Day 69: Courtyard

[his_legacy]

Link was feeling overall good as he was escorted outside after breakfast. The food had been good, and the weather was nice. It wasn't so cold anymore, but still comfortable. He much preferred coming outside to being cooped up in that stuffy, dull building. The Hylian was trying to remain positive. They had the cure now, did they not? People were getting better.

The death toll was impossible to ignore, though.

He sighed, hands in his pockets as he shuffled through the grass and settled himself on the lawn. This was nice. At least, it was as nice as things could get around here. Link's mind drifted back home, back to Ordon and Hyrule and Midna and Zelda. Everything was okay there, now. And he couldn't even see it for himself.

[Free!]

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[envy_the_sinners]

Scar was far from thrilled with the idea of being pulled out to the courtyard. The nurse thankfully let him stop by his room for a jacket. This weather was nice, yes, but it was still uncomfortable for a desert native. Nights were supposed to be cold, not days.

And the courtyard was relatively open. That meant little to no privacy. He wanted to be alone, and could only hope that nobody would bother him.

Scar settled at a bench by the gardner's shed, positioning himself so that he could watch the other patients come in. He was, of course, looking for Frank. Hopefully not in vain. His mind kept tossing itself from the looming reality of his friend's death and the fact that the Elric brothers had showed up. As thrilled as he was that Alphonse was in his rightful body again, he didn't want them here. People died here. Innocent people. And he wouldn't put it past Edward to try something brash and get them both into deep trouble. He would just have to keep his eyes open for them when night fell. Scar wouldn't let anything happen to them.

They had been through enough, so he had learned.

[For his most favoritest abomination~]

[a_sin_for_him]

Even as distracted as she was, Lust saw him at once.

It wasn't as though there were out of the way corners for anyone to hide in. This time it wasn't quite as shocking. Even so Lust felt a strange flood of lightness through her, knees weakening much as they had when she heard he had been killed.

Could the man on the board have been mistaken? It seemed unlikely, and yet...

She was walking towards him with hurried steps before she even realized. Her eyes felt hot. She was beside him in moments, feeling strangely as though she were trembling.

"They told me you were dead." She was reaching a hand for his shoulder, without thinking.

[envy_the_sinners]

Scar knew that he would inevitably have to speak with her. His fingers twisted tightly together in his lap when she approached. He glanced sideways at her when she sat beside him, but his eyes quickly turned back to the ground.

"I was." What had happened back home and what she hadn't told him seemed almost trivial right now, and he didn't quite know why. He didn't move when she reached for him, barely acknowledging her at all. It was the easiest thing to do when torn between moving closer and shying away.

[a_sin_for_him]

Her hand fell on his shoulder and rested there.

"What happened?"

He had been dead. And yet here he was. Again. What purpose did this place have in toying with them like this? Was it purely to demonstrate their power? That they, above all, truly had mastered the power over life and death?

Lust supposed it was as good a reason as any, but the thought made her angry.

[envy_the_sinners]

Scar remained uncharacteristically still. There was an odd, thick feeling in his throat.

"I don't know. I didn't see it coming."

Which was the most frighting of all of this. He had been readying himself for a fight one moment, and the next he had been bleeding to death needlessly, pointlessly. Nobody had ever been able to sneak up on Scar in such a way. And he had never seen a monster so close to the bedrooms.

[freewill]

Having given the flower to Aigis, Castiel felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There was no denying that he'd been concerned for her, and while he realized that he shouldn't be getting involved in the affairs of the other prisoners, he didn't think there was anything wrong with trying to be of help, either.

It was something he was still getting used to, though. Helping the Winchesters had become second nature by now, but extending that to others was still a new experience for him. It was true that helping Aigis might not get him any closer to escape, nor was it part of his overall goal, but that didn't mean he regretted it.

Though at the same time, Castiel realized there was still plenty of work to be done. He had very few leads when it came to actually escaping from this place, and so he needed to go in search of some. This body was finally on its way to proper recovery, so he would hopefully be able to accomplish something tonight. The question was, what exactly?

