While your conversation with Shadow may have shed light on a few things... it's obvious he doesn't think you all are up to the task of saving the universe from Eggman. Which also means that now you're dealing with his test, starting immediately. Some of you may be whisked away with no time to even blink, while others may find themselves wandering the Void aimlessly. Regardless, it seems this week won't be a particularly easy one.
THE VOID
Nothing has changed in the Void. Nothing ever changes in the Void. It's impossible to track the passage of time in here, and your only escape are the rings... though you should be careful with them, as there's far fewer this week. You're free to travel between worlds as you see fit - Shadow won't stop you - but you can be snatched up from wherever you are at any given moment and pulled back into the Void. Maybe don't plan on spending to long anywhere else, because it won't end well for you if you do.
The hexagonal shards will still show you visions of other worlds... but this time they all show the same thing. You'll see worlds - maybe even your own - taken over by robots and Eggman's chroma, reduced to smoldering ashes or being rebuilt in Eggman's image. Your friends, allies, and enemies may even be going about their lives just as listlessly and dutifully, heedless of their surroundings. You may even see alternate versions of yourself among them. Regardless, it seems all these shards have to show you this week are all the possibilities of failure - that other versions of shardbearers in other timelines have already lost.
MINDSCAPES
Shadow's usage of the Phantom Ruby and his own fake Chaos Emerald shard have caused quite the problem for you all - namely, you'll find yourselves traversing each other's innermost thoughts and dreams. Exactly how this mindscape manifests depends on the individual, but one thing will always remain true: you won't be able to find the owner of the mindscape easily.
As a reflection of these inner thoughts, mindscapes can be any sort of place. Perhaps they are a reflection of the owner's inner demons and fear, or perhaps they showcase a bright future they want to work towards. Regardless, this is a dream and one the owner must be awoken from... which means finding them and bringing them back to reality. That's easier said than done when traversing through this dream-like state, where the rules are made up by the owner and you're a foreign being that the dream recognizes as a threat (even if you aren't).
You may encounter familiar places or people within these mindscapes. You may not. You may end up fighting for your life in here... or you may not. Each one is individual, and the experience can vary wildly from person to person. No matter what you face, you must find the owner of the mindscape and bring them back. You must ensure you're strong enough to support them... and protect yourself.
Curiously, you can activate your shared shard power with the owner of the mindscape at any time - or bolster your own power if you share shard colors - even without them being present. Will this make it easier or harder to help bring them back? It depends on the person, your bond, and the mindscape itself...
Waking them up is as simple as convincing them that they're dreaming - that this isn't real and that they still have things to return to - but that may be easier said than done depending on the person... or the mindscape itself. There's no telling what you'll encounter, after all.
SHARDS
You'll find you're capable of more now than you were before. You're really adapting to using your shard powers and fighting with others. Those of you who share shard colors will feel the strength of your shards increasing even more when working together.
As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.
It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.
TAILS' TASKS
Given that your allies are being pulled into mindscapes and are unable to break free of their own, your task this week is to help your friends. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are off dealing with their own mindscapes, but whenever they are around, they're adamant about the importance of making sure everyone is freed and prepared for whatever comes next.
ENEMIES
Like last week, you will not encounter any of Eggman's robots. The Void is still free of enemies, though other worlds may possess their own threats. Mindscapes are a bit of a different beast; each one varies, and you may or may not encounter threats of any sort in them. Best be on your guard.
Not everyone is good about hidin' their heart if ya know where to look for it.
[ don't think that they're going to get away with that mumble. it's just that whatever is happening there in their head is something that wolfwood will allow them to ruminate on while they address the shard that he had so delightfully pointed out. obviously he hadn't been entirely earnest about calling these scenarios "right" by any means, but it's hard for wolfwood to see the plant-life and wonder how much work went into achieving it. ]
...and I suppose it depends on who yer askin'; I'm sure that the egg-guy would find all of this to be perfect and to his plan. [ he says with a laugh but quickly sobers up when he addresses the "someone" who is missing. there's no point in hiding it. it's impossible to hide it even if wolfwood would have wanted to. ] But yeah; he's missin'.
[ wolfwood tries to keep his tone even as he detaches himself from the weight of his emotions of seeing his world absent of one person. it's ridiculous that he should feel this way over a single person. no single person should have this level of an impact but a constant across all the shards can't be ignored. not even an idiot would be able to miss, how in every shard reflecting his world fallen to eggman's control, the absence of a humanoid typhoon. ]
He's missin' in all of them.
[ because of course he would be. how else could you explain how his world would have fallen to eggman's control in the first place? he would die before allowing someone like eggman have his way; he would never run from this. wolfwood doesn't need to be shown the grave of his best friend to know that he died in all of these shards. however, you know who isn't missing from all of the shards, though? wolfwood. ]
Hmph...I would say that I've not a clue of what you speak of, but such ignorance does not suit one like myself.
[ Whatever the case, they're taking a moment to gaze intently again on the shard, to see if there are other elements that they may have missed.
Though, they do think that a better end would be one where Eggman himself isn't standing at all anywhere in the picture. But, that's the point to drive it home for him or any single one of them for him to be there at all in any single one of those visions. Whatever the case, they wouldn't be surprised that it troubles Wolfwood greatly - he has made no secret how important Vash is to him, after all. They just hadn't expected to hear that he's not present in any single one, and the way he sums it up... ]
How surprising. I would have thought that he'd have persisted in at least one. Even if these are meant to show elements of failure in a world.
[ And Wolfwood himself is there in them. So, wouldn't it make sense that Vash would have survived with him even in a world full of failure, bright as it is? Perhaps they're overthinking this matter again, but being what they are, that is common. ]
Could it be that he would be that much of a wall in such a foolish man's plans? That he could not be allowed to live in any such alternate world? Though, even so...I see you here, and I don't see you as someone who would easily bend to the will of such a man. But, then again, if these are aimed to bring pain, then perhaps all the logistics don't matter, hm? It is made to show to such a great extent how unfortunate such a failure could be, with his loss as a consequence in all of them.
...Not that I can imagine any single one of us allowing such instances to pass.
[ who could have expected void archives stating "ignorance is bliss" in reference to themselves? actually, given their last talk about things like this, probably pretty likely. whether it was a front or not, knowing how to deal with one's humanity is clearly not their strong suit and wolfwood is fine to leave it there.
maybe one day. ]
There's no way that the egg-guy would be able to carry out any of his plans if the needle-noggin' was still alive. He would put up a fight until the very end. [ while wolfwood's voice carries a level of fondness the presence of his annoyance can't go ignored. it wouldn't be the first time that wolfwood's referenced his distaste for how quickly vash will give up his life in exchange for another and it won't be the last time. ] He puts his life on the line for far less.
[ however, when void archives speaks highly of all their character, his in particular, wolfwood can't help but find the words to be cutting. after all of this time, no part of wolfwood thinks that they said that with ill-intentions. it's just another example of the person that wolfwood is at his very core—the lengths he will go for those who he cherishes. ]
And sorry to ruin yer opinion of me. [ a humorless and bitter laugh. ] If I'm alive in these shards then it's either because I thought it was the only way to protect what's important to me or by the shitty grace of that idiot.
[ because no matter what wolfwood did or did not do, vash would always see him as person far kinder than he was. ]
[ ...Void Archives' execution at word choice and/or communication is still hurting them in the sixth week and that is the funniest thing about it.
Though, they make a snort at the sound of Wolfwood calling 'Eggman' 'egg-guy'. Yeah, you know, that fool of a man deserves such a nickname. They keep in mind to call him that whenever they ever see him again; the reaction should be exceedingly hilarious. ]
Hmm...so he wouldn't accept that kind of tyranny, no matter what.
[ But you would, is the immediate implication of such words before they realize it. Which makes them give pause. To consider how Wolfwood immediately goes ahead in bringing himself down in a heartbeat. At this, they fold their arms. They wonder if he will find their words surprising, in light of such admissions. ]
Do I have any right to judge you for self-preservation...? Ah, well, I suppose I always could for fun. [ An inappropriately light-hearted comment. ] But, the joy I would partake in that would be incredibly minimal. Now, whether or not you are the type to do whatever you can to survive for your own sake, or others, whyever would I suddenly change my mind on your character? I won't sing praises, but even I know it's only human to be that level of selfish.
And to that, I ask:
What is wrong with that?
[ It's not the first time Void Archives has said such things; it all actually started in Week four, and even before that. They see nothing wrong with continuing tradition. ]
Like I’ve said—he’s an idiot. [ despite wolfwood’s gripes, the affection in his voice is clearly there. when one of the most important figures in your life doubles as the most frustrating person that you’ve ever met… ] But there isn't. It's just that people find a problem with that when it involves the lives of other humans.
[ void archives said it themselves—humans are selfish. it only matters when it impacts them. the next words out of wolfwood’s mouth come out practiced. he is simply just repeating something he has heard verses what he believes. ]
"No one has the right to decide who lives and who dies." "All life is precious."
