Check one angel and boy.

[valueofnothing]

[There's a new face wandering confusedly around Campus today! It's a young boy who's age is hard to tell -- likely somewhere between 14 and 17 -- who's dressed in some kind of weird medieval hoodie and pants with rather thick, metal-plated boots. The bag slung on his back is definitely big enough that he must be hauling a bunch of stuff, while the sword tied to the top of it has an odd sheath that's almost too ordinary.

Whoever he is, he appears to be completely lost, occasionally peering out of windows or looking into doors, as if he's trying to find someone or something. He looks almost terrified of any actual technology that he stumbles across and sometimes just stops in the middle of the hall to tilt his head, as if he's listening to some far-off voice.

For anyone with a high magical or spiritual sense, the boy is absolutely radiating a holy, angelic aura, to the point that it's almost visible. For everyone else, he seems completely normal, if with an odd, comforting aura instead.]

Comments

[fluffydeathdealer]

[The minute he feels that energy, the spirit retreats into the Ring, leaving a confused Ryou staring off into space as he tries to gather his senses. Where...? In the halls, right. Why? Not sure... But there's another boy standing nearby, with an equally thoughtful look on his face.]

Hello! Are you lost?

[valueofnothing]

[Zero seems a little surprised, turning to blink some at the older boy. Ah... another person.

After a moment's hesitation, he nods slightly, looking suddenly uncomfortable in Ryou's presence, almost as if he expects to be yelled at or something at any second.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Huh...? That awkward look... It throws him off and he fails to conjure up the words for a moment.]

What are you looking for? I might be able to help.

[valueofnothing]

[He presses a hand to his mouth thoughtfully, then gestures all around them at the surrounding area, giving Ryou a confused look.

Where is this be, strange white-haired person!]

[fluffydeathdealer]

...? Can't you talk?

[Poor thing... It fills Ryou's heart with pity, seeing that. From the gesture, he guesses the guy is new, too. What an unfortunate boy.]

It's kind of hard to explain. Everyone else is just as lost as you, and we can't get out yet. But this place is some kind of a non-functional school on an island. There's no connection to the outside world, but don't worry, okay? Whoever's waiting for you outside probably won't even notice you're missing.

[valueofnothing]

[At the question, Zero simply opens his mouth wide, showing Ryou the very noticeable lack of tongue... and very obvious method of removal. Namely, the fact that it looks like someone violently went at the inside of his mouth with a knife.

At the mention of someone waiting for him, his he looks away from Ryou, giving an uncaring shrug. There's no one waiting for him, after all... the only person who cares is nestled safely inside of him right now.

Still... a non-functioning school on an island with no outside connection... it could always be worse, he supposes.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

Uh- [He blinks and stares as the boy opens his mouth to show him... something. He shouldn't look, but-]

UWAH!

[Ryou stumbles backwards, falling over on his backside and covering his mouth in shock. Someone... someone really did that to a kid?! That was like something out of a horror movie!]

[valueofnothing]

[He jumps as Ryou yells, scrambling backwards and grabbing the hilt of the sword. But... then the other boy just falls over, staring at him in horror. Ah... that look...

His fingers slide off the grip and he adjusts the straps, turning to go with the air of someone all too used to that reaction, if for different reasons.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

... [Right, stupid, stupid, don't make the boy feel worse about his condition... It had to be bad enough being unable to talk, let alone having someone react like that...

Reaching out, he snags the boy's sleeve, to halt him.]

Sorry... I didn't mean to freak out.

[valueofnothing]

[The grip on his sleeve makes him jump again, but the soft words seem to just confuse him more than anything. He tilts his head a little, giving Ryou an unsure, baffled look, as if he's not entirely sure how to react to the apology.

He finally just nods a little awkwardly, trying to show he accepts it.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[He smiles a little shyly, getting up off the ground and letting go of the boy's sleeve.]

I'm Ryou Bakura. Can you write in Japanese or English? I can grab some paper really fast, if you'd like.

[valueofnothing]

Writing will not be necessary, but I can relay that he appreciates the effort regardless.

[The voice is warm and gentle, calming like one would expect from a sweet older brother, or even a father. It's certainly not the boy's voice, being far too old for that...

And also, you know, echoing in Ryou's head.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

...eh?

[He'd be more shocked by the voice in his head if he wasn't used to such things. But new voices inside his head is still a surprise. He feels a little calmed by the tone of it, at least. There's something kind about the voice...]

Uhm. Excuse me, but who are you?

[valueofnothing]

I am the Archangel Rufael. I reside in the body of the boy you are currently speaking to, by the name of Zero.

[Zero himself smiles a little, apparently reassured by the presence. About time that angel woke up...]

