The Sanctuary was an okay place to live, but the cafeteria didn't have a particularly wide selection of vegetarian options. They had a salad bar, but everyday the salad bar had the same iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, and slightly squishy cucumbers. It was a selection that got old quickly, even for a man who could live off of nothing but grasses for a century or so. Really, iceberg lettuce had no right to even be called a vegetable; it was more like crunchy water that provided no nutrients whatsoever.

One Saturday in late December, Sebastian finally got so tired of the same old cuisine, that he decided to take matters into his own hands. At this particular time of year, there wasn't a very wide selection of vegetation outdoors from which to graze, which meant that the unicorn man would have to go grocery shopping.

It was a warm out, compared to relatively recent weather patterns. The ten inches of snow the city had received just after midwinter had long since been pushed off the roads by very large automobiled designed for the sole purpose of pushing snow off of roads. It had been swept and shoveled off the sidewalks by shop owners. It sulked in gutters, where it had been sprayed with dirt and grime from passing cars and now, the warm day was doing its best to send the last of the stubborn snow to its next life. The park was still white, but in the city snow didn't last much longer than it supposedly did in the underworld.

Sebastian wandered the city randomly, taking care to fastidiously avoid the slush puddles that seemed to form on every surface that would have been otherwise convenient for walking upon. His meanderings throughout the city revealed several shops of interest, including a small coffee shop called “Insomniacs Anonymous”, a used bookstore that looked like it might carry some rarer tomes called “Full Circle Bookstore”, and a medium shop that had a rather generic name, but nonetheless caught Sebastian's attention with a poster in the window that explained the services offered within. If his stomach hadn't been growling, he might have stopped in then and there to see if it was possible to communicate with lost loved ones. Instead, the horned man readjusted the scarf around his neck and wondered as he wandered exactly how long gone spirits could be and still be reached from this dimension.

By the time Sebastian reached a store called “Flower Peddlers” he still hadn't found an actual grocers' shop. At least a florist's shop would have some greenery for sale. Perhaps he would be able to find some interesting flavored things within that would spice up even the plainest of salads. After peering through the window at the brightly colored roses that were on display behind the glass, Sebastian pushed the door open and walked inside, carefully wiping his feet on the mat before entering.

“Momma always said 'practice makes perfect'” Kai chastised himself.

He had become complacent with his powers over months of not having to use them extensively. The plants in the shop liked him. They wanted to do as he asked. And the more he spent time with one plant, the better he knew it. His favorite, of course, was the small tree that was a gift from his brother. Partially because it was a tree, and thus superior to the puny leafy plants. They lived longer and had more personality, Kai thought, not all bumbling and excited like annuals. Trees were also connected to everything else. There were several cultures and religions which had some kind of “Tree of Life” myth. Meso-American cultures, such as the Mayans, held that a tree was the “axis mundi” or center of the world. The world tree had four branches pointing in the cardinal directions. They had their roots in the underworld, their trunks in this world, and reached into the heavens with their branches. Kai kind of liked that idea.

His brow furrowed in concentration as Kai attempted the impossible; To listen to every plant in the shop!!

The ferns closest to him were edging towards one another. The bouquets to his left were the most muffled sounding. The stems were already cut, which meant that the plants were dying. That was probably the hardest part of the job, cutting flowers. He had to remind himself that he was NOT killing the actual plant. The roots and the stems were still alive. The flowers would eventually die anyway... but no plant liked to have bits of it chopped off. Kai listened extra hard to them. Some yellow roses distantly hoped someone would buy them and look at them. Roses liked being admired.

Some lilies near the window made their voices heard. They screeched in excitement as the sun came out from behind a small cloud. The plants by the window were always extremely vocal, equally loud in protesting the lack of sun as in rejoicing when it returned.

The door opened and fresh air made a sweep through the shop. Most of the plants drank in the extra oxygen hungrily, but some protested the toxins in the New York City air. yuckyuckGROSS! they clamoured.

Kai sighed. “Hello,” he greeted his latest customer, then soothed the whiners with his mental voice. He glanced at the man again lest his service be required. What wa... horn?

Sebastian's tummy rumbled loudly before he had a chance to greet the young shopkeeper. In passing, the unicorn man wondered if it was actually possible to die of starvation. What ever the result, such an experiment would undoubtedly be unpleasant.

“Excuse me,” Sebastian apologized for the loud complaints of the ravenous beast that normally lay dormant inside his peaceful exterior and simultaneously bowed his head. “And greetings,” he added as resumed his upright posture. He ignored the glance the youth gave his horn, as such things were nowhere out of the ordinary.

Sebastian inhaled deeply, allowing the various vegetative aromas to wash over the sensitive receptors within his olfactory cavity.

