[video; un: lycaon] cw: mentions of terminal illness likely in comments

[paraselenic]

WHO: Lycaon
WHERE: Gemini
WHEN: 05/30
WHAT: Lycaon notices Viktor is missing and decides to notify the app of his disappearance
WARNINGS: cw: terminal illness mentions, missing persons, and all things associated with those two.



[Lycaon does not often post to the network, not of his own accord. However, this seems to be a matter of utmost importance, and it shows on his face as he turns the feed on. He seems to not be at his home, or work, but rather inside Viktor's home.

This will only post to Gemini for the time being. Zodiac does not need to have their eyes on this just yet. His eye looks glassy, and his hand rests against his chest as he contemplates how best to phrase this.]

My deepest apologies. I had started this message with an attempt to be direct, but it seems all words have left me.


Allow me to start again. [Inhale, exhale.]


I am sure you are all aware of Viktor. He's a dear friend of mine, and to many of you. His closest Pokémon, Talia, came to me and alerted me that he was not in his abode, and when I went to investigate further, I can confirm he is no longer in the vicinity.


[There's certainly more he's not saying, out of respect for his friend, but with the information he's found in the room so far, it's too soon to say what's on his mind regarding that. Until it has been confirmed, he won't burden his loved ones with unneeded concerns.]

I, of course, can track his scent. And yet when I attempt to trace it to his current location, it leads to nowhere but his home. It is as if he were here, and then in an instant he wasn't. I am...truly baffled by this situation. If there are any leads to what this could be, or his whereabouts, please... come forth.

Until he his found, I will be housing his Pokemon. Miss Rika, if you do not mind, would you tend to Rio? Viktor has stated that you have worked with amphibious creatures, so she may benefit from your expertise in the interim.

Comments

video: un:trienemybest

[droptheious]

[ After the sheer amount of the people he cares about being taken and kept captive this year already, this absolutely makes Varian's stomach drop. He pales as he responds to the message. He knows that Viktor is ill, he knows that time is limited for them. He and Viktor talked about it. ]

...He said September. I thought we had more time.

[He said that quietly, largely to himself, shakes his head, tries to get back into the game. ]

I'll help however I can, Lycaon, Viktor's my friend. I don't- do you think he developed teleportation? That might suggest why his scent just... stopped? But that's- concerning. I don't even know where he'd go.

I can check his usual spots. See if that yields anything?

[paraselenic]

[It seems Varian has come to the same conclusions as Lycaon did when he first investigated. His eye closes in understanding. Viktor may not have had told many about his illness, but it seems that Varian was one of those chosen few.]

That is what I assumed as well. Though...Talia has told me that while his health wasn't stellar, the night previous to his disappearance he seemed to be doing fair considering his condition.

[There has to be a reason. There has to be.]

Thank you, Varian. He seemed to place a considerable amount of trust in you, so any help you can spare would be appreciated. I know you are working on other matters [Harumasa goes without saying, they both know that responsibility]. If anything can help alleviate the workload, I will do it as long as it is within my power.

...

Teleportation...would explain why the trail stops where it did. It was how I had lost track of Jun during the Crystal Tower madness.

[This does lead to new avenues, ones he didn't consider.] We'll split up and reconvene with our results. If anything comes up at all, I will let you know.

video; CompteParDefaut

[rachete]

Should it prove useful, I have some experience with teleportation technology.

[Warp pads and pokemon moves, man. It might be technology built on pokemon observation, in AZ's world, but that doesn't mean he hasn't watched the development of such technology with muted pride.]

If I could be trusted to have access to his lab, I could see if I recognize the signs of it in his work.

[Look, he's a random old man. He gets if there's some wariness in this request.]

text: un:idontcare

[jaxoff]

[You know what, normally when The Hot Wolf Guy makes a post, Jax has an entire bisexual panic about it and closes Gemni for a while. But he starts talking about Viktor and that's enough to give him pause.

Jax doesn't give a shit about anyone. He doesn't care if anything happens to him because it's nothing to do with him. They're nothing to him, because they don't matter. Nothing matters.

This is a lie he's told himself in two different lives now. And in both lives the cracks and flaws in that logic swiftly got him. He stares at this for a moment, trying to determine how to sort through his emotions about it. He certainly keeps his camera off. Much easier to keep the mask on if his face can't be seen.]

