[log] Countries and Ninjas [closed]

[jumpthegun]

Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Sylar, Sheena Fujibayashi, England, America, Ginger Hale
Location: The lake tunnel and the hospital
Date: Day 182
Summary: A chance meeting in the tunnels, and much more planned one in the hospital.
Warnings: Discussion of eye injuries and blood.

Comments

Lake Tunnel - Meeting with America, England, and Ginger

[jumpthegun]

[After a short and plain-looking entrance (maybe it was more decorative before it fell into disrepair), the walls give way to glass or plastic looking up into a lake which, apparently, you're underneath now. The ice extends quite deeply into the lake; it's impossible to tell how deeply because it's impossible to tell how high up the lake actually is from this angle, but there is only a small pocket of water near the tunnel itself by comparison. There are no fish. "ALPHONSE ELRIC, DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE, TRAVELLING SOUTH. IF ANY ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED CONTACT @LELRIC ANY TIME" is carved into the wall. "ALFIE SOLOMONS, 1922. Camden Town, London, England, UK, Europe, Earth. Day 183, March 13 or March 14." is carved onto the wall.]

cw: injury and blood

[jumpthegun]

[John sets them off early in the morning, freshening up and changing his bandages with what he has for his eye with the last hot water they'll see for a while. The doctor sticks close to Sherlock, half for concern, but more generally because he's adjusting to the lack of depth perception and he needs the other man as a gauge for when to stop and what to avoid.

He isn't really expecting to bump into another group as they march along through the lake tunnel at a decent clip, but here they are. It's England, America, and Ginger. They get a bit of an awkward wave, not least because John knows what England might have done to them the other night... Also he's looking a bit of a mess again. The cut down his cheek under his eye that Stein had put there is stitched up with thread and slowly oozing small amounts of blood, but it's still exposed. John just doesn't have the materials to be able to cover it appropriately.

When they slow down to talk with the other group, John still tries to put on his best face, half-smiling and greeting the others.]

Hey, there. Good to see you again.

group thread?

[howdull]

[Sherlock doesn't need to think to help John as they walk, giving him just the barest nudge to the arm or shoulder when he begins to veer in the wrong direction. He walks mostly in silence, thinking deeply, and he only notices there are other people when John stops and addresses them.

He can't help the inappropriate snigger that escapes him when John, of all people in his current condition, uses that particular polite platitude.]

Nice to half-see you, at least.

GROUP THREAD!!

[lacecase]

[Ginger can't stop herself. Whens he sees John (and his friends) she lets out a horrified gasp. She's never met John in person, but of course she recognizes him--they've spoken before, and they've both been on the Network long enough that their faces have been around. Despite the potential danger, she can't stop herself from coming forward out of the safety of England and America's reach.]

Oh no, oh my goodness! What did you do to yourself, poor thing?

[And then there she is, wrapping her arms around John like it's going to magically give him a new eyeball and cure all his other pains and afflictions. Look...look, he probably needs it. It's very, very important.]

[termineur]

[ Whoa, hugs are happening. Sylar backs up a step or two from John and Ginger, but he also smiles at the remaining two. His face is marred by purple and blue bruising over the majority of it, but he doesn't look like he's hurting too badly for it. ]

It's nice to run into people in these quiet areas. Hi.

[keepscalm]

[England is less and less excited about running into strangers the longer he's in this town, so he feels some dread when he sees the other group in the distance. It eases somewhat when he realises he recognises two of the three, though.

That doesn't stop him from giving Ginger an alarmed look as she barrels past him and America. He doesn't know much about the third man with John and Sherlock, and isn't a trusting sort; he could hurt Ginger!

But England can play nice in the presence of his citizens.] Good afternoon. Should have realised we might run into you lot coming this way. [Since he knew John was at the aquarium when things went mental...]

[fifty]

[America follows Ginger forward like a shadow. America can't help but be excited to see people just in general, but more than that, America would prefer to keep Ginger within reach if he needs to defend her, especially considering the situation of a couple days ago. He frowns at the various injuries in the group.]

What happened to you guys?

[jumpthegun]

[John's about to give Sherlock a verbal smack when he finds himself with an armful of bouncy, American blonde. Okay, then. This... this isn't so bad, admittedly. He's weak and lets himself wrap his arms around her, in turn, because after all this time here, she's still a very nice girl who's been through a lot.

And her face is still very pretty.]

It's nothing, Ginger, really. [Reflexively said before his gaze shifts to England, then America.] Bit of trouble, that's all. It's been- [No, if they're heading toward the entrance, then he has to warn them. His gaze locks on England as the one John trusts most in this group.] Stein. Dr. Stein's really dangerous right now, and I think he's gone down into the entrance area. If you lot are headed that way, you need to be very careful.

The mania's taken over again.

