It was a normal business day at the Dragon Inn restaurant. For years, the restaurant had been run by the same immigrant family. Since Sara had decided to stay in New York, she had made friends with the youngest son of the restaurant’s owner.

It was nearly closing time. Earlier in the day, the restaurant had a usual turn around. Most of the business was done at lunch time as the businessmen and woman broke for lunch and either ordered out, or dined in. The inside of the place reminded Sara of the inside of a ship. The walls were lined with thick wood panels, paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, and across the far wall, Sara couldn’t help but admire an eastern dragon that had been carved into the wall. Then painted in gold leaf paint on a dark red background.

Outside, a red and gold banner draped over an awning that sheltered the entrance displaying the restaurant’s name. Sara stood in the entrance. Her friend, Johnny, was working on cashing out the register and Sara leaned against the counter, looking out the glass doors at the rest of the city, moving about it’s business. Normally, because she was a mutant who shed on the furniture, Johnny’s mother would have made Sara wait in the back for him to finish, but now that the place was closed for the evening, all of the deliveries had been made, and the last stragglers had gone home, Sara was tolerated at the front.

“Any last minute requests?” Johnny asked. His hand hovering just above the print button for the night’s total sales.

Sara shrugged. Then dug through her pockets for some stray bills. “I wouldn’t mind something with shrimps.” The menu consisted of a mix of actual Chinese dishes, and what Johnny had once called Americanized Chinese dishes, like the ragoons, and sweet and sour chicken. There were a lot of dishes to choose from, and Sara had long since memorized all of them. “How about sweet and sour shrimp, and three orders of egg rolls, and extra rice.”

Johnny no longer doubted Sara’s apatite. He just rung her up, and she gave him her cash. He then hit the print button for the day’s sales, then took that and the bag of cash, in the back kitchen with him. Leaving Sara alone to lean against the front counter, and look out the glass of the front double doors, onto the street outside. Her long feline tail twitching at her heals.

The universe had an odd habit of throwing something amazing at you when you always least expected it. A humorous habit as well, considering the nomenclature of the restaurant and what the creature about to happen upon it was. The city lights and the hustle and bustle of it's inhabitants created a unique image outside the windows of the Dragon Inn, one that most everyone was so used to that they never really paid attention to it at length. But tonight was different, and the first sign was people outside suddenly getting excited and pointing to something in the distance. Cars stopped, and that was followed by the not so subtle sound of his roar, a booming sound you could feel in your bones. Tonight the Dragon Inn would come face to face with the creature it took it's name from, because following that roar came Orochi.

The creature stomped forward, slowly emerging into the city scape before the Dragon Inn, Ryoga stopping a moment to survey his surroundings. Needless to say, every one and thing parted before him, his majestic form and thousand pounds of weight both making sure he went where he wanted when he wanted. However he made no violent act, instead speaking with some of the people. "Konbanwa humans, I am Orochi!" He shouted with power, his voice powerful and ancient, a tone unlike any other. "I visit this city as a guest, and there is no need to fear me. I am a merciful and peaceful God." He declared, various people mumbling as the mythical creature before them spouted off about godhood.

Considering the vast number of mutants in the city, many could make the guess that Orochi was infact a mutant, not a true divine creature. But it was still hard to argue with a fifteen foot winged reptile that could speak. The Dragon turned his head and noticed the restaurant to his left, his eyes stared at the sign and decor above it's doors. The Dragon Inn? This must be quite the restaurant to use the name of the world's greatest creature and deity. He inched forward, peering inside the building. His eyesight was fine, he was sure of it. But it seemed as if a large cat was inside this building? Ryoga inched forward more, but his size and lack of hands made it hard to attempt opening the door, instead he spoke inside. "Proprietor of the Dragon Inn, be gracious for a true dragon has come to your fine business!" The dragon's voice was laced with pride, and his attitude clearly showed an ego, however he wasn't rude or overbearing in a negative way. "I ask that you come meet me, so I might inquire about this place." To be honest, Ryoga had little interest in the restaurant, he rarely if ever ate.

No, he was more interested in what he could swear looked like a big cat through the window. Especially since it was sitting on a chair like a person.

Sara’s head tilted as she stood there. It was clear that something was coming as not only could Sara see that there were normal people out there, panicking, but there were also cars that swerved on the streets. Somewhere in the distance, there was a crash, and someone somewhere else screamed. But by the time that Sara stood and strolled to the door way, the place, where the crashing sound had come from was empty. Sara only saw a bent over parking meter to her right. And to her left, outside the door a… Dragon… Now this wasn’t the first time that she had seen a dragon like mutant at the Dragon Inn restaurant… But it still didn’t happen every day. Also This one was much more dragon like than Koga, or Ayesac. Poor Johnny, who was now preparing Sara’s meal in the back, might crap himself.

