depressionnap | expiation inbox

[ It's strangely reassuring to hear that, despite being separated across universes, there are things that remain the same between his own world and the place where Vincent's from. ]

Oh. Most people from my country are cremated too.

[ There's something on Vincent's mind. Minato can tell that much as he gazes up at the man. ]

It's not bad in here. ...it's nice that people get to rest somewhere comfortable in the end.

...That's the idea. That... in the end, we rest in peace.

Seems the dead doesn't quite always get that wish, but it's pleasant concept.

[ There's some silence as Minato considers Vincent's response. ]

That's true. ...it doesn't happen all the time.

[ Minato sits up, though chooses to stay in the coffin for now. ]

Are you supposed to be dead? ...is that why you were in a coffin?

...You asked me once how I knew what death felt like. I did not answer you.

[nah he kinda just left minato on read lmao]

I was killed thirty years ago, and shortly after I was revived. But only after I was a madman's test subject for his damned experiments.

Still, where else does a dead man rest other than the confines of a coffin? It seemed... suitable.

[ WELL... not answering, being left on read, same difference... ]

Oh.

[ If Vincent's treatment was anything like Strega's through the Kirijo Group's experiments in force-awakening Personas... Minato frowns as he takes in the information. So that's what Vincent meant by the dead do not always get to rest. ]

...I died too, before arriving here. That's why... I wondered, if they didn't cremate people back home, what it might be like in one of these.

[ He knocks lightly on the edge of the coffin. It's sturdy. Comfy on the inside, safe. Maybe Vincent's onto something. ]

[There's some hesitation, and Vincent glances at Minato with compassion. He doesn't know the circumstances of the death, but for someone so young it pains him.]

...It isn't too bad.

Cozy.

Yeah. It's nice.

[ ... ]

I'm glad.

[ Minato returns to studying Vincent before offering the man a small smile. It's a reassuring expression, one that he hopes conveys how he wholeheartedly accepted his ultimate fate. ]

...it's okay. Thanks for letting me see your coffin.

[ If anything, Minato's pained to hear that Vincent was subjected to such cruel experiments. ]

[It doesn't feel okay, honestly. Even if he doesn't know Minato's circumstances, it makes him feel uneasy -- the death, that Minato is comfortable with it. It feels like a waste, but maybe it's from Vincent's age.

He's been alive too long. And he will be alive for that much longer, regrettably.]

...Do you... want to practice Queen's Blood?

Okay.

[ Minato's still a newbie when it comes to the game. He could definitely use the practice if he's ever going to be a worthwhile opponent for Vincent.

Carefully, he stands and makes his way out of the coffin. When he straightens, he offers Vincent a sheepish look. ]

...can you keep that a secret though? Sorry.

[ Like, he's pretty sure that info might cause an even worse reaction in others compared to Vincent's. ]

[A brief tilt of his head, and then Vincent nods to Minato once.]

No apology necessary. Your secret will be safe with me.

[Vincent can't be bothered to talk about himself on most days so he can definitely keep a secret for Minato.]

Had a question though, if you don't mind. Don't have to answer.

[ That's a relief. Kotone and Manjiro seemed to handle the information fine, but Scott? Scott did not handle it fine. Neither would Sha-Ming, Minato thinks to himself.

...he'd rather Sha-Ming not find out at all, given the man's reactions to his apathy towards life. ]

Thanks.

[ There's his own curious head tilt now. ]

It's okay. You can ask.

...The way you summoned those creatures.

That was... [fuckin weird who the hell designed that] ...not typical. Is that normal where you're from?

[ Technically, it's normal. It's why it takes a moment for Minato to respond. ]

Yes, but... I guess the ability to summon them isn't "normal."

[ That's the easiest way to explain. ]

There are methods to summoning where I am from. It was not that.

Explain, if you can. ...Or if you wish to.

[Like, Vincent isn't gonna force him.]

[ He's frowning now, only because he's not sure he can explain it. Maybe Mitsuru had better insight into why Evokers had to Look Like That and Worked Like That. But Minato? No clue. ]

I don't really know. When I held one for the first time though, putting it here --

[ Minato lifts a hand to tap his temple with an index finger. ]

It... made sense to me.

