2/4/2003

01:06 PM

Logfile from Tomite.

 

Mandarin Plaza - 502

Sparse living at its finest, or worse. The wood flooring once had a luster to it, but has now faded with time to match the same dull facade that gives eggshell-hued walls its worn appearance. As the home of a student, books are an obvious presence. Threadbare couch, simple table and chairs, a tiny kitchen and an even tinier bathroom, A door that leads to the bedroom is off to one side. But it is the additions that seem to give this places its character. Like the expensive stereo system just over there flanked by a couple of towers of CDs, or the dreamcatcher by the window that overlooks the fire escape and the street below, or even the simple bow propped up near the door, and the clearly old and hand-crafted quiver settled beside it.

Hatsui and Uruki are here.

Obvious exits:

Exit

 

Anana tugs upon 'Suna's hand, determined to haul him to the place where everyone seems to congregate these days -- well, everyone that /is/ everyone, ie, the Genbu -- Chase's apartment. "So anyway, Hiroshi's at NYU, too, and he's really smart. Chase is there, too, and Brice, so you might have classes with one of them..." she says, rather bouncy indeed. And sans sugar for once. "Ahah. Here we are." She reaches up to knock, managing to keep it to only five rather than continuing to pound on the door.

 

Chase was just tugging on his jacket to step out, reaching for the knob... and then comes a knock. "Nice," he drawls with an amused grin before pulling open the door. Anana is immediately noted, and the boy's face lights up at the pink-haired girl. He is immediately lurching forward to fist a hand in her top and yank her within. "Guess what! I-" Beat. He stops and looks back into the hallway to peer at the other person there. *peer*

 

Setsuna is left blinking in the doorway, startled by the sudden yanking of Anana from his side. It's only moments before the surprised expression gives way to pleasure as he smiles gently to the other seishi, clasping his hands together and giving Chase a half-bow. "Tomite-kun, ne? You look very much the same. It is very good to see you again."

 

Uruki

Seemingly caught in the perpetual clutches of youth, his six-foot frame is slender and lanky, perhaps a bit too androgynous or a touch too effeminate to be called handsome. Silver-blue eyes are set at a slant, finding amiable companionship with the high cheekbones and snub nose that help define his delicate, pale complexion within a slimly tapered face. Fine wheat-blonde hair teases his smooth jawline, curling slightly at the ends while unattended bangs often fall across his forehead, shadowing his features. Long, lean fingers and a full, almost tender mouth serve to express his every motion and emotion without fail.

Simplistic suits him well; a long-sleeved shirt of a cool blue hugs his torso, neither hiding nor accentuating his lanky frame save to compliment his fair colouring, the v-neck baring his collarbones while the sleeves are loose about his wrists. There is an oh-so-subtle gradient in the fabric, a deepening of the colour from cyan to near-indigo as it tapers towards his waist, hugging his body. It, in turn, tucks into a pair of black pants of the same simple calibre as the shirt; well made, and well-fitted, but nothing to remark upon save for the confidence with which he wears the clothing.

Uruki appears to be 17 years, 8 months, and 15 days old.

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

 

Anana is getting used to being hauled around by her clothes by friend and foe alike. "Look who I found!" she exclaims, beaming at both Setsuna and Chase as she straightens her sweatshirt. Holding ill-will towards overenthusiasm would be hypocritical, really. "And he was right under my nose, too, and I'm so happy I found him!"

 

Chase releases Anana, continuing to peer at Setsuna. Eyes get all squinty in the corners for a moment before the teenager is pouncing forward to try to drag him inside as well. "Whoooooeeeee!" he yelps. Yes, yelps. And that smile from before? It is nearly from ear to ear now. Door is slammed shut behind him as he laughs, "Un-freakin'-believable! How are you doing, man?"

 

Setsuna is easily dragged in by his limbs, clothes, even his hair though that last would hurt more than the others. He's a six footer, but he's surprisingly light, almost as if he were somehow hollow inside. Getting tugged by Chase seems to make the young man smile all the more, a soft glow of happiness spreading over his features. "I'm well." As well as Uruki can be. "Anana says you're attending NYU? I hope to be there in the Fall myself. I'm taking exams earlier, but they wouldn't accept me for the summer."

