Yuki; Snowshoe Rabbit
"I... I'm just not sure if I understand all of this."
"It's alright, I didn't expect you to fully grasp it."
"All of these memories, these emotions. They... They're not really mine?"
"That's one of the things that's hard to explain, Yuki. They are not, but at the same time they are..."
The conversation, if it could be called one, had gone on for what had to have been over an hour now. The Count had been approached at nearly three in the morning by this creature, who had been shocked out of his slumber by a very undesirable nightmare. He hadn't been in the shop long, and he seemed to be having a little difficulty adjusting to his... Predicament. While most creatures, no matter the species or mindset, seemed to show little doubt on just who or what they were, this one seemed to be suffering with the knowledge that he was a mere fabrication of another. Yuki, as the Count had called him appropriately, shared all of the qualities of his 'real' counterpart. The physical, the mental and the supernatural.
He sat there quietly for a few more moments, and from the question that followed he had apparently finally come to accept the subject of his formed identity. "But... There are dark spots. Times in my life..." There was a pause, as he looked up from his hands to the Count. Apparently, addressing the memories as his own was the intention, for D nodded for him to continue. "I can't remember them. Between the dream, and being here, there is a void..."
Expression unchanging, D's response was almost instant. "The reason for that can be easily explained." He said, in his usual calm tone. "Between then, and now, there are no memories." Honestly, Count D knew that these memories that were beyond his grasp had been locked away for good reason. They should not be recalled, in order for Yuki to face the task given to him.
"No memories?" Yuki replied, facial features reflecting his confusion. He stared at the Count expectantly for a few long seconds. Then, his eyes widened just a bit. "Wait. You mean he's dead?"
"Perhaps he is. However, if I am correct in my knowledge of their species, it is unlikely." He trailed a fingertip over the rim of his empty teacup, shifting his gaze to the pot. That, he knew, was nearly empty as well. Though, he still decided to refill his own cup. "I know you are confused. You have every right to be. Fortunately, you have a bit of time to adjust to this... Miss Hitsuzen won't be back here for quite some time."
Yuki seemed to frown, "What if she rejects me?"
"As her brother..." He replied, putting emphasis on the last word. "I think you already know she'd never do such a thing. She is aware of Dynast's identity, yet he is accepted as being no different than she would view her true father."
"What about... Him?" He asked, wincing lightly.
Just barely, the Count smiled. "Ah, but that's why you are needed, is it not? To be her protector, her guardian. In the end, her courage and motivation. She is unable to face her fears, and you will one day help her to do so. The two of you, no matter the differences, are going to help her become stronger. Your job might very well be the most important of the two." He took a sip of his tea, and continued. "To protect her from harm, along with the rest that can and will come into contact with the Hellhound, until she can manage on her own."
"What happens after that?" Yuki questioned, curious.
D rose from his seat, gathering up the remains of their tea and lifting the tray to carry back as he went. As he approached the curtain, he spoke just loudly enough to be heard. "After she overcomes her fear, she'll no longer need either of you. Will she?" He did not turn to view the shock in Yuki's eyes, "Now, I suggest you try and get a bit more sleep, before the sun rises."
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