3/2/2003

02:36 AM

Logfile from Ichijin.

 

The Julliard School of the Arts

The Juilliard School is an integral part of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The lights of Avery Fisher Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, the New York State Theater, and the Vivian Beaumont Theater are all visible from it's broad sweeping windows. Every day of the year the greatest performers in the world appear within a few short yards of Juilliard's classrooms, held within the pristine white walls. Lincoln Center is indeed all of Juilliard's campus.

The school is devoted to three primary courses of study: Dance, Drama, and Music, each taught seperately, though the requisite courses that are not related to these programs are attended equally by all of its students. Otherwise the classrooms overlooking the bright lights of the courtyard are devoted to the different programs, practice rooms and stages added for student use.

Suzuno is here.

Obvious exits:

Lincoln Center   Meredith Willson Residence Hall

 

Ichijin

Long and svelte, fair and lean, aquiline features attend the almost aristocratic line of cheekbones and the rebellious tilt of his nose. Mouth is but a tinted slash above a rather strong jaw. Cracked moonlight and shadow have their way with his eyes, dappling irises of malachite with indolent abandon. Brooding rebellion: an ever wayward lock frequently seems to manage to escape the loose plait his long ash-blonde hair is often bound within as a forelock falls negligently over his brow while the rest of his hair descends down to mid-back.

Simplicity at its finest, he cuts a figure of modest tastes but at a generous budget. Pale khaki trousers draw along the length of his slim legs, descending down with cuffs that brush the tops of a pair of suede shoes. Palest sage dresses the cable-knit turtleneck, draping with tailored refinement from his shoulders to rest just a little beyond pants' belt line.

Ichijin appears to be 25 years, 2 months, and 27 days old.

He is awake and looks alert.

 

Suzuno

Large blue-gray eyes and long brown-streaked blonde hair are two of the first things noticed about Rainey, even though the fly-away rippled hair is pinned back in a bun more often than not. Long years of dance and performance training have given her a slight, yet subtly strong build not normally found in average people. Tall for a dancer but rather short overall, Rainey seems to have the appearance of great fragility hiding great strength. It's as if she understands more than someone of her age normally does - she wears a concentrating look when listening that inspires trust in her. Maybe her eyes have something to do with it...

It is equally common to find Rainey in either loose, comfortable, after-workout clothes, such as sweats, or quietly stylish wear not seen on every girl on the street. She dresses for comfort but seems to have a unique flair for style that lets her combine the best of both worlds in a manner all her own. She does [did] most of her clothes shopping back in France before she came over permanently, so it's extremely unusual to find someone else with her type of clothing.

Suzuno appears to be 17 years, 4 months, and 6 days old.

She is awake and looks alert.

 

Rainey is standing with a group of about four other girls of her age, all of various heights and hair colors, giggling in a cute school-girlish manner at some shared joke. She's easy to pick out as the only one not currently dressed in dancer's attire, but her pinned-up hair still gives away her choice of future profession for one who knows how to read the signs. People passing by give the group indulgent smiles, recognizing a group of friends having a fun time after classes. But finally the non-dance-dressed one breaks away, waving and smiling at her friends, turning to trot happily back in the direction of the Dakota.

 

Sebastian is settled quite a bit away from the gathering, drawn back so that he is leaning almost indolently against the wall. One leg is casually crossed before the other as his gaze trains down to apparently pursue a newspaper. Green-irised eyes flicker up to take note of the slight gathering, gaze drawing primarily upon one of the teenagers in particular. He waits until she draws closer before allowing the paper to slip from his fingers, trusting in the wind do the rest. "Oh, damn... grab that!"

 

Indeed the wind does, playfully tugging the paper farther along the ground away from Sebastian. And Rainey, being Rainey, hears the yell and starts sprinting after it. It's a brief game of cat-and-mouse as the paper skitters away from her a few times before she can grab it triumphantly, folding it with a satisfied nod and trotting back to Seb with a friendly grin on her face. "Is this yours?" she asks, holding out the paper to him.

 

Sebastian could just remain there against the wall and watch the girl scamper about after a paper. Right then and there he would be getting his entertainment quotient for the day. But, with a sigh, he pushes away from the building to meet her, one hand tucked into the pocket of his trous. An almost puckish grin is offered, but he doesn't reach for the paper quite yet. "Why thank you, lady," he drawls with that South African accent of his. Fingers waggle dismissively, "Clearly if this school thing doesn't work for you, you could take up employment as a paper catcher. You /are/ a student, I'm assuming...?"

