damned_institute | Day 39: Sun Room [Fourth Shift]

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Day 39: Sun Room [Fourth Shift]

Yue was all too pleased to leave the cafeteria by the time lunch was over, even if he still wasn't satisfied that Fai was properly taking care of himself. It was clear that Touya hadn't accepted the answers he'd been given and intended to find out just what the guardian wasn't telling him, and being watched so closely was beginning to get uncomfortable.

It was clear that the truth would have to come out at some point, especially if they were going to be spending any amount of time together. Avoiding him was entirely out of the question, but at the same time Yue stubbornly refused to consider the idea of just outright telling him about what had happened in the last week. It was a dilemma indeed, and only served to make him even more irritable than ever.

How could he admit any of it? That he was weak and crippled, betrayed and altered by his creator? That he'd almost broken the promise he'd given in exchange for Touya's power? The latter he couldn't help but be reminded of every time he saw this Touya, who had only just gone through it, and would remember it even more clearly.

Fortunately Yukito was staying silent for the moment, although he could feel his other self's disappointment at being unable to speak to Touya so far, and it didn't make him feel any better.

In the midst of all this Yue was rather dismayed to realize that the nurse wanted to lead him to the music room, of all places: that was the room where he'd met the Sakura-who-wasn't-his-Sakura the week before, and needed neither the reminder nor the inevitable noise in that room. He abruptly halted in his tracks and refused to continue on. The nurse seemed initially disappointed, but finally agreed to let him stay in the Sun Room instead; the guardian found a corner in which to stand, arms folded across his chest and lost in his own ~~brooding~~ thoughts.

[for Sokka]

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Beatrix had been keeping an eye on the new Claymore throughout the day, taking note of whom she talked to and any possible further conflict with Ophelia. She was almost disappointed that Ophelia hadn't tried for this Claymore again. Seems the bitch had learned her lesson about the staff at breakfast. It was always best to keep personal grudges for the nightly hours.

So, the Bride leaned up against the wall of the Sun Room for a bit, letting the other blonde spend some time looking the board over before she saw Ophelia head into the Music Room. A small smile touched her lips briefly before she approached the newcomer.

"What is your rank within the Organization?"

Her words were calm and casual, as if she was asking about the weather and not the Claymore's strength. Beatrix leaned back against the wall right next to the board as she waited for a reaction. She really wasn't expecting much of one - this one seemed craftier than the bitch in the other room - but one never did underestimate a warrior...

Irene felt the other woman approach even before she saw here. Relying solely on sight would get you killed in a fight, something Irene had learned first hand. The other woman's steps were quiet like a cat, tip-toeing around its prey. Clearly this one had training. And if she had any doubts about the woman before, they were completely blown away by her question.

Outwardly, Irene's body language didn't change at all, she merely continued to search the board for anything useful. However, her mind raced to deduce how this woman knew about her. The first answer that came to mind was that this woman knew Ophelia in some manner. That was the only logical explanation. Irene wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. She'd never hid her rank before now, and it didn't seem like hiding would do her any good, so she came right out said it.

"I was a former number two," she said casually, almost immediately after the question was posed, allowing the other woman to drawn her own conclusion from the information. If she knew Ophelia than she knew what her rank indicated.

"Former?" The Bride raised an eyebrow at that. "I was under the impression that Claymores only left the Organization through death or awakening. Though I suppose the later is akin to the former."

"I see that you've been well informed by Ophelia," Irene replied, while pointedly choosing not to give the other woman a further explanation. The reason was private, something she definitely didn't wish to share with a stranger, who by extension could possibly tell Ophelia. The woman would just have to deal with Irene's secrecy. However, right now she didn't know who was who, and the last thing she wanted to do was alienate a potential ally. "My name is Irene, and you are?"

"Yes, the bitch is quite talkative about who she is, her supposed prowess and all the rest of that hot air," the Bride replied with disdain. The Claymore's lack of an answer was enough of one for the ex-assassin, but she chose not to press for clarification.

"You can call me Arlene," she answered. Her eyes flickered to the board. "I take it you can read unlike Ophelia."

So Arlene did know Ophelia, but apparently they weren't on good terms if her words were to be trusted. Irene got the impression that Arlene was more than what she seemed. Turning to look at Arlene she spoke, "Despite her ego, she does have some skill as a warrior, even though most of her powers have diminished in this place, but she's a danger to everyone around her. The only person cares about is herself. The rest of us are merely prey to be slaughtered in her eyes."