He thought it all over as he was led out onto the courtyard. Eating some of his breakfast had left him feeling a bit more energetic, but Castiel still decided to take it easy. There was no reason to tire himself out during the day. He found a bench and took a seat, keeping an eye out for any patients worth speaking to.

[For Soushi!]

[ever_loyal_dog]

Breakfast had thrown him a bit from his rhythm, but he tried not to let it show as the nurse arrived to take him from one room to the next. It was still somewhat chilly out, but the weather was decidedly more pleasant than it had been.

Despite the nice weather, he couldn't help feeling restless. There was not even the smallest hint of where to find Ririchiyo and every minute that passed away from her was more painful than the last. Could it be that he was mistaken? That this really was some sort of limbo, or world between worlds, somewhere between this life and the next? What then?

As he wandered the area, he caught sight of at least one familiar face, though he wasn't sure if he should be glad to see the man or not. Still, he raised a hand in greeting and offered a friendly smile. No reason not to be polite.

[freewill]

As more patients filtered out onto the field, Castiel mainly saw strangers -- those he'd only passed by in the halls, but had never actually spoken to. Starting a conversation without a reason wasn't his usual way of doing things, and so he remained where he was.

That was until Soushi showed himself, anyway. On top of not being a stranger, Soushi was also someone Castiel had decided he needed to speak to after his conversation with Lingormr.

The half-demon even waved at him, which gave him the opportunity to draw him over. Castiel lifted his hand and beckoned Soushi closer. This might not turn out to be the most pleasant conversation, but Castiel saw it as an obligation. If it turned out that Soushi truly was a danger, then it was up to him to do something about it.

[ever_loyal_dog]

Though it was probably a good practice to get to know as many patients as possible in order to obtain more information, it didn't hurt to touch base with those he already knew. Besides, Castiel seemed to have something to speak with him about. Their last conversation had been a bit troubling, but perhaps the other had some new information to share.

He approached the bench where Castiel sat, but didn't take a seat. Even without looking closely it seemed to be filthy with dust and several long dark strands of hair. Soushi tried not to think too hard about how it was practically impossible for dust to do that, especially when it had been stormy until just recently.

Averting his attention from the dust to the man in front of him, he nodded once, "It's good to see you are well Castiel-san. Did you need something?"

[freewill]

When Soushi approached, he stared at the free spot on the bench as if it might bite him. Castiel would have preferred he sat down so that their conversation would feel slightly more private, but it didn't matter in the end. He couldn't blame Soushi for not trusting him after their first conversation.

And this wasn't going to help matters, since Castiel was suspicious of Soushi all over again. "There was something I wanted to ask you about. Are you capable of shapeshifting or possession as a result of your demon blood?" It was a direct question, but that was the way that Castiel preferred to handle this sort of thing. There was no need to skirt around it.

"The reason I ask is because I spoke with Lingormr about you, and he mentioned that when he first met you, you appeared much younger than you do now." That wasn't the sort of thing that he could ignore, especially because Soushi hadn't mentioned it when they'd talked before. That might be due to the fact that it hadn't been relevant, but Castiel needed an answer either way.

[nobleman]

Guy wasn't exactly eager to head out onto the courtyard after his experience the night before, but part of him also wanted to make sure that everything was back to normal after that bizarre board game scenario.

As expected, the courtyard was exactly as it should be -- no signs of game spaces or randomly appearing tunnels. Guy sighed at the memory, especially the part where Anise had latched onto him, and then put it behind him. At least neither of them had gotten hurt during that whole mess.

Speaking of friends, Guy was still hoping he would run into both Luke and Claude at some point today. He'd already left a message for them on the bulletin board and hadn't heard back -- and while it was only the second shift, he had to admit he was getting worried.

There wasn't much he could do but keep an eye out, though, and so Guy wandered toward the pond out of curiosity. Last night he could have sworn he'd seen a dolphin jump out of it, but that had probably just been part of the illusion...

[Claude.]

[earthling]

Although it wasn't the first time he'd slept through breakfast, Claude was still pretty bummed to know he'd missed out on a meal. He hated this place more than anything, but at the very least he couldn't say the food was bad. There wasn't any harm in taking advantage of the one good thing the institute had to offer, right?

