[although he can't see the thoughts clawing at Kit's psyche, he can certainly feel the sudden shift in the tone of conversation. it's what prompts him to answer a bit more honestly than he'd usually be inclined to after a long pause.]

Nothing is worth even a piece of yourself.

[not in this life or any other. it was the reason he'd abandoned his parents, and perhaps even the root cause of his indomitable stubbornness.

there was no item, no feeling, no person who could ever justify allowing your core to be eroded. to back down from the things which made him himself would be tantamount to blasphemous - and to gamble any amount of that would be beyond foolish. even victory would be hollow when playing for an inferior prize.]

People who chase that thrill only do it because they find themselves worthless, whether they realize it or not.

[so, then, was that the explanation for Vincent's own reckless behavior as well? a total disregard for the value of his very existence? it would be a logical conclusion, but as with all things involving him, that was precisely why it was incorrect.

the risks that Vincent took never appeared that great to him. his confidence was so overwhelming that even hanging from a precipice felt as safe as viewing the drop from several dozen feet away. he knew himself, and he knew what he was capable of; with such a certainty there were no odds that he couldn't triumph over. there was no gamble when the outcome had always been predetermined.]