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.]

[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.

[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...?

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.]

The passage of time continues...