[ Knives really is the mirrored version of Vash, but without the vibrancy and friendliness his younger brother cultivated and emanates. He's the exact opposite... Cold while carrying an air of hostility.
I have decided that Knives is in his murder snuggie, which is a far cry from amiable right now despite its stupid shape. Viktor can watch its smooth fabric-like appearance start to form and slither into what Luke described as whips and tendrils, but lined with sharp blades. There's a chorus of low screeches as they entangle and unfurl at ready.
It takes him a moment, like he has to try and draw from his subconscious where the memory might lay. ]
Yes... Someone did, but you are not him. [ The tendrils continue to extend, as if unending. ] What do you have to offer me, scientist?
Viktor can't help the intrigued movement of his eyes. Knives is fascinating not for microscope purposes, but because it's amazing? The outfit, the tendrils--they're amazing to him, new.
He does not move yet, not to come closer, or step away.]
I prefer inventor really.
[The way he says this humbly, like being pressed under a weight and speaking from beneath it.]
Dahut didn't describe who you were looking for, so... I came to hear about them. I'm not opposed to helping you search.
[ not Viktor prostrating himself as a useful human... Has he ever met a being that gave the air of God's messenger? An archangel sent down to punish all of mankind for their crimes against the Earth and mother nature? Of course that is how Knives sees himself, but it isn't wrong to say that his presence is so unlike Vash's. He does not hide his gift or what he is—he wears their inhuman identity with pride. The gaze he has set on Viktor is that of the worthy and unworthy... An apex predator and prey.
The limbs start to reach the room's end, coming almost full circle. ]
You think you have the stage to decide. [ Knives does find it amusing to differentiate himself from scientist to inventor. It makes sense to him, still amusing, though. He will let him have it, especially when he offers him help.
Despite the arrogance, Knives' concern and care stays true. ] I am looking for my younger brother. You would know when you see him.
[NO, HE IS JUST AN INVENTOR!!!! DAMN!!! Society deems him a scientist, but that is too broad a term! He is an inventor!!!
The encroaching appendages make him subconsciously sort of take some steps closer toward Knives. Not to fill up personal space, just sort of file in like stupid prey. That's fine. He isn't scared of Knives, he doesn't think. Not after the Hex Core, not after dying, not after being a dead man. He is a dying man, and he is not afraid of any earlier of a death at Knives's hands.]
It's true. That's just what I am. I make things to improve others's lives.
[Very simple.]
What's his name? You're certain he's here exactly?
[ VIKTOR LOVES MAKING THINGS... NOT JUST THE SCIENCE!! KNIVES DOESN'T CARE. YOU ARE ALL JUST SCIENCE HUMANS TO HIM.
Normally, he does not like seeing a human not have fear in their eyes when they look at him trying to be intimidating, but acting like prey keeps him from resorting to violence as a display. ]
That isn't important right now. [ But he will make note of that. ] I'm certain he's here, I can sense it... And if you are in the same place as Dahut, then it would be impossible to ignore him. He would greet you with a stupid grin and introduce himself.
[ Viktor is a good man... And he can see Knives' face more as the tendrils continue to unravel, hood peeling away with those extensions. They're tendrils, yet they give off the aura of bared fangs. ]
... That was what Dahut told me—he is with him. [ Considering skewering the geriatric teen now. ] And I do.
[ A sigh like this is such an inconvenience, as if trying to RUN AWAY from the idea that Vash is dead. He isn't. He's just in some weird place. This shouldn't be a surprise to him that he got into weird trouble. ]
It'll take another step now.
[ NEW SUBTASK, yes. He has to figure out how to bring Vash back. ]
Viktor doesn't deserve to see his other mind space rooms. Not yet... And he doesn't respond to the compliment. ]
It doesn't matter if he knows or not.
[ Because Vash's choice doesn't matter. Knives made the decision for him, sure that he's right. Viktor can blab to Vash that he's a psychopath who skewered his graveyard human or human-adjacent buddies and Knives would not care. ]
He said he would visit and keep me updated on the Belly's search for answers, including anything on the whereabouts of Vash's body. [ Crossing his arms, contemplating. ] You are all looking for a way to return.
Well, this one thing gives him a very slight idea of how their brotherly relationship works. Hm. Can he really judge unhinged behavior when he is the weirdest, most unhinged sort of relationship? No.]
We're looking for anything, but especially that. [He glances around, it's more of a thoughtful sort of movement than anything.] If we help you find your brother, and we keep him safe for you, would you be willing to help us from that side find a way back? For all of us.