 

Now, Rainey knows the warnings. 'Don't talk to strangers,' 'don't give away personal information,' and the like. And she abides by them, though her friends/seishi don't seem to think so. But she lived in Nice, a tourist capital, she knows there are wackos out there! But she also knows that Seb could probably figure that out yes, she is. "Yes, I am." Her own accent is clearly heard, though not imparing her use of the English language much.

 

Sebastian drops his chin in something of a greeting, wayward forelock drifting over an eye. "Easily assumed," he answers with something of a wink. But the man seems to consider her for a moment, head cocked slightly to the side as he studies the girl. "My, you do look familiar, but I'm sure you get that quite often." Yeah, considering that he just saw her picture in his files earlier today. "Might I have your name... if for no other reason to say that I met you once before you become famous?"

 

Rainey still smiles, but she shows she has common sense. "I believe it is not a wise thing to state your name to a stranger in this city." It's said with no hostility or suspicion, but rather an almost, but not annoying, indulgent tone. "I have not seen you before, though, so I do not know how I could seem familiar. And I shall never be famous, but that is fine."

 

Sebastian smiles faintly, nodding his head to her, "Entirely too true, and very admirable, lady." His head cocks to the side before he continues, a touch of confusion, "Never be famous? But apparently you are going to school here? However could you say such a thing?" Yes, there is still a touch of teasing in his tone.

 

"Not every person who comes to this school shall become famous, monsieur." Yes, she's still smiling. It's just her way. "Many leave, some have... problems-" Anorexia, anyone? Not her, though. "-others are simply not as good as they need to be. Some are there because their parents have money. I try and love it, but there are several better." She gives a little silent laugh. "Though most of them do not think I am that bad. I am not, but many there are wonderful."

 

Sebastian listens quietly to her before bobbing his head once more in understanding, "Ah, I had not readily considered that." His smile returns once more, "An interesting understanding into the life at that school." He flickers a glance to the buildings before finally bringing his attention back to her. "I'm sure there are all kinds of talent in there, as well as right here. Your field of study?"

 

It's like any school, really - there's always a level of politics when dealing with a private school. Money is definitely an issue you just can't escape. But Rainey nods at his assessment of the students at the school. "There are many talented people, musicians and actors and dancers. I am a dancer, in ballet." And it's a lot harder than many people think it is. Plus it stuns your development.

 

Sebastian has been to quite a few ballets in his lifetime, and slowly nods his head once more, "Ah, I'm sure that it is extremely difficult. It is quite a testament to your own abilities that you have pursued your interest in such a thing." He seems to muse lightly, "You never know what sorts of characters you'll meet from day to day, and talking with a ballerina is just one of those unique things." Another breath, "Seeing as I've taken up a bit of your time, I'll grant you my name and purpose, lady. My name is Sebastian, and I am one of those terribly maligned onisenshi."

 

Rainey's smile vanishes in a look of complete wide-eyed shock, a semi-panicked yelp - fortunately for Seb, muffled in the shock - released from her throat. The squeak is only audible to the two of them, but if a casual passerby saw her face closely, they'd most likely think that Seb was trying to take advantage of her or something. "Y-You are? What is your purpose here?" Unlike Rathan, and even Reese to a weird extent, his personal 'feel' just doesn't click with her, so she's nervous. Understandably. And understated.

 

Maybe because there isn't all that much to feel from him? Sebastian watches her blithely, dispassionate, taking in her every reaction. "Well, naturally, my purpose was to seek you out, lady." Rather obvious to him. "As you can tell, I'm not here to corrupt you, kidnap you, or otherwise try to kill you. That is not my intent whatsoever. Only to meet you... Mademoiselle Delflote." 

 

Rainey takes a deep breath and quickly gets herself back together. She'll believe him - for the moment. She trusts a hell of a lot more than the next person, but it generally works better /before/ the oni comes out of the closet. "Are you simply meeting as many of the Yang as you can?" No, she's not surprised at all that her name is known.

 

Sebastian and the miko are are upon the campus of the Julliard school, simply standing together and talking. The oni nods his head, waiting while she composes herself before continuing, "As in am I making the rounds of everyone? Only those I felt would be acceptable to approach. You seem like a rather engaging young woman, am I not correct? And apparently a talented one at that."

 

Rainey briefly wonders what makes her an acceptable to approach person, then discards the question. Then brings it up again, because she's not only a Byakko, she's the Byakko no Miko. The person who's going to drive Dylan to an early grave. "Why am I one of the ones you came to?" Curiosity. It has to be the faction trait. "And I do not accept compliments well, from any person." It's just a fact, and stated as such.

