The Fifteenth Chapter

[solid_courage]

Comments

[frank_hunter]

[is actually just ~passing through~, a towel round his neck cause he was exercising and is therefore pretty sweaty, but sees Snake sitting in a corner, who looks pretty down]

[so he stops]

. . .

[solid_courage]

[continues, acknowledging Fox with a silent nod. The parrot, however, chooses this opportunity to fly over to Fox, perching on his head]

[sad crowing] Haaaal...

[frank_hunter]

. . .

[bats the bird away. softly. ahem]

Why are you keeping a parrot?

[solid_courage]

[the parrot squawks, alarmed, before flying over to a nearby shelf and watching the two with cautious eyes]

Keeping it for a friend. [looks up, pausing in his work] Don't eat it.

[frank_hunter]

I wasn't planning to. I'm not that desperate yet.

Want me to leave you alone?

[solid_courage]

Are you busy?

[frank_hunter]

Not really.

[solid_courage]

Then stay.

[frank_hunter]

[sits down after a moment, crossing his arms]

..Funny.

[solid_courage]

Mm?

[frank_hunter]

I come to this city and your other friend disappears.

Makes me wonder if he'd come back if I go missing.

[solid_courage]

[sharply] That's not how this place works. Don't think like that.

[frank_hunter]

Do you know for sure? Are you one of the scientists holding us here? Have you asked them?

[solid_courage]

People have disappeared regardless of connections here. I've noticed no pattern, and neither has anyone else. Random, in a word.

[gaze softens, looks very sad for a brief moment]

If you disappeared, he wouldn't come back. Neither would you.

[frank_hunter]

It might heighten the chances, though. It's not like I'm supposed to be alive to begin with.

And I really don't want to see you like this. Where's your spirit?

[solid_courage]

It's taking an impromptu hiatus. It'll return shortly.