I heard... you are not fond of my kind, [just being honest] and I have to admit, I'm not very fond of them either. Whatever you decide after... is your business, I guess.
... Humans. Their arrogance is a disease. They're a plague upon the stars. Being a scientist—inventor. [ He can be a good boy. ] Does not always carrying self-awareness, but it seems you're different from the rest.
[ The fear that Viktor will become the next Conrad. The grave being full of scientists is not good for me playing Knives. Knives is also still guarded, though. He's know anything can be sugarcoated...
But he thinks he's above them, so he isn't worried. Viktor seems like a smart bean for wording things well, which he gives him some marks for. ]
My brother doesn't need a protector. [ As if finding some offense for that? ] He needs a guide.
[ He hasn't said yes or no, but this is a start? why am i living knives looking for a Wolfwood ]
[He's different, yes, but that's because he is full of madness unfortunately. At least the altruism is still there........? The last thread left of his humanity before he becomes Knives instead of Vash.]
I'm... not so sure. He might be the one who ends up guiding us if we can find him. It's... a bit of a mess there.
[DON'T MAKE HIM WOLFWOOD HERE. STOP THAT.]
You can think about it. We're still all searching, so... it isn't as if anything is going to change right now anyway.
A guide to you or not, he won't be returning to me.
[ That is the difference. The dream changes—they are at the rooftop of a tower where they can see a city below. Beside Viktor is Vash in his typical red coat, but without his prosthetic. In this dream, his brother has both arms—he's whole.
But he's pointing a gun to Knives, he has stepped in front of Viktor to protect him... ]
Dahut has intentions to bring him back with the rest of you, but not necessarily deliver him. [ THEY'RE DIFFERENT THINGS and Knives wants both. ] I don't need time to think on it. What says you, mister inventor?
[People really keep giving him simulations of things expecting him not to immediately be distracted by it.
The only thing that keeps his focus away is the fact a familiar person appears besids him. The gun startles him. It feels... strange and yet not strange for Vash to be in front of him. He looks down the arm and barrel at Knives a few yards away, expression ever so slightly horrified by the implications.
It doesn't feel like handing Vash over is the right thing to do, he isn't stupid, but Knives said Vash doesn't need a protector. If they're brothers, Vash is as strong as Knives, right?
He steps from around Vash and instead stands between Vash and Knives as if he finds it wrong for Knives to be shot, letting the gun level with his chest. He searches the face he already knows. Vash had been kind to him... Vash, can you defeat your brother for them before it's too late?]
[ Knives would argue he's the stronger twin, but Viktor didn't ask.
He watches this display, curious. While paranoid all the same, it's interesting to see the lengths humans would go to mask their intentions or to prove themselves. The serrated extensions retract back, having tired of being defensive. Vash, who is just Knives' perception of his brother, looks at Viktor with not blame. Instead, it's concern—he lowers his gun.
Human-loving Vash, full of flaws... ]
Yes, home. [ The snuggie retracts back to show his stupid plant body suit. ] I will exchange information that I may find helpful to bringing you all and my brother back. Whether I'll be able to carry anything to the living side will be dependent on how well I remember these dreams.
But for his delivery... When you return [ because Vash HAS to return. ] you are still a dying man, aren't you?
[While listening, he searches the face of dream Vash, trying not to feel more and more guilty. He thinks about Rio... Sweet Rio, now reduced to a liquified coffin. He doesn't know if he should talk to Vash about this, or not.
Would Vash be angry? Would Vash hate him for the heads up? Resist? Worse... would Vash comply for them? Maybe Dahut already told Vash. He's sorry.
He twists to look back at Knives.]
Aren't we all dying men, those like me?
[The wry partial smile fades into a frown.]
I'm dying twice over actually. I guess... the universe doesn't want me alive. But when have I ever listened to the universe?
Don't worry about that... [A hesitant pause.] Lucien. If you'll help him somehow. I'll bring Vash to you.
[ Vash is just a bean, even in this dream. Mister harmful looking at Viktor like he's just a little guy worried about him being closer to Knives. You'll get hurt. ]
That man who's so insistent on shooting one of our ion cannons.
[ Honestly, if it wouldn't get him in trouble with the rest of the senior crew he'd let him. It's not hard to help one person, great that Lucien isn't human, but he's also...
A handful.