 

Mina had heard that her miko was still on campus and came in search for her.  Slightly confused, she needs to talk to Rainey about a certain oni that they both know and silly seishi that she is, she forgot to get her number. -.-;  Thus it's with a rather vain hope she finds herself at Julliard in search of her friend.  Sebastian is noted first and then Suzuno.  "Rainey," she calls out in greeting, dashing over to the pair.  "I'm so glad I found you.  I need to talk to you about..."  Trailing off, she gives the young man beside her miko a shy smile.  "Well, its not important."

 

Amefuri

Seafoam tresses fall in undulating waves around shy, pixie features before trickling to an end in the smooth caress of her lower back.  Fey aquamarine irises peer out at the world from beneath a dark fringe of lashes, managing to look lost and knowing at the same time.  Petite and lithe, there doesn't seem to be much substance to her small frame, but as in many cases, appearances can be deceiving.  There is an indication of stubbornness in the tilt of her angled jaw and the firm set of her generous lips.

Well-worn jeans swath limber limbs in denim so tight that it could be considered a second skin while a snug sweater skims over her upper torso in a vain attempt at warmth.  Cowboy boots peek out from the flared legs of the pants, their dusky leather setting her apart from the cosmopolitan feel of the city that she now calls her home.  You can take the girl out of the country, but it seems you can't take the country out of the girl.

Amefuri appears to be 18 years, 3 months, and 23 days old.

She is awake and looks alert.

 

Sebastian chuckles briefly, dropping his chin once more in acceptance. South African accent evident as always, "Point taken, lady." Head lifts once more, hand hands moving to clasp behind and at the small of his back, "For reasons that are my own, but above all, curiosity." His green-irised gaze trains over to the approaching young woman, watching this new teenager with a hint of amusement. Shy smile is greeted with an inclined head in greeting, "Good day, young miss." He flashes Mina a wink as well.

 

"Mina!" Yes, Rainey is surprised. She didn't think the other girl knew she danced, let alone went to the school - but then again, that's the seishi communications. Very excellent. "What are you here for?" She's pretty sure this man knows Ame-chan's a seishi, but if he doesn't, she isn't giving it away. But back to him. "I would very much like to know your reasons." Yes, she's politely blunt when she wants to be.

 

Turning slightly pink at the greeting and trying not to go weak-kneed at the accent, she waves off the 'young miss' bit.  "Mina, Mina Mitsukawa," she introduces herself easily.  Her attention is easily claimed by her miko, though, and she notes the surprised expression on the other girl's face.  "Cat told me where to find you," she reveals in response.  "I wanted to talk to you about-" Giving Sebastian a rather embarressed glance, she leans closer to whisper a name in Rainey's ear.  "I ran into him last night and we need to talk."  It's probably better that the girl hears what transpired from her friend and not from the boy himself.  Or at least hear the seishi's side of the story.  Oh yeah, Mina's all but exuding guilt.

 

Sebastian blinks benignly at Rainey once more, smiling softly, and responding with an, "I'm sure that you would. But my being who I am, and you being who you are... including who you associate with, it should be readily evident." Attention is inevitably captured by Mina once more, "A delight Miss Mitsukawa, or will you allow me the familiarity of using your first name? Mina..." Again with the nearly lupine grin that ghosts about his lips, but a nod to Rainey, "If you two need to discuss things, I won't take up any more of your time, mademoiselle."

 

Nakago

Standing a hand above six feet in height, his well-formed physique suggests both strength and grace as broad shoulders taper down to a deceptively slender waist, while distinctly well-callused hands terminate in elegantly well-manicured fingernails. Hair of golden blonde, cropped stylishly short, frames the handsome, nearly beautiful angularity of his ivory-hued face with its classically Roman nose, delicately sculpted lips, and slightly-canted eyes of frosty blue. Despite the ease with which a smile so often caresses the curve of his mouth, there remains a certain aloofness that seems to drape around him like a shroud.

Left unbuttoned at the throat, a tailored long-sleeve silk shirt of midnight blue clothes him like a second skin, neatly tucking into form-fitting black Armani slacks. Black Gucci shoes and matching belt complete the outfit, accessorized by a silver Rolex worn upon the left wrist and small blue pearl studs adorning both ears. A black leather trenchcoat enfolds the entire ensemble, offering some protection from the elements.

Nakago appears to be 34 years, 4 months, and 13 days old.

