Vyn "Near and Far"/Rewards
Card Stories
Story 1
Scene 1: Woods
Sunlight spills down like rain brushing against your skin. Even with your eyes closed, you could feel its brilliance.
You: How are you feeling, Kirstie?
Kirstie Gonzales: Thanks for taking me out for a stroll, Ms. (Name). I haven't felt like this for a while.
She stretches a little and smiles at you apologetically.
Kirstie Gonzales: That other me... must have frightened you. I'm sorry.
She lowers her head, fingers gripping her gown, averting your gaze.
You: Don't worry about it. I know that wasn't really you.
The calm and shy girl in front of you doesn't feel like the frenzied character you watched in the trial recording.
They are indeed different people.
Scene 2: Flashback (Vyn's home)
You: I've finished the book about criminals with DID.
You: It's hard to imagine psychological trauma could result in so many... fragmented personalities...
Vyn: And these "fragmented" personalities are caged within the same body.
You: Which led to suffering and pain...
Vyn: Should a crime committed by one, be paid by all of them?
You: At the end of the novel...
Vyn suddenly cuts you off by shaking his head.
Vyn: You shall have your own answer to that one day.
Scene 3: Present (Woods)
Kirstie Gonzales: Ms. (Name), do you have some time to talk?
You: Sure. What do you want to talk about?
Kirstie should be enjoying the brightest moments of her life if she hadn't fallen prey to madness and stabbed her boyfriend...
It was Artem's medical report that proved to be instrumental in turning the ironclad case against Kirstie around.
Kirstie was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. A violent alter who identifies as "Kirstie's father" had committed the crime.
Though free from the charges, her life is still destroyed. She may have to stay in this clinic for the rest of her life.
Kirstie Gonzales: I... used to have a sister. My mom took her when she left us back when I was very young...
Kirstie seems entranced, lost in memories.
Kirstie Gonzales: Unlike me, who gets beaten up by my dad all the time... my sister was independent and kind.
Kirstie Gonzales: She's been out in the world, and she'd always tell me about it whenever she comes to visit me in secret...
Kirstie Gonzales: Ms. (Name), you remind me of my sister.
You: Ehh?
Kirstie Gonzales: Like my sister, you're also very independent and kind... taking me out for a stroll like this...
Kirstie Gonzales: Ms. (Name), would you mind if I call you Big Sis?
You: Well...
Kirstie Gonzales: I'm sorry... That came out of nowhere. Please forget that I've said it.
Kirstie looks up at the sky with a lonely look.
Kirstie Gonzales: Roses were also her favorite... And when he proposed to me, he also came with a large bouquet of roses...
You: Is that so?
Kirstie Gonzales: Roses of the color of blood...
Kirstie doesn't seem to hear you. She is mumbling to herself in a low voice.
You: ...Kirstie?
Kirstie Gonzales: Roses...
You: You alright?
Unable to get a response, you take a step closer to her. After a long period of silence, she finally raises her head.
Kirstie Gonzales: Step away from my Kirstie!
She draws out a dagger that she somehow concealed in one of the sleeves. You see the reflection of your own panicked face on the blade.
She has a dagger, and you have but your fists. The situation doesn't call for a reckless course of action.
You try to remain calm as to not intimidate her.
You: Mind introducing yourself?
Kirstie Gonzales: We've already met.
You: No. We haven't. "He" wouldn't respond to me so calmly. So, I ask you again: Who are you?
Kirstie Gonzales: You don't seem frightened. Interesting.
Kirstie Gonzales: Aren't you a bit curious why Vyn let us out here without supervision?
You: ...
Two hours ago...
Scene 4: Flashback (Hospital Corridor)
Vyn: Did it mess up your schedule, coming here on a whim?
You: To be honest, I'm grateful for the chance to actually meet the defendant of that famous case.
Vyn: Are you curious about her, or about cases that Artem handled in general?
You: Both.
You: The novel is still just a novel. I thought, maybe I could find the answer to your question earlier from Kirstie.
Vyn: You're optimistic, and bold, if I might add.
You: How so?
Vyn: Because Kirstie is still considered a potentially dangerous patient to be around with, regardless of her other personalities.
Vyn squints a little as if seeing through you.
You: But...
