✙ X ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[The screen flickers on to show an odd scene from an even odder viewpoint. Vash stands in an open section of the street near the cathedral as if waiting for something; as the sun slants down from above it gleams on the surface of a mirror propped up in the shadows... and Vash is no longer alone. His doppelganger raises an eyebrow, frowning slightly

Comments

[Video]

[heardramonasing]

[Scott had never felt more like a child until this moment..

Many things could have been said about Vash in the short time Scott had come to know him. There were a great many memories that they had shared, regardless of the length of time they'd spent together. Yet Scott couldn't help but shake this feeling of ignorance and stupidity he felt when he thought of Vash.

Rubbing his forehead, Scott closed the communicator and let it drop to the ground with an echoing crack.

It was then that Scott realized he was still very much a child, just as Vash had said. He did not know war, he did not know what it was to represent a struggling nation, holstering the lives and hopes of many on shoulders not made of iron or steel.

Scott could only stand there, breathing softly, with damp cheeks under his now tearful eyes. Clenching his fists, he tried to catch himself from any further doubt or worry.]

"I've been so stupid.. How.. How could I have been so stupid.."

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash blinked; it was soft, but he could have sworn he heard Scott's voice. Glancing down at his communicator he sees nothing but black...]

Scott?

Re: [Video]

[heardramonasing]

[Huh..? Did some one say his name?

Looking around in a panic, Scott quickly wiped his eyes to cover up his tears.]

"Y-Yes? Who said that?"

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Well, at least Scott is consistant in his issues with remembering that the watches double as communicators.] The watch, Scott.

[ video ]

[dawnlotus]

[Vietnam's looking a lot better than before, and now she looks even more relieved that Switzerland's handled it with style]

I apologise for not being able to help you out. Unfortunately, I had one of my own to deal with.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[He gives her a tired but very real smile, glad to see her.]

Please, don't worry about it, Vietnam. I understand entirely. Are you okay?

[Video]

[dawnlotus]

I'm glad you made it out though, but it is a fact that you would be able to do it so coolly. You can be very level headed.

[She nods slightly] I'm fine, managed to take down myself as well. Some injuries, but nothing serious. How about you, he didn't a lot of damage, did he?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[He quirks an eyebrow with a slight smile.] "Can be"? Vietnam, when have I ever been anything but rational? [Anyone have a history book nearby?]

He didn't hurt me too badly. [Liar.] It's nothing that won't heal with some rest. [Like that's really going to happen. Thankfully his body is used to this routine by now and will steal time to recover whether he likes it or not.]

[video]

[eastern_awsum]

[Prussia had his own shadows to deal with and they... more or less kicked his ass. So he gives Vash a thumbs up and a smirk from his bed seeing as he's can't do much else.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash understands the feeling. The only reason he's standing... well, there are several reasons; in short, now that this is over he plans to go and sleep for two solid days and try to heal.]

Hey, Gilbert. [Vash raises an eyebrow, a soft smile hinted at by the quirk of his lips.] What, no smart-ass remark?

[A little more seriously.] You okay?

[Video]

[eastern_awsum]

Naw, too much pain and breathings painful as is. [Winces a bit even saying that much. Broken ribs are a bitch to try to do anything other than lie there and feel like you're dying.]

Too drugged up to think straight, I'll be great, just gimme a week to figure out how much damage that pipe actually did.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash nods; oh, he understands broken ribs alright, as well as punctured lungs. There were times over the past few days where he genuinely wished he could die to get away from the pain... but it's all in the past for the most part.] There's a newer arrival here who says he's a healer... Cho Hakkai, I think. If you're interested in contacting him, he might be able to aid your mending process. Unless you're enjoying your drugs, which I understand too.

[Audio]

[holds_his_hand]

[From her recovery room at the clinic, Elraine can only watch quietly as Vash's personified fear disappears.]

...You did it.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash frowns down at the communicator with worry. There is something... off about Elraine's voice, though he can't identify what it is specifically.]

Yeah, somehow. I have you to thank, in part, Elraine. Your friendship... Well, it's done wonders for my mental state of being.

[He gives the screen a weary yet warm smile.]

So... thank you, I guess.

[Audio]

[soothedsaving]

[That smile is another reason why she doesn't want to turn on her video and worry Vash with her physical appearance, but she does manage to sound more happy and less fatigued.]

Then I should be thanking you too! Also, I'm really glad to see that you were able to face your fears.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Ironically, the fact that Elraine is sticking to just audio worries him more than he lets on with his tone or expression.]

Well, the second time around anyway. I ran like hell when he first came at me... Are you okay, Elraine? It's been a rough few days around here.

[video]

[scalethetower]

[Naoki's eyes are wide as he watches this, quiet--it's a little awe-inspiring, watching a person like Vash face himself like this. To see it in general, the resolve to face those fears. It makes him smile a bit, kind of proud, his hand coming up to rub at the back of his neck.]

Ah...had a feeling you'd be able to. [Face it, he means. Of the other people he knows in the city, Vash at least seemed like someone who could stand against his fear.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Having the grace to at least look a little sheepish, Vash manages a tired but genuine smile at his friend. He hadn't really thought about the fact that others besides those who were responsible for bringing him here could, and probably would, be watching.]

...Thank you, Naoki. I don't know if I could have fought back if not for people like you, who have befriended me despite myself.

[This is said without any sense of self-deprecation, but a simple statement of fact. Whatever the motivation behind the words, their warmth toward Naoki is unmistakable.]

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Naoki blinks and glances to the side, scratching at his cheek with a faint blush. He doesn't think he deserves any sort of thanks, but all the same...]

Well, I like you the way you are, so... [He grins, openly.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash laughs, wincing a little at the pressure that puts on his still knitting ribs.] I'm glad for that. Did you make it through okay, Naoki?