He is awake, but has been staring off into space for a minute.

 

Her eyes widen at the name Mina whispers, and she nods quickly, adding a "Just a minute, please." And then she looks back at Seb, trying to get a feel for him once more. "There are several things easily seen, monsieur." Rainey's voice is quiet, trying (but knowing she's probably failing) to keep Mina from worrying. Although it looks like her friend is worrying enough already. "But you do not seem the same as most others, and if you will forgive me, I suspect that you may perchance have... your own ideas. Now, if you will forgive me, I must speak with my friend." Anything having to do with 'that name' is automatically bookmarked in her head.

 

"Oh, but I'm being rude, Mr. err..."  Mina pauses in hopes of catching the South African's name.  "We can talk later, Rainey," she adds in a low voice.  Her guilt prevented her from really catching the undertones of the pair's conversation and she links arms with her miko, and innocuous gesture that still hints at the seishi's protectiveness.  "Is this man bothering you?"  Okay, so Mina doesn't make the most observant guardian.  She leaves that difficult task to Dylan.

 

Sebastian is being snubbed for girl chatter? Somehow, this doesn't quite surprise him. He bows his head once more in understanding, again that wayward forelock of his determined to drop over an eye, "Again, forgive me for keeping you." But, inevitably, he is smiling back at Mina, and finishing, "Davis, but you can call me Sebastian. As for bothering her... possibly. But Mademoiselle Delflote is quite engaging and I couldn't help myself."

 

Nicholas finds himself in a rather unusual location -- the school of fine arts.  Why, one might ask?  Work-related, of course.  He is dropping off some material for one of the professors here who wished to have some statistics to present to her class about stress-related psychiatric disorders.  That explains the briefcase held on one hand as e strides along, trying to figure out where he should be headed.  Perhaps he shall stoop low enough to ask someone for directions... How handy, and unexpected.  Faces he recognizes.  Altering direction slightly, he angles towards the two young women and their oni companion.  "Good day, ladies and gentelman.  Would one of you perhaps be able to direct me to Professor Evans' office?"  A pleasntly neutral smile is firmly in place, as usual.

 

"He is not bothering me, Mina." And indeed... he's really not. Odd. "Otherwise you would know." And she would. The miko is not that good at keeping her frustration hid. Nakago's arrival - who she doesn't know - is blinked at, and she looks up... and up. He's a tall man. "I believe it is right inside..." and she continues with the directions, using appropriate hand motions to accentuate the turns.

 

Mina gives Sebastian a searching gaze, but naive thing that she is, takes the man at his word.  Beaming proudly up at the blond, she nods her head in agreement.  "She is very engaging isn't she," she agrees happily.  Then pauses.  Oh, that sounds so... well... gay.  "Not that I find her engaging in.. erm.. that way."  Help!  Nicholas' intrusion is met with relief.  "Not me, I'm sorry to say," she apologizes.  "I don't attend Julliard."  Peering at the professor interestedly, she cocks her head and questions, "But... I've seen you before, sir?"  Looking in relief at Rainey, she still keeps her arm linked with the other girl's, "Okay, Rainey.  So how do you know Mr. Davis again?"

 

Sebastian offers Rainey another pleasant smile, one such response seemingly plucked out more and more in the presence of these two teenagers. But his attention focuses upon Nicholas as he approaches. Now, this time, there is indeed an almost amused cant to his features, lending primary along the barest tickle of a grin and the glimmer in his eyes that has absolutely nothing to do with the available light. "Sorry, I cannot help you there, professor." Nakago asking directions from an oni? There simply has to be something wrong with that. No, Seb is only stalking the Byakko no miko. Nothing much else. Mina is given another teasing wink, "I completely understand, and we actually just met."

 

"Thank you, miss," Nicholas pleasantly comments to Rainey before shifting his attention to the other teenage woman.  "Actually, I do believe we /have/ met.  You are a friend of Catherine's, are you not?  We share her as a common acquaintance, if I am not mistaken.  And I must say, I do not know how she would feel about the company you keep, young lady.  Have you never been told not to converse with strangers?"  Only now does Nicholas spare a glance for Sebastian, dropping the chastising tone in favor of a very professional manner.  "As for you, sir, it is an unexpected pleasure to see you again.  I've actually been meaning to contact you about an artistic associate of yours, but the appropriate moment just never seems to occur.  Perhaps it was fate that led me here at this time, although it unfortunately appears that you are otherwise occupied at the moment."

