Ryuichi decided that he might as well do some shopping while he was out hunting for clues on the kidnapped children; an ear to the street was the way to find information. If that information seeking happened to coincide with him catching up on more than a year’s worth of back logged marvel Comics, then so be it. One of the best things about New York was the fact that you could dress however the heck you wanted to and walk around without too much trouble. Koga left his ninja hood down but the rest was all perfectly in place. His skin however took on the shade of the cloth he wore as well, his eyes were always black. He didn’t wear any weapons that were immediately visible.

Koga glanced around the shop and restrained himself from grabbing everything he saw, it seemed Marvel had been starting new series and taking different spins on old stuff, so the usual. He liked the ones that weren’t based on reality, it was fun seeing Comics about the x men and all, but he knew for a fact that Sam wouldn’t nobly pass up the smoking damsel in distress because he didn’t want to take advantage of her.
He looked around the shop until one of the workers were free.

To put it simply, it was a slow day for Akshay Malik. No phone calls, no new shipments except for some fliers and promotional Blue Torch Power Rings, he was already done with his back stock so….needless to say, he was bored. Thankfully, the “One Comic to Rule Them All” shop was pretty lax on what their employees could watch while they were working. Thankfully with little to no customers into the shop today, Akshay could put on whatever it was he felt like watching. Normally this would mean “Star Wars” or “Lord of the Rings” or something of that sort, but Akshay was in a different mood.

Today, he needed music…

Today, he needed action…

Today, he needed martial arts fighting…

He had the perfect solution to all of that. Thankfully the Plasma TV that was situated against the opposite wall of his counter also had wi-fi capabilities. All this meant was that he would log onto ViewTube to view whatever it was he wanted to view. And he had just the thing in mind.

Grabbing the wireless keyboard, Akshay yawned as he flipped on the TV and began used the keyboard to access him to ViewTube and search for the compilation he felt he desperately needed to see. With a grin he typed away until finally his show came on.

He set the keyboard down and smirked as Boogie Woogie Feng Shui No. 5 came onto his screen. Automatically set to full screen, he smirked as the music filtered in through the hidden speakers of the establishment and the sights and sounds of martial arts fighting flashed before his eyes.

So enraptured with his show he barely realized that someone else had watched into the store. As an exciting sword fight started, he smirked as he dangled the fliers for next Saturday’s “Free Comic Day” before him and blindly nodded to the newcomer he still had not turned to face.

“Welcome to One Comic to Rule Them—“ a death blow on screen interrupted him. “OH! Noiiiice!”

Koga leaned on the counter, He loved comic book shops and was considering making this one his. He couldn't say that this particular fellow was too helpful as of yet, but he wouldn't be too demanding. He didn't reek of body odor so that was a major plus. A comic book shop guy that was acquainted with deodorant, simply amazing.

"Not bad for amateursss, they look like they know how to handle the bladesss they carry at leassst. It can be hard not to pick apart theater. A couple of arrowsss from the tree line there would make ssshort work of them both."

He watched as the screen went to the next scene and realized that he was watching a conversion of anime over to live action. disgusting. Anime was not meant to be turned into this. people attempting to be as great as the characters the loved. bleck. He added on questionable taste to the man before him.

He stopped leaning and waited patiently until the man deigned to see if he needed help with anything.

Akshay simply continued to grin as he watched his favorite video. He was only into some anime but that was not the reason that he enjoyed this video. He liked it because it was real people, real amateurs, doing a damn good job at making videos like this. A video which, by all means, completely rivals anything that the big budget movie industries could do. He hoped that these guys would one day be able to do a full length movie on their own.

He sighed as he watched, suddenly sensing the presence of someone nearby. Thankfully the person did not seem to want to disturb him but instead was watching the video with his own sense of interest.

>> "Not bad for amateursss, they look like they know how to handle the bladesss they carry at leassst. It can be hard not to pick apart theater. A couple of arrowsss from the tree line there would make ssshort work of them both."

Akshay laughed and nodded. He did not fully understand what the customer was talking about but he had to admit that he was right. Couple of archers in trees always made situations like that far more difficult. But Akshay shrugged it off and continued to watch.

Hey, the video was almost over. The customer could wait, especially since he was watching the video to.

