After saying her goodbyes, Elizabeth grabbed a tray of food but she refused to eat beyond a couple of bites. The fact that the anniversary of her mother's death was approaching left her in the same similar state as always: lethargic, restless, and without an appetite.

Some time later she threw out her food and headed back to her room, deciding to skip the pill line and deal with the repercussions later. But it wasn't really much of a punishment, just an annoyed nurse accompanied by a guard who had to go out of their way to track her down and make sure she took her pills; the same procedure for everyone else on that checklist.

When she got to her room, Elizabeth settled down on her bed. "Time to draw!" she said in an overly enthusiastic manner, her big grin almost genuine. Almost. But before deciding on what recycled image she'd waste her time perfecting for the 19th time, she couldn't help but let a single tear escape the corner of her eye. In the blink of an eye, great sadness filled her soul, but it was often that her sadness was accompanied by anger. Now teary-eyed, she grab the notebook and crayon and threw them both against the wall, her mind dwelling on what she could have done differently that day to save her mother's life.

Xander put his hands up in defense, "Easy there tiger was just poking some fun at ya, I think an old lady, such as myself can show herself to her cell thank you." As he finished his joke, miming that his back was breaking, he noticed the fluid spray the cell. Instead of shock coming across his face he just smiled for a second. Upon turning back to Kevin he jested, "Looks like your boyfriend isn't such a gentleman huh?" As the joke left his lips he slowly turned his toes toward his cell. If Kev doesn't take this joke too well. Running isn't just gonna be an old pass time of mine, it is gonna become my means of survival from this muscle bound monkey as the thought ended a smirk appeared, ever so sarcastically, across his face.

@Americore

"Don't make any trouble...or I will break ya...." Kevin responded with a snear while turning his back,Thinking for a moment before turning to face Xander with his own smile."Laugh it up...your not gonna be smiling when I break your teeth..." He thought to himself and headed down the hallway once more saying hello to another guard.

Xander's eyes followed Kevin down the hallway. Well I guess I could have ended up with a broken bone or two. I think that worked out nicely. His posture returned to normal and he ended up back in his room. Rolling onto his bed he began to sing Dream a little dream of me by Ella Fitzgerald. Music soothed Xander, it was his calm place. Whenever he sang he could always return to easier times. Times like sitting in his bed waiting to go on mission deployed.
What about that time at Chase's wedding? Oh Xander remembered it vividly. Chase, his best friend, asked him to sing at his wedding and he of course was honored. The smell of the roses still burned into his nose. Remembering Chase and Vivian dancing while he sang L.O.V.E by Nat King Cole.
As the memory faded a single tear rolled down his eye and his fist clenched. "I will find them Chase, I swear to God I will find them and kill them. For you brother and your memory."

Nancy finished handing out the pills to the patients in the line. It was tedious work, and the other patient Nancy had jellybeans for was mysteriously not there. He was an older man, somewhere in his forties from what Nancy could tell. He always had interesting stories about his time as a sniper. He never told anything confidential, he was too professional for that. But he did like talking about the places he had gone.

He was supposed to be seeing a doctor at some point soon, though. He was probably still in his appointment. Nancy pocketed the remaining bag of jellybeans to give to him later. Now she had to deal with the people who had skipped their morning pills.

She sorted through several different pill cups that were left and handed them out to different nurses in order to get the meds into the patients before they finished digesting their breakfasts. It was never fun to deal with cleaning the vomit when patients took them too late and got nauseated.

"And I'll take... Elizabeth Kelton." After looking over her page to be sure the proper pills were included in the cup, she made her way down to the cell Kelton was supposed to be in. She knocked on the door, seeing she was in the room.

"Miss Kelton? I've got your pills for you. You skipped the line this morning."

Joshua pushed himself off the wall as the patients inside the cafeteria started to thin out, most heading for Nancy, the nurse in charge of giving them the pills. While he would normally go there and then guard that part of the hospital, another guard had already taken his place. Seeing as he was not needed there, he had to do whatever was next in his priorities and that was to patrol. He whistled and Ichi came trotting back to its master. The dog just came from being fed by some of the cafeteria workers. At the start of his work here, he had to feed Ichi by himself, halving his portion of lunch for the dog. Now though, the dog was given special privilege. With a silent wave, he continued down the hallway.

