damned_institute | Nightshift 43: Stairwell by Waiting Room/Lobby 1

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Nightshift 43: Stairwell by Waiting Room/Lobby 1

[from here]

A sudden wave of fear washed over the Decepticon as his recently-injured foot hit the first step; granted, tonight was, as far as he could tell, no different from any other night here... but the events of the previous evening had had their impact upon him, as it doubtless had on the other patients. Thus, it was with quiet trepidation that he slowly made his way up the two flights of stairs, his back to the inner railing, the flashlight pointed forward with an occasional swing back to the ground floor.

His foot, though no longer in a cast, still ached if he placed too much pressure on it, and though he could walk just fine, he found the branch to serve as an excellent cane in times of particular pain. Perhaps I should fashion this into a proper staff at some point, he mused; it's certainly long enough, and from its heft, it does not appear as if it would break should its mass be decreased to a more manageable amount.

Reaching the top of the stairs after a few tense minutes, Starscream paused, sweeping his light around him. No one here yet, he thought to himself. Rather than stepping into the hall, however, he chose to wait just to the left of the doorway, light shining forward as he slid to a seated position, back to the wall. He held the branch vertically at his side; surely his anonymous companion would not mistake him for someone else now.

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Homura chuckled lightly when Nataku gave him the frown, and the rather weak cover. "Advice? That's an interesting word for it." His eyes drifted closed; unlike Nataku, Homura didn't seem outwardly bothered by what would cost them more time. "We've kept the location we're going to secret." Homura remained relaxed, trusting Nataku to keep watch for anything that might come, along with his own reflexes. "Whoever is blocking that hall will distract anyone from seeing where we're going. In that way, it's good that someone is there."

Now Nataku seemed able to make jokes again, and Homura opened his right eye to look at the boy. "Only here. My powers are restricted just like anyone else in this place, including you. Besides, I'm not even six hundred yet. I'm not that old."

Nataku didn't exactly agree. He had enough patience if it was necessary but he never really liked being put off, no matter the reason. Staying in one place left too much time to brood.

Homura was right of course, but Nataku wasn't serious anyway, just picking up an old thread to keep himself distracted. "I guess that means you're still young enough for games. We should play tag again."

Maybe when they got outside again and Homura was better anyway. He was sure he could include a few interesting elements. And wasn't Jason going to teach him a few of his tricks? That reminded him.

"Hey Homura, there's someone I want you to meet soon. Are you busy tomorrow?"

That Nataku seemed so much more himself than when he first walked into M22 was a good enough reason for Homura to join in with the joking. Distraction had its place, though Nataku would need to deal with his demons (so to speak) in time. For now, however, he was willing to go along with the lighthearted conversation while the wounds began to heal on the surface.

"We should. And I even know a person who would play along. Okita: he's the only one meeting us tonight I don't think you've met yet." And the one who had put a rather quick end to the game between them and Himura, but hopefully this round wouldn't end quite the same way. "I think you'll get a long well. He's a bit of a prankster, and I've heard stories that you are too."

Which was why the pair could make a rather dangerous combination. Homura would have to be careful once they did meet.

When Nataku mentioned that there was someone he wanted the other demi-god to meet, Homura's curiosity was instantly piqued. "I end up busy most days. It's part of the position I'm in here. However, I think I'll find time for you and your friend." Or rather, that he would make time. There were certain people who Homura would go out of his way for, and Nataku was one of them. "Who is it?"

Nataku perked up at that. "Really?" It was plain as daylight that he was pleased to be meeting someone who might be willing to play pranks with him, especially now that he owed Homura for the sweater thing. "That's going to be fun."

As for who he was bringing to meet Homura, he hesitated a moment, wondering if Jason would mind if he told someone else his name. He trusted Homura to keep quiet if he asked, but it wasn't really his secret - it just didn't feel right.

"Thanks." He replied, and he did mean it. He knew Homura must be busy here, but it was a sort of luxury to spend time with Homura just playing games and...well, sort of introducing his friends. "Just someone I hung out with most of yesterday. Kenren met him last night, and we were talking again this morning. Some of the things he said reminded me of you. He's a vigilante. He's trying to change his city even though it's full of people who sound a lot like the gods, and I think he'd do anything for that." But that wasn't really the reason he wanted them to meet. "I don't think he has a lot of friends, so I thought maybe if you got along it'd be good."

Edited 2009-09-04 06:38 (UTC)

[sup mah homefries? coming in from here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/703548.html?thread=58317372#t58317372)]

"--got along it'd be good."

Okita slowed as he approached the people on the stairs, tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword just in case. With his left hand, he motioned behind him, trying to keep Ayumu out of the line of sight. If the people up ahead were anyone but their group, he didn't want them seeing her. If all else failed, they'd wait until the--

"Aaaaah, Homura-san. Look at you. Did you start the party without me again?" The tension eased out of his shoulders as he recoginized his leader sitting, of all things, on the stairwell. He seemed a bit bloodied, too, which was no good at all - not when they were going into a second battle. And beside him? The young boy Homura had pointed out to him once - what had been his name...? He couldn't be any older than Tetsu, perhaps younger than Susumu even - and definitely on the short side. Now that the swordsman could get a closer look, he saw the color of his eyes were the same as one of Homura's and he had a peculiar diamond-shaped mark on his forehead. Smiling at the boy - Nataku, the former Toushin Taishi; that's his name - Okita waved and said, "I hope we aren't interrupting anything?"

