Harvey Dent / Two-Face (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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damned_institute2012-03-21 01:21 pm
dualistic) wrote in damned_institute2012-03-21 01:21 pm
Night 62: West Wing, South Hall 1-A
[From here.]
Even though Harvey knew that it would make more sense to wait until he'd run into someone else who he could question about what he'd missed, that didn't stop his mind from speculating even further. His own situation -- why he'd slept so long, how much had gone on while he'd been unconscious -- was obviously his largest concern, but now he was also directing some of his attention to what he remembered of Landel's announcement.
Turning into monsters. It had seemed like some sort of analogy before, but now that he was more awake Harvey had to consider the possibility that it was completely literal. He had no idea if he was experiencing any symptoms, but he also didn't know what he would need to look out for.
With everything else that was going on, that was really the least of his concerns at the moment. If he started vomiting blood or breaking out into sweats, he'd start to worry. But seeing how he'd been in his room this whole time, he doubted that he'd caught whatever might be going around the institute.
That was one consolation, at least. And now he was almost at the main hall, so he'd get to see if he was somehow the only patient left or if he was just overreacting.
[To here.]
Even though Harvey knew that it would make more sense to wait until he'd run into someone else who he could question about what he'd missed, that didn't stop his mind from speculating even further. His own situation -- why he'd slept so long, how much had gone on while he'd been unconscious -- was obviously his largest concern, but now he was also directing some of his attention to what he remembered of Landel's announcement.
Turning into monsters. It had seemed like some sort of analogy before, but now that he was more awake Harvey had to consider the possibility that it was completely literal. He had no idea if he was experiencing any symptoms, but he also didn't know what he would need to look out for.
With everything else that was going on, that was really the least of his concerns at the moment. If he started vomiting blood or breaking out into sweats, he'd start to worry. But seeing how he'd been in his room this whole time, he doubted that he'd caught whatever might be going around the institute.
That was one consolation, at least. And now he was almost at the main hall, so he'd get to see if he was somehow the only patient left or if he was just overreacting.
[To here.]
no subject
L leaned against the wall just next to the door that led into this wider corridor, keeping an eye out for Lunge, Edgar, and Terra. As he waited, he turned the question of how much to tell them about his illness over and over in his mind.
If Landel was telling the truth, L would be no specific danger to anyone else tonight; he might never be a specific danger regardless. For the time being, he was the one in jeopardy. Whether or not one of the others was sick could also be a factor in how events would proceed.
If he admitted to the symptoms, his companions might be more protective of him--for the time being--or they might abandon him. In the coming days, some patients might eventually argue to hurt or kill anyone who was sick, although because only some of the affected patients were likely to change, there would probably be strenuous opposition to that kind of plan. And failing to admit to symptoms could be a tactical error, if they would be obvious tomorrow. Allies would know they had been duped.
If Landel was lying, it was possible that nothing would happen to anyone apart from a bad cold, or that everyone who had symptoms might change, or that the change might come sooner than he had suggested. L had doubts about the last point: if the scenario was intended to bring about division and perhaps to impede progress, to break apart the alliances patients had made, Landel would stretch it out as long as possible.
An approaching figure distracted L from these thoughts.
no subject
In no time at all, it seemed, the girl passed that long stretch of wall and arrived at the assigned meeting place. Ryuuzaki was already there, as was to be expected. Even with her thoughts distracted by those voices without faces, her stride was controlled. Without thinking, she'd fallen back easily into that military step of an army she could not remember -- and wearing so much of that black military uniform, she might have fit in perfectly with Aguilar's now-absent soldiers. Her light hair was hidden under the black beret, and her hands in leather gloves. The only real detraction from the unending black was the heavy brown coat, better suited to snowy paths than dark hallways.
But no matter. Spotting his flashlight, the girl clicked hers off and pushed it into her pocket with the metal church key, freeing her one hand; the other still loosely to its knife. (It wasn't so much a readiness for battle; she just didn't want it cutting through her clothing or, more importantly, her skin.)
"Ryuuzaki."
no subject
With his thoughts still lingering on Locke and what could be done about his possible condition, Edgar arrived last- or so he thought. As he neared the figures in the hallway, he realized it wasn't the exact party he'd thought he'd be meeting: Ryuuzaki was given away by his posture immediately, but the second figure was certainly no Lunge- dark coat, small strands of blond hair escaping from under her hat. Another step, and he recognized her, his eyes darting to their mutual acquaintance— ally might have been too strong a term at that second, in Edgar's eyes— with a severe look.
