Nightshift 27: 2nd Floor Hallway near Medical Reference Library and Railed Area

[forgot-it-all.livejournal.com]

[from here]

Once they were safely at the top of the stairs, Ritsuka flicked on his flashlight and swept the area. It was probably unwise to announce their position, but he needed to know where he was. For all the times Ritsuka had been up here, he had never really gotten very far and his memory was fuzzy. Somewhere to his right was the pharmacy, near the railing, where he needed to stop for supplies for Tamaki.

Whether he should stop there first or after their explorations, however, was the problem. Turning to the right, he started forward and tried not to show any fear. He wanted to get things done tonight, even if it meant facing the worst that Landel's had to offer. He just hoped he wouldn't have to do that just yet.

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[beloved-less.livejournal.com]

Soubi almost jumped at Ritsuka's surprise. He chuckled softly and ruffled the boy's hair. He'd never seen him quite so jumpy and, while a part of that made him angry at the things causing it, he couldn't help but find it unbelievably adorable.

Besides admiring Ritsuka, he was keeping on guard, listening out for anything suspicious. Once Ritsuka slowed down a moment, he checked around and, sensing nothing dangerous, tugged on Ritsuka's hand, crouching in front of him.

"It's not like before," he assured his Master. "I'm here now."
He meant every word. The words were never empty assurance. If anything wanted Ritsuka, it was getting through Soubi first and there was no way he was going down without a fight.

[forgot-it-all.livejournal.com]

Surprised, Ritsuka almost took a step back when Soubi suddenly crouched before him. It was a strange gesture he was all too familiar with. Part of him wanted to protest when Soubi kneeled, but another part was happy for it. For once they were on the same level and he could look Soubi directly in the eyes. While he could never fully tell if Soubi was lying, he always thought it was easier to accept if he could see the man's eyes.

Soubi's words made him feel a bit better and he nodded, trying to smile for the older man. "I know. Just be careful, okay? I don't want you to get hurt."

He'd seen too many people get bloodied trying to help him and he'd been the cause of Alfons' and Miku's injuries once. He never wanted to do that again. Besides, he was Soubi's Sacrifice even if Soubi wasn't his Fighter and it was his job to take the damage while Soubi fought. "I'll do my best, Soubi. I promise."

[full-score.livejournal.com]

((From here. (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/230777.html) ))

Their trip up the stairs seemed to go without a hitch, but Claude wasn't about to let his guard down. He kept glancing around as he shined his flashlight's beam onto his map to get an idea of where they needed to go next. It seemed only right that he'd be using Ashton's information, Ashton's sword to come save him. He just hoped they weren't too late.

"Okay, we need to go here," he said, tapping his finger to where it said experimentation hallway. "It's just a couple of hallways to the right." He lit their path with his flashlight and began to lead Dias and Leon forward. "Stay focused, guys. We don't know what's waiting for us up here. I doubt they're going to give Ashton back without a fight."

The hallway seemed a little quiet...maybe too quiet. At least there had been a lot more people wandering around the last time he'd visited the second floor. Then again, it was probably better that they were one of the first people up here. It'd probably be easier to be alerted to any monsters that were lurking about, and Claude liked the idea of plowing through before someone else had a chance to interfere with their plans. Not that he had a problem with meeting up with more captives, but...

Ashton was in danger. He had to take highest priority tonight.

"Do either of you know much about the experiments that go on here?" Claude asked suddenly as they made their way forward. "What kinds of things do they do? And does anyone know why?"

[heraldric.livejournal.com]

This was the third night in a row that Leon had been to the second floor, and yet he had never gone much farther than this first hallway. He really had no idea what lay beyond this area, and that just made him feel worse. Somehow he should have known more than this by now.

Holding his journal tight to his chest, the little mage could only shake his head. He knew nothing about the experimentation rooms or what went on there. He had hardly even heard of these rooms. But the fact that Ashton was being used as a test subject was bad enough.

"I don't know anything," he muttered quickly. "I'm sorry."

[always-a-victim.livejournal.com]

[ From here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/229036.html) ]

He stuck close to the wall as he turned right from the stairwell. Kain didn't have a goal in mind anymore; the chances of him finding his cousin were decreasing as the night stretched on, and the radio hadn't said anything useful when it crackled to life.