“It smells wonderful in here,” the horned man added astutely as he wandered toward the long stemmed bouquets. The lilies and roses probably added the most to the aroma of the store, but there were also hints of pine and rosemary, and traces of ferns and lavendar. There was also an unidentifiable spicy smelling plant and was that... clover? It would be an odd, but delicious, plant type to be sold at a flower shop.

>>“It smells wonderful in here,”

Well, regardless of how this newest client chose to cloth himself, he seemed to be a kindred spirit- Perhaps he celebrated Halloween in... December? If the rational part of Kai's brain were allowed to surface, he would naturally come to an entirely different conclusion, but the worldly experience that he had garnered thus far taught him that flying under the radar with regards to mutant powers was mutually beneficial to all involved. So no, Kai was not stupid enough to miss the connotations the presence of a horn indicated, but neither was he ready to let his guard down. At least not just yet.

The horned man stopped at the most interesting plants. Like clover. No one else in the entirety of New York was interested in clovers. Kai had a special affinity for clovers. After he and Cam discovered their powers and learned to listen to plants, they would find a clover patch and race to find a four leaf clover. Not the traditional way, by looking, but by listening. It was good practice. The clovers in the shop were kept around for a variety of reasons, mostly sentimental. They also seemed to be popular on St. Patrick's Day. But otherwise, normal people did not bat an eye at clover.

Yes, he was an amusing character. Kai decided the best approach with this one was to stay back and watch- covertly, of course. He also hoped to learn a little more about his mutation. Did he also have some kind of connection with plants? Maybe through the horn? Was it like an amplifier or just a random manifestation of the X-gene? Watch and learn, plant man, observe.

The shopkeeper allowed Sebastian to browse throughout the store, but remained close enough at hand in case he was needed. The unicorn man wandered along the entire edge of the store, taking note of where the tastiest salad ingredients were located. He stopped to admire the clover in particular. They grew thickly in their pot, healthy and perhaps in need of thinning. It was quite likely that he could purchase the plant and just thin it out once in awhile in order to garnish dinners. Clover grew very quickly, so it could easily replenish itself. He'd definitely have to get some of the clover, but what else?

Near the clover was another variety of leafy plant Sebastian had seen growing in Asia. He didn't remember what it was called, but if his memory was correct, it tasted delicious. He reached out to adjust the tag that was sticking out of the dirt so he could read it. Cryptotaenia japonica; japanese wild parsley. A small picture of a blackened out sun indicated that the plant grew best in the shade. He couldn't remember if he'd ever tasted this plant before, so he broke off one of the older leaves and stuck it in his mouth, chewing carefully.

It had a refreshing, clean taste with just a hint of bitterness. It was definitely a familiar flavor, one that would add some taste to his dinner that evening. It was also one that brought back memories of ancient days when he tilled his own crops in the country of the rising sun and made offerings at the local shinto shrine for good luck and bountiful harvests.

One second, Kai was watching the seemingly harmless customer peruse the shop, the next second- a cry of pain as part of a plant was snapped off. It screeched at him in protest as the stem connecting one of its leaves was bent viciously. The cry was muffled suddenly when the stem snapped. It was the parsley! Kai bit back an angry, feral snarl which would have challenged this mutant to a one-on-one match. It's ok. Parsley is a seasoning, he told himself, Perhaps it was an accident.

The leaf was not as angry as the rest of the plant. It was kind of curious at the warm gust of wind which suddenly blew upon it. Then- THE CRUNCHING AND MASHING, THE GNASHING OF TEETH! THEY WERE RIPPING THE LEAF APART! INTO TINY, TINY BITS!

Maybe he just wanted to taste it to see if it was any good, but even so, it was not good manners to nibble on the merchandise before purchasing it!

Kai eased his way over, taking a few deep breathes before speaking. He spoke with an apologetic, yet firm tone. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from eating the herbs while you are in the shop. If you are curious about a plant, I'd be happy to give you more information..." he trailed off, waiting for a reply.

Sebastian's reminiscence was cut off by the sudden appearance of the shopkeeper at his elbow.

>>>"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from eating the herbs while you are in the shop. If you are curious about a plant, I'd be happy to give you more information..."

He was young, but his voice had a ring of authority to it. Even in trailing off, he didn't sound unsure of himself. He simply spoke exactly as many words as he needed to get his point across. Perhaps there was a hint of anger behind the words, but it was controlled and didn't get in the way of the boy's professionalism. He seemed very mature for his age.

Sebastian bowed deeply in apology, “Please, I beg you for your pardon. I was not thinking of etiquette, but rather perusing old memories. I have been very rude and hope you can forgive me.” He bowed again. It had been stupid of him to taste the plant. Was he really so much an animal that he let his stomach take control over his mind? Such was acceptable when one lived in the wild as a horse, but as a civilized man in a civilized time Sebastian knew he should have known better.

“Is there any way I can make it up to you?” Sebastian hoped that there was. He felt truly sorry.

