damned_institute | Day 27: Breakfast

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Day 27: Breakfast

Day came too soon.

Sora hadn't been able to find Rena, had instead been forced to crumple onto the grass of the recreational field and bleed all over himself, and hadn't even accomplished what he'd been sent out to do. What he'd been entrusted to do. He didn't know how he was going to be able to face Renji and the others, but he also knew he wasn't going to hide from them, either. That would just be low, after all, and he was ready to face up to the consequences.

He didn't try to make excuses for himself. Even though there had been a Special Counseling patient, they had managed to take her down by sheer numbers. The fact that he hadn't seen any sign of Rena was what had him the most worried. He hoped he could find her today.

The boy laid in his bed for a good while that morning before his nurse finally came in to collect him. She clucked over the bandages wrapped tightly around his chest and leg, and asked him if he was okay to walk.

Once Sora assured her he was fine (he didn't really want to use crutches, as that would just attract attention to himself, and he didn't need others worrying over him), they made their way to the cafeteria. Sora yawned and winced against the bright light of morning - it seemed even earlier than usual, and he realized why when they entered the cafeteria and found it empty.

The boy shuffled over to grab a chocolate chip pancake, a bowl of cereal, and a glass of milk (good for the bones, or so his mom had always told him) before settling at a table. He kept an eye on the door, hoping he would see Rena walking in soon.

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Before they even got up the stairs, they were cut off. Roy found himself irritated as he 'woke up' in his bed, and some might have even considered it getting up on the wrong side of it, but he hadn't actually slept, had he? He liked to trick himself into thinking that they all did somehow get some sleep in that odd space between morning and night (that didn't even seem to really be there), but that was only so he wouldn't consider just how little rest he was getting.

At this point, he didn't think too much over it. He had become so used to getting out of bed, mumbling a few things to appease his nurse, and then being led off for the first meal of the day. The lack of productivity was of course bothersome, but he had at least squared things away with Adelheid, so there would be nothing (other than the usual weapon-making) to stop him from getting down to business next time.

Speaking of weapons, he had to get that organized first and foremost, so he scribbled a quick message for his next customer on the bulletin board on his way to the cafeteria.

Once in the mess hall, he got his breakfast (one pancake with syrup, along with some bacon and sausage) and seated himself at one of the many empty tables. Before he got to eating, he grabbed the paper Adelheid had given him the night before out of his pocket. It was more information about weapons, which was the last thing he needed, though he was glad to see that most of these he had already made note of himself. It was what was added at the bottom that interested him most. It was all rather mysterious, and he was going to need to find Fullmetal soon to discuss the details.

For now, though, he would eat his breakfast and wait for a certain Integra Hellsing to find him - incidentally, that name was also on the list Adelheid had given him. He would have to see what this patient wanted... And he had to admit he was a little curious.

The sense of being caught in an absurd dream was made even worse with the repetitive nature of it all. Every morning things began again, a gigantic loop with next to zero progress. At least she’d acquired a map from last night, but that was about all. Her frustration never waned, but she could conceal it well enough as she looked across the room for a man who may help her with something else she wanted. Though it was still curious to her how Momo had felt the need to give her a vague warning about this Colonel, even if the girl could explain no further of why she should be cautious with him.

And there, she saw the one in question, or at least she believed so. Integra crossed the room, setting down her tray but pausing to confirm his name before she sat as well. “Colonel Mustang?” It was doubtful too many black haired men would have eyes of two different colors here.

It took a while, but eventually, she had showed up. Roy lifted his head from his almost-finished plate of food when his name was spoken, giving the other patient who could be none other than Integra Hellsing a quick look-over. She was younger than she had come across to him over the bulletin, yet despite that, she seemed well put-together. Not many could look dignified in the uniforms they were forced to wear, but she was one of the exceptions.

He liked to think he was one as well.

"That would be me," he said with a pleasant smile, indicating for her to sit down. His curiosity about this woman persisted - there was something about her that seemed far from ordinary. Hopefully their conversation would prove to be interesting, or he would have waited for nothing.

She could see he’d been here for some time before her, but Integra didn’t feel any sense of having been rude by arriving so late. Staying in a locked cell, the knight knew her punctuality was far beyond her own control. So she only sat with no apologies, nodding to the man in just a customary acknowledgment. He should know her name already from the bulletin board, but she reintroduced herself none the less. This was the first time they had been face to face after all.