You are suddenly cut short by the blaring alarms.
You: What happened?
Vyn: With me.
A warning light lights up outside a nearby room. Vyn rushes over with you behind him.
Story 2
Scene 1: Hospital Ward
Kirstie Gonzales: Whacha doin' here?
Drastically different from how you remembered her from the news, Kirstie speaks in a man's tone... and a rude one at that.
Vyn: This is Ms. (Name), a colleague of Mr. Wing's who defended you in court. She's here to do a follow-up assessment of you.
Kirstie Gonzales: Follow-up? That good-for-nothin' daughter of mine put you up to it, didn't she?
You: That's a mean thing to call your own daughter...
Kirstie Gonzales: I raised her! Livin' in me house, spendin' me money, eatin' me food... yet she ran off just like that. Should've strangled her at birth...
Vyn: So you took it out on her boyfriend.
Vyn's tone remains impartial, as if simply stating a fact.
Kirstie Gonzales: Blah! I didn't do no nothin'!
Kirstie Gonzales: If it weren't for her telling the world that I'm crazy, and a murderer, I wouldn't be rottin' here in this stinkin' hospital!
You: ...!?
You: If you deny such accusations, why did you confess back then?
"She" glares at you.
Kirstie Gonzales: I didn't confess nothin'! It's all that Artem bastard, I tell you! Wait. You work for him, don't ya? Get over here!
Kirstie suddenly charges at you.
Vyn: Watch out!
Vyn raises his voice in warning and swiftly moves to within an arm's reach of Kirstie, holding her wrist tight.
The usual gentle smile is gone from his face, and his golden eyes have also lost their warmth.
Vyn: It's dangerous to keep a knife on you.
The slim blade falls to the floor from Kirstie's sleeve with a loud clatter.
You: The knife... When did she...
Kirstie Gonzales: The lad's got a sharp eye.
You and Vyn have bought enough time for the staff to arrive and put Kirstie down with a tranquilizer.
Vyn leads you out of the room while Kirstie lies unconscious in her bed.
Scene 2: Hospital Corridor
You: ...
It doesn't seem like "Kirstie" admits to the crime, nor does "she" seem like she was faking it.
Vyn: Are you suspecting that the other personality was not the true perpetrator of the crime?
You: Huh?
Vyn turns slightly to face you, as if waiting for your answer.
You: What I don't get is, if the judgment has already been passed, why would "she" still refuse to admit to the crime?
You: Judging from the outcome of the trial, though Kirstie was declared innocent, "she" still caused harm to the victim.
You: But "she" didn't seem to be pretending either... Could there be more to it?
Vyn: You are beautifully innocent, but you naively assume the best out of the worst kind of people when they appear vulnerable.
You: ...That's what Artem says often as well, me being too naive for my own good.
It's my fatal flaw as an attorney...
Vyn: Not at all. Naive, yes, but sharp, nevertheless.
You: Sharp? You mean I...
As if knowing what you're thinking, Vyn gently nods.
Vyn: Yes.
If that personality isn't the true perpetrator, then it means that Vyn's and Artem's conclusion was in error.
You: ...
No. That can't be... Even if Artem was deceived, there's no way Vyn would be.
You: The attitude of that personality feels strange to me... But maybe I'm overthinking it...
You: Have there been signs of other personalities to make you think that?
Vyn: There are still many mysteries surrounding Kirstie.
Vyn: The thing is, though I diagnosed her with DID, I am uncertain how many different personalities reside within her.
Vyn: However, given the situation, Artem had to proceed with the crime being committed by a confirmed alter-personality of hers.
You: Would she return to her usual self when she wakes up?
Vyn: She would.
You: May I... have a moment with her alone?
Vyn: You do not seem to be afraid of being harmed by her in her frenzied state.
You: Of course I am! And it seems that "she" holds a grudge against women in general...
You: But now that she's sedated, I should be relatively safe for the time being, right? It's a chance I'm willing to take.
Vyn: I guess there is no talking you out of this.
Vyn: You have my permission. However, do keep yourself at a safe distance.
Vyn hesitates for a moment and then points in the opposite direction.
Vyn: I need to check her recent medical records. Do holler if you feel you are in danger.
You: Got it!
