damned_institute | Day 28: Bus 2

Renji did his best not to stare at Byakuya; it wasn't polite to notice when another man was showing something so personal, after all. But he did watch the man out of the corner of his eye, trying to decide what to make of it.

Then it all made sense. Rukia had told Renji about Byakuya's wife.

It made him feel distinctly odd, though, to hear his captain speak of something so... human.

Renji said, "I understand." Though really, Rukia deserved more of that concern than him, he thought. If something happened to her, he'd no doubt be long dead beforehand.

[[from here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/251147.html?thread=18525963#t18660363)]]

As Allen approached, he could feel a bit of uneasy tension in the air. He didn't know the man who sat near Renji, but they seemed to be talking about something serious. And while he knew it was rude to interrupt, sometimes it was necessary.

"Good afternoon Renji," he nodded politely and passed the red-head a smile. All told, the day had been fairly nice, even with its delays. He looked over at the other man, with long, dark hair. Allen's eye had activated just being near Renji, as well as others on the bus that were potential Akuma. It glowed a faint red against the black sclera in the dim light of the bus. He supposed this other man was probably one of those shinigami too. "Sir," he nodded to acknowledge the other.

"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but I wondered if I might have a moment of your time?" He shifted his weight, "if you're not too busy."

Byakuya's only response was a nod in Renji's direction; though he was unsure of Renji truly understood, he had no doubt that the boy would take the lesson to heart. True understanding was, of course, not something he was going to grant; he'd given that understanding to Rukia, and only to Rukia. It had been something she'd needed to know, after all...

Renji, on the other hand, could survive being ignorant.

The newcomer arrived, then... not someone Byakuya knew of. Possibly irrelevant, then... but, he had been polite, and Byakuya tended to respond to such a gesture in kind. He nodded in greeting, and said simply, "If you wish for privacy, I am willing to relocate."

Normally, of course, he would not make such an offer. Then again, normally he didn't have a distinct desire to flee a situation he had gotten himself into. Likely, it was valour. Or stubbornness. They amounted to the same thing...

Whatever had brought Allen over, Renji blessed him for it. No problem could be so great as to outweigh the side benefit of Allen showing up - which was rescuing Renji from an awkward situation with his Captain. He gave Byakuya what he hoped was a reasonably apologetic look, then said, "What's going on, Allen?"

It was kind of strange to see Renji hanging around with that other person. He seemed... well, refined in a way. Renji was nice, but it was easy to tell just by how they talked that they lived very different lives. Though someone like Master Cross could talk sweetly when he wanted to, it didn't always mean much of anything.

"That's very gracious of you sir," he replied as politely as he could. "I hate to be an inconvenience, but I would appreciate just a few minutes with Mr. Renji."

He looked somewhat sheepishly over to Renji, "I um, didn't see any bulletin board while I was out, so I was hoping you might know what's going on this evening. That and, um, there's a couple other things I thought we might... discuss." The first part was easy enough, but he didn't know how well talking with Renji about Rhode would go. Renji could be very intimidating and demanding and after last night... maybe he had the same low opinion of Allen that the boy from earlier today had.

"It is not an inconvenience," he replied, and rose to leave. As he did so, he glanced back at Renji, and said, "I trust you will share the contents of our discussion with my sister."

Without waiting for confirmation, he turned away once more, and headed towards the back of the bus.

[to here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/251147.html?thread=18701835#t18701835)]

Renji did his best to bow while sitting when Byakuya left. He was relieved to see the man go, and now wondering if he should have tried to bring up Momo. But maybe it would be best to just let it go and let Hitsugaya deal with it. He certainly planned to let Rukia know what had happened, that was for certain. He shouldn't be the only one shitting his pants out of shock.

"I can give you an idea of where to go or who to meet with," he said to Allen. "Will you have your friends with you again?" He needed to know if Allen would be his own team, or if he'd need to go with someone else.

Of course, he'd thought of meeting with Ravi, Kanda, or Rinali, but he hadn't seen either of the boys and he'd completely forgotten to set up a meeting place when he'd been with Rinali. "I'm afraid I don't know where they'll be," he admitted. "I haven't seen Ravi since yesterday and I haven't seen Kanda at all. The others said he was here, but-"

He shook his head. He was getting off the subject. "I didn't think to suggest a meeting place for Rinali either, when we met earlier." He'd been too pre-occupied with other things. Those strange manicures, and then food, of course. "I hope she'll be okay," he added, his voice a little softer.

"Do you know what room she's in?" Renji asked, tone concerned. "If you're quick, you could run over there at the start of the night. Or you could go just hang out by the women's block door. There's only one door for them to go out, after all."

