✙ 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.]

[morethanpasta]

[Have one very upset Italy, in whom the mention of tremors and cracks in the earth stirs horrible memories of natural desasters.]

Uwah! Earth quakes! The city is going to crumble! We're all going to dieeee!

[neutralbyforce]

[Oh Lord. Vash takes a very firm, very calm tone of voice.]

Feliciano. Feliciano! Calm down. We are not going to die.

[The rest he can't attest to.]

[morethanpasta]

(Have an indignant pout.)

I'm Italy! I know how dangerous earthquakes are!

[neutralbyforce]

I know who you are, Italy, and I know your history with earthquakes. I'm your neighbor, remember? And I'm telling you not to worry.

[Vash lets some warmth come into his voice.]

I'll take care of you, Feliciano. I promise.

[lilcharmedwitch]

Oh good, you're feeling better I see.

What kind of cracks?

[neutralbyforce]

Gwendolyn. [Vash blinks a few times before remembering his train of thought.] Ah-- Just cracks in the walls, some in the floor... Cracks that weren't there before.

[Video]

[weaponsofwords]

[This is Lavi's surprised face.]

...like an earthquake? I don't remember feeling anything up here.

That doesn't sound like a good sign, Vash.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

The tremors I felt were small, even that deep underground. I suspect they won’t be felt on the surface… at least not until they grow stronger.

[With a deep breath, Vash forces himself to admit to what he’s been worrying over.]

Lavi, I’m afraid they’re changing the city… Power has certainly been taken by the seven once-visitors. It may be that they are trying to wipe all trace of the Watcher and Interloper from this place so they can begin anew. I don’t know what that means for us as their playthings, but it can’t be good.

Of course, this is all speculation. I don’t have any actual proof…

[Video]

[weaponsofwords]

That could be a problem they do.

[Lavi listens to the next part silently. He looks a bit thoughtful.] That sounds pretty plausible. And... heh. No, you're right. Probably can't be good. But that's pretty standard here.

Well, speculation or not, it's good to at least consider the possibilities. Being blind sided kind of sucks.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

((OOC: There is a joke in there about Lavi being able to be blind sided only on his right side...))

Being prepared is never a bad thing. I assume there are books about earthquakes in the library, or at least ones about being able to survive them... That might be the place to start.

(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.