THE POLAR BEAR.

NINAH RP ACCOUNT // ICON BY @meadowstill // ASKBOX OPEN!

[polarmauling]

ARSENI // THE POLAR BEAR

The white beast of Yakutsk. Wanted in Russia for murder.

This is a roleplay account solely for my character Arseni. Other character interactions will be coming from @/missingmissingyou or my main account, @sug4rfreak .

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Arseni Volkov

32

Nonbinary, they / it

Omnisexual Polyamorous

Human

6'4 , 302 lbs.

Arseni Volkov was born albino to parents it never truly met. Raised in a fighting ring, it would eventually snap at the age of 30 upon learning it was being put into a match it wasn't expected to win. Mr. Volkov, Arseni's "owner", was going to kill it off in hopes to gain a new younger fighter to focus on. In fact, the audience bet good money on its loss. It stuck a shiv into its boxers and brought it into the ring, stabbing its opponent-known as the Banshee to death. As blood splattered upon its lips, it grew a taste for blood. It chewed into the corpse, ripping out the Banshee's heart and devouring it whole.

They were then wanted for murder.

Arseni has been on the run for two years. It was once caught and apprehended, sticking the muzzle onto it. It is now often used as a safeguard due to its violent tendencies. Despite this, Arseni will not bite into visitors. It does not like their bitter taste.

Arseni currently has 6 partners

Lasha ( @digging-up-ghosts )

Timofey ( @creepinnothintosee )

Nadya ( @neverbelievepropaganda

Savva ( @pinklibrarybooks )

Ignacio ( @flash-in-the-crucible )

Roleplay / Ask Rules

Homeowner / Hermit ( canon , any account)

Please notify me if I have forgotten anyone I am extremely sleepy when recollecting this . .

🦴 I am alright with suggestive roleplay, but will not do straight nsfw.

🦴 Flirting and shipping your ocs with Arseni is completely fine.

🦴Proshippers or Darkshipper aligned individuals are not welcome on this blog to send asks. This also includes 18+ blogs as I am a minor.

🦴Arseni can come off as egotistical and aggressive. This is not a reflection of my opinion of you nor my opinion of your character. I never send Arseni intentionally to bully someone for the sake of making them feel bad.

🦴Joke asks, modifiers, and general questions are welcome in the ask box.

🦴Serious roleplay starters are as well.

Mod Info

More will be added as I see fit.

Hello!! You can call me Ryan. I am a minor, but have 10+ years of roleplay experience.

[polarmauling]

{A firm drunken slam of the door, leaving the merchant stumbling around the house, beer in one hand, a basket in the other}

"Hey hey! When's the kid? *hic* I wanna see her, got *hic* gifts for her"

{ @cocktails-n-gold }

[Arseni tensed up, shooting the man a glare. It rolled its eyes, crossing its arms in a sassy manner and stalking over. It looked down at him and sneered.]

“ Sleeping. Or. Was. ”

[It said through gritted teeth, preparing itself for the wailing of a woke baby. But when nothing came, it turned its head. There was a moment of silence and then it breathed easy. Somehow, she slept through it...thank god.]

[cocktails-n-gold]

"Oi, what's *hic* the fuss?"

{He tosses the basket onto the table, leaning against it}

"Y'know, I know enough about how to care for kid just as much as you do, many 'friends' I had were neglectful parents"

"I would've came sooner but..er..Nadya gave me a bit of a *hic* break from seeing her"

{Nadya caught him trying to teach Faina how to shoot a gun and the bullet almost hit her}

"A quick pop in, *hic* I'll be gone before ya know it..just after I find some alcohol.."

[polarmauling]

“ Fuss. You know why. ”

[Arseni hissed, it hadn't forgotten their very first interaction. It sauntered back to Faina and reached down, gently petting her head to ensure she wasn't being disturbed by the man's reckless behavior. It sighed in relief at her comfort, then flinched as the man made another noise. It finally approached, eyes narrowed sternly.]

“ Leave. No alcohol here. She is sleeping and you are loud. ”

[It demanded, pointing to the door.]

