damned_institute | Nightshift 30: M81-90 Hallway

And this was what he had not been looking forward to all day. True, Phibrizzo had seemed to still be in one piece when Xelloss had seen a glimpse of him at breakfast, but Hellmaster had also been addressing an individual who could not possibly be mistaken for anyone other than Amelia. Even Xelloss found her a little hard to bear at times; doubtlessly Phibrizzo would find some way that her presence was Xelloss's fault, which wasn't so threatening given the circumstances but still nothing to hope for.

The more significant problem, the genuine lapse, had been his inability to locate Hellmaster last night. If Hellmaster blamed him for that, all Xelloss could say in response was that he had done the best he could, a genuinely pathetic answer to a serious problem. He knew of two things which patients underwent if the Institute took them away, and considering that there were no reports of wide-spread deaths and disappearances this morning, that left the option of experimentation. What could they do to a Mazoku trapped in a human form? The fact that they were trapped in this form at all suggested some unpleasant possibilities.

Nonetheless, as he located Phibrizzo, he bowed perhaps a little lower than usual. "I couldn't find you last evening, Lord Hellmaster," Xelloss explained, and let that stand.

Phibrizzo pursed his lips. Since Xelloss was addressing that first, Phibrizzo saw no reason not to start there. "You couldn't? Where did you look?" Even he had read a thing or two on the bulletin board about the disappearences at night. He somehow doubted the Priest had turned a blind eye to those. "Do you have even the slightest notion what I got up to? Didn't you find it odd when I was not here to meet with you?! DID IT NOT CROSS YOUR MIND THAT SOMETHING MAY HAVE COME UP?!"

Hellmaster knew he was losing his temper and had to keep it in check, lest he attract attention and blow his cover (these meetings with Xelloss were meant to be private and clandestine), but he could not help it. Thinking back on all that was done to him, how weak he felt and how very odd he still felt, he couldn't help but hold the preist responsible. "And HOW LONG has that Princess been here? I don't want any excuses. I want to know HOW she managed to spot me before YOU noticed her!"

Well, this was about what he'd expected. If anything, it wasn't quite as bad. Of course, the fact that all of their powers were weakened did help, as Phibrizzo's actual ability to harm him in this form was in question. That didn't change the fact that he did have some of this criticism coming.

And to avoid future criticism, although he doubted Hellmaster would appreciate it at the moment, he mentioned, "My roommate spoke to me about eavesdropping on our conversations, Lord Hellmaster." So please turn your volume down slightly. "Last night, when I was unable to find you, I met with an individual called Quatre Rabera Winner and went upstairs in search of you. So far as I am aware, only two options were possible, either you had been unleashed on the general population or your body was being experimented on. Since I could do nothing in the latter case and it would in fact be an improvement in circumstances over our current state, I decided to act upon the possibility that you were the victim of experimentation. Unfortunately, despite finding my way upstairs and to the area where I believe such things take place, I was unable to find you. There was a large crowd of individuals coming and going, likely on similar missions." Calling it a 'rescue mission' would likely sound insulting.

"As for the princess, I can only assume she arrived this morning before breakfast; that was the first time I saw her. I saw you with her, but did not approach so she would ideally not be aware of my presence until we could discuss how to address our status here with her." Xelloss looked up a bit.

"My roommate spoke to me about eavesdropping on our conversations, Lord Hellmaster."

Hellmaster's fists clenched and he bit back the urge to scream at the priest further and demand he reveal how much his roommate knew. And as he suspected, Xelloss knew what had occurred, but hadn't stopped it. The fact that Xelloss had revealed his presence to Quatre was disconcerting, but thus far his roommate hadn't said anything to him, much less seen him, so he knew Xelloss probably hadn't made his connection to the Mazoku lord obvious. He wondered what Xelloss was thinking, holding the knowledge that the mighty Hellmaster Phibrizzo had been rounded up and experimented upon. His subordinate didn't appear to know anything beyond the experimentation. He'd have to find a way to reaffirm his power, even in the face of this crisis. Xelloss couldn't go around believing Hellmaster didn't have anything worth fearing.

"As for the princess, I can only assume she arrived this morning before breakfast; that was the first time I saw her. I saw you with her, but did not approach so she would ideally not be aware of my presence until we could discuss how to address our status here with her."

Phibrizzo snorted and slightly smirked at that comment. "I have handled her for the moment, though you will need to continue my work." Phibrizzo figured that would be a punishment in and of itself, forcing Xelloss to play nice with the Princess. He glanced about, peering down the hall for potential eavesdroppers. "I do not wish for this to be overheard, if your roommate is about."