When it was over he smirked as the credits ran and finally turned to face the customer. He tiled his head curiously. The man really seemed to enjoy wearing black. For a moment, Akshay could have sworn that the guy was cosplaying as some type of ninja. But he refrained from commenting. He could have just been some Goth kid of something.

“Sorry about that,” Akshay beamed helpfully. “So, how can I help you today sir? Looking for anything in particular?”

Well, the man knew he was here at least he responded by laughing. So that was good. “No problem. and actually, yeah.” Koga grinned. “ I am looking for graphic novelsss of ‘the definitive Banissshed’, ‘definitive Arachnid’, ‘ unssstoppable eight’ and ‘midnight’ I am all the way back on volume eight of all four. I know it’sss been more than a year on mossst of thessse ssso I need to catch up, isss there anything elssse you’d recommend from Marvel?”

Koga eyed some of the other junk near the counter. That was one thing that drove him a little crazy about comic shops, they were not dedicated to comics. They carried all these games and bobbles and other nonsense. Didn’t they know that a stack of comics could have went there?
Honestly.

When Akshay had first turned, he thought little of how the teen was dressed. After all, it was New York and he saw the strangest sights all the time. But now, when he looked closely at the kid, he noticed that this was definitely not the normal type of appearance. And this was not simply make-up, a costume, or anything of the kind. No, the darker colored skin, the scales, the black eyes, all of it just screamed to Akshay that he was looking at a mutant right now!

For a moment he caught himself staring. Not in a judgmental or cruel way, but simply in a curious and almost awe-inspired way. So rarely did Akshay get this close to his fellow mutants that he reveled in every opportunity.

Huh…he really should take that tour of the mansion that Svetlana showed him. Prolly make this whole process a lot easier.

Ahem.

Akshay shook his head and returned to reality.

>> “No problem. and actually, yeah…I am looking for graphic novelsss of ‘the definitive Banissshed’, ‘definitive Arachnid’, ‘ unssstoppable eight’ and ‘midnight’ I am all the way back on volume eight of all four. I know it’sss been more than a year on mossst of thessse ssso I need to catch up, isss there anything elssse you’d recommend from Marvel?”

He whistled and nodded. “That this quite a collection. And you’re right, a LOT has happened since. Come on, friend!”

He was giddy. Rarely did he ever carry on conversations with mutants and when he did he simply loved it. So he was going to make sure to be extra nice to this kid in his pajamas (He still couldn’t figure out why he was wearing them).

With gusto Akshay led the teen over to a standing bookcase that was decorated with various superheroes and other comic characters. The shelf itself was lined with many, many graphic novels, all shelved as regular books with the titles glaring from their spines. The mixture of thick and thin novels from various independent and mainstream companies were all neatly organized and dated back through the past year. He did spend a lot of time organizing it. He nodded to the teen.

“Okay, we have a couple volumes of what you’re looking for,” Akshay said as he pointed them out, “Anything else we don’t have, we can back order for you if you become a member of our shop, only $10! And as for new stuff,” he grinned as he pulled out the first volumes of two marvel graphic novels. “I HIGHLY suggest ‘Civil Wartime’, shook up the whole verse, and ‘Secret Invaders’, another shake up. Second one is a little bit of a cope out, but fun to read nonetheless and the art style, well, can I just say, awwwwweeeesooooome.”

Koga let a smirk lift the corner of his lip, This guy was thrown off by him, but not in a bad way, more like intrigue or something… He half wanted to show off and put his video to shame, but he wouldn’t he just appreciated that his face didn’t twist in fear.

Koga’s Smirk turned to an all out grin upon the man Snapping out of it and recognizing him as a friend. It was nice to be around someone with a personality after being on that mountain of monks and his moody Grandfather.

Koga followed the comic book guy over and forgave all of his assumed judgments; you just had to get his attention to wake up the star employee in him.

Koga squinted at each of the titles looking at the columns of the four he wanted, they were all random volumes, he would take them. but it would be a bit before he got to read them, but that was ok. He nodded to the 10 dollar membership. If they covered shipping it’d be worth it in the long run.

