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.
[ 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.
[ At least this time it's less loud than before - there's something like them making further realizations on the matter, and when they do disagree, they don't always want it to be with a flare of anger. It's just a little frightening realizing just how much little time is likely left, especially as time trickles down here in regards to the current mission that they have.
They hear him mention that Vash will remember each and every face.
So, really, isn't that even more of a reason...? They pause and try to think about this harder even if they can't seem to find a way to make this sound potentially palpable to Wolfwood. He might have considered his response cruel, but it's just making them go into further contemplation. They may have gotten a bit more stubborn.
Or...it's desperation. ]
Hmph, I won't be a coward - I'll answer your harsh question.
I will even say that maybe it isn't enough. 20, 30, 40...100 years.
Eventually those will be gone in a blink of an eye.
But, with more time, there happens to simply be more opportunities to look on for longer how many shared moments there are. The pain of the loss will still be great, and yet, what about the times filled with joy?
The bittersweet feeling of someone who passed will always remain with agony.
Though, at the same time, I can't help that it would feel worth it. That it could be enough. Not forever.
But, just for quite a long while after. Especially if there were mementos.
[ if void archives is thinking that answering wolfwood with something tangible supposed to help him, it doesn’t. he didn’t need the confirmation of his suspicions, but guess he was going to have it anyway. and, of course, all of the lengths of time that they shared with him are all beyond what wolfwood could promise. well, if things worked well enough for the two of them, he could see twenty years being possible by the slimmest margins.
and while wolfwood muses over his mortality, he half-listens to the rest of what they had to say to him. nothing of it really sounds any different to the conclusions that he could draw himself about what was before the two of them. but when they remind him about leaving behind a memento… that does seem pretty obvious, doesn’t it? it’s not as though it’s new concept to him; he has been to many funerals where all that was left behind were mementos.
it was just… ]
Memento?
[ what could he offer vash? punisher? …his cross? ]
[ They absolutely figure their words are going on deaf ears, but they are nothing if not persistent. So when they seem to hardly be doing much in that regard though seem to catch Wolfwood on a portion of it, they suddenly feel themselves spring a bit to life here.
It's...something. They don't have much time for there to be little things, but for now, they think maybe it is an aspect that can be worked with. For example, if they can convince him to create a number of mementos and he needs more time to create as many as possible for this Vash and whatnot.
They won't get too ahead of themselves, though. ]
Hmph. Not now you're not.
But, have you considered creating some? Or getting him some? Does he like jewelry?
[ out of all of the things that they have tried with wolfwood, this might be the most successful that they’ll be with him on their own because wolfwood will seriously consider the points they’re making. he'll even go as far as to ignore making a snide remark or roll his eyes when they huff at him for not having any mementos that immediately come to mind. the man has confessed to being a wanderer—as if he was someone who would carry with him more than what was necessary.
still, he mulls over the idea of leaving vash photos. it’s probably what anyone would think of leaving behind when it comes to mementos. photos are designed to capture moments in time to remember for later, after all. however, as easy as it would be to do something like that— ]
Photos fade after a while, don’t they?
[ wolfwood carefully revisits the concept of jewelry. metal is much better at withstanding the passage of time. though he has never bothered to ask if vash liked jewelry or not—what reason would he have to ask vash that to begin with? wolfwood is a bit distracted as he continues. ]
He wears an earring. Just one.
[ on his left side. not that matters much to the conversation but— ]
‘nd the guy is missin’ most of his left arm. He has a pretty fancy prosthetic to make up for it. Ya could barely tell that it isn’t natural.
[ They can work with this indeed. There's still enough time to frame this in a way that will eventually lead up to more items in particular, though they would hope that it is quite a good number of things in all. Void Archives goes quiet right away when he mentions that photos happen to fade after awhile. Yes, that's true, but maybe something can be done about that.
There's not exactly a Divine Key for preservation of an object - although there is for preservation of a number of bodies to help prolong a civilization in an emergency. But, this seems kind of extremely for a bunch of photos - plus there is no guarantee it would work on such inorganic matter.
Still, they feel that photos may be the best bet here...if there is a way to make it convenient.
Ah, wait... ]
Yes. Though, there could be a way around it.
Such as if they were able to be accessed on a digital platform - one that was sturdy and protected against forms of easy damage or data loss and corruption.