[polarmauling]

<he knocks, very loudly, very firmly, always with the cadence of somebody with somewhere to be, like a salesman. Except he’s got no rush, in reality, and he’s just very enthusiastic, eager to be let in.>

<set with the knowledge that they’ve got a working television, he’s been bringing in terribly dusty tapes he’d found around the school, varying greatly in topic, and begging to play them for a matter of curiosity. The other night, he’d brought a full box of them, which he’d promptly sorted by subject, then alphabetically, then by his interest in them. He’s also been returning frequently enough, only to watch Courage with it. He’s come to quite like the show, in fact, he’s even started taking comfort in it, contrary to his initial uncertainty. In any case, he’s back again, though his mission isn’t to force them to watch more middle-to-early-high-school educational tapes, fortunately. No, he’s here for an entirely different reason, and a little nervous that it’ll turn him away for straying from what he typically comes for.>

—🪙 ( @carrying-coins )

[Arseni's mornings were spent working. The evenings as well. But in the night time it rested in its room, listening to the TV mutter Little Bear. Another cartoon it was watching for the sake of Faina; just to make sure its content was up to its standards. That someone hadn't overwritten any inch of that tape with FEMA propaganda or something. But when the knock came it jumped, then growled. When it continued it knew it was someone who knew what they were messing with, and it stood.

The behemoth sauntered to the door a little awkwardly, still weak in it's right leg, and opened it with a grimacing face. However, seeing Artie's excitement made it lighten up, quirking a brow and leaning down.]

“ What've you got for me now? ”

[It drawled out teasingly, another full sentence which had become exceedingly common the more they spoke. It preferred few words in short conversations, but it could already theorize this was going to be more like a discussion.]

[carrying-coins]

<he moves past it, into its room without hesitation. If they’ve got the door open, he figures its invitation enough. He begins pacing, very full of movement for somebody who complains about his prosthetic or hip pain practically every moment he’s got the chance.>

Well… nothin’, this time, but that’s why I’m here.. I ah… need a favor. I need you t’ come with me, sso that I can get some stuff. Outside. Jus’ a little walk?

<He pauses his motion to give them a pleading look. He’d go on his own, but he’s been growing wary of the outdoors, primarily for the people it contains. The last few times he’d attempted going out on his own had gone quite poorly, and while he’s quite good enough at escaping rough situations, he’s discovered it more… difficult now that he can’t run as agilely. He does need some things from whatever abandoned store he can locate, but more than that, he needs out from the school… only, he’s afraid to go on his own as is, so he turns to Arseni as a lifeline. He’d forgotten about its own injury, though he figures its frame will be enough to drive away muggers or whatever other strain of trouble may arise. He doesn’t need it to fight, so much as an intimidation factor.>

I’ll pay you back somehow, promise, an’ it won’t be long- or- or it shouldn’t be..

[polarmauling]

“ Uhhh. Yeah.. ”

[Arseni looked around. It didn't have anything better to do, and it could use some physical exertion after such a hearty dinner of flesh. It shook its head, the shaking rolling through its body like a crack of thunder. It wandered over to it's bed, or nest so to speak, and picked up the bat leaned against the wall. It rolled the weapon in it's wrist and swung it shallowly, then grinned at Artie.]

“ There. We're good. ”

[The beast assured. It pat Artie's head and ruffled his hair, walking to the door and looking around. It peered into the hallway and looked for any danger, then nodded affirmingly to Artie. However, it wouldn't do this without some exchange.

It looked at Artie hopefully. A thanks would do ... Or good bear. If its eyes could sparkle, they would.]

[carrying-coins]

<he pumps his fist in a show of delight at its agreement. He really wasn’t sure that it’d play along at all- with how often it’s busy, another errand is likely one of the least preferable things it could take part in. He is beyond delighted that it’s agreed to come with. His head dips below the weight of their palm, though he seems rather satisfied by the gesture, if the brief slack in his features is anything to go off of.>

<he moves past it, out the door, only he bumps his hip against theirs as retaliation for the hair-ruffling. He looks profoundly proud of himself for it too. His eyes catch theirs, the plead in their expression, and a small bemused smile follows along.>

‘s that for?? Whatever could you want?