[ wolfwood’s confident that void archives must have heard these before in their long life but when he says it, the only voice he can hear speaking to him is vash’s. words harshly thrown his way while they were in the trenches of a heated argument (fists thrown and bruises on their skin) and spoken softly as they mourn in their separate ways (two sets of hands offering prayers under two different religious practices).
as wolfwood continues speaking, he does it with a level of ease and familiarity that’s reflective of just how many times that it has come up with him. truly, how many times has he said these very words to others who have tried to put themselves up any higher than where he stood? ]
Yet everyone's just doin’ what they need to in order to survive; anyone who thinks that they're above that is just lyin' to themselves. Something needs to die for something else to live.
Ya can't have it both ways, but it doesn't mean others won't try to judge ya for it.
[ They wouldn't be able to miss all of that affection even if they had been knocked senseless - Wolfwood's pretty deliberate in his tones, and whenever he speaks of Vash, it always tends to go along the same amount of gentle fondness for the man. They consider teasing him about it, but decide that can wait a little bit. ]
Aw, what a pity whenever it does impact other humans. I don't see a problem with it.
[ They don't bother to hold back rolling their eyes at 'all life is precious'; Welt's definitely taken them to task on the issue before, but for some reason they doubt Wolfwood's the type of person to spout this sort of thing as himself as the original source. Or maybe they just think it's ridiculous he brought it up now. Take your pick. ]
What a pity that the universe simply holds up this one rule.
Either way, people decide who get to live or die each and every day, so even if anyone protested about what is right or whatnot, I do wonder if that would change anything?
The same goes for that comment about how 'every life so happens to be precious'. Though, that sounds less like something you would convey in so many words yourself. Perhaps not impossible, but it seems a bit soft for someone like yourself.
[ wolfwood doesn’t stop himself from eyerolling at void archives’ detachment from what he tells them. one part because they’re basically agreeing with him on some basic level and in another part because of their detachment of what wolfwood tells them. again, should he really be too surprised with how things are lining up given their previous conversations? he knew this—it was what pushed wolfwood off the edge to realize feelings that he can’t do anything with.
nevertheless, wolfwood continues down this path of familiar ground that he is, quite frankly, not fit to do. …or, maybe, it was his job to do this as one of his most devout followers. a shitty priest who has lost his way only to find himself walking with a god who wants nothing but to be among the people. the irony of the two of them. wolfwood looks to another shard before responding—this time neither he or vash are in it. ]
It’s one of the things that Blondie loved to preach. He believes in a world made up of love and peace—that everyone can come to an understanding if we just try.
[ void archives is certainly free to scoff at all of that; wolfwood sure did—sure has. ]
I’ve told ya before, haven’t I? That idiot would rather let himself get killed than kill someone else. [ that’s why wolfwood does it for him. ] He has seen the worse of humanity and still hasn’t changed his tune. My entire planet wants him dead and that’s how he responds to it.
[ Void Archives has indeed developed enough to have had changes, but they couldn't really care about strangers. Or feel that it's worth it to waste their feelings of concern over them; they see no logic in doing so. Let them perish and suffer; but, maybe that's just cold.
Admittedly, the only reason they lend an ear to whenever they have been lectured on this topic in particular is because they do so happen to have some level of care about the other individual. A world of love and peace, though...they wrinkle their nose just hearing that level of naivety; surprisingly, not out of dislike. Rather, the second part of the sentence is bringing back a memory of a conversation with a certain someone once more. ]
Welt Yang believed the same. The same kind of idiotic belief that would never come to fruition. But...
If it were possible to change the minds of such people, it would have been done long before either one of us crossed paths with those kinds of rare individuals. Exceptions to the rule. Yes, while I can't say I will truly understand such pathetic sentiments, I do wonder if it is not natural for some to consider them?
You have indeed told me at length about this fool of yours. Thus, it's hardly surprising to hear such words reiterated to myself...and that he dares to see the brighter side of such beings. Even if they would wish him dead - though, I too understand that my friend has felt such contemptible feelings from humanity before. Yet, not a single bone of hatred for any single one of them exists.
[ Their tone seems to slip back into something like amusement - tinged with understanding, but consistent in some form of detachment. Or perhaps, something resembling that. Their eyes then finally fall upon the crystal where neither Wolfwood or Vash exist. ]
Whatever the case, I did ask and you so told me.
However...should we really leave it at that?
Humanity is two sides of a single coin. I have always known that it is filled with folly, and foolishness. That humans are weak, and struggle at times for naught. Pitiful creatures that exist to suffer, and grant suffering unto others in turn.
But, have I told you this?
For all that I feel humanity has wronged me, I can't abhor them. My creator's actions dictated that eventually that should be the case, and as much as they tried to impress upon me in my programming, I can't feel unrelenting devotion to them as a collective.
Yet, the concordant and somehow paradoxical nature of humanity as it flourishes is breathtaking. The true execution of free will; the weak kindness within them that may leverage it as strength of will when one struggles against the indignities of cruelty. The few who strike out as their own selves, rebelling whatever box society scorns or wishes them to be squandered in.
Perhaps, that is why I can understand why he and dear Welt love humanity so. Because humanity is fascinating, and for all of its faults, there is more to it than meets the eye.
...Though, do not mistake me. I have no intentions of repeating such near potential sentimental trash once again.
[ looks like wolfwood was really overdue for a yapping session from void archives. at least this time it’s about something that isn’t maddening to listen to. wolfwood catches himself snickering when they share how their friend is also a wanted man because of course. wolfwood has long learned that the two of them share a lot of similar characteristics, experiences…people. he waits until void archives is done speaking before responding with a dry laugh. ]
Ya might have said somethin’ like that when we first met but I honestly would have thought it bein’ nothing but bullshit. Hearin’ ya tell me all of that now—I’m not as surprised.
[ it’s a shame that he doesn’t know what welt looks like but the person that wolfwood imagines as a placeholder is decidedly not blond. he has limits. there is absolutely no more room for any more blonds in his life. any other blond he meets needs to have their hair color changed. ]
But I feel like yer friend Welt and my Needle-Noggin’ might get along if they have that much in common with one another. [ wolfwood trails off not because of losing his train of thought but that he realizes the slip of his tongue. “my”? he has referred to vash as “his pal” before but the circumstance and implications were different. it was innocuous then; now, however, he can’t say the same. misstep aside, wolfwood picks off where he left off. ] …if there was gonna be any kind hope for a world they want, there needs to be a lot of change first. It’s not impossible.
[ "nothing is ever impossible. you can’t just give up without trying." ]
However, as long as there are people who are sufferin’ from things as basic as not havin’ anythin’ to eat, what’s the point in killin’ yerself over it? [ the cynic within wolfwood shining through despite how he hears vash’s rebuttal to every claim he makes. “all it takes is giving them a chance.” ] Even, somehow, enough of people’s problems were settled, humans don’t change overnight.
[ more importantly: ]
I’d never live long enough to see the world he believes in.
[ Sometimes it really becomes a matter of a yapping session suddenly being upon you with little warning. But, really, they look kind of amused to hear that - and are also entirely not surprised themselves. They weren't exactly the most easy to speak with earlier as an ally, and that hasn't changed by much - oh, alright, it actually has. But, elements of that difficulty could return from time to time - it is the rarity here that it has not become too much of a trainwreck as a sign of some changes.
Also, fortunately, the placeholder is correct. Though, speaking of placeholders and whatnot, the blond is going to raise a brow when Wolfwood's talking about Vash, using that term of endearment. ]
'Your Needle-Noggin', hm? I see, I see...I'm not surprised to hear you refer to him as such!
[ They slip this one in with a grin, and then give proper attention to the rest of the man's words. ]
Truthfully, I can't quite imagine it myself. Though I have no doubts that improvement isn't impossible - to the extent that either of them want, it truly is going to practically take a millennia. Probably more.
[ A moment of pause as Void Archives seems to give this comment something like a bit of idle thought. It sounds reasonable to them, especially as they know from talks that Vash has a...bit of a lifespan, let's put it that way. ]
Ah, is that why you have said what you have? An individual like you would have a normal human's lifespan, correct? By the time everything has been changed as the man wishes for it to be, would it not already be reasonable past a human's timeframe of persisting?
[ trust void archives to hone in on something that is entirely unnecessary. wolfwood will click his tongue as he shoots them a stink eye for the remark. sure, they both know wolfwood slipped up but it doesn’t mean that he wants to draw any attention to it. it would have been nice for the two of them to acknowledge that it happened without verbalizing it and moved on with their life. …but then they didn’t and wolfwood can’t let them have the final word on that. ]
Don’t read into it too deeply ya lightbulb. Ya know what I meant when I said that.
[ he would almost go as far as to tell them to stop grinning at him but that’d just make things even worse, so he’ll suffer through it. besides, where the conversation leads to will likely sober the two of them up, especially with how void archives brings up the matter of wolfwood’s lifespan. a humorless laugh escapes him for that as he mutters to himself. ]
As long as there’s a possibility…it’s worth doin’. [ he shakes his head and speaks up more clearly this time. there’s a flatness and almost bitterness to wolfwood’s voice as he does. ] Depending on what yer idea of what a “normal” human lifespan is but yeah. He has already waited over a century to see if humanity will change, and I can only imagine how disappointin’ that must have been.
[ yet he keeps believing. the path he walks is a lonely one, but never once has he ever complained about it. ... ...hmm? wolfwood replays some of what goes on in his head ends up chuckling again, this time with a touch of actual humor. ]
Seems like our situations are reversed. If that Welt guy manages somethin’, ya’d be around to see it, but he won’t, and if my world ends up pullin’ somethin’ off then it’ll just be Blondie.
