damned_institute | Day 34: Breakfast

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Day 34: Breakfast

[starting off in M13]

The last part of the night was little more than a blur in Homura's mind. The men had rushed in, but not joined them, instead staying off to themselves. Before any of them had a chance to react, however, a voice sounded through the air, mocking some other person Homura had never heard of, and the patients themselves.

To Homura, whoever that man was, he sounded a great deal like a god.

But before he could ask questions, the demi-god found himself no longer in the chapel, but some strange room on a bed. Is that what Kenren had meant from his earlier warning? Homura sat up, glad at least that the world didn't spin when he did so. Then the same man from before began to speak again, with a completely different tone. It was confusing to hear him talk that way, calling them patients instead of prisoners as he had before. Homura listened quietly as the announcement was made, then got out of bed.

Maybe he wouldn't have to go anywhere yet. It wasn't like Homura knew where to go anyway, and that meant he had time. If this was his room, and if he had been here as long as Kenren had said, there was a chance he could find something with answers. The Taisho had even told him that Homura had seen Rinrei. Certainly he would've written something down, made a map, something that could let him find her again! He started with the desk at the end of his bed, first finding a small stack of notebooks. Picking up the first, he flipped through, turning the pages with quickening desperation as he found each one to be blank.

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"Ah, well, something not entirely unrelated, but I feel it would be extreme to classify it as strictly that. You see, this other world does seem to occasionally overlap with the afterlives of particular individuals, by no means everyone, but this initial impression resulted in that energy being called 'ectoplasm' by the earliest researchers despite the other side's unique qualities which were in no way linked to post-living human consciousness." Vlad demurred, adding helpfully, "Those on the other side are even called 'ghosts' by many, although few are actually ghosts by the standard definition... that is, living beings who continued existence after death. The reason for some individuals to have taken on such a post-life form while others do not, and how they are related to the beings who clearly have not been human at any point, remains a scientific mystery."

He let out a little sigh, as though the mystery were troubling him right at this very moment, but smiled again. "It was your gaze, my dear. I could hardly say that staring directly at a person like that while you spoke would not be done by a human in any circumstances, but that along with a few other small mannerisms seemed to me to be possible signs. And at your apparent age, it seemed unlikely to me you were a professional researcher in such technology where you were from. But if you were someone who had experience crossing over lines between two worlds, or who simply was familiar with others who'd done such..." He trailed off, sipping some more milk.

"I'm afraid I'm nothing so exotic. In the first test of an artificial portal, I was caught in an unfortunate accident. Among other things, my body was infused with this odd energy... I was hospitalized for years after, and while the exhaustion and physical markings of the infection have gone into remission for the past few years, I do still tend to set off devices set for detecting these energies. In short, I am a human, merely a, ah, contaminated sample." That was the public story, at least, and his hospital stay had been a matter of record to bolster the tale at home, but here he had only his word.

[apologies for the somewhat sloppy post--I'm exhausted]

...Renamon wondered if Vlad got people to get off track by his long explanations. Not that she wasn't grateful for him to explain like that... maybe. But she figured it was either that, or he just liked to hear himself speak. Her expression, or lack of one, didn't change however. "That corresponds somewhat with another that I interviewed yesterday. I didn't get into as many details on that subject though, so I'm not as sure on the specifics. But thank you, nonetheless." It solidified her theory, though she'd need to acquire more people's accounts.

"Hm." She had never really thought about it. She focused on the people that she needed to, and ignored the rest. It didn't matter, she supposed. It wasn't as if she was trying to pass as a human. Vlad's remark about researching the technology amused her to no end. She technically was that technology. That would be quite a paradox. "Can't say I research it, but I travel between my two home worlds."

She tried a strawberry as he spoke, then frowned slightly. She preferred the blueberries. She ate a few discreetly, before refocusing on the man. "Interesting." And it was. She accepted his explanation readily, though she did have to wonder... "Being 'infused' or 'contaminated', as you said, didn't affect you in any way other than that? It didn't allow you to do things that normal people can't?" Her questions were purely innocent. From personal experience, Renamon had came to think that the mingling of two separate energies would always create a reaction, and allow the impossible to be made possible.

Rika had taught her that.

[No, not at all, just post when you feel up to it. ^^]

Vlad did like hearing himself speak, but he also considered the minor distinctions important. Although there were those from his world who would not... Vlad imagined Jack would simply describe it as 'another world, with ghosts in it, made out of ectoplasm!' without any appreciation for the variety in that other world. Still, Renamon seemed to have followed the long explanation. Likely because she wasn't the young human she appeared to be.