“Sir Integral Hellsing.” Throwing around her title wasn’t really needed of course, but habit was habit. Just as she’d likely be calling him simply Colonel for the duration of their meeting. Whatever branch of the military (and whose military for that matter) was just going to be left up in the air, unless they decided to get on that subject.

“I’m sure you have no interest in wasting further time.” The blonde reached into her pocket to remove a prepared sketch of what she’d be asking from him. Mindful of wandering eyes about them at all times, she only offered the piece of paper as if it weren’t meant to be a secret at all.

“It’s not actually a copy of what I normally use, but I assumed simplicity would be for the better.” The drawing, with measurements written out to the side didn’t have the intricate rapier style hilt of hers, though she had added a simple metal half-loop over the grip to act as a hand guard none the less, hoping that would be possible for him. The blade itself had no modifications however, only the straight form of the common longsword, of the length and thickness that she was accustomed to.

The 'sir' was a bit confusing, especially since her voice clearly indicated that she was female, but he figured it was some sort of title they simply didn't employ in Amestris. Roy almost fell into habit and introduced himself in return, but she had just said his name, and therefore obviously knew it.

He wasn't sure why he had been expecting more, and found himself falling into a calm sort of resignation when the paper was handed over. He glanced it over as she spoke, taking in the image quickly before placing it in his pocket along with the paper Adelheid had given him.

"You do understand that there is a bit of a waiting list for weapons, correct?" Hopefully she didn't think that she would get special treatment simply because she had come to see him personally. He wasn't certain why she had wanted to keep this such a secret in the first place, unless she was trying to avoid another patient...

"I will write a message for you over the bulletin board when your turn has come up," he explained. If he had any luck, she wouldn't argue him on the matter. Everyone else had complied, after all - though it wasn't like they'd had much of a choice.

The odd woman offered him a rare bit of a smile, raising an eyebrow at the obviousness of his statement. “Of course, Colonel. That’s the reason I knew it best to put in my ‘order’ as it were, as soon as possible.” But it was rather different that he had yet to even mention any sort of payment. Integra was sure that would have been the first thing out of Mustang's mouth before even considering an agreement with her. Maybe she could chalk this up to him having possible manners, but that was doubtful. Rarely did anyone in these times.

“So that is fine. But you haven’t said, what do you want in return?” So far the only favors she’d been able to offer anyone was promise of help in battle if needed. A sort of “hiring out” that she truly wasn’t used to when money alone could usually account for most their expenses. Not that she believed Alucard would much care if he were reduced to only a mercenary for awhile. He’d grow bored very soon here without a purpose, and a bored vampire was never something you wanted on your hands.

"I was just curious as to why you wanted to speak of this in person rather than over the bulletin board," Roy explained as he took her name down, adding it to his own list even if it had already been on the one Adelheid had provided him. It was best to keep everything in one place. He took the sketch and slipped it into his journal along with the other ones he'd been provided.

Then came the subject of payment. The alchemist let out a sigh and rested his head in his hand as he thought it over. Still, he had tried to come up with a proper system regarding this subject countless times, and had decided it had to be on a case-by-case basis. "What do you have to offer?" he asked as he glanced over at her. Perhaps he should use this as a way to recruit for the Cooking group, even if it was only for temporary jobs...

“It’s true I’ve never been captured before.” Integra admitted, knowing the times she’d been outnumbered or outgunned hardly counted when the final result still ended with her living to walk away. “But discussing anything that could assist in an escape here, or the trade of contraband so openly as many of the others do, seemed less than productive to my reasoning. No matter how arrogant these jailers may be, I’m sure they still pay mind to all your little dealings.”

“I’d rather people pay better attention to me and mine once we’ve earned it, for now I have no reason to advertise myself.” The woman's sharp blue eyes focused on him from behind her glasses. “That’s understandable isn’t it?” Of course the Colonel couldn’t know that she was also trying to protect her servant in some strange way. Attention to her meant attention to him, and from what she’d already heard there could be some sort of witch hunt if it came down to too many discovering what he was. She didn’t have the time or want to navigate through an annoyance like that.