With that said, she turned her attention back to the board, "You're correct in assuming that I'm literate. I don't suppose you have any information on how to obtain weapons in this place?" Irene had heard of a few methods, but more intel couldn't hurt.

"I am well aware of her charms," the Bride replied. "Watching her wield a sword last night was rather informative. I was almost sad she survived her battle." Almost being the operative word. The trinket they'd received thanks to Ophelia's meat shield duty leading to her getting the test made the bitch's survival worth it. Though, Beatrix wasn't sure how much longer either herself or Ophelia was going to let the situation between them linger.

Killing Ophelia would be so therapeutic.

"I have access to one of the weaponsmiths. A rapport one might say. The waiting lists are quite long." The Bride's lip curled up. "Did you enjoy your breakfast this morning? I do hope the nurses served the bitch something to wash away the aftertaste of chair."

From Arlene's words, she had witnessed Ophelia's swordplay and lived to tell about it. Either she was a trained, experienced warrior herself or she was very fortunate.

"I see. I'd appreciate if you could introduce me to one of them, or point me in their direction," Irene answered. Things might go more smoothly if a familiar face introduced her to the weapon-smith, but that would mean she would owe the other woman. Irene wasn't sure how she felt about that, though she'd prefer not to be in anyone's debt. The long list was unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped.

If she had seen this morning's scuffle then she knew the two warriors were on bad terms. "I found this morning's breakfast quite satisfying until Ophelia interrupted, seeking vengeance for a past defeat." She almost smirked. "The nurses were quite accommodating. Whatever drugs the staff pumped into her body seemed fairly effective in making her docile, at least physically. I wonder if it's too much to hope it lasts until the night shift?" That meant Ophelia would be easier to take out. Like a rabid animal, she needed to be put down quickly before she harmed any more innocents.

"I am seeing my weaponsmith tonight," Beatrix replied. "I will consider speaking about you."

The Bride then snorted. "It's already worn off," she informed Irene. "I am disappointed; I expect more out of anyone seeking vengeance than the ill-planned, emotional, unsuccessful and pathetic display this morning." She smirked. "Then again, I am sure her shame in having to be saved by a human twice in the last two nights has made the bitch much more willing to do foolish things in an effort to feel better about herself."

She leveled Irene with a cold gaze. "Tell me, Irene, do all Claymores carry such contempt for humans or is it just her?"

"Thank you," she said in the same noncommittal tone that betrayed no emotion.

The news about the drugs was unfortunate, but Irene was reasonably confident that if it came down to a one on one battle with Ophelia that she would come out victorious.

"She is an exception. Most sisters of the Organization don't display such animosity towards humans. Also, as part of our mandate, we're forbidden to harm humans," Irene replied, completely unfazed by Arlene's glacial gaze. If the other woman sought to intimidate her, she'd have to become more terrifying than Priscilla, which didn't seem likely. Arlene was, after all, only human. "Although I don't believe her contempt is merely held for human beings. She has displayed the same sadistic tendencies towards her own kind."

Beatrix wasn't trying to be intimidating; it was simply how she was, more pronounced now that she was riding that edge between cold killer and psycho murderer. So far she was in control but eventually she would need an outlet or risk snapping. Sanity was such a bothersome thing at times.

"I see. Killing her might be more enjoyable than I'd imagined," she mused.

Switching the topic, she raised an eyebrow. "Did you arrive this morning or have you had the pleasure of being in the prison longer?"

"Perhaps we should combine our efforts on that issue. In the past, I defeated but failed to kill her. It is a mistake I fully intend to correct," Irene said, returning a deadly look in her storm-colored eyes. As the topic switched, so did her gaze, becoming less threatening. "I arrived last night, but several patients have already informed me of the institute's true nature."

The slightest of a smirk was the only response to Irene's comment on killing Ophelia. The Bride was amused by the suggestion, given she was certain she could kill the bitch all on her own. Though she was starting to get an interesting and amusing, to her, idea. She's have to think on it a little...

"Good. I loathe giving that speech," she stated. "Have you even started to accept that gods walk among us, your yoma half is practically dormant and there are things far powerful than you think here that appear to be nothing more than humans?" Her question wasn't condescending, it was honest as it would tell her a lot about Irene.

Irene didn't fully trust Arlene. The woman seemed too crafty. A long term alliance might not be possible, but for the sake of taking Ophelia down, she was willing to make sacrifices. Irene was certain she could take the number four down again by herself, but it didn't hurt to have backup. Irene was a pragmatic person, and she'd be a fool to pass up this chance.

