✙ XVII ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[The feed clicks on to reveal Switzerland's face, his expression pale and drawn despite the rapidly healing wounds.]

Cracks.

There are cracks under the city. I saw them, when I was in the catacombs. Cracks in the walls, huge ones that weren't there before, and there were tremors.

...

[The screen goes dark, but not before the viewer can see

Comments

[ergaleomancer]

Vash...

I want to speak with you as soon as possible. In person.

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash nods.]

I could use some company. I'm at my house-- I'd come down to meet you, but I'm confined to the bed for now. I have at least one very enthusiastic nurse watching me at all times to make sure I stay put.

--> [action]

[ergaleomancer]

I'll come right away, then.

[[And that she does, she heads straight to his house.]]

[Perma-Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[The front door is unlocked and Vash's room is on the second floor behind another, slightly ajar door. Inside he's sitting propped up on a small mountain of pillows, reading a thick book with yellowed pages. Curled up beside him is a rather large canine, her head resting on his leg. As he reads he rubs her ears, only pausing to turn a page occasionally.]

[ergaleomancer]

[[Theta knocks on the door to his room, waiting politely to be invited in. Victorian-esque manners and all.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[He glances up and quietly closes the book, setting it on his bedside table.]

Come in, Theta. Pull up a chair. I don't think we have to worry about waking up poor 202-- she's been working herself to death, caring for me.

[With those words he bends to place a gentle kiss on the wolf's forehead.]

[ergaleomancer]

[[Theta opens the door, steps forward, and her eyes go wide. It takes every last fibre of her being not to scream. Has she mentioned she's terrified of dogs? She backs away a little bit, trembling all over.]]

I...didn't know...you had a dog...

[[Dog, wolf, canine family, close enough for her phobia to kick in.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[In her sleep 202 seems to snarl a bit. Vash resumes stroking her fur to calm her.]

She's not a dog.

[He glances over.]

...Are you okay?

[ergaleomancer]

A wolf, then? Even worse...

[[She whines and leans against the doorframe, whimpering for a few moments before she looks around for a chair. Her breathing is heavy and laboured as she focuses hard on it to keep panic at bay. This is important, so she's going to face her fear.]]

I'm fine, I... I...

[[She flops into the chair and presses her eyes shut, determined not to panic.]]

[neutralbyforce]

...She's 202, Theta. Not a wolf, certainly not a dog... Just my beloved 202, who hasn't gotten much sleep as of late for worrying about me.

[He watches Theta carefully as she sits, unsure of how to deal with this.]

...How can I help you?

[ergaleomancer]

She looks like a dog to me... I'm...phobic...

[[She takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. It takes her a few moments, but she nods her head.]]

I'm...all right.

[neutralbyforce]

Surely, Theta, you’ve learned in this city not to judge by appearances?

[In her sleep 202 sighs and shifts her position to lay more fully against Vash. He waits until she’s settled to return his attention to Theta.]

I’m sorry to have triggered any fear of yours accidentally, but I’m glad to see you working through it. Now, what is it you wanted to talk about?

[ergaleomancer]

[[She nods weakly and manages a smile.]]

Our captors. I want to know everything you know in case...you're taken again.

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash stares. And blinks. And stares a little more.]

In case I'm... You're anticipating my leaving?

[ergaleomancer]

The last person to figure out too much was Conan, and he was sent home, or at least we can but hope that's what became of him. Yes, I'm anticipating your leaving.

That and I want to know for myself so I can try to figure things out as well. Two heads are better than one, after all.

[neutralbyforce]

...Sound logic.

[Vash settles back on the pillows, stroking 202's fur.]

So. Where do you want to begin?