Where Okita was wary, so was she, even if Ayumu didn't carry her own weaponry openly as he did. But even when he recognized those in the stairwell and relaxed, she remained on guard, lagging slightly behind him as though shy of joining the small group, although she was more interested in keeping an eye on what was behind them without it being obvious that she was doing so.

There was also the fact that she had no reason to call attention to her presence before it became necessary, given that she knew Homura at least would be displeased by it. But that was Okita's worry, as it had been his decision to include her in the mission for the night.

The young man with Homura she didn't know, although she had seen him around - he was distinctive enough in appearance that she likely would have remembered him even if she hadn't been watching. He could probably be trusted, given that he was included in this gathering, but she didn't know that; since this was also a public place and others might arrive at any minute, she remained in her persona of meek, scared, and shy, and remained silent.

Unable to push back the feeling that he'd signed his own execution order, Homura smiled at Nataku's enthusiasm all the same. Seeing the boy's cheer again was more than welcome, especially after he'd faced the spiritless version of him in M22. So if it took some of his dignity to regain that happiness, Homura would simply have to suffer some.

The mysterious friend did indeed sound like someone who Homura wanted to meet, and perhaps even recruit for their purpose. Certainly whoever it was had made a strong impression, if Nataku was so fond of him after only a day. But before they could go into it further, the sound of footsteps came from below. Homura's hand drifted to the knife at his side, and he spoke softly to Nataku as he waited for their company. "Find me at lunch, then."

As it turned out, there was no need for the caution. A familiar whine caused Homura to relax again, and even let out a short laugh--at least until he also noticed Okita's company. But even seeing Ayu didn't cause Homura's smile to vanish completely, at least for the moment. "Nothing, really. Dealing with our Weaver was a bit more difficult than I expected. So on the 'advice' of my predecessor, I'm resting." Homura motioned towards Nataku with a hand, then to Okita. "Nataku, this is Okita. On the board, he's the one called Kaneyoshi."

"As for the woman he's with--well. Perhaps it would be simpler if she introduced herself." And now Homura's eyes narrowed, focusing on Ayumu as she cowered. He knew, of course, that it was a feint, but that didn't mean he would hide his own ire at her presence. "And also explained just why she's here at all. Your target hasn't traveled up these stairs that I am aware of."

Edited 2009-09-04 09:43 (UTC)

Nataku only nodded at this instruction. Lunch it was. He lifted the machete slightly from where it had been resting on his shoulder. He didn't return it to its position until Homura spoke, but he smiled and returned Okita's wave after that.

"Since you listened it must have been good advice." He cut in quietly, teasing. It was easy to escape for a little while, but a tight knot had started to form in his stomach, wondering when Kenren too would arrive. At the least, he owed the man an apology for acting the way he had.

He focused on what was in front of him at the moment instead, regarding the man and his companion with open curiosity. Other than Kenren, who didn't really count, he hadn't met any of Homura's friends. At least Okita seemed to be a friend anyway. He'd been around quieter hostilities for the bulk of his life, and Homura wasn't exactly hiding his displeasure with the woman. He wondered what it was about, but he liked to make his own judgements about people. He lifted a hand to wave at her too, then turned back to the man.

"Homura said you like pranks and stuff too," He said, unable to resist. "I mean. Nice to meet you."

Edited 2009-09-04 23:14 (UTC)

So the Weaver's condition had been worse than Okita had thought. Guy hadn't been difficult to deal with, but Adel had seemed especially concerned about the night - evidently with good reason if subduing him had given Homura so much trouble that he had to rest. And at Nataku's 'advice,' was it? Okita caught that slightly teasing tone to the boy's voice and tried not to laugh. Seeing Homura chided by a child wasn't something he was going to treated to everyday.

The swordsman smiled and nodded, bowing from the waist to the former Toushin Taishi and a possible future playmate. He seemed rather eager at finding someone who shared his interests. "You can call me Soujirou if you'd like, Nataku-san. It seems strange to have someone so young call me by my last name. And yes, I do enjoy playing. Speaking of which, I'm afraid her presence is another 'prank' of mine - one which I accept the responsibility for." He shot Homura a look and then turned back to Ayumu, motioning her forward. If anyone was to be punished, it would be Okita. "Besides, an extra hand or two never hurt, did it, Homura-san?"

It seemed that Nataku and Okita were kindred spirits of a sort, and Ayumu made a mental note to be cautious around the young man if that was the case. It wasn't as though Okita's pranks were ever malicious or hurtful, but it still took time to clean up all the origami afterward. Or...whatever else was involved that time. She bowed her head slightly to him in acknowledgement of his wave, giving a shy-looking smile in return.