Her comment about considering two worlds to be her home world was interesting, though the most important task immediately was to deflect any ideas about powers. "It gave me a horrible pox-like skin reaction, and as I said, a very long hospital stay. But no, no powers, any more than injecting me with bird blood would give me the capacity to sprout wings, I'm afraid. Unless, of course, you count giving ghost alarms false positives as a power." He smiled politely, and took a bite of his eggs.

"It's interesting you should ask that, however, the individuals on the other side do have some distinct abilities beyond the human. I suppose the same was true of you, then, before arriving here?" And what sort of powers would those be? The little lightning-marks led to an obvious conclusion, but they could still just as easily be no more than a pretty design. "It's unusual for me to meet someone who claims two worlds as her homeworld. Do you spend equal time in both? And how do you travel between them, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Hm," she replied again, tilting her head. At this point she couldn't be sure. The man could be telling the truth (he had no viable reason to lie, after all), or he could be like that one person on the Bulletin Board, who was attempting to poorly hide the fact that they were more than human. Either way, it didn't really matter to her. At least, not right now. "I'm glad you overcame that," she stated blandly.

Ah, the answering portion of the questionnaire. The key was balance; giving as much as possible to dissuade suspicion without truly stating any exact details that would incriminate her as a digital being. Though Vlad seemed the type that wouldn't just let her go without receiving the entire answer.

"Yes, this place severely limits what I can and cannot do. All the physical skills stayed it seemed, though lessened to a degree." She hadn't tried running full-out yet, but she doubted she could still out-run traffic. "I was" -created- "born in one world, though after a time, I came to the more human world of the two to find someone. I stayed there with them until my presence was required back in the first, and after that was taken care of, I returned to the human world." True enough. "We have gates as well. For the select few people with the knowledge and resources to do so, they can be created moderately easy. 'Natural' ones appear somewhat randomly, and are very unstable."

She refrained from asking her final questions yet. Renamon was quite fine answering questions about herself and her worlds--provided, of course, that she could edit them. She popped a blueberry in her mouth, idly wondering if her withholding information could be comparable to the humans and their little clubs of disorder. She'd like to think not. Her reasons were for survival. At least, they used to be.

"Yes, I've heard that unusual abilities are limited, if not altogether removed, for the patients here." Vlad dismissed the line of conversation about his illness as quickly as Renamon had. Whether she believed him or not, she had no evidence to the contrary, and she didn't seem the type to make wild accusations. After all, wasn't he being straightforward and perhaps overly open in his answers?

"If you were one of those individuals gifted with the ability to travel worlds, it's a pity it's sealed off here. Then again, perhaps it would not do us any good yet." Vlad smiled somewhat less insincerely, glancing around at the cafeteria for a moment as though pausing to take it all in.

"I imagine you've come to the same conclusion I have. We've been taken to some space altogether distant from our originating worlds--or the worlds paired with them. I'm sure piercing through whatever veil separates this world from my homeworld, or your homeworlds, would be more complicated than recreating the devices I've used to create artificial portals to a world more closely linked to my home. Nonetheless, the technology may already exist somewhere here, since it must have been used to bring all of us peculiar strangers together for some reason." He paused. "Unless, of course, it was done through someone's natural abilities, in which case we may be in a worse situation than I had already feared. Not an impossible trap, but still... distastefully complicated."

Ah. He was touching on one of her other active theories. She couldn't resist voicing her thoughts on the matter. Perhaps Vlad had some opinions on the matter, if not, he could still be used as a sounding-board. "That's true, but for most that I'm encountered, including myself, we still have access to at least one of our powers. It's moderately random, it seems, but the different types of abilities and power would lead one to assume that having even one ability is a glitch in the system. And all glitches can be used, if you find out the way to." She paused, thinking; her eyes leaving his for the first time. "In the same breath, we could be left the small amount that we have as simply a test for them to gauge the different ways we react and survive without being a complete threat to them."

Absorbed in her thoughts, she blinked and raised her eyes to him again. "No. I couldn't travel by myself."

Her manner of speech wasn't as matter-of-fact when it came. "Another was resides in both boasted of knowing of many different worlds. So there may be ways to travel here from one of my homes at least...." She didn't put much stock in Impmon though, as much as she cared for the little pest. "One of my earlier theories was that they probably had multiple doors--gates--secreted away somewhere for constant use. Though if they did, they wouldn't be anywhere we could easily find. Night-time's a game, after all. The players aren't allowed to move past the level they're set at without the game master's permission." She lightly chuckled. "Which is why I'm more focused on breaking the game."