“Ok, well I will take thessse and I need I to order all the onesss I’m missssing from volume nine and up minusss thessse guysss.” He held up the stack of seven random volumes. “And I will ssstart both of thossse sssince I will be waiting on the othersss to ssship anyhow”. Koga skimmed through and got several volumes of each. Nodding to himself he would stop there, just incase this guy was wrong about these two, he had a feeling the guy knew his stuff.

“My Name isss Ryuichi Koga, by the way, most people just call me Koga. Thanksss for the great sssugessstionsss”

The guy was interested in the books he was showing. Very interested, apparently. It looked as if he were drinking in all the volumes of graphic novels, as well as attempting to process absolutely everything that he had missed. Akshay could tell that he was a collector and big fan but if he were looking for all these things, it was obvious that he had been missing out for awhile. Where the hell was he? In a cave? It’s not like dedicated fans to neglect their pick-ups.

But he said nothing and merely watched as he began to pluck out items.

>> “Ok, well I will take thessse and I need I to order all the onesss I’m missssing from volume nine and up minusss thessse guysss…And I will ssstart both of thossse sssince I will be waiting on the othersss to ssship anyhow”.

Akshay nodded as he took out a small drawing pad in his back pocket as he started to jot down volumes and the numbers that his customer was going to be requesting. Big spender, but Akshay did not verbalize that. He was simply happy to have a comic aficionado that did not small of bean and cheese burritos all the time!

“Sounds like a plan, boss!” he said happily. His energy and mirth could be very infectious.

>> “My Name isss Ryuichi Koga, by the way, most people just call me Koga. Thanksss for the great sssugessstionsss”

“No problem! That’s why they pay me the big bucks! My name’s Akshay!” he replied as he displayed the nametag on his shirt. “Nice to meetcha! Just follow me to the counter so I can get your order set up.”

Akshay led the way back to the counter, flipping through his tiny drawing pad listed with the volumes that Koga would be ordering. As he headed back he had to wonder why kind of mutation this guy had? So far it was extremely interesting! His eyes were the most intriguing because they were solid black and for whatever reason the man spoke like a Kaa from that “Jungle Book” cartoon. Hmm…nope, he just couldn’t figure it out.

Akshay slipped behind his counter and pulled out his request pad, as well as a membership form for Koga.

“Well, welcome back to the fold, my friend!” he said cheerily. “Sorry you’ve been away from the comic-verse. Seems like it’s been a bit, if you don’t mind me saying,” he said as he looked over the list of volumes that Koga needed to catch up on.

Ryuichi followed the man back to the counter with his stack of comics.

“Nice to meet you Akssshay. Thanks, And yeah me too, I was visiting my grandfather in Japan and had access to absolutely Zero Media.”

He didn’t dwell on it, on the mountain but he was a modern man, he needed his internet and blu ray, ps3 and ipod. He would miss the evening chanting though. Koga pulled out his plain black wallet and wondered at what ridiculously huge amount of money he was going to pay for these books.

He tapped at the counter, thinking about the kids that had been disappearing.

“ So, you heard anything about all these kids that have been disappearing? Kidnapped. I am guessing.” Koga’s exspression changed completely, he wasn’t sure if it was the fact that he was spoiling himself and the fact that they couldn’t but something was rubbing him the wrong way about his little break, yeah he had made no progress. But did that excuse hobbyist shopping?

It sounded way too familiar, these kids were older though. It wouldn’t be the same guy. It couldn’t be. He just might kill him if it was.

>> “Nice to meet you Akssshay. Thanks, And yeah me too, I was visiting my grandfather in Japan and had access to absolutely Zero Media.”

“Whoa! Tough break,” Akshay replied with honest sympathy. “At least you managed to find your way back!”

He really did feel bad about that. In a world like this where technology is practically everywhere and in everything is engrained with her, Akshay was surprised that this relative of Koga’s managed to live in a pocket which was virtually untouched by it. It was surprising to say the least. Maybe his original assumption that the young man had been living in a cave this whole time was actually true.

He shook the idea off as he began to jot down on the official form which back issue graphic novels Koga would be ordering…

>> “ So, you heard anything about all these kids that have been disappearing? Kidnapped. I am guessing.”

He blinked as he looked up, tilting his head a bit. Akshay was not someone who paid a lot of attention to the news, too busy drawing or having fun, you know. But he did remembering hearing something like that in passing. Who had said something like that? Hmm…one of his co-workers, had to be. Valerie? Jean? Probably Jean, he watches a lot of news.

