"A very valid argument." Vincent responded.

"Some people argue that death is something that is meant to happen. It should never be tampered with, regardless of how early it comes." he told her.

"But others would argue that giving people the intellect and tools to reverse death fits into the plan as well." he then said further.

"I suppose that is why such a practice is currently being debated." he went on.

"Still... I suppose it IS related to your personal goal of helping others." he then reasoned.

"I really hope you succeed in it." he told her with a warm smile.

Vincent smiled a little once more.

"Regulated." he corrected her.

"You were close, though." he said. "Your grasp of the English language is very commendable for one as young as yourself." he complimented her.

"And I can understand your way of thinking." he went on.

"It's quite reasonable and level." he said further.

"Just remember to keep your beliefs strong, and move forward with what you think is right."

Vincent smirked a little.

"Sacrifice, sweetie." he told her.

His smile then faded, and he sighed.

"I..." he stammered. "I'm not sure." he admitted.

"I can certainly see why people would want to reanimate and resurrect." he said. "But I find myself wondering if that is, in fact, ethical, or even something we should be tampering with." he continued.

"...do we think too highly of ourselves to change fate?" he then mumbled.

He then quickly shook himself back to reality, and sighed once more.

"I'm not sure where I stand on it." he admitted. "I suppose I err to the side of being against it, but so many times... I've been given good reasons FOR it." he continued.

"It's something I wrestle with at night at times." he then added quietly.

"It's a very reasonable and level-headed look." Vincent responded.

"Consent DOES bring a new variable into the equation." he admitted.

"Thank you." he then said. "You've given me some things to think about." he told her, before sighing and continuing to smile warmly at her.

"Sorry to have bothered you." he apologized.

"You can return to your studies now." he told her.

"And if your father gives you any trouble for potentially falling behind, let him know it's my fault." he finished with a light chuckle.

"Fair enough." Vincent replied.

"I will leave you be to do whatever it is you need to do." he told her.

"But, might I ask as to what you're looking for? Or what you're studying?" he asked.

"I've just noticed the books here are a bit... eclectic... in terms of theme." he commented.

"Or is this studying for the sake of studying?"

Vincent was silent as he heard that. As much as he loved to see children with a thirst for learning, he didn't like to see one that seemed to be alone, like she was. At least, without any friends.

"I see." he replied.

"Are you all right with that?" he asked her.

"Having nothing better to do, that is." he clarified.

"I like reading as much as anyone else, but sometimes I feel like I should socialize, or be out with nature, at least." he said further.

Again, Vincent was silent for a moment, before nodding.

"Very well." he replied.

"I understand." he told her.

"If you ever have any trouble with your reading, and I'm around, feel free to ask for help." he then said.

"Your father and I are old friends." he continued.

"So I'm around more often than not, especially seeing as I'm in the area for a bit."

Just as she sat down, she heard people screaming in fear. When she looked, she saw some young males running, the fear evident in their eyes.

That was when she caught the scent of something unmistakable. Something that stirred her on the inside, and threatened to cause her to lose herself.

"Stay away from the river!" one of the men yelled at her as they passed.

"Monster! River monster!" they added, before they continued to run.

Just when she felt that she couldn't keep it in any longer, she emerged at the river bank... and what she saw was simultaneously horrifying, and tantalizing at the same time. At least, for her.

She saw two dead bodies by the water, and it looked like some kind of carnivorous animal had attacked them. Gouges were taken out of their necks, and they had pieces torn from them in various places. There was also a blood trail that led to the water itself.

However, what she REALLY noticed was their heads. Their craniums.

They were still completely intact and whole.

What she saw was nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary, anyway.

Aside from the senseless loss of life before her, the scene was that of tranquillity. Birds were chirping in the distance, she heard the chittering of small mammals, and the gently lapping of the water against the rocks and banks.

However, she couldn't help but feel that she was being watched. Like there was a pair of eyes that were staring at her.

And she was right. However, the eyes were coming from... where not many people would expect.

There was a blurred and obscure figure under the water, and it was watching her. It remained under the water, until it slowly broke the surface of the flowing liquid, lifting its eyes above the surface and narrowing them slightly, as it started to silently slink towards her with the grace of a shark.