Passing by several cells, he peeked into each and every one. It was like changing channels in a TV, there was quite a variation. From people talking to themselves to people harming themselves with their own nails. He would clang his baton at the door, telling them to stop. They usually do. Although others were more disturbing. It wasn't just talking to themselves, it was like they were putting a curse on the guards, some were...

Well, let's not go there.

Spotting a familiar new face, he waved his hand. "Kevin, how are you holding up?" The other male was older than him by a year but Joshua has been here for longer than him. He then flicked his hand, ordering Ichi to go on ahead to patrol by its lonesome and he'd catch up later. Kevin did have a dislike for dogs, Joshua could see that much.

@Eviledd1984

A pitter-patter of little feet started coming down the hallway. Could it be my favorite guard in this whole damn place?! Xander thought to himself as he sat up and stared at the hall. There the ole pup was, Ichi. Makings his rounds like the good working dog that he was. Xander wandered up to the edge of his room just to watch the Shepard pass by. What I wouldn't give for a damn dog in this place to pass the time beginning to remember his Australian Shepard Pepper. How Xander missed the days of just going to the park to throw the frisbee to him. Some of the most relaxing days he could have ever asked for. Looking around the room for his pad and paper he made a note to himself. Right so first thing on my to do list is get a dog when I am out of here. Second thing is avenge Chase. Shouldn't be to hard of a list to get done making light of the situation again he couldn't help but smile at the circumstance he was in.

Elizabeth propped herself up a little bit using her elbows, her eyes not as red as before so now there was no indication that she'd been crying. A little angry, maybe, but that's about it.

"Yeah, coming."

She pushed herself off of her bed and headed to the door, welcoming the nurse with a warm smile. Nancy was probably one of the friendliest staff members she'd encountered while at the hospital, so Elizabeth did her best to avoid making Nancy's job any harder than it had to be. She couldn't say the same about most of the other staff members there though.

"Oh god, this is going to make me sick as hell," she said to herself, grabbing the little cup to force down the horrible cocktail of pills. She made a face when the aftertaste nearly made her gag, and with one hand she crumbled the cup to fight against the instant wave of nausea. "Just as bad as the first time." Elizabeth said before slightly opening her mouth to show Nancy she wasn't playing her.

"All done?"

@Inda

Nancy nodded.

"Yep. Perfect." Elizabeth's eyes might not have been red anymore, but something about her seemed off to Nancy. Her empathetic skills were something she prided, but she was always worried she was going to cross a line. She had done so many times before, trying to see if a patient was alright only to have things thrown at her, to be yelled at for being a nosey- well, she didn't want to think about the things she had been called. Some people did not like being made to face their own emotions, and having someone they barely knew bring them up just made them defensive.

But it was part of the job. This was way better than when she had to strap patients down. The look of betrayal in those patients eyes always broke her heart, but she ignored her feelings when times like that came up. Her feelings didn't matter more than the well being of those people, and if she had to take a fall from grace in their eyes in order to get them the care they needed, even if they fought it, she would.

"If the nausea is really bad, I can stick around for a couple minutes to see if you need to be taken to the medical wing," She offered, trying to come up with an excuse to talk to her for a few minutes longer. It was a lame one, she knew. Nausea after the pills was normal for some people, and it was a small side effect that passed quickly enough- unless they hadn't eaten.

@Xandrya

@Polaris North

"Eh fine thanks,How are ya doing?" Kevin said now walking over to Joshua now standing close to him, His eyes looking to the other inmates watching his back form either of the other inmates trying to attack him. Kevin knew that Joshua had his dog even though he did not like dogs he had no ill will to the pup.

"So anything new?" Kevin said and was hopefully nice with Joshua having converse once and a while.

"Bored as hell, you can imagine why." Joshua replied without missing even a single beat. While 'boring' isn't something you would associate when you're working here, it becomes redundant after a while and soon enough, everyday isn't exciting anymore. Then again, he didn't find most things exciting. He shifted his weight to his other leg and placed a hand inside his pocket.