Now, wasn't this nice? Why couldn't Daniel be this mature? Granted, she was older than he was, and also a non-human being, but compared to the constant fights of last night, speaking with her was so pleasant. If he were at home, he'd be tempted to offer her a job.

"Well, I don't know that it is a glitch. It would really depend on their reasons for having us here, wouldn't it? After all, if they want to test... different individuals' talents and abilities to survive in this peculiar environment, taking away everything might make the playing field too uneven. I believe my mind is my best defense, and that hasn't been tampered with so far as I can tell." Daniel wasn't doing so well even with some of his abilities. Then again, Vlad hadn't fared so well either, his first night. Knowing that he was weaker and actually experiencing Plasmius's loss of power were two different things. "They stack the deck against us, considering some of the creatures I've seen--even considering the individuals who have abilities and are loosed on other patients--but there should be more dead each night, don't you think? Not that I want such a thing, but the death of someone to a monster in the night seems to be an event here. And... have you been injured, yet? The healing seems to be accelerated. I would say those who have powers are allowed to keep some simply as a part of the game, much as we're unlocked at night to wander at free will."

But that was entirely a side issue, not his primary concern. At least she recognized that wandering about in basements or jumping over walls would be of little use, as would fighting random beasts or monsters night after night. What in the world were the 'clubs' here accomplishing, anyway? "The only problem I could find with those doors would be that the sheer number of people here, of worlds that differ violently and worlds that differ only slightly, would seem to make an individual door for each world difficult. Calibrating a single door to open to multiple worlds might be possible, however." It was what he'd imagined. One glowing portal that just needed the correct data input. "Of course, finding places where we can cheat in this game is easier said than done."

The beginning of the long speech Vlad retorted as an answer mimicked most of what she said. Renamon's eyebrows furrowed slightly. Perhaps he just had an odd way of speaking that required rewording. Ah. Well. No matter.

"Exactly. In my human world, one man did things like this--nothing this extreme however--to find the best available candidate for what he required." To put it mildly. "I'm not sure if there should be 'more dead'. Most that I've met have some kind of martial skills, and are quite able to defend themselves." Except maybe that group against that man-creature last night. Hmm. "I don't know about excelerated healing yet--all my injuries except my latest were healed either by a healer or the Chapel, regretful as that may have been."

Renamon had already thought about that point. "That's very true. But as this is a game, and the rules are different--like passing out without being sedated if you're in a fight, for instance. Which would lead one to assume that there might be many different hiding places in this dungeon, ones that we aren't even allowed to see. Perhaps not even think about the possibly of its existence." She allowed herself to give a half-smile to Vlad. "But that's useless thinking. It's better to find out for certain. Which is why I'm collecting information as of now."

"I would think so. Out of a crowd this large? That there isn't at least one reported dead each night seems strange to me--instead, our numbers are swelling regularly. But if they can control us as easily as the night patients, they must have something in mind other than simply an army plucked from its homes and controlled." And what place would an ordinary middle-aged businessman have in an army? Well, perhaps his past studies, or his organizational and leadership skills, could be an excuse. "Yet if they were looking for something in particular, you'd expect them to be less gentle. I'd say they almost want to give us all chances possible to survive, though within their terms of course. I was injured protecting someone important to me, my first night here... I had not been sure I'd survive the night, yet that was less than a week ago and now I feel fully recovered. Very charitable." He himself had been overly charitable, frankly, not that Daniel had any appreciation of the fact. Rotten brat.

He shook his head to clear it. "Well, I can only guess reasons, of course. I do wish you luck in your other interviews. If you find anything that seems to be out of place, glowing doorways perhaps, I do hope you'll let me know if you can." Vlad smiled politely and folded his hands on the table.

"Perhaps I have too much faith in others' abilities." In truth, it was the opposite. If she had trusted Toph and Dairine more last night, she could have perhaps damaged the bird Dairine had downed--not just shove the two out of trouble whenever they were targeted. "I haven't given much thought to it, truthfully. I've only been here two days. My nights haven't been that deterring." It was too much like home with the constant battles. It was comforting in that way. Almost. If she had access to her abilities. "What they're looking for is definitely something to consider however."

Her mind skirted the ideas and possibilities of the many questions of 'why'. Why they had been chosen she hadn't given much thought to, other than how it connected with her main theory. It seemed a question with limitless answers, and she had no interest in being stuck considering them all. Though that did remind her... "If you don't mind, I do have another question. Are there any others from your worlds here? If so, are they human or otherwise?"

"And I'll let you know," she answered. "I intend to share any information once it's proven useful. 'Glowing doorways' or no." Renamon added with a small smirk. She wasn't likely to come upon those any time soon.

