[Vincent remains silent, watching intently as Rishfee reads and shows them the information. Well, not information. Research notes. Ones directly related to Rishfee. Amnaf, he remembers, was Rishfee's sister. It is not details of the experiments, though likely Rishfee either has or knows those already.
Even after Rishfee is finished speaking, Vincent doesn't speak for a long time. Reading anything about what has been done to you when you were experimented on is a horrible experience. Seeing just how inhuman you are is sickening, horrifying. And to learn that you've been deemed a failure, and are to die, soon...
If Vincent were any less who he was, he might try to offer comfort. But there is nothing that can be done here. The only thing he can do is promise.
[Precisely why he hasn't gone into the extensive notes he holds on the procedure that bonded his spirit to a monster's to begin with. It sounds strange since it's happened to him but reading them, even to himself, made him feel both frightened, and physically sick.
... More frightened than anything. And he's set upon this path, to remain strong. He forces a smile.]
[In many ways, it might be best that he didn't share that. It quite possibly could have sparked a transformation from Vincent, and would certainly have gotten his anger- even more so because the ones that did it aren't available for punishment, the way Hojo was in his world. And anyone who would so willingly do such a thing to a person does not deserve to get away unscathed, in his opinion.
As little practice as Vincent might have at smiling, he can tell when one is forced. You're not fooling him, Rishfee.]
[The one to blame is himself. He knows that. While Vincent's dealings with scientists have not been pleasant or consentual, his had been the latter. The achemists followed orders placed by Balrahn himself. Thus, the first Immortals were created... and it was ugly. They'd sought to improve the art after that Emperor was dead, on futher command of Emperors past. To make it safe.
...He was just a by-product of that. A failure, but nonetheless a by product. Yet this was always his choice. Give up a future to protect the Empire, or die as he should have in Al Zahbi.I have little idea, the reports are not dated. Also; I cannot remember any of the times I have been called for the alchemists to check my progress. All I remember is losing a few days of my life each time
( ... )
[Rughadjeen is very quiet for a while. He doesn't know what to say, what can he say? He's shocked at hearing this, hearing just what was done without the exact details. Details he never wants to hear. He's upset at hearing that Rishfee only had such a small amount of time left. He knew what had happened now, he knew what awaited all Immortals eventually, that this was their fate, but he still regarded Rishfee as a comrade, as a friend. When he hears the request, it's as if something in him hardens and he straightens. His expression changes, his stare hardens as well and he shakes his head.]
No, that isn't my wish at all. I won't be carrying out any kind of punishment.
[His brow creases because he can't help but be taken by surprise at the question. Things right now might be hard for him to come to terms with but...]
I see you as the Rishfee I've always known.
[It's the truth and he means every word of it. His heart aches because he can't see you any other way, no matter what happens. If he's wrong, if that makes him a fool, so be it.]
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Even after Rishfee is finished speaking, Vincent doesn't speak for a long time. Reading anything about what has been done to you when you were experimented on is a horrible experience. Seeing just how inhuman you are is sickening, horrifying. And to learn that you've been deemed a failure, and are to die, soon...
If Vincent were any less who he was, he might try to offer comfort. But there is nothing that can be done here. The only thing he can do is promise.
Finally, he nods and speaks.]
When the time comes.
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... More frightened than anything. And he's set upon this path, to remain strong. He forces a smile.]
...Thank you.
Now I have no concerns.
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As little practice as Vincent might have at smiling, he can tell when one is forced. You're not fooling him, Rishfee.]
How long ago were those notes written?
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...He was just a by-product of that. A failure, but nonetheless a by product. Yet this was always his choice. Give up a future to protect the Empire, or die as he should have in Al Zahbi.I have little idea, the reports are not dated. Also; I cannot remember any of the times I have been called for the alchemists to check my progress. All I remember is losing a few days of my life each time ( ... )
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No, that isn't my wish at all. I won't be carrying out any kind of punishment.
[His way of saying you've suffered enough.]
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[He looks away, and he opens his mouth as if to say something, but decides not to. Then he reconsiders.]
...Do you see me as a soulflayer, or as myself?
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I see you as the Rishfee I've always known.
[It's the truth and he means every word of it. His heart aches because he can't see you any other way, no matter what happens. If he's wrong, if that makes him a fool, so be it.]
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