♖ 8

[vengefulagent]

[After seeing Riku's double, or other self, or...however it all works out, Wash knows it's only a matter of time before he encounters one of his own. So far, he's done well avoiding one, but he'd be stupid to believe that he can avoid it forever. Things...never work out that way. But he's ready for it. He's kept a stock of extra magazines, a rifle, and a pistol that he's picked up off an enemy in the past in his room at the mansion for these occasions. It's a good thing, too; he only had his armor and a straw on him when he first got to the Plane and the stars briefly went out.

So when he finally sees another figure dressed in steel and yellow armor, he immediately draws his pistol and takes aim.]

Hey.

[The double starts to turn, but Wash squeezes off a shot before it can move any more. The bullet strikes the back of the double's head--but it does nothing except to knock it forward. A cruel chuckle emanates from it.] Oh, I wondered where you were hiding.

[Wash's blood runs cold, his aim faltering. It's one thing to see a friend and their double, but it's another hearing and seeing one that has the same voice as you. The double faces him now, a soft yellow glow illuminating its helmet visor. Wash remains silent as it reaches up and takes the helmet off. Sure enough, same face, but it wears an expression that he rarely wears these days: a toothy grin, fangs proudly visible. The pointed teeth aren't the only reason why he doesn't smile much, or take his helmet off back home unless he's only around South and York, though...] Wasn't hiding. [Not exactly a lie. He's just been good at keeping moving and not staying in one place for too long.] Being a walking nightlight, I thought I would've found you sooner.

Sarcastic jokes. How original. We'd never crack one of those. [The double rolls its eyes, sighing under its breath as it turns its helmet in its hands, the visor facing Wash.] You and I both know why we do that. [It makes the helmet nod.] As far as you're concerned, you're still hiding. Live a little for fucking once! Here, you can be free. No Director to disappoint. You're right to hide it back home; he would turn you into a test subject and you'd never see any of your friends ever again--what remains of them, anyway. [The helmet drops to the ground, the double casually stepping over it as it walks towards Wash. He doesn't budge, however, his hands tightening on his pistol.] You really should've told them about what you saw Connie doing that day. Maybe she'd still be here instead of with--

[Wash shoots the double in the head again, but despite the lack of helmet, it still does no good.] You don't get to talk about her. Or any of this!

[The double touches its forehead, rubbing the spot where it'd been shot.] Of all people, I thought you'd understand. Maybe you need a little blood to help clear your mind. I bet you're looking a bit pale behind that helmet.

Comments

[grip_on_reality]

[it's the sound of conversation that first catches Menzies' attention, but as she isn't far away, it doesn't take her long to spot the two figures--in identical armour--staring each other down. she scowls instinctively because, although she's only seen a few shadows so far, that's been more than enough for her to work out how dangerous they are. still, she hurries over to see if there's anything she can do to help]

[she doesn't catch much of their conversation, but she hears enough to know it's following the same pattern as her own did. and so she draws the gun she's borrowed from North, though she keeps it pointed downward for now, and steps up next to Wash]

Agent. I don't think I need to tell you not to listen to its taunts.

[vengefulagent]

[His hands tighten on his rifle.] No, you don't, Detective. I know. You should--

--Get out of here? Do you really think Detective Menzies is going to leave? You know what she's like, butting her nose into things that aren't her business. But since you're here, you might as well make her trip worth it! Go ahead and take a bite. I know you've been curious about how she tastes. How all of them taste.

[Another shot to the head. It does as little good as the last two.] Shut. Up.

[The double's voice remains mocking, but there's a hint of annoyance seeping in.] You can't deny it, can you? You can drink refrigerated blood for days, but what you really want is to taste it from the source. Nice and hot, and so very fresh. [It turns its attentions back to Menzies.] You'll have to excuse him, Detective Menzies. He may want to try your blood, but he really wants South's again and denies himself this pleasure, like he does with just about everything else. It's pretty sad. Her blood was the first he tasted, did you know that? And you know what they say about your first of anything.

Don't listen to him. [He wants to look at her to see the expression on her face, but he refuses to break eye contact with this thing.]

[traitortwin]

[South has spent the past while wandering the Plane, muttering to herself, unable to find anyone or anything that will give her some damn clue as to what in the hell is going on here that has them all trapped. So when the first familiar figure she sees is Wash, she mutters to herself about how fucking long it took -- but then she sees the other... familiar... figure. ... The same familiar figure. ... What the fuck?

She keeps quiet, approaches out of either of their lines of sight, determined to figure out exactly what the hell is going on before she makes herself known--

"... what you saw Connie doing that day ..."