>>“Please, I beg you for your pardon. I was not thinking of etiquette, but rather perusing old memories. I have been very rude and hope you can forgive me. Is there any way I can make it up to you?”

Kai was mildly amused at the bowing- who bowed any more? But the horned mutant seemed sincere and not to be mocking him.

"No, no. We should have a sign posted or something. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can help you find." Kai grabbed a stray watering can and busied himself with other things not-too-close but not-too-far away from his customer. Kai knew that perhaps he should be a little more forgiving. The man even liked the smell of plants. He couldn't be all bad, well, no body was perfect.

Kai fiddled with the watering can. He had never really been a good judge of character. His own brother could convince him to run an illegal business, so obviously he wasn't always completely on the ball when it came to determining what was right...

He seemed to accept the apology, but the shopkeeper whose name read “Kai” seemed a little reluctant to let the unicorn man wander the store unattended after he had tasted the wares. He really did feel bad.

Perhaps if he made a rather large sale it would help ease the pain. Sebastian glanced around for more expensive plants, thinking of buying one, not to eat, but to keep in his room at the Sanctuary. His room was really rather bare, and a plant or two in the window might make it a little more homey. Not that he minded things being simple, but if he ever had guests over it would be nice for them to feel comfortable.

The unicorn man noticed a small finely sculpted miniature tree living in a tiny pot. It grew in an asymmetrical shape something like a half moon rising over the miniature rocky landscape. It's branches were pricky, but it was interesting to look at. It was also quite expensive compared to the lowly clover and the parsley. It was the perfect plant to keep him company in his plain little room. He scooped it up and deposited it on the counter, then went back to pick up the parsley and the clover.

“I think I'm ready, then.”

Sebastian took out the appropriate amount of money and managed to pay with exact change.

“Thank you very much,” he said politely as he awkwardly gathered his purchases in their various bags and walked out the door again to the tinkling sound of bells. Outside he had to readjust so her could walk again. Two pots were in one bag, insulated against the cold slightly by an extra layer or two of plastic. This bag he hung from his left wrist. The third plant he cradled against his chest with his left hand, leaving his right hand free.

About a block from the shop, his stomach rumbled again. He could smell the clover that was currently cradled against his chest. It smelled so good.

He walked one more block before he succumbed to his animal instinct to eat. He tore a small hole in the bag protecting the clover plant and pulled out one of the tiny trileaves and putting it in his mouth, chewing slowly as to savor the subtle, slightly sweet flavor. His hand was already reaching, unbidden, back into the bag as if he had stopped at a popcorn stand rather than a florist's shop.

Horned Man bustled around quickly and lined up some merchandise on the counter, proclaiming his shopping success. In addition to the clover and the plant which he had tasted, the man also picked out one of Kai's favorite- a miniature tree. Kai certainly couldn't fault him for his taste. He rang him up and received the crisp bills and shiny coins which denoted the perfect amount.

If you asked Kai, he would say that this customer was a little too interesting. He was obviously a mutant, but didn't act like it affected his daily life. He wasn't trying to hide it, it just... was. That plus the fact that he bought interesting plants... Kai was dying to know more about this character.

"Cam!" he yelled to his brother, hoping he would hear him all the way in the backroom. "I'll be back soon!" He also impressed upon one of the plants near the doorway to let Cameron know if someone came in before Kai returned.

Kai stalked down the street, attempting to be inconspicuous. The Unicorn man- whose name, Kai had never actually gotten- cradled the clover to his chest like a precious commodity. Like Gold. Like a cute baby. It was beautiful cargo and meant to be surrounded in love, warmth, and attention as it was, even now being treated like a gem. From his position, only a few paces back, Kai could see the man reach into the bag holding the clover to caress its silky leaves.

Then- A leaf was accidentally broken, torn away from its fellows.

Kai frowned, he felt as though he should warn the man to be a bit more careful- and then in happened again. And the leaf was promptly popped into the waiting maw! Kai actually stopped still in his tracks. Then launched into a headlong run. "NOoOoO!" He shouted, throwing his arms up into the air.

The unicorn man heard a primal shout that hearkened back to days even before his time, when humans were still savage and uncivilized beasts. Millenia of domestication had not yet bred those savage instincts out of the human and mutant races which were so closely tied together. He turned to see the young shopkeeper running towards him with his arms flailing. His cries of protest pierced the still, cold air growing ever louder as he got closer to where the unicorn man stood waiting and wondering. What on earth could have happened? Possibilities sprang to mind like small mushrooms on a patch of grass after a summer storm. A robbery at the shop, perhaps. A fire. Some sort of grievous injury that required a healer immediately.

Sebastian called out the approaching youth, his hand extended to wave to him, “What's wrong? What's the emergency? Can I offer you any type of assistance?”