And Knives cannot say he likes the attitude he gives him sometimes, non-human or not. He's pensive. ]
Men like you can find a way to cheat death if they have what they need. [ Much to his wishing you all a very die. ] You'd rather I help Lucien than provide a sample to research?
Then of course, for a moment, Viktor hesitates, surprised. His brows furrow. He glances at Vash, but then feels extremely guilty, so he quickly lowers his eyes to the ground by their feet.
It's tempting... He'd have something, anything to work with. But he thinks about... Scien's words, knife-like. He thinks about the spite to do it on his own. He thinks about... others. He thinks about thinking of others, something he's always tried to do with his work. He can do it on his own, somehow.]
...I'd rather you help him. With this, with... The Eyes, with the ghost in him... I don't know. I'd just rather you help him. [He won't look at Knives.] I... have my own plans for myself, I think.
[It feels fine to tell someone like Knives maybe. He looks up at Vash again, still frowning.]
Once I'm able, if I'm able... I'll probably start replacing the parts with machinery. I might even... get a head-start here. If... I somehow survive whatever broke into the council room to blow us up. It's probably a lost cause either way.
[ Knives watches him and the emotional turmoil that storms there. He doesn't understand any of it until Viktor speaks, but even then it is only a peek. ]
You value your pride. [ Is that it? ] Know that I can't go chasing and forcing him to accept my help. But if I find him astray, I will see what is within my power. You cannot blame me if he does something dangerous where I can't see.
[ Audiences be that way, but he will watch over Lucien. Vash stays there and, as a taunt, this dream has him pulse soft light. They're his plant markings. Is your resolve strong? ]
Whatever broke into the last place you were? You wouldn't survive?
I know... That's alright. He... values his pride, too. If he gives you a hard time, just tell him I said to behave.
[......???
The plant glow startles him, and he gets distracted watching it. The FCK. TCH. Why does everyone ELSE get to glow?! He doesn't have his glowy leg and hand anymore without the stupid Hex Core...]
I don't know. We were... all in the council room. Me, my partner, Jayce, all of the council members. We were... discussing Zaun's independence... Something broke the window in the back. It... started to explode, but I couldn't... I woke up here.
The glow... it looked exactly like the magic in a hex crystal.
[ Knives is also like ???? about what Viktor said, but okay. Sure. A lot of us are keepers.
Sometimes you just pulse and glow because you're made of energy from a different dimension or something. I hate Trigun Stampede science-ing shit, but Viktor can watch Vatch's markings pulse... They even show in his eyes. ]
Convenient that if Nut & Bolt's pin is active, then you could return ten minutes before that.
[ the fact viktor is telling this to knives is killing me ]
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I have decided that Knives is in his murder snuggie, which is a far cry from amiable right now despite its stupid shape. Viktor can watch its smooth fabric-like appearance start to form and slither into what Luke described as whips and tendrils, but lined with sharp blades. There's a chorus of low screeches as they entangle and unfurl at ready.
It takes him a moment, like he has to try and draw from his subconscious where the memory might lay. ]
Yes... Someone did, but you are not him. [ The tendrils continue to extend, as if unending. ] What do you have to offer me, scientist?
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Viktor can't help the intrigued movement of his eyes. Knives is fascinating not for microscope purposes, but because it's amazing? The outfit, the tendrils--they're amazing to him, new.
He does not move yet, not to come closer, or step away.]
I prefer inventor really.
[The way he says this humbly, like being pressed under a weight and speaking from beneath it.]
Dahut didn't describe who you were looking for, so... I came to hear about them. I'm not opposed to helping you search.
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The limbs start to reach the room's end, coming almost full circle. ]
You think you have the stage to decide. [ Knives does find it amusing to differentiate himself from scientist to inventor. It makes sense to him, still amusing, though. He will let him have it, especially when he offers him help.
Despite the arrogance, Knives' concern and care stays true. ] I am looking for my younger brother. You would know when you see him.
[ They are close to being identical twins. ]
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The encroaching appendages make him subconsciously sort of take some steps closer toward Knives. Not to fill up personal space, just sort of file in like stupid prey. That's fine. He isn't scared of Knives, he doesn't think. Not after the Hex Core, not after dying, not after being a dead man. He is a dying man, and he is not afraid of any earlier of a death at Knives's hands.]
It's true. That's just what I am. I make things to improve others's lives.
[Very simple.]
What's his name? You're certain he's here exactly?