--no, fuck it, not worth it.

She marches over, thankful she's armed with both pistols, and draws one of them just as Wash caps the double in the forehead. She closes the rest of the distance with her sights trained on that weird, grinning, creepy-ass double, already aiming between its golden eyes.]

Don't make me think about him tanning. I'll just kill you faster. [She cocks the pistol.] Who the hell are you?

[desertdaggers]

[it's decidedly impressive- and worrying- that the double took two shots to the head. Unprotected, at that. And he can't deny the glimpse he has of those fangs, there.

He moves to come to Wash's side, hands close to his daggers.]

And is that something you intend to help?

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies snorts at the description of her that Wash's double gives] No, you're right. I'm not going anywhere. And is that supposed to scare me? That he's got some...instincts or whatever the 'ell. So what? You say that like I couldn't 'ave guessed it.

[truth be told, it's disturbing to think of Wash smelling her like someone might smell a delicious meal, but she refuses to let it faze her. she's not afraid of him attacking her, and that's enough for her. what's far more frightening to her is the number of bullets that have already hit this creature and had absolutely no effect on it. still, she keeps the pistol at the ready. she'll at least try it if she needs to]

He doesn't 'ave to deny it. It doesn't matter. Got that? [she throws a glance at Wash with those words]

[vengefulagent]

[The double looks far too amused to look threatened.] Come on, you have two eyes. You're smarter than that, or at least I thought so. I really have to wonder, sometimes... [The double points at Wash.] He wonders, too. He wonders about a lot of things about everyone, but especially you.

[He doesn't want to acknowledge any of that and cuts in.] He's going to say that he's me and I'm him. But don't...don't listen to him.

I really am, though. He wishes the blood he drinks here tasted like yours, and he really wants to try it from the source. Or anyone else, really, but he's too afraid. Doesn't want to become like the monsters in the books you both read. Now how would I know that if I weren't him?

[Wash stays silent, not looking over at South.]

[traitortwin]

[... The funny part is? Out of all of what the shadow is saying, South only latches onto that first little bit, about wondering how smart she really is.

And that's enough to piss her off.

She fires a warning shot over the shadow's shoulder - she could have hit it, she's already seen it does nothing, but fuck it, she has time later to fill it full of holes and hope they stick.]

Nobody fucking cares. [Click!] Insult me again and I'll show you how little I care even more. And if you think wearing his face [she jerks her head to indicate the real Wash] is gonna make me think twice, then you're a moron.

[vengefulagent]

[Oh Hawk, how your friend has changed since last you saw each other...]

Perhaps. [The double smirks and starts walking towards Hawk.] Are you volunteering?

[Wash knows Hawk can defend himself, but that doesn't stop him from stepping between them.] You leave him out of this.

We can do this together! I'll hold his arms back and let you have the first bite. What do you say?

[desertdaggers]

[he appreciates the thought, though it bothers him to not be considered capable of taking care of himself. But then, he doesn't know what Wash's double is capable of.

That doesn't stop him putting a hand on one dagger, anyhow, just in case.]

I'd much rather you didn't. [and he tilts his head towards North a little] And what makes you think that's a thing you want to do? [a little more accurately- why does the double think Wash wants to do that?]

[vengefulagent]

[Wash is silent for a moment. He can practically feel her eyes on him.] I don't...like people hearing that. I don't like even thinking that about my friends.

Oh, go on. Please, I want to hear you say it all.

[That shuts him up again. He's always gotten along just fine not talking about anything like...emotions or anything related to people he has any kind of positive thoughts for. And this thing isn't about to change that for him.] I don't think so.

Look Detective, he's gone all quiet on us again. But you know how to get people talking, don't you? Why don't you ask him about Connie? That should get him talking.

[vengefulagent]

[Wisely, he keeps his mouth shut when the double says that. It is true... And he already does enough to risk casual assault from her anyway without needing to add to that.]

So I'm the moron? Who's the one who can't even shoot me? I think that shows you care more than you say. Or that you can't hit the broadside of a barn.

[Honestly, Wash doesn't like that the double is trying to get her to attack it; he can almost guess where this is going...] Really, don't listen to him, South.

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies keeps her tone level and matter-of-fact] Well, you can't 'elp that instincts 'appen. You know what makes a person? What they do with those instincts.

[but then she focuses on the shadow, putting the hand not holding the pistol against her hip in defiance] No, you know what, 'ow about you talk. What exactly do you want 'im to admit to? Because I'm sure we all know 'ow this works by now. He's a vampire, he likes rules... You really think you're gonna shock anybody 'ere? Go on, tell us--so he can get on with defeating you.