 

As soon as 'Suna's within the door, Anana reaches for his hand again. She's been doing her best impression of a limpet where he's concerned, really, though in a cute sort of way. Strangely enough, she remains silent where she is, merely content to be near. They've discovered the non-drug calming influence on Hatsui.

 

Chase directs the pair over to the couch with a waved hand. Never mind the minor amount of clutter to the room. "Yeah, I am. I'm enrolled for this spring." He rolls his eyes though. "Its something to make people happy over." Parents. Big brothers. You know, the usual. He simply smiles down at Setsuna for a moment, just grinning. And then he abruptly startles. "Oh! Guess what?" Although, he doesn't give them a chance to guess. "Inami is here too. Well, not /here/. But in the city, and you won't believe where I uncovered the old boy."

 

No, no, Chase.. He's actually /here/, too.  There's a careful knock on the door, and then the handle turns and the subject at hand peeks inside, expression passive, like it's the most natural thing in the world.  "Hi." He states noncomitally, pushing his grey Stetson back a bit, lazily.  Yep, this is the right place.

 

Setsuna doesn't seem to mind the constant hand in his judging by the way his long fingers closer for Anana's smaller hand the moment it slips into his. He takes her with him as he does move to the couch, sitting down and immediately crossing his legs. "Inami too? How wonderful indeed. Hatsui still has to take me to see Takiko for which I almost can't wait. To think while I was lost in my books and sketches, you were all coming here."

 

Anana curls up next to 'Suna, her head upon his upper arm. "You found Inami? That's great!!" she exclaims brightly, sitting up a little bit straighter, but she's not bouncing off the walls, to be sure. At the door's opening, she blinks, mentally removes the stetson and compares that face with one from her memory. And then she /is/ on her feet, bolting for the door. "Inami!" She's way too happy now. Two friends in so short a time.

 

Chase turns his head towards the door as... Yes, here comes Inami. He frowns for a moment before moving to the door to -shut it again? Nahhhh, he pulls it open further and ushers John within. "Speak of the devil." Go glomp him, Anana! He looks back over to Setsuna with something of a wide grin, "Ash. Yeah, she lives in this building. I nearly smothered her with my bed at first." And do we really want to go there? "I doubt she is at her place right now though."

 

John slips inside and closes the door quietly behind him, flashing a warm, placid smile to his fellow Sei.  Then, of course, he notices that Anana is.. Smaller than she should be, which throws him for a loop momentarily, as he stoops to peer at her.  "So little."  He rumbles, absently scooping  her up in a big ol' bearhug anyways.  Wai! She's so adorable!  So itty bitty!  Even though Inami himself is only a foot above Uruki, the difference in bulk between the two could make them look like the Laurel and Hardy of the Genbu. 

 

"Inami!" It's Uruki's turn to express his own delight at seeing the big man again. "Forgive me if I don't get up to hug you, you might crush me." It's a gentle, fond teasing actually as he watches the pair embracing. "Isn't her pink hair lovely?" Tomite's mention of Ash in the same sentence draws a nod from Setsuna and the mention of the bed smothering a quiet chuckle, "How did you manage that, my friend?"

 

Anana attempts to glomp John, but results in being swept up in a bear hug instead, which suits her just as well. Giggling, she kisses his cheek and positively beams at him. "I know I'm little. It's okay, though!" Throwing her arms around his neck, she giggles again. "Look! We found Uruki, too, and now we're only missing Urumiya and Namame."

 

Chase has always been of the opinion that there are far too many tall Genbu. Thank goodness for Anana being little to help compensate. Ball cap is pluck from his head and tossed into a chair as he looks back over to Setsuna, "Hrm? Oh... well, while I was moving in, my bed nearly dropped on her. She was pretty good about it, if you didn't mind all the squeaking." He flashes Setsuna a teasing wink before smiling back at the hugging pair.

