Citadel setting; Open to all

[deadly_rose]

'This is certainly different.'

Kurama looked up, studying the buildings all around. But his expression remained neutral. Almost bored, as if finding himself in a new place was an every day occurrence. When he tilted his head back down, his bright green eyes were closed and he shrugged carelessly and slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks. He started walking, just strolling along as his eyes reopened to watch where he was walking.

It could easily just be another day for him, just after school had let out for the day and he was headed home with his school satchel hanging from a shoulder. His stride certainly didn't lengthen any. By all accounts, he was bored out of his mind. A normal, Japanese, school boy who happened to have brilliant red hair and bright green eyes.

There was no indication that he was wary of his circumstances, disbelieving everything he'd been told as to what had happened; let alone that he was mildly concerned as to what those he'd left behind might think of his sudden disappearance.

Comments

[dulcet_cellist]

Sebastian was in deep thought over the book he was carrying, something he'd found with the help of the God librarian. He'd had his powers for a short time and was slowly trying to adjust to them, trying to sort out what caused his sudden disappearance....no, invisibility. He was not disappearing. Bucky reminded him of this often.

So when he glanced up to make sure he wasn't about to run into something he realized it wasn't a something he should be concerned with. He was quit literally walking straight into someone and only just caught himself in time.

"Excuse me. I'm sorry." he said quickly, stopping abruptly and a moving a little awkwardly to one side. But his attention was captured by a pair of brightly green eyes that instantly reminded him of Jack.

[deadly_rose]

He couldn't control how other people walked, no matter what Hiei might say on how to change that. Kurama was used to people coming close to walking into him, considering the streets of home. Well. His second home.

But at least the other stopped before collision and apologized politely. It was enough to earn a slight bow at the waist, human style. "The error is partially mine."

It was easy to grow distracted when one read while walking, even if the person knew the area well.

"I am new here; I'm afraid the scenery quite captured my attention." A little bit of information given, perhaps he'd get a guide.

[dulcet_cellist]

"Oh." So this person had just arrived and he seems very polite. Compared to some Sebastian has met during his stay. loki, for example. Okay. To be fair. Loki was polite enough. He was also an arrogant God with an attitude. Hannibal had been very polite, as well. And Trowa.

He really needed to stop thinking about them at the moment and bowed politely in return. "You're very calm considering the circumstances. I'm Hokori Sebastian Carter. I am pleased to meet you..."

[deadly_rose]

Kurama was quite practised with appearing completely human. Mannerisms. Niceties. He just happened to not care about all but a handful. To be fair, it was fun to play up 'nice human boy' around Hiei. It pissed the other demon off to distraction.

"Minamino Kurama; a pleasure."

This human didn't look Japanese, and yet that bow was comfortable and well practised. Interesting - a half blood, perhaps? Or merely someone familiar with the culture?

"I see no point in throwing a fit."

[dulcet_cellist]

"No. Why would anyone throw a fit over being kidnapped from their home?" Sebastian snorted softly, nothing subtle about the sarcasm laced words. It wasn't directed towards this polite newcomer, but towards the Weavers who gave and took as they pleased.

Yes. He is a little bitter. Losing things that are important to him does that. At least he still has Bucky and now Natasha. And there is Mr. Coulson who feels more like an Uncle. And he's met new people recently.

Focus on the good, Sebastian.

"Have you traveled between realms-um, worlds before?" Realms reminded him of Loki.

[deadly_rose]

"You'll have to forgive me, I'm afraid. Back home I work at the whim of a god; I'm accustomed to change."

Ah, so that was a sensitive subject with this one. Kurama didn't apologize. Instead, his lips twitched almost into a smile, amused in a way that could appear apologetic. Foxes liked playing games.

"Yes. There are three worlds where I am from. The human world, the spirit world, and the demon world."

[dulcet_cellist]

"No, please forgive me." Sebastian bowed his head politely. "That was rude of me."

He looked away and back again, schooling his expression into something less defensive and more welcoming.

"Which world do you come from? You appear human, but I've learned not to judge a book by it's cover here in the Citadel." He's met a God, a super hero, Nightmare Wraiths that look like bullies and dead lovers.

[deadly_rose]

A rather intelligent human. Kurama didn't let his eyes narrow warily. Hiei would be throwing a fit, if he hadn't already simply killed the human for that question.

Experience was in those eyes, telling the demon just a little more. This place, this 'Citadel', was far from the human world he knew.

"That is probably wise of you."

Choice made, he allowed himself a small smile.

"The human world." Strictly true, he'd fallen asleep in his bed the night before, woken up and gone to school. He hadn't been asked directly if he actually was human, after all.

[dulcet_cellist]

"But you work at the whim of a God." Sebastian pointed out, but he doesn't ask if he's human, spirit or demon. Does it really matter? Probably not. Not unless this person was planning to attack and so far he hasn't done anything to suggest that is his purpose. Wraiths appeared as people he knew, but they were clearly dangerous, they wanted to hurt, to cause pain, to kill if they could.

