In this illusion

[Vincent is off in a forested area not far from town. He's seated under a tree, thinking and watching leaves fall.]

Yet another alternate reality... but something about this was different from others. As if we were living out a set story, each time...

[It's not as if they have the exact same fairytales on his world, after all, but there had been a strange way to how the week's events had unfolded that it was noticeable. He wonders about it, vaguely, and about the parallel to the one he'd lived through and how it fit into his own background. There's also plenty of other things on his mind, the typical human vs monster divide, and the love issues... but he won't bring any of those up on here.]

[He takes a red leaf in hand as it falls and stares at it.]

...the time of year... it's close. Perhaps it's best if I spend it away.

'Destiny of destruction.' Hmmph... Perhaps there's little sense holding concern over what may not come to pass.

I wonder all the same whether it would ever be worth returning home, even... if I had the choice.

[As Vincent tosses the book aside, the image picked up is that of the basement of the Shinra Mansion. Vincent himself can be seen standing in the middle of the room, looking worn out. He's at the Battle Dome mostly because he's in a mindset to revisit the familiar... but also to let off the last of the post-draft monster restlessness. As he's been doing most days since they'd returned. It's more difficult with the monsters' quick-healing not working, but he's managing.]

[Suddenly there's some motion off to the side- a couple of bats which Vincent shoots down quickly. The image shakes some. A much larger, more bizarre creature soon appears, and Vincent springs into action at once. He transforms in an instant, turning into the form of Galian Beast and attacking before the image finally cuts out.]

[...the return is disorienting. Vincent notices that he's somewhere near one of the lakes and at least that gives him some vague idea of his location. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before he finally opens his journal.]

...Could someone inform me of the date?

[That done, he's going to... just remain where he is for a while. It's later in the day by the time he starts trudging back to town. Unfortunate for him, the aftereffect of mallynapping has left him temporarily stuck in Chaos form despite being mentally himself. So he'll be looking very monstery if you run across him.]

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.]

Balance is restored at last. It's about time.

[While that's true around town, he's still seeking that balance for himself. Although Vincent is off in the wilderness- the mountains now- being a hermit with unsettled demons, he's been checking in on the journals often, and also quietly keeping an eye on things. It's a regular routine for him to keep track, old ingrained Turk!instincts truly never die. He just... is horrible at keeping up much communication in the other direction.]

I suppose all things must run their course...

[There are a few sudden noises of electric zapping, and then a thud which causes the journal to slam shut. ...But he'll still answer responses after Death Gigas settles back inside. Anyone actually IN the mountains could say hi to Gigas if they don't mind possibly getting a little bit zapped at.]

[There's heavy panting as the recording starts.]

[Vincent can be seen sprawled out ON LUCRECIA, in her bed. It's a place he would have dreamed of many times before, but with the worst timing ever. Vincent is back from the battle, completely worn out, and with Chaos and the others still restless inside him, he's very unstable in the head.]

[The panting continues.]

...can't hold back... must... release...

[In between panting and Vincent's... sexy talk, Lucrecia is heard as well.] V-Vincent wh- how did you get in my bed and wh--

[...release what?! This sounds foreboding and slightly dirty.]

R-release what?

[Vincent just moaaaaans in response.]

Vincent you're squishing me...!

[End recording!]