 

John doesn't seem to mind piggybacking Anana around at all. He removes his hat and sets it neatlyon her head, grinning, as he heads for the couch. "Okay."  He anwers Uruki, and settles for ruffling the thin man's hair instead. 

 

Setsuna ducks his head at the hair ruffling, but the soft giggling that drifts out from between his lips is all the proof anyone needs that he's enjoying the attention from the big man. "Where did you and Tomite find each other then? I think Tomi.. I mean Chase, was about to tell us when you arrived. I am Setsuna this time, if it matters. I don't mind if any of you want to call me Uruki instead. We are one in the same, Setsuna and I."

 

Well, the hat'll certainly give her protection from the dreaded (ha) evil of the hair ruffling, but Anana does try to poke at John. "Don't mess with 'Suna's hair," she chides, though her smile does remain as she fiddles with the tilt of the too-big hat. "Sorry, Chase," she adds, looking at him, "We always seem to come over here instead of going over somewhere else." She turns her attention back to John now, still being carried around -- and there's no way she's going to complain, nono. "I'm Anana now."

 

Chase shrugs his shoulders, "Well, Inami is here now. He can tell you where he has been instead of me." His stories tend to include parts where mentioning certain things are liable to get him into trouble. So, he keeps his yap shut and flops into a chair, one leg draping over the arm rest as he lounges back. "And wherever did you dig up Uruki there, Anana?"

 

John eases down onto the couch, which creaks and groans a little in protest.  Apologetically grinning, he peers up at the little pink-haired limpet, winking.  "Work.  He has a fake ID."  He's still convinced the damn thing's fake, too.  Oh well.  He crosses one leg over another in a humorous mirror of Setsuna, grinning again. "Little John."

 

"Not so little, if you ask me," replies Setsuna with a teasing grin. "Work you said? Fake ID?" Now it's his turn to peer over at Chase and eye the other young man up and down, and back again. "I know I'm not yet eighteen, but the thought of a fake ID hadn't occurred to me." Even though he could probably figure out how to make them easily enough. "Where were you both that you had to worry about such things?" He seems content to ask other questions, leaving Anana to indeed explain where Uruki was found.

 

Anana looks vaguely uncomfortable, especially when Setsuna leaves the explanation up to her. But there's something more important to focus on. "A fake ID? Cha-ase, Brice is going to throw a fit if he finds out!" she says, shaking her head ruefully. That outburst, at least, seems to have gotten her to cheer up a little. "Er, well... 'Suna's my brother's best friend, has been since as long as I can think of. I just haven't seen him since I remembered /stuff/, and Darren asked 'Suna to watch out for me when my parents and him move to London."

 

Chase shoots a smirk over at John as he speaks, "Well, that wasn't necessary." Couch is eyed with a bit of alarm, but then a shrug. Ah well. He is blinking back over to Setsuna and murmuring, "I can get you set up if you want one. I know a person in the Village..." And Anana? She just plain gets a scowl and a negligent flick of his hand. "Hush, you." But at the explanation given, he blinks and chuckles. "Well, how about that... Nice."

 

John looks victorious. He knew it was a fake! Ah-ha!  "Fate or Fantasy."  He explains further, leaning back lazily on the couch.  "I'm a bouncer." He adds, looking thoughtful.  Whole lot of seishi working there.. Pay's good and he likes it well enough, though.

 

Setsuna looks at Chase, suitably scandalize or, at least, appearing that way for the time being. "Tomite, are you a criminal?" The question is punctuated with a wide, disbelieving gaze of silver-blue and a quick flick of those bangs from his forehead so that he looks more exposed, more surprised. "Of course I don't want a fake ID. What would I do with it?" Of course, if John gets around to mentioning what goes on at his work, he might reconsider it. Ahem. He'd only be interested in the historical aspect, of course.

 

Anana sticks her tongue out at Chase. The immaturity abounds. "I don't hush. Nyah." She pauses, then grins suddenly. "You work for Tori? She's really lovely, isn't she? Do you know Nicholas, too, then?" Her eyes sparkle with curiosity as she regards John, peppering him with questions. "How long've you been in New York?" Her eyes widen at Setsuna's query, and she turns to face Chase, arching both eyebrows. "Is /that/ what you and Brice were talking about that day?" Hey, John gets a respite.

