Night 44: M11-M20 Hallway

[its_the_mileage]

Indy dressed and left quickly after the doors unlocked, ready to make an early start. He seemed to be the first one out in the hallway, which was fine with him. The fewer people around, the faster he could move--assuming being the first one out in the hall didn't also mean being the first course of King Kong's dinner

Comments

M18

[heavens_too_far]

It took quite a lot to intimidate Dias - much less frighten him - but as he reached for the door to leave his room for the night, he found himself brought up short as he realized his hand was shaking, however minutely. It reflected the anxiety he'd been denying the existence of since last night, a fear his mind refused to acknowledge but that his body remembered.

He could still feel the blade going through his throat, hellishly clearly, but what had truly horrified him was the sight of Cecille, and the accusing look in her eyes as her blood poured over her pale hands. Whether it had been real or not, the thought of seeing it - or anything remotely like it - ever again made him want to close his eyes forever, or would if he didn't know his mind would replay the vision in perfect detail for him.

But he was no coward, and Claude and Guy needed his help. After pulling his hand back and massaging it for a moment - it accomplished nothing, but gave him a moment to steel his nerves - he reached out and opened the door with no further hesitation.

[To here.]

Re: M18

[lostonlifesroad]

Dinner hadn't exactly been filled with conversation, but after the last twenty-four hours or so, Kakashi appreciated the silence. He'd read a bit more of his book, and thought a bit more about the situations the ninja faced. While his experience usually counter-balanced it, Kakashi was also a strategist like Shikamaru, and he didn't particularly like the unpredictability factor in the Institute. Here, it lacked the endearing quality that made Naruto so likable.

Seeing Dias's hand shake just before the man left meant he was likely just as unsettled as Kakashi. Maybe he'd ask about it at dinner tomorrow night. Dias was a private person, but he might also appreciate the opportunity to speak to someone objective about the matter. First, however, was this night, and the tasks he had to complete. Shikamaru's objections had been sound, but Kakashi still wanted to have the material available to the ninja. All of them had a right to know, if they wanted. Kakashi was just making it easier to give the answers.

The jounin changed a bit slower than he might normally have, after getting his Sharingan covered. Being late was almost a trademark characteristic for him, and as always, maintaining a sense of stability remained vital. The fact was particularly true in Shikamaru's case, since of all of the ninja, only Jiraiya might be able to see through him better. If anyone would pick up on Kakashi's vulnerability, Kakashi would bet on Shikamaru.

Once he was ready and armed (both with his knife and his book), Kakashi headed out the door.

[ To here]