when knives woke up, he was staring at a ceiling.
in a human's house.
Brother? he asked hesitantly,feeling the frantic panic radiating off Vash.
Knives? You're awake! He could sense surprise, and guilt, too-undoubtedly for him having perforated Knives many times over.
I'd come see you, Knives, but we've got a bit of a problem.
Knives snorted. What's the problem, Brother? one of your dear spiders run away?
Humans aren't spiders, Knives. And yes, one of my friends is missing. Not that you care.
oh really? Knives leaned back against the pillows, a cold smirk playing around the edges of his mouth. which one, Vash? the tall pudding-loving idiot, or that short pissy one you seem so fond of?
Neither. Came Vash's short reply.
Oh? Did you make another 'friend' i don't know about? do tell, Vash.
he could feel Vash's hesitation. i don't know...
Oh, come Vash. I am currently incapacitated, as you made sure. I am unable to squish your little spiders.
...Her name is Rachel.
Knives' eyes flew open, and he bolted upright. breathing heavily from the shock of hearing the one name he thought he never would again, he tried to calm himself. Rachel had died. It was probably a different human by the same name.
Rachel? what does she look like, Vash?
Vash blinked. His brother did not sound malicious. He sounded wary, and also... heartbroken?
Hesitantly, her showed Knives an image of Rachel as he had last seen her- red hair wild, green eyes smiling with that hint of heartbreak that had never left them.
he could sense Knives' surprise, and a deep sadness, almost longing. then he could her through his brother's ears. "Rachel?"
How long has she been gone, Vash?
Why do you care?
Vash. Now.
...a few hours. she said she was going back to sleep, but she's not anywhere in the house.
A few hours. Knives closed his eyes. All this time. She'd been alive all this time, and he hadn't known.
How do you know Rachel? Vash asked, curiousity and wondering shock evident.
His response was Knives breaking off the psychic connection.