 

Chase might just need to find a new person to provide him with a fake ID, durn it. Bouncers and bartenders are /far/ too good at picking those things out. Government should employ them at airports. But at Setsuna's words, the teenager nearly falls out of his chair, "'Scuse me? A criminal? Do you have any clue what Brice would do to me if that were true? I'd find myself trussed up and thrown in the nearest closet for the rest of my life." A breath. "Its for /things/." Anana is shot something of a boyish grin, and then he is shooting back up for a strategic retreat towards the kitchen. "Anyone want anything?"

 

John shrugs passively, with the hint of a smile. "No. He's a lazy student." He doesn't mind teasing Chase at all, you see.  Of course, he's not about to say that he didn't know the ID was fake, but shhh. Maybe it'll discourage Chase from using it.  He pauses for a moment, then answers the questions in that singularly sparse way of his.  "Yes, yes, no, three years."

 

Setsuna is back to smiling and laughing in that soft, happy tone of his. "I was teasing, Chase, gomen. I am sorry. It seemed I could not pass up the chance to do so." The mention of Brice makes him glance around, as if merely talking about the other would get him to appear. "Darren mentioned you knowing a man with long, grey hair, Anana-kun, so I thought it must be Hikitsu, but 'Ren said he had both his eyes. Has he not remembered?" Tell him it isn't so.

 

"You didn't say it wasn't true, though," Anana points out blandly to the retreating Chase, something purely impish lurking in her eyes. "But Brice probably would do that, true. I forget what he threatened me with the last time I got into trouble. Um..." John's answers get a blink and a very intelligent, "Huh?" for a moment, then she blinks again. "Oh, right!" Removing the hat from her head and plopping it back on John, she kisses his cheek again, then shifts sideways, settling herself in the narrow  space between Setsuna and John, seeming all the tinier for doing so. But she's /comfortable/. Resting her head against Setsuna's upper arm, she sighs. "He remembers. But not how to use his powers." She taps beneath her eye, biting her lip. "He can't remember how to show his symbol. And I'm worried 'bout that."

 

Chase returns from the kitchen with nothing more than a can of pop and a plate with cookies upon it, more than likely chocolate chip. He has learned to be more of a host to those who visit lately. Plate is sat on the mildly cluttered coffee table before the boy is slumping back in his seat. "Hikitsu is doing so much better. Or, at least, that is what I've been told. These past couple of weeks have been a blur though, but the memories... they are getting clearer the more of you guys I see." And upon seeing Inami, and then Uruki, even more is clicking neatly into place.

 

John folds his hands across his lap, listening thoughtfully.  "He'll lose his eye when he does." He comments, in a somber tone.  But.. Ooh, cookies.  He leans forward and takes a handful.  He's still a sucker for good food. *munch*

 

"He won't just lose it," says 'Suna, his voice becoming a thoughtful murmur. "His eye will fade away completely as if it never was there. I hope at least one of us is there when it happens, because something like that would scare most anyone." His gaze is draw to each of his old friends, a tightness to his smile.

 

Anana plucks one of the cookies from the plate and settles back, nibbling at it. Chase gave her sugar. He'd better be prepared for the consequences. Though her expression tightens briefly at John's comment, she nods. "That's what I'm worried about." Pursing her lips, she looks at the three of them. "There's a temple to the Four Gods... /our/ Four, I mean, not the yin ones, that Hiroshi was talking about. There's a test of some sort for us, too." Her expression colours a little bit. "And I have other news, too. But you have to promise not to freeze anything or yell, Chase?"

 

Chase looks over to Setsuna with something of an inquisitive glance. "Fade away..." He frowns for a moment, looking away, cookie nibbling. He leans back in his chair, thoughtful, until Anana speaks. And it is what she says that has him frowning anew. "What?" No, he doesn't make any promises.

 

John frowns this time as well, tugging at the bandana around his neck. "Yin?" He asks, looking puzzled.  Far as he knew, there were only four gods in the first place.  He's liking the sound of this news less and less, for that matter.  Not that it stops him from shovelling down cookies.  Mm, chocolate.