[ wolfwood's aware that void archives is old and the number is hardly important to him; what he’s confirming for them is that, yeah. vash's lifespan is much longer than his. it's a complete unknown. he has an idea of how old vash is, but no one knows how long vash will live. how many centuries is he allowed? how many millennia… ]
[ Void Archives calls it like they see it, Wolfwood! They themselves never see any reason to beat around the bush other than when they feel like trolling someone, and really, yes, they could've steamrolled past it.
But, whenever subjects or things appear for everyone else to waltz past, Void Archives purposes digs their talons in to try to rip the elephant in the room gracelessly out from where its situated in the corner. And then plan it straight in plain sight.
Though, this is just being a tease about his entanglement with Vash and so they merely laugh when they are called a lightbulb. But, since the subject's shifting, they 'mercifully' let it go. ]
What do you mean that it depends on what my idea of a normal human lifespan is? By my estimation it is usually around 100 years or so. Is that your projected life expectancy, or are you going for something far lower or higher?
As for him waiting around a century already...hah, it takes more than that to change humanity as a whole. He will certainly be waiting longer, if he can hold the faith.
[ Though, they don't think it will happen! That being said, when Wolfwood mentions about Welt, their expression turns thoughtful. ]
It seems like the case, doesn't it? But, there is one little important detail that I must point out.
Dear Welt's situation is complicated. As he is a Herrscher, he may live to see the fruits of his labor. After all, I am inhuman, it is true, and will live forever. Though, Welt can easily live a long time if he is willing, and he continues to handle his powers well. Otherwise, the opposite will be true.
[ It's kind of up in the air because Welt is still grappling with his powers, but technically at this point he too is a functional immortal? Yet, there are drawbacks to him using those powers, so it can go either way with ease.
So, in essence, Welt's situation is more in line with Vash's 'no one knows how long he will live', while Void Archives' is confirmed. ]
[ let the man be gay in peace!!! but wolfwood will be glad that they’ve dropped it there and won’t be returning to it. in part because it would be a bit awkward to go from teasing him about his feelings around vash when he sheds some light on the depths of the situation that lays before him. well, not awkward for him but perhaps a little awkward for them as wolfwood laughs after he hears what void archives has to say about the average human lifespan. such optimism. ]
Try lower. Much lower.
[ god… wolfwood can’t imagine living to half that age. hell, if he made it to his fifties then he would have considered himself one of god’s favorites. if his planet didn’t end up chewing him up and spitting him out, then there was the whole matter of everything that happened to him to create the person he is now. wolfwood’s life has always and will continue to be running against the clock.
hatefully it seems like he is the only one who has a definite time limit attached to his chest after he hears void archives clarify welt’s situation. …just as well. he is just a man among gods and beings of power beyond anything that he would want. ]
Yer “Dear Welt” [ because wolfwood doesn’t know if it was intentional or not, and if it wasn’t then he’s going to get in a free jab of his own. ] can live a long life but what are the odds that he will? If he’s half the self-sacrificial idiot that Spikey is then it probably doesn’t look too good for him.
…unless his martyr complex isn’t as bad and knows when to call it quits. Y’know, that knows better than to try to save every life whether it’s worth savin’ or not.
[ Sorry that it's pretty much an impossible challenge where Void Archives is concerned. They live and breathe making life difficult for most people, even though times have certainly progressed past when they got themselves thrown into the Charles River for their level of obnoxiousness.
Though, they're arching an eyebrow when he mentions that his lifespan is far lower - which is not exactly what they expected to hear, but it does add further context to that conversation they shared back in the fourth week. Which, well, had its fair share of ups and downs. They prefer to think of that week as little as possible, though. Not much good happened for them then. Yet, this is not anywhere near good news either, and they can't quite ignore it, either. ]
Are you unwell? Is that why your life expectancy is so short?
[ Asked so bluntly and without finesse... ]
Yes, that's right, Dear Welt certainly can. [ 'My dear Welt', is something they are fine with saying no matter who they around, so when Wolfwood tries to get in a jab, they just look unrepentantly amused. People that are close to them get titles or terms of endearment. ] Unfortunately, you are also correct that he's simply as self-sacrificial as you imagine. He's "died" more than a handful of times - or better yet has been in states where he should have been truly "dead" than not, already.
Some might even say it's simply a matter of time.
[ Notice that Void Archives avoids saying exactly that and is kind of skirting around the question of 'what are the odds' in a way, but also answering it by giving it. Because apparently they are not counting themselves as 'some'. ]
I am afraid, though, just as this "Spikey" is in devotion to the martyr complex, the one I know well is just the same for the most part. Though, I do believe he has his limits - if the life, for example, is threatening the existence of others, he knows very well to extinguish it. No matter who or what it is; no matter their background...if they are so evil, if they harm others with cruelty in their hearts, he will act accordingly. I wonder if yours would have such limits?
[ void archives’ bluntness and immediate need for wolfwood to clarify what he meant shocks him in a way it shouldn’t have. he really would not have to go too deep into just what he means by it in detail, so offers the best answer that he can to have the conversation move along. or what he hopes to be the best answer that he can provide to move things along. ]
My neat trick of being able to heal unreasonably fast came with a few nasty side effects even if I don’t take advantage of it.
[ despite the obviousness of it, no one is any wiser because no one here has bothered to ask. it isn’t all that important, after all. the failed opportunity to get some petty revenge on them about the endearment has wolfwood scrunching his face (though it is still telling in its own way). however, the way that they say so much while avoiding answering wolfwood’s very simple question truly says it all. ]
They’re really two peas in a pod. Well, mostly the same pod. Needle-Noggin’ doesn’t have the same limits as yer Welt does. When I say that he’d rather die than harm another person then that’s what I mean. It doesn’t matter who they are, what they’re doin', or what they’ve done—he’d never kill them.
“No one has the right to decide who lives or dies.”
[ it would do wolfwood good to leave it here and say nothing else, however, it feels a bit wrong. void archives had given examples of just how stubborn (reckless) welt is with his beliefs and nothing wolfwood has said is anything new… he just knows that he needs to prepare himself for their reaction to what he’s about to share because he could already see how poorly it’s going to go. just—in what direction will it go? after everything that they’ve talked about… ]
I offered my life to him. [ wolfwood says simply. he continues before void archives has a chance to interject: ] —to be the blood on his hands and make it easier for him to pull the trigger when his resolve gets pushed its limits.
[ because they both know that there’s no way that vash could live his entire life, however long that will end up being, without having his resolve pushed to its absolute limits. wolfwood knows that there will be a moment where vash will be backed into a corner and be forced to decide on what he’ll sacrifice to not take a life of another. what will he lose in order to stay true to his beliefs. he doesn’t know when or where or even if he’ll be there to witness it; he just knows it will happen. wolfwood chuckles half-heartedly to himself as he shakes his head. ]
Given how I’m still standin’ here, ya can guess how that went down.
[ Void Archives just straight up sees no point in dancing around issues - if they happen to be doing that it's because their curiosity means that they're poking around here or there rather than it being intentional. Either way, Wolfwood's answer that seems to be the best is definitely telling without any sort of embellishments - because of what they are, who they are, they make conclusions swiftly.
One of those 'nasty side effects' means the shortening of one's life. Void Archives muses most people wouldn't have accepted that - but then again, Wolfwood hasn't had anything he can do but accept it. So, maybe it isn't too surprising.
Still, they don't like it. ]
There could be a way to reverse it. Ever thought of it?
[ Back to the 'dancing around answers', yes their answer regarding the general consensus about Welt's potential lifespan is one of those few intentional moments. ]
...Hah, that self-sacrificial person truly meant 'no one'. It sounds quite inconvenient. Whether or not you're used to it by now.
Whatever the case, he's fortunate you are so devoted. I wonder what he'd do, if he was unable to do anything about people who certainly would be better off eliminated for the obvious reasons. Or rather, if he had no one to do anything about it.
Individuals like that can usually only move forward with them being the ones to do the dirty work, so to speak.
[ Void Archives wonders if that is not just cowardice at that point, though. But, if Wolfwood is offering, then he must have accepted that a long time ago. To pledge his every being to Vash...no wonder the man is practically his whole world - his whole universe. Making such a declaration means the two connected well.
They haven't exactly done anything like that; not in the slightest. ]
Either way, I'd say it went down well enough if you are still alive, no? If that is what you mean?
Yeah, if ya want to tear me apart and replace everythin' that they put in with somethin' else. [ should wolfwood laugh about this? no, absolutely not, but here he is chuckling. there's something about void archives holding to such hopes that wolfwood has long abandoned that he finds funny. this is the body that he has been cursed (blessed) with and there's nothing that can be done about it. ] Might cause a whole new set of problems then.
[ there's plenty that void archives is saying that sounds familiar to the things that wolfwood has thought himself. things that he has mentioned himself that they're finally fully understanding on their own. wolfwood's burden. the reason why something like a happy ending for the two of them is nearly impossible. and so many other things... wolfwood snorts fairly loudly when they call him out for being "devoted". yeah.
entirely devoted to a man who he led to a trap, then saved, and should have killed (or let die) multiple times over if he wanted to be free from the burden he carries. it's the best word to describe him but also one that he hates. still he doesn't want them to think that vash barely got along before him. ]
Don't make it sound as though he's entirely dependent on me. He has spent plenty of time alone.