[vengefulagent]

For a detective, you're not very good at adding up the clues, are you? Remember a little conversation he had with you a while back? A certain little promise? He was so adamant about not wanting a certain kind of help from you. Of course you wondered why, but did you ever figure it out?

[Yeah, he doesn't like where this is going.] You know what, we're done talking about this. [He starts to turn away.]

[The double's attention snaps to Wash, his yellow eyes narrowing. It starts forward, baring its fanged teeth at them both.] No, you need to face this, face me. This is you! She accepts what you are; why can't you?!

[grip_on_reality]

[she gives the yellow-eyed creature a skeptical look] What, you think there's some mystery behind somebody being reluctant to drink blood out of someone else's neck? I'd be worried if he weren't worried about it. [but despite her calm response, the way the double put that worries her--could there be more to it than that?]

[when Wash tries to turn from his shadow, though, her tone is just as sharp as the double's] Oi! Agent, you must know what this thing is gonna do if you just deny it.

[traitortwin]

I watched him shoot you, moron. I'm just waiting long enough to judge for myself if shooting you to make me feel better is worth the ammo I'd lose. You're making my decision easier, though. Thanks for that.

[She rolls her eyes at Wash's insistence.] Yeah? You got any better ideas, or are you just gonna stand there? [She addresses the Shadow again:] What the fuck do you want, anyway?

[vengefulagent]

I...

[The double answers first after watching Wash falter with an attempt to explain.] It is something he wants to do. You missed so much, Hawk! Your friend went through a change and acquired a taste for blood. So, it's something he wants to do--and I something I would love to do.

Oh no, you don't. [He lets another shot fly at his double's head.]

Come on, live a little! You're not going to find this stuff in any manual. You're gonna try it some day. Why not now?

[vengefulagent]

Yes, you know what I'll do if you walk away. You really should answer this one. You skirted the issue before. Might as well be open about it, especially since you basically asked her to kill you if you ever lose it. [The double casually shrugged, sneering at him.]

[He doesn't look at either of them, not straight away. Every part of him really does just want to walk away from this, but he doesn't want anyone to get hurt on his account. Finally, he sighs.] I know what happens. I don't think either of us want to see what this becomes if it gets out of hand.

Make that three. I'd be an absolute monster. [The double grins at them both, flashing its fangs.]

What, more than I already am? How about you just shut up and let me talk to Patricia, or I'm going to put the rest of this magazine into your face. [He stares as the makes a face and walks away a few steps, but stays close. It's not done.]

Look...I need time accepting this. [He glances down at his hands.] You may have, but you don't have to live with it. Breaking down and going crazy like Eithan did isn't a constant fear for you.

[vengefulagent]

[The double rolls its eyes and sighs.] Does anything make you feel better? You spend so much time running your mouth and being angry at everything possible. Don't you get tired of it?

Look, I don't want to see what this thing becomes if it gets angry. I don't think either of us have enough ammo for a full-on firefight with one of these. [And if they happened upon hers... yeah, he doesn't want to imagine that.]

What, the boyscout's not prepared? That's a shame. But you asked a question, didn't you South? What the fuck do I want... [It shrugs its shoulders.] Well, that's easy. I want him to admit that he royally fucked things up. I'm okay with saying it, but he needs to accept it. We're one in the same, after all. I know how we can loosen those lips. [It gestures towards South.] How about you ask him about Connie? Maybe punch him a little and he'll talk.

[traitortwin]

And you spend so much time kissing ass and gleefully playing hall monitor. What's your point?

[can't stop won't stop, apparently. She even scoffs at Wash yet again!]

Oh yeah, sure, ignoring him's gonna do a great job of not pissing him off! He's just getting more and more worked up! It's obvious. [Because if anyone knows anger-for-the-sake-of-attention-grabbing? It's this chick right here. And the way the shadow just gets bolder with each passing second... yeah. She can tell.] So honestly? You've got about five seconds to tell me what he means about you fucking things up, because I sure as hell don't know what he's talking about.

[Beat.]

And if you're being a pussy about it, look, I won't punch you unless you're gonna keep being stupid.

[Not asking about Connie, either. There's some shit you don't get into the middle of. Not immediately. But if buttons keep getting pushed and the issue keeps getting pressed... she might crack.]

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies stays quiet during this exchange, letting Wash say what he needs to. she lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding when the shadow backs off, though she still eyes it warily, keeping the gun in her hand]

[when Wash turns his attentions--or at least his words--to her, she nods even though he can't see it] Take the time you need, Agent. Just don't deny that thing. We're all afraid of something. And you being afraid that? Doesn't exactly sound like a character flaw to me.