"He doesn't seem to be paying much attention," Xelloss answered, also glancing around. "Although speaking in a soft tone of voice may not hurt." Which Xelloss did. "He seemed to be alarmed that you were named 'Hellmaster,' I told him it was an inherited title, implying some similarity to human kingdoms even if he may be aware that neither of us are human. He is, to my knowledge, under the impression still that you are a child. He obviously does not trust me, but I haven't given him reason not to, and intend to continue behaving relatively politely around him."

Hellmaster had handled the princess? Oh, dear. "And what should I do to deal with Amelia?" he asked, politely.

Edited 2008-02-27 19:08 (UTC)

Well, good that he wasn't paying attention. He had been paying attention before and Hellmaster had only learned of that now. If Xelloss thought he was off the hook...

Phibrizzo leaned in and spoke in a low but threateningly icy tone. "I expect you to take care of your roommate should he even utter a word to anyone about my true nature. I don't care what you tell him, but it had damn sure better be convincing and he better not pose ANY sort of a problem. I think it would be best if you would dispose of him and sever the problem at the source, but that's not how you do things, is it?"

He leaned back a moment, folding his arms. "If this does develop into something undesirable, you're going to have a lot to answer for, Xelloss. I may be forced to let you off with more than a slap on the wrist." He narrowed his eyes. "Am I clear?"

Moving in again and whispering, the Mazoku lord added, "I have informed the princess that she is here as a specatator for my master plan and this is all my doing. If she opens her mouth to anyone, I shall kill the chimera. So far, I believe we have an understanding. But I do hope you'll keep her on track." He pointed a finger. "Afterall, it doesn't take much to ask around and learn about "Martin Landel". I need you to make sure her fears remain with us and not with him. And, of course, that she says nothing unwanted."

He ended his rant with a smirk and a finger to his lips. "Though if you wish to torment her and have your fun in doing so, I see no reason you shouldn't..."

Yes, because you do such a good job hiding it... Xelloss managed to keep his expression serious and quiet, only nodding at Phibrizzo's orders. He didn't comment as Phibrizzo's voice raised again for the word 'clear,' and he didn't raise his eyebrows as Phibrizzo mentioned 'more than a slap on the wrist.'

It was odd to think at a time like this how little his own plans meshed with Hellmaster's. It seemed as though the more powerful Mazoku was satisfied with the idea of ruling this place, or at least dominating it, through Xelloss's actions. Or rather, he couldn't move forward until he felt he did. Every night it was a new list of people to strike or complaints to be made. No progress...

But then again, Lord Hellmaster was not created for the sake of progress, he was created to destroy, and in a place like this, there was an understandably wide variety of individuals Hellmaster wanted destroyed and yet could not. That step down in power might drive anyone to fits of rage, even if they weren't already of Phibrizzo's temperament.

"That is good," Xelloss agreed with a nod. "If I may make a suggestion about my own role with the Princess... she has repeatedly suggested that I should become human by some means; chanting 'life is wonderful' or some other nonsense." He shuddered a little. "I might be able to convince her that such has taken place," since, technically, it had, "and then leverage this to gain her trust. Pretend that we are equally at your mercy, that is, and that I have no more idea of your true game than anyone." It was definitely preferable to having her stand on a table, point, and shout at him for a meal or so.

You have no true game, Lord Hellmaster. He lowered his head again.

Xelloss had a good plan, Hellmaster had to admit. However, he saw the potential for...something else. Xelloss had been loyal up to this point, but anyone who had ever worked with the Trickster Priest would be wise to recognize he always had his own agenda. What if Xelloss decided to turn against Hellmaster in a "fake" show of trust with the Chimera and the Princess? The notion itself seemed ridiculous, as one couldn't ask for a more pro-Mazoku servant than Xelloss.

But it still lingered in the back of Hellmaster's mind, along with that strange new sensation.

It wasn't as if he doubted Xelloss's loyalty at the moment; he just did not trust the prist in the future if he got too cocky. Xelloss already knew he was the most powerful of the subordinates; Hellmaster had no ideas what power boosts he might have received after his demise. And if Xelloss eventually did choose to side with Amelia and Zelgadis...

"...if you think that would be the best course of action, then undertake it," He instructed, giving no indication to his deeper thoughts. "But I have convinced her thus far to keep quiet. We don't need her or the chimera talking." We, he thought, would say all he needed to say on that matter.

That was not quite the right answer. None of the right answers, in that first part. Xelloss didn't speak for a moment, although he nodded his head in understanding. What was that? Doubt? Or mistrust? Phibrizzo's voice didn't alter at all, but his words, 'if you think that would be best'... strange.