[ how were those days spent alone? that's something wolfwood doesn't know, but he has an idea. ...and the image he paints for himself isn't a pleasant one. again, though, wolfwood finds himself scoffing at void archives' words. ]
But well enough for who? Me or him? [ because only wolfwood would consider being alive as a bad thing. ] I'm alive, but he hasn't been forced to make that tough decision yet.
There could be a way to not...do all of that. Not everything is as hopeless as it appears just because you have had a terrible amount of experiences.
[ Void Archives does have hopes, yeah. The Abyss Flower has been used to slow aging/other aspects without all of that surgical intervention, so theoretically if they regain access to their mimicry ability, this is not an impossibility.
Look man, they will help a friend out so he doesn't die before he achieves marital bliss with his plant boyfriend. ]
Hmph, as for your Needle Noggin, I wonder if I was ever supposed to think anything else? The man may have spent time alone, but those who associate with others tend to change, and he may be able to function without you, however...
I sincerely doubt he will be able to cope very well with you permanently out of his life. At least, that is what I suspect, given the impressions I have gotten thus far. But, do feel free to tell me if I was wrong~?
[ Void Archives does impart another little insufferable smirk at the question - though this time it isn't exactly for the sake of smugness. ]
It's 'well enough' for the both of you, for now.
And maybe he hasn't been forced to make whatever decision he must, but must you be such a downer?
[ they will help a friend out so he doesn't die before he achieves marital bliss with his plant boyfriend. IS SUCH A WILD STATEMENT… but of course void archives would try to feed wolfwood some semblance of hope for his situation. (and of course wolfwood would be quick to want to discredit it.) there is just something so funny and ironic that it’s them who is saying all of this to him. if it had been someone else then wolfwood wouldn’t have found as much “issue” with it. regardless, wolfwood will simply shake head with a humorless laugh. ]
Yer really hellbent on makin’ sure that everythin’ I tell ya is invalid, aren’t ya?
[ and thanks for the reminder of the very likely and very real situation that he and vash are going to find themselves in every scenario—optimistic or not. wolfwood will inevitably die long before vash and whatever impact he has made on him will need to be dealt with by him and him alone. this probably wasn’t the point that void archives was trying to make, but they sure did bring it to the table. so much for their glorious rebuttal. not that it matters too much as little will change about wolfwood’s overall attitude. ]
It wouldn’t be the first time that someone he knew died; ya can’t live as long as he has and not experience losin’ someone important. [ here is where he would name drop vash’s mother-figure but he doesn’t know her and never learned about her so that is definitely not happening. instead wolfwood will simply try to brush off the horrible side effects of understanding the depths of his feelings for vash. ] He’ll find a way to deal with it.
[ honestly, the fact that they call him a downer right after all of what they said before is something else. truly wolfwood is just going to end up in a certain kind of way with his thoughts after this. when he speaks, there is only a thin layer of sarcasm to his voice. ]
Me a downer? If that’s what ya think of me—fine. I’ll be a downer.
[ Well, Void Archives' expression looks pinched and annoyed when Wolfwood presents the question that he does. They thought that, even if Wolfwood had his complications towards life, he might at least look towards it more favorably if there was a true opportunity to extend the time he had with someone who seems so important to him. Yes, he had all of that guilt, but he also seemed adamant about sticking close to Vash's side - and there was the bit of determination or resolve towards whatever feelings he had in the man's direction in that previous week.
So, maybe, Wolfwood had experienced some personal changes? But, it seems that they misjudged that, to the point where he said that they are the ones who are so 'hellbent' on 'making sure everything he's said is invalidated'. They huff as Wolfwood says the rest of his words, trying to sort out the rest of whatever they can say.
They...just really wanted to help...that's all. And, they don't want Wolfwood to die an early death. This feels even less complicated than before. But, perhaps it is still as much as before. ]
I didn't mean to suggest I was diminishing what you said before.
...Even if we spoke about such matters that were related to this subject, I didn't know the strict details of your situation. Still, I wouldn't say such things if I did not know a method.
So, can you tell me you have not considered it? I also wondered, if perhaps, you had changed in certain respects yourself? And truthfully, you say that your friend will be fine, dealing with it...but, are you alright with it?
Even if your heart is heavy with certain sentiments, with a feeling you must stick to this or that, can you truly say it does not trouble you at all?
If you still can answer so easily with that hardened heart of yours, I ask:
Why must things remain the same? Why can't it change?
[ Though, they look back at Wolfwood, if only just to ask: ]
...And, really, of all the things you have to accept myself saying - it's being a downer?
Would ya rather I hold onto a possibility that doesn’t exist?
[ with each new question that void archives asks him, the more frustrated wolfwood becomes with them. half because he wishes that they would drop it and the other half that he hates how it’s them trying to something incredibly human. wolfwood had called them out for being unable to understand his sentiments weeks earlier but this? this kind of behavior—a sort of bargaining—isn’t what something that lacks humanity could do. this isn’t the same kind of clinical approach to resolve problems.
perhaps that’s why his frustrations peaks and he something finally snaps within him as he exposes himself more than he’d ever feel comfortable with if he weren’t already laying in his deathbed. the expression on his face as he turns to void archives that of a man who is equal parts desperate and resigned. ]
Of course I’m not okay with any of it. [ wolfwood runs his (good) hand through his hair as he lets out a noise that’s halfway between a yell and a sigh. his tone low and hostile in a way that it hasn’t been any time before. behind his words, though, is also a man who is fighting against dissolving into some embarrassing level of hysterics. ] I finally figure all this shit out but in the end what does it buy us?
[ weeks? months? years? (it'll never be enough.) ]
If it all works out the way that ya want it to—even if ya performed a miracle on my body and fixed everythin’—I’m a human. [ wolfwood makes sure that his words are as firm as they can be. there will be no negotiation about this due to some sort of loophole that void archives knows of. he has been stubborn about plenty but this is off the table. ] I want to be human.
[ because for as long as wolfwood’s had the body that he currently has, he has never really felt as though he was human. this body wasn’t created out of kindness; it was created to kill people. designed, tested, and purposefully made to make him as perfect as he could be to be a tool for killing. for years he has only seen himself as a monster—a monster irredeemable of the crimes that he has committed.
if could retain any kind of agency of his body, then let it be this. let him be able to consider himself a human at the very end. of course, though, there is a huge drawback to it all. wolfwood’s body sags with an exasperated sigh and entirely empty laugh. ]
…but humans don’t live as long as PLANTS, and who knows how long he’ll end up livin’ bein’ a special kind of PLANT.
[ the next time wolfwood speaks, there’s a rawness to it; how he doesn’t even bother to try to hide how deeply he doesn’t want this. the battle between desperately wishing for something has only left him resigned with the inevitable. ]
Vash’ll have to figure out how to live without me sooner or later. [ he chuckles and shakes his head, but it’s a pathetic attempt to claw back his composure—the indifference. ] I almost wish that he would forget about me, but there’s no way that’d happen. He’ll remember me until the very end.
[ Void Archives has been in a strange position where they often didn't understand others; where they were too logical or flat out too uncaring to seek that sort of understanding. Or they really just simply lacked the ability to have it - being truly just too inhuman in the sense of distance to grasp it properly. Even now, they doubt that they could truly show a level of such that would indicate the expected norms or whatnot.
But, they...have taken some things said to them at heart. They haven't had much interaction with people beyond a short number because they spent over an unfathomable count of years away from others. They also had wanted to change - they'll always be who they are, yet the changes that matter reflect this unfortunate clash the two are having right now.
...In some ways, one can say that things haven't changed in that regard. Though, they pause, still confused at Wolfwood implying he wouldn't want to hold onto something that didn't exist to talking about wanting to remain human, and then Vash's state as a plant (is this...the first time they heard Wolfwood say his name properly? Strange.) They suppose Vash was born from the earth, then? No, more importantly... ]
Do realize that I wouldn't bother to 'use' a 'miracle' on you.
[ Their words are sharper as they say this, looking straight at Wolfwood, who is frustrated - angry with their attempt to approach this...at a well, not exactly cold manner.
It's sentimentality. They know it. But, unlike in that previous week where they were lost in their own emotions and didn't understand them well enough to say the least of Wolfwood's, they don't bother to stumble in it. ]
I already know of what would exist as such, and you never seemed like the type of individual inclined to accept such things. Hmph, I know that well enough because of just how you act when it comes to accepting help.
Yet...I wondered if this might be different.
Such to the point that I'll also say that I'm not looking to make you immortal, or inhuman. You said your lifespan was much shorter than a normal human's. I just presumed if it could be so that you had a normal lifespan...that your life as one wouldn't be so unfairly short. A "reversal" of at least that affliction with that short lifespan would mean that, in my opinion.
Yes, it would still end up as Vash living without you as you have said. But, with more time, you would have the chance to make more memories. Even ten more years makes the difference of a lifetime. Even if he is some sort of PLANT or inhuman being.
[ They pause, and even if Wolfwood remains angry with them. Even if he decides to put that indifference fully on as a complete mask or earnest feeling to shun out whatever they have to say, or otherwise finds fault with whatever they say... ]
Perhaps you had decided that things would take their natural course. Though, do also remember you had said you weren't fine with it as it is, and I sensed the implication you had not been, either.
