damned_institute | Day 25: Intercom, Evening

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Day 25: Intercom, Evening

The intercom clicked on with its usual jingle, the Head Doctor's voice carrying with a bit more authoritative ease than it had earlier.

"Good evening, patients, and I'm pleased to announce that we've finally finished organizing when our new batch of patients will be introduced, and unfortunately, it'll have to be tonight while you're all in bed. Truly sad, that, as I'm sure all of you are eager to see our new faces as soon as possible!

"In any case, the dinner that will be brought to you tonight will be herb-marinated pork roast with buttery corn-on-the-cob and fluffy mashed potatoes. Of course, we have our usual vegetarian salad available to those who request it, along with our regular assortment of drinks."

He paused and sighed. After all, it had been a long day.

"Oh, of course--Some of you may be unhappy to hear that Dr. Crane and Dr. Jiyani will no longer be serving us here at Landel's Institute. For those of you who were scheduled to have sessions with them, we'll be providing a substitute group therapy session in upcoming days. More details on that tomorrow.

"I believe that's all for now. Enjoy your dinner!"

The intercom clicked off.

[ As always, post to this entry with separate threads for each set of roommates. Thanks! ]

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Haku laughed, muffling the sound behind his hand in a very feminine gesture. "Oh, yes. I am very familiar with anger redirection." It had been something he'd used on quite a few occasions to stay alive. Artemis, however, had the look of someone who hadn't had much to worry about before now.

His reaction to a mild threat had been... interesting, to say the least.

"It's very kind of you to want to help someone like that Artemis," he offered, still smiling. "May I ask about your other skills? Beyond your abilities at gathering information, and your obvious intelligence?"

Haku hadn't missed the other boy's dropping of facts that brought such things to light. It bordered on boasting...

Artemis blinked. Kind? Was he really being kind? Up until now, Artemis just believed that Renji's psychotic note annoyed him. In fact, Renji's adamant refusal for help annoyed him even more--or so he thought.

"I wasn't doing it to be kind," Artemis said quickly, "He just needed to focus on something else--otherwise what good would it have done me to have a quivering pile of Jello teach me self-defense?" Yeah, that's what it was.

"My other skills?" Artemis said, slightly surprised. "Oh! I found out why they took me. Well, most likely." How would Haku react to this? He didn't know, but it was worth a shot. "I stole fairy magic before I came here, and I still have some left, I believe."

Haku smiled at Artemis' denial. It was cute. And, not for the first time, Haku wondered what he would be like had he grown up with a different life. Would he be like this boy? No matter. If he'd had that life, he would not have met Zabuza-san, and that was all that mattered now.

"Really?" Haku didn't seem shocked or confused by the revelation. He looked thoughtful. "Are you certain that's why they took you?" If he still had some skills here, he might be more useful than Haku had originally guessed. He wondered if he could be convinced into joining up with him...

Artemis shook his head, "I'm not one hundred percent sure... but it seems the most likely reason. I'm the only human with magic in my world." Artemis sighed and pulled his tray over. "I hope you don't mind if I eat this while I talk--I'm a bit hungry after all.

"Anyway, it's either the magic, or the intellect. They either want it, or they want to know how to beat it." Artemis scowled at his pork. "And it bothers me that I don't know what they want. I've always known what my enemies want." He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry Haku. I've just never been caught in a trap like this before." He shook his head again, "I don't like it at all."

Haku shook his head and gestured with a hand to show that he didn't mind.

"Well, it is an interesting theory," Haku began, frowning in thought. "However, if that were the case, then everyone here would have something special about them. And I know that is not the case." He spread his hands. "Then there is the alarming amount of people that appear to come from a fictional reality." Didn't make them less real though. "One would think that finding out a weak spot wouldn't require such a large effort." He shrugged. "But, again... all I have are theories myself."

He offered a smile. "I know what it's like to be caught off guard," he said, voice soft. "I do not like the feeling either."

Artemis nodded, "And that's what essentially kills my theory. There are people here who have no special power or position in their world. I was in a group with a girl named Rena last night, and it seemed as though she had no special power." He shook his head. "And if they wanted to figure out how to outwit our powers, a simple think-tank would be the cheapest option, really."

He smiled at Haku, "We're both good at what we do--we're not used to someone backing us into a corner."

Haku nodded in understanding. "Still... I hope there is a logical reason for this situation."

He looked over Artemis and smiled. "Indeed. And if we are as alike as it seems... backing us into a corner won't stop either of us." He tilted his head and smiled.

"I have a proposition for you."

Artemis smirked, "If anything, it makes us even more dangerous, correct?" At least, being cornered made Artemis even more crafty and devious. He wasn't exactly sure about Haku, but a boy who threw scalpels with deadly accuracy was already a dangerous animal.

"Really?" He blinked, surprised, "What is it?"

Haku laughed softly and nodded. "It does indeed."

He sat back and his smile grew warmer. "Would you be interested in working with me?" He shrugged. "They say that two are better than one after all..." Here he paused and considered Artemis. "I am willing to offer what information I have, as well as any sort of training you wish, while in return I want any information you gain. I am also willing to turn the attentions of a man who makes weaponry and other useful items towards you... Or, if you would prefer, I can act as an intermediary between you..."

He tilted his head. "Does that seem fair?"

Artemis raised his eyebrows. It was a very tempting deal. He wasn't exactly sure what to say. "And... all you want is whatever information I gather? You want me to be an informant?"