Then he stood, smiling widely as though their conversation had been a cheerful comparison of favored foods thus far in the Institute. "Well! I'm glad that's been clarified, at least. Shall we head out?"

Phibrizzo stopped the priest, arching an eyebrow. "In a moment, perhaps. I would just like to clarify if there is anything you may have discovered in our time apart that you wish to share before you leave. I am in no mood for any more surprises like this morning."

Then again, perhaps Xelloss hadn't encountered anything newsworthy. But two days without even the slightest contact led Phibrizzo to believe there would be at least something that needed to be brought to his attention, however minor it may be.

"Hmm." Xelloss tapped his finger on his chin as he thought. "Apart from my roommate being a nosy individual, I don't believe so." He added, "If someone arrives during the night or in the morning, I may not be able to spot them in the dining room at breakfast in time to forewarn as I did with Zelgadis--however, I will continue to attempt to do so, and I apologize again for that inconvenience."

Xelloss smiled at Phibrizzo again. "I will also inform you of any encounter with the princess, now that I have spoken to you about the tactic I should employ, and its success." Or failure, but he had a bit much in the way of failure lately.

Leon felt very, very relieved when he walked out of his room and immediately spotted two familiar faces. Though the boy had seemed a bit of a grump when they'd met briefly in the gaming room earlier, the man had been quite helpful to him the first night he'd arrived. He hadn't seen him since, and he was glad to see that nothing bad seemed to have happened to him.

What was his name, though? It has been a while... Xel? Xellar...? Xelloss!

"Mr. Xelloss!" he exclaimed, running up to the both of them, apparently not caring if he was interrupting anything secretive or not. He didn't want to go alone. "Mr. Xelloss, sir! Hey! I haven't seen you! How are you?"

"Well, then. In that case-" Phibrizzo had begun, getting ready to dismiss his subordinate.

"Mr. Xelloss, sir! Hey! I haven't seen you! How are you?"

Phibrizzo let loose a plethora of curses internally, but scrambled quickly to create an excuse as to why he and Xelloss were together. "Oh! Is that your name, Mister? Once again, I'm really sorry for bumpin' into you like that." He made a slight pouty face and glanced at Leon from the corner of his eye to see if he was buying it. "It's really dark in these halls at night with out a light. I hope I didn't hurt you at all!"

Please, LoN-sama, let the kid buy it. He didn't need another problem to add to his growing list of concerns.

"Oh! Hello!" Xelloss began ticking off names in his own mind, trying to recall who this was. Helping the young and apparently helpless was always a good front, along with damsels in distress, but most of the 'damsels' he'd seen had looked fairly capable and the children were blending together in memory already. It didn't help that several nights had passed since he'd last seen... Leon? Leon. That didn't stop Xelloss from smiling at Leon in his usual fashion as though nothing were strange about this at all. "I see you've been doing all right! I haven't seen you in a long time, either."

Xelloss turned to Phibrizzo. It would be better if you pass it as... No sense concerning himself with Phibrizzo's ability to conceal his own identity, just playing along for now was their only option. "Don't worry about it at all! This is Leon, someone I met very early during my period here! Leon, this is..." He paused, as though surprised to realize he couldn't complete polite introductions. "I'm sorry, what is your name?"

Well, the other boy sure seemed a lot more cheerful now than he'd been earlier. Leon was simply happy that he might have traveling companions and didn't bother himself much about what the two of them had been up to before. If the kid's actions seemed suspicious it didn't matter. Xelloss had helped him out before, and Phibrizzo definitely didn't look like much of a threat.

"That's Lei!" Leon pointed out, remembering the boy's name much easier since they'd just met a couple shifts before. "We met earlier today. You're looking much better." The last was addressed directly to Phibrizzo. "Did dinner help?"

Phibrizzo hadn't had much to eat, but nodded anyhow, quickly changing the subject. "Did you and Mr. Xelloss have plans?" He blinked, looking as innocent as he could. "I'll leave you two alone! Once again, I'm really sorry 'bout all this, Mr. Xelloss!"

With that, Phibrizzo did his best to creep away, lest Leon suspect anything more.

"Oh, dear. Well, please be careful, Lei! It's dangerous to travel alone at night, you know!" Xelloss didn't try to stop Phibrizzo, but had a lingering feeling that Leon might not let the other 'child' wander away. Then again, he seemed to be quite a self-sufficient sort himself, maybe Leon would want to respect his fellow youth's wishes.

"Although I have no plans at all, myself. Leon, what about yourself?"