Well, apparently fate thought so. But there wasn't any use in crying over spilled milk, so Claude allowed his nurse to escort him from his room without any fuss.

Of course, he was pretty confused when she asked him whether he wanted to go to the courtyard. Wasn't today supposed to be a rec field day? Maybe he was just remembering the schedule wrong. Weird...

Oh well. Claude decided to go along with it, and he was ultimately glad he did. As soon as he stepped out into the crisp, cool air, he caught sight of Guy standing near the pond. Eyes brightening, he made his way over to his friend.

"Hey," he cheerfully greeted, doing his best to sound upbeat despite not getting far in their quest for the greenhouse.

[nobleman]

It was almost as if Claude had known that Guy was starting to worry, because in the next moment he showed up as if nothing had been wrong in the first place. Not that Guy was going to scold Claude for not being around, since he doubted it was something he'd had control over in the first place.

No, he was just glad that Claude was here and looked healthy. Hopefully the night spent in bed was just a fluke and not some sign of a worse thing to come. It didn't look as if his illness had relapsed or anything like that, either.

"There you are," Guy said, turning away from the pond and sending Claude a smile. "I've been looking for you. I stopped by your room last night, but it didn't look like anything was going to wake you up. You're feeling okay, right?" Claude looked fine, but it was always best to be sure.

[earthling]

Seeing that smile aimed at him made Claude's spirits that much lighter, and he unthinkingly grinned a little wider in response. Guy seemed like he was glad to see him, which in of itself wasn't so unusual, but his comments caught Claude off guard.

"Huh?" His smile faded, but mostly because he was just plain confused. "What are you talking about? We were together last night, weren't we? The four of us were trying to get to the greenhouse, but--"

Claude froze. Wait a minute.

Today's schedule wasn't off -- he was off!

Slapping a hand over his face, he groaned. "Don't tell me I slept all day..."

[nobleman]

For a moment Guy was just as baffled as Claude, because the four of them most certainly hadn't all been together last night, but then it sunk in and all he could do was smile sheepishly. Claude really hadn't noticed that he'd slept that long? Guy had imagined it was the sort of thing that would be pretty hard to miss...

"And all night, I guess," Guy said after a pause. "But I guess so long as you're feeling fine now, there's no harm in it. If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure Luke did the same thing."

Was it really just a coincidence that it had happened to two of his friends at the same time? He thought it was understandable he was paranoid, seeing how a number of his friends had slept for long hours before their disappearances. But Claude was here now, so hopefully everything was fine. Now Guy just needed to find Luke...

[Link! Green-clad fellows unite?!]

[awokentospring]

Lee was in a spirited mood as he always was on the occasion that he could go out into the courtyard for some exercise. He hardly got enough in the institute and after such a heavy breakfast he was in need to work off the calories.

It was such a bright, sunny day out, too! Lee grinned and set about practicing some simple kata. His body moved smoothly through the motions, his feet sliding against the chilled earth and arms stretching out in front of him. It certainly felt wonderful to have his arm free of a sling! The lattice-work of scars on his arms were now much more exposed, but that couldn't be helped. He noted some weakness lingering in his right arm, however, and he worked to keep its motions smooth though he couldn't fight the shake it took on as he stretched it to the limit.

Another young man was basking in the sun of the courtyard that day, though he seemed to be contemplating something. Lee grinned, moving in the man's general direction even as he worked he stretched his arms over his chest, one across then the other. "Good day! Is it not a splendid spring morning? A perfect day for body training!"

YES GOOD

[his_legacy]

Link looked up, nodded and giving a small smile.

"I have come to prefer spending my days relaxing." He got more than enough exercise at night. And it wasn't like the nurses would let him take his sword outside. He didn't even dare try to take it out. What if they took it away completely?

And the nights were exhausting enough. If they weren't getting any sleep then, he ought to rest now.

YOSH! o9

[awokentospring]

The other young man seemed friendly enough. Lee beamed back in response. "Relaxing is good to do between exercises. But for myself, I do not think my energy will allow for it."