Well, now he felt really inept. He hadn't even thought to ask that much! He had no idea what her room number was! "Ummmm," was his initial reply, followed after a moment by, "I suppose I'll have to do that then. That's a bit of a relief though."

At least he'd be able to find her. So long as none of that frightening business of stealing patients away happened again. "Is there anything in particular we ought to be doing? I'm afraid I haven't made a great deal of progress over the last few nights."

Renji had to think about it for a moment, mentally reviewing what Hitsugaya had put on the board. He didn't want to send two kids into the unknown of the basement; two other teams were already on exploring, and most of the other possible jobs were too dangerous for just two. He'd gotten the impression that the gathering metal shit work was supposed to be mostly phased out, so he had a feeling Hitsugaya had just assigned Byakuya to that because he was pissed. Which left... side projects. "How about... One of the rooms on the second floor, the patient possessions room," Renji said. "See if you can get there, look through as much as you can and see if you can find anything useful. Like... more jewelry we can hand over to Valyn, or things like watches or other sorts of rare materials that the alchemists could use. I doubt there'd be real weapons, but there might be useful stuff all the same. Check there, and if you whip through it real quick, check the mail room as well."

He traced out the shape of the second floor on the seat between him and Allen, pointing to the two places, just in case Allen's map wasn't really current. He nodded to himself. "If you could do that, it'd be a real help. And I'd say keep an eye on the other ladies leaving the block while you're keeping an eye out for your friend. If you find someone that looks lost and alone, keep an eye on them, right?"

Allen wasn't thrilled about going to the second floor again, but if it was just him and Rinali, and if they hurried... Ah! But if all the women came from the same door, what if he ran into Rhode before that? That could be a mess all its own. Allen only nodded to show he understood. If there was a room with lots of things like that, he had a pretty good eye for what was valuable and what was trash. He'd learned fast in gambling just how quickly it could go from cash to personal items, so it was important to know just how valuable they were.

"Alright. I think I can manage that." Was it just his imagination, or was Renji not quite as scary as he'd been the other day? "Thank you."

"I guess that's most of it," he explained. "I'm kind of worried though. Kanda and Ravi were going to go after Rhode last night. I haven't seen either of them since, but I know Rhode was running around town." It gave him a chill feeling just thinking about it, but it was possible they'd already run into her. "You didn't see either of them, did you? Ravi was the one with the eyepatch and red hair. And Kanda," Allen's expression soured, "he has really long black hair and always looks angry." He had to stop himself from adding a few more choice adjectives.

Renji nodded. "No problem. It was kinda hard to get word to everyone, with all the bullshit today," he said.

He fell silent for a moment, looking steadily at Allen. "I haven't," he said, and frowned. "I don't think I've met either of them. So I can't check. Do Rukia or taichou know them? We can't really have 'em look now, not when we're moving, but we can have 'em check tomorrow if you still haven't seen them." Damnit, he had so many things that he needed to speak to Hitsugaya about, and he hadn't done this one today. He'd let himself become too distracted by his own concerns. "I'll talk to taichou in the morning. Sounds like it'd be best to put together a group to deal with her tomorrow night." He cursed under his breath. This day had left them so disorganized and scattered, and it was partially his fault.

Today had probably been frustrating as far as making plans was concerned, but he had to admit that riding in the giant automobile and seeing all the sights in town had been very exciting. He gave a short nod though, to show he understood.

"I don't think so," he replied to the other part. He'd no idea who Ravi had been speaking with or about what really. He only seemed to be able to find the other boy for short conversations here or there. "I drew some pictures of them on the message boards," he said seriously, "but no one seemed to recognize them."

"I should be there," Allen insisted. "It's my responsibility."

Renji nodded, his lips twitching slightly at the mention of Allen drawing pictures. No wonder no one had recognized them. He didn't have the heart to voice that, though. "I bet it'll be okay," he said. "Sometimes it's just hard to find people. And not too many saw the bulletin board in the store, so that's probably why." He nodded. While he didn't like raising up false hopes, it also sounded like Allen needed some reassuring, so he was willing to take that risk.

Besides, he had a feeling if someone had been messily slaughtered during the night, at least one other person would have mentioned it. That seemed the case when patients got taken down by something nasty. If nothing else, the telepaths knew.

He looked Allen in the eye for a long time, before saying, "From what you said, it looks human," he said. "I'm not talking responsibility, here. Can you help - or even just stand by - while we release something that looks and sounds human?" It was an honest question. Allen seemed a kind, gentle soul, and enough Shinigami had issues with releasing Hollows, if they didn't kill with a single strike. Renji had done it before, himself, and it had been a difficult thing - and he wasn't nearly as young or as wounded as Allen. He held up a hand, just to keep the boy silent a moment longer. "Whatever your answer, my opinion of you won't change. It's not about responsibility. It's about keeping you whole."