 

Setsuna can't resist the sweets himself any longer and reaches forward to collect three cookies before the big man devours them all. "Yin as in yin-yang, the balance of the soul?" asks 'Suna, quite intrigued. "We are of the yang gods, so I would not be so surprised to learn that yin possessed its own deities. I think I would like to meet Hiroshi, Anana. You told me he was a Suzaku seishi, ne?"

 

"You didn't promise," Anana says quietly, still nibbling on her cookie. "But 'Suna knows this, 'cos Darren told him. Anyway... Dad's work is taking him to London, so I'm staying behind. I'm moving in with Nicholas." And likely the only reason Brice didn't try to tie her up and throw her in a closet for that one was because he doesn't know what Nakago was like. "And Tori." That said, she quickly changes topics, nodding at Setsuna. "You'd like him. He's really smart, and he's only a year older'n me. The yin gods are... interesting. They have seishi, too, sort of. And one priestess for four gods."

 

"Anana wants Hiroshi to her her boyfriend," Chase remarks with idle commentary. "She is sweet on him.... and he seems okay, even for a Suzaku." He is drinking away though, until Anana continues. And that pop of his, he is spitting it right back out. Careful all who might be in the rain of wetness. "What?!" Ohhhhh, after that talk to Nurkio, with Anana right there, he now knows all about this guy. He shoots up to his feet, glaring over at her. "Oh, no you're not."

 

John doesn't know what any of the other seishi are like, so he meets this barage of news with a puzzled expression-- And continues to look puzzled, even when dripping with Chase's soda.  Big target, after all. "Um."  He comments, thoughtfully, trying to peice the whole matter together. Well, he does trust Tori, so it doesn't sound so bad to him. "Tori's okay."  How bad can Nicholas be, anyways?  He personally thinks Tori'll get all motherly-like, which suits him just fine. "Boyfriend?"

 

"Who is Nicholas, other than being professor Nicholas Gordon at the university?" asks Setsuna of the room in general. "Obviously he is more than a mere teacher if Chase is having that reaction." He was glad for John's bulk just then, so that only his hair betrays traces of moisture. "And who is Tori? I am confused and I don't like it." Is the gentle, genki-boy getting testy?

 

"I do not!" Anana denies hotly, cheeks reddening. "He's just a friend and anyway he doesn't get the idea of girls yet. He's fun to tease. And he gives me information about what we have to do, and about what's going on. And he worries about me!" Mutinous stubborness shows in her expression when she catches some of the pop spray, using her sleeve to wipe her face clean before glaring at Chase. "I /am/. John's right; Tori's nice. Also, Nicholas is powerful enough to keep me from getting in trouble, and me being there when everyone seems to want to protect me -- even the Suzaku and the Byakko'll help -- will make people work together. And I can't /not/ help." She softens when Setsuna asks, settling down again. "He's Nakago of the Seiryuu seishi, and he... did some unforgivable things before. Which Chase has only heard from the other point of view, that being the Suzaku, and believe me, I /know/ what he did. Tori is Soi of the Seiryuu. Their only girl. She's in love with Nicholas."

 

Chase idly tosses what could be a sweatshirt at John for the reason of mopping up whatever soda pop got sprayed over him. "Unforgivable?! It was my understanding that he /killed/ his fellow seishi, let alone some of those Suzaku. /Please/ correct me if I'm wrong?" Although he doesn't quite wait for that. "And what is so wrong with staying with one of us? Me... or Brice... Even Ash. Heck, what about Inami?" A glance is shot over to him, "You'll watch over her, right?"

John reaches up to mop at his face, probably the only one not up in arms at this point. "Relax. She is not actually a child." He reminds, gently.. He's well aware that there's an entire lifetime of experience behind someone who looks like a ten-year-old. Once he's finished, he passes the sweatshirt over to Uruki, with a faint grin.  "I will always watch over all of you."  He comments quietly, looking.. Amused by the whole situation. As if they needed to ask!

