damned_institute | Day 30: Cafeteria, Breakfast

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Day 30: Cafeteria, Breakfast

Hitsugaya woke with a start.

His entire body ached, but the pain was nowhere near as bad as it had been the night before. His injuries had been tended two with clean gauze and bandages, and he found every movement wasn't agony. He wasn't in the best of shape, but thanks to the miracle of landel's strange time distortion, he had mostly recovered from the vile poison without having to waste anyone else's talents.

And in his hand, still...there was the key.

He dressed quickly, sliding the key onto the key ring from his desk drawer and stuck it into his pocket. Whether the key stood to gain them anything or not, it stood as a vital reminder that they could succeed in this place. There was hope, as insignificant as it often seemed. They could beat this place.

That small shred of hope made getting up worth it.

The nurse who escorted him to breakfast was cheerful, and commented idly about how wonderful it was to see young Tommy Winters up and about again after his unfortunate run-in with a bad case of food poisoning. He smirked slightly, knowing that any lies the institute forced into their heads were only that: lies. He wouldn't buy it for a second. And on top of that, the concept of muffins sounded almost appetizing. While he still preferred his authentic Japanese cuisine, the food here was slowly becoming more and more bearable. He would have preferred a warm bowl of sweet nattou over rice over the mufffins, but they would do. The plain yogurt and fruit, on the other hand, was excellent. He piled his plate high with fruit as usual, and got several small bowls of yogurt as well.

Finding the most convenient table to the end of the food line, he took a seat and scanned for the new arrivals. New arrivals meant people who would be lost and confused. Renji did a good job of making a bulliten post last time...he should recommend abarai-fukutaicho do the same again this time.

[Waiting for Angel]

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Roy hadn't missed the way Kadaj scanned the cafeteria, obviously looking for someone and not finding them. He had done the same thing countless times himself, and it had gotten to the point that he had almost given up on the practice. If his subordinates were around, they would find him. He felt he could trust that they would report to him immediately after being absent for so long.

Though really, he had come to terms with the fact that they just might not be around anymore. He couldn't begin to understand why some patients came and then left again so soon while others had been around for weeks now, but he wasn't going to concern himself with it when there were other matters to deal with.

"I don't really assign leaders," he explained. "I expect all three members of one group to work together, rather than having one order the other two around. If one happens to take charge and the others are willing to listen, then so be it. But I won't presume to knowing who would be the best person for that job." The fact that Kadaj was so blunt actually made Roy a little more willing to trust him - he was being honest, after all. He managed a half-smirk as he peered across the table at the boy. "Might I ask what other things?"

That seemed reasonable enough. Now all he really had to look out for were people who were stupid enough to think they could lead the group instead. After all, he was the best person for the job, wasn't he? Mother wouldn't have left him in charge of his brothers if he hadn't been. Granted, he hadn't really needed to order them around since they tended to do what he wanted regardless, but that didn't matter. He was still qualified.

Roy's question managed to surprise a laugh out of him, even though it wasn't particularly funny, and he adopted a mock pensive look, saying, "You know, I hadn't really thought that far ahead. What would I betray you over? If I found a way to escape that meant leaving you behind, I might do something like that, but I don't think Mother would be very happy with me if I did. She might change her mind once she regains her senses, but otherwise..." He trailed off, smirking at him. "Nothing personal, right? Besides, I'd be back before you knew it to destroy this place. Who knows? I might even let you help."

Other than the reference to some sort of mother, Roy could more or less follow what Kadaj was getting at without any complaints. It wasn't like either of them had any sort of allegiance to each other. Given the chance, he imagined that most of the patients would do the same, even if they might swear up and down that they wouldn't.

"That seems fair enough to me." Not everyone could be a hero, after all. The fact that Kadaj even wanted to return to enact vengeance was surprising. Roy got the feeling most people would leave without looking back, but maybe he was being overly pessimistic about the subject. "I wouldn't mind razing this place to the ground." Once everyone was safely out, that is. He had to wonder if Kadaj intended to destroy the place with the majority of the patients still in it, but he thought it better not to ask.

"It would be fun, wouldn't it? We'd have to make sure the Head Doctor didn't run away in the process, though. Seems like something he'd do, don't you think?" He'd have to think of some way to prevent that. Mother could probably suggest some too, now that he thought of it, but he'd have to wait before he could really know that for sure.

"That's all I can really think of for the moment," he added after a short pause. "I already warned you that I might kill your more idiotic members, so that doesn't count, but beyond that..." He shook his head. There wasn't anything else occurring to him, so that had to be it.

"It does," Roy remarked with a quick nod and a wry smile. While he had yet to see the man for himself, he felt he knew enough about him to assume that he wouldn't let pride get in the way of running away with his tail between his legs the moment things stopped going how he wanted them to. He was reminded of the announcement the man had made at the end of the night, however, which had certainly sounded like a response to some sort of challenge from the man behind the radio. Who could say what would come of that?