Clearly Mustang was too used to trying to negotiate these sort of exchanges as well though, and the knight only paused for the moment it took to glance towards where Alucard had been sitting moments before as she considered. “You tire of asking, the same way I tire of giving the same answer. But that’s all there is.” The vampire had already left, but it didn’t matter. She didn’t need his approval of course. “In my own country, I am a commander as well as a soldier. Force and experience in war is all I can offer you, Colonel. And even though I ask you for a sword, I do already have a weapon with me here. My servant Alucard.”

It wasn’t always an easy thing to tell when someone would believe you, but that would be Mustang’s problem to deal with. “Killing monsters has been our calling for several generations now. It’s what we do best, and I don’t know how many others here could claim that.”

There was nothing wrong with caution, so he couldn't exactly fault her on her choice to speak with him this way. Roy had certainly considered what might happen if he became too much of a nuisance to Martin Landel and whoever else was behind this scheme, but there was also the possibility that he was playing into their hands, that this was what they wanted to see and observe.

He had given up on trying to anticipate what the true intentions of this place was - instead, he would rather focus on arming people so they could survive. "Certainly," he quickly responded when Integra continued to explain herself. He hadn't been calling her actions into direct question - it had been a mere curiosity, and nothing more.

While it was interesting to hear that she was a commander, he wasn't all that surprised. She carried herself in a such a way that he had almost been guessing that she was in some sort of position of power, possibly connected with the military. Though the true nature of the organization seemed to be the slaying of monsters rather than other humans, which made it a bit different.

There was one thing that made him pause, though. Alucard. That name was familiar. Roy was almost certain that he had been here before, though that had been back when he was still new to Landel's. He chose not to comment on it. He wouldn't remember, after all. "That sounds satisfactory. So I can assign him to do some work for me tonight, then? Would he be able to work with others, or is that not negotiable?"

Well, the man seemed receiving enough to the idea of her unorthodox career. This meant that either Mustang just didn't care to argue, or had seen enough himself to really not doubt her. Somehow Integral had the idea it may be the second option. Though it may not be overly apparent, there was definitely a weariness about this man, and she'd seen far too many battle worn men not to note it.

She believed he had seen his fair share of hell, though she wondered if it'd mostly been before or after he'd come to this place. To have established himself as the go to, weapons dealer of sorts, and already have a reputation enough that anyone she spoke to knew of him, meant he'd at least been here for quite a time.

The flicker in his expression at Alucard's name was interesting as well, though perhaps he may have already guessed the anagram. Or knew more than she realized he did. If she'd heard rumors of him, surely it could easily go the other way.

She smirked again at the Colonel's last question though, obviously finding some small humor in it. Perhaps he didn't know them so well after all. "By his nature, Alucard does not work well with others in the way. But he doesn't have to have a choice. He will do as I tell him, though I can't guarantee his cooperation for any longer than I'm present." The Hellsing seals weren't as strong here, so unless she was there to actually carry the threat of punishment for him, the vampire might do whatever he please.

She would be hard pressed to admit, but there really was no productive way to work with one of them without the other. The dog wouldn't listen without its master, and the master would be too vulnerable without the dog. "I'd have to be with him."

From the description, the situation with Alucard seemed similar to that of the Ishbalan. He was not a man who worked well with others, but if he had someone to keep him in line (a woman, at that), then he would do as he was told. He got the feeling the relationship was of a different sort, but the comparison was still valid.

If Integra would have to be with Alucard, did that mean she was volunteering? It would be wrong to assume that, and yet it didn't seem like too much to ask for if he would be making her a weapon. Just one night for the two of them to do as he asked (possibly with one other person tagging along), and that would be the end of it.

Roy remained quiet for a moment, glancing down at his mostly empty plate before catching the woman's gaze again. "Are you saying you would be willing to go with him, then? It would be for one night only, and you would have your sword to use at that point." Hopefully the suggestion wouldn't offend her. He didn't know how seriously she took her position as master to a servant.

The Colonel’s tone seemed cautious, and that was interesting to her as she only answered easily. “I’m saying it would be dangerous for your friends if I didn’t. So yes, I’ll go.” She’d thought he’d ask for their services for more than a single night though, so that was a bit of a surprise as well. But Integra wasn’t about to argue to Mustang that he deserved more of her time.

Yet then again, finding some sort of regular group to move within may be advantageous by now. So far she and her vampire’s lack of productivity was nearly humiliating. Last night, all she truly remembered was being frustrated over how Alucard had lost his shirt. It was ridiculous.

