In this illusion

Groose has returned home.

[Vincent normally doesn't care to remark on these things, and it's not as if he knew the real Groose too well. It's not even as if he was the type of person whose company he'd want to be in. And yet... and yet, because of the experiment prior to the last, he has just enough lingering familiarity that his leaving is bothersome.]

I wonder if perhaps... some of us were not meant to ever return to where we're from. If perhaps that's for the best.

[There are Reasons he's started to think this, but that's all he's going to say for now on the matter. For now, he's limping across town slowly, with a pair of ruined shoes and some terribly aching feet. Magical dancing really took a toll on them- he only hopes he'll find the appropriate type again.]

A day's time...? Then I must prepare.

In the meantime if... No, never mind. It's just as well I'm not here.

[It's more notice than one ever gets with a kidnapping, he knows that, although it's still... bothersome. Vincent had hoped he could continue the beginning of this year in relative peace. Besides, it's another New Feather wave and he always finds himself wondering every time whether she'll be returned. But it might be best if he's away for a time so he's not constantly wondering.]

[So Vincent will be hurrying along between places- weapons shop, item shop, and a stop by the Barracks for some old-fashioned shooting. Sometimes just putting bullets repeatedly in a target is the best thing.]

[Vincent mutters something quietly, but it can still be made out if you listen closely:]

Soul wrought of Terra corrupt... Omega's squire to the lofty heavens...

[There's a pause and he speaks normally after that..]

To be told that fate is set in stone... is something I cannot accept.

I wonder what purpose the Malnosso had in giving us these items from home...?

Finally, it's done. The experiments' duration... hasn't been so long before. I don't trust this alteration in their patterns.

[Despite the cold, Vincent is going off on a long walk to clear his mind of his other selves' weirdness. He'll try to avoid people but his red cape stands out pretty well against the snow. He also pauses on a bridge at some point to just... stare off pensively into the distance.]

It's been a trying time for us all. These events are far beyond my expertise to handle, although I've done all that I could. [A small sigh about that. This version still has his angst about the monsters, but he also has a way of distracting himself.]

In the meantime, while we have something of a respite... for any ladies who are lonely for companionship, I would be honored to provide that. To those I'm not acquainted with, I'm your resident Valentine. Vincent Valentine.

[Be afraid. Be very afraid. Vincent has actually combed his hair and has tied it back into a ponytail. He's also looking very... gentlemanly and polished overall, and has even set aside his old tattered cape for one that's in much better condition. He's in a mood to wander around town, so you can expect to run into him most anywhere today.]

[...and if you're a woman expect to be randomly given a single red rose if he should so much as glance at you.]

[Vincent is out brooding somewhere in the forest. He's impressive at lurking but should anyone happen to be in the area, they may very well notice the tall, dark, mysterious man. A great deal is on his mind about what might happen in the battle, considering what dwells within him, waiting for release...]

[After a while, he sighs and takes out the journal to deal with the inevitable. He feels he needs to at least talk to Lucrecia at some point before he leaves. Things have felt strange between them since that day at the fountain.]

Lucrecia...?

There is too much to lose by leaving.

The passage of time continues...