"That being said, I would prefer you didn't," he said with narrowed eyes. The fact that Kadaj felt the need to mention it twice was enough reason to warn him against it. "I doubt it would be earning you any points, and there's a good chance it would be two against one if you tried anything." He was fairly certain most people wouldn't stand by and watch while one patient tried to kill another - that was one of the reasons he had decided on groups of three, after all.

The smile Kadaj gave him then was anything but pleasant. "Spoilsport," he muttered. "If it makes you feel any better, I haven't felt like attacking another patient at all lately-- maybe a little, yes, but that's more to do with the way he's been behaving and that isn't my fault. Big Brother isn't a part of your group anyway, is he? So you can consider your people safe."

He looked away again, falling silent. He shouldn't even have to defend himself over this, but no. Was it really that hard to accept that some people deserved it? Well, whatever. He didn't have any plans to kill any patients, and unless Cloud tried talking to him again, it would probably stay that way. All of that would change once he'd gotten out of here, but until then, he'd restrain himself. He'd never make it to Mother if he didn't.

There was the strange reference to a family member again. Kadaj seemed to use the title as a name, which might have been understandable for parents, but it became even more odd when that extended to siblings as well. Roy could assume that it was considered normal in whatever world the boy came from, but the fact that Kadaj spoke as if he would somehow know who "Big Brother" was had him raising an eyebrow.

"I couldn't say unless you told me his name," he said, doing his best to be patient. It was a little uncomfortable talking about killing people like it was the weather, but Roy was unfortunately used to it. He had known a few people in his lifetime who had no regard for human life, after all. He was presumptuous enough to think that he could stop all of them, but he wasn't going to allow it under his watch.

"And if you wouldn't mind telling me what kind of what you'd like, exactly?" It might be best to steer away from the subject entirely, so Roy opened his journal to the appropriate page and started writing down Kadaj's name at the bottom of his list.

"Cloud Strife. Spiky blond hair, blue eyes, doesn't talk too much? If you don't know him, you should at least know some of his friends. There aren't as many here as there were before, but that's the case with a lot of people, isn't it?" Including Yazoo. "If he'd had his usual weapon with him, I'd tell you to look for the man with a sword that's taller than he is, but luckily, he doesn't. The rest of it should be enough to tell you, though, assuming you care."

Kadaj was actually grateful for the change in subject, and with renewed cheer, he replied, "Something similar to what you made when we first met? A katana-- nothing fancy, you know, unless I can get my hands on more metal. Would you be able to make one with twin blades if I did? That would be ideal, but if it's not within your abilities, a katana will be just fine. The gladius I have now just isn't suitable for my fighting style, and if I have to use it for much longer, I may end up dead. You wouldn't want something like that weighing on your conscience, would you?" He beamed at him, apparently finding nothing at all about what he'd just said to be even the slightest bit worrisome. He even giggled, but it was quiet enough to go largely unnoticed... almost.

"The name rings a bell. I'm fairly certain he's on my list." He had asked for a sword, hadn't he? Glancing down to check, Roy nodded to himself. Then again, almost everyone asked for a sword. He supposed that was one of the only things they could ask for, since firearms were out of the question, but it still got boring to make the same thing each and every night. "He's not part of the group, though." Apparently Kadaj and this Cloud Strife weren't on good terms. He could have asked for more details, but it wasn't his business, and he didn't care all that much in the first place.

They had first met quite a long time ago, but Roy thought he remembered. While he hadn't known much about katanas before he came to Landel's, he was quickly learning since so many patients seemed to favor them. Kadaj would have to be there when he made the weapon, so he could always get more details at that point. "I might be able to... You'd need more metal for that, of course. And I would need more details on what it looks like." So Kadaj did have a weapon already. That was what he'd thought. Roy wasn't very proficient with swords, so he couldn't really comprehend why the weapon Kadaj already had wouldn't work, but he would take his word for it. The metal from it could at least be used for the new one, or so he hoped.

Kadaj's comment was ignored. It wasn't his fault if the boy got himself killed, after all. Besides, his attention was drawn away when he saw that River girl make an attempt to take down the staff, though she was quickly apprehended. Two others seemed to be joining in, however, and Roy simply shook his head. What good did they think that was going to do?

Hmmm... not part of the group, but on the list. It was too bad he couldn't make his brother's order go "missing" now that Roy had been reminded of it, but maybe he could find some other way to make life difficult for him. After everything he'd done, it was only fair. Mother would have to approve.

He nodded when he was told he'd need more metal, a small, satisfied smile replacing the manic one he'd had on earlier. Yes, he could do that. It might take him a little longer to get it and do whatever nightly assignments this group had in store for him, but it would be worth it. "Want me to draw you a picture?" was his only reply beyond that, but like Roy, his attention was soon on the ongoing fight-- and was that River?