You got some time alone with Kirstie as requested. She timidly asked if you could take her out for a stroll in a soft voice.
With Vyn's permission, you took Kirstie to the clinic's own backyard. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Until...
Scene 3: Woods
Kirstie Gonzales: Aren't you a bit curious why Vyn let us out here without supervision?
You: He gave permission only because I asked for it. If you're trying to intimidate and scare me, save it.
Kirstie Gonzales: Well, you've got brains. I'll give you that. But, so what? No one's here to save you.
Kirstie Gonzales: You'll never be Kirstie's Big Sis... I won't let you...
Her tone is soft, with a subtle threat in her voice akin to the airy hiss of a venomous snake.
She closes in on you with the dagger in hand.
You: What do you want?
Kirstie Gonzales: What do I want? Independent, kind... Her words describe ME! Who are you to take them for yourself!?
Kirstie Gonzales: Stay quiet. I'll do a better job than the last time...
You: The last time...?
You: ...So you're the one who murdered Kirstie's boyfriend.
Kirstie Gonzales: So what? The guy's a loser! He doesn't deserve my sister! He can't give Kirstie the happiness she deserves!
Story 3
Scene 1: Woods
Kirstie Gonzales: I got Kirstie out of the hands of that drunkard of a father to begin life anew...
Kirstie Gonzales: And her boyfriend? He's been sleeping around while dating my Kirstie! That piece of crap doesn't deserve my Kirstie!
Kirstie Gonzales: Kirstie could've forgotten all of that and enjoy a peaceful life here, away from harm...
Kirstie Gonzales: WHY!? Why do you have to make her remember? You even dare to want to replace me as her sister!?
You: Never even crossed my mind.
Kirstie Gonzales: Shut it!
What follows her furious roar is the gleaming cold blade.
Dancing in symphony with the silent gleam of the blade and droplets of blood, cloth buttons fall, still tangling on broken threads.
Paralyzed by fright and fear, your blood freezes in the infinity of that moment's time.
You: Dr. Richter!
Vyn's sudden appearance feels like warmth pouring through broken ice, reinvigorating your body.
Before you can catch a breath, you catch sight of the wound on Vyn's arm.
You: Your arm...!
Kirstie had inflicted a nasty laceration on Vyn's left arm. Crimson blood runs down his arm onto the ground.
Vyn: A mere flesh wound.
Vyn stands firm in between you and Kirstie, shielding you from her madness and fury.
Vyn: Never mind that.
Vyn focuses his attention on Kirstie.
Kirstie Gonzales: I am the only one in the world who cares about Kirstie... But all of you just want to separate us!
Kirstie Gonzales: You all want to hurt her! But I'll protect her! I'll never abandon her!
You: She is the true culprit behind everything... Kirstie's third personality!
Vyn: More on that later. Just look after yourself first.
Before your eyes, Vyn parries Kirstie's striking dagger in one swift motion.
At the same time, he expertly sticks the needle of the syringe into Kirstie's neck.
Within moments, the tranquilizer's translucent liquid overpowers Kirstie, promptly knocking her out without a struggle.
You: ...
Vyn: Kirstie regarded you as her sister, which then triggered the third personality inside her.
Vyn: She exhibits extreme possessiveness and would not tolerate the existence of an equal. Thus, she reacted to eliminate the threat.
Vyn: If she were to have it her way, things would likely to unfold as how it did three years ago:
Vyn: She retreated back into Kirstie's subconsciousness, laying dormant while the second violent personality became the scapegoat.
Vyn: This way, neither she nor Kirstie herself would ever be implicated.
Vyn relays the whole scenario to you calmly and seems to have uncovered the truth in this relatively short amount of time.
You: Is Kirstie herself aware of this?
Vyn: DID switching is like throwing a switch; different personalities do not have a shared memory.
You: I see...
You: By the way, it was fortunate that you got here when you did... but, what are you doing here?
Vyn: I was a little worried, so I made my way here as soon as I finished checking her medical reports.
You: ...
You: Wait! Your arm! It's still bleeding! We have to treat the wound right away!
Vyn: Is it that bad?
Vyn lifts up his arm to check the wound.
Vyn: It looks worse than it actually is.
