Huit

[le_vindicatif]

 [The Count paces restlessly in his study in obvious distress, arms tight around his torso. Albert's appearance in Template seems both a blessing and an omen. Did this mean there was a way Fernand would come to him, so he could finally extract his revenge, or did this mean...

Accidental second level here~]

How can it be... I can't possibly... dead?!

Comments

[easy_blush]

[Stares uneasily, nervous by the Count's behavior.] Count...

I already told you... Do you really not remember? [Pauses, considering.]

Though...Gankutsuou is still with you...

[le_vindicatif]

...It is not that I do not remember. I am reluctant to believe your words.

[Smiles slowly.]

Yes, and here I stand before you, alive. I don't know how you've acquired the information you have, but you cannot turn a blind eye to this truth.

[easy_blush]

Count, I know what I saw!!

Paris was in ruin because of father! My father had gone insane and shot my mother--even me...! And--and I remember Gankutsuou's many eyes, and its asking me what of your suffering I truly understood... I remember exactly how you looked when Gankutsuou left you.

I'm telling you, Count, I'm not lying!! [Frantically grips his shoulders, shaking him.] I had nothing left!! You were dead!

[le_vindicatif]

Calm yourself, Albert.

[His hands rest on Albert's arms, and he looks down at him sternly.]

Gankutsuou has never left me, nor would such a thing ever happen. However you have come to know this, you must also know that this body and this soul cannot be harmed while under its unwavering protection.

Consider this. We both stand before each other. If you are not dead, then I must be alive as well.

[tickingshadows]

Ahhh, found out about that, did you?

Yeah, people who show up here either got here by accident or died before turnin' up.

[le_vindicatif]

Then I shall assume I arrived by simple accident. It is impossible for me to have died.

[tickingshadows]

Assume what you like. I think it kinda doesn't matter - we're all here anyway.

[le_vindicatif]

It is not simply my presence in Template that concerns me.

[graceful_xi]

I should think it obvious that we all meet our end in due time. It's not something that is avoidable.

[le_vindicatif]

For some, it is not, and in this regard you are indeed correct, sir.

For myself, death has never been a foreseeable option.

[graceful_xi]

Is that so?

[le_vindicatif]

Indeed. Do you doubt me, Monsieur?