✙ 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

(video)

[scalethetower]

...Cracks? [Well, that doesn't sound good.]

What do you think is going on, Vash?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

…I don’t know, Naoki. [Vash sighs softly, rubbing the back of his neck to try and relieve the growing knot of tension there.] I think… I think it’s just further proof that there’s been a regime change. Maybe our current wardens are planning to change the city somehow to better suit their whims. I can’t think of any other reason for the catacombs to be in such obvious distress. I worry that the tremors I felt will get worse soon… Maybe we need to look into reinforcing our homes, at least, against earthquakes.

…Just in case.

[Though he hopes with all his heart that this is just his infamous paranoia kicking in. Of course, most of the time his worries have proven themselves valid in the long run…]

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Naoki shivers slightly at the mention of earthquakes. He can't fight against a natural disaster, and perhaps that's the most frightening part of the thought. The only thing he'd be able to do would be to help in the aftermath. But no, no, he hopes the ground won't start shaking anytime soon.]

Change it... [He mutters this, folding his hands together behind his neck, under his horn.] Well, I don't think it's a bad idea to reinforce them. Better safe than sorry.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Naoki, how did you know that was Vash's favorite motto? Well, one of them.]

Yes. I'm sure there are books in the library... and surely someone in this city has some experience with them. My own are few and far between.

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[He didn't--he just has a very similar like for the same motto.]

Yeah, someone must. I'll probably go check out the library, then.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

Sounds like a plan. Would you be interested in meeting at my place to go over anything you find? I'm still on house arrest.

[The last part is said without any real heat, but rather a tried and true patience fueled by compassion for his "nurses".]

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Naoki cracks a grin at that. Well. Vash is being taken care of well, then.]

I'd be interested. I just hope I can find some things that're of use.