#plantfell 01

[wldrose]

@plantfell

Texting The Idiots:

Kugisaki: dont wait up on me Kugisaki: itadori you better not be eating my icecream either >/// i'll kick your ass

Once her text is sent to Fushiguro and Itadori, she's sliding her phine back into her pocket. Her hand clutches around the cellphone, not because she's scared and plans on calling for help when she needs it, but because she needs something to hold while her hand remained in her pocket.

Kugisaki Nobara has heard about the rumors of some Shinigami showing up in the Underside of the Cotes Ward during late hours. SHE wants to see for herself. "Tch, why do I feel like Itadori's been here." He probably has. He's been to so many shady places. Damn, does that mean he may have seen the grim reaper? She'll have to remember to ask him about that.

The orange haired teen slows her steps, pulls her hand out of her pocket and places them on her hips. It takes her a moment for eyes to adjust to the lighting, but who stands in front of her a few feet away is no grim reaper. How disappointing, but wait,

"Vas....h?" NOPE. And not even Stamps, either. Man, the Stars must really love Vash if they're bringing in a third one!

[punisheye]

Knives' hand around his wrist feels like a brand and Wolfwood can't help the way the muscles in his hand tense up. It's not enough to get him to let go, however, but he makes a mental note of it. He's not stupid enough to not realize Knives could still probably fight back in his own way if he wanted to, but he's not sure just how many of his abilities he has at this point.

"Fine, ya wanna tell him?" Wolfwood can't help his barking laugh right into his face. "Do it. He already knows what sorta company he keeps by havin' me around."

After all, Knives, you were the one who sent Wolfwood off to play babysitter for your brother. So who's really to blame for that?

"This may come as a surprise to you, Punisher," Knives says, he'll drop the Chapel bit for now, but he's not about to call Wolfwood by his name. "I don't have a high tolerance for pain. So, what I want is far from having you "beat the shit out of me", thank you very much." He reaches a hand up to loosely wrap around the human's wrist. Nothing malicious, just a reassurance that he can at least attempt to defend himself if the priest decides to do more than just wrinkle his shirt.

"I didn't have any expectations, I just wanted to greet you. You're the one who turned it into a fight, and I think it's important that Vash knows what sort of company he keeps."

[deadmandraw]

@plantfell || Thread 01.

He must've blacked out. Again. These episodes were becoming more frequent. He should be worried. He knows who the man in the mirror is now, after all. But the man — the Fourteenth — is silent once more.

...His arm hurts.

He blinks, slowly, sucking in a breath as awareness to his new environment rushes in all at once. This was not headquarters. What the hell? Where was he? He doesn't recognize the alley he's woken up in. Then again, he's never been the greatest at identifying where he was at a given moment. The materials... seemed to be a little too sophisticated compared to what he's used to. Like the world in his dreams. Like the Arc. He supposes his unwelcomed roommate must've managed the strength to walk him this far. There's a strange device in his coat pocket. He ignores it, for now. He has other priorities.

He can't stay here.

However, his body seems to be committing mutiny against him. His arm — his Innocence was acting up. Why? He grits his teeth, and actively forces himself not to look at the writhing mass of... he's not sure what Crowned Clown is doing. It scares him. He doesn't want to acknowledge it. But he can't help but catch glimpses of whatever it's doing from the corner of his eye; feathery tendrils reaching skywards, likely clearly visible from outside the alleyway. Like a signal. But who — what — was it trying to call? He grips his shoulder, as if that'll force it back into a more solidified shape, alleviate the discomfort somehow. It doesn't.

Maybe he should call out for help... Except he doesn't even know where he's at, and he doesn't want to bring the wrong kind of attention to himself. It takes a herculean amount of effort to drag his body behind some abandoned boxes and other piles of garbage towards the back of the alley. A poor attempt at hiding, because his Innocence was acting up, and no amount of desperate silent pleas to stop whatever it was doing would work. His body being mostly hidden from view gives him some relief. Barely.

If someone decides to investigate, he wonders if asking nicely will be enough to make them leave him be. He doesn't know what else to do.

