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"It'll be alright!" cries Vincent. "I'll take you to a healer. They will find some way to -"

Chen silences him, putting a tiny finger upon his lips. She waves her hand weakly, motioning for him to come closer. He reluctantly obeys, knowing that these may very well be her last words. And with the last bit of her strength, she shoves her crossbow into his arms. Her voice is only a whisper when she speaks, but he will never forget her words.

"Don't cry," she whispers. "I am with you. Always."

As the last light of her eyes dim, she smiles at him gently - a kind smile with no regrets. He watches in pain as he feels her heartbeat slow down. Closing his eyes, he does his best to smile back at her softly. Then, the girl passes away peacefully in his arms.

Vincent stays with her for a little bit longer, holding Chen close to his chest. He can still feel her warmth. Memories flash in his mind of happier times. But he does not cry out and curse at the night. Because nothing remains. There is nothing left to say. His face is expressionless and empty. Sitting alone with her in the cavern, he stays silent, the crossbow still in his hands.

A single bitter tear rolls down his cheek.

...

He can hear voices in the darkness. At first, they are too faint for him to make out the words. But after a few minutes, he starts to hear them more clearly.

"..at do... mean?"

"It's... way I can descri..."

".. he alright?"

"..be fine."

"I don't understand. How can he have... history?"

"I'm not sure myself. There are large gaps and parts that I can't access."

"But you said that you went in deep."

"I did. I was surprised when I couldn't see anything at all when we I first tried."

"You didn't have to knock him out..."

"There is some kind of interference, and the fact that his memories are fragmented doesn't help."

"What did you see?"

"Nothing much that we don't already know. He was a hunter for the Church in the outside. His experience in facing the supernatural explains his skills. But -"

Vincent slowly opens his eyes to see two blurry figures standing over him. Immediately recognizing the red hair, he gives Komachi a weak smile. A glance to the other figure confirms that Keine is also here. They both gasp in surprise when they notice him.

"E-eh? How do you feel?" says Komachi.

"Been better," he mumbles as he sits himself up. Checking himself quickly, he finds that he is uninjured and lying on a bed.

"Sorry for doing that," says Keine. "I still don't understand why I can't read your history. Something must be blocking my ability."

"Are you sure you're alright?" says Komachi. "You were tossing and turning in your sleep."

"Just a nightmare, I think," says Vincent.

He can feel the cold sweat upon his brow. That felt more like an old memory than a dream. But something else was there. Something that existed here in the waking world.

"My things?" he mumbles.

"Ah! Your things are in the corner over there," says Komachi. "Do you need anything?"

"Crossbow," says Vincent. "Where is it?"

The shinigami takes a moment to fetch the item. Once in his hands, he examines the weapon carefully. It looks exactly like the one Chen used in his nightmare. But that can't possibly mean that...

"Where?" he mutters. "Where is Chen?"

"I had her stay downstairs," says Keine. "Anyway, I need you to tell me exactly what you saw and maybe -"

Suddenly, the door to the room swing opens. A familiar nekomata girl comes inside carrying a tray full of tea and snacks. She takes a glance at Keine and Komachi before looking at Vincent. The girl gives him a bright and innocent smile.

"I brought snacks!" Chen cries. "Let's eat them together, big brother!"

[ ] No reaction.
[ ] Sigh in relief.
[ ] Give a small nod.
[ ] Smile at her gently.
[ ] Hold her in a tight embrace.
[ ] Kiss her.
[ ] Say something. (Specify)
[ ] Custom