 

Setsuna takes the sweatshirt, eyes it critically and rubs it over his damp hair, ruffling the hair thoroughly of his own accord. "What am I, chopped liver?" he asks, settling his gaze on Chase. "It is true that to use my powers leaves me nigh defenseless, but I am sure I could keep her quite safe nonetheless. I am not helpless." No, in fact he's rather powerful in short (pardon the pun) blasts. "If what Tomite says is true, Hatsui, then why would you trust such a man? I know you have your reasons, behind this facade of nicety. Out with it."

 

Thank goodness for John's calm head. Anana's still seething a little bit at Chase's words, mostly because she can't deny the truth of them. "Because none of you are old enough to legally do it, because you don't have blood ties to me, and my parents wouldn't ever let me just stay with you," she replies, controlling her temper with a stubborn act of will. John's promise earns him a brief, tight smile, and then she turns to Setsuna. "He... reminds me of someone. And you know I can't /not/ help, because if I didn't help, I'd be worse than anyone here. I don't /want/ to break anyone's hopes or dreams, I'd much rather heal them. And what I said was true; he'll keep me safe in case of more bad things happening."

 

Chase shoots first one apologetic glance at John, and then another to Setsuna. "Sorry." But then he is shaking his head from side to side as he peers across to Anana, "You can't just... waltz right on over and move in with the guy. Dammit, Hatsui, you just don't know what could happen. And after your run in with that Yin freak -don't you think it'd be a bit more safer to be with one of us. I don't trust him. I trust /us/."

 

John crosses his arms across his chest. "I am thirty one, but I am not ready for another daughter."  He states, looking pointedly at Tomite, who knows the condition of his /actual/ child.  "I will go with her if she wishes it, but I will not deny anyone a second chance."  Gosh, coming from him, it's practically a speech.  He leans back again, and hands Anana a cookie, realizing that he's been hogging them.

 

"While I can see the validity of Tomite's objections," begins Uruki, "Hatsui is not a child and her judgement and reasoning have always been sound. If her instincts tell her to trust, then I will accept that. I would like to meet the man myself. He must be brilliant."

 

"Daughter?" Anana echoes, frowning at John curiously, then shakes her head. "Later. And I trust him, Chase. I know what's happened in the past with the Suzaku and the Seiryuu, and you know parts of it, but..." She sighs, the tension leaving her shoulders as 'Suna adds his agreement. Closing her eyes briefly, she tries to gather her wits about her. When she reopens her eyes, she's calm once more. "You're going to have to trust him to a point, Chase. Everyone is. No matter how much you don't like the idea. We're going to be watching each others' backs." That said, she smiles at Setsuna. "I think he'd be interested to meet you, too."

 

Chase is casting his second apologetic glance to John, wincing just the slightly before look awya. Alas, it looks like this teenager is apparently fighting a loosing battle as she scowls down at Anana for the longest moment. "I don't like this, and you /know/ I don't like this." He takes a step forward to drop to his knees before the sitting Anana. "Please reconsider." Although he is very sure he isn't going to even get that from her. So, with a sigh, he draws back and moves away to flop into the chair and sulk.

 

John offers Chase a consolation cookie, his expression having cleared back to normal impassiveness. "Me too." He adds, deciding that he'd like to meet this guy that his boss is in love with. Maybe he feels a little protective about his employer, who can say?  At any rate, he does hope someone explains this whole Yin thing to him somewhere along the line, but that can wait.

 

Setsuna's cell phone chooses that moment to ring abruptly and the young man fishes it out of his pocket with more than little hint of irritation. "Hai?" There is a brief silence followed by,  "Hai, okaasama. I will be home shortly." The call is ended and he gives the others a very apologetic glance sent around the others. "I have to go. My mother says my father is wondering where I am and insists I have dinner at home tonight. I would like to come by again as soon as I can, if that is alright with you, Chase? I want to know more."