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 Skrrch, skkrch...

Gloved fingers brushed against the words on the wall, testing but failing to rub them off the surface. These useless "clues" were surprisingly persistent about sticking around despite offering nothing but a blatant exposure of secrets, i.e.:

Devou̶̻͇͈̯͊̄̀ṟ̴̽̎͒er—

Aurelius paused after hearing something—Ardere calling out to him again? He half-turned to listen better and caught the sound of footfalls. Obvious ones, heading towards him in the maze—was their owner making noise on purpose?

Such manners merited attention, so he dusted off his gloves, straightened out his coat, and was standing perfectly, politely poised in front of the writing by the time a figure rounded the corner of the nearest wall.

"How surprising."

"I was under the impression that this challenge was a solo event."

@plantfell ໒꒱ — meet in the middle

[wldrose]

"..." Kugisaki's of course immediately thinking about her friends. her found family. Itadori and Fushiguro were known as someone who just went into things head first. Fushiguro even moreso and he didn't even seem like the kind of guy who would!

They both were known to be the kind who would get scarred, bloodied, and bruised, but....

"I wouldn't like it. I would wanna protect them." She admits. She isn't above admitting something like that, "But there's only so much I can do. If it's something they believe is right, I don't think I could keep getting in the way, I guess. I would just have to find a way to support them and make sure they're being safe so that they don't get scarred and bruised, but can still do the things they feel they need to. I DON'T KNOW. You're asking a KID HARD shit---Who the hell am I to get in their way ANYWAY?"

"I'm not his keeper, but that doesn't mean I can't try to protect him," Knives scoffs. "If you had a loved one who had a history of playing with things that left them scarred and bruised, would you just stand idly by and let them or would you do something about it?"

[wldrose]

AH, you're a complete ass. Kugisaki, this is just like that one time.

"Vash is a friend." Kugisaki starts. "And you're not his keeper. I can hang out with him whenever, unless he says otherwise." There are SO many things she doesn't even know about Vash.

"Anyway, we kinda are the worst." She isn't going to pity him. It would probably be the last thing he would want from her, but that didn't mean she was going to pretend that she didn't feel awful.

It's very tempting to respond with a simple 'humans are the problem', but Knives has at least a little self-awareness. In this moment, at least. Though, Kugisaki isn't entirely free of Knives imitating a broken record.

"Humans torture and enslave my kind, it's really that simple." He pauses, then laughs a little, "Don't worry, insect, I intend to let this world deal with their infestation on their own. As long as you keep your filthy hands away from my brother, you can live your pathetic little life however you want."

[punisheye]

It's not the first time he's regretted not pulling the goddamn trigger when he had the chance.

Part of him wonders if it would have done any good, anyway, when they'd already rebuilt that man from a fucking stain on the ground. What would a bullet have done? Especially now, knowing just what he is.

Wolfwood knows what Knives is trying to do. Work him up but refuse to retaliate so Wolfwood'll look like the unreasonable one here. Good thing Wolfwood really does not give a fuck about whether or not he's being reasonable. Except just when he's about to lunge again, the other's words fully process.

"My little—"

He blinks.

"Livio? He nearly killed ya?"

Back when he saw him the first time since ending up here, Livio killing anyone seemed like a far-fetched notion, considering how much he sobbed all over him. Why was he even crying to begin with? He doesn't remember. Wolfwood's brows knit together.

"Damn, if only he finished the job!" Because the mad dog comment finally registers and he can't stop the raw fury that flares up in response. Wolfwood grabs the front of Knives' shirt with one hand, because one hand is all he needs. "What, you want me to beat the shit outta ya so you can go tattle on me like a li'l kid?!"

It's hard to tell if the way Knives' jaw tenses is out of fear of the raised hand or frustration over Wolfwood's stupid grin. Either way, the latter floods the plant with an intense feeling of indignation. After everything the priest did in his name, Wolfwood has no right to feel any sense of superiority over him.

"Your little brother nearly killed me when we ran into each other. I have every reason to be cautious of you and your kind," Knives states dismissively, knocking Wolfwood's finger away with the back of his hand.