[ Hmm...maybe they could assemble something with their own knowledge at the helm and fortify it themselves. But, as for other considerations...? ]
Is he the type to be partial to bracelets, then? If he has a prosthetic that looks just as real as any other arm, it can be worn there or on his normal one as well?
[ as much as the idea of providing images recorded by digital means to vash to remember him (and whoever else) is a logical choice and probably something available to vash already due to his familiarity with “lost technology”, wolfwood isn’t sure if that’s something that suits him. if it’s a memento left from him, shouldn’t it remind vash of him whenever he looked at it? as reasonable as void archives’ suggestion ends up looking, wolfwood doesn’t spend much time on it.
instead and obviously, he’ll mull over the idea of giving vash a bracelet. that feels slightly more like him. at least, it could be something he would gift to someone. …has gifted to someone (when he was much younger). though he still finds himself furrowing his eyebrows as he thinks though the first question they asked him. ]
No idea.
I haven’t seen him been given anythin’ that didn’t serve some other purpose than keepin’ him safe or for defendin’ himself.
[ which is kind of sad if you think about it. the only things that vash has of people—that he carries with him—are the scars on his skin, the clothes on his back, and the weapons that he carries with him. wolfwood continuing to frown the longer he spends with this. ]
He might like all of that stuff for all I know. [ …would he? truthfully, wolfwood suspects that vash may cherish anything that was given to him. of course, it would mean that vash was around long enough to allow that to happen. ] Idiot probably doesn’t own any of that because he can’t trust himself to not losin’ it whenever he finds himself getting’ into trouble.
[ Void Archives doesn't even have an iota that Vash would be familiar with such technology but has just been assuming he'd have acclimated to it just fine and that's just hilarious, honestly. Though, that being said...Wolfwood painting a picture that the man doesn't own any personal items beyond necessities is not too strange, initially. They don't own much themselves, considering.
Yet, that is how they know it is odd after further consideration. They should receive so many expressions of gratitude, really. They are helping.
But, as they consider whether or not it'd be ultimately practical, or finding some way to incorporate it in some other manner, Wolfwood himself seems to be giving it some thought. There's not really much to confirm which one would be better.
Though...
Both so happens to be an option as well, right? Why just one or the other? But, getting a bracelet would be more of a matter of considering what type. So maybe that one can be solved far more quickly for sure. ]
Hmm. Well, if there was a way to be certain to have a gift stick to him without losing it with ease, I'm sure he'd be amenable to it.
For example, with a bracelet, it's easy to wear, and hard to lose under most circumstances, considering the type of item it is. The other option - well, there can be a creative method to arrange the same, but we can come back to that.
What color is his earring? Does he have any particular liking for any kinds of gems? Colors?
[ and as much as wolfwood would like to get a better explanation out of void archives about what they meant by that, it’s much easier to answer the question that he knows. …even if a part of him wants to tell void archives that they saw vash—an illusion of him but vash nevertheless. ]
Uh, his earring is gold, and I just said that I don’t have any idea of what kind of preferences he could have with gems and all of that.
[ despite saying this wolfwood is going to divide some of his attention to think about what kind of gems could like. …not that wolfwood has a wide knowledge of the different kind of gems out there and the colors, shapes, and sizes that they can all come in. he was but a modest orphan before he was taken away to be transformed into a ruthless murderer. with the limited knowledge that he does have, though, he starts to wonder if this might be too much…
sure he’s entertaining the idea of leaving vash a memento but why does it seem like this might lead to something more than just that. especially when he thinks about how a bracelet still might be too cumbersome and run the risk of being destroyed. ]
I’m not sure if it’s his favorite color, but he looks good in red. I’ve only ever really seen him wearin’ that red coat, so I’d guess he’s a fan of the color.
[ this is where wolfwood would go on and further elaborate that vash had a soft spot for geraniums if it was knowledge that he knew. unfortunately, he doesn’t know vash’s connection with the flower so he’s just going to think about the idea of getting vash a bracelet. …or maybe something else..? ]
[ And here they thought Wolfwood was just being shy about the preferences thing...but, alright! Gold.
They can work with that, because that color and metal looks good with a lot of things, really. They should know - and that makes them suddenly all the more confident. As if they were anything but right about now, with the way they're plowing through this.