Sara leaned against the heavy windowed door. With a flick of her paw like fingers she unlocked the latch and pushed it open. “The proprietor is busy, but I’m sure that I could answer most of your questions.” The door shut with a heavy thunk behind Sara. It was no longer locked, but most of the people who were left on the street didn’t look so hungry anymore. As long as Sara and her new ’friend’ didn’t stray far from the door, no one in their sane mind was going in that door. “They did close though.” Sara said with a little bit of warning in her voice. God it annoyed her when people badgered her friends after closing hours to turn the ovens on just for them.

Ryoga stood his ground before the Dragon Inn, various pedestrians around him either running for the hills, or stopping to gawk at his form. Both responses were enjoyable for him, the shock and awe he caused was exactly what an egomaniac craved. Ryoga's eyes were glued to the door though as Sara made her way toward him. Ryoga lowered his head a bit, though he still hovered over her as his large amber eyes watched her every moment. So the owner was busy, a shame, Ryoga was curious to meet whomever ran an establishment bold enough to use the name dragon. The cat woman closed the door and then went on to tell him that the Inn was closed.

You might expect Ryoga to demand they open for him, or at least pay him some attention, however Ryoga wasn't just a creature of pride and arrogance, but of respect and honor. If a business closed, respect was due even if a God was at their doorstep. Their loss in meeting him was their own, not his. However more distracting that demanding an owner come to meet him was the fact that this woman was indeed some sort of cat. "Neko?" He spoke to himself, before talking with a more direct tone at Sara. "Unfortunate, I was curious to meet the one who runs this business. But you are just as intriguing. You are nekomimi, cat girl. Are you a mutant?" Ryoga was very interested in all the mutants he had met in his short time here in New York.

They came in various shapes, sizes, and abilities. But a catgirl was something popular with Japanese youth, so this one in particular sort of reminded him of Japanese culture. She clearly wasn't Japanese though, lacking the proper etiquette or accent, but still how strange. "I am Orochi, a Japanese God. A pleasure to meet you." The dragon bowed his head lower, bringing his eyes to level with Sara's, a sign of polite respect, though his tone was still proud and powerful, Ryoga was not a creature who bowed out of fear or awe, but manners.

It seemed that the dragon mutant still wished to meet the owners of Sara’s favorite hang out. She could still probably make that happen as long as this mutant staid civil. If she saw him fit enough to see them, then Johnny would surely get a kick out of meeting him. Meanwhile, the restaurant had survived the riots. It was probably best to let them continue recuperating.

“I’m a mutant.” Sara said. “I’ve been called many things, but I’ve never been called at… Nekomimi before.” She paused. The word had run off of her tongue around her long feline teeth, but she wasn’t sure if she had pronounced it right. “I suppose that there is a first time for everything.”

The second part of what the dragon mutant had to say made Sara raise one eyebrow. A god? “I’m Sara. It’s good to meet you as well.” For now… Sara had met mutants who claimed to be gods in the past. She’d been mistaken for one herself and when those things had happened, she didn’t exactly see eye to eye with mutants who thought that they were gods. The facts of her past made her shift side to side before she gave a small bow back. A slight bent at her waist that didn’t let her eyes drop from Orochi. “If you could clarify something for me. You’re a mutant who claims Godhood, or you are a God?”

The cat girl didn't know his Japanese term, fair enough, his mother tongue was not so common here in America. "Simply a term for a girl with cat qualities, a cat girl which you are." He explained, his tone friendly but still slightly overbearing. "A popular character in my home, I was simply amused to see one here in New York." He admitted as he continued talking with Sara. "A pleasure to meet you Sara." He said after hearing her name, though the girl's next question brought some ire into him. Questioning his Godhood? Not a pleasing thing for the Dragon to hear.

He spoke with a sneer as he responded to her question. "I am no mutant, I was born a God! I have never been an abnormal human, nor would I wish to be. And I would ask that you do not insult my status further." His words were harsh, but the dragon was still speaking cordially. American's all had ego issues, especially with anything that didn't fit their chosen religion, so Ryoga could understand Sara's skepticism, but he didn't care for it. "I left behind my servants and worshipers in Japan when I came here, a trial for myself it seems." He mumbled to himself, pondering on his lack of servants to help him around this city of men and mutant.

