abraxaslogs | [closed] run fast don't stand in the sun there's too much work to be done

Easier, yes.

[Again, not unlike healing magic--which means he doesn't expect this to last, though the current results are heartening. It means what they're doing is working, even if they haven't managed to isolate just what, exactly, is in Alucard's blood that gives it this power.

Actually, he's just going to say it.]

If we could access the lungs directly--

[Alucard considers. Looks from the needle to Viktor's chest. Frowns.]

So...stabbing your lungs with a very long needle? Or finding another way to get the substance in there that requires less of a specialized item. That'd be a very long thing indeed, and it could pose problems with sterilization.

I'm not worried about that. The medical practices here are relatively sound.

[That is, they know, generally, about human anatomy and microbes and infections and preventing them. Nadine, too, would probably jump at the chance to assist, if he asked.]

I still think our best chance is to isolate the regenerative property. Perhaps create a synthetic version. That...is slightly beyond my level of expertise-- [He's not a chemist.] --but it seems to be the most sustainable approach.

That's true.

[Medieval Wallachia problems, it seems. At the word synthetic though, Alucard can't hide the grimace. It's worrying. He doesn't like it.]

One step at a time. We need to make sure any of this works before we start low key spreading vampirism throughout this world.

[Viktor is well aware that he's being hasty--a force of habit, and he often has to remind himself that he and all of the people helping him have bought more time. It's that time, however, that allows him to defer to Alucard in these matters and respect his autonomy.

Otherwise, he might not be so concerned with these particular repercussions.]

Sorry. I'm trying to think of a way we can do this without literally bleeding you dry.

Truth be told, I'm genuinely surprised it has proven an issue at all. [There's a gentle shrug.] I assumed it would regenerate instantly. Knowing where the limits are is useful. Allows for planning for this and other things further down the road.

[He pauses though. Tilting his head slightly, something catching his eye.]

Did you change any of your hair care routine recently?

[Viktor is about to continue arguing for, at the very least, isolating and reproducing the healing factor, but then Alucard says something he really doesn't expect. Viktor immediately fixes him with a look that indicates he finds the question wholly ridiculous and also out of nowhere.]

No. [Does Viktor look like a guy who even has a hair care routine? But then--] Well, I may have been experimenting with some of Jayce's...products. But I don't see how that would make much of a difference.

[Soap is soap!!]

That's...

[Alucard's eyes move over to the mice. He's aware this is insane. He's seeing things. And then he reaches a slender finger into the cage to boop Jonathan's head.]

Go look in the mirror, see if you notice a visible difference. I think we've discovered another effect.

[Unfortunately, Viktor has a hard time taking this seriously--he understands what Alucard is getting at, but it seems so ridiculous (and also difficult to assess) that his first reaction is to level him with an "are you serious" kind of stare.

He's not getting up or looking in the mirror, thanks.]

I think that. It's late, and we've been at this for a long time, and you might be imagining things.

Humor me.

[Alucard's face is dead serious. He would never joke about this, apparently, and he gestures towards the bathroom.]

If I'm wrong, I owe you a pastry.

That's not how this works!

[Sure, there's no way for them to have known to chart these particular metrics, but Viktor finds it highly unscientific all the same.]

We would need to compare it to a baseline, which we don't have, because we didn't take notes on my hair. Besides, anything you think you're seeing would be easily attributable to my occasional use of Jayce's various products.

[Are they fighting over hair?

They're fighting over hair.

This is a deeply stupid argument, and now Alucard is committed to winning it. The easiest way is for him to just reach over, take Victor's hand, and then guide it to the top of the man's own head.

Very seriously, Alucard just stares. Waiting.]

[This is the part where Viktor has to admit he does not see or feel a meaningful difference because he simply does not think about his own hair very much. He sits there and lets Alucard move his hand, but he himself is not actually convinced, mostly because if they want to attribute this to a microdose of Alucard's blood, they need to do it the right way.

Simply put, they cannot determine a new effect based on vibes alone.]

I'm going to ask Jayce.

[If anyone will know. It's probably him.]

Is he around? Because I'm willing to include this in our experimentation notes.

[Speaking of, this has gotten a little distracted. Alucard knows he's right though.]

Any other things you're noticing or feeling?

I'll talk to him about it later.

[It seems, for now, Viktor is not willing to budge on this, not when there are more important breakthroughs to be discussing. Even a small amount of Alucard's blood is having a similar effect to healing magic, which is a great place to be, all things considered. Now the trick will be figuring out how to make the effects permanent.]

No, not yet. Though it did take multiple doses for the mice to start exhibiting different effects.

That's true.

[Alucard's eyes glance back to the stopwatch. They're still going, that counts for a lot.]

We can increase the dose tomorrow, and see how the time plays out.

[To that, Viktor offers a nod. He rolls down his sleeve and leans back a little in his chair, fidgeting a little as if he doesn't know whether to stop for the night, or keep waiting for more effects, but eventually he leans forward for his notes.]

I'll record the time it wears off.

[When, not if--Viktor isn't quite so optimistic, not yet. Still...]

This is heartening. All things considered.

Would you like me to stick around for a little longer?

[Alucard knows it is a matter of when. But to have when even be viable is quite a feat, and he has no shame in celebrating that fact.]

It is. And if we can make it last longer, then...[Alucard breathes out, folding his arms across is chest.] We've been successful merchants of time, I suppose.

No, if I haven’t keeled over by now, I think we’re out of the, eh. Danger zone.

[He offers a tight-lipped smile—not entirely sincere, but perhaps a little less strained than usual.]

I’m willing to call it a night if you are.

I'm only willing if that means we can go get something to eat. I find myself very much in need of food at the moment.

[closed] run fast don't stand in the sun there's too much work to be done

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ok i think we can call it