Fixing his gaze on the unlucky girl, he tsked softly under his breath. At least if someone was going to start a disturbance, it was one of his least favorite people at the institute. With something like that happening, he couldn't help but say a sing-song voice, "It looks like someone lost her temper. Oh, they're not going to like her at all after this, are they?" Tilting his head speculatively, he dropped the tune and asked, "What do you think the odds are that her friends will end up in worse shape than she's in? That nurse doesn't look very happy to me."

"That would be helpful, actually." Roy would have liked to ask for sketches from everyone who requested a weapon, but he knew that most people didn't have very much artistic ability. He could relate, though he still appreciated drawings when they were provided, and he got the feeling that end result was better when he had one to work off of.

As Roy continued to watch, he saw a certain Ishbalan stand from his seat and race over to join in, letting out a large bellow as he did so. He didn't know what stake Scar had in the fight, though there was always a possibility that he was joining for no reason other than to let out his anger. The alchemist couldn't see the point in any of it, and could have called those patients who were getting involved by a few choice words if he were so inclined.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they end up in solitary," he said with a shake of his head as he turned back to his journal to add in the details Kadaj had given him. "I don't know what they expect to accomplish." Roy had avoided getting sedated during his entire stay at Landel's, and he intended to keep it that way. His body went through enough strain with all the alchemy he performed; there was no reason to make it worse.

... Oh. It would? Damn, so much for teasing him. There had to be some other area Kadaj could target, though. Talking to Roy just wouldn't be any fun otherwise. Even the president had some sore spots he could poke every now and then. Roy had to be the same, but until he figured out what they were, he had plenty of entertainment right now to keep him occupied.

Smiling at the fights breaking out and all but ignoring the fact that Roy didn't seem nearly as interested in them as he was, he said, "You never know; they might manage to take out some of the nurses in a blaze of glory before they're all locked up. Wouldn't that be great? It'll never happen, of course, but some people like fighting against impossible odds." His big brother was one of them, but unfortunately, Kadaj didn't see him anywhere. He was sure Cloud would have leaped at the chance to fight back and get sedated.

As if finding the rapidly degenerating situation around them completely normal, Kadaj added casually, "When would you like me to get the drawing to you? As soon as possible, or should I just hold onto it until it's my turn?" ... What? It was a perfectly valid question.

Just when he thought matters couldn't get worse regarding the overall intelligence of the patient population, more people decided it would be a good idea to start attacking the staff. Roy watched in mild disbelief as patients stood from their seats and jumped into brawls. He was pleased to see that Kadaj seemed to know better, at least. The alchemist didn't intend to get from his seat unless he was forced to by a fight getting too close for comfort.

As he watched and took in Kadaj's comments, he gave another shake of his head. "It doesn't look like anyone can get more than a few hits in before they're sedated. Honestly..." He lifted a hand to his forehead and sighed exaggeratedly. "Their behavior is embarrassing." He watched as Scar hit the floor before turning back to regard Kadaj.

"Either way works. It's fine to just give it to me when the time comes, but I can take it earlier as well." He always just stuck the sketches he got in with his journal, which seemed to work well enough.

It really was pathetic, wasn't it? Kadaj loved every minute of it. It did make their situation look rather bleak, yes, but as long as he didn't focus on that for too long, it was fine. Things were easier during the night anyway, so it probably didn't matter. These people were just doing it wrong, that was all. Roy seemed to agree with him on that point, too, which was very reassuring in an odd sort of way.

"Think this'll make life more difficult for us later?" he asked, turning away from the battle and actually looking at Roy again. "There's never been something like this before, has there? Not while I've been here, that is." He wasn't sure how long Roy had been around, but he had the vague impression that they'd been stuck at Landel's for almost the same amount of time. Hadn't they? It was hard to remember things like that.

"I'll get the sketch to you whenever I can, then," he said decisively, glancing back towards the chaos around them. "I hope my artistic abilities are up to your standards."

"Not as far as I know," Roy responded as he closed his journal and put it away after adding those last few notes. He supposed the incident was interesting for that reason, at least. The colonel was curious to see what the result of this outbreak would be, but only if it didn't have any negative effects on him. He wouldn't be surprised if the entire patient body was punished for this misbehavior. He was rather disappointed that so many of the other captives didn't seem to realize that there was a time and place for this, and breakfast was not the time nor the place.

He nodded to Kadaj and then gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "It doesn't need to be too accurate. It's just nice to have a better idea of what it is you want." It was in the best interest of the requester, after all.

Then the intercom started up, loud enough that Roy jerked in his seat and winced. At least it sounded like those who hadn't joined in weren't going to be mistreated. Watching as even more nurses and orderlies piled into the cafeteria, the alchemist got to his feet with a small sigh. Back to their rooms, then? It could have been worse.

"I'll see you around," he addressed Kadaj, turning to the nurse who came to lead him out through the mess. Though as he looked around, it seemed like everything was dying down, and most of those who had been fighting were now sedated and unconscious. It wasn't like he had been expecting anything different, of course. After a final nod to Kadaj, Roy headed toward the exit with the nurse.

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Day 30: Cafeteria, Breakfast

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