 

"I retrieved his newspaper for him. The winds stole it." And then everything else goes right over Rainey's head. The combination of not knowing Nakago, being a bit shaken by his way of speech, and worry over that name (mostly the last) makes her miss the point entirely where normally she'd get it. "You are welcome, monsieur. Now, if you will excuse us?" While the first is directed to Nicholas, the second is to both the men, and she tugs Mina a significant distance over to the side, her own face a bit anxious, worried by Mina's worry. "What happened?" She keeps her voice quiet, to protect from eavesdroppers.

 

Mina is duly chastised but she feels the need to defend herself.  "I happen to know that Catherine adores Rainey, sir."  Looking only slightly mutinous, she adds, "And since there's so few people in the city that I know, everyone's a stranger."  As Nicholas' attention wavers towards Sebastian, she sticks out her tongue and makes a grimacing face.  "He's worse than my father," she complains softly to her miko as she's dragged away.  She glances quickly over her shoulder, but the men seem to be involved in another discussion entirely.  "I ran into him in the park last night," she admits guiltily.  "I just wanted to tell him to make sure that he doesn't endanger you with his... activities.  But we ended up making a pact."  The last sentence is finished on a whisper, the seishi lowering her eyes to stare at the scuffed patterns on her boots.

 

Sebastian flickers a glance back to Nicholas, an almost wry grin perched upon his lips. Pale eyebrows lift, giving just the slightest hint of curiosity to merge with challenge. "Really," he drawls slowly. "I had wondered if Kourin's giving you my card would come to anything or no. Please feel free to speak to me at any time about such." He looks back to the girls, smile turning once more as they begin to huddle off, clearly to talk about boys. Teenagers. A chuckle, and then a glance back to Nicholas, "Well, I imagine that while fate dabbles here and there, I'm not quite so sworn a believer in it. Is this something that can be discussed here, or another time, professor?"

 

"If you do not mind speaking in vague terms, I see nothing wrong with at least beginning a dialogue here.  It is not as if we are in the company of anyone who shoud not be privy to such information as may be discussed, after all."  Ice-blue eyes briefly flick towards the two girls as Nicholas speaks to the other gentleman.  "I was simply wondering how honorable your brush-wielding comrade is.  Can he be trusted to keep his word, or is he someone who should be regarded with a healthy degree of skepticism?"  Slightly inclining his head in a gesture of respect towards Sebastian, he adds, "I believe I can trust you to answer honestly, since there is little reason for mistrust or misdirection between you and I."

 

Rainey knows she isn't going to like something about this. She can read Ame-chan very well, as the other can read her, and all this is just blaring sadness and guilt. Although if she knew of the two men's reaction to their discussion, she'd probably be throwing something at both their heads. You don't trivialize stuff like this. "Ame-chan..." she whispers back, worried. "What is this pact you speak of? I am glad you felt to protect me, but what did you say to each other?" They should really, really be having this conversation in private.

 

The 'brush-wielding comrade' remark catches Mina's attention and she frowns in Sebastian and Nicholas' direction.  It brings back memories of another discussion regarding an artist, and the coincidence that the professor could be interested in anyone else by the infamous Malachai is pretty much slim to nil.  Licking her lips in indecision, she tries to split her attention between both conversations and fails miserably.  It's her miko who finally manages to snag her attention again and she makese another face, this one riddled with doubt and worry.  "We made a pact to... anou, what were his words... 'distract' each other if you returned to Tatara and Kai... Kai became involved with someone else."  Flushing brightly, she grabs Rainey's hands and pleads, "So you can't abandon him, because I think this distraction that he talks about is.. erm... naughty."

 

Sebastian grins faintly, nodding his head for a brief moment before stepping closer to Nicholas to talk. The Byakko aren't even given a backward glance as he responds, "Clearly, the man has his uses, this is obvious. He has always done what is asked of him, although anything more than that..." Yes, that would be a rather negligent shrug of his shoulders."What brings about your asking me this?" he queries, peering over to the seishi with traditionally bland features.

 

"Two of my own associates, both of whom possess more ability than intellect, have a rather distressing knack for meeting this artist and becoming subjects of his masterpieces.  I merely wish to ascertain what degree of concern I should direct towards his activities.  As of yet, they have been more of a nuisance than an actual inconvenience, and my associates have likely deserved what treatment they received via his pigmentary pursuits."  Nicholas pauses for a moment, as if to decide how best to phrase his next comment.  "If he is a man of his word, I see no reason to interfere with his chosen career since he has treated with my companions fairly thus far, but if he is not to be trusted, I may need to have a gentleman's conversation with him regarding what sorts of behavior will and will not be tolerated."