Good thing you caught me when I'm bored and want something to do.

I can see if I can hack into his devices. It's 50/50 he left his location on. Then you can go rescue him from whatever hole his dumb self probably fell into. Like Lassie.

text; un: lycaon

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon will opt to text back for this--out of comfort for Jax.]

Sir..Jax, was it?

[He's seen him around the Zodiac offices in passing, though they'd never had a chance to talk. It seems the rabbit always found an opportune time to disappear. Perhaps it was the rabbit in him, instinctively avoiding the wolf. Nonetheless, he smiles behind the feed at this chance to help find Viktor.]

I cannot thank you enough. Even the attempt would be worth it.

My skills in hacking are basic at best, so someone with your expertise would be able to get further than I.

video; un: CompteParDefaut

[rachete]

[Viktor...? That's the young inventor that AZ has spoken with on multiple occasions. Someone he would, by all accounts, consider a friend.

He had noticed the man's frailness, as much as he recognized a mind that is beginning to ponder about life in a way he's seen time and time again.

Viktor often carried himself like a dead man walking. No wonder this Lycaon appeared so concerned.]

Should you need help with his pokemon, I am well versed in their care.

[He pauses, honestly debating this next part. He's sworn off engineering and invention, for good reason, but after speaking with Viktor about the benefits of technology, even if it may be used for war... well. Does he not owe it to his friend to take that skill off the dusty shelf?]

I will also see if I can fashion a tracker from this time's technology. I believe the magic in this city has made it possible to track the wellness levels of an individual, as well. Perhaps we can see if such a thing is possible to create now, in the meantime.

[paraselenic]

[Help can come in so many different forms, Lycaon is finding out. The city has so many people, ready to jump into action with their skills.

He can't help but smile, despite the circumstances.]

If you could, I would be most appreciative. I can understand their language, but each Pokemon is so different. My own's needs are not always what another Pokemon needs.

An expert would be helpful. He has a Golurk, an Iron Valiant, a Magearna, and a Tinkaton. The last one is closest with him, and is a friend of my own Noibat.

[His ears flick in curiosity though, at the man's idea of a tracker.]

Could such a thing be possible...I wonder. If there is anything I can do to help you have my word I will do so.

video; un: isdeceittaken

[sophistrication]

[Ordinarily, Shadow Milk would avoid such a thing. He has a rep to keep up with pretending this wolfman doesn't exist. However, Viktor is now in play. Or rather..the LACK of Viktor is in play.

He hovers in his seat looking rather uncomfortable by the news.

This was sooner than he was told--did Viktor lie to him about it? He didn't sense the lie, which is concerning. The man spoke as if he had months, not weeks.

Put on a smile, Shadow Milk. You have a stage to perform on.]

I think I knoooowwww~

[Shadow Milk floats so that his head is upside down on the feed, his hair now blinking owlishly along with him as he smiles at the camera.]

Since everyone's beating around the bush regarding all the hubbub, I'll be the one to say it.

Viktor, our dearest little doe-eyed Vikky-Wikky, has been hiding something from a PUH-RETTY big part of all of you.

Wanna know what it is? An illness. A MEGA bad one at that. Like. We're talking life-or-death here.

Guess he didn't want to worry you. Maybe he booked it just so you didn't have to see him. Or like the scrawny little engineer says, he T E L E PO R T E D. Where? Who knows!

I don't.

[His smile falters a moment, looking clearly exhausted from just spouting all of that. The clown has his limits, and unfortunately for him, he has started to care about this man, even if he won't admit it.]

I...COULD check his file. See if anything updated.

voice; un: frondescence

[hekien]

[Viktor was... sick?

Terminally, even. If she's reading between the lines of Shadow Milk's usual dismissive way of speaking.

Why... didn't he tell her?]

Please do.

[Fern's voice is small, quiet. This... isn't the first time someone has hidden their weakness from her until they were at death's door.]

... and please let us know, Mr. Lait.

UN: Wilder | Voice

[wilder]

[In an annoyed tone:]

Shut up, Smurf.

text: un:idontcare

[jaxoff]

[Jax is not worrying, he's not worrying so hard that he's sticking to text.

This would be a perfect chance for him to point and say the wolf man absolutely fucking exists and he's being an absolute twatwaffle pretending he doesn't when he DIRECTLY RESPONDED TO HIS MESSAGE. But he's not worried about Viktor so here there are instead. And this? This is new information? ]

I know our sick pay is a joke but this seems pretty drastic.