>>“What's wrong? What's the emergency? Can I offer you any type of assistance?” The horned mutant waved at him.

Kai guffawed. "No- uh, there's nothing wrong with me. Can I offer YOU any assistance? You- er- clover is not meant to be eaten. I thought maybe you... might be sick or something?"

He quickly scanned the other mutant, wondering about his mental health as well as his physical health. With the exception of the horn spiraling out of his forehead, he seemed pretty normal, from what Kai could tell. He wasn't turning some odd, sickly shade. He didn't look as though he were about to gag on the clover.

"You look alright, but maybe I better walk you home?" Kai could almost see the headline: Mysterious Mutant Violently Ill in the Flower Peddler's... or something like that. More than just bad publicity, Kai was concerned. And barring that, insanely curious. Maybe his powers were the ability to eat anything... Was he a Goat-Mutant?! Personally Kai thought eating plants was an abomination, but even regular people ate lettuce and carrots, maybe this man just couldn't help it?

>>>"No- uh, there's nothing wrong with me. Can I offer YOU any assistance? You- er- clover is not meant to be eaten. I thought maybe you... might be sick or something?" There was a guffaw in there somewhere as well.

Sebastian gave the boy a funny look. He'd come all the way out here to tell him not to eat clover? How did he even know? Was he following the whole time? Perhaps he really wanted to make sure his plants were well taken care of.

“I've got a special diet,” he tried to explain, “There are many things normal people can eat that I cannot digest.” Namely meat. “Then, there are other things I can eat that others normally wouldn't.” Unless they were horses. Horses loved clover, as did Sebastian. However, he was beginning to feel like it would be somehow wrong to eat this particular clover, since it had previously been so well cared for, almost like murder.

>>>"You look alright, but maybe I better walk you home?"
The boy looked worried, but whether it was about Sebastian returning home safely or about the plant remaining uneaten until it made it safely to a window ledge home somewhere, Sebastian couldn't be certain. He would, however, be glad for the company on the way back.

“I think I'll be fine, but if you'd like to accompany me, you certainly may,” Sebastian chose a pace that was brisk enough to keep them warm, but his own legs were not particularly long, so the florist probably would be able to keep up with relative ease.

“If you are going to walk me all the way home, I suppose I should introduce myself; I am Sebastian Csendes.” He bowed his head in lieu of offering his hand. Both of his arms were now busy holding plants. “You are...” he waited for the young man to add his name. Fill in the blanks seemed to be relatively common greeting phrases in this area and era. Though, he wasn't certain if it was a polite way to request a name. He could always judge the person's reaction to see if it was a rude thing to do.

Kai's suspicions were confirmed by the look he received- he really was crazy, wasn't he? The mutant went on to explain about some kind of special diet that he was on. He knew how much his own mutation interfered with his daily life, so maybe it did effect this guy's diet.

Kai felt extremely stupid. And stalker-like. But it was too late to do much about that now.

>>“If you are going to walk me all the way home, I suppose I should introduce myself; I am Sebastian Csendes.” The man- Sebastian introduced himself as he set off, “You are...?”

“Oh, I'm Kai Johnson.” He answered the implied question with no glory whatsoever. His sounded like a plain small town name, nothing grand like 'Sebastian Csendes'. Kai felt kind of small, though he was keeping pace with Sebastian easily. He threaded through the streets, marginally paying attention to where he was going.

So now that he had the opportunity, he decided to make the most of it, “So, you are a mutant? Where are you from? I mean, you don't sound like you are from New York... ”

The young man seemed somewhat embarrassed about Sebastian's answer about his slightly unusual diet. There was nothing to be ashamed of, really. It was just a part of his everyday life and had been for a very long time. Sebastian didn't mention that though, and instead let the conversation drift onward naturally through introductions and onto another topic.

>>>“Oh, I'm Kai Johnson.”

A sensible and solid name. Kai, John's son. It was probably of Scandinavian origins, where they had long ago started the tradition of naming children after their fathers.

“It's a pleasure to meet you,” Sebastian responded with a smile.

>>>“So, you are a mutant? Where are you from? I mean, you don't sound like you are from New York... ”

“I'm from Greece originally, but I don't really live there now. I'm more of a world traveler. I make my home wherever I happen to be. Right now, my home is in New York, at the Sanctuary, the famous shelter for mutants. So, yes, I am a mutant. I am a healer primarily, but also a shifter of sorts.” He did not ask if the boy was a mutant or not. If he wanted to share that information, he would.

They were nearing the Sanctuary now. Sebastian could see the glint of sunlight off the golden doors. They had been on rather an adventure, those doors, and gained a respectable scar that hadn't been completely hammered out of the back side. They were like many of the residents: tough enough to withstand just about anything and live to tell the tale, but still needed to be patched up after a wild adventure. Nothing was really indestructible. Everything met its end eventually.