[howdull]

[He's not really in the mood for socialising, especially when it's already devolved into relatively boring subjects. Boring because he already knows all about them. He doesn't interrupt, however, he just stands slightly off to one side looking wholly disinterested in the entire group chit-chat going on.

He recognises England, the personification of his own country if that's to be believed, and that must mean his friend is America, the accent only confirms that theory. The girl is a little harder to place until John says her name, and then he's suddenly much more interested, eyes getting sharper on her face.]

Hello, Ginger, my name is Sherlock Holmes.

[He even holds out a leather gloved hand towards her with a pleasant and polite smile. John probably can recognise this as Sherlock putting on niceties because he wants something, the sort of pretence he did with witnesses on occasion.]

Mania is a terrible affliction, isn't it?

[lacecase]

[Not that this is a terribly difficult achievement, but consider Ginger successfully duped! She pulls away from John at the sound of her name and beams at Sherlock, reaching for his hand and giving it an enthusiastic shake.]

Hello! What a pleasure to meet you!

[She hadn't introduced herself at all, had she? Wowie, how rude! Not that she can really stop to feel so badly about it, what with the whole mania thing. Ginger gives him a laugh.]

Oh, yes, for sure! I just don't sleep and sometimes it's like I can't stop myself from talking at all [Kind of like right now.] just saying whatever's on my mind. I'm sure it has to be worse for England and America, what good sports, always trying to sleep while I'm up up up!

[termineur]

[ Ginger, England, and America. A little odd, but what here wasn't? He could tell what Sherlock was interested in- mania wasn't a symptom he'd really seen up close either. ]

Sounds pretty rough for all of you.

Seriously, though, watch for Stein. He attacked Kid, too, and we didn't think he'd go that far.

[keepscalm]

[England is trying to keep an eye on Sherlock and Ginger, but Watson and the other man have just said something very pressing, and England's frown is indication enough that he's troubled by it. He knew Stein had attacked John, but he didn't realise they'd be travelling right into Stein's path.

He casts a glance back at Ginger, his eyes still bearing the symbol of the Prophet.] It's not much trouble, really. She's certainly not violent. ["Unlike some other manic individuals they're speaking of" is unsaid, but implied.]

Don't suppose anyone's got any advice in the event that an altercation is unavoidable? [Tell him how the doctor fights!]

[fifty]

[America stays near Ginger, eyes settling on Sherlock in a way that's cheerful but also undoubtedly, if you pay close attention to that sort of thing, sizing him up. Sherlock is being nice enough, and anyway he's British, but America hasn't quite shaken off his uneasiness from having to guard Ginger while everyone was homicidal.]

I've got a bat! [America's tone says he is absolutely expecting England to roll his eyes at him. Being cavalier is just what he does, okay? But also, he will totally hit Stein with a bat until he stops moving. He looks at Sylar, whose accent is American and therefore is also worthy of more attention.] You sure you don't need anything else for that? [That... General face situation.]

Hospital - Meeting with Sheena

[jumpthegun]

[The hospital is eerie in its silence, and snow presses in against many of the windows, keeping much of it in sterile darkness. It still smells like a hospital; the antiseptic is fresh, and there isn't much dust. Someone must be cleaning it, and yet it's clear no one is here. The hospital is four stories high with one basement, all connected via the elevator lobby and staircase. Unfortunately, the wall of the elevator lobby has been torn open all the way down, exposing it to the bitter air outside. While you can explore and remain on most of the floors of the hospital at night, you cannot travel between them until it's daytime once more, as the lobby seals itself up at curfew. The staircase is its own separate enclosed area, but it too seals itself off from the lobby at night, so you'll be spending an uncomfortable night on the staircase if you get stuck there.]

[jumpthegun]

[Looking for Sheena is a short exercise as she's already told John she's camped out in the lobby. When he actually sees her, he's not wholly sure what to say and simply raises his hand in greeting.]

Hey! You all right, then?

[His bandaged eye and stitched up cheek says he's not really as 'fine' as he claimed to be.]

You've spoken with Sherlock. [John gestures to Sherlock.] And you might have done for Mr. Taylor.

[ninjainviolet]

[ Sheena had heard them coming, and although it would probably be about the right time for them to appear, her guard is up as she turns in their direction.

Her smile at seeing John fades before she nods to the other men, starting with Sherlock. ]

Hello. It was an interesting conversation, that's for sure. But I don't remember if I've ever spoken to Mr. Taylor. I'm Sheena Fujibayashi. It's nice to meet you.

[ She turns to John, her expression concerned over just how fine he isn't. ]

I'm fine...what in the name of Martel happened, John?

[termineur]

[ Sylar's face, meanwhile, was one giant bruise. He's not seeming to pay it much mind, but it's clear whenever a flashlight points towards him. He holds a placating hand up when she addresses him and smiles. ]

You can just call me Zane. Nice to meet you too, Sheena.