"You're going off on your own??" Having just had his own doubts about setting off into the dark that night by himself, Leon wasn't quite ready to believe that someone else - especially someone who appeared perhaps younger than himself - would want to wander off just like that. Though perhaps Lei already had a group waiting for him? "You've got someone to meet up with, right?"

All that said, he didn't do anything else physically to stop him. It would be hypocritical of him to assume that the boy didn't have some means of taking care of himself.

Leon shook his head at Xelloss's question, still watching Phibrizzo's retreating figure. "I didn't get a chance to make plans," he said in a voice that indicated he'd greatly wished he had.

Traveling with Hellmaster might give them both a cover for being seen together, but it was still too risky, particularly with so many people from home about. So Xelloss watched Phibrizzo walk away, still feeling slightly odd about the interrupted conversation. Was it something wrong with Phibrizzo himself? Or simply the fact that he wasn't used to failing quite so much?

Something to think about, but no time to stand around looking thoughtful when little Leon was here and apparently seeking company. "Hmm. I haven't made any plans, myself. So, what sorts of things were you hoping to accomplish tonight? Gather items? Meet new people? Fight horrible monsters?" Xelloss suggested, smiling.

[Sorry for slow, back from con now]

"Er... no monsters, if you please..." Leon answered with a weak laugh. He could only assume Xelloss had been kidding about this. At least he hoped he was. "I didn't really have anything in mind either. Something... relatively safe, is all I want. I just don't feel right hiding in my room."

It hurt Leon's pride a bit to admit this, but he'd worn himself out enough on previous nights that he wasn't looking forward too much to doing that again. Simple reconnaissance, supply gathering from somewhere close... Anything that might be useful but involve as few monsters as possible.

"Hmm. No monsters? That might make things difficult!" Xelloss pulled out his copy of the maps, looking over them with apparent concentration. "Well, we could meet with other patients. There is that Saint Francis group helping heal people! Of course, they're probably very crowded, and arriving unannounced might be more annoying than helpful." He studied the map some more. "Or we could try going outside. If it doesn't look too busy, there's the exercise equipment building. Do you like playing sports?"

"Not... really." Leon was a scientist and user of heraldry. Sports were boring and pointless. He didn't even have much interest in the Tournament of Arms when that was held, no matter how big of a deal the city made it. Not that he didn't know plenty of good fighters. It simply wasn't his cup of tea.

Not to mention that the last time he went out to the Recreational Field at night he got attacked by one of the other patients. No thank you. It was too good of a place for monsters to be.

"There are healers here?" Of the magical variety or just the regular kind? Either or would be worth a visit. He wondered if Claude knew about them...

"Oh, my. You don't know about them?" Xelloss blinked openly at Leon for a moment, even though he himself hadn't actually gone to see those healers at any point. White magic was something to be avoided in general, even if it couldn't be sidestepped altogether and in this body might prove useful someday. "Yes, the Saint Francis Club, I believe they were calling themselves."

He raised a finger in the air slightly as a new idea occurred. "Don't you read the bulletin board? It can be quite useful at times, I try to check it regularly! If you haven't got a map, we could make a copy for you. And if you have one, we can at least mark where the healers are on the off chance that you might need to find them for yourself. Or did you have healing abilities you wanted to offer tonight?"

Edited 2008-03-12 01:44 (UTC)

Leon did check the boards! Occasionally. Usually he looked for his friends' handwriting or for requests for services he might be able to provide. (It never hurt to make new allies after all.) This was only if he got the chance, though. Recently he hadn't had many opportunities to get to the sunroom. It was possible he'd seen something about this Saint Francis Club and simply hadn't remembered it among everything else...

Well that would need to be rectified. "I have a map," he answered, tapping the journal he kept tucked in his waistband. "And no, I don't have any healing abilities of my own. I'm simply curious." He wished he did. It wasn't an ability granted to those on Expel. "Do you know the room number?"

"Curiosity can be dangerous, but I suppose checking a club room is safer than most activities for this evening." Xelloss conceded cheerfully, taking out his map and glancing over it. "Room M35 is the Saint Francis Club. That's only a few hallways over, would you rather head north or south to reach it? North, we'll have to pass outdoors, although we can stay close to the building. South, we'll pass down one of the main hallways."

He lowered his own map, looking expectant. Really, when it came to following rather small and young-appearing individuals, Leon was much easier to get along with than Lord Hellmaster. Not that Xelloss had any real loyalties to him, but he hadn't seen the boy in a while and reinforcing his relationship with a friendly contact couldn't hurt. Particularly with Amelia and Zelgadis wandering about...

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