Snake Whisper

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji had been debating the matter for a long time; even now he was still not sure if he wanted to get another snake. He already had four of them, all very healthy and still growing. It was probably because he had been working on; and not doing so well at, going around without having one of his snakes with him. Even now he didn't have a snake on his person and that was probably why he really wanted to buy another snake right now. He did technically bring one of his snakes with him; Sapphire to be specific, but she was in the car right now since she didn't want to go in.

"What kind would I even get?" Seiji asked, mostly talking to himself as he walked over to the area where he knew they kept reptiles. He had never bought a rescue pet before. Ghost was a gift, Leevi he bought when he was a baby. Sapphire he found in the wild and in danger of being killed by some hikers that had come across her, and Akiko he found as an egg. So buying a snake the might have belonged to someone else or was rescued from the outside world for whatever reason was slightly new for him in terms of buying it. Not like he didn't have the money; but it was just something that was new to him all the same.

"Hello there, do you have a name?" Seiji asked the snake that he spotted slightly moving around in its tank. He didn't spot anyone around so figured it did not hurt to have a conversation with a potential pet; if it would talk back to him. The Corn Snake didn't say anything back to him or even look at him, which did happen from time to time with his power. "Come on, I don't bite." Seiji assured the snake, chuckling a little at his joke there.

[Nikolai Volkov]

What was possessing Nikolai to buy another dog? He already had his devilish trio back home; he didn't need another to add to his pack. And yet... And yet he felt he needed to. There were two males in his group and one female. It was off balance, and It felt wrong to him. Besides, if he was really going to consider breeding the dogs, he would probably want to get another female. So he had done his searching and found out there was a rescue shelter nearby. That sure was convenient! But Nikolai had been slightly elated to head out and see just what dogs the place had for adoption.

The employees had looked so startled when the giant Russian walked through their door, Nikolai was sure one of them might have a heart attack. Their expressions made him smile a bit as he nodded to them in greeting. "Do not mind me. Looking for dog." He said to pacify them before walking further in. He was not there to invade the store. He was simply finding the fourth member for his pack.

As he walked down the rows, looking for the dogs, he though he heard someone speaking. Curious, he followed the sound until he caught a man speaking to a snake. He made some joke about not biting, and Nikolai chuckled slightly. He couldn't help but remark. "Snake bite you instead maybe." He joked, taking in the stranger's appearance before glancing at the snake he was looking at. Snakes were pretty neat creatures in Nikolai's opinion, but he much preferred dogs. Or wolves for that matter.

[Seiji Lockard]

The chuckling had caused Seiji to jump a little on the inside, since he thought that he was all alone in the row. Not that talking to a snake proved anything but he knew he still had to be careful when he was in town with people who were not all mutants. He was very firm believer about keeping the secrete hidden and since he didn't know this guy he was already playing it safe. He of course gave him his friendliest smile because Seiji could not help but to be friendly. He was a pretty tall guy, 6'4" to be specific, so he was used to be taller then everyone around him for the most part.

It was a little surprising to meet someone that was actually taller than him, but he was not shocked or anything. If anything it was concerning if there was something wrong with the man. There were not a lot of people that naturally got to such heights and when they did there usually came along with a health concern and being the side-effect specialist that he was, his mind was already thinking in that area long before he even said anything. The man didn't speak roper English and there was an accent there so Seiji knew already that the guy was not from around here or at least a new resident. Had to be, right?

"Not if you know what you are doing and the signals the are communicating to you. When you pay attention, you don't have to worry about them biting you." Seiji said, and that was knowledge without the use of his power. His power helped, yes, but he had made sure to be able to understand snakes without the use of his power, just in case. "Are you looking for a snake as well?" Seiji asked, still smiling.

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai could tell he had startled the man a little from the way he jumped. It made Nikolai smile a little, but he still apologized. "Did not mean to startle you." He apologized. This man was decently tall, but Nikolai judged he beat him by around a foot or so. The man seemed friendly through, especially from the smile he gave.

Nikolai nodded at the man's words. He seemed to know exactly what he was saying. "Sound like you expert." He commented. Then he blinked at the man's question. "No. Here for dog. Need fourth to even pack out." He said with a chuckle, joking even though the man might not know that.

[Seiji Lockard]

"It's alright. Happens when I get too wrapped up in my thoughts." Seiji admitted but that was kind of lie so he felt wrong for saying it. It was actually very known for him to be startled because he was the kind of person that you could not sneak up on. That was always thanks to his snakes so now that he didn't have one on him he felt so weak. He didn't know how many people were around, their genders, or if they were mutants or not. Information he was used to knowing right away when he went into a room or anywhere was no longer there for him to know.

