Ryuu Shosuke
The trail of blue was quickly fading from view, which made her quicken her pace all the more. It wouldn’t be long until it was gone completely and then she’d be stuck without a lead on Nathaniel’s whereabouts. Suddenly a ring broke the steady noise of her surroundings. It startled her and in the process she lost the trail. “Shit, what now?” The young woman frantically searched for some trace of the blue trail but there was none. With a heavy sigh she searched her pocket and pulled out a small phone. Ryuu had completely forgotten that she had one. It was school issued since she was a teacher but she still had trouble working it.
Flipping it open she saw that someone was calling her, the school was trying to get into contact with her. Frowning, Ryuu pressed a green button and put the phone to her ear. A rather nervous voice began to talk on the other side but it was difficult to make out what they were saying. “What? I don’t understand you?” The voice then stopped abruptly and she could hear someone apologizing in the background as the phone was traded off to someone else, presumably someone who was going to explain the reason behind the call.
“Hello is this Miss Shosuke, Ryuu Shosuke?” “Yes this is her speaking. Has something happened that needs my attention? I’m a bit busy at the moment.” The man cleared his throat and then spoke again, “Ah good, your presence is needed at the Academy.” “Well I’m sure it can wait-“ “Ma’am this is urgent, the Council Board requests your presence.” Upon hearing Council Board, Ryuu immediately knew it was important. “Right, I’ll be there momentarily.” There was a moment of awkwardness before the man on the other end hung up.
Ryuu pulled the phone away from her ear with a look of some confusion. What could the Council Board possibly want with her now? Earlier they had questioned her involvement as a teacher and a graduate of the Academy after the Exwire Exam’s on Friday. Rubbing the back of her neck, Ryuu glared at the rainy sky as if by doing so it’d stop the rain.
~ ~ ~
The Knight only wore a light jacket and she was drenched by the time she reached school grounds. Jogging to the main entrance where she knew they’d want her to come through, Ryuu pulled the doors open and stepped inside. The building was thankfully warm but she shivered nonetheless. Walking over to the reception desk, Ryuu saw that Clare was talking with one of the guards. She cleared her throat when it became obvious that neither of them noticed her arrival. “Oh you’re here Miss Shosuke! Ah right this way please.” The older woman quickly got up and ushered Ryuu to a different branch of the building, a branch she hadn’t been to yet.
Ryuu had passed by the hallway leading into it but she had never bothered to see where it led. Clare seemed nervous and Ryuu knew at once that it was her voice that she had heard on the phone and the man’s voice must have been the guards. “Clare what’s all this about?” Her question met silence for a short while before Clare finally spoke up. “Ah I think it’d be best if you saw for yourself.” “See what for myself?” she asked with a frown. At that moment, the pair turned into a corner and now stood in a hallway. At the end of said hallway was a pair of double doors.
Clare cleared her throat, pressing her hand into Ryuu’s back so she’d continue on. Ryuu glanced down at the woman, taking note of the fear that obviously plagued her. “Alright.” the young teacher took cautious steps towards the door, and upon reaching it she expected the guards to stop her from advancing further however they only glanced at her with uneasiness before looking away. Opening the door, Ryuu was immediately met with a series of sounds and the smell of disinfectant. Although there were only a few people, about five excluding the guards present, in the room, they were all moving about in haste.
At the end of the long room was an large iron door, a slot at the top suggested that it could be slid open to peek past the door and two guards stood sentry on either side however there was one particular figure that caught her attention and it wasn’t for the best. As usual he looked ready to fall over, his dull eyes half closed and strong hands stuffed into his trademark trench coat. With an ever present scowl, Ryuu walked up to him, careful not to get in the way of those who were working. “If you’re that tired Colter, I suggest going back home and sleeping.” despite their relationship earlier that year, many would assume they were close and friendly, especially since they’re both Knights, however their relationship is a rather strained one. With a sudden jerk Colter glanced at his mentee without really seeing her there. In response to not being seen, Ryuu called his name again and this time Colter saw her and shivered. “I knew they were sending for the person he had asked for but I seriously didn’t think it’d be you.”
Frowning, Ryuu folded her arms her chin tilted upwards in a questioning manner. The older man smiled awkwardly, “Ah so they haven’t told you yet have they?” Responding with a shake of her head, Colter beckoned her towards the door and pulled the slot aside. Peering through Ryuu stiffened and immediately tried for the door. Just as quickly Colter slammed his hand on the door, making the two guards jump. “You sure you want to go in there?” there was nothing but concern in his voice. Ryuu only glared at him, “He’s a friend Colter, besides I can handle myself.” Colter removed his hand from the door and let Ryuu open the door.
It groaned and squealed as it was forced open. The door itself was pretty heavy, probably to keep whatever was locked up inside from getting out and vice versa but this was Nathaniel they were holding in there so why all the precautions. The answer was as clear as day, he did come back to life and then there was the matter of those bodies she saw in the morgue at the hospital. Quickly closing the door behind her, Ryuu stuck close to the wall and as far away from his still body as the room would allow. Another squeak could be heard, causing Ryuu to turn her head. Colter had opened the slot and was watching her. The two exchanged a nod and the red head took in a deep breath before taking cautious steps towards him.
When she was finally within a reasonable distance, Ryuu crouched down in front of Nathaniel. For a few minutes Ryuu watched the rise and fall of his chest which indicated he was indeed alive. Leaning in closer, she could tell that his breath was still shallow and he was a bit cold, a sickly kind of cold. Falling back on her heels, Ryuu looked him over, taking note of the lack of wounds on his body. Now that she was done examining him, Ryuu took in a deep breath and spoke, her voice filling the room with its sound. “Nathaniel? Are you awake? If so can you please tell what happened.”