Night 69: Stairwell by Waiting Room/Lobby 1

[ever_loyal_dog]

[from here]

He paused at the stairs, turning his head to catch a glimpse of Castiel behind him. Was the man really up for this? Unfortunately, Soushi couldn't afford to lose another night. It was hard enough to keep from dwelling on just how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds it had been since he last saw Ririchiyo. If this was one step closer to her, he would take it, regardless of risk.

Soushi didn't waste time with words, and instead followed Castiel's lighted path up the stairs.

Comments

[freewill]

All in all, Soushi seemed to be the quiet type. He didn't try to start up any conversation as they headed toward the stairwell, and kept just as silent as he began to climb.

This was going to be more of a struggle for Castiel, so while he kept his flashlight pointed ahead, he was more focused on clutching the banister, using it to support a good deal of his weight as he started to climb up the stairs. He had to take it slow, and while it was frustrating and somewhat embarrassing, Soushi hadn't commented on it thus far.

Better to put the topic of conversation elsewhere instead, then. Castiel huffed out a breath and kept his eyes on Soushi's back as he followed him up. "You mentioned an altercation last night -- what happened?"

[ever_loyal_dog]

If it wasn't already apparent, Castiel's pace as they climbed the stairs made Soushi all the more certain that he was still injured. He'd been walking around well enough, but he'd been on crutches only a handful of days ago. How much could a human have recovered in that time?

He slowed his steps, though he still reached the top before the other man. The question, he supposed, was to be expected. For every comment he made, Castiel scrutinized. There was no such thing as small talk or idle chatter with this one.

"I was with a small group that was attacked last night by some sort of malevolent spirit," he replied, waiting at the top of the stairs and searching the darkness with what little light spilled out into the hall beyond.

He was quiet a moment before giving another short nod.

"It seems to be clear so far."

[to here]

[forsworn]

[from here]

Kratos took the stairs two at a time, even though his legs were beginning to ache and his side screaming for him to stop: he hadn't yet recovered all of his strength since the operation and his near-brush with becoming an Exbelua. He couldn't stop now--couldn't afford to, actually, not when it was Lloyd's life and health at stake. He had to keep going, no matter how much his body protested, had to, when Lloyd was so much more important than himself...

[to here]