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damned_institute2009-02-26 01:27 pm
winged_moon) wrote in damned_institute2009-02-26 01:27 pm
Entry tags:
- aidou,
- akihiko,
- albedo,
- allelujah,
- allen,
- ayumu,
- badou,
- beatrix,
- callisto,
- chise,
- claus,
- dean winchester,
- haku,
- harley,
- harry osborn,
- haruno sakura,
- heiji,
- hinamori momo,
- homura,
- honey,
- indiana jones,
- irene,
- junpei,
- juri,
- keman,
- kenshin,
- kurogane,
- leon (so2),
- luxord,
- meche,
- naruto,
- peter parker,
- peter petrelli,
- rangiku,
- reid,
- renamon,
- roland,
- ryuk,
- s.t.,
- saber,
- sakura,
- scar (tlk),
- sokka,
- suzaku,
- touya,
- yahiko,
- yohji,
- yue
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 ownbrooding thoughts.
[for Sokka]
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
[for Sokka]
no subject
"Yes." His expression was a confident one, bordering on arrogance as he looked over the other man. Aside from some scant details, they were nothing alike in appearance, though Homura couldn't decide if that was for better or worse in this case. He motioned towards Heiji with a hand, being open about who he had present. "And that is Hattori Heiji on the couch."
"Today must have been frustrating for you. Between the confusion that is Landel's itself, and with all the fuss over your identity." Homura grinned at the other man. "Take a seat if you'd like. Hopefully we'll clear things up shortly. I'd like to hear what you've heard about this place, especially about the concept of multiple worlds. So I know where to start."
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Hijikata could tell when he was being judged. Perhaps he was used to it, as well. You didn't get to be a Shinsengumi officer without being marched in front of the "higher-ups" and Amanto, making reports and presentations...letting their eyes rake over you like they had some kind of right, because they were big and you were small and expendable. Hijikata had never been anything more than a tool and sometimes an eyesore to the government he worked for; it was just the way things were, and he didn't think about it if he didn't have to.
Was it karma? Half a day into this place and already he'd met with another one of them: someone who plotted and directed and led, for all that mattered. At this point, Hijikata didn't give a damn whether he was jumping to conclusions. But Hijikata was no fool, either. As bitter a situation this was, Homura had been right: Hijikata had nothing here, and if he wanted to get what he needed...
...he had to obey.
Hijikata sat down next to the kid, taking the pen out of his mouth as he did, not really caring whether or not the expression in his eyes was defiance.
"What is there to know? I'm stuck in a B-rated horror setting because some sadist with a mindfuck fetish wanted to have a multi-fandom crossover with all his favorite characters, the nurses call me 'Kate,' and at night virgin-eating birds are going to eat me unless I either stay in my room or get some person with a secret-identity to order me around and save my ass."
no subject
"I dunno about secret-identities and orderin' people around," Heiji began, closing his book and paying more attention to the man who had just sat down next to him. If Homura was going to be... Homura, then Heiji had to fill the role of the helpful and friendly Osakan. Piece of cake~ "Mos' people do okay hangin' around with other people, but I think joinin' up with a group gets things done faster. Not t'mention more information is gathered and shared faster. I think you'll be in charge of savin' yer own ass--just my observation," he finished with a grin.
"'N my nurse calls me Harley Hartwell, if it's any consolation," Heiji said, making an expression that denoted even saying the name caused him physical pain.
no subject
"That sounds like a single person with more ego than tact." Even Homura wasn't that bad, despite what any others might say. "But you seem to have the gist of how things run here. This place is dangerous at night, and not just for the birds. Assorted creatures roam the halls, and most of them are deadly if you aren't prepared for them."
That meant having a weapon at the very least, though companions were preferable. Still, that issue was secondary to making sure this Hijikata realized just what was going on with the other Shinsengumi here. "But I asked about the alternate worlds for a reason. You see, we're not all drawn from the same place, though we might call it by the same name. This goes for groups and individuals as well."
"I believe you've heard that already, but it warrants repeating. If you're anything like the Hijikata who was here before, I trust you have some talent with a sword. But regardless, you came very close to death because of those details." Homura couldn't say for certain that the ordeal was over. Okita was volatile when it came to Hijikata, and the stress of his disease didn't help matters. "And now that I know for certain you've heard this, I'll tell you now that I won't order my people back if there's further antagonizing on the matter. Whatever you choose to do here is of course up to you, but I won't have their focus split, or my time wasted over this. If it'll be quicker for them to kill you, then so be it."
no subject
...hn. Maybe the kid wasn't so big a moron after all.