Well, well, well. Couldn’t they both just get on eachother’s nerves then. Sara didn’t like her obvious mutation being pointed out but she could take in when someone was really being innocent about it. On the other hand, when she asked her own question, the God in front of her seemed to get all huffy.

“I was only curious because in my own experience, most of the gods and legends of the past, were just mutants, or amazingly smart humans who over exaggerated when they told stories.” She crossed her arms and her hips slanted as she shifted her wight studying the dragon mutant the best that she could. Yes. Mutant! because in her mind, that was all that he was. No different from herself. After all, even Sara had been called a God in the past. So excuse her for being skeptical. “A trial for yourself indeed. Take that attitude about the skeptical people questioning you, and you’ll most likely get two reactions. Someone proving you wrong, or someone calling someone else to deal with you. You know like the police, the national guard…. Animal control…”

Like many others he'd met here in New York, Sara quickly questioned the dragon's Godhood. The ego naturally present in American's was mildly irritating Ryoga had come to find. "Perhaps here in your country, without my servants and church around me, you might question it, but even by myself I am far more than any mere human!" He spouted, yes this trial was important. What would the God be without his worship, without the servants he had grown accustomed to. Even without them he was no man, no mutant, he was a Dragon! The catgirl adjusted herself, seemingly irked at Ryoga's attitude.

But he didn't care, if he had to prove his power and majesty to every mutant in this city he would. He would return home after such an acomplishment and prove to his Mother that he was truly destined to rule like his Father believed. But it seemed learning patience with the ego and skepticism of this country would come first. He snorted at her claim that someone might call on the authority to deal with him. "I am a guest here, a home being built for me even now at that large Mansion on the river. Besides, I am not an animal." The cat woman mentioning animal control was somewhat humorous though. "Why, did someone call animal control on you?" He asked a bit spiteful.

He still didn’t seem to buy what Sara had to Sara, but she didn’t really care that much. Maybe she should hang around and be lucky enough to see him knocked off of his high horse soon. Still, as the dragon mutant spoke, she couldn’t help to feel some sort of compassion for the him and his possible fall. “Well look at me. You think I’m considered only human? You take away worshipers, and you’re left as nothing more than what a mutant is. I’ve been mistaken for a goddess as well… A couple of times.” She shrugged.

As they continued to talk, Sara couldn’t help but check inside the Dragon Inn through the glass doors. It seemed that Johnny was still in the back making her meal. The young man was a good friend. However when the Orochi asked her about Animal Control, a smile spread across her feline face. “And the police… And the National Guard….” Sara shrugged again. It hadn’t been all at once, and the national guard hadn’t really been called for just her, but he didn’t need to know that. At least she could laugh about it now.

The feline woman tried to make a persuasive argument against his Godhood, but she didn't seem to understand that the dragon's faith in himself was inbred from birth, beaten into his heart by a Father determined to use him to make a place in the world. "Take away my wealth, worshipers, and the temple and I am much more than a mere mutant. I am a creature of power and divinity, whose presence alone can cowl mortal men. The difference between us is vast Neko, while you accept yourself as part of their world. I was born outside it." His voice was proud, overbearing, and maybe a little aggressive. But it wasn't that he wanted to fight Sara about the topic, Ryoga truly believed in his own status as a God, and his ego refused to acknowledge any doubt in it.

Cats had been worshipped or idolized in many cultures though, so it wouldn't strike Ryoga as odd for her to claim to have been seen as divine before. He couldn't imagine the authority being called on him, like he was some common beast or criminal threat. Though his penchant for destructive power was real. A walking ton of primal fury meant Ryoga was one of the most dangerous organisms in the city, country, maybe even the world! "And I do not make habit of disrupting the natural state of humanity. Just as I expect respect from those beneath me, I respect the authority and order of their world." It's funny how basic cultural differences were, sure people followed the laws in the US, but the Japanese took order and structure to a serious level above what any would consider the norm here.

Well. Now they were going in circles and they needed to either change the subject or move on past where they were at. Sara had dealt with so called gods and goddesses before. If the thoughts were so deeply ingrained in a mutant or human’s mind, then there were no words that would remove it. There was some movement at the back of the Dragon Inn and it caught Sara’s attention. Her friend Johnny was at the back finishing the final touches on her meal, momentarily oblivious to the fact that Sara had stepped outside and now chatting with a dragon in front of his family’s restaurant. He’d already shut down the register, but Sara wondered if he would still do her a small favor.

She sighed. “You said that you have a home being built for you.” Sara’s hips slanted the other way as she shifted the way that she was standing. “If you need a place to stay, I’m sure I could find space at one of my properties.” She shrugged. “There’s space there. Room to move…” To hunt but Sara didn't add that last thought. Sara figured that he probably didn't need the offer, if he really had all that he said he did but she didn't see the harm in offering her help either.

There was no convincing or breaking of Ryoga's logic when it came to his assumed Godhood or uniqueness, so Sara gave up on that fight, and moved onto different topics. She asked about his housing situation, and offered to house him instead, discussing his rather unique circumstances when it came to a home. Ryoga's size made it nearly impossible to interact with most human structures, save those built for animals or for him specifically like his entire home in Japan. He reigned in his tone, and responded respectfully. Whether or not a person offended you, when they offered their help free of cost, respect was due in return.

"Thank you for your offer Neko, but my Mother wished me to live at that Mansion specifically, believing it was important for me. I shall wait and see what they can come up with to house my form." It seemed some mutants with unique abilities with controlling the Earth and wood were being tasked with building room for him, which he had also demanded have some Japanese styling to fit his culture. He wasn't offended by her mentioning his size, it was simply a fact that Ryoga was large and heavy, far more than any human on Earth. Their structures simply couldn't accommodate him. It seemed the cat girl owned multiple properties though, she must be wealthy.

"In Japan, my home is a large piece of land, a mansion of it's own built upon an old shrine ground." He loved his home in a Japan, a home built out of a shrine for an old God, now housing a modern one. So he hoped the Mansion could accommodate his request for Japanese styling. "To own multiple properties here in this city though, you must be somewhat wealthy." He questioned, curious as to how a mutant woman would come to own land in a predominately human country still.

A small, closed lips, smile tugged at the corners of Sara’s mouth when the dragon mutant said that he had a place to stay. And at the mansion of all places. “You mean the x-men mansion?” Sara asked curiously. “It’s not a bad place. Actually it would surprise me if they didn’t have a way of accommodating you.” Sara said with her arms crossed. She took one step back and looked the dragon up and down again. “Though the halls might be a little close quarters.

Orochi mentioned her owning multiple properties and she shrugged. “I bought properties that had been abandoned from the bank. Wealth didn’t have a lot to do with it.” As a matter of fact, Sara had been able to live for a long time on the money that’s she’d made using her properties as storage units, but soon, she’d have to find a new business venture if she wanted to avoid picking pockets again.

Sara turned back to the glass door of the restaurant, looking for Johnny to bring her food to the front but something had kept him in the back. He was probably checking his email or facebook. “I think you’ll like the mansion.” Sara said casually. “They have a little of everything for their students. Including a room they call the Danger Room that they use for training.”

It seemed Sara approved of that Mansion Ryoga was living at, a smile pulling at her feline face as he explained his situation. She spoke of the Mansion with regard, as did his own Mother. "Mother believes in that Mansion as well, she's convinced my time spent there will lead to some revelation or lesson." Ryoga however was entirely convinced he needed any lesson, Gods were not children, and even by human standards he was already an adult. Though in reality his mentality was severely immature. "However, I'll admit that place is certainly unique. So many of your kind, cramped together but not at one another's throats." Ryoga refused to acknowledge his status as a mutant, so his statement may have come off as offensive, though he held no disdain or mistrust for mutants.

The cat girl went on to explain how she came to own properties, and refuted his belief she was of wealthy background. "I see, a clever purchase if you knew how to make use of them." His cult, which was something like a Yakuza gang back home also made use of cheap properties, they could be fixed up and made into places of business...or used for less than legal issues that often came up behind the scenes of man's world. Ryoga cared little how his followers aquired or made use of the things they came upon, so long as in the end he was always content.

Sara continued with her train of thought, moving back to the Mansion and discussing something called the Danger Room. "Danger Room?" He said, his Japanese heritage sneaking out of his mouth as he pronounced the words slightly off. "Is that some sort of space set aside for the mutants to use their abilities?" He questioned, suddenly curious to hear about something at the Mansion he knew nothing off. "I saw no area that seemed altered or damaged when I explored the grounds." Some of the mutants certainly had dangerous abilities, such as a friend he'd made who claimed to create explosions. But if Kaitlyn went around exploding areas or objects, he was sure he'd smell the conglagration, or see the damage. Where was this Danger Room?