There was a small group that he bypassed, still as silent as ever, on his way to the railing he could see in the distance. And more doors. His attention fixed on the scene below, eyes narrowing as he watched, crouching down to be less of a target. After a while he looked across, seeing larger, wide open doors. Kain couldn't -- quite -- see what lay beyond those doors.

He could watch the fight as he checked each door to circle around to the other side. He wasn't doing anything else, after all.

[always-a-victim.livejournal.com]

[ To here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/235408.html) ]

[givemealowfive.livejournal.com]

As Steve headed up the stairs, his sudden boost of enthusiasm seemed to fade. Instead of going headstrong into the hallway, he just put a hand to his face and grimaced. There was a smell here and Steven knew that smell well - his former prison had been nothing but a blood bath after the attack and zombies had been a perfect carrier of that smell - that metallic smell, that bloody smell. And while it was faint, it still made Steve weary. Smelling blood never entailed something good.

He stepped more cautiously as he slithered deep into the hallway, his flashlight and pen at the ready. Instinct was beginning to settle in and he was just waiting for something to pop out at them. Something or someone.

"Be careful back there, all right?" Steve whispered, his sudden change in attitude now completely obvious.

[hack-ed.livejournal.com]

Funny noises in the walls, funny smells now in the halls. Ed wrinkled her nose; she knew what that smell was too. Dirty tricks were being played here, but Ed showed no fear. It was time to be brave! And Steve-person suddenly seemed not-brave.

Ed followed the not-brave guy, shining her flashlight in random directions around the area before announcing, "Nothing is near, this area clear!" She cackled triumphantly, pleased at their progress.

[norainu]

[from here]

As he came up the stairs, Renji heard noise up ahead. It was in the same general area as the hallway they were heading toward. Perhaps someone had gotten there before them. It wasn't that surprising; there'd been a delay in them getting on task.

He had to wonder, though, if that'd make the job harder or easier. It really depended on who was there.

He moved toward his goal, sword still ready.

[haiiro-no-chou.livejournal.com]

So now Rukia had a little more information regarding what had happened to Allen. But if he had been attacked last night, and the tattoos hadn't been there this morning... Had they reappeared at some point? Glancing at Renji, she said quietly, "They weren't there this morning. Did he say anything about that?"

Hearing the noise up ahead, Rukia shifted her grip on the replica of Sode no Shirayuki. They would have to be ready for anything.

[idolism]

_{[from here]}

The vampire only slowed down when he came to the lip of the stairs, and even then he took a sharp right, as if he had a destination in mind and was in a rush.

Close enough to the truth.

_{[over to here]}

[broken-exorcist.livejournal.com]

[[From here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/237448.html)]]

Rinali's hand on his shoulder was welcome, despite the reply of "I'm fine," that he had to choke back. It was such an automatic reaction, it was sometimes difficult to just let someone care or worry over him. He placed his other hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. He had to be strong right now, there was no time for them to delay. These people could be hurt, in pain, while they delayed!

The hallway had a strange cast to it, which didn't help his memories of this place. What little light there was had a deep red tint to it and it wasn't difficult to catch the scent of blood in the air.

While he agreed with Robin on the accomodations here, the beds were nice, the food, well, everything but the open showers; it was all very nice. But about the same as what the Order offered their staff. He hadn't really thought that much on it. And being human? Well... of course they were! Allen would certainly know if someone wasn't. Like Renji and Rukia and the others. Or that strange Akuma earlier that had so many souls. "Well, yes," Allen commented as he followed, "Did you run into some who weren't?" It wouldn't hurt to be aware of any other possible Akuma.

[boot-i-licious.livejournal.com]

Rinali let her hand drop back to her side. It was enough to show him she still cared, even if she was going to yell at him later for hiding things from her. Saying 'I'm fine' again, when he clearly wasn't, didn't help matters either.

Still, there was no time to worry about it now.

For the moment she was content to let the other three do the talking. She was busily watching around them, trying to keep her bearings straight in case she needed to make her way here again.

[unfitforheaven.livejournal.com]

[from here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/230777.html?thread=16715385#t16715385)]

Katou moved to the dark hallway quickly. There was no trace of carefulness in his demeanor, steps clapping on the floors, flashlight waving about in his hand. Neither did he glance back to see if Malik followed or not, perhaps not caring.