[ Let's Not talk about how the gesture was encouraged by the small child that only he could see. ]

...It made sense.

[Vincent breathes in slowly, holding his breath for a moment.]

You can imagine how that might leave a certain impression. Your contentment with death, and that gesture alone.

If it does not bother you, then I'll leave it be.

[ For what it's worth, he's learned to reassure others that the Evoker is channeling device and Not what it looks like. But back in the tower, there hadn't been any time to tell Vincent mid-battle. ]

Yes. I try to warn people now before doing it.

[ Oh. Perhaps there's been a perfectly understandable misunderstanding... There's a sheepish smile on his face. ]

It... wasn't like that.

[ What's the best way to put it? ]

It kept my friends safe. So it wasn't scary.

...I suppose you and I did not have such a luxury of explanation.

[The Galian Beast certainly ensured that, or whatever forced it to come out.]

Hm.

[The explanation does make a kind of sense, then. There's a pause as he peers at Minato, then with his right hand lacking the gauntlet he reaches up and puts it on top of Minato's head. sure he's a teenager but like vincent is nearly 60 so shut up]

Then it is courage. Still, nonetheless, I have no doubt there are others who value your life.

I will not pester you regarding it. [nagging is too much energy and it's not like anyone wants it] But I understand.

[ It's true. There hadn't been any time to squeeze in an explanation, not when Minato's attention immediately focused on surviving the ordeal presented to him by the tower.

There's a gentle hand laying itself atop his head. Minato looks up at Vincent, a little wide-eyed from the unexpected gesture. It's warm, reassuring. It's... nice.

The man's words are part of the recurring reminder that Minato's received lately, that there are surely those who valued him beyond the ultimate sacrifice he'd willingly paid. Vincent's declaration is yet another reminder of this.

But those final words leave him with a question: ]

...you do?

[ What, then, had Vincent willingly taken on for the sake of people he loved? ]

[A hint of a smile forms on Vincent's face. It's slightly bittersweet, but still with a hint of warmth like a candlelight.]

There are many who are incapable of seeing beyond their own needs. To sacrifice for those precious to you... yes, I do understand.

[Even if he could have done more. He could have done so much more.]

[ Minato goes quiet again. He knows very little about this man. But now that he knows Vincent understands sentiments behind sacrifice, maybe that's all he really needs to know. ]

I've been trying to figure out what to do now.

[ After all, he certainly hadn't expected to wake up alive again. ]

...back then, I thought I was done.

[ Instead of a smile like Vincent's, there's a pensive frown on Minato's face. ]

You felt your story had ended, and where it was perhaps was enough for you.

[He speaks in sympathy, a bit of understanding in that too.

Is this where you want your story to end? How funny that whoever puppets Cait Sith had deigned to ask him. Now it seems suitable for Minato in a way, too.

Vincent removes his hand from Minato's head, but still clearly gives his full attention.]

I can't give you an answer. Nor should I. But... perhaps with time, I can nonetheless walk that path with you to make sure the answer is found, Minato.

[ There's a small nod once Vincent removes his hand from Minato's head. That's exactly it. He'd felt that was the end, and it was a satisfactory ending to him.

To receive support in searching for that answer -- gratitude wells within him, though he doesn't think he can find the words to fully express it. Perhaps the smile that's returned to his face speaks for itself. ]

...yes, I've learned it's something only I can decide for myself.

[ After all, that's what it means to "live," isn't it?

He looks to Vincent with a curious gaze. ]

...have you found yours?

[ The man said he'd died once. Here he is now, alive and well. Perhaps he's done his share of soul-searching already. ]

[The expression is gratifying enough. No words are needed in this instance; Vincent does understand, and he just nods in return.]

...No.

[It's hypocritical, isn't it? To be so encouraging for Minato. To be concerned about an early death in his life, to find meaning when Vincent himself barely holds onto his own. He has no reason to continue forward, not really. Yet...]

But I hope to bring peace to a beloved person one day. So that her soul may rest. ...That will have to be enough for me.

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screams and crawls out of the abyss

THE RETURN OF ALBA

ME!!!!

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