"So you've recently arrived and been given the basic information to get you started. But if you have any more questions...I've been here for some time and I know where the best place to get tea is located. But some things have changed recently so beyond the main island I'm afraid there isn't much I can tell you."

[deadly_rose]

"I'm not the only mortal who works for the gods of the Spirit world, Hokori-san." He hadn't been given a reason to attack. Not to his code of honour, at least. Kurama didn't have a reason to care, either. Yet.

The mention that things had changed recently finally earned the slightest narrowing of eyes. "If it's not too much trouble, would you explain what has changed and why?" The rest he was certain he could figure out himself. If not, well, he had an informant already.

[dulcet_cellist]

"There are islands that I haven't visited yet. Things are far more spread out than before. Where I live literally moved...physically moved from one part of the city to another. And there are...new creatures."

Sebastian glances around at the buildings and people.

"You're also not the first mortal with secrets whom I've met since arriving here, Minamino-san."

[deadly_rose]

Kurama studied Sebastian as the human spoke, describing things he'd never seen before. Yet there was no hint of deception. He looked away, also considering the buildings and noting what signs there were that something that monumental had happened. Creatures.

He allowed himself a bit of a smile. "So I see. Is there a system set up to make certain these creatures do no harm to those who cannot fight?"

[dulcet_cellist]

"There is a team of people who volunteer their talents to help protect those who cannot fight. But they can't be everywhere at once."

Sometimes the Wraiths strike when you least expect them. Sometimes there isn't anything you can do but fight and hope you don't die. Killing the image of someone you once loved.

Sebastian stared off at nothing for a moment as his memories become impossible to ignore. But he finally blinked and brought himself back to the present.

"They're everywhere. Mostly lurking in the shadows at night, waiting for an unexpected meal to wander into their claws. Some are more dangerous than others."

[deadly_rose]

Creatures that ate the unaware individual. That made the smile freeze before Kurama raised a brow and a bit of casual sarcasm entered his tone. "Just like home, then. Only little choice was given to those who fight and who don't."

Like Yusuke. Kuwabara fought to make sure Yusuke stayed alive. Kurama himself and Hiei fought to make sure Koenma didn't try to lock them up again. And... well, no. That hadn't been strictly true for a while.

"Well. I might as well earn my keep here, hm? Where does one go to apply for these teams of fighters?"

[dulcet_cellist]

"I'm...not really sure. But we could ask?" Sebastian offered hopefully, wanting to be helpful. Because he really didn't know how to help any other way. He was a fighter or warrior or soldier. He'd never held a gun before or shot an arrow.

Trying to protect Loki with a shoe didn't really count even if that was all the weapon he had at the time. And he'd had to be protected more times than he could remember at the moment.

And he really wasn't earning anything, was he?

"My roommates both know a lot about self defense and weapons. They might know a little more about this sort of thing than I do." He looked away and down, sort of embarrassed by his admission.

[deadly_rose]

So... humanly helpful. Eager to be of use. This human has yet to ask anything in return; it probably hadn't even entered into his mind. Almost like a puppy, really. It was cute.

And he was so obviously not a fighter; not enough of a physical threat. Kurama squished the desire to simply step on the human and be done with it - that wasn't who he was any more.

So he smiled again, bright eyes once again shining with amusement. "Where do we go to ask such questions, if your roommates do not know?"

[dulcet_cellist]

Those eyes. So much like Jacks. Sebastian couldn't stop staring until he realized he was staring again. He ducked his head and smiled.

"We could go back to the beginning. Where you received your Lume and key to your room. I'm sure they would know something about where we....you should go next."

He really shouldn't simply tag along with strangers without being invited. But he was trying to be helpful. Something of a bad habit it seemed since arriving. Getting too close to others, too open, too helpful, too everything.

[deadly_rose]

Kurama deftly half turned, finally tugging a hand from his pocket to gesture back towards where he'd come from. "Then please. Shall we?"

He'd seen that stare and wondered what caused it. He pretended not to have noticed - it wasn't exactly polite according to the manners Shiori had taught him.

"Do many use these Lumes?"

[dulcet_cellist]

"It's the only form of communication here. And...as much as they're convenient for speaking to someone....they...there are drawbacks to having one." Sebastian blushed almost crimson as he remembered his most recent dream with Bucky.

He realized suddenly he was being left behind if he didn't hurry and follow and was glad to be invited along. A childish feeling perhaps, but he was figuring out recently he had a lot of growing up to do.

[deadly_rose]

Drawbacks. Of course. Kurama slowed his steps to not leave his 'guide' too far behind, speeding back up when Sebastian had caught up.

He pulled his Lume out and studied it as he walked, considering it thoughtfully. It was rather plain, just a simple rose pattern imprinted in the white gold case.

"I see. Tell me more, if it's no trouble."

[dulcet_cellist]

"They...broadcast everything." Sebastian lowered his voice a bit as they passed others and wondered how many people he didn't know, had never met, were witness to his inappropriate dream.