He shook his head. "It's the same old routine, unfortunately. Although we've lost at least ten patients these past few weeks. To what, I'm not entirely sure." He replied. He kept track of the people that go down that elevator. A lot don't come back up. Perhaps one day, he'll be able to find out what the hell was happening in this hospital. It wasn't normal, not by a longshot. Even if you say this is an asylum, it still doesn't explain a lot of things. And just to point out, a lot of patients aren't even clinically insane.

Oh don't worry, he knew they weren't. After all, he's speaking from experience. Those placed in an asylum should be much more rowdier than the people here. These were 'normal' by their standards.

He then shook his head to get out of those thoughts. He could worry about that later. Much later. "Well, at least I haven't seen any signs of revolution from the patients."

@Eviledd1984

@Polaris North

"That's a good thing...but i think something big is gonna happen sooner or later.." Kevin said cracking his neck looking over to the patients walking about thinking they could attack him at any moment, And because of his tough guy reputation that he would make some enemies. "Well eh anything note worthy to tell?" Kevin added looking back to Joshua with a blank look on his face.

Most of the patient's had powers that Kevin did not have so the guard was a bit scared of his own well being if their is a uprising.

"It's worse than normal, that much I know. But, I did only have like two bites of food and half a glass of orange juice for breakfast. I know, I did it to myself, but the appetite just wasn't there." As she spoke, Elizabeth held the door open for Nancy and motioned for her to step inside. She then remembered her angry outburst, and as soon as the nurse had walked through the door, she rushed to pick up the notebook and crayon from the otherwise spotless floor.

"With what little belongings we have, I consider this a mess," Elizabeth joked before putting both items away in her drawer. She then proceeded to sit on the bed, nodding to Nancy to do the same on the chair opposite to her if she so wished. "Oh, and by the way, I appreciate you going out of your way to look after me. Anyone else in your position would have probably told me to suck it up."

@Inda

"Something big? I don't care whatever happens, as long as I get out alive to be honest." Joshua admitted with a shrug. While it is his job to guard this place, he isn't exactly too attached to it or its patients. They can escape if they want to, he wouldn't mind personally. It's because of his job that he has to care. Given how much he values his job, it's only understandable that he's working hard at this one.

"Other than that? No." The male didn't like gossiping. He keeps his thoughts to himself unless he's absolutely sure about it. One would have better luck with hearing rumors from other guards, but not him. Unless, of course, they ask for something specific. Ichi began trotting back towards Joshua, calm as ever, without any blood on his teeth or his pelt. That's good. Means no patient tried to maul Ichi... and Ichi didn't attempt to bite off some patient's finger because they were aggravating the dog. As much as Ichi liked being petted and played with, he never did like people trying to tease him. Ichi's a trained dog and the dog could put down a man if he so wished.

Kneeling down, he patted the Shepherd-Husky mix on the head. He looked back up at Kevin. "Let me warn you though Kevin. Things here aren't normal. So just keep your head straight and try not to anger any of the doctors. Especially Doctor Greene." He said before standing up and then nodding a goodbye before walking down the hallway to continue his patrol.

@Eviledd1984

Xander noticed now his favorite guard in the facility had his bud with him this time. Good old Joshua was passing in front of his room. This guy is one of the most serious of the guards in this place. Must be because of all the shit he has had to put up with over the years thinking to himself as he empathized with his situation. Being in any sort of authority position, regardless of the situation, always had an innate stress to it. Xander was of course apart of the majority that may not like the people running this asylum but who was he to blame those at a lower level, such as a guard?

"Well if it isn't Joshua one of the hardest working cats in this place," he began saying as he leaned against the wall next to the entry of his room, "Ichi taking you on a walk again? Always good to keep up the cardio for health reasons so I respect him for keeping you in shape." Smiling at Josh hoping he would take it as a joke to lighten his mood up.