"I will stop acting familiar with you when you do the same," Knives looks over the man with an unimpressed expression, "I've been nothing but civil so far, and what have you done in return? You've attacked me and threatened to do more harm to me. There is no shame in turning to my brother for help when I'm faced with a mad dog."

[wldrose]

"..." She's about to make a smart remark, but instead Kugisaki bites her tongue. She suppose angels COULD exist, right? Especially in a world like this one. Why not? Curses could probably be angels too, or maybe some people believed them to be that. Eh, she's not going to touch it.

"Right, right." She says with a nod, and gestures TO him, "but you're not." She says in regards to Vash the Stampede. "So, who are you? I'm not going to call you Mr. Angel or The grim reaper. You do have a name, right?"

So, even in this world, the humans flock to his brother like flies. Knives isn't really surprised, but he is amused by the young girl mistaking him for his brother. In his world, he mingled with humans so infrequently that it wasn't an experience he had often. At first, Knives isn't entirely sure how to handle the situation, but then he considers that the girl is young and impressionable. It might be fun to see how far he can take the bit.

"That depends on who you ask," Knives shrugs. "To some, I'm angel. To others, I'm the grim reaper you're looking for. But to you, it seems, I'm Vash the Stampede."

[punisheye]

"You'll go cryin' to yer brother 'cus ya talked shit 'n' got hit?"

He's jeering, openly. All little patience he had been clinging onto is stripped away entirely, and with that incessant itch in his brain over forgetting something his patience had been even thinner than usual. Wolfwood can deal with Vash being mad at him for hitting his brother. He doesn't think he's unjustified here. No one could get him to feel bad about it even if they tried. He'll make it up to Vash later if he has to.

Wolfwood is quick to crowd right back into his space again. People are giving them a wide berth. The look on Knives' face turns Wolfwood's scowl into a wide grin, his dark eyes glinting dangerously. It's just barely there, but he can sniff out fear like a predator. It only emboldens him. He raises his hand like he's about to strike him again, but all he does is jab him in the chest with a finger.

"Never," he begins, drawing out the word, "act like ya know me. 'Cus here? Ya don't know the first thing."

His breath is hot against Knives' face.

"Neither of us wanna upset Spikey, but if ya keep talkin'..."

Wol—

In the moment between the priest deciding to throw a punch and it making contact, there's little time for Knives to do more than brace himself for the impact, and cry out in the space shared with his brother. It's a panicked call without a target, cut off as quickly as it's made. Stopped only, because Knives has enough pride to not want to immediately run to his brother for help.

He stumbles back from the force of the blow, and his hand quickly finds it's way up to the spot now radiating with pain. "I haven't given you any reasons to hit me," Knives snaps, his expression and tone a mixture of anger, indignation and a small seasoning of fear. "Hit me again, and I'm not above involving Vash. I didn't misrepresent the facts, and you know it. That's why you're angry. Don't take it out on me."

[wldrose]

"Your own form?" Kugisaki moves, but not to approach closer. She's walking to her left and then to her right. "So you claim that humans are this and humans are that, but you took in the form--sorry, your own form and it so happens to be what you despise? I guess, maybe you and Vash were born to look the way you do, but man...for you that must suck."

"regardless, you shouldn't be underestimating us. We're a lot stronger than you think." Kugisaki comes to stop, facing him once more. "You'll get your teeth kicked in if you're not careful."

"I do not take the form of a human, I take my own form. It's arrogance that leads you to assume that the traits we share must automatically be representative of a human."

[punisheye]

Wolfwood tries, he really does.

For all of like, one minute, sure, but there was a real effort put in, really.

Sorry, Spikey.

It all happens within a second: he reels his arm back and then swings his fist forward, his hips and knee turning with the movement, thumb tucked over his fingers, arm straight and steady, a proper punch as he drives his fist into the side of Knives' face with a distinct crack.

It's probably one of the most satisfying things he's done in a long time.

A few people shout in alarm around them, scurrying away, and Wolfwood takes a step back, shaking his hand out and flexing his fingers. He doesn't make any other moves to strike because, honestly, a punch is all he needs to make his point.