Vyn: Do not worry. I am a medical doctor, you know? It is nothing serious.
Vyn: We have to wait for the staff to take Kirstie back. The bleeding should stop by then.
You: You should go and have it looked at. I'll wait for the staff here.
Vyn: My absence put you in danger in the first place. I will not make the same mistake twice.
You: I...
I was the one who made such a reckless request that led to all these...
Looking at Vyn's bloodied sleeve, you can't help but feel guilty about his injury.
You: Dr. Richter, if you don't mind... I'll dress the wound for you.
Story 4
Scene 1: Woods
With Vyn's approval, you start rummaging through your purse.
However, you've found nothing of use to dress his wound.
You: ...
You look toward your own sleeves in slight hesitance... You're about to rip off a strip from your sleeve when a handkerchief appears before you.
Vyn: Would this do?
You: You could've taken that out before I went through all the trouble!
Vyn: I did not want to get it stained.
You: Are doctors all germaphobes...? But you're a shrink...
Vyn seems to have heard you despite how you were mumbling under your breath and proceeds to give you an innocent look.
Vyn: Well... I guess now is the time to use it.
The blood blooms across the handkerchief like a watercolor painting, showing no signs of stopping. He needs professional medical attention.
Your hand freezes in mid-air, not knowing if you should put more pressure on the wound or not.
Vyn: Is it done?
You: Wait, no...
The calming, yet alluring floral scent that tickles your nose has you a little entranced.
You lift your head to look for its source, but find yourself amidst the tender sea of champagne gold that is Vyn's eyes.
It is at this moment that you realize how close the two of you are.
You: ...Keep your arm steady.
It takes almost every bit of your willpower to pull yourself out of that gentle warmth...
His arm is still bleeding... This is no time to be daydreaming!
Vyn: Of course.
Vyn: You need not be overly careful. I am not that fragile, and it does not hurt.
The more he tries to comfort you, the worse you feel inside. Your fingers can't help but start trembling.
You: The handkerchief can only temporarily stop the bleeding... You'd be better off going to the infirmary.
Vyn: All right.
Vyn stands up and pulls away from you. You take this chance to feel your own cheeks and find them burning hot.
Then, you insist that Vyn has his wound properly treated at the infirmary.
Meanwhile, you escort Kirstie back to her room with the clinic staff.
Scene 2: Hospital Ward
Looking at how Kirstie is sound asleep in her bed, you find yourself lost in your thoughts.
You: ...
You can't help but wonder just what is the relationship like between Kirstie and her other personalities?
Kirstie Gonzales: Huh... Ms. (Name)? When did we get back?
You: Never mind that. How are you feeling?
Kirstie Gonzales: It's "him" again, isn't it? ... I'm sorry.
Looks like Kirstie is not aware of the existence of her "sister" within her. You decide to keep that from her as to not risk triggering her.
You: It's fine. The other you... Well, he claims to be your father...
Kirstie grips tightly onto both arms with a forlorn expression.
Kirstie Gonzales: I know about him. When I told you about my sister before... It's also related to him.
Kirstie Gonzales: She always said that she'll take me away from dad, so she came to negotiate with him one day...
Kirstie Gonzales: But, they got into a fight on the way back and both died in an accident.
You: ...
Flashback
Kirstie Gonzales: I got Kirstie out of the hands of that drunkard of a father to begin life anew...
Present day
Maybe, it wasn't an accident...
Kirstie Gonzales: I've been thinking... Could it be because of my dad taking his revenge on me that I've become like this?
Kirstie Gonzales: Since he's back to haunt me... Where's my sister? I miss her...
You cannot fathom how the other two personalities were created.
If she learned of the truth one day, would she still want to see her "sister," and "be together always" with her in this manner?
You shake your head and try to smile at Kirstie.
You: Your sister must've loved you very much. She'd want you to know that she will always be there for you.
You: You will get better.
Kirstie Gonzales: Thank you, Ms. (Name).
Kirstie Gonzales: Oh... Could you please pass Dr. Richter a personal message from me?
Story 5
Scene 1: Hospital Ward
Kirstie Gonzales: Ms. (Name), could you please pass Dr. Richter a personal message from me?
You: Sure thing. What is it?