He didn't think he would miss such background knowledge as much as he did now. "You could say that." Seiji responded back, keeping his smile. Yes, he knew a lot of information on snakes from his power and his general research on them over the years. It was because of snakes and his power that he got into the current work fields. Seiji could not help but to look confused when the guy said he was here for a dog. Then why was he in this current section where there would be no dogs to be found? There were only other reptiles and arachnids in this area, which made since with how animals shops and even shelters were set up.

"Four? That is certainly a lot of dogs for one person to be taking care of...what breeds?" Seiji said before going ahead and asking. He figured that if they were small dogs that would be fine, since small dogs were easy to take care for and there was a study of big people liking to take care of small things. Granted, he could also picture the guy owning large breeds and handling them just fine as well. Seiji had wanted a dog in the past, but he had Ghost.

[Nikolai Volkov]

There was something about this man that had Nikolai curious. Something about his smile that was throwing him off. He was acting strange, and Nikolai could only pick up the barest hint of it. He seemed uneasy. Like when the group back home had to roll into a town and no one was around. But you could feel the eyes, there was definitely someone watching. It was that same subtle unease that seemed to surround the man. Was it from Nikolai? It didn't seem like it, since the man was being polite. But then again, manners could hide a lot of things.

But the man continued with their conversation, so Nikolai ignored the subtle emotion for now. "Not too hard." He admitted. He had been in control of training some of the army mutts once. Now those had been combat-ready hounds if Nikolai ever saw any. They had been so much bigger than his own dogs now, and a lot fiercer. Still, Nikolai was content with the ones he had at the moment. "German shepherds." He answered with a small fond smile. "They pack of misfits, but good. Wanted one more, or at least another strong female."

While he would've loved to have found another German shepherd, Nikolai doubted he would find one of the same size as his other ones. So he was ready to settle on at least a big dog that still had some fighting spirit. They would have to if they were going to keep up with Borya and Konstantin. Polo a was slightly easier, but she was a natural wanderer, which could get her and Nikolai into trouble- especially at the park. "And you? Already have snakes?" He questioned curiously. This man seemed pretty nice, so Nikolai figured holding a bit longer of a conversation wouldn't be too bad. Especially since the man didn't seem afraid of him

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji listened as the other guy explained that it was not too hard to care for them and then revealed what breeds of dogs he had. Well, breed. All German Shepherds, a dog that was very smart, loyal, and fierce for those that were a part of its family. It was a big dog but not one that Seiji would say was in the massive dogs department, so he could picture a guy like the one before him handling them without a problem. "A very beautiful breed, very loyal, and very smart. Are they all the standard color?" Seiji could not help but to say ask.

There were a few color variations for the breed and he was just trying to get a better idea of what the guys doges looked like. Then it dawned on him that he didn't even know the guy’s name and he felt awful for his manners not being at their very best. "I'm Seiji, by the way." Seiji said as he held out his hand to shake the other guys if he wanted to. He did not ask for a name in return but figure that it was at least polite to give his own. Manners and all. He could understand why the guy would want to balance things out; even numbers were always easier to work with unless it came to a vote.

Seiji blinked a few times when the question was turned on him in a way, asking about his snakes and if he owned any. "Oh, yes. I have found already. One is actually waiting for me in the car right now, but I have been debating getting a fifth for a while now." Seiji informed the man as he reached into his wallet and pulled out the photos of his snakes to show the guy. "This is Ghost, that is Sapphire, that one is Leevi, and the little one is Akiko." Seiji said as he pointed to each snake in the photo and gave their names. He was so like a proud parent showing of their kids to someone.

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai's smile widened slightly as the man seemed to appreciate German shepherds. It definitely made Nikolia think more highly of the stranger. When he asked about Nikolai's pack, Nickolai shook his head. "Only Konstantin. Borya is darker, and Polina all black." He said before rummaging in his pocket. He kept one picture of all three together. One was the standard color, and another seemed to be a slightly darker version as well as smaller. The other was all black with only a splotch on her face that was lighter. He smiled softly when he looked at them before putting the picture away.

And then the man seemed to realize something before he told his name. Seiji? It was a very unique name, and Nikolai wonder where the man had come from, or if his ancestors had come to America some long time ago. At the offered hand, Nikolai took it warmly and firmly in his own, his pretty much dwarfing the other's. "Nikolai Volkov." He answered with a smile. "You have unique name. Not that I can talk." He added with a slight smirk before dropping his hand.