@Polaris North

Joshua's eyes trailed to the patient who spoke up. Most would take offense on the derogatory joke but Joshua's passiveness won't allow him to get angry, or even get hurt from it. He nodded, "Yes, I suppose I should be thankful." Although how he delivered the reply to the joke was in his neutral, mildly serious voice so it was hard to tell whether or not he kept up with Xander's joke. "Although I should also be thankful for the patients. If not for them, Ichi probably wouldn't remember to take me out."

His mind started digging up his memories of Xander. The guy is another deserter, like most of the patients here. It's the main reason why a lot of the guards are also well trained personnel. Note that he said most of them. Some were just regular guards who only wanted to get enough money to live. Anyhow, Xander is a joker and usually involves the guards in his jokes, much to their dismay and anger. He's quite a colorful character. Perhaps it's only Joshua who only thinks this way. Then again, he's the only one who talks without getting angry at most of the patients.

Passiveness is key, he says.

@Americore

"Keeps ya in good condition to deal with some of these crazies around here am I right?," shooting a smile his way ,"Of course you know I am only kidding, you and Miss Nancy work harder then most in this place. Just thought I would try and turn your little lips into a smile."

Hoping that Joshua would really understand he was being truthful, Xander started slowly pacing in front of the door. Josh here was a tough cookie to crack. Xander really enjoyed getting to know other's that he felt deserved respect, however he knew a guard opening up to a patient would be a hard bargain to snag. "So, quick question for you Josh. What would it take to let me pet old Ichi there?" Throwing his hands up, "I know, I know strange request, and think of it what you will. But I tell ya I truely do miss getting to hang out with pups as much as you get the chance to. Feel free to say no as well, I won't pry."

@Polaris North

@Polaris North @Americore

"Sure...and you two be safe also.." Kevin said softly nodding his head and turning around heading to where the food was being served, He needed something to eat and the food being served were something to be desired but was good enough. Getting a tray and getting his food form the cook who was staring at him bug eyed that furthered his paranoia about this place.

He could hear the slight rambling of Xander speaking to Joshua which made the guard thank god that Joshua would do okay if their was ever a uprising, The thought of it made him shiver in fright.

Joshua nodded at Xander. "I am well aware that you are joking." But of course the part about having to keep yourself in good shape to deal with some of the more... mental patients here, is true. Although he did suppose that most of the guards here keep themselves conditioned in case someone tries something. His right hand found its way to the left part of his abdomen, a habit one could say. Underneath his hand though was his pistol, something he always carried around under his guard vest. "I would say that Nancy works harder than me, considering that she has more responsibilities than me." To be honest, he hasn't really talked to Nancy too much before. Maybe it's because of her empathetic skills that he feels uncomfortable around her. He didn't want to be read like an open book. Although he would still approach her, he wouldn't actively seek her out. But she is admittedly a very nice person unlike the other doctors and nurses.

He then looked at his dog who was sitting down, looking at some random tile on the ground. "Sure." He replied with a shrug. He never really cared, as long as Ichi didn't die. If he did, well, Joshua couldn't say for sure what he would do to the person. He opened the cell door, cautious but not obvious, and then whistled at Ichi. It was a different tune than earlier. The dog perked up his ears and stood on all fours before wagging his tail happily. The dog made its way to Xander, but not too far from Joshua.

@Americore

For the first time in months Xander's eyes lit up. Not everyday in here I get something to brighten myself up so better take advantage thinking to himself as he slowly dropped to one knee so as to not alarm Ichi. "Thank you very much Joshua. This is very kind of you." As he pet the dog memories came flooding back of Pepper. "You are a strong boy aren't you Ichi? Such a reliable guy helping keep Joshua in line huh bud?" laughing to himself as the time stream of the past flowed through his mind.

Drop that Pepper! Come on don't eat that, that belonged to the other Pup! There ya go boy, go get it, good boy! The memories were like happy dreams of simpler times. Pepper was a hand full but he never minded holding all of his personality because of what a companion he had made. Better end this quick before I star tearing up in front of the guard huh? thinking to himself as his eyes began to gloss over a bit. Xander stood and looked at Josh, "Once again thank you very much it brightened my day up Joshua."

@Polaris North