 

Oh... my... god. That's Rainey's initial reaction to Mina's dilemma, accompanied by a widening of the eyes out of slightly-disturbed shock. "Mina... You cannot be serious..." Distract each other? Naughty? Ohhhhh nooooooooo, she doesn't want to think about what that means at all! Her own face flushes a bit at the thought - that's just wrong! Eew! Get out of her head! "Ame-chan, not only is that disturbing," Duh! "But you ask the impossible... When Tatara comes, I shall go with him."

 

Mina just /stares/ at Nicholas.  "Is he jealous, do you think," she asks Rainey distractedly, perhaps it's her futile attempt to change the subject.  One that fails as she notices Rainey's expression.  Nodding her head mutely, she looks glum.  "Are you sure, Rainey?  What if Tatara's changed?"  What if he's a chibi?!?   Still, she owes her loyalty to her miko and the other seishi and she sighs.  "Oy, what a pickle I've gotten myself into."

 

Sebastian's phone begins to ring.

 

"Far be it for me to interfere in any way between you and our artistic friend, a discussion or no," Sebastian replies, ducking both hands into the pockets of his trous. "Again, he has always been rather useful individual, but as for vouching for his word? That I cannot do. All I can give you in reassurance is that he has always been rather... straightforward around me." And then the phone rings, "Begging your pardon." The man steps back to answer it.

 

Sebastian picks up his phone.

 

Not as much information as Nicholas might have hoped for, but any addition to his knowledge of the situation is appreciated.  He nods to Sebastian as the other man moves away to take a phone call, but in case the oni has anything else to share he decides not to leave just yet.  Of course, since the two ladies seem involved in a rather private discussion, this leaves Nicholas idly glancing around in boredom.

 

<Phone> The only sounds for a little while are frantic rubbing and whimpering. After a while, though, a rather weak female voice comes across the line: "Sebastian? Are you busy at the moment? I, um, need a mild sort of rescue, and I can't feel my legs."

 

<Phone> "Yes," drawls Sebastian's voice, a touch distracted if the tone is any indication.

 

<Phone> Sebastian says, "Where are you?"

 

<Phone> Reese sucks in a breath. "Central Park, north side. On the path with the rocks - know the place? I'm on a boulder." Oh, you know this can't be too good.

 

<Phone> "I've been there before," Sebastian replies after a moment. "Hang on." Short. Terse. And to the point. "Is there anyone there I should know about?"

 

Rainey glances at Nick, then shakes her head as an indicator of his possible jealously being on the definite periphery of her attention. "If Tatara has changed, then I shall see how he has changed, and if he is not still the same Tatara inside." Rainey's fingers tighten on Mina's, trying to offer at least a little comfort. "Rathan respects you. He will not force you into anything you do not want to do."

 

<Phone> Reese replies a little slower, but considering the circumstances, it's understandable. Hopefully, her calling Sebastian out is forgivable too. "No one that you need to worry about. I just need a strong back and I'm saving my chi for any emergencies that might crop up. Calling Benito out would tax me more than I'd like."

 

<Phone> "Alright. Conserve your energies and I'll be right there," Sebastian replies, again rather terse.

 

You hang up your phone.

 

Mina looks relieved at the miko's comforting grasp.  "You're right, for all that he says he's broken, he's really a very nice guy.  Take care of his heart, Rainey.  I got the feeling that he doesn't give it easily or often."  Giving the other girl a wry glance, she can't help but laugh, "You know, this is a conversation that I'd never thought we'd have in any lifetime."  Boy these oni are a tricky lot.

 

Sebastian clicks his cellphone shut, sliding it into a pocket. Not even a muttered curse or anything, but he does flicker a glance to the others. "My apologies, but duty calls..." Not bothering to do any of those rather silly attempts at hiding or anything of the sort, the man simply slashes a finger down through the air, right there on the sidewalk to rip open a portal. Without further ado, he steps through and disappears.

 

You open a portal to Central Park (Northern End).

 

You step into the portal, sensing an odd disorientation for a moment.

The sense of distortion continues, with a sense that your forward rush of motion is much greater than your initial step into the portal...

 

Central Park (Northern End)

Walking farther north through the park, you find that there are several pathways you can take. A two lane asphalt roadway is open on occasion to incoming cars who wish to cross NYC by a more scenic route, but mostly it is made for the myriad of bicyclists and joggers that flood the roadways as they exercise their right to exercise. Otherwise, one can walk the simple pedestrian walkway that weaves through park, stone sidewalks guiding your path. The more intrepid actually climb about the erratics, huge metemorphic stones flung from the ice age into a city they did not originate.