The man seemed a little surprised at the question about his snakes, but he did answer. Nikolai was amused that he had so many snakes, and even more so that one was waiting for the name in his car. When Seiji pulled out the pictures of them, Nikolai glanced at them curiously. Even after all these years, he was still fascinated by the creatures. "Very nice. What kinds are they?" He asked. "And if can handle four, certainly can handle five! You seem smart on snakes." He commented with a shrug and an easy smile

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji once again listened closely as the man explained the colors of his dogs, pointing out that only one of them was the breed’s standard color. It always fascinated Seiji when a dog breed had a set color for the longest time but then someone would introduce other dog breeds with them and they would end up with a different color as a result or a bit of messing around in the lab. A lot of people didn't seem to realize that some of the dog cross breeding was done in a lab and not actually putting the two dogs together.

Not that he was going to get into such a discussion with the man, because it honestly was not important. Just something that crossed Seiji's ever busy and thinking mind as he looked at the photos of the dogs. They were all very beautiful animals, still not something he could ever see himself owning but he could understand why people were drawn to dogs. An animal that loved you pretty much no matter what, who didn't want that? "Nice to meet you, Nikolai. Apologies if I'm not hitting any letters in the properly." Seiji apologized, not wanting to offend but he never had been too good at accents, didn't even have one of his own.

"You think so? Well, my family did decide to keep my birth name so I can see how it would be odd hearing in this particular area of the USA." Seiji responded as he ruffled his hair a little as he thought on it. If they were somewhere else, it probably would not have been that odd of a name, but in this area it was not exactly high on the Asian population or Russian population for that matter. "Ghost is a boa constrictor, Akiko is a Scarlet Kingsnake, Sapphire is a Cottonmouth Viper, and Leevi is an Eastern Kingsnake." Seiji informed Nikolai at his question. He chuckled a little as he riffled his hair again at the statement about being able to handle five snakes and being snake smart.

"Thank you, but I fear it’s not that simple. Have to make sure I get the right kind of snake or I'll have to deal with the others possible eating them or something equally bad." Seiji informed him. Since him and all of his snakes lived together and were free to roam around his room, he had to make sure that when getting a new one he did it right.

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai smirked and shook his head as the man apologized for any mistakes he might make in their conversation. "Is fine. Am used to it." He answered truthfully with a shrug. As long as the general point could get across, Nikolai was usually fine with if. He knew his accent was pretty thick and hard to understand sometimes. As Seiji explained his name, Nikolai nodded and shrugged. "Is unique. Good name. Does it mean anything, or from family line?" He inquired curiously. His own name meant something, a sort of message from his father.

Nikolai listened intently as Seiji explained his different snakes. He was definitely impressed the man could keep so many different breeds. Seiji also explained how he had to be careful about which snakes he choose lest they fight and even eat each other. That was something Nikolai wouldn't have even considered with snakes. It made him chuckle. "See? Snake smart. Know what you are doing. Sure you will pick right."

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji was pleased that he had not offended or did anything to upset the other guy, because he really didn't want to do that. Seiji was the kind of guy that wanted people to be happy so never wanted to be the cause of any unhappiness or discomfort for them. Seiji smiled a little at his name being unique, even if he didn't really think so himself. He was willing to accept the complement because it was a complement all the same. Then there was a question if it meant anything or from his family line which had him thinking again for a moment. "Well my first name is Japanese and means comes from sei which is truth or conqueror and ji which means two." Seiji informed him as he thought on the translation of his name for a moment.

"As for my last name it's the adoptive family’s last name which I do believe they patented something that had caused their family to have a lot of wealth passed down over the years, but I'm not certain." Seiji informed him, feeling the pain being brought back to him as he talked about those who ended up taking him as a baby only to give him up when he became a freak. "What about you?" Seiji asked, feeling the it was only polite to return the question since the guy seemed to be so interested in such a thing. Seiji was not really all about origins and what not, but he didn't mind listening to other tell their story and give him information to just add to his large knowledge bank of information.

He gave a small laugh at the taller guy’s words about being snake smart and knowing that he would pick right. Seiji nodded at that, looking at the snake, but he still was not certain about the fact and felt like asking one of his snakes would probably be for the best. "To be safe, I'm going to bring in one of them and see how they react." Seiji said, granted he probably didn't need to tell the guy that. He just didn't want to just walk off and be rude to go get Sapphire out of the car.