'He looks good in red', though, huh...they let out an amused huff, hearing that. ]
But, I understand now.
A good-sized gold bracelet inlaid with a small, singular garnet, perhaps. Or it could just simply be rose-gold to have that added flare of subtle red without dealing with a small gem.
Does that sound reasonable? I imagine such an item can be treated to make it quite durable as well, hm? Unless there's anything else that comes to mind?
[ So that's an in-depth suggestion out there in the wild as of now. Alongside whatever else Wolfwood may be thinking (?) and Void Archives' other idea still for the photos option. ]
[ are there even things that wolfwood is shy about? real answers only. but regardless of what that answer is, wolfwood is just going to nod along with what void archives tell him about this hypothetical bracelet that he could/should give to vash as a memento. they sure are all words that he understands on an objective level but ask him to explain what all of it means and he’ll fail.
case in point: ]
Rose-gold? [ reminder, he was just a simple orphan before everything happened so much. ] Are we really talkin’ about a bracelet here?
[ not that what they tell him sounds bad, it’s just not something that he would have considered for a bracelet. his idea of a bracelet is something silver or gold (what the fuck is rose-gold) with some engraving or some sort of cool design. this is the limit of his knowledge of jewelry. ]
What yer talkin’ about sounds like the kinds of words ya’d use for a ring. [ ...ah.
may void archives not capitalize on the momentarily pause to realize what he had just said. or, even if they do, he will immediately add to what he had said. do not get crazy ideas, cube. wolfwood is not about to give vash a ring to remember him by. (at least this is what he’s telling himself presently.) what kind of message would he be accomplishing there? ]
—which will certainly give a guy the wrong idea if I just start off with handin’ him a ring.
[ PROBABLY? there are only so many ways you can take gifting someone such a fancy sounding ring, right? or, even if isn’t that fancy comparatively to others, it is fancy for wolfwood. ]
[ There definitely are if they are V-shaped. This is a fact that will be engraved in the entire history of the game and afterwards. ]
Bracelets come in rose-gold. Have you never seen that before?
[ They'd understand if not, though of course they are used to seeing grand things - Otto came from a VERY rich family, and they observed him for about 500 or so years even when their knowledge was used for certain purposes or whatnot. To say the least of the fact that they would be knowledgeable about certain objects due to what they are in the first place... ]
Well, either way, they are very much in existence. There is also a good amount of time to witness them in person - and it is quite the necessity in order to narrow down the one that would be most applicable, anyway.
[ But, imagine a bracelet with a engraving of "W" for Wolfwood...that'd make it even more personalized, and potentially precious!
Then, they pause as Wolfwood mentions the ring and then they get this sort of look on their face. One that spells no-good - or maybe it's helpful? Totally exactly that. ]
...Oh my. A ring?
You'd certainly give him ideas if you handed him a ring. Hmm, you know, I hadn't considered that as an option. But, if you wished to profess your undying affection for him, as well as solidify it, and immortalize it in one singular fashion, a ring would certainly be a way to do it.
After all, it certainly doesn't have to be an indication you'll immediately be jumping for a wedding. But, engagement rings are not out of style.
[ So. Making Vash his fiance doesn't sound too odd, right? Sorry not sorry. ]
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no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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? ]
no subject
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.
no subject
They hear him mention that Vash will remember each and every face.
So, really, isn't that even more of a reason...? They pause and try to think about this harder even if they can't seem to find a way to make this sound potentially palpable to Wolfwood. He might have considered his response cruel, but it's just making them go into further contemplation. They may have gotten a bit more stubborn.
Or...it's desperation. ]
Hmph, I won't be a coward - I'll answer your harsh question.
I will even say that maybe it isn't enough. 20, 30, 40...100 years.
Eventually those will be gone in a blink of an eye.
But, with more time, there happens to simply be more opportunities to look on for longer how many shared moments there are. The pain of the loss will still be great, and yet, what about the times filled with joy?
The bittersweet feeling of someone who passed will always remain with agony.
Though, at the same time, I can't help that it would feel worth it. That it could be enough. Not forever.
But, just for quite a long while after. Especially if there were mementos.
[ ... ]
Even if you don't believe so.