However, I do know I simply can't force you. But even knowing this, I see no reason to regret offering you this - to telling you that there is a chance in the first place.
Better to try to do what I can rather than simply accepting that you're bound to die soon, hm? After all, why should I have been resigned to it just because you are?
[ void archives clarifying that there are no plans of turning him into anything other than himself is a nice one. at least, he’d have that level of agency allowed to him. however, as they continue to state their side of things, wolfwood feels himself at ends with himself. before him is something that he would want for himself so badly, but what good would it do?
everything yet also nothing would change. ]
Whether I get one more day, a thousand days, or even ten thousand days with him…
[ he would find himself wanting more. he would find himself wishing he could give vash more—to give him centuries worth of happy memories that would replace the ones of pain. (…even though he knows that vash would never want to forget those either.)
whether he spent those days with vash or if he spent them in other ways where wasn’t being forced to do something he had no desire to, it wouldn’t be enough. but that’s fate of wanting to live as a human. it’s a bit cruel to present the idea of time to someone who has never had any of it, or to float the idea of happiness with someone who has only experienced it in handfuls. ]
The more time ya spend with somethin'—with someone—the more attached ya become. The more it’ll hurt once they’re gone. [ sure, they were talking about vash here, but this is truth for anyone half decent which, unfortunately, wolfwood needs to make sure to point out. because even if they’re not sentimental, they can understand the truth that time spent with something does mean that there is, typically, some sort of level of attachment.
good, bad, indifferent… even for people who live so lightly that they barely make any impressions—that presence will be missed. ] Unless yer beyond messed up in the head.
[ still, wolfwood is not going to discredit every point that they’re making and he’s aware of just how selfish of him that all of this sounds, but who is he but a man who would face the worse of things rather than willingly accept the promise of something sweeter? it would be unfair to deny others, not just vash, the time to create new memories with him. however, to even that opportunity requires him to put himself through quite a bit first. ]
It’d be nice if I could leave him with a few better memories of me to remember but it’s also more for him to miss.
[ They hear Wolfwood begin to talk, to continue to explain away differently now, why he wouldn't take such a thing. It's hard, listening to every word coming out of his mouth, because this isn't just about the man finding his own happiness. This is isn't just about him spending more time with Vash. Nor is it just about him deciding to simply be a bit more selfish for once.
This is, in another part, about how in the future, how long Wolfwood would have to live for them to continue to cross paths again. So, as he continues to frame this in terms of how many days he has to live with Vash, Void Archives' expression just looks pained. They don't make a lot of close bonds - it is just the nature of who or what they are.
They will live for an eternity, so that eventually most of the humans here will pass away before Void Archives will realize it themselves.
When he mentions the portion about attachment, that hurts even more. ]
...It doesn't have to be that way. Even if it would be more memories to miss...for someone who lives longer, wouldn't it be better for it to be more?
[ They have no logical argument. They offered all of that up, and they just look down, feeling defeated. ]
I can't help but feel - and know - it doesn't have to be that way.
I wish you, of all people, would consider that.
[ They're attached too. If Wolfwood had more than vaguely said so, had pointed it out now, like he did in the fourth week, they would admit it shamelessly. It's a complicated, complex web of friendship - of attachment that is far away from the scope of Wolfwood and Vash's - but it is one that Void Archives has come to cherish immensely. And as a long-lived individual, they know that they would want a few more years on a friend than not - so wouldn't Vash feel the same? ]
[ the pained expression on their face as wolfwood recontextualizes things for them makes him wonder just what sort of thing is he making them think about this time? wolfwood’s not ignorant that much of what they stand on opposite sides of an argument with deal with how they can’t quite understand things from wolfwood’s angle, and the moment that they realize that, they become upset. sometimes it’s anger, sometimes it’s frustration, and sometimes it’s like this.
he hears what they have to say and there’s a saying that he has overheard a few times but will never put to words himself: “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. honestly, it seemed to be one of the functioning principles that vash lived by. …to his detriment.
perhaps that’s why wolfwood is particularly cruel when he turns the scenario back on void archives. they’ve spoken to great lengths of the value of having more time with vash and how important it was. but they have a perspective that wolfwood doesn’t have. he knows there’s an end to his life. ]
Yer the expert in what’s good for someone who doesn’t have a known end to their lifespan. I just know that I’ve seen him cry over people who have died long before I was born. Every face he meets and every name he learns—he’ll remember.
[ and because of that, wolfwood has seen how lightly vash can live around certain people. how badly he wants to get close to people but is afraid on it because of how brief their lives are compared to his. oh if only wolfwood could have been subjected to that treatment instead of being clung to with desperate fingers after being unable to push him away. ]
How many memories can one human give someone who could live for thousands of years for it to be enough? [ a completely unfair question to ask of them and wolfwood takes it back. ] Don’t bother answerin’ that. Whatever it is, it isn’t enough.
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[ don't think that they're going to get away with that mumble. it's just that whatever is happening there in their head is something that wolfwood will allow them to ruminate on while they address the shard that he had so delightfully pointed out. obviously he hadn't been entirely earnest about calling these scenarios "right" by any means, but it's hard for wolfwood to see the plant-life and wonder how much work went into achieving it. ]
...and I suppose it depends on who yer askin'; I'm sure that the egg-guy would find all of this to be perfect and to his plan. [ he says with a laugh but quickly sobers up when he addresses the "someone" who is missing. there's no point in hiding it. it's impossible to hide it even if wolfwood would have wanted to. ] But yeah; he's missin'.
[ wolfwood tries to keep his tone even as he detaches himself from the weight of his emotions of seeing his world absent of one person. it's ridiculous that he should feel this way over a single person. no single person should have this level of an impact but a constant across all the shards can't be ignored. not even an idiot would be able to miss, how in every shard reflecting his world fallen to eggman's control, the absence of a humanoid typhoon. ]
He's missin' in all of them.
[ because of course he would be. how else could you explain how his world would have fallen to eggman's control in the first place? he would die before allowing someone like eggman have his way; he would never run from this. wolfwood doesn't need to be shown the grave of his best friend to know that he died in all of these shards. however, you know who isn't missing from all of the shards, though? wolfwood. ]
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[ Whatever the case, they're taking a moment to gaze intently again on the shard, to see if there are other elements that they may have missed.
Though, they do think that a better end would be one where Eggman himself isn't standing at all anywhere in the picture. But, that's the point to drive it home for him or any single one of them for him to be there at all in any single one of those visions. Whatever the case, they wouldn't be surprised that it troubles Wolfwood greatly - he has made no secret how important Vash is to him, after all. They just hadn't expected to hear that he's not present in any single one, and the way he sums it up... ]
How surprising. I would have thought that he'd have persisted in at least one. Even if these are meant to show elements of failure in a world.
[ And Wolfwood himself is there in them. So, wouldn't it make sense that Vash would have survived with him even in a world full of failure, bright as it is? Perhaps they're overthinking this matter again, but being what they are, that is common. ]
Could it be that he would be that much of a wall in such a foolish man's plans? That he could not be allowed to live in any such alternate world? Though, even so...I see you here, and I don't see you as someone who would easily bend to the will of such a man. But, then again, if these are aimed to bring pain, then perhaps all the logistics don't matter, hm? It is made to show to such a great extent how unfortunate such a failure could be, with his loss as a consequence in all of them.
...Not that I can imagine any single one of us allowing such instances to pass.
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maybe one day. ]
There's no way that the egg-guy would be able to carry out any of his plans if the needle-noggin' was still alive. He would put up a fight until the very end. [ while wolfwood's voice carries a level of fondness the presence of his annoyance can't go ignored. it wouldn't be the first time that wolfwood's referenced his distaste for how quickly vash will give up his life in exchange for another and it won't be the last time. ] He puts his life on the line for far less.
[ however, when void archives speaks highly of all their character, his in particular, wolfwood can't help but find the words to be cutting. after all of this time, no part of wolfwood thinks that they said that with ill-intentions. it's just another example of the person that wolfwood is at his very core—the lengths he will go for those who he cherishes. ]
And sorry to ruin yer opinion of me. [ a humorless and bitter laugh. ] If I'm alive in these shards then it's either because I thought it was the only way to protect what's important to me or by the shitty grace of that idiot.
[ because no matter what wolfwood did or did not do, vash would always see him as person far kinder than he was. ]
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Though, they make a snort at the sound of Wolfwood calling 'Eggman' 'egg-guy'. Yeah, you know, that fool of a man deserves such a nickname. They keep in mind to call him that whenever they ever see him again; the reaction should be exceedingly hilarious. ]
Hmm...so he wouldn't accept that kind of tyranny, no matter what.
[ But you would, is the immediate implication of such words before they realize it. Which makes them give pause. To consider how Wolfwood immediately goes ahead in bringing himself down in a heartbeat. At this, they fold their arms. They wonder if he will find their words surprising, in light of such admissions. ]
Do I have any right to judge you for self-preservation...? Ah, well, I suppose I always could for fun. [ An inappropriately light-hearted comment. ] But, the joy I would partake in that would be incredibly minimal. Now, whether or not you are the type to do whatever you can to survive for your own sake, or others, whyever would I suddenly change my mind on your character? I won't sing praises, but even I know it's only human to be that level of selfish.
