Sgàthan.

[Estilo]

P R E - W A R M O U N T A I N M A N O R

[/i] in any dictionary-- there exists a large, bygone manor. Built into the side of a mountain, only miles away from its frosty summit, this elegant super-structure overlooks a vast tapestry of clouds on a daily basis. Its architecture, though archaic in appearance, has proven to be very resilient. Like the lord (or lady) who once lived here, however, knowledge of this pre-war palace has been lost to time. Until now. Serving as one of a handful of top-secret facilities for interrogations, imprisonment, high-risk surgeries, and witness protection, the government of Kumogakure no Sato have since laid claim over this old world estate.[/ul]
INTERIOR

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[/i], the large open space it creates allowing the rainfall of the colder seasons to ritually fill the decorative pool below. Rectangular in shape, this pool is surrounded by many intricately carved statues, each of them depicting a different armored angel. Attesting to the sheer enormity of this palace, the atrium is surrounded by elegant foyers at all directions, which precede the plethora of rooms, dining halls, and stairways in the rest of the structure.

Long hallways on the ground floor precede doorways into rooms such as parlours, libraries, and studies. Thick ivory pillars border these hallways, as do wooden benches, and ornate pieces of furniture are placed against the walls, overlooked by beautiful paintings-- and sometimes even entire murals. Some of the doors on the ground floor lead into mysterious places, with a few of them granting access to stairways that lead into the dungeons underground. Others lead to entrances into tunnels-- that burrow into the depths of the very mountain this manor is built upon, and lead to even larger chambers.

Although the exact scope of these underground facilities is yet to be truly known (by anyone who isn't the Raikage, at least), the upper levels of the palace are a different story. There are three stories in total, each with as much space and complexity as the ground floor, and their own plethora of rooms. The second floor specializes in housing medical equipment, surgery rooms, and interrogation chambers. The third floor is reserved solely for debriefing rooms, high profile meetings, and temporary housing for any form of detainees (not including prisoners).[/spoiler][/ul]
EXTERIOR

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[/i]. Did the manpower required to build this place actually climb the mountain's treacherous side? And, if so, how did they get supplies up here? The mysteries behind this place are abundant. But, the lack of human presence really does create a substantially peaceful and serene setting.

Outside of the manor, small plots of land are devoted to pleasures such as small gardens, conservatories, sunrooms, and outdoor shrines. Majestic statues, much larger than those found in the manor, grace these recreational areas-- their artistic beauty only in competition with the glistening water fountains scattered throughout. At the edges of the property, the only thing keeping someone from falling off the edge-- and to a seemingly endless drop downward-- is an ornately carved stone wall, reaching up to the mid-torso. Like the rest of this palace, the stone bears an ivory shade, and depicts images of war amongst the clouds.[/spoiler][/ul]
DISCLAIMER

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[/i]. A faction of CROE (alt. CROW) guards this palace when the Raikage is not here, or when an important matter of business is being attended to.[/ul]
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[Estilo]

-- Enter.

Before the Hiraishin formula placed on one of the many ivory pillars (the one at the far right of the picture, facing the staircase), we instantly emerged, a gloved hand holding onto Blanche's marked wrist. But, before I can say anything, a sharp pain overwhelms my senses, and I stumble forwards, releasing her wrist from my grasp. "Ah-- damn!" I curse in growled agony, palming the side of my head in a wasted effort to ease the intolerable suffering. Since we'd last seen each other, the symbiote had integrated itself deeper into my system. And, my endgame was coming soon.

The pain subsides after a moment, tensed up by the recent warp I'd performed, but returning to its usual status of underlining aches. Aches that, for the past week, have prevented me from getting a good night's sleep. Had Hirihi not been there to aid me ease such constant torment, I doubted I would have had the strength to retrieve Blanche today. But, I did, and I was resolved to muster the vigor to bring this affliction to an end today-- one way, or another. Perhaps, the thing that inhabited her eye was causing me to lose sense of my own mind... but I was tired of living with it.

That much was certain.

Composing myself, I turn to the blue-eyed belle I'd transported, my hand still caressing the ache on my head. "Sorry if I startled you," I apologize, an uncertain smile crossing my exhausted expression. "As you can see, things haven't exactly gotten any... better." My statement is followed with a light sigh, turning away from her, and towards the spiraling staircase ahead. Surely, I think, she's wondering where we are. After all, the long hallway we are currently in cuts through several foyers, and the architecture of this place is quite regal, with no sign of any medical equipment or staff-- yet.

[Apple]

ENTER!

Even after all of these years, that technique never failed to scare the living daylights out of me.

I had been familiar with it thanks to Soratsu's usage of it and the ways that he'd allowed me to travel with him at times, but no matter how much familiarity I had with it, it didn't mean that it become less of a surprise each time I was whisked away. It was, of course, a grim thought that perhaps I'd never be able to see my friend again as he'd been, that he would truly be lost within his mind for the rest of his life - but I didn't like to think about such things. However, could I really be justified for that? I'd have to go and visit him soon - it had been too long, and I was sure that even without he being truly present, it would be pleasant to see Beppin. Given that I was sure that I'd be too busy within the coming months, there wasn't really all that much of a better time. However, with my mind lingering back to the present, I found my balance only slightly compromised as I landed quite neatly on my feet, although the same couldn't be said for Atlas, who, from the corner of my eye I could see recoil in what I could only describe to be some kind of dire pain, his hand held over the side of his head as if trying to alleviate it. And naturally, in response to this, I found myself moving to try and aid him, although my actions were of little use. Bending slightly, I read the expression on his face, and quickly release my arm from my side, sending it straight out to gently be placed upon his shoulder. "..I'd hoped it wouldn't progress this quickly.." I spoke, my tone solemn as blue eyes tried to search his own painfully closed green for any sign of wellbeing. As time stood at the moment, I couldn't do anything. As much as I could numb the pain for him, the root of the problem lay within the eye, but, I was ready to take care of that. With the bag still draped around me, containing all that was required for the surgery, I then retracted my hand back to my side.

And then he spoke - his tone filled with at least an attempted facade of positivity. I hadn't been here for the past few days that had filled the void of my leave and return, and because of thus I hadn't an idea of just how much it had effected him, but where previously he seemed in occasional pain, it appeared to be almost crippling by this stage. With my grasp tightening on the strap of my bag, it only made me want to begin the procedure now, but, looking around at our surroundings, I was sure that this wasn't a hospital. Although, given the nature of his.. problem, I was sure that he'd want somewhere more private to have it take place. But perhaps it was a hospital, just one much more.. regal? I couldn't be sure, but it was much unlike anything that we had in Kusagakure as far as the decor was concerned. As he moved, I soon found myself following. "..Is everything prepared?" I asked as I moved, my characteristic sound of heels clicking against the floor being missing, replaced by the sound of flat shoes padding against the ground.

"..I want this dealt with immediately."
"..I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner, Atlas."

Having spoken my intent on getting things started, I then waited for him to guide me towards wherever he wished for me to perform the surgery. Being in the medical profession I'd often seen people in pain; but that didn't mean that I particularly enjoyed seeing those I cared about in agony.