The process of entering the research facility proved to be cathartic for the group. Forced down emotions bubbled up in a well of tears and laughs. All the panic and fear HInata had suppressed during the ordeal came to a boiling point. Tears streamed down his face as he recalled how narrowly they had escaped near certain death. Anger trickled too, as he remembered how helpless he had been, how desperately he had needed the help of his bitter rival. That stupid talented jerk, he thought. He tried to forget the horrific scenes he had seen, the mutilated body, the monstrous transformation of Tsuki, everything. The three hugged it out after they entered the reception hall of the lab.
"We're okay." Lev sobbed.
"Umm, pardon the intrusion, but you applicants need to sign in before midnight, which is coming up in a few minutes. I have the sign=in sheet right here, so…" The receptionist said to them from the counter. She had an indifferent look on her face.
The group collected themselves for a moment and walked up to the desk, each signing their name under the appropriate area.
"The dorms are just to the right, be sure to get some sleep for tomorrow." The receptionist said, dully.
Just as they were about to head to the dorms, the front door suddenly crashed open. A hauntingly familiar smell flooded the room, that of spilled blood. Hinata turned around to see the bloody mess that was Tsuki walk in, along with a rather timid Yamaguchi. Horror dawned on Hinata's face as he realized how narrowly they had avoided re-encountering the pair. Tsuki caught a glimpse of Hinata and gave him a frightening grin.
"I'm Tsukishima." he told the receptionist.
"I don't care," she replied flatly. "Fill in your name on the sheet. You barely made it."
After that the group quickly head into the dorms, fearing interaction with that monstrous boy from the forest. The group were totally worn out, feeling fatigue, pain from injuries, and total mental exhaustion. Lev and Hinata quickly entered the boy's dorm after saying goodnight to Yachi, who headed to the girl's dorm. The room was spacious, lined with bunks. Hinata took a brief moment to try and count the capacity. There were about 20 successful applicants already sleeping. Hinata and Lev went to one of the empty bunks. Hinata took top bunk since he was lighter, and Lev's massive form crashed onto the bottom bunk with a monstrous thud. It was mere moments after Lev collapsed onto the bed that he started snoring. Hinata smiled slightly, the moment taking a bit of stress off him for a brief moment. Hinata laid down on the bed, thinking about what happened, tears forming in his eyes before he succumbed to exhaustion.
Hinata found himself back in the forest. He looked around, surrounded by his teammates.
"What's going on?" He tried to say, but no words would come out. He watched in horror as Lev and Yachi began to twist and turn, bones elongating before the twisted face of Tsukishima became embedded in his mind. The two grew to monstrous proportions, spraying blood all over Hinata as thin, needle-like bones pierced their skin, before they were ripped apart by the outstretched limbs of Tsukishima looming in the distance. The mass of limbs and teeth and entrails approached Hinata, pouring entrails and blood over him as Tsukishima ground up the bodies of his friends over him. Hinata vomited as more and more blood soaked him, before he was surrounded by images of family and classmates from back home attempting to help him as they were killed and mutilated by Tsukishima's destructive limbs. Hinata found himself drowning in an ocean of blood and entrails, before he felt a spike and searing pain go through his chest. He woke up with a loud scream and chills.
This woke up a few applicants from their slumber.
"Poor kid's having nightmares." one of them said.
"Y'think he was near that strange thing back in the forest?" another mumbled.
Hinata was sweating, still in the grips of primal fear. Lev reached up from below.
"Hey, Hinata, are you okay?" Lev asked, full of concern. "Did you have a nightmare?"
Hinata remained silent.
"Whatever you saw, it's not real." he continued.
Hinata shook his head even though he knew Lev couldn't see him. He knew it was real. He'd seen it. HIs mind raced with thoughts. It shouldn't be possible, he thought. The exam proctors didn't do anything about it, he thought. It's true, the receptionist showed no reaction upon seeing Tsukishima arrive covered in blood. It's almost as if they were used to it. What are they not telling us? He thought. Did they expect applicants to use deadly force to try and pass? None of this even began to explain how a human could transform like that, into such a hideous creature. Fear returned to Hinata.
How much do I really know about Scouts?
It took a few moments of Lev calmly talking to him before he fell asleep again, this time without interruption.