Renji was usually pretty straightforward, at least from what he'd observed. If Renji didn't really think they were alright, he wouldn't say so, right? It was still worrisome, but it was good to hear a bit of reassurance all the same.

The rest though, was much harder to hear. "Release?" It took a moment before he realized what Renji was really implying. "You mean to kill her," he said quietly, as soon as he'd realized it. It was more a statement than a question. How could Renji speak so calmly about killing another human? Rhode had done some truly terrible things. She'd killed many humans and exorcists and even enjoyed it. It was hard to forget the glimmer of childish laughter and gaiety in her eyes as she'd gouged out his left eye.

Still, she was human. She was just a child, probably confused, manipulated by the Earl. Humans could change. They could get better, it didn't have to end with death. Didn't the bible say it simply enough? They weren't supposed to kill! "No," he said after a time, "It doesn't have to be like that. I- isn't there something else we could do?"

Keeping him whole? He didn't understand what Renji meant by that, but this wasn't about himself, it was about what to do so Rhode wouldn't hurt anyone here! Allen knew the risks, of course it was about responsibility! "I'm not naive enough to forget the things she's done," he added, "but there has to be something! If... if this is the way you want to handle things, maybe... maybe it's better if this remains my own problem."

Renji frowned. "If she is such a threat that you fear she's harmed two of your comrades," he said, "what other solution is there? This is not a place where we can imprison or reform. The only way to protect humans from what would kill and consume them is to redeem it in death." He shook his head. "What else would you have us do, Allen?" he asked. "Stand idly by and let some kind of monstrous child kill and torment the people here who are working for the good of us all? If you meant it only as a warning, fine, but the fact that you're worried about your friends - and that it sounds like they agree with my assessment - really makes me wonder if not addressing the problem would be wise at all."

He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat. "So tell me what else it can be," he said. He didn't ask why Allen was so appalled by the idea of killing this person; it was obvious enough, and he didn't expect everyone to be as calm about death as a Shinigami. "It's not merely your own problem if it is a threat to others. It's everyone's problem then. And even if it threatens only you, it is still our concern because you are our comrade."

Edited 2007-11-26 19:01 (UTC)

Allen shrank slightly against the evidence Renji presented. He was worried about the others. He was worried Rhode might get bored with him and move on to Rinali. He was worried she'd already harmed Ravi and Kanda. Really the most sensible response was to put a permanent stop to the problem, but...

"I don't know," he admitted. "Couldn't we try some kind of negotiations first? Surely she'd see reason if she realized she was outnumbered and it was in her best interest to behave." It was a weak argument, but he couldn't stand the idea of sending people out to murder her. It was like falling down to the Noah's level. If they started killing humans, they were no better than the villains they chased after. And now, even if they did decide to go after her later, he would be party to it, whether it was his hand that delivered the blow or not, he'd been the one to accuse her.

"Maybe... I could talk to her? I don't know why, but she does listen to me sometimes. She said she wanted to make some kind of deal. I didn't try to before, but I'm sure if... If I just play with her, she wouldn't hurt anyone." He didn't feel it would win him any arguments to mention that Rhode's idea of play usually involved blood and pain. If that was all it took to keep her at bay, then he was a small sacrifice.

Renji smiled dryly. "Death doesn't normally negotiate," he said. It was part joke, and part small reminder of just what Allen was currently talking to. He almost dismissed the idea out of hand, but it was also true, that they were working with people they never would have normally, in the interest of getting out. "Not negotiation," he finally said, after some pause for thought. "An ultimatum. You should not be willing to... compromise when it comes to the lives of those you care about." He paused, trying to think how best to put it. "It must be made clear that if she harms any of the other prisoners, we will destroy her without hesitation." Before Allen had a chance to protest that flat statement, he added, "Of course I'd make an exception if she was defending herself, or if she was brainwashed for a night. That shit happens. But you don't voice those exceptions because it gives her a way to try to escape. She buys her continued life with her good behavior. Nothing more, nothing less, and there's no negotiation."

He reviewed what Allen had said, frowning, and decided it would be best to add another point. "And if we go this way, you don't go talk to her alone. You're at least taking me with you." Part of it was because he didn't trust this girl to deal honorably. And part of it was because he didn't think Allen was harsh enough to stick to the ultimatum on his own. Gods knew, the boy would probably do something utterly idiotic like offer himself up as an exchange.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't like this. The only reason he was even willing to let Allen try was that he had a feeling Allen would try to either warn or defend the girl if he didn't, and that could end in disaster. And, selfishly, because the girl hadn't threatened anyone that he knew yet.

