When Victor disregards the man, a disturbing sound comes from the stranger's throat. It sounds as if he is clearing his throat, and attempting to catch the group's attention. Derix hears the odd noise and gazes upwards, jumping back and drawing his rapier when he sees the strange spectacle. He immediately lets the rest of the group know of the man's presence.

Look up there! There's a person!

OOC: Thanks Victor. At least someone realizes my superior skills.

IC:
Alpha quietly surveys the final area that the group has found themselves exploring. A barren place, save for the obvious hospital at the very end. It doesn't take much imagination to picture what the land would have looked like years ago, before the Cursed Ones had been born...or created...or mutated...whatever. Before they had come into existence.

Mysteriously, a small bit of movement is caught in the corner of his eyes. The Sheikah stops as his eyes scan the area in an instant, but all he notices in a strange white and olive mist - not exactly out of place is the normally mist-covered caverns.

As Victor speaks, Alpha nods in agreement. "Irony has many ways of expressing itself," he mutters. He thinks no more of it as he heads for the entrance, ready to look for whatever may lie within, and doesn't notice the man's reappearance until Derix cries out. 'What the -' Indeed, a person stands there clearing his throat. Alpha narrows his eyes as he holds his staff at the ready. 'Is that an Intelligent One? Or someone/something else?'

The Sheikah decides to let someone else make the first move, and instead keeps his senses tuned to the surrounding area, alert in case an ambush is being planned.

OOC: Yeah, yeah.

IC: As Derix pointed out the man on the balcony, Victor noticed the man and did a double take. He could've sworn that he wasn't there a second ago... no matter. As Derix readied his rapier and Alpha his staff, Victor cupped his hands around his mouth instead, calling out to the mysterious figure.

"Who are you?"

Although he is above them and at a reasonable distance, a toothless grin can be seen on the old man's face. In the same meld of olive and white mist, the elder appears on the ground in front of the party and smiles, although it is by no means an ordinary grin. Deranged, the man reaches his hand out to Victor and rasps a weary question.

Who... are... you?

The man is either repeating Victor's words to find an understanding of them, or is asking the same question back. Eyra, of course, is suspicious about every movement the human makes. Thespin has also drawn his weapon of choice, the bow, should the man react violently in any way.

The man spooked Victor a little, and he was about to reach for his own weapon when he noticed the others had theirs out already. Deciding not to unsheath his dagger so that the man wouldn't be frightened, and so he plastered his usual smile on his face and replied:

"I am... Victor..."

As he spoke, the Bard sincerely hoped that hadn't made a big mistake by giving out his name...

As Victor reveals his name, the man's smile disappears and he becomes surrounded by the odd mist. His entire being is enshrouded by the drab fog until he appears to be cocoon of sorts; the mist gives off a low buzzing sound as it floats around him. It clears, and all that remains is the disfigured form of a Cursed One, which squeals loudly and disappears in a flash of black light. From behind the group, someone is applauding.

Ooh, I guess I was not the only one to be foolish enough to reveal my name. Let this be a reminder, bard, that this is our realm. You will find nothing but death inside this building. I suggest you leave now. For one of you is certain to perish if you continue.

Drejudar of the Intelligent Ones is standing behind the party, his signature black cloak covering his features and protecting the group from the hideousness that is that ancient one's face.

Victor froze in horror as the Cursed One appeared suddenly in front of him, but when he heard Drejudar's voice behind him he couldn't help but slap his forehead, letting his hand drag slowly down his face before turning to face the Intelligent One. Trying to mask how stupid he felt, his lips curved up into a small smile and he pointed to himself, remembering the oxymoron from before.

"I may be a fool, but I am but a simple Bard. You're the one who's credited with being an 'Intelligent' one..."

Victor finally unsheathed his dagger, and he pointed to Drejudar with it.

"What do you care, anyways? You people... you monsters already killed one of us! Why should you care what happens to us?"

OOC: Should I actually feel stupid about doing that? Because I really do; like, in real life... Maybe I should take a break from HA2 for a while...
...
Nah!

OOC: Oh no no, keep it up, please!
IC:

Drejudar appears to be insulted by the comment, and raises his voice slightly to express this. He points at the bard and lashes out at what he believes is pure ignorance. His tone is very condescending; he is treating Victor like an inferior species.