<he holds one finger over his mouth, as if in thought, before lighting up, as though he’d had some incredible epiphany.>

Ohh!….. Thank you. You’re a very good bear. <he huffs, amused, as though he’s any better. He’d do probably about anything for a few kind words.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni could've melted on the spot if not for it's trained demeanor. It shivered happily and gave a thankful yip at the compliment, turning its head. It gestured for Artie to go first; protection was more efficient if the 'protector' walked behind, of course. It was a little comical, the slide in height between them making the bear a looming shadow over the brown haired coin lover below. They were hyper aware yet didn't seem to show it, eyes occasionally moving to slide it's gaze across the area they walked.

While it sauntered it was also becoming aware of Artie's prosthesis movement. Funnily, both of them had a sort of rigid walk, with Arseni's weak leg still bothering it occasionally. But a weak leg was nothing to one missing entirely, and they were making sure he wasn't going to trip, occasionally outstretching a hand to push him back to the center of the hallways when he idly began shifting left or right. It didn't mind doing this occasionally, it was more teasing than actually helpful. It was no doubt he was perfectly capable not to walk into a wall or trip, the bear seemed to find amusement in playing barriers.]

“ What are you getting? ”

[It asked quietly, lifting it's head in interest. They hadn't left the school yet so it still spoke lowly, since most people were asleep right now and those who weren't...well it didn't really want to alert them to it's location. It's grip idly tightened on the bat.]

[carrying-coins]

<its reaction to his mild praise elicits an incredibly wide grin from him, amused greatly by its giddiness. He turns out into the hall, slow in his in comparison to how quickly others get around, but relatively fast considering the circumstances. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead and his enthusiasm to exit the school only amplifies.>

<he huffs as it begins playing with him, like a cat with its dinner-to-be, allowing the teasing for a brief while. Eventually, he starts stopping when it guides him to one side, so that it runs into him, a gentle retribution to its banter. He’s astonishingly quiet as they move, paused in his usually incessant chatter to focus.>

Jus’ some..stuff. <helpful as ever. He flicks his eyes back at it for a moment, upon realizing that his response gives no information that it didn’t already know.> …for.. my cat. She’s around lots, I’m sure you’ve seen her- little orangey one… anyway, she won’t eat much sso I have t’ get..…whatever.

<he shakes his head, forgetful of what he’d been saying. finding food for his particular cat isn’t the only reason he needs out, but the other purposes are a little more personal, and take some explaining which he’d rather not get into. Keep an eye out for Arkadij, look for something for Lasha- he hopes very adamantly for a treat in particular for them, but he’s very well aware how low the chances are that he finds anything at all are. He keeps a short list in his head, which he repeats over, and over, so he doesn’t forget. If he had a functioning pen, he’d probably just write it all on himself, just in case, though really, his memory is quite good. He only repeats it to himself as a precaution.>

[polarmauling]

“ Yes. Small thing. Was told not to eat. ”

[It commented idly, looking around the halls. It followed obediently; as much as it would deny the fact, it loved following orders and showing a docile side. It had a weakness towards it's chores when given strictly, it meant high rewards in the evening. Usually just watching cartoons or hanging out with it's daughter, but high rewards in it's mind nonetheless. And sometimes, it got to spend time with it's partners...soft pats to the head, praise for being so brave in a world that it was fighting for it's life in.

But now wasn't the time for swooning. It had a job to do...and it was nothing if not a task follower! It made sure to hold the bat positioned over its shoulder, ready to swing on any visitors or just ornery people.]

“ Look for .. baby things. ”

[It quietly commented. Of course, it's protection was payment plenty, but it was still always keeping that in mind. For Faina, and any other infants that had found their unfortunate upbringing in the school, they needed supplies. Always. Arseni wasn't at ease unless there was a month's supply of everything Faina needed. And toys were just a bonus on their travels.