He muttered something under his breath, then stretched hands over his head again and yawned while stretching. Where to now?

[golden-eclipse.livejournal.com]

Back in the stairwell, Malik stood there fuming silently. He turned his heels and was about to head back down when the words Katou left him with rang through his head.

Get pissy and storm off?

Now it really would seem like he did exactly that, stomping off like a disgruntled child. But following after him was just as humiliating, practically admitting that he needed his protection. The bastard!

"Hn."

Turning over the options in his head, ultimately he came to the conclusion that the guy could prove to be more useful than not, considering the dangers that lurked in these halls. Two moving targets meant there was only a 50% chance of being attacked.

He exited the stairwell and entered the hall on the second floor, walking up behind the bastard Katou and stood with his arm crossed as he demanded, "So find us the exit, will you?"

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

[from down below (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/230777.html?thread=16748921#t16748921)]

They paused once they reached the hall at the top of the stairs. There were a couple small groups, but none seemed interested in them, so the shinigami didn't pay any more attention to them than required to be ready for a possible attack.

She glanced to the left where she knew the rescue team was, but she didn't sense anything wrong with either Renji or Rukia's reiatsu other than the normal dampening of Rukia's after she cast kidou. Nothing to worry about.

She nodded to continue down the hall right across from the stairwell. Now their mission really began.

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/240554.html)]

[angels-inflight.livejournal.com]

[from here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/235185.html)]

Thankfully, there was nothing outside of the hall where Naminé and Leon just escaped to. Unfortunately, Leon still wasn't doing too well; she had the feeling that he was in much more pain than she thought he was, for he hadn't been able to properly protest the fact that he was being practically dragged out of the room.

It was hard work; she wasn't strong, and she wasn't fast, so she was amazed that she was able to get them both out of the way before the rats could reach them. There had been other people in the room - in fact, she thought she saw Sora there - so hopefully everyone would be alright.

"Leon? Are you alright?" She did her best to get him seated against the wall, setting the flashlights she took against the door so she could see anyone who walked through it. She knew she had deprived the other two men of light... hopefully they'd be able to see with the other people's flashlights.

So much for flashlight duty. Or being useful, for that matter. At least Leon tried to fight.

[heraldric.livejournal.com]

Leon hadn't even thought to protest the removal. It was hard to think at all, really, as he was primarily focused on just trying to get the air in and out of his lungs. Mostly in. He hardly even noticed he was being dragged away from his friends until he was seated against the wall.

He just sat for a couple minutes, coughing and clutching at his chest until some semblance of normal breathing had returned. The breaths were heavy and gasping, but they were doing their job. A hand remained at his chest as he got his surroundings. His book was still clutched tightly in the other one, as though this was the only thing he'd had the strength to do as he'd been led away.

His heavy-lidded eyes fell on Naminé finally, and he stared simply because she was still someone unfamiliar. Where had everyone else gone? Why was he here now? Wasn't he supposed to be rescuing Ashton?

Leon opened his mouth to ask as much, but could form no words. Attempts to speak only caused him to cough more, and the hand that had been at his chest went to rub on his neck. If the weariness hadn't been enough to keep him from casting another spell anytime soon, this would be.

[son-ofkrypton.livejournal.com]

[From here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/235185.html?thread=16713137#t16825777)]

That weird, solid feeling of ice faded the further away he got from that one hall. He still wasn't sure what the deal was with that, if it was because of the rats or that reddish glow (or even what caused that glow), but he did feel better now that he was leaving the place. He adjusted his hold again on the wounded boy in his arms, making sure he wasn't going to be too jostled or slip. Whoever he was, he seemed to be awfully quiet. Clark's worry rose. He wasn't...well, y'know, was he?

Clark spoke up for the first time since leaving the group. "Hey, what's your name?" he asked, more to make sure his charge was okay and keep him talking. "I'm Clark."

[bored-narrator.livejournal.com]

As Kyon was taken down the hall, his entire body started to feel ...remarkably better. He ached less, and some of his energy was starting to return, so he kept up with Clark easier. Even that hunger of his had gone down a little.

He took his hand away from his face and breathed in a small sigh of relief.

Clark spoke, so Kyon did his best to answer him. "Kyon's fine. S'what everyone calls me." might as well give him his nickname, his real one wasn't so important here.