You forget, bard, that we do not refer to ourselves as this. Your little cult here is responsible for that title, in the fact that we are far above our minions in intelligence, stamina, and practically every other quality. Know this, Victor: I was once a Hylian, just as you are. We are a patriotic race, or at least, we were when I was last in a population of the race. Even I would feel ashamed of myself for killing a fellow Hylian. But not to worry. You are far safer than anyone else here, as is this Sheikah that you call friend.

But if you really wish to die on this day, I will tell you where the Stone is being held. It is in a cabinet in the Room 3B in the West Wing of the fifth floor. There is a magical seal on the cabinet; only that key that you are carrying can unlock the spell. My associates and I will not hinder you, but I can assure you that she will. Enjoy, bard.

The Intelligent One known as Drejudar steps back a few paces, then shakes his head and spreads his arms wide, disappearing into nothingness. The group is left alone in the silent District to continue the mission, or to consider Drejudar's words.

OOC: Oh sure. Post a whole bunch while I'm asleep! Thanks a lot guys...

IC:
Alpha had been tempted to cover his face with his hand when Victor had given out his name, but had resisted the impulse in order to keep his focus on their surroundings. As a result, he had sensed the presence behind him a split second before Drejudar spoke. He stood by with his staff at the ready while Drejudar and Victor conversed back and forth. Listening only with half of his attention, he actually does find the conversation to be quite interesting.

As the Intelligent One talks, many thoughts and questions bombard Alpha's mind from within. 'So they do not call themselves 'Intelligent Ones'...I wonder, what they do refer to themselves as?

'He was once a Hylian...and so he believes he would feel shame for killing one of his former kind. So they still retain emotions...or at least, some emotions.

'And Victor and I are safe...peculiar. What is so special about the two of us?

'Why is he so willing to allow us to get the Stone of Curse? That makes no sense...unless they're allowing us to collect them in hopes of taking them from us. But if he already knew where the Stone is, and since it couldn't have been too difficult to locate the key...why not just get it themselves.

'And who is this 'she'?

'There's something bigger going on here...I feel like a pawn.' The Sheikah grimaces. 'I hate being a pawn.'

As Drejudar disappears, Alpha ponders over something that the Intelligent One had stated right after he had appeared behind them. "You will find nothing but death inside this building...one of you is certain to perish if you continue," he whispers, but loud enough so the others can hear him and follow his line of thought. He follows up with another line Drejudar had given out: "You are far safer than anyone else here, as is this Sheikah that you call friend."

Turning to the rest, he sighs at something hits him. "Perhaps Victor and I should be the only ones to enter into the hospital. The Intelligent Ones seem to want the two of us to remain alive for some reason. I'm not sure who that 'she' he mentioned is -" though he is willing to bet it's Meridel, "-but if they don't have the same reservations towards you that they hold towards us, it may be safer for you three to remain out here." He doubts that idea will fly with the others, so he adds, "At the very least we should remain in groups. Strength in numbers."

'...hopefully.'

Eyra appears to be disappointed with Alpha's suggestion, but she can not deny the wisdom in the idea. Nodding slightly, she signifies her agreement. Derix and Thespin shrug and sheathe their weapons, knowing that the Sheikah's plan is undoubtedly the best course of action.

I understand what you're getting at Alpha. Very well, you two can go ahead. I worry, however, that this she is a powerful force capable of excellent power. Hopefully you will be able to defeat such a creature by yourselves. Well, go. You have our hope. If the Intelligent Ones do not want you dead, they will not kill you. But please, hurry and find the Stone, then leave as soon as possible. The place is probably swarming with Cursed Ones, some of which may attack you without mercy.

The Hospital doors are directly in front of the party, and their iron hinges appear to have rusted off. With a simple push, the doors will no doubt collapse. It will be dark inside, so Derix extends his arm towards Alpha, offering him his lantern.

Alpha nods slowly, knowing that this certainly is not easy for them. He nods in agreement with all their comments, because it's true - the place is undoubtedly swarming with Cursed Ones that will attack first and ask questions later...if they have the ability to ask questions. Alpha decides to ponder that point at a later date.

"Thank you," he says as he quietly takes the lantern in his right hand. The Sheikah walks forward and places his left hand against the doors and shoves them forward. Turning back to those that shall remain behind, he says, "Stay together at all costs - even if something happens and you need to come get us, all three of you come. We can't afford to take any chances." He returns his attention to the dark hospital ahead of him.