And to that, I ask:
What is wrong with that?
[ It's not the first time Void Archives has said such things; it all actually started in Week four, and even before that. They see nothing wrong with continuing tradition. ]
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[ void archives said it themselves—humans are selfish. it only matters when it impacts them. the next words out of wolfwood’s mouth come out practiced. he is simply just repeating something he has heard verses what he believes. ]
"No one has the right to decide who lives and who dies." "All life is precious."
[ wolfwood’s confident that void archives must have heard these before in their long life but when he says it, the only voice he can hear speaking to him is vash’s. words harshly thrown his way while they were in the trenches of a heated argument (fists thrown and bruises on their skin) and spoken softly as they mourn in their separate ways (two sets of hands offering prayers under two different religious practices).
as wolfwood continues speaking, he does it with a level of ease and familiarity that’s reflective of just how many times that it has come up with him. truly, how many times has he said these very words to others who have tried to put themselves up any higher than where he stood? ]
Yet everyone's just doin’ what they need to in order to survive; anyone who thinks that they're above that is just lyin' to themselves. Something needs to die for something else to live.
Ya can't have it both ways, but it doesn't mean others won't try to judge ya for it.
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Aw, what a pity whenever it does impact other humans. I don't see a problem with it.
[ They don't bother to hold back rolling their eyes at 'all life is precious'; Welt's definitely taken them to task on the issue before, but for some reason they doubt Wolfwood's the type of person to spout this sort of thing as himself as the original source. Or maybe they just think it's ridiculous he brought it up now. Take your pick. ]
What a pity that the universe simply holds up this one rule.
Either way, people decide who get to live or die each and every day, so even if anyone protested about what is right or whatnot, I do wonder if that would change anything?
The same goes for that comment about how 'every life so happens to be precious'. Though, that sounds less like something you would convey in so many words yourself. Perhaps not impossible, but it seems a bit soft for someone like yourself.
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nevertheless, wolfwood continues down this path of familiar ground that he is, quite frankly, not fit to do. …or, maybe, it was his job to do this as one of his most devout followers. a shitty priest who has lost his way only to find himself walking with a god who wants nothing but to be among the people. the irony of the two of them. wolfwood looks to another shard before responding—this time neither he or vash are in it. ]
It’s one of the things that Blondie loved to preach. He believes in a world made up of love and peace—that everyone can come to an understanding if we just try.
[ void archives is certainly free to scoff at all of that; wolfwood sure did—sure has. ]
I’ve told ya before, haven’t I? That idiot would rather let himself get killed than kill someone else. [ that’s why wolfwood does it for him. ] He has seen the worse of humanity and still hasn’t changed his tune. My entire planet wants him dead and that’s how he responds to it.
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Admittedly, the only reason they lend an ear to whenever they have been lectured on this topic in particular is because they do so happen to have some level of care about the other individual. A world of love and peace, though...they wrinkle their nose just hearing that level of naivety; surprisingly, not out of dislike. Rather, the second part of the sentence is bringing back a memory of a conversation with a certain someone once more. ]
Welt Yang believed the same. The same kind of idiotic belief that would never come to fruition. But...
If it were possible to change the minds of such people, it would have been done long before either one of us crossed paths with those kinds of rare individuals. Exceptions to the rule. Yes, while I can't say I will truly understand such pathetic sentiments, I do wonder if it is not natural for some to consider them?
You have indeed told me at length about this fool of yours. Thus, it's hardly surprising to hear such words reiterated to myself...and that he dares to see the brighter side of such beings. Even if they would wish him dead - though, I too understand that my friend has felt such contemptible feelings from humanity before. Yet, not a single bone of hatred for any single one of them exists.
[ Their tone seems to slip back into something like amusement - tinged with understanding, but consistent in some form of detachment. Or perhaps, something resembling that. Their eyes then finally fall upon the crystal where neither Wolfwood or Vash exist. ]
Whatever the case, I did ask and you so told me.
However...should we really leave it at that?
Humanity is two sides of a single coin. I have always known that it is filled with folly, and foolishness. That humans are weak, and struggle at times for naught. Pitiful creatures that exist to suffer, and grant suffering unto others in turn.
But, have I told you this?
For all that I feel humanity has wronged me, I can't abhor them. My creator's actions dictated that eventually that should be the case, and as much as they tried to impress upon me in my programming, I can't feel unrelenting devotion to them as a collective.
Yet, the concordant and somehow paradoxical nature of humanity as it flourishes is breathtaking. The true execution of free will; the weak kindness within them that may leverage it as strength of will when one struggles against the indignities of cruelty. The few who strike out as their own selves, rebelling whatever box society scorns or wishes them to be squandered in.
Perhaps, that is why I can understand why he and dear Welt love humanity so. Because humanity is fascinating, and for all of its faults, there is more to it than meets the eye.
...Though, do not mistake me. I have no intentions of repeating such near potential sentimental trash once again.
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Ya might have said somethin’ like that when we first met but I honestly would have thought it bein’ nothing but bullshit. Hearin’ ya tell me all of that now—I’m not as surprised.
[ it’s a shame that he doesn’t know what welt looks like but the person that wolfwood imagines as a placeholder is decidedly not blond. he has limits. there is absolutely no more room for any more blonds in his life. any other blond he meets needs to have their hair color changed. ]
But I feel like yer friend Welt and my Needle-Noggin’ might get along if they have that much in common with one another. [ wolfwood trails off not because of losing his train of thought but that he realizes the slip of his tongue. “my”? he has referred to vash as “his pal” before but the circumstance and implications were different. it was innocuous then; now, however, he can’t say the same. misstep aside, wolfwood picks off where he left off. ] …if there was gonna be any kind hope for a world they want, there needs to be a lot of change first. It’s not impossible.
[ "nothing is ever impossible. you can’t just give up without trying." ]
However, as long as there are people who are sufferin’ from things as basic as not havin’ anythin’ to eat, what’s the point in killin’ yerself over it? [ the cynic within wolfwood shining through despite how he hears vash’s rebuttal to every claim he makes. “all it takes is giving them a chance.” ] Even, somehow, enough of people’s problems were settled, humans don’t change overnight.
[ more importantly: ]
I’d never live long enough to see the world he believes in.
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Also, fortunately, the placeholder is correct. Though, speaking of placeholders and whatnot, the blond is going to raise a brow when Wolfwood's talking about Vash, using that term of endearment. ]
'Your Needle-Noggin', hm? I see, I see...I'm not surprised to hear you refer to him as such!
[ They slip this one in with a grin, and then give proper attention to the rest of the man's words. ]
Truthfully, I can't quite imagine it myself. Though I have no doubts that improvement isn't impossible - to the extent that either of them want, it truly is going to practically take a millennia. Probably more.
[ A moment of pause as Void Archives seems to give this comment something like a bit of idle thought. It sounds reasonable to them, especially as they know from talks that Vash has a...bit of a lifespan, let's put it that way. ]
Ah, is that why you have said what you have? An individual like you would have a normal human's lifespan, correct? By the time everything has been changed as the man wishes for it to be, would it not already be reasonable past a human's timeframe of persisting?
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Don’t read into it too deeply ya lightbulb. Ya know what I meant when I said that.
[ he would almost go as far as to tell them to stop grinning at him but that’d just make things even worse, so he’ll suffer through it. besides, where the conversation leads to will likely sober the two of them up, especially with how void archives brings up the matter of wolfwood’s lifespan. a humorless laugh escapes him for that as he mutters to himself. ]
As long as there’s a possibility…it’s worth doin’. [ he shakes his head and speaks up more clearly this time. there’s a flatness and almost bitterness to wolfwood’s voice as he does. ] Depending on what yer idea of what a “normal” human lifespan is but yeah. He has already waited over a century to see if humanity will change, and I can only imagine how disappointin’ that must have been.
[ yet he keeps believing. the path he walks is a lonely one, but never once has he ever complained about it. ... ...hmm? wolfwood replays some of what goes on in his head ends up chuckling again, this time with a touch of actual humor. ]
Seems like our situations are reversed. If that Welt guy manages somethin’, ya’d be around to see it, but he won’t, and if my world ends up pullin’ somethin’ off then it’ll just be Blondie.
[ wolfwood's aware that void archives is old and the number is hardly important to him; what he’s confirming for them is that, yeah. vash's lifespan is much longer than his. it's a complete unknown. he has an idea of how old vash is, but no one knows how long vash will live. how many centuries is he allowed? how many millennia… ]
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But, whenever subjects or things appear for everyone else to waltz past, Void Archives purposes digs their talons in to try to rip the elephant in the room gracelessly out from where its situated in the corner. And then plan it straight in plain sight.
Though, this is just being a tease about his entanglement with Vash and so they merely laugh when they are called a lightbulb. But, since the subject's shifting, they 'mercifully' let it go. ]
What do you mean that it depends on what my idea of a normal human lifespan is? By my estimation it is usually around 100 years or so. Is that your projected life expectancy, or are you going for something far lower or higher?
As for him waiting around a century already...hah, it takes more than that to change humanity as a whole. He will certainly be waiting longer, if he can hold the faith.
[ Though, they don't think it will happen! That being said, when Wolfwood mentions about Welt, their expression turns thoughtful. ]
It seems like the case, doesn't it? But, there is one little important detail that I must point out.
