[ what if you don't ask kiraman about their opinions on family. ]
... there's a disconnect between here and there. [ they mean with viktor, and they don't say so. ] If you could separate the man and the animal, think you could separate you and the hexcore?
[No, no. Tell the opinion on family. Is it bad? Abusive? A cover? Fake?
His head swivels to look at them.]
Why would I want to do that?
[Unlike before, he doesn't seem icily feral when he asks, but genuinely confused. It isn't the Hexcore refusing to let go, but a worry of becoming worthless.
Don't take the only thing he can do now to make a difference in people's lives (he thinks). He's always been weak and useless, nevermind his brain is what wasn't. He's been terminal, too. This is all he has.
But he understands they have asked a question, so: he looks outward again.]
I don't know... I haven't considered trying on myself. I'm not sure if it would work that way, but perhaps. Anything is possible, right? You try until you make that true.
they don't seem to mind viktor watching them, keeping their face (?) turned toward him. right. okay. have to remember he doesn't actually see there's a problem here. ]
Sure, anything is possible. As long as you remember that there are always going to be unknowns that you're solving for. Like, let's say what you're trying to solve for is how to keep saving your people if you separate from the hexcore. Before you can solve for that, you need to factor in other variables, such as your free will, and your capabilities to make certain changes. While some won't work in this formula, others will. There are multiple answers to the same question. In this case, your unknown is "what would happen to me if I separated from the hexcore." And you take your y and your z into account, with y equally your research on the invention and your z being your choices in how you use it. With those, you solve.
"If y +z, my research and my choices, can be multiplied and create a new answer, that's my x."
[ which is to say they do not think it would necessarily be the end of viktor if he was able to create and do all of this once. ]
[Instead of merely looking, he spins in place to face them, expression wryly amused.]
Do you always turn your problems into mathematical equations to solve them?
[Unfortunately, he is peering at Kiraman now with an interest which really couldn't present itself on the other side when dulled by the neutrality of the Hexcore.]
You know, before I transmuted with the Hexcore, I asked Jayce to promise me to destroy it. [His expression softens into something solemn with a bit of recognition.] I guess that's why he killed me.
But I have seen what it can do, what it can let me do for others who need the help. I can actually make a difference in people's lives now. I can end their pain, their early deaths, give them a place where they don't have to starve, or fight to live. They prosper; I've seen it. Coexisting and creating with their own gifts. Art, music, writing, everything.
I can use it. There's a way. There has to be a way to perfect it. That's my x.
[ they don't verbally reply, and it's just the slight incline of their head. that probably says enough about that.
but it's fine. they don't mind being peered at. ]
That'd do it, yeah. I know people don't want to hear it, but sometimes death is the answer. And sometimes it has to be your own. Even when other people don't want it to be.
[ the last bit is said sort of softly, like they're considering something before they tilt their head back to look at the expanse of the void. ]
... after I died, it was much safer for people to leave their boundaries behind and go to a place they could do the same. All of the troubles they may have had tying them down kinda ceased to exist. But there were still threats. Even if they didn't see them right away. How are you so sure the same can't be said about the arcane? And your hextech?
[Hmm. He watches them for a moment before following their look out into the expanse.]
While I cannot speak on the arcane, as I have only recently come to experience it, I can say... I never wanted Hextech to be utilized for wrong. But it's true there were people who had begun to turn their eyes toward it. The discontent between Piltover and Zaun was widening into something dangerous.
But that is now... a situation left for Jayce to handle.
... I think I understand why you wouldn't want to leave this place. [ the hivemind... ] It's better when it's in your hands and away from people who'll take your work to do whatever they want. Do you even trust Jayce to fix things?
[ they don't just based on what viktor's said, but again, complicated feelings. ]
His smile is a briefly wry and tight thing, and it fades into a conflicted expression. He looks out at the void as if Jayce will appear from it and vanquish the doubts he has; he knows that won't happen. His eyes lower.]
[ have you considered not trusting other people and doing things yourself? ]
... I might've once believed that in order to do something right, you have to do it yourself. I don't know that I feel that way anymore. But it's still leaving it up to someone else.
[What kind of fucking faces are they making here for him to need to see? Damn.]
You truly know how to let people know you tire of their company.
[He's teasing. He's teasing? He has the ability to emote! There isn't any swimming; Viktor simply leans a little forward and coasts over to them. What appears on his lips is more than a smile, but not quite a full grin.]
it's funny because that's not exactly what they meant, but also it kind of is. it kind of is. their social battery is usually running at 50% anyway, so they shrug. ]
Hey, come on. You say that like you don't know how to find me anyway. [ but they do stand still to allow this. ] See you on the other side.
[Nerd to nerd communication in real time. Reading the room. Reading the... void.
He raises a hand not unlike the way he did the initial time, but after a short pause, he smirks and thumps them solidly on what is hopefully the forehead with his launched middle finger.
