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Carnelian was busy lounging, gazing up at the stars after a successful energy harvest. He was laying on his back, strewn across the abandoned warehouse rooftop, one leg dangling lazily over the edge. The weather was getting colder now, so he might have to consider bringing a jacket since the higher-ups wouldn't likely allow breaks for their minions when the weather turned inhospitable.

He frowned. Shouldn't they at least get a few days off for snow or rain? Surely there would be exceptions made for their weekly quotas...

It was then that an Order aura appeared on the horizon of his senses, and normally Carnelian wouldn't think too much about it. Oftentimes his rank allowed him relative peace when out on patrol. But this signature? It seemed to be headed directly for him. That in and of itself seemed strange. Were they seriously intending to do him harm, or were they simply new in this game? Did they not know he outranked them?

Ugh. This meant he'd have to get up.

"Good evening," he called, waiting for them to come within viewing distance. "What brings you to my end of town?"

Carnelian couldn't help but laugh, a velvety sound as he sat up fully to examine who was accosting him. She was cute, for certain, and her outfit was... different. She had gumption and perhaps a helping of naivete. With a sigh, Carnelian languidly slid from his rooftop perch to drop a few feet in front of Nereid.

Slowly the redhead sauntered in her direction. "Lady Cosmos? Can't say I have, darling. She sounds lovely but I rather like my position. You know, it's so difficult to simply uproot and leave everything behind. I'm sure you'd understand. You seem like the reasonable sort."

The gaping hole in his chest was becoming increasingly visible not only due to his fuku's emphasis on it, but his close proximity to Nereid. Yes, she was cute. Spunky. Misguided. She'd make a lovely Negaverse senshi. Carnelian couldn't stop the smile when he began to imagine her fuku taking on a darker tone...

The Frenchman hadn't the slightest idea what she was babbling about, but she didn't make to run away when he approached. Perhaps his Charm stat was just a little higher, or he rolled exceptionally well. Finally, well within arms' reach, the compliments came. Stroking his ego, Carnelian chuckled low in his throat. Slowly did he unbutton his jacket, just to give her a better look.

"French god, but I don't mind the comparison at all, darling. You can touch, if you like."

Dropping her a wink, he hoped his Charisma stat was high enough to perhaps avoid any physical confrontation. Carnelian so disliked having his hair tangled and skin cut. Certainly, she'd make a lovely addition to the ranks. That spunk could be very useful. The jacket of his uniform hung in the crooks of his elbows as he took in the details of Nereid's fuku and hair. It was a beautiful shade of blue.

"It's a shame, really. We're not as bad as the White Moon leads you to believe. The White Moon has murdered quite a few people. There's blood on their hands, darling. Many died during their last assault. How many families are without brothers and sisters now? Sons and daughters? We had to bury so many... Did they not tell you about that?"

Carnelian couldn't help but give Nereid a coy wink. "Of course they're real. I exercise every day. It pays off to take care of yourself, as I'm sure you know. I have balanced a wine glass on my chest and stomach; it's a wonderful party trick. A great body makes the outfit look better, pictures look better... Other things are more enjoyable..." He let his voice trail off, allowing Nereid's mind to go wherever it pleased.

"Ah, no. I don't... name them. I've never heard of such a thing. Do people do that?" With a languid shrug, Carnelian brushed his long crimson braid onto his shoulder to twirl idly with his fingers. "Likable? Darling, I'm quite lovable. You just have to get to know me. I'm quite patient."

Maybe this would be easier than he initially thought. Usually, White Moon Senshi were trigger happy and more than willing to sling magic around like it was effortless. That was how hair was singed, bruises were gained in non-pleasurable fashions, and nails were broken. Or worse - bones. Nereid seemed like a reasonable, and deliciously naive sort and that in and of itself endeared her to the redhead. She was cute. She could possibly be pliable.

"Bad past? Non non, cherie. I'm just someone who enjoys life. I can't tell you how many times I've been accosted by the White Moon, simply for existing. It's such a shame. You seem perfectly fine, though. I like you." (As much as a cat might like its prey, anyway, but Nereid was awfully cute.)

"Oh, so you're new to this? Still learning, I see."

A newbie would be an excellent recruit. Fresh from awakening, most Senshi were quite malleable at this stage. Carnelian decided to take this opportunity to test just how far he could go with little Nereid. Maybe he would roll high on that Charisma? "There are quite a few advantages to being a part of the Negaverse, actually. It's very organized and you're never left thinking you're on your own. No being awakened and left to your own devices."

He began to saunter closer to her now, smiling slightly, hips swaying. "No thinking you're unimportant or alone. No left wondering what to do next. You have somewhere safe to go, someone to ask for help at all times. And the teleportation? That's an excellent perk, if I do say so myself. Does the White Moon provide all that to you, Nereid?"

Carnelian could happily, and easily, arrange for Nereid to be taken care of in a dark and loving way. Surely she could see the advantages of the Negaverse! They didn't have to fight about this. It could be quick and easy and she could be whisked away to a new life.

Carnelian hadn't expected her to douse him with a good dose of water. Water had soaked him to the bone and before the corrupted senshi could react, he found himself walled off from his intended target. Could he teleport through this wall of water? Was it worth it? If he teleported beside her, it may ruin any chance he had of recruiting her later into the Negaverse. It also required a great deal of effort on his part to try and pinpoint a decent spot through the water as a teleportation point, plus all the energy required to teleport in the first place...

Sigh...

While he waited for the water wall to dissipate, Carnelian fully removed his jacket to ring it out. The thicker, velvet fabric was like a sponge for water and this evening was so cold as it was, the corrupted senshi decided not to risk hypothermia and would head home for a warm bath after this. After 25 to 30 seconds, the water wall began to dissipate. Before teleporting away, Carnelian gave Nereid a coy wink. Maybe he would come back to see her again...