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Normally, he does not like seeing a human not have fear in their eyes when they look at him trying to be intimidating, but acting like prey keeps him from resorting to violence as a display. ]
That isn't important right now. [ But he will make note of that. ] I'm certain he's here, I can sense it... And if you are in the same place as Dahut, then it would be impossible to ignore him. He would greet you with a stupid grin and introduce himself.
You should know his name.
[ How well can you lie, Viktor? ]
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How would I know the name of someone I haven't met before?
[He leans a bit, like he is trying to see better around the snuggie. Trying to match Knives's face to Vash's.]
What makes you think he is on our side? Wouldn't you want him... on the other side? With you?
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... That was what Dahut told me—he is with him. [ Considering skewering the geriatric teen now. ] And I do.
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He straightens his spine a little bit, but keeps his fingers on the top of the cane loosely.]
If Dahut knows, then he must be safe? Relatively. If he's with us, then... you're trying to find a way to get him back to the other side...?
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[ A sigh like this is such an inconvenience, as if trying to RUN AWAY from the idea that Vash is dead. He isn't. He's just in some weird place. This shouldn't be a surprise to him that he got into weird trouble. ]
It'll take another step now.
[ NEW SUBTASK, yes. He has to figure out how to bring Vash back. ]
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He is thinking about how people have described Knives, and also what he has seen so far. But he only has so much to go on right now.]
Is this home?
[He tips his head back and glances around them at the dome, gesturing only a little with his free hand.]
Do you think he knows? That you're here looking for him.
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That isn't important for you to know.
[ Viktor might notice a flicker of a blue sky and trees around with a gentle breeze. The scene is back to the dark room. ]
You're asking a lot of questions for a dead man, Viktor. What benefit do I receive from answering?
[ It is testing his patience. ]
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[That's earnest at least. The softly golden dome, the piano, the flicker of--trees? Bring it back, idiod!! He needs more enrichment and stimuli.
Surprisingly, he laughs a little, quietly.]
You spend your whole life asking nothing but questions of the world when you're an inventor. Even more when you're a dying one. Just habit, sorry.
I can't help you if I don't know anything. If I met him, what if I accidentally say something to him I'm not supposed to because I didn't know?
[Why is this true for both twins, help.]
Did Dahut offer to help you instead?
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Viktor doesn't deserve to see his other mind space rooms. Not yet... And he doesn't respond to the compliment. ]
It doesn't matter if he knows or not.
[ Because Vash's choice doesn't matter. Knives made the decision for him, sure that he's right. Viktor can blab to Vash that he's a psychopath who skewered his graveyard human or human-adjacent buddies and Knives would not care. ]
He said he would visit and keep me updated on the Belly's search for answers, including anything on the whereabouts of Vash's body. [ Crossing his arms, contemplating. ] You are all looking for a way to return.
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Well, this one thing gives him a very slight idea of how their brotherly relationship works. Hm. Can he really judge unhinged behavior when he is the weirdest, most unhinged sort of relationship? No.]
We're looking for anything, but especially that. [He glances around, it's more of a thoughtful sort of movement than anything.] If we help you find your brother, and we keep him safe for you, would you be willing to help us from that side find a way back? For all of us.
I heard... you are not fond of my kind, [just being honest] and I have to admit, I'm not very fond of them either. Whatever you decide after... is your business, I guess.
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[ The fear that Viktor will become the next Conrad. The grave being full of scientists is not good for me playing Knives. Knives is also still guarded, though. He's know anything can be sugarcoated...
But he thinks he's above them, so he isn't worried. Viktor seems like a smart bean for wording things well, which he gives him some marks for. ]
My brother doesn't need a protector. [ As if finding some offense for that? ] He needs a guide.
[ He hasn't said yes or no, but this is a start? why am i living knives looking for a Wolfwood ]
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I'm... not so sure. He might be the one who ends up guiding us if we can find him. It's... a bit of a mess there.
[DON'T MAKE HIM WOLFWOOD HERE. STOP THAT.]
You can think about it. We're still all searching, so... it isn't as if anything is going to change right now anyway.
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A guide to you or not, he won't be returning to me.
[ That is the difference. The dream changes—they are at the rooftop of a tower where they can see a city below. Beside Viktor is Vash in his typical red coat, but without his prosthetic. In this dream, his brother has both arms—he's whole.
But he's pointing a gun to Knives, he has stepped in front of Viktor to protect him... ]
Dahut has intentions to bring him back with the rest of you, but not necessarily deliver him. [ THEY'RE DIFFERENT THINGS and Knives wants both. ] I don't need time to think on it. What says you, mister inventor?