When they came upon the front door, Arseni moved the bat to stop Artie. They pushed it open with the end of it and looked out, then held it for him. They snickered, pointing the weapon outwards.]

“ Ladies' first. ”

[The thing was, Arseni didn't actually know there was another way to say that. Arseni had been taught by Volkov to impress the ring girls by saying that. So that's just what it did. And to look cute, so to speak. Not as scary as they often were.

In other words, Arseni had no idea the gender affirming they did with that statement. They just said it because they were trained.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

[Arseni stood over the poor individual. Leering. Staring. Like a predator stalking it's prey. All it did was stand in the doorway of the room the poor raven haired individual was in. And drool seeped greedily from its muzzle. The only thing stopping it from taking the snack it desired. The only thing caging it from mauling the other alive.]

“ Rr... Rrrgh...hrrfgg..”

[It panted out like a hungry dog. It felt like it was STARVING.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

Arkadij looked in Arseni's direction and rised an eyebrow. Unusual view, a tall mascular looking person with hair bright as snow staring at him like a predator about to tear him apart. Hmm, seems familiar but not fully, at least this one has a muzzle which makes the situation seem to him not as dangerous as it would be without it.

He stares at them directly in the eyes and then looks up and down, didn't he seen them somewhere before? Perhaps in the news, but not too sure about it. He didn't really watched TV before cataclysm, it seemed like a waste of time back then.

Arkadij let out a giggle after a long moment of silence and the got up, he started walking in their direction. "Heh, want a tissue? Fuck, you're drolling sooo much..! Missed a rabies vaccine or something, hm?" He said with a grin on his face, this guy is surely acting too reckless in this situation.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes lowered the closer the man got. It glared and craned It's head down to better face Arkadij. The giggle was especially angering; the beast snapped its jaws at the sound. A muffled click. It growled through the other's words, eyes squinted and pupils small.]

“ Rrr. RrrrRRGH.”

[That was all it could vocalize. Arseni could speak, of course, but it's mind was so fogged with the need to taste blood. To sink it's teeth into flesh. It hovered it's hands over his shoulders, pointed fingers with clawed nails they had been filed that way; painted black in chipping paint and extending not excessively, but in the hands of an ex-fighter it was lethal. Arkadij was staring right into the jaws of a Polar Bear now. And smiling. And Arseni HATED being mocked. Yet it didn't move.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Wow...sooo frightening! What? You want to eat me or something?" He didn't seemed to care, absolutely didn't took this situation seriously. It was fun for him, teasing someone just to get a reaction he can laugh at, and this? This was just perfect.

"Aww, sowwy, I don't taste well!" He mockingly pressed a finger against it's muzzle with a chuckle and then walked away, sat where he previously was. "Unless you like uhhh..taste of alcohol and cigarettes? Dirt and..lithium perhaps? Fuck, no idea."

[polarmauling]

[This...freak was messing with it's head! At least, that's what its mind said. It shook its head around, some of the drool reaching its suit; a normal occurrence, it's a wonder the thing wasn't stained with how messy of an eater the beast was. But when Arkadij walked away, Arseni pursued. Not quickly, but it finally entered the room and stopped its doorway leering.]

“ Hff...hff...”

[It watched him sit so nonchalantly. Like he didn't know what he was playing around with-- like he didn't know who the POLAR BEAR WAS.

Arseni was still getting used to the fact it was only popular in illegal fighting rings. But right now, with a mind so clouded by hunger, it wasn't thinking straight. Finally, it decided to give a decree of its strength. Next to his head, like warning gunfire, it slashed it's claws into the sofa. The stuffing of the plush seat popped out; well that was just mean. But it didn't quite seem to care. With it's neck craned outwards, drool now dropped onto the sofa and even a stray strand on Arkadij's leg.

Gross.]

“ RrrrrRRGH! ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij just stared at it directly into it's eyes with the most unimpressed face expression possible. Well, it was funny at first and now starts to absolutely bore him. Can they say anything more than just those bear-like animalistic sounds?