Up ahead, the Metropolitan Museum of Art sits at the edge of the park and Fifth Avenue. Around the back and to the north side are huge glass windows, spanning all the way up to the roof, and revealing the greek/roman statue gardens within, as well as an authentic Egyptian Temple. To the west of the museum, you can see a tall obelisk, the weathered surface testament to the wet climate of NYC, though it had once stood untouched in the dry climate of its homeland.

Akurei is here.

Obvious exits:

Central Park (SO)   Museum   Cleopatra's Needle

There is an open portal to The Julliard School of the Arts.

The distortion ceases abruptly as you step out of the portal.

 

You have closed the portal.

 

The bad guys have just left, and Reese lies there, the small ball of oni that she is, in obvious pain. Beside her is a large pile of melting slivers of glass, and one of her legs is bent only because she's moved it with her arm. The upper half of her is looking all right, save for her front side, where a checkerboard of bruises is beginning to form across her bare skin. Oh yea. Someone had fun.

 

Sebastian, unfortunately, had to portal in from another corner of the park, and is now arriving at something of a jog. He doesn't jog for everyone, you know. As his gaze sweeps the area, it finally alights upon the huddled form. He looks up from her to scan the area, just in case as he run finally has him reaching the young woman. "Reese?" he queries softly, taking in everything of the scene in a glance, dropping to he knees before her.

 

"Parts of her," Reese replies, considerately moving her bleeding arm away from Sebastian. There's a nasty bruise there, where it seems she has moved a patch of skin to stop the bleeding, and she shifts a little to look at the man and smile. "I was frozen from the waist down, while I was running. Trust me, falling on your ass on this rock is no good thing. Can you take me home? I need a bath, and some pain removers. And be gentle - a wall of ice fell into me."

 

Sebastian frowns rather considerably at her state, eyes scathing in that they leave no part of her unnoticed. Again, he is shredding through the air to create another portal, but is drawing back down in the next moment to reach gently for her, heedless of any blood or whatnot. Moving to take her in his arms, he stands and prepares to take her through.

 

You open a portal to Royal Elizabeth-Penthouse 1.

 

"Oh, don't give me that look," Reese murmurs, knowing full well exactly what energy she can and cannot use. "I told you, I had an emergency supply of chi. Genbu has this crazy warrior on their side - he's pretty impressive. I had to pull out the big gun." Still mindful of Sebastian's clothing, she carefully extends her arm around his neck, doing her best to scooch the rest of her over. "I think I would have won, had we kept going, but I would've probably been a bigger chunk of ice. We agreed to disagree. Crazy ice walls," she mutters, leaning her head against the man's chest and sighing. 

 

You step into the portal, sensing an odd disorientation for a moment.

The sense of distortion continues, with a sense that your forward rush of motion is much greater than your initial step into the portal...

Royal Elizabeth-Penthouse 1

It is a penthouse, a swanky penthouse at that. Plenty of windows, wood flooring, elegant lines and a modern look. You've got your sunken living area, long and dark dining table close to the windows that overlook a balcony decorated with topiary and such. Off to some side is the way towards the bedroom, double-doors left open just enough to get a hint of a large bed and more expensive furniture. All in all, it looks like a place that could use a far better description.

Obvious exits:

Exit

There is an open portal to Central Park (Northern End).

The distortion ceases abruptly as you step out of the portal.

 

You have closed the portal.

 

Sebastian carries Reese through the portal and continues on towards the bath area of the master bedroom. All the while, he listens quietly to her speaking. Gently, the man settles her on a seat in there before moving over to run some water and begin to rifle through the cabinets. "I can probably have a private physician over within the hour, if you require one. He has been handsomely purchased for his silence."

 

Reese shakes her head and raises her voice a little, eyeing her own skin. "I wasn't frozen too long, and I don't think my toes are going to fall off. The only thing I'll need is a couple stiches for the arm," she says, raising it up. "Remind me to miss my veins, next time I need a little extra fodder?" She sighs, shaking her head. "It was really sloppy, I guess. I should never have let them get so close to... to doing their job."

 

Sebastian tends to the bath, testing the water to make sure it is warm, but not too much so. Efficient as ever, he returns to Reese, this time carrying her to the water, clothes and all. More than likely they were probably frozen to her.  He flickers a glance to her arm, and then continues, "What brought all of this on?"