On the other hand, the words that came after the kid's were much more typical. Homura's words were hard and more than just a little on the egotistical side, but they were still preferable to the kind of things Hijikata'd had said to him before. At the very least, the man didn't mince words.
"Focus, huh?" A rather bitter smile tugged at his lips, but nothing more. This wasn't the time to look for irony in his life; it hadn't yet sunk in properly that Kondo-san could be gone, that maybe this whole thing wasn't a dream or some gimmick to get ratings the producers were going to use for a day and a half before discarding. No, it hadn't sunk in.
Hijikata wasn't sure he wanted it to.
"Fine. All I need to do is stay away from them, right? Then it's settled."
He stood up.
"I'm not 'your' Hijikata, and I have nothing to do with what he was. So long as your people remember that and don't make trouble, I won't start anything. And if it's a fight they need, tell them to do whatever the hell they want."
He looked directly at Homura, eyes dark.
"Just don't come crying to me when they get more than they asked for."
no subject
"Oi oi, I don't think anyone's going to be fighting anyone," Heiji said, standing up to try to placate Hijikata. "We're just trying to explain what's going on and... you know, get some answers," Heiji said frowning a little. "I mean, the things you were talking about... I had no clue about them, and I know pretty much everything about th'other Okita-han's history. So... I don't think this is a simple matter of keeping away from each other'r anythin' like that... It could be a clue t'figurin' this place out."
no subject
That was genuine. Though Homura knew Okita wouldn't come over unless there was violence, he didn't want the man to be any concerned or stressed beyond what was unavoidable. Still, he was glad that Heiji too saw the value in the man before him. Such a quality would be important in times to come.
"If they fight you, then that's their choice. I expect them to understand that, and that they must bear the consequences of their own actions. I already told you, I stopped them before because they were forgetting the bigger picture." Homura expected that of everyone, which was why he had so plainly said what he had to Hijikata. "We're all aware that you aren't the Hijikata that was here before. But this situation doesn't allow for personal grievances. We're in a prison, one that tortures and mocks us on a daily basis. You want to escape this place, don't you? Find out who else from your world has been brought here, and how to save them? Like Kondo."
Homura hadn't forgotten that name, and he wasn't going to let Hijikata think otherwise. "You only have a few options when it comes to night. Try and find a group on your own, and start from the beginning--the same resources that are available to any other patient, and the same knowledge. Or join one of the other established groups, and follow their orders in exchange for weapons and progress. Maybe you'll find their methods and ideals satisfactory, but I doubt it, because I didn't. Still, feel free to try that for yourself."
"Or," Homura pushed himself off the wall, taking a step closer to Hijikata, lessening the distance between them in a way that was almost a challenge. "You can join my group. Warriors who understand what it means to fight until they die, who want revenge for what's been done to us, and who have people they want to save. That's what I am, and that's the core of the History Club. I want you with us because I know you have that same spirit, and I know how to put that to use. I'll get you a sword, though it'll take a few days. And you will be told what we know about this place."
The demi-god lingered a moment longer, with the same arrogant grin, and the same unchanging gaze, before he finally stepped back again. For him, what went unsaid in those gestures was just as important as his words, and he suspected it'd be the same for Hijikata. "That's what I have to offer. Just as with anyone else, you're free to do whatever you like. With or without you, we'll continue our efforts. But I'd much rather have you join them."
no subject
When Homura spoke again, Hijikata returned his stare to its original target. It didn't surprise him to hear that there was a "he" watching; Hijikata had spent enough time on the bulletin to know that this whole gang of their was pretty much all in each other's ceilings. Disguised handwritings and veiled threats...none of it was anything new to Hijikata. Working from the shadows, remembering that every man out there was a potential enemy except for those that you'd bound with your own hands... Hijikata had seen it everywhere in Edo, smelled it everywhere from the highest offices of the Shogunate to that lowest circle of Yoshiwara. It was what everyone was, at heart, those men who held words in higher esteem than their swords when it came to persuasion. That kind of man...
That kind of man was everywhere.
But the one Hijikata had sworn to protect was not.
His eyes sharpened and hardened when Homura mentioned Kondo. So Homura'd remembered. Yet another example of the way the man before him intended to use him--expected him to be played like Madonna by her last man, lowering his position and yet offering him a chance up, like he'd be a fool not to take it.