Then, he noticed a single drop of droll dropped onto his pants. His face expression shown pure disgust. "Hey- what the fuck?!" Arkadij attempted to roughly push them away from him with his legs...and now it appeared that the person before him is much stronger than him.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni glared as it was kicked. It decided to seize his ankle to put a quick end to that discomfort; especially since one of its legs was weakened from the gunshot. It was healing, but still very tender. It snarled and gnashed it's teeth, leaning down to meet Arkadij at his face. It scrunched up it's nose at his scent.]

“ Disgusting. ”

[It speaks! Yet very insulting. It hissed and tightened it's grip on his ankle. It intended to bruise; it of course wasn't strong enough to break bone with one hand. However. It was going to leave a reminder of it's lethality.]

“ Mask. I need . Off. ”

[Well, if he was going to be no use for a meal. May was well make use of those eyes and hands, to play with the clasp at least. See, Arseni had tried to unlock it. But between it's long snow-white hair and it needing to align two small dials to click it off; it was nearly impossible. And under the leather was a thin metal lining. It wasn't coming off without help.]

“ Now. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

It did hurt after it's grip tightened on his ankle, Arkadij was about to fight back until he heard the person's voice. So, it does speak, good to know. "...Who are you calling 'disgusting' you oversized drolling piece of shit?!" He yelled and quietly got up.

He looked at the mask and did hear what it is saying. First they pretty much tried to eat him and now want him to take off their mask.. "Mhmmm, no. I'm not taking that off your face."

"...Unless you have some to offer! Heh, nothing is for free."

[polarmauling]

“ Offer...your life. ”

[It hissed bitterly in return. It reached up and clawed idly at the front; the spikes were there to deter that behavior. It snarled and looked back, eyes squinted and teeth bared. Though the latter wasn't visible behind the mask. It showed it's claws again, shaking it's head around. Their drool also dribbled when it did so.]

“ Freedom. I need it. Need. To eat. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Not worth as much as you think." Arkadij rolls his eyes and sighs, he expected something better for taking off this person's mask. Maybe a pack of cigarettes? It would be great.

In the end he deicided to help it. He reached his hands up and took a look at it. Doesn't seem that difficult..The real challange was not messing his hands with it's droll.

After a while, he finally managed to unclip everything and take off their mask. "Mhm..here you go."

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes widened; it was slightly shocked he even found the will to do it. Not like he had anything better as an option, but it was still surprising. It shook its head around, baring it's teeth for a moment now that they could be seen. Remarkably clean for being in a mask; it hadn't been on that long. Though, the beast still suddenly leapt at the smaller man. Since he was stood, it knocked him awkwardly back onto the couch. It caged him between its arms, arms being used to pin his shoulders down. And then, it just stared. Perhaps it was sizing him up? Considering betrayal?

And yet it did nothing. The entire moment became a standoff of a growling and panting albino bear and a well built ruffian.]

“ ....hm. ”

[Intuitive, Arseni.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"..." He also just stared at it, directly in the eyes, as he waited for any sudden move. Yet Arseni done nothing, maybe that's better than it suddendly tearing him apart but at the same time Arkadij expected..something, literally anything.

It took him a moment but he grined widely to them. "Are you gonna do something oooor just stare at me like this? Heh."

[polarmauling]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[Arseni pouted. It leaned in closer, blowing a white got breath against his face. It stared with it's serious, squinted eyes, trying its best to read into his expression. It tilted it's head to one side, then another, and leaned in so close their noses were touching. Weird. It growled lowly.]

“ You smell rotten. ”

[It noted quietly, huffing as it's claws dug into his shoulders slightly.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Mhm, rotten..Just like your breath." Arkadij rolls his eyes and tries to move his shoulders away from Arseni's claws. It didn't hurt that much, it's claws just caused mild discomfort.