Dear Welt's situation is complicated. As he is a Herrscher, he may live to see the fruits of his labor. After all, I am inhuman, it is true, and will live forever. Though, Welt can easily live a long time if he is willing, and he continues to handle his powers well. Otherwise, the opposite will be true.
[ It's kind of up in the air because Welt is still grappling with his powers, but technically at this point he too is a functional immortal? Yet, there are drawbacks to him using those powers, so it can go either way with ease.
So, in essence, Welt's situation is more in line with Vash's 'no one knows how long he will live', while Void Archives' is confirmed. ]
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Try lower. Much lower.
[ god… wolfwood can’t imagine living to half that age. hell, if he made it to his fifties then he would have considered himself one of god’s favorites. if his planet didn’t end up chewing him up and spitting him out, then there was the whole matter of everything that happened to him to create the person he is now. wolfwood’s life has always and will continue to be running against the clock.
hatefully it seems like he is the only one who has a definite time limit attached to his chest after he hears void archives clarify welt’s situation. …just as well. he is just a man among gods and beings of power beyond anything that he would want. ]
Yer “Dear Welt” [ because wolfwood doesn’t know if it was intentional or not, and if it wasn’t then he’s going to get in a free jab of his own. ] can live a long life but what are the odds that he will? If he’s half the self-sacrificial idiot that Spikey is then it probably doesn’t look too good for him.
…unless his martyr complex isn’t as bad and knows when to call it quits. Y’know, that knows better than to try to save every life whether it’s worth savin’ or not.
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Though, they're arching an eyebrow when he mentions that his lifespan is far lower - which is not exactly what they expected to hear, but it does add further context to that conversation they shared back in the fourth week. Which, well, had its fair share of ups and downs. They prefer to think of that week as little as possible, though. Not much good happened for them then. Yet, this is not anywhere near good news either, and they can't quite ignore it, either. ]
Are you unwell? Is that why your life expectancy is so short?
[ Asked so bluntly and without finesse... ]
Yes, that's right, Dear Welt certainly can. [ 'My dear Welt', is something they are fine with saying no matter who they around, so when Wolfwood tries to get in a jab, they just look unrepentantly amused. People that are close to them get titles or terms of endearment. ] Unfortunately, you are also correct that he's simply as self-sacrificial as you imagine. He's "died" more than a handful of times - or better yet has been in states where he should have been truly "dead" than not, already.
Some might even say it's simply a matter of time.
[ Notice that Void Archives avoids saying exactly that and is kind of skirting around the question of 'what are the odds' in a way, but also answering it by giving it. Because apparently they are not counting themselves as 'some'. ]
I am afraid, though, just as this "Spikey" is in devotion to the martyr complex, the one I know well is just the same for the most part. Though, I do believe he has his limits - if the life, for example, is threatening the existence of others, he knows very well to extinguish it. No matter who or what it is; no matter their background...if they are so evil, if they harm others with cruelty in their hearts, he will act accordingly. I wonder if yours would have such limits?
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My neat trick of being able to heal unreasonably fast came with a few nasty side effects even if I don’t take advantage of it.
[ despite the obviousness of it, no one is any wiser because no one here has bothered to ask. it isn’t all that important, after all. the failed opportunity to get some petty revenge on them about the endearment has wolfwood scrunching his face (though it is still telling in its own way). however, the way that they say so much while avoiding answering wolfwood’s very simple question truly says it all. ]
They’re really two peas in a pod. Well, mostly the same pod. Needle-Noggin’ doesn’t have the same limits as yer Welt does. When I say that he’d rather die than harm another person then that’s what I mean. It doesn’t matter who they are, what they’re doin', or what they’ve done—he’d never kill them.
“No one has the right to decide who lives or dies.”
[ it would do wolfwood good to leave it here and say nothing else, however, it feels a bit wrong. void archives had given examples of just how stubborn (reckless) welt is with his beliefs and nothing wolfwood has said is anything new… he just knows that he needs to prepare himself for their reaction to what he’s about to share because he could already see how poorly it’s going to go. just—in what direction will it go? after everything that they’ve talked about… ]
I offered my life to him. [ wolfwood says simply. he continues before void archives has a chance to interject: ] —to be the blood on his hands and make it easier for him to pull the trigger when his resolve gets pushed its limits.
[ because they both know that there’s no way that vash could live his entire life, however long that will end up being, without having his resolve pushed to its absolute limits. wolfwood knows that there will be a moment where vash will be backed into a corner and be forced to decide on what he’ll sacrifice to not take a life of another. what will he lose in order to stay true to his beliefs. he doesn’t know when or where or even if he’ll be there to witness it; he just knows it will happen. wolfwood chuckles half-heartedly to himself as he shakes his head. ]
Given how I’m still standin’ here, ya can guess how that went down.
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One of those 'nasty side effects' means the shortening of one's life. Void Archives muses most people wouldn't have accepted that - but then again, Wolfwood hasn't had anything he can do but accept it. So, maybe it isn't too surprising.
Still, they don't like it. ]
There could be a way to reverse it. Ever thought of it?
[ Back to the 'dancing around answers', yes their answer regarding the general consensus about Welt's potential lifespan is one of those few intentional moments. ]
...Hah, that self-sacrificial person truly meant 'no one'. It sounds quite inconvenient. Whether or not you're used to it by now.
Whatever the case, he's fortunate you are so devoted. I wonder what he'd do, if he was unable to do anything about people who certainly would be better off eliminated for the obvious reasons. Or rather, if he had no one to do anything about it.
Individuals like that can usually only move forward with them being the ones to do the dirty work, so to speak.
[ Void Archives wonders if that is not just cowardice at that point, though. But, if Wolfwood is offering, then he must have accepted that a long time ago. To pledge his every being to Vash...no wonder the man is practically his whole world - his whole universe. Making such a declaration means the two connected well.
They haven't exactly done anything like that; not in the slightest. ]
Either way, I'd say it went down well enough if you are still alive, no? If that is what you mean?
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[ there's plenty that void archives is saying that sounds familiar to the things that wolfwood has thought himself. things that he has mentioned himself that they're finally fully understanding on their own. wolfwood's burden. the reason why something like a happy ending for the two of them is nearly impossible. and so many other things... wolfwood snorts fairly loudly when they call him out for being "devoted". yeah.
entirely devoted to a man who he led to a trap, then saved, and should have killed (or let die) multiple times over if he wanted to be free from the burden he carries. it's the best word to describe him but also one that he hates. still he doesn't want them to think that vash barely got along before him. ]
Don't make it sound as though he's entirely dependent on me. He has spent plenty of time alone.
[ how were those days spent alone? that's something wolfwood doesn't know, but he has an idea. ...and the image he paints for himself isn't a pleasant one. again, though, wolfwood finds himself scoffing at void archives' words. ]
But well enough for who? Me or him? [ because only wolfwood would consider being alive as a bad thing. ] I'm alive, but he hasn't been forced to make that tough decision yet.
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There could be a way to not...do all of that. Not everything is as hopeless as it appears just because you have had a terrible amount of experiences.
[ Void Archives does have hopes, yeah. The Abyss Flower has been used to slow aging/other aspects without all of that surgical intervention, so theoretically if they regain access to their mimicry ability, this is not an impossibility.
Look man, they will help a friend out so he doesn't die before he achieves marital bliss with his plant boyfriend. ]
Hmph, as for your Needle Noggin, I wonder if I was ever supposed to think anything else? The man may have spent time alone, but those who associate with others tend to change, and he may be able to function without you, however...
I sincerely doubt he will be able to cope very well with you permanently out of his life. At least, that is what I suspect, given the impressions I have gotten thus far. But, do feel free to tell me if I was wrong~?
[ Void Archives does impart another little insufferable smirk at the question - though this time it isn't exactly for the sake of smugness. ]
It's 'well enough' for the both of you, for now.
And maybe he hasn't been forced to make whatever decision he must, but must you be such a downer?
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Yer really hellbent on makin’ sure that everythin’ I tell ya is invalid, aren’t ya?
[ and thanks for the reminder of the very likely and very real situation that he and vash are going to find themselves in every scenario—optimistic or not. wolfwood will inevitably die long before vash and whatever impact he has made on him will need to be dealt with by him and him alone. this probably wasn’t the point that void archives was trying to make, but they sure did bring it to the table. so much for their glorious rebuttal. not that it matters too much as little will change about wolfwood’s overall attitude. ]
It wouldn’t be the first time that someone he knew died; ya can’t live as long as he has and not experience losin’ someone important. [ here is where he would name drop vash’s mother-figure but he doesn’t know her and never learned about her so that is definitely not happening. instead wolfwood will simply try to brush off the horrible side effects of understanding the depths of his feelings for vash. ] He’ll find a way to deal with it.
[ honestly, the fact that they call him a downer right after all of what they said before is something else. truly wolfwood is just going to end up in a certain kind of way with his thoughts after this. when he speaks, there is only a thin layer of sarcasm to his voice. ]
Me a downer? If that’s what ya think of me—fine. I’ll be a downer.
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So, maybe, Wolfwood had experienced some personal changes? But, it seems that they misjudged that, to the point where he said that they are the ones who are so 'hellbent' on 'making sure everything he's said is invalidated'. They huff as Wolfwood says the rest of his words, trying to sort out the rest of whatever they can say.