This is not how it's done, but he was feeling unruly.
The jolt seems to swallow them up. A warm, bright light zips in like lightning, consuming their vision, bathing them in cosmic, magical heat. It doesn't feel like burning, but like energy. The dull sting received from standing by a campfire, letting it warm.
They're thrown again into their body at the fountain. Muted Viktor is pulling his hand away; his eyes had been glowing by the way they dim. There are several lingering iridescent fingerprints on their forehead, but they are not hiveminded (whew), and the prints only linger for maybe an hour before fading.]
[ this is definitely nerd to nerd communication, there is no other way to interpret it.
but they do jump slightly when there's a sudden thud, but then there's a light that blinds them, almost. it's energy thrumming through their bones, wrapped around their frame and tying them down, a slight tension in a good way that binds them to reality again.
there's a gasp when they return to their body, hands coming up slowly to pat at their chest and their legs to make sure they're all there. but they look up at viktor to see just how disconnected he is again.
thank you, they are going to stare and probably be unaware of the prints for a while but this is a new thing to obsess about. great. ]
[Not them wandering around with the prints to get side-eyed about them.
He watches them back for a bit. There hasn't really ever been a bad reaction, not even totally with (redacted), but there's a first time for everything.]
[ yeah, listen, sometimes your brain is so overloaded with thoughts you simply do not give a fuck about how you look. ]
...
[ what do they think. ]
I'd like to see it again later. [ they want to study it, a little, out of their own curiosity. and also maybe see how deeply intertwined viktor is to the hexcore and arcane he is. but there is a very slight inflection in their tone that says they're impressed, and curious. ]
[We're gonna have to tranq this nerd to turn the brain off.
Viktor is patient despite having an F in patience; they get time to decide how to respond.] Later then. [He puts the hand on the stupid egg so it doesn't fly out when he stands.
He glances from them to the unfinished three-dimensional blueprint and back to them again.]
[They have shown him some strong convictions. He starts to leave with his stupid egg baby,] Let me know if you need any help. [(knowing they probably won't ask), but then he stops and turns back for a moment.]
Oh, yes. Lailah thought you might like some help on the transport between here and there.
[ there's a nod. thank you, appreciate it. they won't ask, but they pause when viktor mentions the transportation. ]
... if you've got time and extra eyes, sure. I've been working on getting that and our line of communication back up. We weren't supposed to be fully separated like this.
It'd be the first step. I've... been looking into routes and trying to access the innerworkings of this pocket, but I'm not finding where the break is. Which is really annoying, actually, but extra hands who understand a little better would be good.
[ they are fine with their coworkers, but. they are not as technically advanced. ]
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... there's a disconnect between here and there. [ they mean with viktor, and they don't say so. ] If you could separate the man and the animal, think you could separate you and the hexcore?
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His head swivels to look at them.]
Why would I want to do that?
[Unlike before, he doesn't seem icily feral when he asks, but genuinely confused. It isn't the Hexcore refusing to let go, but a worry of becoming worthless.
Don't take the only thing he can do now to make a difference in people's lives (he thinks). He's always been weak and useless, nevermind his brain is what wasn't. He's been terminal, too. This is all he has.
But he understands they have asked a question, so: he looks outward again.]
I don't know... I haven't considered trying on myself. I'm not sure if it would work that way, but perhaps. Anything is possible, right? You try until you make that true.
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they don't seem to mind viktor watching them, keeping their face (?) turned toward him. right. okay. have to remember he doesn't actually see there's a problem here. ]
Sure, anything is possible. As long as you remember that there are always going to be unknowns that you're solving for. Like, let's say what you're trying to solve for is how to keep saving your people if you separate from the hexcore. Before you can solve for that, you need to factor in other variables, such as your free will, and your capabilities to make certain changes. While some won't work in this formula, others will. There are multiple answers to the same question. In this case, your unknown is "what would happen to me if I separated from the hexcore." And you take your y and your z into account, with y equally your research on the invention and your z being your choices in how you use it. With those, you solve.
"If y +z, my research and my choices, can be multiplied and create a new answer, that's my x."
[ which is to say they do not think it would necessarily be the end of viktor if he was able to create and do all of this once. ]
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Do you always turn your problems into mathematical equations to solve them?
[Unfortunately, he is peering at Kiraman now with an interest which really couldn't present itself on the other side when dulled by the neutrality of the Hexcore.]
You know, before I transmuted with the Hexcore, I asked Jayce to promise me to destroy it. [His expression softens into something solemn with a bit of recognition.] I guess that's why he killed me.
But I have seen what it can do, what it can let me do for others who need the help. I can actually make a difference in people's lives now. I can end their pain, their early deaths, give them a place where they don't have to starve, or fight to live. They prosper; I've seen it. Coexisting and creating with their own gifts. Art, music, writing, everything.
I can use it. There's a way. There has to be a way to perfect it. That's my x.