"Maybe some fuckin' "thank you" for helping you?" He just keeps staring at it, not trying to move anymore. "...Who the hell are you anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ I am the Polar Bear. ”

[It growled as if the answer was so simple. It held him closer, more firm. The squirming angered it, but it didn't flinch physically. It bared its teeth to try and be defensive. It huffed.]

“ I smell fine. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Oh well, at least 'the name' fits you. You do look like a damn polar bear.." He didn't cared about the person's visible anger. If they were about to harm him in some way, they probably would already do so at the very start..At least that's what he thought.

"Let me inteoduce myself then!" He smirked to it. "Arkadij Zaytsev-Bernadziekiewicz, nice to meet you." Arkadij said his full name and slightly pulled away just to out of nowhere grab Arseni's hand and give it a handshake.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni looked at his hand, cocking a brow. It frowned and smacked it away, leaning in closer and sniffing him gently. It scrunched up it's nose again then stopped, leaning in and sniffing again. Finally, it released him. It crossed it's arms in a pouting manner and stared.]

“ Mm. ”

[It tilted it's head to the side, rolling its eyes. It nodded slowly and huffed.]

“ Fitting. Long and boring. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"...Fuck off, you're boring." He frowned almost dramatically, taking it as a very personal insult.

"What was that whole sniffing thing for anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ Was trying to smell your fear. ”

[It said mockingly. That was a joke, somewhat, but it was really just double checking. This WAS in fact a visitor. That slightly sour scent..it wasn't edible. Arseni huffed and rolled it's eyes.]

“ You are of no interest to my appetite. ”

[It hissed, but then just...flopped down to its knees.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"I have no damn idea if I should take it as a blessing or another insult." He rolls his eyes and then stays silent. Wow, so he actually smells that bad? Well, at least this person didn't ate him because of that.

Afterwards Arkadij just pulled out a pack of cigarettes, he really needs to smoke after that.

[polarmauling]

“ Rrr. ”

[Arseni remained in its seated position. It's nose scrunched up and lip curled to bare its teeth, eyes slightly squinted. Eugh, the smell of cigarettes. But it didn't say anything, just staring.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij noticed it'a reaction but decided to have a smoke anyway. Feeding his nicotine addiction was much more important to him than Arseni's comfort.

"Heh, want one?" He said with a smirk on his face while holding a pack of cigarettes.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni shook its head, blowing the smoke back at him. It snarled and reached up, taking his wrist with the pack. It pulled it down, sniffing the pack of cigarettes and his wrist.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij rised an eyebrow. "Stop it." Then he immidietaly tried to pull his hand away from Arseni.

He said and then inhaled the smoke, hard to describe how much he loved the nicotine. Then Arkadij smiled to them. "Tss..Why do you keep sniffing me even though 'I smell rotten", hmm?"

[polarmauling]

“ Assessing how black your lungs are. ”

[Arseni bit back at him, nipping at his fingers as he pulled them back. It huffed, crossing its arms on the couch cushion and lying its head in them.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Very." He responded shortly and blew a smoke in their direction.

"Possibly they're also rotten. But who knows?"

[polarmauling]

“ I wouldn't eat you if I was paid. ”

[It grumbled into its arm, staring with it's pale eyes. It reached up and snatched the cigarette from his fingers, observing the type and brand. It only smoked back in it's fighting days, and it didn't recognize this brand...likely something not expensive then. Volkov only liked the best.]

“ What...is? ”

[not-quite-a-hermit]

[It had been a few days with little interaction from the beast. It spent it's time sitting up with Faina while Nadya slept, then swapping shifts in the night. But while Faina slept it stood, when it would usually be sleeping, and wandered around the house. Until it found the homeowner. It emitted a soft growl and tilted it's head at him, scrunching up it's nose.]

“ Gift. ”

[It rumbled out, then held out it's palm. It uncurled it's fingers to reveal a key. Not one to anything in this house, it wasn't a thief...but it didn't seem to elaborate on what it was for. In reality, it had taken it off a FEMA corpse. No idea what it was for, but it could be of use to the hermit. And it was a conversation starter, something the Polar Bear was aching to do.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

"...You have bestowed upon me... a key."