[ Will you be a guide? ]
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The only thing that keeps his focus away is the fact a familiar person appears besids him. The gun startles him. It feels... strange and yet not strange for Vash to be in front of him. He looks down the arm and barrel at Knives a few yards away, expression ever so slightly horrified by the implications.
It doesn't feel like handing Vash over is the right thing to do, he isn't stupid, but Knives said Vash doesn't need a protector. If they're brothers, Vash is as strong as Knives, right?
He steps from around Vash and instead stands between Vash and Knives as if he finds it wrong for Knives to be shot, letting the gun level with his chest. He searches the face he already knows. Vash had been kind to him... Vash, can you defeat your brother for them before it's too late?]
You're... only taking him home, right?
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He watches this display, curious. While paranoid all the same, it's interesting to see the lengths humans would go to mask their intentions or to prove themselves. The serrated extensions retract back, having tired of being defensive. Vash, who is just Knives' perception of his brother, looks at Viktor with not blame. Instead, it's concern—he lowers his gun.
Human-loving Vash, full of flaws... ]
Yes, home. [ The snuggie retracts back to show his stupid plant body suit. ] I will exchange information that I may find helpful to bringing you all and my brother back. Whether I'll be able to carry anything to the living side will be dependent on how well I remember these dreams.
But for his delivery... When you return [ because Vash HAS to return. ] you are still a dying man, aren't you?
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Would Vash be angry? Would Vash hate him for the heads up? Resist? Worse... would Vash comply for them? Maybe Dahut already told Vash. He's sorry.
He twists to look back at Knives.]
Aren't we all dying men, those like me?
[The wry partial smile fades into a frown.]
I'm dying twice over actually. I guess... the universe doesn't want me alive. But when have I ever listened to the universe?
Don't worry about that... [A hesitant pause.] Lucien. If you'll help him somehow. I'll bring Vash to you.
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That man who's so insistent on shooting one of our ion cannons.
[ Honestly, if it wouldn't get him in trouble with the rest of the senior crew he'd let him. It's not hard to help one person, great that Lucien isn't human, but he's also...
A handful.
And Knives cannot say he likes the attitude he gives him sometimes, non-human or not. He's pensive. ]
Men like you can find a way to cheat death if they have what they need. [ Much to his wishing you all a very die. ] You'd rather I help Lucien than provide a sample to research?
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[Idiot cannon firer.
Then of course, for a moment, Viktor hesitates, surprised. His brows furrow. He glances at Vash, but then feels extremely guilty, so he quickly lowers his eyes to the ground by their feet.
It's tempting... He'd have something, anything to work with. But he thinks about... Scien's words, knife-like. He thinks about the spite to do it on his own. He thinks about... others. He thinks about thinking of others, something he's always tried to do with his work. He can do it on his own, somehow.]
...I'd rather you help him. With this, with... The Eyes, with the ghost in him... I don't know. I'd just rather you help him. [He won't look at Knives.] I... have my own plans for myself, I think.
[It feels fine to tell someone like Knives maybe. He looks up at Vash again, still frowning.]
Once I'm able, if I'm able... I'll probably start replacing the parts with machinery. I might even... get a head-start here. If... I somehow survive whatever broke into the council room to blow us up. It's probably a lost cause either way.
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You value your pride. [ Is that it? ] Know that I can't go chasing and forcing him to accept my help. But if I find him astray, I will see what is within my power. You cannot blame me if he does something dangerous where I can't see.
[ Audiences be that way, but he will watch over Lucien. Vash stays there and, as a taunt, this dream has him pulse soft light. They're his plant markings. Is your resolve strong? ]
Whatever broke into the last place you were? You wouldn't survive?
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[......???
The plant glow startles him, and he gets distracted watching it. The FCK. TCH. Why does everyone ELSE get to glow?! He doesn't have his glowy leg and hand anymore without the stupid Hex Core...]
I don't know. We were... all in the council room. Me, my partner, Jayce, all of the council members. We were... discussing Zaun's independence... Something broke the window in the back. It... started to explode, but I couldn't... I woke up here.
The glow... it looked exactly like the magic in a hex crystal.
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Sometimes you just pulse and glow because you're made of energy from a different dimension or something. I hate Trigun Stampede science-ing shit, but Viktor can watch Vatch's markings pulse... They even show in his eyes. ]
Convenient that if Nut & Bolt's pin is active, then you could return ten minutes before that.
[ the fact viktor is telling this to knives is killing me ]
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