of heat, light, energy, and strength. As calmly and serenely as he found it, he pressed all of his mental effort into it, focusing simply on his true state.

Heart of a Dragon Unleashed

Wind around Ryugi began to pick up, swirling around his body, slowly at first before pulsing into a furious gale that whipped and tore the green grass around him into the air. The thumping of his heart grew faster, stronger, more mighty and energy shot through his veins, his eyes snapping open, pupils shrinking to bestial slits and fiery red orbs. As the energy whipped around him in streamers and an aura of golden light pulsed from him, the young man threw back his head and let out a thunderous battlecry that echoed across the plains, along with a torrent of expanding energy that tore the ground under him to pieces.

The human state was maintained by keeping a lock on Ryugi's elemental powers, while still allowing him access to them for combat, but when that lock was removed, it forced his body to manifest into it's true form. For Ryugi was not a simple man, that was the true transformation. Ryugi Kazamaru was a proud and noble beast. He was a golden dragon. As the unbridled power of Ryugi's elements of fire and light burst free, his body evaporated in a shimmering aura of white light, blindingly bright, that permeated the ground and tore into the sky. The powerful human voice changed, warbled and boomed into the roar of a beast of legendary power and grace.

The white light expanded, huge sheets bursting free from the howling windy crater as Ryugi's mighty golden wings snapped outward. A jutting spear of flowing energy swept across the plains as his powerful tail came into focus, followed by the thick sinew and muscle of his limbs, and the regal spikes atop his head. There, for a moment, the huge form of the mighty beast was outlined against the white and gold, and twin red orbs gazed back upon the big Aesir and the young girl. This was the might that fueled all of Ryugi's powers. It brought life to his elemental bond with the planes, and drove his ferocious valor and courage. The shimmering golden scales came into view as the light faded to reveal the true majesty of the beast.

Scales as hard as the sturdiest plate mail adorned the entirety of the dragon as its red eyes seemed to burn from within with a fire of relentless strength and fervor. The wingspan was massive, as was the rest of the beast. Ryugi in his human state would only be roughly as large as the beast's head. The body was lithe and muscular, like the body of a cat rather than the body of a great lizard. This beast was built for strength, natural defense, and agility, the perfect blend of form and function rolled into a single form. Among the ancient and modern world, there was a reason that dragons still held an air of awe, mystery, and power, and as Tomorrow and Ryumi would gaze upon Ryugi, it was certainly clear why it was so. The energy emanating from the mighty dragon spoke volumes of its true power, but the strength of the creature was not being tested or challenged this day. The true form of Ryugi Kazamaru was ironically released simply to offer its mighty wings for transportation of the girl and himself to the town of Tellasa. As the energy faded and the wind discontinued its quickened dance across the plains, the mighty beast spoke, its voice booming, growly, and yet still that of Ryugi.

Well, now you know, John, what my true state is. Do be sure that you don't go around blabbering about it. I like to keep a fairly low profile... Now, Ryumi and I will follow you. Once we get within range of Tellasa we can land, allow me to change, and walk the rest of the way there. Something tells me they would not enjoy a mighty golden dragon landing at their front gates...

The mighty beast motioned for Ryumi to come forward, and the young girl happily made her way over to her father. This was the first time she'd ever seen his true state, though she knew instinctively what he was. It was still reasonably impressive. As Ryumi neared she made sure to examine the musculature, the thin wing membranes, the black claws, pearly white teeth, and strong red eyes, memorizing every detail. She wanted to remember this sight of her father for as long as she lived. Seeing him fight or not, this was a treat she wouldn't soon forget. She hopped aboard her father's back, and then looked back to John with a smile. Let's go Mister Tomorrow!

Dragon Form Size Comparison

Except the Angaran Hero was seen by an observer who happened to be around the area by chance. Said bystander was by no means anywhere near the dragon, but it wasn't exactly hard to spot a giant flying reptile. Having known the gold dragon personally, it wasn't exactly difficult for the man to figure out who it was.

Ryugi and his compatriots abandoned flown the coop. This was a opportunity the Void Knight couldn't let go to waste.

Decked out in his full battle regalia, the Death Knight strolled through the streets of latent. Without his helmet, chaos wyverns, or his multitude of intimidating auras, Argon wasn't nearly as frightening to the general populace as he usually would be. Granted, there were still those who were intimidated by the undead shade and eyed him suspiciously from afar, including choice members of The Lantian Spear.

"Don't cause us any trouble, necromancer."

Bemused that the ever suspicious metahuman authorities assumed him as nothing more than a necromancer, Argon allowed himself a smirk.