Maybe he would be. Maybe not.
Hijikata kept listening: pretty words arranged persuasively together, designed to strike chords and feelings and turn hearts. Words from men like this were always hiding something: Hijikata much preferred it when Homura was telling him that he didn't give a damn whether people killed Hijikata rather than trying to pretend he actually gave a damn abou furthering anyone's interest but his own. Revenge and truth and "warrior spirit"...none of that mattered to him. Not here, not without that someone. He wasn't like the yorozuya, "always fighting a war somewhere far away" for the sake of some idealistic vision. No...Hijikata had always fought to protect one thing, something that wasn't here. But something that he would give up everything and more to get back.
A sword: that was the only thing that'd struck him about Homura's speech. It kept his feet grounded despite the taste this entire conversation was leaving in his mouth--taking orders always did that. But unlike at home, without the Shinsengumi to support and Kondo-san to follow...he was free.
I don't have to.
"You want me to be your dog?" Hijikata said with a smirk, wondering what it was with overlord-types and invading your personal space when they wanted.
"Come and fetch when you call, all for the sake of some bone you might not deliver?"
He smirked.
"I'm not that cheap."
no subject
yappingpeace-maneuver. He looked back at Homura and Hijikata as they talked.The detective backed off a little, now that it looked like Hijikata wasn't going to wander off. No need to aggravate the guy or make him feel trapped or anything. Because honestly, if he wanted to walk off
Heiji would totally understand where he was coming from, he should be able to."He calls me Okita-han's 'puppy', but it's more of an honorary term," Heiji offered, opening his book again. "But I don't think 'dog' is a good term for someone who has skill enough to match Okita-han or Hijikata Toushizou-han.
"But on the subject of whether or not you would receive a sword, I'm nowhere near 's good as Okita-han, 'n we want the best people armed, obviously. So you'd... probably be up there on the list."
Sadly. Heiji had been hoping that Shinichi would be armed soon, but if Hijikata could use a sword, no doubt he'd be pushed up. Dammit...
"Or, I could give you mine."
no subject
"Ask about it, if you want." Homura glanced towards the bulletin, though he doubted Hijikata wouldn't have been able to guess the method he was suggesting. "There have been numerous people visited by the one they hold most dear. And not even death will stop them from coming, if the Institute decides that's the best way to torture you."
"I already told you that with or without you, my group is going forward with our goals. What you do is your choice, and I'm not going to treat you any differently than I would another person who catches my interest." And he certainly didn't think of his followers as dogs. But Heiji said that almost better than Homura himself could, and the boy earned a look of appreciation for it. What he didn't approve of, however, was Heiji's offer to give up his sword.
"You will do no such thing, Hattori." Okita might not appreciate this intrusion into his territory, but Homura knew all too well how precious weapons were in this place. "You have that sword for a reason, and I expect you to hold on to it. You're the one Okita named when I asked him to pick one of you three. Don't dishonor that choice by letting go of your blade so easily."
no subject
"What kind of honor is being a puppy?" Hijikata scowled, turning to Heiji that was less a glare and more tired disgruntlement. He bit into the pen in his mouth and blinked a bit in surprise at the feel of hard plastic before scowling again.
The mention of "Hijikata Toushizou" earned Heiji an actual glare, but the look faded when the kid went and offered up his own sword for the cause. While he'd had no idea that the kid could even wield a sword to begin with, that he'd been given one said something. Hijikata had no idea if the kid was really foolish enough to offer up his own sword to a complete stranger or whether it was because this group and its goals was what he wanted to protect.
Either way, it didn't sit well.
"And I'm not desperate enough to go snatching the sword of some Osakan kid."
Hijikata looked back at Homura, daring him to challenge that. The mention of Kondo-san showing up as a visitor--no, the mention of Kondo-san at all was clearly intended as a warning, but whereas Hijikata would have easily denied a connection to Sougo or Yamazaki, that was the one connection he would never deny.
"I'm interesting?" Hijikata asked, smirking faintly.
"Thanks, but no thanks. Is it because you know a lot about me?"
The smirk was gone.