He knew his body's limits. He could take standing still for maybe a thirty minute period, and then he had to move. It was all a part of his nature. There was nothing wrong with taking a short break for a chat, however.

"I usually train even in my leisure time," Lee explained, still stretching but not in a way that would distract him from the conversation. "It is part of my job, but it is also a hobby. What about you, sir?"

[his_legacy]

Link tipped his head with a touch of curiosity.

"Your job?" The Hylian knew all about jobs and hobbies somehow coming together as the same thing. Two of his greatest loves, riding his horse and swordsmanship, had been his greatest assets in his travels.

"Well... I was a farmhand-" And he still considered himself one, to be perfectly honest- "but I'm also a swordsman of... sorts." How was he supposed to explain that he was fated to be a great hero without sounding vain? As usual, he simply left that part out.

"I always trained in the afternoon after work on the ranch was done." He could have easily squeezed it in the morning, but...

Mornings. He shuddered at the thought of rousing himself so early.

[mirrorimage]

After breakfast, Nina was escorted outside without protest. She sighed a little, rubbing one arm. The weather had enough of a chill to it to be refreshing but it wasn't at all unpleasant. It certainly wasn't too cold for Nina.

She wasn't sure what to do, though. She didn't really feel like running around much; even though Nina liked exercise, she didn't feel particularly playful in a setting like Landel's. Her eyes scanned the courtyard for someone who looked as, well, bored and uncertain as she was. Maybe she could talk to them?

[Free!]

[age_of_kings]

Oddly enough, Tolten found himself feeling less...well...empty and numb and apathetic as he had been. He'd even picked at his breakfast. Tonight, he decided, he would leave his room. He could only wallow in misery and self pity for so very long, after all.

He was a king of Uhra. He was strong. He could be strong.

He even walked under his strength today, his wounds having healed enough. He still felt miserable, of course, but he could stand. That was an improvement. He sat down as soon as he was able to, though.

He supposed he ought to apologize to those he'd been avoiding and letting down of late. Perhaps he'd leave a note on the bulletin...

[Free!]

[impudentsongbird]

Having had someone to talk to during breakfast had helped calm Gabriel down a lot, but still, by the time Rachel led him outside he was more than ready for some fresh air. The Archangel stepped out of his shoes onto the grass, ignoring the sharp chill, and lifted his chin to take a deep breath. He took a few minutes to centre himself, his lips moving slightly as he mentally chatted with his Master about most recent evens. Then he let out one final deep breath with a sigh, turning to look around the courtyard.

Almost at once he saw the man on the seat, his shoulders slumped and bearing the sort of a person in deep despair. Gabriel could relate. And he knew well that it helped to have someone to help, so it was as much for himself as the man on the seat that the Archangel picked up his shoes and wandered over.

"Hello," he said softly, and smiled at the man. "You look like you need a bit of company. May I?"

[age_of_kings]

"Oh. Hello."

Tolten managed a small nod of greeting for the man who joined him. Not someone who's name came to mind, though his face had been about. And here he thought he'd been doing so good at projecting the idea he was perfectly alright.

Oh, let's be honest, he chided himself. You always look like you need a shoulder to cry on!

"I certainly won't deny you," he went on. "Rather cold to stick us outside, I think. Then again I come from the desert, it's always too cold for me."

Small talk had never exactly been the young king's strong suit, but he could put forth an effort.

[impudentsongbird]

"I've lived in the desert for a number of years," Gabriel agreed. "I've always found the climate rather bracing. Mind you, I could say the same about the cold."

He laughed at himself a little as he took a seat. "I'm Gabe. And you? Tell me about your desert." If nothing else, talking about something loved might be enough to keep the man distracted from his woes, whatever they were.

[behind_my_smile]

Fai flopped down on the grass and stretched out. Arms out to his side and legs stretched as long as he could get him. He let out a content sigh with that normal smile on his face. "As long as you survive the night, the daytime isn't so bad."

It was a good thing the vampire wasn't the kind that couldn't be in the sun because his nurse seemed pretty adamant about him going outside. Fai didn't mind though, there really was no better way to spend one's time then laying out and being lazy in the sun.

[free]