[ The question of what happened isn't too surprising, as he figured John didn't tell hardly anyone. But he'll let the injured man recount that tale himself, merely sighing at the reminder of that day with Dr. Stein. ]

[howdull]

No, she's all wrong for you, John.

[Sherlock openly appraises Sheena from top to bottom, taking in everything he needs to about her in one glance.]

She ticks some of your boxes... [He ticks them off his fingers as he goes.] ...obvious training in weaponry and hand-to-hand combat, she's used to dangerous situations so she may well have served in a war or such like, and her face is symmetrical enough to have a conventional level of attractiveness to it. But she's too young, and too good. You need an element of potential darkness to excite you, she doesn't have that.

[jumpthegun]

Sherlock. [There's that tone that says 'shut up.'] If you'll stretch back your memory, you'll recall none of my girlfriends have been combat-trained or particularly dark. They were plenty exciting, and she's a bloody ninja.

[John offers Sheena a strained smile.]

Sorry, he does this. Just had a bit of trouble the other night, anyway. It's sorted. [It's not the least bit sorted.] Probably should keep moving, yeah?

[ninjainviolet]

Zane. [ Sheena greets him with a smile and a nod, even as concern still fills her gaze. Unfortunately, she has nothing with her to help these men, and after a few days of searching, she knows the hospital doesn't have anything, either.

John had mentioned the pharmacy, however. Maybe they'll find something there?

First, however...

Arms crossed, she listens as Sherlock runs through his list, nodding when he gets things right, and shaking her head when he doesn't.

And ignoring the comment about her looks. ]

I don't think a small group of people counts as an army, but we did a lot of fighting. Something that's pretty common on my world, actually--between the monsters and the bandits attacking you as you travel. [ She quiets and gives Sherlock a pointed look. ]

Didn't anyone ever tell you that you shouldn't judge someone just on their appearance?

[ And she'll just leave it at that, though her tone adds a heavy weight to those words. Then she's turning to John, looking between him and Zane. ]

If that's your definition of "sorted", I'd hate to see what you consider a mess. [ Her tone is wry, but soon becomes business-like. ] Yeah, we probably should. I've been here too long.

[ She gives John a questioning look: if it's still okay for her to join? ]

[termineur]

[ Sylar's just going to let Sherlock continue to try and scare this potential threat to John's attention off. He sticks his hands in his pockets and starts walking slowly towards the pharmacy. John's right, they should get going. Sherlock can try to defend his reasoning while the may- as Sylar was sure he'd do.

He's still a little surprised John introduced him as Mr. Taylor. Was Sheena not going to stick around? ]

[howdull]

What a ridiculous piece of advice.

[He doesn't seem to mind her joining their small party as they begin moving on again, though he will keep a close eye to make sure that she and John don't get up to anything particularly frisky. He has Mary to think of, after all.]

I judge everything on what is presented to me, usually on appearance, and am very rarely wrong. There's always something, of course, but it's usually small and insignificant. I suppose that advice might make more sense to someone like John, and not just because he now lacks half his visual capacity, but because he so frequently fails to really see what's right under his nose.

[He honestly doesn't mean this as rude or cruel, it's Sherlock joining in the conversation.]

[jumpthegun]

[John let's the insult wash off of him. It's so much white noise when it's Sherlock, especially when it comes to matters of John's observational prowess.]

He means he'll take it under advisement. Thank you.

[And so they head toward the stairs. Four flights to climb to get to the roof. Oh, joy!]

Why don't you head up first, Mr. Taylor? [It's a tight fit.] Keep your eyes and ears peeled. We've run into anomalies around here before.

[Sorry, Sheena. John's just going to pretend he's forgotten about your concern over his eye.]

[termineur]

(( ooc: just fitting this in here, and then you three can talk amongst yourselves while I'm away. :3 ))

[ Sylar raises an eyebrow at the request. But then he nods, giving the group a warm smile. ]

I'm sure you'll know if I run into any.

[ He does, in fact, head up first. He conveniently puts himself at a distance where the rest can have a quiet conversation without him hearing. He carries a flashlight, so it's not too hard to tell where he is at any given time. ]

[ninjainviolet]

[ Sheena gives John a wry look. She had been getting angry at what she had perceived to be an insult, but if he's not bothered by it, then she won't say anything. ]

That's what that means? Thanks for translating for me.

[ There is, however, the matter of the insult she had detected towards her, but she'll let it lie. Sherlock hasn't pushed all her buttons...yet.

Lifting an eyebrow, she watches as Zane moves off. ]

Anomalies? Here? I've never seen any in the hospital. Though...it makes sense that they'd be here.

[ House had mentioned a pattern. Maybe location is a pattern. Once Zane is far enough ahead, she once more looks at John. He had promised to tell her about Zane when they met up.

And don't think she hasn't noticed you skipping over her concern about your eye, John Watson. ]