Kazamaru Ironworks

[Maximos]

It was just about the time that Ryugi shut the closet door that he would hear a loud...

THUNK!

The loud sound was accompanied by the abrupt feeling of something banging into the other side of the door. This was shortly after followed a groaning sound, and a muffled voice that said something like, "Corner. This...is a closet. Open space. Not. Ow."

The dragon in question would likely not be surprised when or if he opened the door and saw Maximos standing inside of it holding Ryugi's necklace in his one hand, while rubbing a red welt on his forehead with the other.

"Oh hey, Ryugi! That's a very nice closet you have here." He said, his voice a bit more cheerful than his face. He offered Ryugi his necklace, "I assume you'll want this back, yes? How're you my friend?"  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

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?  

[Tomorrow]

"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.  

[Maximos]

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]

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 xp

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

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

Maximos

"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."

Ryugi seemed to calm a little at the urging of his brother and Maximos, and more so as Maximos continued to talk. He grinned when he spoke of his headache. Next time, Ryugi would be sure to pick the corner, rather than the closet, for a landing zone. Then, he asked for tea, and before Ryugi could respond, Max was already offering to make them some. Ryudo, however, would not have this.

In our culture, as in yours, Mister Dark, it is customary for the guest to enjoy the company while the host provides. As my brother is...indisposed, I shall make you some tea. But, if it is some special brew you wish to make with a distinct preparation, you may feel free to assist me. Ryudo had picked up on Max's tapping of his coat pocket. The only person Ryugi knew that was more perceptive than Ryudo was Maximos himself. Ryudo would stand and motion towards the kitchen, which did indeed have a stove. He'd then walk over to it to begin the preparations for tea, waiting for Maximos to join him.

As Max would certainly stand and begin walking towards the kitchen along with Ryudo, a metallic knocking and a doorbell sounded through the apartment. Ryugi was quickly up on his feet and walking towards the door, checking the peek-hole to see who was there. He was greeted by a massive chest. The author, finding it more amusing to leave who's chest up to the imagination, had Ryugi blink. He shook his head before opening the door, and immediately smiled, then opened his eyes wide and gawked. There before him was the petite form of Hono, and the mountainous John Tomorrow. If ever there was a more mismatched couple, Ryugi wasn't aware. Ryugi hadn't seen John since a brief meeting at the finals of the first HoH, and then more recently before HoH '11. Of course, there were hazy memories of something in the void, but that was somewhat unclear. He picked his jaw up and spoke, realizing he was supposed to invite them in and not stare at the sheer size of John.

Ah! Hono, Mister Tomorrow, I'm glad you join join us today. Please, come in and make yourselves at home. My home is yours. Ryugi then stepped back to allow Hono and the giant of a man to enter the apartment. It's good to see you again, both of you.  

[Maximos]

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?"  

[Tomorrow]

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]

Maximos

"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?"

Ryudo was silent for a moment as he took in Maximos' question. If Ryudo was at all insulted by Max's use of his first name, he showed no outward signs of irritation. He began preparing the tea and spoke to Max as he did so. It's an Angaran blend, made from the dried leaves and root of the Creep Vine. I find it pleasing. Unlike Ryugi, Ryudo was never excessive in his comments. People could even say he said too little. He was down to earth, and sometimes what he didn't say was as much a part of his conversation as what he did say. He had a way of seeking balance in the world, and was a true realist, even if some saw him as pessimistic. As for your question, Mr. Dark, my niece fell into the category of possible factors for giving my warning. Ryudo allowed himself a grin as the water began to come to a boil, and he glanced in Max's direction. My eyes are not yours, Mr. Dark, but I can still foresee a great many things in my own way.

Across the room, there was a joyous greeting.

HonoRaven

"Konnichiwa Ryugi~Sama, O-genki desu ka?" Not waiting for his reply she grinned and pounced to hug the dragon... opportunities like this were few and far between... she doubted that she would see him so off guard any time again soon blaugh

her own author needed to take a moment to point out that unless Ryugi's peep-hole in the door was only about four feet off the ground there was no way that he could have been looking at Rae's chest, she was just too short for that!

"Guten Tag Maximos!" She called out softly towards the funny tugging feeling in her gut

Ryugi stumbled, but managed to catch himself as he was quite literally glomped by the black-and-redhead. Ryugi was easily capable of lifting over ten times Hono's weight, and yet he was still knocked of balance and caught off-guard. He returned her hug as best he could before setting her down to catch his breath.

Tomorrow

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...

Then, before he could respond to Hono. Ryugi's hand, wrist, and even part of his firearm was gripped in the paw of the giant man. John didn't so much shake hands as he shook arms, and Ryugi was jarred about, feeling a little dizzy once again. However, he did his very best to accept the "handshake" and return it with a more feeble one of his own.

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.  

[Maximos]

"Well that sounds quite delicious." He said with a smile. Honestly Maximos quite liked Ryudo's silence. It wasnt an insult to the Shadow dragon it was that the reason and method behind it, at least in the way Maximos saw it, was familiar if not nostalgic. In the end, once a person chooses to open their eyes they cannot decide what they do and do not see. Ryudo, like Maximos, had his eyes opened to the world. Its truth, and most tragically, its darkness. For some this drove them mad. For some this simply infected them until all they could do, was become evil themselves. But for those that survived that, there was one lingering problem...

"And you do so quite well, with great wisdom. I almost feel like I'm cheating!" Maximos replied, returning a grin in tandem with the shadow-drake. Grins were rare, they were to be shared!

...the rest of the world. If the entirety of the world could truly see the world as it really is...they would be lost. Mad. Evil. Or worse! Covering it was the only option. Stuffing it in the shadows from whence it came. For Ryudo this was accomplished by being silent. He internalized his realizations, pooled and pondered over them, grew and learned. For Maximos however, took a different path...

...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?"