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai was very interested in Seiji's name. Truth or conqueror. That was certainly a good name to have, and it made Nikolai grin. Nikolai was faintly surprised to hear Seiji was adopted, but it didn't make a difference to Nikolai. A man's worth was not from a name. It was from a person's actions. At least, that's what Nikolai believed in. But he snapped out of his thoughts when he realized Seiji was asking him a question. "Ah. Means: Victory for the people." Nikolai answered with a small smirk.

His father had meant for him and his brother to be great soldiers. Konstantin's name had meant Constant, never-ending. Their names had been set up, as a statement. Everlasting victory for the people. It had been their father's dream, and thus the two brother's destiny. They were to serve their country, make it great. Make it a victory for the people.

But Nikolai ripped himself out of those thoughts once again before they made him sad. He instead focused on the man in front of him and what he was saying. He wanted to bring in a snake to test out how they would interact. Oh. Was Nikolai keeping him then? "Ah. Apologies. Am I keeping from this then?" Nikolai asked. "Will move on, if need." He offered politely enough. He didn't want to get in his way, and he did want to check out the dogs to see if one caught his eye.

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji was not sure why anyone would have an interest in his name or anyone name for that matter but it seemed to make Nikolai happy so he was happy to provide it. He even turned the question on the guy since it was polite and he was also a little curious. He was surprised to hear that their names had similar meanings, or at least in terms of the victory and conqueror bit. His smile didn't go away the whole time as he nodded his head in understanding. "A good strong name fits you well." Seiji responded because victory was a strong name.

Who wanted to be named something that meant failure when victory was an overall win and always seen as a good thing? No one and it would not have been very nice to name your kid such a thing. Then again, some parents had interesting ways of naming their kids that made Seiji question if there should be a law against naming a human being certain names. He didn't bring that up however and instead focused on what he was here for. "In a way, but no need to apologize. I just didn't want to walk off while we were talking a little bit." Seiji quickly assured him. He didn't want the guy to feel like he needed to leave him alone or walk away.

"You can come with me to go get her, if you want." Seiji offered. He saw nothing wrong with the guy going with him to see his snake. He did like to show off his pets to people who seemed like they would at least tolerate them. Of course if the guy didn't want to, that was also fine.

[Nikolai Volkov]

Nikolai chuckled when Seiji said a strong name suited him well. This man sounded like he would be able to survive a conversation with Nikolai's father. At least for a while. Not many could survive very long against Father Volkov. He was as intimidating as all the Americans imagined a Russian soldier would be. And much deadlier than they could've dreamed. There was a reason the man rose through the ranks so quickly.

Nikolai did feel a little bad that he had been keeping the man standing there chatting with him, regardless of what Seiji said. Nikolai was a soldier, he could understand the frustration of being kept from a goal or having to wait when all you wanted to do was charge. Sure, he doubted Seiji was as extreme, but still. When Seiji offered Nikolai the chance to go with him to get his pet snake, the big russian hesitated. He was interested, but unsure if he'd just get in the way of Seiji. But eventually his curiosity won and he nodded. "Would be nice. You are kind. Will leave you alone after." Nikolai promised with a chuckle and a smile

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji had not meant to worry the man, make him feel like he was in the way, or well anything that involved a negative emotion. He simply wants to get Sapphire out of the car to see what she thought of any of the snakes that were here. He didn't want to be rude and just walk away from the guy when they were sort of talking and in one another presence. That and the guy said he was here for dogs so Seiji assumed that the guy would not want to stick around snakes for too long when they were not even related to the animal he came here for.

"No, no, no. You don't have to leave me alone if you don't want to. I was merely stating that I didn't want to walk off when I was talking with you and wondered if you wanted to come with me instead of waiting for me to come back. That and you came here to look at the dogs and I didn't want to keep you from that task with snakes." Seiji said, rambling a little as he tried to make his point. He just didn't want to hold the guy up and he also wanted to do what he was here for. It would be a lot easier if they were here for the same thing but life didn't always work like that.

At any rate, the guy said that it would be nice so Seiji moved to head out to his car. He took very good care of his car, but the snake inside the car was certainly his pride and joy along with the other three back in his dorm room. "Sapphire, this is Nikolai. Be nice." Seiji informed Sapphire as he opened up the back seat and pulled out the Female, Cottonmouth Viper, that was a little larger than two feet long. Seiji showed her to the man as he closed his car door behind him but Sapphire didn't look at the guy and if they guy could speak snake; like Seiji, he would know that she was not pleased about this meeting or well anything at all.

((Tag:Nikolai Volkov))