It didn't seem fair at all, really. Haku was offering much more than what Artemis' information was worth. He had to make sure that this deal wasn't too good to be true.

"Would I come with you at night, or would I go out without you and your associate?"

"That is all I want." Haku smiled. It seemed that the other boy was wary of the deal. Good. "I want all the information you gather, be it about places, people, objects. Anything."

He thought for a moment. "That is up to you. I wouldn't mind another set of eyes around, however, my 'associate', Mr. Fortune, is not fond of other people in general. Would you be able to handle yourself should a dangerous situation arise?" There was no sarcasm or doubt to his tone. Haku simply wanted to know if Artemis would be a liability should they ever act together during such a situation.

Artemis was a businessman. He wasn't about to misrepresent himself and get in more trouble than he was used to. "I'm afraid that I would not be able to guarantee I could handle myself. In that respect, I would be a liability. I wish I could tell you I have combat experience, but the simple fact is that I don't. It is not my strength." Artemis regrouped with a signature smirk, "I can give you as much information as you desire though. That is my strength."

Finish strong. Hopefully that would make up for his obvious weakness.

Haku relaxed internally. A good, and honest answer. Bowing his head, he smiled. "I understand perfectly, and I'm glad you told me the truth."

His smile and tone were kind. "You don't have to look of a trained fighter," he said. "And you're honest and kind. It would be an honor to do business with you." He tilted his head.

"Do you accept my offer then? Or are there any stipulations you wish to add?"

"Well if I hadn't told you the truth, I would eventually end up in a very embarrassing situation no doubt. I most definitely don't look like a fighter, I'm sure, and... I don't think you're one I should lie to." His mind cast back to the scalpel.

Artemis smiled and nodded briefly to Haku, "I have no other stipulations I wish to add. I will give you and Mr. Fortune any information you request. If there are any specific individuals or areas you wish me to look into, please let me know."

"At the moment, there are no specifics," Haku said with a smile. "But anything you happen to gain tonight would be a good place to start." He stood up and stretched.

"Now about that first-aid lesson...." His smile was more relaxed and friendly this time around.

"Thank you very much. You have no idea how much this will help me conserve my magic," Artemis smiled back. "I'll make a copy of what I have for you and have it ready by tomorrow evening.

"I'm curious though," He said carefully, "I have no idea whatsoever what sort of weapon would be best for me. Do you have any ideas?"

Frowning in thought, Haku looked Artemis over. Small, light, probably quick. "Whatever you would use would be solely for defense. So..." He made a soft 'hmm' sound and tilted his head. "A simple, light blade, or even something blunt would be in your best interest. Something light and easy to use," he smiled. "While at the same time not weighing you down when running..."

If Artemis did indeed come from a wealthy family... Those with money where he was from often trained for sport or pleasure. Never for life-and-death situations. "Do you have any experience with any weapons at all?"

Artemis snorted, "I did practice fencing for a short while, so I do have some skill with a blade. However many of my teachers grew frustrated with me because I'm left-handed. Apparently I have some sort of advantage over right-handed fencers."

He smirked, remembering some past memory, "I suppose acting superior when I beat them might have helped them on their merry way as well," The boy shrugged, "But I could hardly help it. I was, after all, only nine years old."

Haku smiled slightly and filed that information away.

"That's good though," he said cheerfully. "You have some experiance. I'm sure that Renji-san will find you a good student." He tilted his head again. "A staff, or light blade would be best for you, I'm thinking."

Artemis smiled back at Haku, "I hope that he intends to teach me instead of pushing me around tonight. But I am willing to learn. Evolve or die, right?"

The boy thought for a moment, "I'm not sure how to use a staff. And would a light blade be sturdy enough for defense. But then again, the best defense is a good offense." He smirked, mostly to himself. "Teacher number one said that his first day. He lasted through the week.

"But enough of that. If you feel a staff would be best, would you be able to teach me to use one?"

Haku laughed softly and began to prepare for the night. Going back to the closet, he reached up and tugged free the pants he'd been using for sacks. "As long as the spirit is willing right?" He smiled over at Artemis as he walked back to his bed.

Lifting the mattress, he pulled out his medical supplies and weaponry, each wrapped carefully in a shirt and began putting together a bag for tonight. He made certain to take the paper he'd torn from his notebook.

"I would be happy to teach you to use a staff," he went on. "I'm trained in many different weapons. Not just scalpels."

The intercom signaled the end of day and he stepped up the pace of his preparations.

"The last thing I want is for my friends to become hurt when I could have helped them to defend themselves." He smiled at Artemis and stood just as the mad ranting began.

Tilting his head to listen, Haku made a face. Always with the foreboding and doom speeches. With a smile and a slight bow, Haku wished his roommate good luck and was out the door as soon as it unlocked.

Artemis looked up from listening to Haku as the Head Doctor began to rant. He frowned, reached over to his notebook and began writing furiously. Like last night, he didn't want to miss a single detail.

"Good luck to you, Haku. See you again soon," the boy said before Haku managed to race out of the room. Artemis gave a slightly shaky sigh, then stood up to prepare for the night.

He made sure that Haku's scalpel was still in his left pocket--fortunately it was. His nurse hadn't managed to find it. He dropped his pens into his right pocket, then tied his sweatshirt-belt around his waist (complete with radio), then tucked his second journal into the back of his belt. He picked up his flashlight and crept warily out the door.

"M28..." He scowled, "This is going to be difficult without my map."

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Day 25: Intercom, Evening

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