They...just really wanted to help...that's all. And, they don't want Wolfwood to die an early death. This feels even less complicated than before. But, perhaps it is still as much as before. ]
I didn't mean to suggest I was diminishing what you said before.
...Even if we spoke about such matters that were related to this subject, I didn't know the strict details of your situation. Still, I wouldn't say such things if I did not know a method.
So, can you tell me you have not considered it? I also wondered, if perhaps, you had changed in certain respects yourself? And truthfully, you say that your friend will be fine, dealing with it...but, are you alright with it?
Even if your heart is heavy with certain sentiments, with a feeling you must stick to this or that, can you truly say it does not trouble you at all?
If you still can answer so easily with that hardened heart of yours, I ask:
Why must things remain the same? Why can't it change?
[ Though, they look back at Wolfwood, if only just to ask: ]
...And, really, of all the things you have to accept myself saying - it's being a downer?
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[ with each new question that void archives asks him, the more frustrated wolfwood becomes with them. half because he wishes that they would drop it and the other half that he hates how it’s them trying to something incredibly human. wolfwood had called them out for being unable to understand his sentiments weeks earlier but this? this kind of behavior—a sort of bargaining—isn’t what something that lacks humanity could do. this isn’t the same kind of clinical approach to resolve problems.
perhaps that’s why his frustrations peaks and he something finally snaps within him as he exposes himself more than he’d ever feel comfortable with if he weren’t already laying in his deathbed. the expression on his face as he turns to void archives that of a man who is equal parts desperate and resigned. ]
Of course I’m not okay with any of it. [ wolfwood runs his (good) hand through his hair as he lets out a noise that’s halfway between a yell and a sigh. his tone low and hostile in a way that it hasn’t been any time before. behind his words, though, is also a man who is fighting against dissolving into some embarrassing level of hysterics. ] I finally figure all this shit out but in the end what does it buy us?
[ weeks? months? years? (it'll never be enough.) ]
If it all works out the way that ya want it to—even if ya performed a miracle on my body and fixed everythin’—I’m a human. [ wolfwood makes sure that his words are as firm as they can be. there will be no negotiation about this due to some sort of loophole that void archives knows of. he has been stubborn about plenty but this is off the table. ] I want to be human.
[ because for as long as wolfwood’s had the body that he currently has, he has never really felt as though he was human. this body wasn’t created out of kindness; it was created to kill people. designed, tested, and purposefully made to make him as perfect as he could be to be a tool for killing. for years he has only seen himself as a monster—a monster irredeemable of the crimes that he has committed.
if could retain any kind of agency of his body, then let it be this. let him be able to consider himself a human at the very end. of course, though, there is a huge drawback to it all. wolfwood’s body sags with an exasperated sigh and entirely empty laugh. ]
…but humans don’t live as long as PLANTS, and who knows how long he’ll end up livin’ bein’ a special kind of PLANT.
[ the next time wolfwood speaks, there’s a rawness to it; how he doesn’t even bother to try to hide how deeply he doesn’t want this. the battle between desperately wishing for something has only left him resigned with the inevitable. ]
Vash’ll have to figure out how to live without me sooner or later. [ he chuckles and shakes his head, but it’s a pathetic attempt to claw back his composure—the indifference. ] I almost wish that he would forget about me, but there’s no way that’d happen. He’ll remember me until the very end.
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But, they...have taken some things said to them at heart. They haven't had much interaction with people beyond a short number because they spent over an unfathomable count of years away from others. They also had wanted to change - they'll always be who they are, yet the changes that matter reflect this unfortunate clash the two are having right now.
...In some ways, one can say that things haven't changed in that regard. Though, they pause, still confused at Wolfwood implying he wouldn't want to hold onto something that didn't exist to talking about wanting to remain human, and then Vash's state as a plant (is this...the first time they heard Wolfwood say his name properly? Strange.) They suppose Vash was born from the earth, then? No, more importantly... ]
Do realize that I wouldn't bother to 'use' a 'miracle' on you.
[ Their words are sharper as they say this, looking straight at Wolfwood, who is frustrated - angry with their attempt to approach this...at a well, not exactly cold manner.
It's sentimentality. They know it. But, unlike in that previous week where they were lost in their own emotions and didn't understand them well enough to say the least of Wolfwood's, they don't bother to stumble in it. ]
I already know of what would exist as such, and you never seemed like the type of individual inclined to accept such things. Hmph, I know that well enough because of just how you act when it comes to accepting help.
Yet...I wondered if this might be different.
Such to the point that I'll also say that I'm not looking to make you immortal, or inhuman. You said your lifespan was much shorter than a normal human's. I just presumed if it could be so that you had a normal lifespan...that your life as one wouldn't be so unfairly short. A "reversal" of at least that affliction with that short lifespan would mean that, in my opinion.
Yes, it would still end up as Vash living without you as you have said. But, with more time, you would have the chance to make more memories. Even ten more years makes the difference of a lifetime. Even if he is some sort of PLANT or inhuman being.
[ They pause, and even if Wolfwood remains angry with them. Even if he decides to put that indifference fully on as a complete mask or earnest feeling to shun out whatever they have to say, or otherwise finds fault with whatever they say... ]
Perhaps you had decided that things would take their natural course. Though, do also remember you had said you weren't fine with it as it is, and I sensed the implication you had not been, either.
However, I do know I simply can't force you. But even knowing this, I see no reason to regret offering you this - to telling you that there is a chance in the first place.
Better to try to do what I can rather than simply accepting that you're bound to die soon, hm? After all, why should I have been resigned to it just because you are?
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everything yet also nothing would change. ]
Whether I get one more day, a thousand days, or even ten thousand days with him…
[ he would find himself wanting more. he would find himself wishing he could give vash more—to give him centuries worth of happy memories that would replace the ones of pain. (…even though he knows that vash would never want to forget those either.)
whether he spent those days with vash or if he spent them in other ways where wasn’t being forced to do something he had no desire to, it wouldn’t be enough. but that’s fate of wanting to live as a human. it’s a bit cruel to present the idea of time to someone who has never had any of it, or to float the idea of happiness with someone who has only experienced it in handfuls. ]
The more time ya spend with somethin'—with someone—the more attached ya become. The more it’ll hurt once they’re gone. [ sure, they were talking about vash here, but this is truth for anyone half decent which, unfortunately, wolfwood needs to make sure to point out. because even if they’re not sentimental, they can understand the truth that time spent with something does mean that there is, typically, some sort of level of attachment.
good, bad, indifferent… even for people who live so lightly that they barely make any impressions—that presence will be missed. ] Unless yer beyond messed up in the head.
[ still, wolfwood is not going to discredit every point that they’re making and he’s aware of just how selfish of him that all of this sounds, but who is he but a man who would face the worse of things rather than willingly accept the promise of something sweeter? it would be unfair to deny others, not just vash, the time to create new memories with him. however, to even that opportunity requires him to put himself through quite a bit first. ]
It’d be nice if I could leave him with a few better memories of me to remember but it’s also more for him to miss.
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This is, in another part, about how in the future, how long Wolfwood would have to live for them to continue to cross paths again. So, as he continues to frame this in terms of how many days he has to live with Vash, Void Archives' expression just looks pained. They don't make a lot of close bonds - it is just the nature of who or what they are.
They will live for an eternity, so that eventually most of the humans here will pass away before Void Archives will realize it themselves.
When he mentions the portion about attachment, that hurts even more. ]
...It doesn't have to be that way. Even if it would be more memories to miss...for someone who lives longer, wouldn't it be better for it to be more?
[ They have no logical argument. They offered all of that up, and they just look down, feeling defeated. ]
I can't help but feel - and know - it doesn't have to be that way.
I wish you, of all people, would consider that.
[ They're attached too. If Wolfwood had more than vaguely said so, had pointed it out now, like he did in the fourth week, they would admit it shamelessly. It's a complicated, complex web of friendship - of attachment that is far away from the scope of Wolfwood and Vash's - but it is one that Void Archives has come to cherish immensely. And as a long-lived individual, they know that they would want a few more years on a friend than not - so wouldn't Vash feel the same? ]
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he hears what they have to say and there’s a saying that he has overheard a few times but will never put to words himself: “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. honestly, it seemed to be one of the functioning principles that vash lived by. …to his detriment.
perhaps that’s why wolfwood is particularly cruel when he turns the scenario back on void archives. they’ve spoken to great lengths of the value of having more time with vash and how important it was. but they have a perspective that wolfwood doesn’t have. he knows there’s an end to his life. ]
Yer the expert in what’s good for someone who doesn’t have a known end to their lifespan. I just know that I’ve seen him cry over people who have died long before I was born. Every face he meets and every name he learns—he’ll remember.
[ and because of that, wolfwood has seen how lightly vash can live around certain people. how badly he wants to get close to people but is afraid on it because of how brief their lives are compared to his. oh if only wolfwood could have been subjected to that treatment instead of being clung to with desperate fingers after being unable to push him away. ]
How many memories can one human give someone who could live for thousands of years for it to be enough? [ a completely unfair question to ask of them and wolfwood takes it back. ] Don’t bother answerin’ that. Whatever it is, it isn’t enough.
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