So, what? He just fcked off to die alone like a sickly pet?

voice; un: frondescence

[hekien]

[... missing? Viktor is missing? That explains his silence in regards to work the day before, but... for him to be missing in a city full of people who were still on high alert from what had happened in February...

It's a blessing, at this time, that Fern is panicked enough by this news that she doesn't bother with others' messages before responding, herself.]

I'll search the city.

[And she does mean search. She's going to wander the streets of Kaisou for the rest of the day, looking into every nook and cranny she can find, visiting shops even she has never set foot in, just in case.]

Text; un: devilchild

[myriadeclipse]

After reviewing your account and what Master Shadow has given us, I feel the best thing for me to say is this: What would you like for me to do?

[paraselenic]

I will regroup with you soon. I have something to speak to you about that is related to the situation.

[Viktor leaving his prosthetics blueprints truly made it sink in just how fragile a situation any of his engineers are in. Not just Viktor, any of them.]

For now, we will need to care for his Pokemon. Our home has the space to accommodate them, and they seem well behaved. Just until he shows up.

...

You are of the Earth element. Is there any magic you know of that can cause one to disappear with no trace?

UN: Wilder | Voice

[wilder]

[A small "Dammit Vicky..." can be heard from Zelos's end. Disappearing like this? He reads over everyone's theories, and well...

Sure, he'll voice an unpopular one]

He's an otherworlder. If his scent can't be traced anywhere, it's possible he got sent home.

[...]

Happens sometimes.

[paraselenic]

[He'd heard about this from some other isekai, and yet...it'd been the one option he selfishly hoped it wouldn't be.

His eye falls to the paperwork, and his eye trailing to the letter that he had to give to Random Play. He'd hold off on the latter for now--he doesn't want to hand out such finalities until he's exhausted every option.

He takes what Zelos says and lets it pour over in his mind.]

That...is certainly a likely possibility. It matches to what Talia, his Pokemon has said. That he went to bed perfectly 'normal' [As normal as Viktor could.] and was gone the next morning.

...

His crutch and back brace remain here. If he was taken, it was likely in his sleep.

un: tm149; text

[goodolrika]

Yeah, I'll look after Rio. And if you need anything with his Pokemon, I'll lend a hand where I can.

[paraselenic]

I cannot thank you enough, Miss Rika. Rio is rather panicked over the situation, and I am afraid I do not have the expertise to properly attend to her needs.

As for the Pokemon, I know Talia well enough, but the others I could use any information you can gather. They are an Iron Valiant, and a Magearna. Sir AZ seems to know much about Golurk, so I believe they are covered.

un: fuego

[fuegor]

[...Shit.

Even when Lighter skipped town he was certain he could still be traced having left. For a guy to disappear without a trace... and given what Cardita's clown co-worker was saying to boot.

He didn't know the guy well, but regardless.]

Tell me where you need me and I'll be there.

[paraselenic]

Thank you, Lighter. There is something somewhat related I wish to discuss with you as well, but I would rather it be in person.

For now, would you assist me in inspecting Viktor's home? I will be asking Hugo to join us as well.

voice; un: midnightfishing

[illucesco]

[softly:] Damn it, Viktor.

[at a normal volume:] I agree with one of the other replies here, it's possible he got sent home, but—I'll look around the city just in case he's still here.

If you need help with his Pokemon I can stop by and check on them.

[paraselenic]

I appreciate it, Noctis.

[How does he put this without admitting to implications. He supposes Noctis would've come to the same conclusion either way.]

He had notes pre-written that said to contact you and Miss Rika with regards to his Pokemon's care.

I can house them, I have the space for them and it might be best that they don't stick around here. But I am afraid I do not know how to care for their specific Pokemon species.

text; un: archangel

[thearchangel]

[Text is easier. Text means you can distance yourself from actual feelings like worry, and be more precise. More logical.]

[He is worried. He likes the man.]

Has anything like this ever happened before? People just flat-out vanishing?

He's like me, isn't he? Brought from another world. Any chance he ... just went back?

[paraselenic]

The Crystal Tower incident had a similar effect, where the trail just...vanished with no explanation.

However, given he is an isekai, and this is not a widespread problem of multiple people being taken, it is possible he was sent back as you say.