[vengefulagent]

That maybe you'd be higher up on the board if your attitude improved. [The double shrugs casually. Really, it's obvious.]

[He's only vaguely mentioned part of this to North--their North--but that was ages ago. But still... He sighs, letting his arms drop to his sides.] I...had been doing some work for the Internals, helping them investigate the transmissions coming from our ship to known Insurrectionists. There was...an incident where I caught CT talking to someone, but...I let it go. I didn't follow it up. I didn't want to believe she'd... [He looks down.] If I'd stopped her, or told the Director and the Internals, maybe we could have stopped her.

But I didn't. [His hands start to ball up into fists.] She was my friend. I trusted her!

[Consider that button pressed. He misses his friend.]

[desertdaggers]

A… taste for blood, you say? [that's alarming. There are stories, he's sure, but… not of the ones coming to mind are pleasant.] Well, I appreciate the restraint.

[he settles back on his heels, though, folding his arms. If previous experience holds…] But- this means you're worried about it, if I had to guess. I don't imagine it's been easy to adjust to.

[vengefulagent]

You say that so easily...

[The double nods its head.] Go on, there's more.

[A beat, and he reluctantly continues.] But...there are days when I let myself wonder what it'd be like--when I'm alone or about to fall asleep, of course, so I'm not tempted to actually...do it. I picture what would happen if I caught someone off-guard and just bit and held them down. [He sighs, his shoulders slumping before he continues.] Half the time, I end up picturing South and even in my daydreams, she beats the shit out of me before I can drink a damn drop from her. [But since she's the only one he's ever had fresh blood from, it's no wonder she's the only one he can picture.] The other times, I can't really...see their face. Sometimes I dream about a woman in black, but I don't...remember what happens after that.

Tell her about the other thing you've done. [It continues to smirk.] This is a good one.

[He can't help sounding a bit annoyed but ashamed now.] And...I've...woken up a couple times with my damn pillow in my mouth and fang holes in the damn pillowcase. [He throws the double a glare.] Are you happy? [Waking up like that has to be like morning wood for vampires. He's totally convinced of this.]

I'm getting there. [It's smirk fades, and it gives Wash a glare.] Keep talking.

You want me to admit that too? Fine! [A beat.] Patricia, I've made thorough plans about how I could go off-mission for a few minutes and attack an enemy soldier. I've figured out how to trick the helmet cam recordings so it won't look like any time has passed so I can feed in peace. The only thing keeping me from doing it is the fact that Eithan has kept this place stocked with enough blood for all of us! I hate it--but I can't keep my mind off it. Even now I'm thinking about it. [To the double now.] Is that what you want me to admit? That it's not a matter of "if" I'll bite someone, but "when". I know that day will come, and I know I'll like it. That's what terrifies me. Losing my humanity. It'll be even more apparent in a few decades when everyone's getting older and I'm...not. Maybe a little, but...

[The thought of outliving his friends by so much is hardest for him. Because even if he dies thanks to the war or anything else, the Plane will bring him back.]

[traitortwin]

Of course you'd say that, wouldn't you, boyscout?

[Yep, that is her being just as dismissive of Wash's shadow as he's being. Because it's not her problem, unless this gets worse. At this rate... who could say for sure?

She takes in his admission, glad that she can hide her surprise behind the cover of her helmet. She's silent for a short while even after he's finished... and then, she snaps.]

What, for real?! Even after seeing that, you didn't say a fucking thing?! Wow, Wash. I mean, fuck, I trusted her, too! I at least trusted her enough not to go doing some stupid two-timing bullshit! But even if I'd seen that, I would've said something!

[But in the very next breath, she adds:]

But what the hell does it matter, anyway? The whole thing was fucked up, something would have happened either way. So is there a reason you're being so weird about this?

[grip_on_reality]

[she can't pretend that these confessions aren't a shock to her. she knew Wash was a vampire, yes, but she had no idea how much those instincts were torturing him--to the point where his shadow seems to find little else to talk about. but she swallows hard, schooling her expression back into calm. Wash has to face this, and she refuses to make that any more difficult for him than it is already. still, it takes her a long moment of speechlessness to think of anything to say]

[but finally, she shakes her head and says:] You're braver than I am, Agent Washington. I don't know if I could 'ave told anyone all that, but you did it. Impressive work.

[she wonders if she should say something about what he said, but she doesn't think there's anything to be said. they already made their deal, after all. they both already knew the dangers, and maybe he's brought them into sharper focus, but overall? as far as she's concerned, nothing has changed--not objectively. and she refuses to let her own fears and uncertainties make it seem like something has]