"My, you're an honest person. That's so unusual these days. Or perhaps I'm thinking too much of my human world." Vlad gestured loosely with one arm in a semi-shrug. Daniel's identity wasn't precisely being kept a close secret. "Yes. One other, that I know of. He is... not human, but is used to maintaining a human form, and was once human." But then, dancing around this without revealing possible outcomes of his own accident other than the blasted skin infection might be delicate. "He's essentially a child still, and he was the one I was concerned with on my first night here."

Granted, he had been fighting Daniel, but trying to either keep the boy's attention long enough that he didn't accidentally kill someone or to knock some sense into his head. It had certainly been a crash course in Plasmius's new weakened state, and a good reason to simply remain human for now until he could be sure of his other form. Not that Daniel appreciated any of that... or even understood the reasoning behind it...

Vlad realized he was holding his glass of milk a little too tightly, and took a drink to try to calm himself before he let his temper get out of control. "Well. It was a very harrowing situation. I'm glad we both came out of it alive, surprised as I was. To be honest, my young friend's status is something of a secret in our home, although here a few individuals are aware of it. Very few 'ghosts' are friendly to humans, you see, so his hiding his true form is something I try to respect. Even though here, it seems to be a moot point; being a normal human is what's unusual in this place."

Honest was not something she'd use to describe herself. She was blunt, true, but she was known to use any way possible to gain leverage or the information she needed. ~~Plus she couldn't even be honest with herself.~~ But she wasn't too keen on sharing that. "I don't have much to hide. And what I do, stays hidden. But I agree. Humans have a tendency to be overly secretive. Like these clubs that should be working together instead of apart. It's useless, really, the way they're going about it." She shook her head.

Well, by Vlad's description... "That condition seems almost the exact same of another I was talking to. Does he have any enhanced abilities from being a specter?"

Vlad's reaction and seeming concern for his young companion made Renamon feel a bit more comfortable. She knew the situation after all. "I understand your concern perfectly. My human partner always keep me on edge since she insisted on always throwing herself into danger. And she's younger than most of the children here. It gets to the point where you'd wish they'd just sit down sometimes, and let you take care of things." She was grateful for Rika, and Bio-Merging wouldn't be possible without her, but if there was a way to keep her out of danger, she'd do so in a heartbeat. "And you have no worries with secrets from me. I keep things close unless they should be known."

She silently agreed though. It did seem strange that there were humans mixed in with Digimon, Shinigami, wolves, and who knew what else.

"Why, yes." Vlad finished the milk and put it down. They would be ending breakfast before too much longer, he supposed, although one person had an amusingly outlandish theory about time compression in this place. "Like other ghosts, he has increased strength and speed, and some supernatural energy-based abilities. Severely limited here, of course. Here, he's nearly human."

Others? Well, likely not ghosts as he knew them, but it still might be worth investigating. Then again, he didn't think the key to escape would be through finding similar beings, and idle curiosity wasn't a good enough reason to distract himself from his main goals.

Having some direction towards those goals might also help, you know. Vlad nodded at Renamon's words, ignoring the nagging in the back of his head. "Yes... honestly, sometimes I wish instead of these silly clubs, someone would open a babysitting service here. There are so many children in this place. I suppose a few of them are probably not so young as they look, but for a man my age, it's a little disturbing."

She nodded at his explanation, saying nothing in reply. That went with the little that Rangiku had told her.

"Heh. I can't say I really disagree. It's startling to walk around at night with twelve year olds. THey shouldn't have to go through any of this." She shook her head again.

It was around this time that she noticed the nurses start to usher people out the door. Renamon quickly downed the small amount of blueberries that were left, then stood grabbing her notebook off the table. "It truly was a pleasure meeting with you. Thank you for the intelligent conversation."

She may have been just saying what was correct in reference to normal human decorum, but she did mean most of it. He seemed to understand most of the multi-world concepts put before him, and had insightful details that she herself had came to. It was almost... nice. Nevertheless, breakfast was over. "Take care of yourself. And your young charge."

[Sorry for short, slight sick ^^;]

He smiled back, and answered sincerely, "The pleasure was mine. Thank you, my dear, and good luck with your research. I hope you do find something a bit more substantial than the layers of illusion they've built around us here."

Vlad hadn't really gained much from the discussion, other than the reassurance that not everyone here was completely stupid, but it had been enjoyable nonetheless. A definite refreshment after Daniel's behavior last night. The rest of the day couldn't possibly continue on this sort of tone, but it was a nice thing to imagine.

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Day 34: Breakfast

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