Nightshift 62: Courtyard

[seekingmystrength]

[from here]

Making it to the top of the wall took longer than usual for his injury, but the climb did not take so long as it might have without someone watching from behind. The last thing Kurogane wanted was to have Fai nagging at him to head back, especially after finally getting the man out like this. It hadn't been too long ago that the magician had wanted nothing more than to be left alone; if nothing else, Kurogane couldn't say he had a problem with how Landel motivated the guy.

That was the only positive though.

"Hurry up," he called over, watching back a moment from the wall's peak. Experience told him that Fai didn't need assistance in getting himself over, but Kurogane wouldn't ignore him should he ask for it this night.

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[seekingmystrength]

With Fai's movement, Kurogane left him to his own methods as he finished the trip over. He meanwhile kept his footing well enough when he came down, favoring his right for the landing and stepping off with it to get a good look over the courtyard. As usual, he saw nothing and sensed less, but he did catch Fai's stumble in his peripheral view. After giving him a small glance, he looked back out at the area and waited a moment.

If asked he'd say it was because he didn't like the feel of the Courtyard, but the reality was that he needed to get his own bearing as well. His leg hadn't taken any force from the fall, but the rest of his body hadn't liked the trip down, and ached as a reminder of Landel's message. Regardless of how determined he was to push past the Head Doctor's new game, he wasn't about to make a mistake because of it either. Even something as small as a misstep coming over the wall could cost them both, but unlike most nights, the ninja wasn't on his own. He didn't have to handle just himself, and whatever Fai was hiding had best not hold them up too much.

Catching a break at night was a rarity, and they both knew it.

[fai_d_flourite]

He reached the door first, delivering a solid kick to the lock to weaken it. Not enough to break it entirely, but the hinge whined its protest as he steadied himself to try again. Normally it was the sort of thing Kurogane took care of, but this was just a bit more of his bluff, all bravado.

With any luck, there would be no more doors after this one. He knew full well there were at least a few more, but he still hoped they'd be unlocked. A little banging they could get away with, so long as they moved quickly. But if they kept this up...

[to here]