"Ryuuzaki," he said in greeting, his tone far more mild than his gaze. "I wasn't aware Terra would be joining us this evening."
no subject
L had hardly had a chance to acknowledge her with a nod when Edgar joined them: as courteous as ever, but clearly fit to be tied in all other respects. Edgar's behavior about Terra had been proprietary since her arrival. It would be better to address his annoyance straightaway.
"That's because we haven't had the chance to discuss it until now," L replied. While Edgar's dark look wasn't lost on him, it had no real effect; he was sure Edgar would see the logic of the situation. "Apart from that, would you rather she joined someone else? I thought she would be safer with us, and I thought she might prefer to be with someone she knows."
The minutes ticked past; it was hard to tell how long he'd been waiting there in the corridor.
He glanced at the door further down from time to time, the one to the next block of rooms, where Lunge's room was located. It was possible that Lunge had been moved to a new room, but that shouldn't have delayed him by much, not if Terra had been the first to turn up. She had come from the only other possible direction apart from the hall they were already on. Most likely, Lunge should be emerging from that other door. He should already have emerged. His preparations wouldn't have been complicated, and attacks in the area he had to pass through, while not unheard of, were rare. Where was he? Was he also feeling sick?
Finally, it was time for L to admit to the others what he was already sure of.
"I don't think Mr. Lunge is coming. If that's the case, going to the basement tonight is out of the question. He has the ring that would take us there.
"I hope he's only fallen asleep, although it would be pointless to wake him: these circumstances would be dangerous for a drowsy person, and even if we could rouse him--which I doubt--it would probably take him a while to get ready. Another possibility is that he's been taken upstairs." He paused, tentative, uncomfortable. "... That would be extremely unfortunate. However, if that were to happen again, he would probably send his roommate to inform us.
"In terms of alternate plans, we could visit some part of the Institute, but I have another option: my own ring links to the hardware store in Doyleton. The town itself isn't completely safe at night, but it might be a good chance for each of you to gather a few supplies." He indicated the brush axe by hefting it. "I got this there. Mr. Lunge got a hunting knife.
"Would that be acceptable to you? Ah, one other thing... it's probably better that we're not going to the basement tonight after all." Another pause, this one more charged, but when he continued, there was no change in his tone. "I'm not feeling well."
They would understand the significance.
Skipping Terra with permission!
Though he was wary of bringing her along because he knew of her potential, having seen what she could do if she lost control of her abilities, there was no protecting her from the dangers of the institute— or herself— forever. If Landel truly had Espers at his disposal... well, he would cross that bridge when he came to it. If it came to it.
As for the ability to know whether or not he was taking the right path, that was an issue he'd dealt with his whole life. The change in status from king to prisoner didn't alter much about that; what did affect it was the shift in setting, a move from a familiar world to one he didn't know. He was generally quick on his own feet, but he couldn't say the same for his allies. He'd already seen how it affected them in ways he'd never anticipated with Celes. If the icy general could be broken, worse was an unfortunate possibility on the horizon.
He didn't have much time for his concerns over Terra- not with all else that was on his mind that night. He was also wondering where Lunge was by the time Ryuuzaki announced the change in plans. They had to keep moving, even if something had happened to their comrade. With the way it was described, a trip to the town for supplies was both practical and appealing.
What was unnerving was not the change in plans, nor did the lack of the inspector rile Edgar- it was the final revelation of Ryuuzaki's, the statement that he'd been feeling unwell. Edgar knew he wouldn't have mentioned it at all if it was not significant; Ryuuzaki had never shown himself to be one to waste his breath on idle chatter.
Edgar nodded. That made two possibly infected allies. His luck clearly hadn't turned around.
Re: Skipping Terra with permission!
He took a moment to consider the possible loose ends. If Lunge wasn't coming, then who had a radio? Edgar; it was visible in his pocket. L could double back to his room to bring his own backpack, but that would waste time... and anyway, he was unlikely to need it.
He prepared his hand so that he would be able to smash the ring's stone without cracking his own knuckles. Now that he'd traveled this way once without major incident, he was less reluctant. "I think we have to be touching each other... at least, I'd rather not experiment tonight. Also, please be aware that once we've gone, we're stuck in Doyleton until morning unless we try to walk back here. I can't see much point in that. It would be better to stay in the hardware store." If they did, and if there were no complications, his health wouldn't be much of an issue.
He held out his arm, still holding the brush axe, which he kept pointed down, then added the flashlight. It was awkward to hold both objects in one hand, but he needed the hand with the ring to be free. "Get a good grip on my forearm."
Once everyone had done so, he rapped the back of his curled hand against the wall, hard, and they were gone.
[To here.]