"But just who the hell are you?"
no subject
where murders happened everyday, but still....He didn't even try to explain himself, though, as both men refused his offer. Heiji had thought that if Hijikata was placated with a weapon, Okita could get within closer range of him and be able to see that this guy was just... not him. At all. And if Hijikata was placated, it would mean that the meeting would be non-violent, or at least on equal terms. Both men would be armed. And Heiji was totally happy just hitting things with a pipe, honestly--if it meant that this friction would be avoided altogether.
The 'some Osakan kid' phrase, however, caused a vein to pulse in his head. Such a derogatory tone... His thumbnail dug violently into the page. Iwillnothauloffandpunchhim, Iwillnothauloffandpunchthissonofabitch, Iwillnothauloffandkneethisbastard'spackagerightthroughtheroofofhismouthbecauseOkitaiswatching. Anger management skills apparently worked wonders, because Heiji didn't move. Though it was apparent that he was pissed.
"Because this puppy will be raised t'bite and not let go?" Heiji responded acidly, still staring intently at the book he was impaling with his thumb. "Because what else is more valuable than potential that's been recognized by the best of the best? I could be a 'puppy', raised by a mother and taught to survive, or I could be a 'dog' and scrounge for scraps of pity to pick up. Which would you prefer, huh?"
no subject
"I don't know anything about you." Homura grinned easily, even as Hijikata's bluster gave way to pure annoyance. "Except that you have the type of personality I like. That's reason enough for me."
"As for who I am," Homura still spoke with the same easy confidence, though he knew Hijikata might well call him crazy when he heard the answer. "I'm a god, and the Toushin Taishi of Heaven. The War Prince chosen to fight for the gods, and the only being in the Heavens allowed to kill. Which I did for five-hundred years until I decided to fight for my own goals instead." Perfect honesty, even if it wasn't going to be received that way.
The puppy's bark, at the very least, was growing impressive. He liked the face the boy showed when he defended his position, and the pride in his voice, and gave a nod towards Heiji. "Well put."
no subject
He looked away. He didn't smile, and covered up his expression with a short cough. Ch', this environment really was getting to him, wasn't it? For a moment there he thought he'd heard something in the boy's words worth noticing: soul, was it? Like echoes of the words Hijikata'd bit out to the enemy who taunted him before Kondo-san'd taught him that he too could have a sort of pride in this dismal work, that though they'd have to use darkness to achieve it there'd always be a light in their heart so long as their conviction was strong and their purpose untainted. Something like that.
....yeeeaaah, this place was really getting to him if some speech made by some brat who'd just gone through puberty could remind him of the Shinsengumi. Heh, what was next? The Mayora Kingdom? Showgirls in his pizza? Cannibals in the closet? Man-love?
Thankfully for his sanity, before Hijikata could get any further, something came out of the Osaka kid's mouth that spurred a real bout of coughing. Wait. Hold on a sec. Did the kid just say...no, he had to be kidding. But who else could the "best of the best" be? There wasn't much room for interpretation, and sometimes when people said "mother" they didn't mean mother mother, but maybe mentor, or--
--wait. Wait wait wait. In that case, couldn't he have just used "father" instead?
"...did you just call this guy your mother?" Hijikata said when he could stop coughing, voice heavy with a note that could not be described more aptly than by this guy had better not be serious and I DON'T WANT TO KNOW.
He turned to look again at Homura, even more on guard now that there was a whole new possibility behind the word "like" coming out of his mouth.
"A god, huh?" Hijikata half-sighed and bit into the pen again, completely unaware of the sizeable dent he'd made in the plastic already.
A War Prince.....Life just never got any easier, did it? Hijikata still had painful memories from the last time the scriptwriters dragged them off and deposited them in that weird place with the white background and that bitch of a Victory Goddess and the legions of perverted gods and angels after her (far too communal) ass. So far, Homura didn't strike him as the sort, but if he was being called "mother" by some kids...
...well. The moment the god stripped and started acting like a newlywed, Hijikata was out of here.
"...forget it. I don't want to know."
Making eye contact again, Hijikata asked, "You said we share the same goals, but there's one thing I'm just not getting. People like me aren't easy to deal with, so what's the point of gathering us together and limiting membership if all we want is to get out?"
His eyes narrowed.
"Revenge isn't your only motive. There's people we 'know' outside the Institute. Think you can save them, as well?"
no subject
He was a little proud that his speech had impressed Homura, but Okita didn't look too happy. Well, at least he'd managed to cover up who his 'mother' was. He didn't have much to say about the current goings-on, though, so he simply continued to pretend to read and listened to the conversation.