He turned it over, examining it. To be honest, he was going to look for the Polar Bear anyways. He wanted to test their signs first. Considering they were the first guest after all. But probably should bring it up later...

“It's quite pretty I do have to say. It's got way more personality than other keys nowadays. If it doesn't unlock anything, it'll at least make a nice lucky charm.”

He flashes a bright grin.

“Thanks big guy.”

[polarmauling]

[Arseni flushed at the smile. God, it looked alien on his form. Like someone who had just began smiling only late in life. Creases had grown where a frown once laid, so to speak. But Arseni had a similar demeanor, although their smile was crooked from lack of usage up until recently. But they still flashed the crooked and proud smile.

Then they looked around. Hm. Well now the conversation was started but it didn't know what to say. It stared for a moment, then averted its eyes back down to the man. Then looked around...then back down.]

“ Decor. ”

[It grinned slightly, pointing to a photo on the wall. Nadya had mentioned people like having their homes complimented...was this how it was done?]

[polarmauling]

{A firm drunken slam of the door, leaving the merchant stumbling around the house, beer in one hand, a basket in the other}

"Hey hey! When's the kid? *hic* I wanna see her, got *hic* gifts for her"

{ @cocktails-n-gold }

[Arseni tensed up, shooting the man a glare. It rolled its eyes, crossing its arms in a sassy manner and stalking over. It looked down at him and sneered.]

“ Sleeping. Or. Was. ”

[It said through gritted teeth, preparing itself for the wailing of a woke baby. But when nothing came, it turned its head. There was a moment of silence and then it breathed easy. Somehow, she slept through it...thank god.]

[polarmauling]

[Ignazio had been headed back to visit Artie, it had been a while since he’d spoken to him, and he’d had fun enough speaking to him last time… he’d been let in through the front this time, as much disdain as he held for FEMA, he’d not wanted to scale another wall tonight, and he was clearly enough a human that he had little to worry about.

He opened the door to the infirmary, expecting to see Artie again as always, only to be faced with an absolute goliath of a person where Artie was supposed to be. White haired, muzzled, and dressed in a formal white suit, Ignazio couldn’t help but stare… those scars, those muscles, those eyes… god, they were beautiful.]

Ah-Uh- hi!! I… you… sorry, I was looking for someone- uh…

[Nice going Ignazio, REAL smooth.]

-@flash-in-the-crucible

[Arseni had been put to the task of making the infirmary beds. What a waste of it's talents, it thought. While FEMA roamed that it could be chewing apart, now it was stuck with the mundane task of home making. Thanks ILYA. Yet, it knew rewards were in order for being good. Perhaps a corpse to nibble on or hell, even time with Nadya and Faina. None of that sounded too bad.

But being interrupted didn't get it there any faster. It quickly turned its head and raised a brow, baring it's teeth. It tilted it's head and looked down at him. Interesting. Bite sized, maybe tender, stringy meat? It's brain was already analyzing what a meal they could make out of him. Yet, formalities (or lack thereof) came first.]

“ What. ”

[Smooth.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Even at a glance, Arseni could imagine this guy would taste wonderful… he wouldn’t be a particularly large meal by any regards, the stranger wasn’t even five and a half ft tall, but that small stature was a well sculpted one, with well built arms and thighs and a layer of stomach fat concealing what must certainly be delicious core muscles.

Unfortunately for Ignazio, someone who’s most illegal activity was probably doing questionably safe party drugs, he had no idea who the Polar Bear was, nor its track record for cannibalism… all that was on his mind was a million different terrible poems about the ethereal creature before him. His face quickly went red, an awkward smile spreading across his face as he tried to form some sort of semblance of logical thought through the sea of homoerotic ones flooding his mind.]

Sorry- I was uh- looking for a guy named Artie- brown curly hair, skinny, missing a leg?

[Keep it together Ignazio, you’ve known this person for about one second now, they don’t need to know how attractive you find them.]