“OH yeeeah!” Akshay nodded as he snapped his fingers in remembrance. “Yeah, yeah, I remember. Jean, one of my co-workers, said that he’d been seeing less customers these days. Not many teens or youngins that are regulars have been coming by lately. Totally weird. He said it’s been happening but something like the news or police are trying to downplay how serious it is,” he shrugged as he returned to calculating the rest of Koga’s purchases. “Guy’s a totally conspiracy nut, though. Says lot of weird things have been happening in the city lately and its all connected. But, I dunno, guy’s a wound a bit TIGHT if you ask me,” as he said this he punched in the final number into his register. “Okay, $120, BUT since you’ve signed up for membership that will bring your price down tooooo…$110! Savings! Ya gotta love them.”

"You have, no Idea, it wasn't a complete waste of time, I learned a lot of interesting things." training in nothing but martial arts, tactics and physical prowess would make him a more formidable foe than he ever was, the most harrowing but worthwhile was learning tactics from his grandfather, the man was ruthless and he had a long time to prefect the art of being merciless on the battlefield. It was still hard to wrap his mind around the fact that he shared blood with more than a few of the legendary warriors in japan's history. But then he thought about how dangerous he would be in a world dominated by merely human enemies, he didn't look down on humans often, but it was hard to not think about the advantages he certainly had over those with out mutant genes.

Koga shelled out the money, and furrowed his brow thoughtfully. it might be worth the while to see what a conspiracy nut might have to say about things. it might be a waste of time, but it might give him some leads he hadn't had before.

"yeah, That'll work." Koga agreed about the savings absently. "Do you think you could put me in touch with Jean? I've got nothing to go on right now and even a conspiracy theory would be more than I have to work with now."

>> "You have, no Idea, it wasn't a complete waste of time, I learned a lot of interesting things."

Hey, at least you got something good out of it, man. I mean it would have sucked to have been away from our modern enjoyments and end it not getting anything out of the trip.” he said truthfully. “At least that’s the way I see it. Good for you though!”

Akshay began to bag the rest of Koga’s comic into a “One Comic To Rule Them All” shopping bag. As he did he had to admit that he was a bit curious as to why Koga was so interested in the disappearances. He didn’t seem distraught enough to be looking for someone that could have possibly been a missing brother or sister. Was it just idle curiosity? Maybe he was a journalism student trying to investigate? By the looks of him, Akshay could not tell. But he was not nosy enough to just pry into another man’s issues. Instead he would just let the ideas bounce around in the back of his head.

>> "yeah, That'll work…Do you think you could put me in touch with Jean? I've got nothing to go on right now and even a conspiracy theory would be more than I have to work with now."

He arched a brow. Curious indeed.

“Sadly, I can’t give out personal contact info,” he said with a small smile. He then leaned in with a grin. “Gotta protect the staff, you know. But…umm…” he turned and he began to fish around the counter. When he was finally done he held up a small business card and dusted it off. Akshay then handed the card out to Koga. “Here. Jean belongs to a band called ‘PCH’. That card as an e-mail contact he always checked. You can reach him through there. Just don’t tell him I gave you the card.”

“Definitely. I think the training will sserve me well.” Koga hadn’t meant to say that, but Akshay had this overly positive aura about him that seemed to scream trust worthy.

Koga nodded to the admission that he couldn’t share employee info. It made sense, if he was here to track down Jean, it wouldn’t do well to hand him directly over. Would it…no. But then a smile spread on to the man’s face. Koga looked at the email address studied it for a moment and memorized it. “Thankss, I will be disscrete. If you ever find yourself in a difficult ssituation and in need of asssistance.” Koga flipped over the card and jotted down his personal phone number and email. Not the one he had just given to the comic book shop. “ or even if you jusst want to hang out or ssomething, feel free to give me a call.”

Koga nodded to the man and picked up his bag. “ I sshould get back to work.” He would email this Jean after the rest of today’s search, hopefully he didn’t need to rely on the interconnection of the cities oddities, as seen by the conspiracy theory guy from the comic book shop…but he might have some insights. Koga turned to leave the store.