✙ X ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[The screen flickers on to show an odd scene from an even odder viewpoint. Vash stands in an open section of the street near the cathedral as if waiting for something; as the sun slants down from above it gleams on the surface of a mirror propped up in the shadows... and Vash is no longer alone. His doppelganger raises an eyebrow, frowning slightly

Comments

[Audio]

[holds_his_hand]

[From her recovery room at the clinic, Elraine can only watch quietly as Vash's personified fear disappears.]

...You did it.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash frowns down at the communicator with worry. There is something... off about Elraine's voice, though he can't identify what it is specifically.]

Yeah, somehow. I have you to thank, in part, Elraine. Your friendship... Well, it's done wonders for my mental state of being.

[He gives the screen a weary yet warm smile.]

So... thank you, I guess.

[Audio]

[soothedsaving]

[That smile is another reason why she doesn't want to turn on her video and worry Vash with her physical appearance, but she does manage to sound more happy and less fatigued.]

Then I should be thanking you too! Also, I'm really glad to see that you were able to face your fears.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Ironically, the fact that Elraine is sticking to just audio worries him more than he lets on with his tone or expression.]

Well, the second time around anyway. I ran like hell when he first came at me... Are you okay, Elraine? It's been a rough few days around here.

[Audio]

[holds_his_hand]

Ah, I guess you could say the same for me too.

[The question earns a nervous chuckle, but there's still a smile in her voice.]

I-it has been a bit rough, hasn't it? I'm just a bit battered up, so I don't think I would look too good to see at the moment.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash chuckles, leaning back against a wall with a soft wince.]

I feel you. Not all of me is as in one piece as it looks.

[Video]

[soothedsaving]

I think everyone might be a little worse for wear after all this. Facing your fears can be very tough.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

...Maybe not worse. We survived, after all... And as the saying goes, "What doesn't kill us only serves to make us stronger." But yeah, this whole ordeal was... less than fun. [Understatement of the year.]