He found after meeting the eyes of a few of the strangers he couldn't keep his gaze directed forward. There was still so much guilt and shame attached to that dream.

"Not only can you contact people with the Lume the Lume also shares your dreams. Your nightmares. Your fears. Everything."

[deadly_rose]

"Everything," he repeated, voice quiet and flat. Kurama's expression went equally flat as he stared down at the innocent-looking Lume.

Then he shoved the obvious displeasure away with a soft sigh, right along with returning the Lume back to its pocket. He'd deal with that later.

"Well, I can't say I'm thrilled by that. But I thank you for the warning."

[dulcet_cellist]

Sebastian didn't say 'you're welcome' because he didn't feel like he was doing anything to deserve a 'thank you'. What good was a warning when you still couldn't change the outcome?

"Not many here are thrilled. But it's a world created with dreams. You can't escape them." He knows because he's tried. Against his will. Being capable of becoming invisible still didn't save you from your dreams. Or your nightmares. Not here.

"Sometimes I wish I could exchange my power for the power to control my dreams. Then I could decide what people saw. It would be far more entertaining and safer that way."

[walkinggunshow]

Shiranui took advantage of the free time he had to run a few errands. With his busy schedule he had kept putting them off and it was time he needed to attend to them. It was also his time to refill the food supplies for the place as well. That was the main reason that drew him out onto the streets.

Normally, he paid no attention to those passing him by--only this time he stopped when a young kid with red hair and green eyes walked by. He could sense something different about the kid and knew that the kid wasn't a normal human. He also noted the strength the kid held inside as well. That caught his attention more.

The kid appeared bored an indifferent, yet he could tell that he had no clue where he was and that simply meant he was a new arrival. Shiranui would keep an eye on him for now, but the errands had to be dealt with first.

[deadly_rose]

There was something familiar in the stranger. Some sense that caught Kurama's attention. Even more so when the dark-haired man glanced at him, likely noticing much the same sense in him. Observant.

Kurama stopped and turned his head to better look the taller man over. There was power there. Interesting. He made no move to stop the other, nor threaten. There was no need, at least not yet.

But a polite acknowledgement, even if it was just in noticing the other's notice, had the chance to tell him something of this other person.

[walkinggunshow]

Shiranui turned and gave the other a nod of acknowledgement. His violet eyes glancing at the other with curiosity. The boy had to be oni...there was no mistake to it, but he was also aware of the fact he was human too. It wasn't just a humanoid form that his people took on...but it was a mixture.Perhaps, he was part oni and that could explain the mix. He was still really strong for being part oni. Later he would learn more about the other.

He continued about his business, hitting the various shops. He wasn't one to browse only stopping to get what he needed and headed right back out. He hated shopping and avoided it as much as possible. It fit along with domestic work. That also waited back at home...When did his life settle into a regular routine?

[deadly_rose]

Another demon. Those eyes weren't any human colour. A demon that knew this place, was comfortable, and was not on a rampage. Kurama smiled faintly, more to himself than at the other demon, then turned away to keep on his way.

If his steps eventually turned to explore the streets the other demon had been walking along with such purpose. So this was where he could get food and more clothing. Good.

[walkinggunshow]

"Still around kid?" Shiranui greeted as he slung the few bags he had over his shoulder. It didn't surprise him that the boy was near by still. It was looking more like the kid was trying to seek guidance in this new world, but didn't want to ask out of his pride.

"What about this place do you need help with?"

Now that he had his errands done, he could afford to spend some time helping the newcomer out.

[deadly_rose]

Just as it didn't surprise Kurama that the other demon noticed and decided to speak up. But that assumption that he needed help was rather amusing. In an almost insulting way. But he was used to brushing that niggle of irritation down, especially around Yusuke and Kuwabara. They meant well, and perhaps this demon did as well.

After all, he'd offered. But at what price?

"Ah, yes. I figure I'll be around for a while." Unless he could steal his way out. Somehow.

But he was called 'kid'. He had a hard time stifling his laughter; how would this stranger react to knowing just how he was?

"What are you willing to tell me of this place?"

[walkinggunshow]

If there would be any price it was to know more about him. Not the human form he was hiding under, but the demon. It was clear that the demon thought highly of himself judging by his reaction. His boldness may have been considered rude, but he could care less. He was never one for formalities.

"How much do you know of this world?"

[deadly_rose]

For that Shiranui would just have to get to know him. And Kurama probably wouldn't mind the company of another demon. It was better than not knowing where he was, after all. He looked away, still rather amused.

"Not much at all, I'm afraid."

[dragonofnataku]

Wufei had seen stranger coloring, honestly, though that red was rather striking. Of course, he'd never had much luck with red-heads, and there was a prickling of the hairs on the back of his neck as he walked past that told him this one was no different.

The dragon paused under the guise of inspecting a piece of fruit, glancing at the other out of the corner of his eye.