She was mildly surprised by Okita's explanation of her presence, but supposed that right here and now wasn't exactly the best situation for explanations or Homura's inevitable displeasure over it. The fact remained that she'd broken the truce in place, and no matter how Okita tried to gloss over it there would have to be repercussions in the end.

For now, however, she merely stepped up at Okita's gesture, changing none of her outward persona for the sake of any passers-by who might arrive, even if her voice wasn't quite so meek as she seemed to be. "I'm called Sen, Nataku-san," she observed. "Pleased to meet you."

She flicked a brief glance toward Homura and decided to leave it there, allowing Okita to explain any further as he saw fit. If he was taking responsibility for her presence, she'd not argue.

[tagging along from here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/703548.html?thread=58448188#t58448188)]

As if the odd flickers and illusions weren't bad enough, as they entered the stairwell Hanatarou's light decided to shut itself off again as well. He gave a startled little squeak and shook it, remembering that had worked last time, but this time...it didn't. He tried again, a little more desperately, and this time it flickered back to light, albeit dim.

This definitely wasn't good at all.

Before he could dwell on that very long, though, they'd arrived at - well, probably not their destination, since they weren't upstairs quite yet, but apparently they'd found the rest of the group. Nataku and Okita he recognized, but not the other two, and Hanatarou automatically started to shrink back and hide behind Kenren when he realized that the man he didn't know (was that Homura?) was injured.

He gave a worried frown, one hand automatically lifting to the catch holding his healer's bag in place. Did someone else need healing already? He was just starting to feel better after the last time he'd used his abilities, so he could do it, but then he wouldn't be that useful to the group afterwards. He opened his mouth as though about to speak, but shyness overcame him and he instead just glanced up at Kenren to see if he would do the talking for them.

The sudden darkness was a little startling but didn't last for long when they came across Homura and the others. Nataku was there, and Okita along with a woman that he didn't recognise. She seemed to be with Okita though so he supposed that she was part of History Club as well. He caught the panicked look that Hanatarou sent towards him and gave the kid a reassuring smile before he stepped forward.

"Hey, sorry I'm late I got held up," he said with a faint smirk on his lips. "And I brought reinforcements," he added, stepping aside so that Homura could see Tenpou.

Tenpou ran his flashlight over the group that their trio approached, trying to get a better look at them, although it was all he could do not to hold his flashlight over Homura's eyes long enough to blind him. Oh my. This was an interesting development, on par with seeing Nataku alive again.

He pulled his flashlight away from Homura's eyes, bowing slightly. "Ah, I'm sorry about that. You must be Homura. Kenren told me I would be able to recognize you once I saw I saw you. And Nataku, it is good to see you again as well."

Nataku didn't quite understand this prank, if that was what it was supposed to be. There was a lot more going on here than he really understood, that much was certain, but for now he nodded at Sen and Soujirou. He might have said more if the next group hadn't arrived suddenly.

He started to smile at Hanatarou but his attention was caught by Kenren and the man behind him. He was Goku's friend 'Ten-chan'. The first and last time he'd met the man was when he was trying to kill him. It was sort of strange to be told it was good to see him again after that - even for politeness' sake. Still, Kenren looked a lot better now than he had even before the incident in the hallway, and that was definitely something. "It's good you came," Nataku replied, honestly.

He turned to offer Homura a hand up, though his injury didn't have much to do with it. That was just the kind of thing friends did, right? "Is that everyone?" He asked. When he spoke again, he addressed the group in general. "We've got to go around since that way's blocked off by something weird. Maybe we should keep talking on the way?"

He was getting sort of impatient with all of the waiting anyway.

Reinforcements all around, was it? Okita glanced over his shoulder and then turned around fully when he saw Kenren, Hanatarou, and a stranger approaching. Apparently a stranger that Nataku, Kenren and Homura knew. From the looks of him, he seemed to be of the same sort as the other gods, but there was something notably relaxed about him, putting him more on par with Kenren than any of the others. Bowing his head to the newest additions to the group, he waved good-naturedly at Hanatarou and then straightened.

As Nataku had said, something was up ahead. The sound of the battles above were faint, but they were there and Okita had been listening to them off and on since he arrived. Just as he listened to the strange announcements going on overhead, even as he blocked out the sound of the people moaning in pain. More mind tricks; that's all it was. More of the strangeness that the nightshift brought with it, nothing more. Nothing he could focus on, at least.

With Nataku's suggestion, Okita nodded and decided to leave the unnecessary explanations for later. For now, Ayumu would be Sen and Sen was coming with him just to make sure she didn't go after Himura again. As tempting as it was to let the ninja kill him, Okita knew better than to let his personal grudges get in the way of their work. "Alright. We can finish introductions on the way then, hm?"

[going here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/703548.html?thread=58855996#t58855996)]

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Nightshift 43: Stairwell by Waiting Room/Lobby 1

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