After a few moments, Kyon added, "I don't think I'm entirely safe to be around right now," He could warn him, right? After all he didn't know how long it would be before he went nuts. The doctor had hinted on him going crazy. The thought was a bit unnerving.

[itneverwas.livejournal.com]

[From here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/230777.html#comments)]

They reached the second floor without any delay, and a quick scan proved the hallway to be devoid of any possible threats.

What did caught Xemnas' attention was the reddish hue coming from the large windows the ceiling of the Sun room was made of.

How curious...

[forgot-it-all.livejournal.com]

Ritsuka followed close to Soubi, keeping up despite the shallow wounds on his leg and the returning pain in his neck. Right now what mattered was getting back in one piece and taking their patient to Tamaki. He was secretly glad that Soubi had agreed to take him there and he hoped it was a sign that maybe his roommate and his friend could still get along. When they reached the railing, Ritsuka listened carefully and could still hear battles raging beneath.

Quickly slipping past it, he stayed by Soubi's side as they drew close to the stairs. He could hear a group talking down below, but nothing that was dangerous and he started down them, using the railing to take the weight off his leg.

[her-lion.livejournal.com]

"It never stops you from trying again to do it again," he shot back, stopping when she paled, but seeing her recover her attitude quickly enough.

He moved behind the two, laughing at Heiji's comment. If only he knew. "That seems safe enough." At least he couldn't remember her almost killing herself while powerwalking. Though that didn't necessarily mean it hadn't happened...

"Hopefully it's just around the corner, now. I'm very curious what could be behind all these other doors." He made a sweeping gesture towards all the hallways. The intercom had spoken of a basement, but Edward was curious if only two floors above ground existed. It seemed a lot of patients for the amount of rooms he had come across.

[his-singer.livejournal.com]

“Well, sorry we can’t all be perfect like you are.” Bella glared towards Edward when they moved into another hall, and she took a few steps forward, so she was farther ahead than the two boys. Lifting her head up as she let out a “hmph!” sound, she nearly died when her foot slipped against the flat floor.

Standing there in silence, Bella turned and glared at Edward before he had a chance to say anything. “Don’t even think about saying something or I won’t kiss you for a week.”

[grosse-sklaven.livejournal.com]

((From here. (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/217967.html?thread=16978543#t17047919) ))

Wasn't it ironic? That was precisely the attitude that Adelheid had possessed before coming to this place; that he didn't need protecting, even in a weakened state, for he was still tough and powerful. He also knew that nothing he said would be of much use; only hard experience could change a mind so set. For that matter, Adelheid still thought that he could handle himself in most situations... he'd just have to be smarter about what he did.

In the meantime, Adelheid slowly made his way up the stairs, step by step, and paused at the top to scan for danger. Every now and again there was a monster up here... and off to the side, he could feel a cold chill. But he wouldn't be going there tonight, not when there was something else to do. Instead, there was another hallway to go down, and it was there that he began to lead.

Still, he couldn't resist one last attempt. "The creature in question flew and shot lightning bolts." And his false eye shifted to glance at Wesker; depending on how the man reacted, a great deal could be ascertained.

[no-side-effects.livejournal.com]

Did Adel have to give all these details about it? Now Birkin was going to want to see it.

All that the description of the creature brought from Wesker was a raised eyebrow, it was slightly interesting, but from that small description not terribly fascinating.

Albinoids had produced large amounts of electricity, the only part that was strange was that this creature could fly. Of course if it was a winged creature that would make sense.

If all it could do was 'shoot lightning bolts', Wesker wasn't overly concerned.

"That couldn't have been pleasant if you were carrying that spear," Wesker held off further comment. Birkin had told him to be nice, but mostly Wesker did not want to irritate his guide to the point that the boy decided not to show them to the lab.

Wesker did not know how well plagas took electrical shock, but in case Krauser still had his it would probably be best not to find out.

[screwthegods]

[From here]

Homura drew his own flashlight out, having successfully avoided using it up until this point. But the pair needed light, the territory they were headed to especially dangerous, and their numbers divided in half.

The demi-god paused at the top of the stairs, shining the light around to be sure nothing else waited for them in the shadows. He didn't take long, not liking to delay even under normal circumstances, much less with an impatient-bordering-on-desperate swordsman.

"This way." Homura made a brief motion, then quickly advanced, before something else could find them.

[screwthegods]

[To here]