 

Anana winces at Chase's request, knowing that he wouldn't ask if he weren't serious, but she shakes her head minutely. "I can't, Chase," she says quietly, reaching out to hug him... but he's already gone to sulk, and she's got a cookie in one hand now. She gives Setsuna a faintly pleading look, but nods all the same. "Tell them I said hi?" she requests, a smile that seems a bit strained upon her face. Getting to her feet, she decides to do something about Chase anyway. That is to say, flop in his lap and look up at him. "I'm sorry."

 

Chase is still sulking, or something resembling such. He glances up at Setsuna makes his farewells, nodding his head in the affirmative, "Yeah. Come over any time. That'd be great. We do need to catch up." He pushes back up to his feet though to open the door for him. He returns to his seat though and finds Anana in his lap suddenly. He reaches over to gently pat a hand over her hair. Evil, evil pink hair.

 

John stretches out, and flashes a wide grin at the departing Setsuna.  "Bye."  He grunts, although his gaze is alight with more warm tidings than he can express, verbally. Watching them all make up, that's the most fun part, you see.  So... He wanders in search of the kitchen, thirsty after all those cookies.  >.>  There was no contest. You can't beat pink hair.

 

Setsuna says to Chase, "Thanks," and to Anana, "I will," before he stands, bidding everyone farewell with a wave and a warm smile, then departs.

 

Anana watches Setsuna go and Inami disappear into the kitchen, then peeks up at Chase innocently. "Are you still mad at me?" she asks, adding just the right amount of wistful sorrow to her voice. "Because it was either ask him or ask Johnston and Trevor, and I didn't want to be in the spotlight all the time like Trevor is, and I'm sorry that I made you mad..."

 

"I'm not mad. I just don't see how you can go over and live with some crazy-assed Seiryuu when you've got us right here. And..." And Chase just mumbles something best left untranslated, slumping back in the seat. "And Brice? What does big brother think about all of this, hmm?"

 

John returns with a soda, plunking back down on the couch.  "We don't need salvation." He answers, with a grin.  There aren't any major crusades within the Genbu.  "If it doesn't work, you can live with me." He adds, hesitating slightly.  It's pretty clear he's not sure what to make of the idea. Maybe he likes his peace and quiet.

 

Anana glances in the direction that John went, though she doesn't move from her spot in poor Chase's lap. "Brice thinks it's all right. He knows that he can't change my mind. I don't think he's happy about it, though," she admits. "John? It's safe to come out, you know. And... thank you, but it's all right. I'm going to make it work."

 

Chase is feeling rather useless again, lounging back in the chair. Maybe he'll go try to find that Dylan-guy later. He looks over towards John as he returns, "You need to have Anana fill you on on everything around here. She'll tell you a whole bunch of confuzzing things, bombard you with names, and other fun things."

 

John stretches out on the couch, now that he has it all to himself. "Okay." He answers, glancing over at Anana.  Better not tell him about Dylan, though. He's not easy to anger, but Dylan'd do it, that's for sure.

 

"Why me?" Anana asks of Chase, though it's more rhetorical than anything. Sighing slightly, she nods. "Anyway. As we and our gods are the representations of the yang side of deities, there is a yin side as well. Why they're considered evil, I dunno, because in theory, yin is never entirely evil like yang is never entirely good, things like that, but I'm getting off the subject." A pause. "There are four yin gods against our four yang gods, and seven seishi for each god, like us. There's only one priestess, though." She considers her words now. "The Yin gods have been sealed, and there's a scroll like the Universe of the Four gods, but for the Yin priestess, and it's being studied in the museum. Apparently, their priestess has to summon all four of the gods to release them. I don't know what that'll do to us, because I don't know enough /about/ these yin four, but it's not good. We're supposed to stop it, or something. All the seishi of our gods -- Suzaku, Seiryuu, Byakko and Genbu -- are being drawn here, and so are the yin seishi."

 

And as Anana launches into her explanation, Chase slumps back in the chair with the chibi on his lap, idly patting a hand over her hair now and again. Although, the patting slows, slows some more 'til it finally stops all together. His arm slides down to hang at a rather loose line as he head rocks back against the cushion. Oh! Look, Anana! You've discovered a new power! The ability to drone and cause seishi to fall asleep. Zzzzzz....