Content Warning: Violence.

The passing weeks brought something increasingly evident: a growing closeness between Leonard Engel and Vin. The human strongly suspected that Vincent and he were the same person —or being— but he wasn’t yet sure how to confirm his hypothesis, and his companion didn’t seem willing to clarify it. 

As for Vin, he was doing much better. Although his body had completely healed, he still used the cane Leonard had given him —not so much because he needed it, but more as a cheerful reminder of his appreciation for his friend, as if keeping that gesture meant preserving a silent affection.

They walked through a small, almost intact village. The houses, though empty, seemed to withstand the passage of time and mutant attacks.

A few small Rainbanes —creatures that had once been rats— wandered nearby. They tried to approach Leonard, but Vin’s mere presence —imposing and fierce— was enough to scare them away.

During the walk, Leonard tried to break the silence with a more personal conversation.

“Did Vincent ever tell you why he and I called each other Vin and Leo?” he asked gently.

Vin didn’t reply right away, keeping an eye on the creatures’ movements.

Leonard continued,

“Vincent was the best in class. He had the highest grades, but he wasn’t close to anyone. He said people only pretended to care so they could hurt you, and maybe he was right. I was the opposite, a… well, I guess a hypocrite. Someone who smiled just to avoid being hurt. One time I told him I wished I could be like him, and he replied: ‘Okay, Leo.’ I said: ‘Leo? Okay then, Vin.’ And from that moment, we called each other that. The others thought we had something going on, but it was just a friendship.”

Vin, who knew perfectly well everything Leonard was saying was true, feigned disinterest.

Embarrassed, he answered coldly:

“Boring. And… yep, Vincent told me.”

Further ahead, they reached a destroyed suspension bridge. They had to cross it to reach Eridanus —according to the letters Leonard had been following throughout his journey. They were just ten kilometers away from their destination.

“Maybe we’ll have to turn back and take the southern path,” he said, frustrated.

But Vin moved behind him and looked at him with determination.

“Sorry for what I’m about to do, but I need to get you there soon.”

Without another word, he wrapped his arms around Leonard’s waist and lifted him with firm but gentle strength. Leonard’s eyes widened, though he didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

Was this really necessary? Maybe.

Vin handed him the cane so Leonard could carry it with him, and moments later, he spread his enormous black wings and began to fly. They were as majestic as they were terrifying.

While they crossed the ruined bridge, Leonard looked down and had a disturbing vision: he saw himself being dragged by an unknown force, while the eighteen-year-old Vincent ran desperately across the rooftop —the last place they had seen each other before Leonard lost consciousness.

Distressed, he clung to Vin’s coat, trembling. The cadaverous-faced mutant noticed.

“Are you okay? Are you afraid of heights?” he asked.

“N-nothing’s… wrong,” Leonard replied, though his voice trembled.

Once on solid ground, Vin noticed Leonard was still nervous and suggested they rest. After a few more steps, they found a camping tent made from a special material that could withstand radioactive rain —an unusual sight for the human.

“This is still standing? The person who made it was a genius!”

Vin found the way he said it amusing —but not in a mocking way. He actually found Leonard’s reaction rather endearing. Sweet.