"Consider one thing, though," he said. "If we go this way, we won't find out her intentions are dishonorable until you or someone you care about is badly hurt or worse. By the time we act against her, it will be too late for someone. Can you live with that?"

Renji knew that if it was one of his own people, he wouldn't be so willing. It was a terrible decision to have to make, and he felt sorry that Allen was the one in that position.

But, as always, life was never fair.

Death didn't usually negotiate, he knew that much. Though he'd escaped death enough times in his line of work that maybe it'd started to lose meaning. It hadn't been until his most recent escape, when he'd felt himself slipping away and his own body growing cold that he knew how frightening death could be. It was another thing entirely though, talking with Renji. Sometimes he felt like talking to the shinigami was like talking to a brick wall. It didn't bend, it didn't move, and it was terribly difficult to get around.

"If you think that would be wise," Allen wasn't sure how well delivering an ultimatum to the girl would be. She'd probably take it as a challenge more than anything else. The whole matter made him fairly uncomfortable. It wasn't his place to judge someone else, not when he was far from a perfect example. "Sometime tomorrow then I guess. I'm sure I won't have difficulty finding her." It was avoiding her that was the trouble, really.

If Rhode's intentions weren't honorable, that was the difficult part. Renji did have a point, that Rhode might end up deciding it was more fun to play by her own set of rules. But if that was the case, he was the one she'd come after first, wasn't that so? If he got hurt, that was irrelevant, it would be his own foolishness. But there was that chance that it wouldn't be him, that she would go after someone else and he knew, in the end, he'd blame himself. "All the more reason I should be the one to watch her. If anything does happen, I've handled it before... I think I'm capable of at least that much."

Renji shrugged. "I think maybe it'd give you a better shot at convincing her it's serious," he said. "And not an empty threat or a joke." He figured that this must be a decent answer to the matter, since neither he nor Allen seemed 100% happy about it. "Just make sure you get me or wave me over or something. Or taichou. I'll make sure he knows what's going on soon as I can."

He eyed Allen a bit suspiciously; if nothing else, from what the kid had said before, it hadn't sounded like he thought he could handle it all on his own or anything. And there was a big difference between controlling a situation and just trying to bail water out of the metaphorical sinking ship.

"You're always so eager to keep things to yourself, do stuff by yourself," Renji said, his tone one of gentle curiosity more than anything else. "Do you not trust your comrades, or are you in love with dying alone?" He really doubted either was the real reason, but maybe it was something that would prompt Allen to answer.

Allen glanced at the ground and tried not to sigh too loudly. At least it was something. At least they weren't going to become a bunch of murderers. "I'll be sure to do that."

The other part caught him off-guard. "W-what are you talking about? Neither of those, of course! I just don't want anyone to get hurt! It... it's only practical!" As an exorcist, it was to be expected that he'd die alone one day, likely while he was still young, but that was just his lot. Exorcists rarely lived long or fulfilling lives, why have any silly expectation? He was doing this for Mana, living for Mana because that was what he'd promised.

"When you work alone, you've got a bigger chance of getting hurt. Or killed," Renji pointed out, reasonably enough. "Anyone is." He certainly wasn't a fan of running off by himself when it wasn't necessary. When it was a personal fight, that was a different matter; it wasn't right to drag people into personal shit. But this... this involved everyone. "I guess you can't always have your friends around, but trying to separate yourself from them when they are around is kind of... impractical."

He gave Allen a crooked smile. "Just remember when you're worrying about people getting hurt... you're someone too." He he reached over to pat Allen on the shoulder. Allen was one fucked-up kid, as far as he could tell. He needed all the support he could get. "Rukia'd be pretty pissed if something happened to you. She likes having a drawing buddy."

"I'm used to it," he shrugged. It was true too. Until he'd ended up at the order, most of the time he'd been fighting alone. Even in the Order, there just weren't enough exorcists to always send teams or pairs. He wondered though, if Renji and Rinali hadn't been speaking when he wasn't around. They said a lot of the same things. "Rinali says the same sort of things. She got pretty mad last time."

It wasn't something he tried to do, or really thought much about, but it sure seemed to upset some people. He tensed a little when Renji patted his shoulder, it was a gesture that he still wasn't quite used to, but it seemed like he was trying to be nice. Even if he hadn't known Rukia or Renji very long, they were already worrying over him? That just seemed silly. Though he knew he'd be worried if anything were to happen to either of them, that was different, wasn't it? That was... that was just because it was his job to protect people, wasn't it? Ugh, why did Renji have to ask questions and say things that made him feel so confused?! "I was just... trying to do my job."

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