"And pray to the goddesses for our protection. I have a feeling we'll need it." He walks forward, lantern held before him, and enters the place that had once held the promise of life.

Alpha and Victor are now standing in what appears to be the lobby of the enormous Hospital. Two curving staircases on the left and right ends of the lobby ascend to a balcony above this floor, which serves as the second floor. Up the stairs there is a wide corridor, sending off chills of unknown dangers. Painted on the wall beside this hallway are the words "To Stairwell."

There are no signs of an alternative method of reaching the fifth floor from this point. There are also few sights that are different from the rest of the city; the grim, destroyed furniture, documents and stains are almost painted in every direction. Rusty stretchers and rundown machines litter the floor, and there it is not uncommon for the bard or mage to spot a cadaver in the wreckage every minute.

The corridor leading to the building's stairwell appears to be the only available route. Victor and Alpha had best move quickly, for even as they step into the Hospital the raspy hissing noises made by the Cursed Ones fill their ears, although the creatures are doing an excellent job of hiding themselves in the dilapidated lobby.

'They know exactly where we're going, as there's only one path to take...I hate this too,' Alpha thinks to himself. His scar's glowing blue light doesn't help him calm down at all either. Finding himself nervous annoys him. So does the fact that he's annoyed.

But the fact is that they can't afford to turn back, not when they're this close. So, turning to Victor, he asks, "He said 3B on the 5th floor, right?" just to confirm what his memory tells him, and then starts walking towards the left staircase to head up to the second story.

OOC: Oh, sure. Post a lot while I'm asleep, now. Thanks a lot.

IC: After Drejudar finished his little speech, Victor remained silent for a while, considering what had just went on. Drejudar seemed... different from the rest of the Intellignet Ones. When Alpha suggested that they go in alone, the Bard simple nodded. The thought had crossed his mind before, but he hadn't really considered it. After all, Alpha had not yet been given the Dark Power yet. Still, if the Sheikah was willing to take chances, Victor felt that he had no choice but to follow along. As the rest of the group agreed to his plan of action and Alpha began towards the hospital, he simply sighed heavily and readied his dagger, taking a second to look back at the group and offer a reassuring smile.

Mesmerized by the corpses and debris scattered around the lobby floor, Victor finally snapped out of his daze when Alpha addressed him directly.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, 3B, fifth floor, West wing..."

He then followed Alpha up the staircase, silently chewing something over in his mind before speaking up suddenly.

"Drejudar seems... different from the rest of the Intelligent Ones. One of them killed Jett in cold blood, yet Drejudar practically warned us about the danger ahead. It's weird... but they both spoke of how we were to be spared... Still, Drejudar could've probably killed off any of the others right then and there. And yet he didn't..."

It was then that Victor paused, remembering something. He thought it over for a few seconds before whispering a question to the Sheikah.

"Did I ever tell you about the letter?"

OOC: You're welcome.

IC:
Alpha nods at Victor's assessment of Drejudar. "You're right, he does seem different. However, it seems to me that these Intelligent Ones are more on the crafty side of things. They prefer to deal with their enemies through betrayal, deception, or threats rather than sheer violence - that's what the Cursed Ones are for." Abrubtly remembering that Victor has no clue about his run-in with Meridel - and therefore thinks Alpha has no first-hand experience with any Intelligent Ones other than Drejudar - he concludes this line of thought by saying, "At least, that's what I've heard."

At the mention of the letter, Alpha frowns momentarily. He grins. "Well, no, you didn't directly tell me about it. I told you guys that I...teleported...here just before you started your little musical number - very enjoyable to listen to, might I add; you play your father's harp quite well - and so I was nearby when you briefed Eyra and Derix about the letter. I told you when I approached," he pauses for emphasis. "You could use some work on your whispering. You've got pointy ears too; you should know how well they enhance one's hearing compared to regular Human ears."

Alpha sighs in amusement at his point, though he does realize that another contributing factor is Master Zaris' training. Running away from the Hakiems for ten years straight had forced him to be able to concentrate his hearing in any direction so as to pick up the slightest of sounds - a whisper could become as loud as quacking duck with the right amount of focus. And five more years of running from His forces had not allowed his hearing skills to deteriorate.

Alpha slowly steps onto the second floor and glances around before proceeding down the hall marked "To Stairwell".