[ Regardless of what exactly this creature is, Megumi obviously harbors a lot of fondness for it, so Vangeance treats it with the appropriate level of respect. He meets that steady gaze with a small nod before kneeling down and carefully extending a hand to touch at one of its wings.

It gives him an excuse to be silent for a moment and mull over his answer. ]

My magic probably doesn't count as an extension of myself. [ He'll start with this. Something nice and easy and not at all a secret. ] Mine is the control of mana -- energy that exists within all individuals, and in the atmosphere. Mages expend and manipulate mana in different ways, but because it's the same energy that exists everywhere, I don't think it counts as 'a part of us.' Much like you wouldn't count the air you breathe a part of yourself.

[ He's been gently petting at Nue's wing, running his fingers lightly down those long feathers, but slowly stills his hands. Vangeance pauses, and it's only the slightly distant look in his eyes that gives away any hesitation. Then, finally, he continues lightly, in a completely different direction: ]

-- you live in the same house as Natori, don't you? [ He looks up to gauge Megumi's reaction. ] I visited to speak with him a little while ago, and noticed it was the same place you live. Do you speak with him often?