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and while wolfwood muses over his mortality, he half-listens to the rest of what they had to say to him. nothing of it really sounds any different to the conclusions that he could draw himself about what was before the two of them. but when they remind him about leaving behind a memento… that does seem pretty obvious, doesn’t it? it’s not as though it’s new concept to him; he has been to many funerals where all that was left behind were mementos.
it was just… ]
Memento?
[ what could he offer vash? punisher? …his cross? ]
I’m not exactly made of those.
no subject
It's...something. They don't have much time for there to be little things, but for now, they think maybe it is an aspect that can be worked with. For example, if they can convince him to create a number of mementos and he needs more time to create as many as possible for this Vash and whatnot.
They won't get too ahead of themselves, though. ]
Hmph. Not now you're not.
But, have you considered creating some? Or getting him some? Does he like jewelry?
[ No judgment on men liking jewelry. ]
...Or, what about a photo album?
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still, he mulls over the idea of leaving vash photos. it’s probably what anyone would think of leaving behind when it comes to mementos. photos are designed to capture moments in time to remember for later, after all. however, as easy as it would be to do something like that— ]
Photos fade after a while, don’t they?
[ wolfwood carefully revisits the concept of jewelry. metal is much better at withstanding the passage of time. though he has never bothered to ask if vash liked jewelry or not—what reason would he have to ask vash that to begin with? wolfwood is a bit distracted as he continues. ]
He wears an earring. Just one.
[ on his left side. not that matters much to the conversation but— ]
‘nd the guy is missin’ most of his left arm. He has a pretty fancy prosthetic to make up for it. Ya could barely tell that it isn’t natural.
no subject
There's not exactly a Divine Key for preservation of an object - although there is for preservation of a number of bodies to help prolong a civilization in an emergency. But, this seems kind of extremely for a bunch of photos - plus there is no guarantee it would work on such inorganic matter.
Still, they feel that photos may be the best bet here...if there is a way to make it convenient.
Ah, wait... ]
Yes. Though, there could be a way around it.
Such as if they were able to be accessed on a digital platform - one that was sturdy and protected against forms of easy damage or data loss and corruption.
[ Hmm...maybe they could assemble something with their own knowledge at the helm and fortify it themselves. But, as for other considerations...? ]
Is he the type to be partial to bracelets, then? If he has a prosthetic that looks just as real as any other arm, it can be worn there or on his normal one as well?
no subject
instead and obviously, he’ll mull over the idea of giving vash a bracelet. that feels slightly more like him. at least, it could be something he would gift to someone. …has gifted to someone (when he was much younger). though he still finds himself furrowing his eyebrows as he thinks though the first question they asked him. ]
No idea.
I haven’t seen him been given anythin’ that didn’t serve some other purpose than keepin’ him safe or for defendin’ himself.
[ which is kind of sad if you think about it. the only things that vash has of people—that he carries with him—are the scars on his skin, the clothes on his back, and the weapons that he carries with him. wolfwood continuing to frown the longer he spends with this. ]
He might like all of that stuff for all I know. [ …would he? truthfully, wolfwood suspects that vash may cherish anything that was given to him. of course, it would mean that vash was around long enough to allow that to happen. ] Idiot probably doesn’t own any of that because he can’t trust himself to not losin’ it whenever he finds himself getting’ into trouble.
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Yet, that is how they know it is odd after further consideration. They should receive so many expressions of gratitude, really. They are helping.
But, as they consider whether or not it'd be ultimately practical, or finding some way to incorporate it in some other manner, Wolfwood himself seems to be giving it some thought. There's not really much to confirm which one would be better.
Though...
Both so happens to be an option as well, right? Why just one or the other? But, getting a bracelet would be more of a matter of considering what type. So maybe that one can be solved far more quickly for sure. ]
Hmm. Well, if there was a way to be certain to have a gift stick to him without losing it with ease, I'm sure he'd be amenable to it.
For example, with a bracelet, it's easy to wear, and hard to lose under most circumstances, considering the type of item it is. The other option - well, there can be a creative method to arrange the same, but we can come back to that.
What color is his earring? Does he have any particular liking for any kinds of gems? Colors?
