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"Don't move yet," says Komachi. "You are pretty tough, but those injuries aren't anything to laugh about."

Vincent looks at the Shinigami, puzzled. His chest hurts a bit, but he doesn't feel that bad. However, she looks unusually worried and concerned. She frowns as he hesitates. Maybe the injury looks much worse from where she is standing. Seems like he got into some trouble, but as long as he can walk away from it, he doesn't really mind.

"Just stay still and let me feed you," she says sternly.

"W-w-what?" cries Vincent as he feels himself grow beet red. "N-No, I'm feeling fine! No need to trouble yourself like that."

He forces a smile as he tries to sit himself up.

"I can feed myself," he says. "Don't worry about -"

Suddenly, he erupts in a coughing fit. His chest pounds painfully each time air rushes out of his lungs. The pain is completely excruciating. After several moments of agony, he loses balance and starts to fall. But before his head hits the ground, he feels something move at the side of his eye. Then, he feels himself land on something soft. Slowly, he forces his eyes open.

Komachi is looking down on him with a small smile on her face. But something is strange. Her face seems to be upside-down. Also, he can detect a faint, sweet smell from behind him. It seems to be coming from behind his head. It takes him a few moments to realize that he is using her legs as a cushion.

"E-eh? I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to -"

Before he can raise his head again, Komachi pushes down firmly on his shoulders.

"Calm down," whispers the shinigami. "If you move too much, you'll open up your wounds."

"..."

In the end, he gives in. With a strange, gentle smile upon her face, Komachi patiently feeds him the soup. He notes that it has a strong herbal flavor, and somehow the soup feels soothing as it flows down his throat. The taste is surprisingly good. Komachi might not look like it, but she seems to be an excellent cook.

Neither of them say anything as he lies against her, accepting every spoonful with gratitude. He can feel himself calm down after a while. Somehow, he feels very comfortable with this girl, as if she were his elder sister. After he finishes eating, he closes his eyes to rest. He can feel Komachi gently stroke his hair as he falls into a peaceful, dreamless slumber.

...

"Feeling better now?" Komachi asks.

Vincent nods as he stands himself up. The pain doesn't sting as much anymore. Looking down, he can see that his whole chest is wrapped in fresh bandages. Now that he can see it better, the cuts look pretty bad. They almost look like deep scratch wounds.

"Stay still. I'll add a few more to be sure."

The shinigami patiently wraps a couple more bandages, making sure that they are nice and tight. After one last look, she hands Vincent back his coat. He quickly wears it, carefully covering up the injury.

"Thanks a lot," he says. "I guess that you saved my life again."

"Don't mind it," says Komachi. "We're friends, aren't we? By the way, your weapons are over there."

She points to a nearby bundle. He can spy his sword, crossbow, and gun. Beside it is a whole bunch of bloodied bandages. Then, he notices something strange. There are enough bandages in the pile to wrap a person from head to toe. He turns back to Komachi, puzzled.

"You were wrapped in those when I found you," says Komachi. "I almost mistook you for a mummy. Is that some sort of disguise?"

Vincent pauses to think, but he can't remember what happened. He shakes his head.

"I'm... not really sure," he manages. "I can't remember anything past yesterday evening."

"That's strange," replies Komachi. "Maybe you got hit in the head? I didn't see any wounds there earlier."

Vincent checks his head, but he can't find any wounds or lumps.

"I don't seem to be injured there," says Vincent.

Komachi looks at him with concern. She seems to be in deep thought.

"Maybe we should visit a doctor to make sure," she says finally. "I know of a good clinic that can help you. It isn't that far if we fly there."

Vincent says nothing as he takes his things. Only his weapons seem to be here. Seems like he left his pack back at Hakugyokurou. The longsword seems to be in good condition, though it is a little dusty. His crossbow and gun are both undamaged.

But something is bothering him. Out of the fifteen crossbow bolts, only nine are among his things. Also, the Peacemaker has only three rounds left.

"Is everything alright?" asks Komachi.

He nods his head slowly. No need to worry her even more about this.

"I'm think I have everything," he says.

Komachi grabs her scythe and smiles at him.

"So, have you decided?" she says. "I can take you back to Hakugyokurou if you are feeling better. We can also visit that clinic I mentioned to make sure you aren't hurt badly."

"Hmm..."

"You look much better now, actually," continues Komachi. "If you like, we can visit the Human Village. Maybe someone there will know what happened to you."

"The Village?" repeats Vincent.

"News travels fast around there," says Komachi. "Or maybe..."

The shinigami looks down at her feet, smiling nervously.

"Maybe we can go somewhere fun," whispers the girl. "I know of a few interesting places, if you like."

Her cheeks are a bit pink.

[ ] Return to Hakugyokurou.
[ ] Head to the clinic she mentioned.
[ ] Visit the Human Village.
[ ] Hang out with her for a while.
[ ] Custom