Kirstie Gonzales: Please apologize to him on my behalf... I hope he recovers from his injury soon.
Kirstie raises her head and looks at you timidly through her uneven bangs.
You can't help but sigh... It doesn't matter what the other personalities do, she has to be burdened with the weight of them all...
She is guilty while also innocent. It suddenly hits you that Vyn's question earlier has no one answer.
You: I'll be sure to tell him. Now, just rest.
...Wait a sec. How does she know about Richter's injury?
Vyn only had his wound treated after Kirstie passed out, and you don't remember telling her about the incident.
You: (Huh!?)
Flashback
Vyn: DID switching is like throwing a switch; different personalities do not have a shared memory.
Present
Vyn's voice echoes in your head. You suddenly feel a chill run down your spine and take a step back.
You: Well... I'll be on my way to see Dr. Richter now if there's nothing else...
Kirstie Gonzales: Okay.
You force yourself to remain calm. You open the door and were about to walk out when Kirstie calls you from behind.
Kirstie Gonzales: Ms. (Name), you'll visit me again, won't you?
You: ...
Kirstie Gonzales: Next time, would you please bring me some flowers?
You: Any flower in particular?
Kirstie Gonzales: Roses.
Kirstie Gonzales: Red roses.
She smiles and points at the vase by the side of her bed.
Kirstie Gonzales: Red roses do seem more lively than sunflowers, don't you think? The color's much more vibrant too...
Kirstie Gonzales: It's a deal then. I'll be looking forward to your next visit.
Under Kirstie's gaze, you slowly close the door.
You: Gosh!
You almost jump right out of your skin when you bump into the person standing right outside the door.
You: Dr. Richter! You... You heard everything, didn't you?
Vyn's wound has been properly treated and is now concealed under his sleeve.
Vyn: Yes. No need to worry. I will be sure to take care of things here.
You: ...
Vyn: I want to talk to you about something else, but this is not the place. Come with me, please.
Scene 2: Office
The temperature inside Vyn's office feels a few degrees lower than outside.
It gives you the chills, raising goosebumps the moment you walk in.
You: Is it about our Kirstie?
Vyn: Indeed. I overheard your conversation earlier. Kirstie claims to once have a sister?
You: Yeah... She passed away in an accident. I was thinking that maybe this could be what created this personality in the first place?
Vyn: I originally believed that her "sister" alter was created to keep herself company, and as a self-defense mechanism against her violent father.
You: To keep her company? Because she misses her sister and feels alone?
Vyn: Kirstie has no sister. The only family she has is an alcoholic father.
You: ...
You: She said they both died in an accident because they fought on the way back...
You: But if she didn't have a sister to begin with... then everything is fabricated...
Vyn: Not everything. Her father did die in a drinking and driving accident.
You: But hasn't Auto-AI Driving already been implemented for several years? It's an alternative meant to prevent people from drinking and driving.
Vyn: There were signs of tampering on the dashboard, but such suspicions were dismissed on various grounds, and the incident was thus regarded as an accident.
Kirstie's "sister" claimed to have helped Kirstie get away from their father... And now, the damaged dashboard...
So, that's how...
Vyn: Kirstie suffered great psychological trauma and was unable to deal with the pain and desperation that ensued.
You: She isolated her innocent self so that part of her could live a carefree life...
And her fears were replaced by something no less complex...
Vyn: (Name), do you truly believe that Kirstie is "innocent," as you put it?
Story 6
Video Call
It is I. Is this... not a good time?
If you are tired, please retire for the night. You may catch cold if you fall asleep on your desk.
I saw your message from earlier. Was there something you needed my assistance with?
My profession is dangerous? Why do you say that? Did you come across something?
That article may have been exaggerating. Psychiatry is not as dangerous as you believe it is.
Though some patients may be considered eccentric, most of them are not aggressive.
That article discusses an extreme minority. Please do not worry.
However, I am happy to know that you are this concerned about me.
Aside from the previous incident with Kirstie, no other patients have attempted to harm me.
No need to apologize. I told you that I would gladly shield you from any harm. Besides...
Using this scar as a way for you to always remember me is quite the bargain.
You are blushing...
It appears... I hold a special place in your heart.
All right, settle down. It was a jest.
It is late. Rest well. Good night.