Much of the others in the cafeteria had already moved on though and she doubted Mustang wished to linger too much longer either, so she tried to keep the rest brief. “Though actually Colonel, I’m curious how expansive this group of yours is. Working in a more long term arrangement might do as well.” The blonde glanced briefly, in a bit of cold annoyance towards an approaching nurse. “But if you need to be on your way, we can always talk again some other time. I’m sure neither of us would be hard to find.” Not within the same walls and behind locked doors anyway.

For once, a conversation was going rather smoothly. Roy sat up in his seat when she agreed, and he seemed more interested than before when she hinted that she might be willing to make her participation in his group more permanent. They definitely needed more reliable people, and Integra seemed the sort that was on top of things and to the point.

"We aren't as large as the Arts and Crafts group, but that doesn't matter very much, since we work together with them. I've been trying to find more people willing to participate, so we can be on equal footing with them. Arts and Crafts is more well-known, so people tend to gravitate toward it, but I worry that it is going to get inflated at this rate." Hopefully his logic would make sense to her.

"If there's anything else you need to know about it, I'll certainly answer your questions." If there wasn't anything immediately important, this could wait, but he wouldn't mind being a little late to the next shift if it meant a successful recruitment.

The silly little code names were at least ones she’d noticed from the bulletin board. And yes, it’d seem there was much more discussion between the supposed members of the ‘Arts & Crafts’ club than any other. But by Mustang’s manner, he seemed to already be thinking just as she was. That too many operatives could sometimes be just as bad as not having enough.

If a faction were to fall, logic said it would first be the most bloated one. Joining anyone here was akin to forming an underground resistance faction during a war really. You wanted strength, but not so many numbers that the powers that loomed would take easy notice and infiltrate your ranks at once.

“A realistic sentiment, Colonel. I myself would prefer a single, skilled handful of officers rather than an entire fleet of garden variety soldiers on any mission.” But of course, Integra was a lover of efficiency. “And I’m sure not everyone here is even capable of doing more than get in the way when it comes down to it.” There were a lot of military backgrounds here, yes. But that didn’t guarantee a person who would know what to do on the front lines, or in as desperate of circumstance as this.

“If you wish to work together more regularly than the single night you’ve requested as payment, I have no argument to it. I’m not accustomed to affiliations outside my own organization, but my need to return home currently exceeds my pride.” The woman stated with a trace of cool humor, blue eyes still on the stranger though she knew the nurse would be interrupting them soon.

She could tell Mustang hoped for a commitment. “And I have no plans tonight.” It was as much of an open invitation as she’d ever give. Integra awaited his response.

While he could relate to Integra's idea of having a small, efficient group, Roy couldn't be quite as picky here. He would have preferred that he didn't have only Hawkeye to support him, and that the rest of his team was here; he didn't like that he couldn't see what someone was capable of before adding them to his group, but none of them had the time for that sort of thing.

"I must say," he told her over a smile once she had finished, "it is comforting to be adding someone who seems so capable to my team." Some of them were just children that needed protection, after all, but he could tell that Integra would be an asset. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the help of the others, but getting a true addition to the group was putting him in a better mood.

"By which I mean to say, I look forward to work together." All in all, this had become a rather productive morning.

Integra responded to the compliment with a raised eyebrow, hardly concerned with the fact that she’d yet to eat at all when it was now time to leave. “Oh, I doubt you’re that trusting.” Though to herself, she had no humble notions of being anything less than an exceptional soldier.

The tall blonde stood, pausing for a last question as she then collected her journal. “As I said though, I already have a weapon if you wish to go through with this cooperation beginning immediately. Should we find you tonight, Colonel?” Even if it meant following another’s plans, she wanted specific goals sooner than later. So far the most she and Alucard had done was wander each night...if they’d even made it out her room at all.

Roy stood along with her, and while it was true that his trust wasn't given out easily, he could respect someone who seemed to have it all together and didn't beat around the bush when it came to dealings like this. Integra had succeeded on both counts.

"Keep an eye on the bulletin board. I'll put assignments up then," he informed her. He couldn't go along with the woman and her servant, as he had already told Greed that they could strike out together at nights, and four was a bit too large for a group. Hopefully Integra wouldn't mind being placed with another patient who she didn't know.

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Day 27: Breakfast

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