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but it's fine. they don't mind being peered at. ]
That'd do it, yeah. I know people don't want to hear it, but sometimes death is the answer. And sometimes it has to be your own. Even when other people don't want it to be.
[ the last bit is said sort of softly, like they're considering something before they tilt their head back to look at the expanse of the void. ]
... after I died, it was much safer for people to leave their boundaries behind and go to a place they could do the same. All of the troubles they may have had tying them down kinda ceased to exist. But there were still threats. Even if they didn't see them right away. How are you so sure the same can't be said about the arcane? And your hextech?
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While I cannot speak on the arcane, as I have only recently come to experience it, I can say... I never wanted Hextech to be utilized for wrong. But it's true there were people who had begun to turn their eyes toward it. The discontent between Piltover and Zaun was widening into something dangerous.
But that is now... a situation left for Jayce to handle.
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... I think I understand why you wouldn't want to leave this place. [ the hivemind... ] It's better when it's in your hands and away from people who'll take your work to do whatever they want. Do you even trust Jayce to fix things?
[ they don't just based on what viktor's said, but again, complicated feelings. ]
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His smile is a briefly wry and tight thing, and it fades into a conflicted expression. He looks out at the void as if Jayce will appear from it and vanquish the doubts he has; he knows that won't happen. His eyes lower.]
...I have no other option than to trust him.
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... I might've once believed that in order to do something right, you have to do it yourself. I don't know that I feel that way anymore. But it's still leaving it up to someone else.
[ and that can still uncomfortable. ]
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Well, [he laughs wryly,] it would certainly be better if I could.
[But you know. HE'S DEAD!! And not only dead, but on this side dead.]
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You brought us here. How do you take people back out?
[ curious. and very obviously studying all of this. ]
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You truly know how to let people know you tire of their company.
[He's teasing. He's teasing? He has the ability to emote! There isn't any swimming; Viktor simply leans a little forward and coasts over to them. What appears on his lips is more than a smile, but not quite a full grin.]
See you on the other side?
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it's funny because that's not exactly what they meant, but also it kind of is. it kind of is. their social battery is usually running at 50% anyway, so they shrug. ]
Hey, come on. You say that like you don't know how to find me anyway. [ but they do stand still to allow this. ] See you on the other side.
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He raises a hand not unlike the way he did the initial time, but after a short pause, he smirks and thumps them solidly on what is hopefully the forehead with his launched middle finger.
This is not how it's done, but he was feeling unruly.
The jolt seems to swallow them up. A warm, bright light zips in like lightning, consuming their vision, bathing them in cosmic, magical heat. It doesn't feel like burning, but like energy. The dull sting received from standing by a campfire, letting it warm.
They're thrown again into their body at the fountain. Muted Viktor is pulling his hand away; his eyes had been glowing by the way they dim. There are several lingering iridescent fingerprints on their forehead, but they are not hiveminded (whew), and the prints only linger for maybe an hour before fading.]
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but they do jump slightly when there's a sudden thud, but then there's a light that blinds them, almost. it's energy thrumming through their bones, wrapped around their frame and tying them down, a slight tension in a good way that binds them to reality again.
there's a gasp when they return to their body, hands coming up slowly to pat at their chest and their legs to make sure they're all there. but they look up at viktor to see just how disconnected he is again.
thank you, they are going to stare and probably be unaware of the prints for a while but this is a new thing to obsess about. great. ]
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He watches them back for a bit. There hasn't really ever been a bad reaction, not even totally with (redacted), but there's a first time for everything.]
What do you think?
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...
[ what do they think. ]
I'd like to see it again later. [ they want to study it, a little, out of their own curiosity. and also maybe see how deeply intertwined viktor is to the hexcore and arcane he is. but there is a very slight inflection in their tone that says they're impressed, and curious. ]
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Viktor is patient despite having an F in patience; they get time to decide how to respond.] Later then. [He puts the hand on the stupid egg so it doesn't fly out when he stands.
He glances from them to the unfinished three-dimensional blueprint and back to them again.]
I'd like to see it when it's finished.
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Later then. [ they have an agreement... a trade for a trade. ] Sooner than later, hopefully.
[ here's hoping. ]
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[They have shown him some strong convictions. He starts to leave with his stupid egg baby,] Let me know if you need any help. [(knowing they probably won't ask), but then he stops and turns back for a moment.]
Oh, yes. Lailah thought you might like some help on the transport between here and there.
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... if you've got time and extra eyes, sure. I've been working on getting that and our line of communication back up. We weren't supposed to be fully separated like this.
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[Interesting.]
I'll help. They said you all weren't sure what caused it. Perhaps we can find out.
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[ they are fine with their coworkers, but. they are not as technically advanced. ]
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[WHY ARE THEY BOTH ANNOYING NERDS.]
I'll find you later. Finish your work.
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Sure. [ they will nod and dismiss him then. see you later, nerd. ]