I have also heard stories of people leaving and returning. His brace and crutch are still here. I worry that if he does return...he will not be in a position to move himself.

[A pause.]

Should worse come to worst, I will have a favour to ask of you.

[This whole situation has been enlightening for him, on how fragile of a situation he's in. Precautions need to be taken--thankfully Viktor had been kind enough to provide documents.]

Voice | UN: DelicatelyFrail

[life_ethereal]

[Viktor's missing.

Cold, icy dread and fear pierce through Harumasa's heart. The tendrils of which spread out to the rest of his limbs and make it momentarily difficult to breathe. Yet he steadies himself. Viktor doesn't need someone panicking. He needs someone acting.

Shadow's doing his thing, but Harumasa isn't surprised by it. Viktor told him. The two of them truthfully have bonded over it. Sometimes, it feels like they're the only ones who understand each other.

Harumasa takes a deep breath and turns on the audio function.]

I can maybe track him with Cassandra. I know him well enough that I can try scanning the city for him. I'll need a ride, though. Using Cassandra takes my full concentration.

If I can't find him, then it's possible that he went home.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon's ears flick hearing Harumasa's voice, nodding gently behind the feed and giving a soft exhale before he continues.]

Blitzcrank, Viktor's Golurk, could surely carry you without issue. They are already used to carrying their trainer, and if it is in the interest of finding Viktor, I am sure they would accommodate were I to ask them.

If not, Bruno is certainly up to the task.

text; un: thenecromancer

[keterclass]

[...Oh, that's going to suck for Belle and Zelos. They'd grown attached to the guy. Nephrite had been a little ambivalent about him for reasons that didn't really have much to do with Viktor himself, but he seemed...agreeable. Sensible, someone Nephrite could have seen himself getting to know better, in time.

In the end, it's just a reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed, especially with transplants from another world.]

How unfortunate. Thank you for letting us know.

[Sometimes people are just gone, and that's all you get.]

[paraselenic]

[A painful reminder that isekai are not always guaranteed to be around them. Perhaps Varian, Vash, Eve and the others were simply anomalies, or perhaps Viktor himself IS the anomaly. One can never know. But this shatters the idea that they're here to stay, at least one that's as close to Lycaon as he is.

He doesn't--can't-accept that until he's searched high and low for him, though. He can't just leave him when he could be out there, needing his help.]

I will keep you all up to date should I detect his scent. I'm quite confident in my ability to pick it up, if nothing else.

text; un: doordasher | private

[doublethumbsup]

hey
r u gonna b ok?

can i help?

[They don't want to mention they can't locate Viktor. It feels too much like, well. What happened with the kidnappings.]

[So they're going to focus on something else.]

like
do stuff for u while ur looking for him?

>private;

[paraselenic]

[There's something so unspoken about it. Hermes does not offer to use their doors, and Lycaon knows why. He's partially known even before Hermes answered. It's cruel to even ask when the answer is so obvious.

But he also knows they share his same desire to do something that can help. If this were a more jovial time, he would make the joke that this might be proof of their familial bond.

For now, he'll keep it short.]

I cannot say I am as composed as I usually am, but I will be fine. [He isn't now, but he will be.] However, I will need you to do something for me, something no one else can do.

Viktor's companion, Rio. She is an amphibious creature, and I worry about transporting her long distances. When Miss Rika is ready for it, I will need you to use your doors to get her to her destination.

If you can also utilize them to get these Pokemon to my home, I would be very grateful.

[ not here ]

[anyprice]

[ something in him twists uncomfortably, memories of the last conversation they had, how Viktor said he had 'very little time left', and that he'd likely not make it to his and gil's wedding to help see the fireworks off that he'd been helping him work with.
Sampo puts his phone down and while he doesn't respond to this post, he sits and reads every response with a quietness about him. ]

voice, un: mallemok

[mauks]

[ there is only silence and the tell tale thud of anxious tail hitting something solid before Molly mutters a single word: ]




Fuck.

[paraselenic]

[Even just that one word is enough to tip Lycaon off on who this is. He barely looks up from the letter he's been looking over for an extended period of time.]

We will find him, Mollymauk. He can't...he cannot leave us this soon.


Garrus is looking into what he can, and Sir Jax is willing to hack into his phone. Zodiac is doing a ground search by the offices. We are taking every avenue.