 

Reese sighs, for laugh of a better word, orgasmically, relishing the feel of her nerve endings, though the warmth makes it feel like her entire lower half is scorching. "A couple days back, I got attacked by a kid named Chase in a restaurant. Kind of strong, very dense. Pretty clean-cut win, there. Then I went for a walk in the park, and met this crazy guy named Travis, and Brice, Chase's brother. I wasn't exactly itching for a fight, but it happens. It happened." She slides downwards into the tub, submerging her head gently before coming back up, wet and grinning. "I got one really good. Two fast guys at once, though - it was hard."

 

Sebastian moves to stand, locating a robe. Dunno who it belongs to considering the number of people who live there, but it is draped off to the side. He returns once more, rolling up his sleeves and gesturing her to shift here and there as he makes as if too remove her now sopping wet clothes. "These are the Genbu?" he asks, keeping busy himself. "I wish you had contacted me before you had to deal with them both, but... as you said, these things happen. Will they be a problem in the future do you believe?"

 

Reese nods her head mildly, holding up one of her hands to pause the man. "I would have, Sebastian, but they attacked me, and Travis really lost it. Honestly, the kid is insane. I had barely realized that they were prepping for a fight before this ice was coming towards me. With spikes. I'm sorry," she murmurs, voice small. "Mm-hmm. I'll give you descriptions of them later, but I don't think I have to worry about them too much. Brice is a reasonable kind of guy, so long as his brother isn't involved. Worry about Travis, if anything, but I think I crushed his chest. The word for him is juggernaut." As she speaks, though, she has meekly sunk into the tub, looking at Seb with torn eyes. "Sorry I had to call you away so quick. Were you busy?"

 

"Of the Genbu... I do not know of this Travis. He must be new. I know about the brothers, the one who is with Dylan, and the girl. I believe that their miko is staying with... Brice? I think," Seb replies. Well-payed minions to follow the known seishi just lead him to more seishi. He delves his hands into the water, reaching for her legs to try to get a sense of just how cold they are. "You don't need to apologize, not for something like this, Reese."

 

Thankfully, Reese's legs have warmed up considerably, and it's at the opening between pants leg and shoe that she really needs to worry. The girl moves, untying her laces and easing her feet out of the black sneakers, sighing as she test wriggles her toes. "Oh, thank god," she purrs, beaming. "You know more than I do, but not by much." The girl shakes her head, and tests something, pulling just a little chi from Sebastian and forcing her blood to move a little quicker, pushing vessels open and blinking. Her happiness is in the form of a wan smile, shone upon the man. "I keep feeling as if I need to. You don't strike me as the type who likes playing babysitter or getaway car." I mean, dang, the guy blows up buildings as stress relief.

 

Sebastian shakes his head from side to side, "I try to keep an eye on them." The files that Seb has on the seishi are filling up rather nicely as time wears on. He winces a little at the pull of chi from him, feeling decidedly uncomfortable at that, but seeing as it doesn't take all that much for him to portal about, he has more than enough to spare. "Reese, you don't. While I'd really rather that you not get into skirmishes with the sei, I know it is inevitable. And I trust that you will not get into the habit of doing this often?" He shoots her a most pointed glance at that last. A sigh though, "But you know full well that I will respond if you need anything. Are you ready to get out now?"

 

"Sorry," Reese murmurs pathetically, sinking lower into the tub and blowing a bubble or two. "But it's about the only thing I /can/ do. Otherwise, I'm just sitting around, collecting bodies, trying to make friends with people who hate me by nature. I want to help you and Lexie, but I don't have the subtlty that you do, or the will to push myself nearly as far psychologically as you do. I can't fake anything that well," she amplifies, frowning. "I think you would, but I don't like to trouble you." With a cringe, she pushes herself up, testing her foot as she gets out, biting her lip but stubbornly wanting to find her feet without aid. It is mildly successful, until she tries to walk. Joints. Right...

 

Sebastian is there with the robe, just in case. As she does falter, he is there to wrap her up once more and sweeping her off to the bedroom. "I suppose some of us are a bit more prone to the passions of the moment and getting into a bit of trouble than others." That's certainly the truth. "You are one of our god's own, and therefor not a trouble -although certainly a trial at times. You are one of his for a reason, subtle or no." He reaches over to smooth down a portion of her hair before moving down to try to rub more feeling into her legs and joints. He wouldn't do this for every oni. "Please just try to get some rest. We'll discuss this more later."