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[ and as much as wolfwood would like to get a better explanation out of void archives about what they meant by that, it’s much easier to answer the question that he knows. …even if a part of him wants to tell void archives that they saw vash—an illusion of him but vash nevertheless. ]
Uh, his earring is gold, and I just said that I don’t have any idea of what kind of preferences he could have with gems and all of that.
[ despite saying this wolfwood is going to divide some of his attention to think about what kind of gems could like. …not that wolfwood has a wide knowledge of the different kind of gems out there and the colors, shapes, and sizes that they can all come in. he was but a modest orphan before he was taken away to be transformed into a ruthless murderer. with the limited knowledge that he does have, though, he starts to wonder if this might be too much…
sure he’s entertaining the idea of leaving vash a memento but why does it seem like this might lead to something more than just that. especially when he thinks about how a bracelet still might be too cumbersome and run the risk of being destroyed. ]
I’m not sure if it’s his favorite color, but he looks good in red. I’ve only ever really seen him wearin’ that red coat, so I’d guess he’s a fan of the color.
[ this is where wolfwood would go on and further elaborate that vash had a soft spot for geraniums if it was knowledge that he knew. unfortunately, he doesn’t know vash’s connection with the flower so he’s just going to think about the idea of getting vash a bracelet. …or maybe something else..? ]
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[ And here they thought Wolfwood was just being shy about the preferences thing...but, alright! Gold.
They can work with that, because that color and metal looks good with a lot of things, really. They should know - and that makes them suddenly all the more confident. As if they were anything but right about now, with the way they're plowing through this.
'He looks good in red', though, huh...they let out an amused huff, hearing that. ]
But, I understand now.
A good-sized gold bracelet inlaid with a small, singular garnet, perhaps. Or it could just simply be rose-gold to have that added flare of subtle red without dealing with a small gem.
Does that sound reasonable? I imagine such an item can be treated to make it quite durable as well, hm? Unless there's anything else that comes to mind?
[ So that's an in-depth suggestion out there in the wild as of now. Alongside whatever else Wolfwood may be thinking (?) and Void Archives' other idea still for the photos option. ]
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case in point: ]
Rose-gold? [ reminder, he was just a simple orphan before everything happened so much. ] Are we really talkin’ about a bracelet here?
[ not that what they tell him sounds bad, it’s just not something that he would have considered for a bracelet. his idea of a bracelet is something silver or gold (what the fuck is rose-gold) with some engraving or some sort of cool design. this is the limit of his knowledge of jewelry. ]
What yer talkin’ about sounds like the kinds of words ya’d use for a ring. [ ...ah.
may void archives not capitalize on the momentarily pause to realize what he had just said. or, even if they do, he will immediately add to what he had said. do not get crazy ideas, cube. wolfwood is not about to give vash a ring to remember him by. (at least this is what he’s telling himself presently.) what kind of message would he be accomplishing there? ]
—which will certainly give a guy the wrong idea if I just start off with handin’ him a ring.
[ PROBABLY? there are only so many ways you can take gifting someone such a fancy sounding ring, right? or, even if isn’t that fancy comparatively to others, it is fancy for wolfwood. ]
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Bracelets come in rose-gold. Have you never seen that before?
[ They'd understand if not, though of course they are used to seeing grand things - Otto came from a VERY rich family, and they observed him for about 500 or so years even when their knowledge was used for certain purposes or whatnot. To say the least of the fact that they would be knowledgeable about certain objects due to what they are in the first place... ]
Well, either way, they are very much in existence. There is also a good amount of time to witness them in person - and it is quite the necessity in order to narrow down the one that would be most applicable, anyway.
[ But, imagine a bracelet with a engraving of "W" for Wolfwood...that'd make it even more personalized, and potentially precious!
Then, they pause as Wolfwood mentions the ring and then they get this sort of look on their face. One that spells no-good - or maybe it's helpful? Totally exactly that. ]
...Oh my. A ring?
You'd certainly give him ideas if you handed him a ring. Hmm, you know, I hadn't considered that as an option. But, if you wished to profess your undying affection for him, as well as solidify it, and immortalize it in one singular fashion, a ring would certainly be a way to do it.
After all, it certainly doesn't have to be an indication you'll immediately be jumping for a wedding. But, engagement rings are not out of style.
[ So. Making Vash his fiance doesn't sound too odd, right? Sorry not sorry. ]