"Hope to God ya give me another reason ta hit ya, I swear." Wolfwood drags his tongue over his teeth. "You ain't ever gonna call me yers or anyone's pet again. Got it?"

There's some effort put into not making it obvious that Knives notices Wolfwood's little tells and that he enjoys how easy it is to get under his skin. There's some effort, but it's not enough to stop his smirk from widening just so. It is, however, enough to ignore the other part of him that fears what the priest might do when he reaches his breaking point.

"I am fully aware that my brother and I aren't attached to the hip," Knives snorts softly, then he makes a great show of looking around for someone before settling his gaze back down on Wolfwood. "I don't see him here now, do you? We're just two people with a mutual acquaintance, that's as far as Vash's involvement extends."

"And three," Knives' smirk grows more as he leans in to purr into Wolfwood's ear, "You were my pet first. I'll call you the name I gave you, Chapel."

[wldrose]

"Mm, you're saying this while you take in the form of being human, huh?" She gestures to his appearance, "Yeah, you sound real original." Crossing her arms across her chest, Kugisaki shrugs with a huff,

"Anyway, I don't have time talking to some grumpy ass guy who probably is old enough to shit his own pants." For good measure, or maybe much like a delinquent kid, Kugisaki spits on the ground, ridding of any bad luck she just got from being around the guy for as long as she did.

"Ah, so you're more of a fly, then," Knives snorts, completely glossing over the comment of being the edgy brother. No reason to dignify such an infantile insult with acknowledgement. "My mistake. All of you humans tend to blur together."

[punisheye]

Don't let it get to you don't let it get to you don'tletitgettoyou—

His hands have balled up into white-knuckled fists and it's a goddamn Herculean effort to not crack Knives over the face with one. Wolfwood's jaw is clenched so tight it's starting to hurt. The aura he's emitting must be awful with how people are suddenly starting to put a lot more distance between them whenever they pass the pair.

Wolfwood closes the small distance between them in a single long stride. Knives is the same height as Vash; Wolfwood has to only turn his eyes up a little bit to meet his gaze.

He doesn't touch him, but he crowds into his space regardless.

"So, three things," he says slowly, like he's talking to someone particularly stupid. "One: while we're here, ya call me Wolfwood. Just Wolfwood. Two: takin' care of each other don't mean everythin' he does has to involve you."

He's baring his teeth in his face, metaphorical hackles raised.

"Three: I'm nobody's pet."

"Oh, Chapel," Knives coos like the other man is a child who's made a mistake, "You have a lot to learn about this place. My brother and I's relationship isn't the same as it was before your death or wherever you've been pulled from."

Knives shakes his head with a little smirk, and clasps his hands behind his back. "Just in this world we've been together for over two months. We've taken care of each other," He adds, emphasis on the words leaving behind an implied he doesn't need you anymore.

"That's why I approached you. I always have time for my brother's pets. Even one like you."

[punisheye]

"Probably 'cus he didn't think it was any of yer damn business," he shoots back without missing a beat. Every single wall around his heart is thrown up solely so the brother's words can't get to him. He's not about to have him trying to make him think Vash doesn't care, not after everything that's happened.

Everything that's happened...

Including...?

He blinks a few times. Notes that Knives didn't pick up on the innuendo and stores that little detail away for later. He doesn't know how yet, but he thinks he could use that surprising cluelessness to his advantage at some point.

"Whatever. Didja approach me just ta patronize me? What is it, huh?" Wolfwood's lips curl back into a snarl. "Ya got nothin' better to do?"

"I bet you did," Knives snorts, "My brother is nothing, if not brimming with enthusiasm and you're an idiot. I don't envy anyone who had to witness that chaos."

Ignoring the fact that Knives completely misses Wolfwood's meaning, it's odd to listen to the priest talk about his reunions. Before Knives wouldn't think twice about that sort of thing. Being with others isn't something he has ever been a fan of, and yet… How many times was this now that his mind wandered to Elendira and Legato? They were inconsequential. Insignificant insects he gathered up on a whim, and, in Legato's case, explicitly abused to maintain a distance between them.