"Heh. You needn't worry about me."

Argon couldn't get within 1,000 feet of the Ironworks in any direction without revealing his whereabouts to its inhabitants; his magical presence was actually far too powerful for him to completely suppress from beings with great magical senses. However, the Void Knight scarcely had a reason to hide himself. Even the powerful shadow dragon Ryudo Kazamaru was outclassed by the power of the void, having been decisively bested in Angara by Argon's own hand.

Taking roost on a taller building well outside what he figured was the Shadow Dragon's maximum passive detection range, he focused his gaze towards the port side of town. His eyebrow perked as he looked down upon his enemy's home. The Kazamaru Ironworks were protected by enchantments of nearly unimaginable power, to the extent of which the void knight suspected that even the dragon brothers couldn't pull off such defensive magics without outside assistance. It was of no surprise, given Ryugi's chosen company, but Argon remained impressed at the handiwork nonetheless.

Impressed, but undeterred.

Focusing magical energy between both of his armored hands, the Death Knight created a sphere of pitch black energy roughly the size of a basket ball with no discernible physical features other than the sheer absence of such. Concentrating harder, the energy output shifted, with arcs of red-purple energy cackling from his fingertips into the suspended midair sphere between them. The Void Sphere responded, changing its color and form to mirror that of the energy poured into it.

"Seal Breaker."

Seal Breaker Wrote:

-Seal Breaker: [Void Sphere + Chrysm Burst]

By combining the power of the void with the corrupting properties of Chrysm Burst, the Death Knight is able to create a sphere that corrupts and ultimately disrupts the flow of magic. With enough time and mana, this spell is potent enough to destroy virtually any magical seal. Alternatively, the Death Knight could alter the conditions of a seal or absorb the mana into his own reserve, though such meddling would take more time than simply shattering it.

With a sudden shove, the Void Sphere was propelled towards the building with admirable speed. The sphere would collide with the figurative 'walls' of energy surrounding Ryugi's home, bolts of void energy cackling menacingly as those walls came crashing down under the power of Seal Breaker. The Void Knight's soul purpose was to destroy the seals set in place by the dragons around Destruction in Angara. While impressive, the enchantments surrounding the Ironworks stood little chance of stopping him.

No sooner than the inhabitants were no doubt instantly alerted of his presence, Argon emerged from a rift created within the ethereal void, literally right on their doorstep. Without hesitation, he pushed open the front door and allowed inside. The undead shade had waltzed in nonchalantly into the dragons den, circumventing the magical portion of their defenses in a single spell.

Ryudo's steely gaze didn't even crack, other than a very small grin and a dangerous glint in his eyes, as the Death Knight spoke about his supposed superiority to the shadow dragon. Getting mended by your lackey after being stupid enough to get yourself cleaved in half because you were stupid and arrogant did little to make any threats capable of being taken seriously. Had the Death Knight's associate, or keeper, or perhaps babysitter, had not shown up, the man would be dead and not bothering Ryudo with his existence. Ryudo took note of the fact that the man before him did not seemed armed for combat, but that only meant Ryudo wasn't simply going to kill him at this instant. Besides, he wasn't about to unleash his full power in the middle of Latent in any case.

In truth, Ryudo barely listened to the man's talk about how superior he was, how Ryudo was weak, and how he regrettably wasn't in Latent or at the Ironworks to try and kill Ryudo, Vargus, or Ryugi's new family. Ryudo's telepathic powers couldn't pick up anything from what was essentially a reanimate corpse made of compressed matter and energy, but he didn't need to. Plenty of other senses continued to monitor the man, just looking for an excuse to crush his head like a grape under a ton of psychic force. However, Ryudo knew control, and knew it well. However, his patience was not long for the Death Knight. You have sixty seconds. Speak. Sixty, fifty-nine, fifty-eight...

~Two weeks prior to Heaven or Hell...

Early that morning, before the Kazamaru Ironworks officially opened, a member of the family would discover that a mysterious visitor left them a calling card in the dead of night. Attached to the front door of the building was a note written in a distinct and overly elaborate script the head of the household was bound to recognize. Whoever discovered the note would no doubt be irritated as it was affixed to the door via a stab with a dagger, unfortunately leaving a permanent gash in the wood.

As to how the visitor managed to circumvent the powerful detection abilities of the four dragons in the household? For one, he approached when they were sleeping and didn't actually trespass on the premises. For two, the man was wearing a very stylish set of earrings that blocked the Shadow Dragon's telepathic detection and a very spiffy hat that granted him plot convenience in all team-related issues.

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote: