The Mansion grounds were nice enough, and the shrine the mutants had built for him to stay in was also acceptable. But Ryoga was not an animal to be caged or contained, and whether or not he had rampaged through an entire city block mattered little to him. It was that horrid woman's fault that so much destruction had come about, and Ryoga adamantly refused to be escorted when he wanted to leave the Mansion's grounds. However, it was still difficult to traverse the city, as the police weren't too fond of him either, and the dragon couldn't just ignore their authority as well as the Mansion's, so for now he couldn't travel much without someone's eyes on him.

The police followed him, but as he came into the park they seemed to lose interest. Apparently they didn't believe he could cause as much damage or be a nuisance here, and stayed far enough away that he could enjoy the solitude and the sun. The large creature known as Orochi stomped through the park grounds, his primeval body finding comfort in the natural surroundings as he looked for a spot to bask. Though he was far superior to a reptile, Ryoga still felt the need to soak in the sun's rays and warmth, and today was an excellent day to do so.

Coming into the middle of the park, an open area where he could directly see the Sun above him, and enjoy it's comfort he stopped. The saurian God stood tall and spread his wings out, creating the majestic image of the legendary dragon as he used the limbs to collect as much light as possible. He closed his eyes and took a breath, his cells eagerly metabolizing the radiation he bathed in, and powering his atomic physiology. Like the glucose hitting the system of a human, he felt energy rush back into his heavy form and gave him ample comfort to think on his current situation.

The mutants desperately wanted him to believe he was one of them, to the point of arrogantly denying his divinity, such as that horrid bone creature. While the humans were afraid of his presence after his fight with her and her companion, leaving him shamed and indebted to mortals. A frustrating plight, but at the same time he was enjoying some of the things here in this country. A different culture, different kinds of literature to enjoy, and various things to encounter he'd never be able to in his home at the compound. Perhaps Mother was right, and there were things to be learned here in the US, though he didn't realize that she ultimately wanted him to learn humility and find his place among the mutants, to learn that he wasn't some despotic being but rather a unique man.

Ryoga knew better though, he was no mere mortal and especially not some genetic mishap. He was a God, a supreme creature unlike any other, and he'd prove it to them all in time. And return triumphantly to Japan, but for now the Dragon was content to be a fixture of New York, and nearly a statue here in the middle of the park as he became nearly motionless, unaware that today would be quite interesting as well.

Roach enjoyed the park. Why, you ask?

Was it because of the trees, grass, and fresh air that undeniably made one feel closer to nature?

No.

Perhaps it was the quiet? The sounds of the bustling city did seem to fade away, lost in the many trees that dotted the area.

Also no.

Was it the fact that nearly every time he stepped his feet onto it's soft green blades he met a new and interesting being, all of which would be considered some sort of freak by the shallow minded pink skins flitting about the area?

Deep breath after that mouth full, but yes, yes that was it.

And now, he had done it again.

He was prancing about, celebrating his re-life after a particularly slow regeneration period, when through the trees he spied something... large. A new statue? Curious compound eyes focused in on the form through the trees... no... alive... alive, and-

"Oh... Oh my..." He journeyed into the clearing, gazing upon the great dragon of mythical lore as if he were the dawn after a long voyage.

"I do so enjoy the park." He practically sang as he proceeded onward, gliding giddily up to the would-be deity.

"Sir, Pardon my interruption in your glorious basking, but I simply must know you." He removed his hat, an actual hat this time, and bowed deeply. dropping the steak he'd been saving under the hat for later onto the ground.

Ryoga was lost in his thoughts, the sun's rays dominating his attention to the point that he didn't notice the giant roach rushing up to him. He remained silent and motionless as Roach eagerly greeted him, speaking to him in a gentlemanly tone that didn't match his apperance at all. The dragon took a deep breath, ignoring Roach long enough to create an awkward silence before he seemed to stir from his radiation induced slumber.

Drawing his wings back in, the limbs changing from solar panels back into function legs as he dropped them back to the ground, and turned his gaze upon the insectile mutant. His amber eyes bore into Roach as he spoke. "Then know me mutant. I am Orochi, and I am not fond of interruptions." He growled a bit, though he wasn't truly angry. More annoyed at being drawn out from his basking pose, but there was little time for idle frustrations.

The dragon stretched, his form waking up as the solar energy began to permeate his cells. He could understand the fascination though, after all he was a God, and everyone would clearly want to know him. "However, you are certainly different than the usual mortals I converse with, you appear to be some sort of giant bug?" The dragon lowered his head, getting a better gaze at the giant Roach. "Tell me your name bugman." The dragon demanded, his tone domineering but not quite offensive.

Ryoga sniffed the air a bit, his nose more powerful than a normal human's thanks to his size, picking up on the unique aroma of the man before him, and also what appeared to be a steak on the ground. What an odd beginning to this little encounter.

"Then know me mutant. I am Orochi, and I am not fond of interruptions"

Well, there was a little fire within this one, was there not? To be expected from a literal dragon. He wondered for a moment if the creature could breathe flames. He stared silently as Orochi went on, eyeing his form as if he were assessing a work of art.

"However, you are certainly different than the usual mortals I converse with, you appear to be some sort of giant bug? Tell me your name bugman."

"How thoughtless of me, I do apologize for interrupting so rudely." A slight Japanese inflection in his voice... He wasn't from here. More importantly, the wording he used was... fascinating. He referred to Roach as "mutant", this implied he did not view himself as the same. The usual mortals, an interesting term. Maybe... This one didn't think himself a mutant? Yes or no, He smelled a vast amount of entertainment to be had here.

Roach tilted his head a bit, as if in thought, and then promptly bowed it again. A carrot was being dangled before him. It seemed only appropriate to take a nibble.

"My lord, I apologize again, and thank you for honoring me with your presence, but I cannot tell you my name. I go by many. I fear the term Mutant does not properly identify me as well. You may, however, call me Roach if you would like."

His head lifted just a little as if to try and take in the dragon's reaction to his honorific stance.

"I would venture that you are more than what these types call... Mutant, as well. May I know your tale?"

The steak lay on the ground, sad and discarded.

It seemed the two men would be playing quite the game with one another, who could figure out the other first and take the lead was yet to be seen. Though Ryoga's weakness for synchophancy was already glaringly obvious to Roach. Ryoga never refused an apology, save for those that were obviously lies. Being above the mortals meant above their standards for manners, and the use of manners was a quick way to sneak onto the dragon's good side.

Ryoga was curious, his gaze unable to leave Roach's form. A giant talking bug, how quaint he thought. Most mutants were men who fired lasers from their eyes, or women with too much attitude because they could hurl explosives from their mind. But to be a giant insect? How interesting, and in the vaguest sense similar to Ryoga's status as a mythical creature, only many more levels mundane. Unaware that Roach was infact quite clever, and probably much more so than Ryoga was himself, the dragon became amused.

Lord was another easy way into Ryoga's grace, the God had such love of titles and honorifics, it so reminded him of his home in Japan, where respect and manners were the norm and not the outlier like this country. So the bugman took an obvious moniker to denote his status, acceptable but less interesting than Ryoga had imagined. "But of course, I am a God of benevolence, relish the moment you stumbled upon me Mr. Roach." Ryoga often missed the various terms from his mother tongue he could use to show respect in conversation, English was a lacking language he believed.

It was interesting to note that Roach kept his real name a secret, a practice Ryoga also practiced, by sticking with only his divine name. "Interesting that you would take a name that humans speak with disgust." Ryoga was an arrogant creature, and easily read, but he wasn't stupid. Roach's submissive words and polite attitude didn't hide that the man was confident to speak to Ryoga without fumbling his words or showing signs of fear. This bug held confidence, and that was something Ryoga knew all too well. He wouldn't let his guard down just yet, not until he knew more of this strange man.

"How ironic that a talking bug would possess better manners than the mortals that would stomp the same bug into the ground." The sentence might have been mildly offensive to Roach, but Ryoga wasn't trying to or even thinking of insulting him, he merely said what he thought when he thought it. The dragon huffed, a gust of air escaping his nostrils. "I am no mutant! Do I look a mortal man with some mundane power? I am Orochi, and I am a God! I was born of Japan's shores and Atomic fire!" The dragon paused a moment, his voice rumbling in his throat before he finished speaking.

"There is much to my tale, but I will share that I am a visitor to this country, and that the mutant's were kind enough to take me in." He could also share that he was the false God of a cult of crazed Yakuza, or that he couldn't in fact breath fire, but for now he'd rather question the little bug about his own story.
"What more would you know of me Mr. Roach? And what pray tell, are you?" The dragon demanded in a tone that rang of someone born to be nobility.

"But of course, I am a God of benevolence, relish the moment you stumbled upon me Mr. Roach" He bobbed a few times, remaining in his respectful averted stance.

"I shall, my lord."

"Interesting that you would take a name that humans speak with disgust. How ironic that a talking bug would possess better manners than the mortals that would stomp the same bug into the ground."

"I see the irony is not lost on you. Brutes, these mortals may be... But long after they are gone from this world, you and I will be here. I wear the name they sneer at with pride. Never will they be able to stomp every bug." He looked up, Standing tall for a moment, though still not making more aggressive eye contact.

"I am no mutant! Do I look a mortal man with some mundane power? I am Orochi, and I am a God! I was born of Japan's shores and Atomic fire! There is much to my tale, but I will share that I am a visitor to this country, and that the mutant's were kind enough to take me in. What more would you know of me Mr. Roach? And what pray tell, are you?"

"A visitor." it was a statement, though it showed clear bewilderness. "I apologize for my shock... but is this world not your birthright?" He paused for a moment. "I- forgive me, I am being rude. Myself, I am no mortal. I have lived many lives, died many deaths, and I fear I will stand on this earth up until it itself ceases to exist. Unlike you, I am not a deity of lordliness. Mine is a place of shadows. Higher than the mortals, but paling to your majesty."

He bowed once again, and looked up once more. "If I may, perhaps... It was fate that we met here today. May I ask where you are taking up residence?"

This Roach was far more respectful and reverent than most of the mutants, a pleasant change of pace. Ryoga would have to figure out what the little mutant wanted though, considering people quick to submit weren't as submissive as they often played. The pride Roach took in himself was enticing to Ryoga though, taking something people would discard or insult and wearing it with pride was a sign of strong will. Ryoga respected strength of will.

The dragon sneered though, when Roach made a comment he took as demeaning. To question Ryoga's statement as if were not bold enough himself! Quite bold this Roach was. "Japan is my birthright, this country is arrogant and brash. It is beneath me." The dragon stood tall as he tilted his head down to glare at Roach. "I will forgive, once, that you questioned my ambition." Ryoga was an egomaniac, and though he didn't want to rule the world like some crazy fictitious super villain, he did intend to rule many one day, as their deity.

The man spoke of living and dying, a statement which caught onto Ryoga's curiosity. "You have died and come back? Are you an immortal creature then?" Ryoga was always interested in anything dealing with immortality or abilities beyond the scope of even the strongest mutants he'd met. Because he secretly needed proof that he could be immortal as well. A roach man dying and coming back certainly fit the theme of cockroaches, creatures which seemed more tenacious than any other life form.

Bowing to Ryoga was an easy bandage to cover the earlier insult, Roach being quite clever at how to indulge a Japanese "man's" sense of manners. "A large Mansion, a home for mutant's was kind enough to take me in. Their building doesn't quite accommodate my size, but a shrine was built for me to reside on the grounds." Some might take offense at being kept outside the building in what equated to a stone dog house, but when that house was built in the shape of a shrine, the Godly part of Ryoga's mentality became quite appeased by it. "I came here on something of a retreat from my home in Hiroshima, at my Mother's request." He said, sharing a bit more of his origin with Roach.

Roach did not fancy himself a farmer of the usual variety. People were more his crop of choice. Oddly enough, this line of reasoning had little to do with his taste for their flesh. It was their minds he harvested, and warped to fit his own desires.

Like farming, the whole process started with planting a seed. From there... Patience.

Patience.

Patience.

"Japan is my birthright, this country is arrogant and brash. It is beneath me. I will forgive, once, that you questioned my ambition."

He ducked his head lower for a moment. "Forgive my shame. I was too forward; I only hoped that your godly influence could be spread to these ignorant masses. I thank you humbly for your gracious forgiveness." One might consider him a little too apologetic, but considering the culture his host was coming from, this was more than appropriate.

"You have died and come back? Are you an immortal creature then?" It seemed he had piqued this creature's interest... through that question, though, Roach spied a hint of naivety. Also... Odd... He called others mortal, but was he in fact immortal?

"More so than others I have met. There are many that would live forever were their body not destroyed, but not otherwise... Mine has been destroyed on more than ten occasions, now. And yet, here I live. The process takes some time, my lord... I doubt it is as perfect as your own abilities. Should I die, I typically do not walk again on this earth for a full cycle of the moon."

"A large Mansion, a home for mutant's was kind enough to take me in. Their building doesn't quite accommodate my size, but a shrine was built for me to reside on the grounds. I came here on something of a retreat from my home in Hiroshima, at my Mother's request."

He nodded solemnly.

"Ah. I know of that place, my lord. Their facilities are... adequate, though their philosophy... insulting. They feel that all beings are created equally. You and I both know that is not true... There is, and always will be a hierarchy; some are more fit for rule than others. Humans were made to serve, mutants, to enforce... Gods... To rule." This was pandering; Digging a hole that a seed might sit in... the plant was coming; it was, and were one not careful, they were likely to miss it.

"It is good, though, that they have built a temple for you. I did not think them the type to give you a spacious area with which to take in all of the offerings they give you. It truly is a shame, I was to offer my services, but their charity seems to have preceded my reverence." Seed... Planted. Was this being, who seemed used to idolization, receiving the treatment he felt he deserved from these people? He doubted it. He could give the dragon a taste of the admiration he craved, and use that to mold him into the perfect tool.

He paused for a moment, and then tilted his head a little, looking up just below chest level. "If I may inquire. Have you had a chance to enjoy the city proper? I imagine the mortals cannot help but stare at your majesty. Should you require, my company would make you nearly invisible to their eyes."

The manipulation of the human mind was a powerful talent, and those in power always knew how to do it, or more so, those in the shadows who held the real power. But this was no mere man or leader, Ryoga was a mythical creature made real, with an ego the size of a nation to match it. He was a God, and nothing could convince him otherwise. And to manipulate him...was a dangerous game, one Roach would have to play wisely.

The dragon wasn't entirely sure to think of this Mr. Roach. He had a silver tongue, and knew manners nearly as well as a native born Japanese, but this mutant had no face to read, no actions to obviously judge. It was like speaking to someone wearing a mask, and it meant Ryoga would tread carefully as well. For now, Ryoga would indulge this insect with his time and attention, the submissive attitude was too rare to be passed over.

Some kind of regeneration or reincarnation. How fascinating, the dragon's gaze seemed far off as he thought on the implications of such. This Roach was far more interesting that he'd have guessed at first sight. A man or creature that would not stay dead was an important resource, whether he be friend or merely a tool. Ryoga would have to keep track of him. "You are...more interesting than I would have presumed. I shall not forget this." The dragon's tone was one of a lord, a man marveling over a useful tool or powerful connection just made. Father would be interested in such a man, he thought.

Ryoga detested the idea of being born equals. Not all men were created equal, some were weak and others strong, but what mattered was their spirit. An ambitious man wouldn't be held back by his frailty or lack of wealth, he would take it and deserve all that he took. Ryoga wasn't just born mighty, he was born with the will of a king, and the ambition to demand even more than that. "You know them well I see. And you know the truth of the world as well." The dragon was pleased to meet someone who finally understood that the world wasn't as pleasant as the mutants liked to dream. Humans and mutants weren't equals, and none of them equaled Ryoga.

Roach clearly favored mutants over the humans from the way he spoke, and Ryoga was about to share a thought about them when Roach hit upon a weak link in the dragon's armor. The Mansion had built him a shrine, but it was more like a room for him to stay. They didn't acknowledge him like his people in Japan did. Mutants were arrogant creatures, their powers made them head strong and lazy at times. Yes they were better than humans, but they acted just like the humans at times. The dragon lowered his head a bit and glared at Roach, trying to judge what the bug was planning.

"You favor your mutant kin I see. But their powers go to their heads Mr. Roach. They become arrogant and lazy, they squander their status. They lack...respect for authority." Ryoga pulled his head back, his mind trying to figure out Roach just as the bug had figured him out. "What makes you so sincere when mere mutant children question my status?"

Roach also took the moment to ask Ryoga about his knowledge of the city, which to be fair Ryoga hadn't seen some parts, his movements restricted after his brush with the police. "I welcome their stares, but there are in fact parts of this city I have yet to see."

"You are...more interesting than I would have presumed. I shall not forget this."

"Truly, You honor me, my lord." He looked up just long enough to see the dragon almost staring through him. He was quite fascinated with his ability... Almost as if he'd never encountered anything like it. Perhaps the great immortal lord before him wasn't so permanent as he might desire to be.

"You know them well I see. And you know the truth of the world as well."

His head lowered as the glare set in on him... As in control as he might like to feel, people could be quite unpredictable. This creature wasn't an ordinary person, either.

"You favor your mutant kin I see. But their powers go to their heads Mr. Roach. They become arrogant and lazy, they squander their status. They lack...respect for authority. What makes you so sincere when mere mutant children question my status?"


"I do. They have been shown great favor by fate; driven correctly, they can me more useful than any human could hope to be. True, they have the minds of humans, and with that, many... flaws. Given proper guidance, though... You cannot deny how much one could achieve, with an army of mutants at their call. Now, when it comes to them questioning your status... This whole world has grown... ill. Very see what is right before them for what it is. They must be shown. Humans must be put in their place. Mutants, aimed in the right direction."


"I welcome their stares, but there are in fact parts of this city I have yet to see."

"Well, I could certainly show you around, if you'd like, my lord." Two sets of arms motioned as if to say 'right this way'

Ryoga huffed at Roach's appreciative words. While he did find Roach fascinating, this was merely with the traits Roach had been born with so far, it had yet to be seen if this man was worthy of recognition for his will. "You are far above a mortal, so honor is do. But I have not judged you yet little bug." The dragon forewarned, letting Roach know that he was no so easy to appease as Roach may have thought.

Roach's words were adequate. He defended the mutant's natural talents, which Ryoga did respect but rather than excuse their behavior he simply pointed out that they needed a will to guide them. The talented being ruled by the most talented was a view Ryoga had set in his heart, and one Roach seemed to connect with, at least with his words and attitude. If the dragon could have smiled Roach would have known he'd made good progress with the God. "You speak...the truth" Ryoga paused, his reptilian attitude slow and steady, as if to create tension simply to relish in it himself. "Just as children need a Father to guide them, these mutants lack a guiding will to show them purpose. To forge them into something better." Ryoga was enticed, this conversation was stirring the ruler within him.

If mutants needed a father figure, if they needed a God, then it should be him! He was the modern God, born in the crucible of atomic fire and war, forged by superior Japanese honor and will, he would show this world just how true his status as a God was. "I sense in your words...the desire to find a guiding force for your kind." It seemed the two men were entirely on the same thought now, but who would be the puppet and who would be the puppeteer?

The dragon stood and stretched, his wings curled up and ready to be used as legs. "Then lead on Mr. Roach. I am curious to see which part of this city you would show me." And now another test for Roach, Ryoga was curious to see what this bug would show him, and how he would try to appease the Dragon God.