Ryou Bakura... it is a pleasure to see one so caring.

[fluffydeathdealer]

Arch...angel?

[Really? ...really?! There was an archangel trapped in this place?! Archangels existed? There were a million questions that could be asked, but they'd just all become more questions, he was sure.

A voice stirs in his head - Landlord, don't trust them. Angels are just spirits under another name. - before retreating into silence. He didn't bother to answer.]

It's nice to meet both of you!

[valueofnothing]

Yes, archangel. And it seems you're already whirling with questions. I wouldn't mind answering them, if you like, but I have a request before I do.

You seem to be the sort willing to extend a hand to others, even despite strange things. Reactions like yours are a precious few; many humans I have spoken to have had stronger -- and far less positive -- reactions. As such, I am hoping there is something simple I can entrust to you.

[fluffydeathdealer]

If I can be of help, I'd be glad to. What is it?

[Ryou answers him frankly, with the curious air of one who is used to strange things, but not to the point of being unsurprised. It's almost childlike, in a way.]

[valueofnothing]

[Adorable. Rufael is liking this boy more and more by the second, even if there's some weird, nagging, uncomfortable air around this place that he can't put his finger on.]

We came to this place just after a dangerous battle. While I expended what remaining energy I had left to heal Zero's body, I had been almost completely exhausted by the battle beforehand. As such, even if he acts normal, I fear there may be some wounds he's tried treating himself or hiding so I don't try to exhaust myself further.

[Zero shifts awkwardly on his feet, like a child trying not to let on that they stole the entire cookie jar.]

And as well... he's starving. Even if he can't appreciate the taste of it, I would be able to rest a bit easier knowing that he has something so that he won't collapse or worse.

[fluffydeathdealer]

There's a nurse around here who can check him over for wounds, but if that's a problem, I've got a first aid kit in my dormitory. As for food, I can handle that no problem!

[He offers his hand to Zero.]

Which would you prefer first, Zero-kun? Food, or medical care? If your wounds aren't serious, I've got painkillers you can take to tide you over while you eat, if you'd rather do that first.

[valueofnothing]

I will explain, if you wish, but I would prefer to leave it to you in this case.

[Rufael falls silent as Zero blinks a little at Ryou's hand, confused yet again. After a moment, though, he slips his own into it, gingerly and uncertainly, as if he expects it to be snatched away at any second.

After a moment of thought, he nods a little, mentally chattering at Rufael to translate.]

He says he would prefer to be checked on, first. I would be inclined to agree; food is better when there's no need to worry about anything else.

[fluffydeathdealer]

Un! Then, please come with me.

[He easily grasps the hand in his own, smiling kindly at the other boy. There's no hesitation about it, and he simply uses it to lead him in the right direction.]

The dorms aren't far from here, so it won't take long.

[valueofnothing]

[Zero's other hand goes up to close around Ryou's, the boy stepping a little close as if craving the warmth that the older one is currently offering. And... he is, really. Rufael may be kind, but there's a difference between feeling and words, a major one...

Rufael himself remains quiet, trying to puzzle out where this dark, uncomfortable feeling is from as they walk.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[He knows that feeling. The way loneliness can get to you, even when you've got people who care about you... it's a horrible feeling to have to endure. That's part of why he doesn't mind the other boy's closeness.

Finding the door locked is almost a relief; it means Malik isn't home to cause trouble. Probably off preparing for their 'grand escape'. Fumbling in his pockets with his free hand, he locates the keys and unlocks the door.]

Welcome!

[The dorm is a tidy and homely one, the only mess coming from Malik's monster world set and scattered books. After having to move twice so far in the last month, Ryou's barely bothered to unpack his own things for fear it'll have to happen again. He pauses at the door to slip his shoes off, and closes it behind them.]

Just make yourself comfortable, and I'll check you over.

[valueofnothing]

[And it's a relief for him. Even if it's only for a little while, or just this once, or something like that, feeling the presence of someone else's hand in his is a feeling he'd almost thought he'd forgotten. How long had it been...?

The part of him still childish immediately perks with curiosity once they get into the dorm, and -- after quickly tugging off the boots at Rufael's direction -- he goes over to peer curiously at the Monster World set without touching anything.

This is definitely new!]

Interesting... is this a mock dungeon?

[fluffydeathdealer]

Un! It's a game called Monster World. One player becomes the Dark Master, and controls the field, while the rest pick up setpieces like these -

[He picks up his own white mage figure.]

- and have to act out the role of adventurers. It uses a lot of math, but it's quite fun. The Dark Master has to make up the story and set encounters for you to face, while you as adventurers try to work together to bypass their traps and fight monsters to progress the story.