"It's hard to believe, but it would be foolish of me to ignore the truth when the facts are all around me," Irene simply replied in a matter of fact tone. If Arlene had asked earlier, her answer may have been quite different, but now, most of her doubts had vanished.

Had Irene come to trust Beatrix so soon, the Bride wouldn't find her worthy of anything, much less an alliance of sorts. She was really only interested in the Claymore because of Ophelia. It didn't hurt to have a backup in case she did decide to kill Ophelia, though she wasn't as thrilled about the idea of using Irene as a decoy. The woman was much more intelligent, much calmer and less... irritating than the other one.

Perhaps her and the other assassins could use Irene as the forth needed for the basement should the warlord be unavailable. Perhaps she'd get SubZero's opinion. Perhaps not.

"Good answer. That already makes you much more pleasant to be around than the bitch," the Bride replied. "Aside from the weaponry issue, I may be willing to answer more specific questions. This is your only chance to come across as naive without receiving any contempt in return. Everyone should get a day to learn the ropes. Any warrior that requires more deserves to live or die by their own ignorance."

She seemed to have passed some sort of test, for now. The more she talked to Arlene, the better she understood the woman. She couldn't claim to completely understand the other woman, but from what she could tell, Arlene wasn't evil like Ophelia, just ruthless.

If Arlene was going to be so helpful then Irene wouldn't hold back. It was a good chance to have her questions answered, and she agreed with Arlene's comments to an extent.

"I'm interested in grasping the layout of the facility and surrounding area. Can you tell me about them? I'd actually prefer a map if any are available." Information. particularly the terrain, was vital at this point. It would be meaningless for Irene to wander aimlessly when the night shift started. Nothing constructive would be accomplished that way.

"The most composite map that has been put together is there for the new prisoners," the Bride answered, turning to point to the one posted on the board by M.E. As she did, the light in the room reflected briefly off the exposed part of the metal plate in her head, near her temple. "It's a simple layout." Beatrix had it memorized, but still kept her own personal copy for the occasional reference.

"There is also a basement, the area me and my associates are currently focusing on. You will not find a map for that and few willing to speak of it," she continued. "We are able to scale the outside walls, but still wake up back in our rooms."

Irene took note of the map. She'd have to come back to it later.

The metal glint from Arlene's temple didn't escape Irene's hawk-like gaze, but she chose to remain silent, for the moment. Arlene's explanation was more important now. It was a limited-time offer after all.

The basement sounded particularly intriguing but dangerous. That someone like Arlene felt the need for associates to accompany her spoke volumes. "Yes, I had experienced that strange phenomenon last night. One moment I was with another patient in the hall, and the next I was in my bed." It was somewhat frustrating.

"You eventually get used to it," Beatrix replied. "It just makes traversing beyond the walls almost pointless. The word has been so far that few have discovered anything worthwhile out there."

Her eyes scanned the room, keeping track of who was where and if there was anyone of concern or note within the Sun Room. "I find it a pointless venture as our enemy is within the walls, not outside."

"That's true," Irene conceded, on the topic of their enemies' location, while continuing to nonchalantly scan the board while seeming to have a casual conversation to any observer. "Does that mean there are no areas of interest beyond the institute's walls? Perhaps, a nearby town?"

"There is a town to the south called Doyleton, but it is too far to reach via foot before the night ends," Beatrix replied. "Our captors feel the need to taunt us with it every Sunday, taking us on a 'field trip' there."

For a moment, Irene wondered if she could make it to town on foot? Even in her reduced capacity, she should still be above normal human standards. The problem was how far the town was. Since no one else had made it, Irene doubted she could succeed where they had failed. There were bound to be other non-humans among the patients here. No doubt ones whose speed and endurance were comparable to or exceeded her own.

"Is there anything of worth to us in the town that we can smuggle out and use?" Irene asked, knowing it was probably unlikely. It'd be hard to hide anything from their captors.

"There are many stores with useful goods. If you can steal it and fool the staff when they search you before allowing you back on the bus, you can acquire many things."

The curl of her lip suggested that Beatrix had accomplished this herself.

Arlene's words implied it was difficult, but her smirk said otherwise. "I take it you've had better luck than others?

Regardless of her answer, it wouldn't stop Irene from trying her own hand when the opportunity came.

"Perhaps," the Bride replied. "Women do have an easier time accomplishing it than men do."

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Day 39: Sun Room [Fourth Shift]

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