It's a new kind of loneliness Knives didn't think he was capable of feeling.

"I only asked, because Vash didn't mention it. Must not have been important enough for him to tell me," Knives shrugs, channeling his discomfort into being a bitch, as always.

[punisheye]

Right now, Wolfwood has no plans to attack Knives or even make any sort of attempt to start conflict. For Vash's sake, mostly, and also so no passersby get caught in it. But he does think about it, admittedly. Walking over and grabbing Knives by the back of the head and driving his knee up into his face. It'd be so fucking satisfying. But he won't. Maybe he'll find a gym somewhere later with a punching bag and let it all out there.

"I was tryin' to be polite," he drawls. "Since yer stuck here with me."

Deliberate choice of wording there. Wolfwood snorts.

Wolfwood is coiled like a serpent prepared to strike. He doesn't, however, and remains standing his ground with his broad shoulders squared. The muscle in his jaw jumps when Knives mentions Livio and Vash.

"Yeah, I have." There had been a lot of crying. When he thinks about it, that nagging feeling is even more incessant, tugging at his brain. Why had it been so emotionally charged again? Sure, he died, but their reactions had been so... "'Course I wanted to see my little brother. Me an' Spikey definitely made enthusiastic contact. What's it to ya?"

There's a moment after the initial shock of seeing Wolfwood where anxiety starts to settle in the pit of Knives' stomach. Memories of his first meeting with Razlo sending a phantom pain through the back of his head. The Stars still felt no inclination towards giving him anything to defend himself with, and he isn't optimistic that Wolfwood has anything less than superior strength based on everyone else he knew.

Knives brushes off the anxiety by focusing on the fact that he can feel Vash. Distantly, but close enough to call for help if the priest decides to go a route similar to the Double Fang. As pathetic as it is, it's all Knives has.

"Odd way of saying unfortunate," Knives returns, closing the gap between them to about a foot or two. Comfortably distant, but close enough for the plant to stand with a casual air of superiority and have it make any impact at all. "Have you made contact with Double Fang and Vash yet…?"

It's courteous with an undertone of Knives turning his nose up at the other man, and far more polite than Wolfwood's likely expecting. A calculated effort on Knives' part to keep peace with his brother. If they get into any fights, it's going to be Wolfwood's fault. Any prodding on his part merely circumstantial, of course.

[punisheye]

All things considered, despite the perpetual scowl, Wolfwood is in a pretty decent mood, even with that incessant itch in his brain. He doesn't know how to bring it up with Vash yet, because he thinks it does involve him, somehow. That's something he can remember, at least. Vash being there at his side as the world around him dimmed. Maybe he would know something...

Still, he's been kind of caught up in the euphoria of being able to see him again in the first place that he isn't putting too much thought into that little issue right now.

Wolfwood is peering into a shop window, squinting, thinking about how he needs to get more new clothes, when he feels eyes on him. A lot of people keep looking at him and he just ignores it. At least until he hears a name in an all-too familiar voice that makes his whole body freeze up. That itch in his brain intensifies.

He rises up to his full height and turns to look at him — Knives — and visibly grimaces. He had heard that Knives was here but he had been kind of hoping he wouldn't run into him again.

Being called 'Chapel' still makes him feel a little sick.

"Fancy seein' you here," he says drily, but he's already mentally mapping out an escape route if things get ugly since he knows damn well what Knives is like in a foul mood. He doesn't know what those Stars took from Knives, what he might still have, and he really does not want to find out.

For the first time in a while, Knives is in a fairly positive mood. He's well-rested and he has a spring in his step as he wanders the city streets. It's easier to thank the recent developments in his relationship with Vash, the little steps towards reconciliation they've made, than to acknowledge the nagging feeling lingering at the edges of his thoughts.

As he walks, Knives thinks he catches sight of a familiar silhouette, brushes it off, then quickly does a double take and stops in his tracks to just stare; his expression gradually growing to resemble something between disgust and and anger. Well, there goes his good mood.

"Chapel!?"

@punisheye