[polarmauling]

[Arseni grew interest, seeing the person in the light. How peculiar. And someone with piercings like it's own- not something you see around here very frequently. They took a few threatening steps forward, turning their head to get a look at him from both angles. Finally, they processed the question. Artie. They knew that name. They reached into their coat and pulled out the polar bear coin- a gift from him. They held it up.]

"Coin creature. I think healed up, went back to room.”

[Arseni spoke in a sort of broken English. It seemed to push words that it felt wasted time; it wanted to get right to the point. It could be poetic if it tried hard enough, but what was the point? The coin looked comically small in the beast's hand. It tucked it back away within it's suit, approaching Ignazio now with renewed interest. It looked him up and down, really raking it's eyes over his form.]

"Not hot in here. Breathing hard. What, you scared?”

[It was said to be antagonizing. Threatening. Demeaning.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Their piercings and the cut of their hair was rather similar, as well as their body type, though of course Ignazio was a lot smaller, and was lacking a leg under his clothing as well… he was probably too small to be another fighter, but he looked otherwise capable of holding his own… and he smelled a little too strongly of black powder and smoke to suggest he wasn’t armed under all those belts. Arseni had a shot at killing him if it wanted to, but a counterattack from the stranger might land them back in the infirmary for a few more weeks, if not worse.]

Oh, uh- right, makes sense, good to know-

[Ignazio had already fully lost focus on Artie, every thought in his mind was focused on the beast in front of him. He wanted to run his fingers through that pretty white mane, feel over the ridge and valley of each scar, admire it like a marble statue you might see in an art gallery.]

Scared? No, no, not at all- uh, do you want me to be, gelo?

[Unsurprisingly for someone who quite literally played with fire as much as Ignazio, it took a lot to genuinely strike fear into his heart, and as far as Ignazio was concerned, Arseni hadn’t given him much of a reason to fear for his life. The Polar Bear was far bigger than him, and had made some vaguely threatening facial expressions, but he didn’t think that was enough to be worried about a fight breaking out… not yet anyway. Still, for the sake of respect, Ignazio took one awkward step back for every 3 Arseni took closer, his prosthetic’s stiff ankle vaguely resembling a limp in his gait.]

[polarmauling]

“ Not scared? Fascinating. ”

[It was said with the kind of bitten wonder of a failed experiment. Like a lab rat that just exploded before its eyes. Most people's natural reaction was instant fear. Repulsed at the looming beast that smelled of iron and it's cheap cologne. At least it made an effort to mask its tastes. But the smell of gunpowder, like a walking short fuse, told the Polar Bear this wasn't the average Russian citizen. In fact, the accent told it he wasn't Russian at all. Arseni took a full predatory circle around Ignazio, caging him into the room now.]

“ Reckon you should be. I'm a big bear, and I eat small fry like you in mere minutes. My bite power...n' my claws...they ain't for human foods. ”

[Lasha had recently been trying to get it back on human food. But it was just so addicting and easy to tear through a human. And right now, it wondered if this was a meal worth fighting for. Yet, it seemed more like Arseni was gauging Ignazio's reaction. To see what he'd do under pressure.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Is that so?

[Ignazio replied with a still unshaken lack of fear, assuming Arseni was a visitor, and not just a human with some strange tastes. He’d been with visitors before, and he really couldn’t care less as long as they keep from eating him… unless he lets them of course. He was a scarred up sort as well, and not every little silvery raised cut on his body was from accidents in his workshop.]

I’m fine with that… I’ll warn you though, I might be too spicy for you to handle…

[He did not yet reach for his weapons, he almost never struck first in a fight, but he knew well that he had the capacity to kill Arseni… unfortunately, with weapons like his, the hard part was NOT killing or crippling his opponent, since he would rather not in this particular case. He hardly regretted the times he had killed before, they had all been cases where it was either Ignazio’s life or a visitor’s trying to eat him, and he would prefer to keep it that way.]

[polarmauling]

“ FINE with that? Ain't you sweet. ”

[Arseni sneered, but it was somewhat impressed with his tone. It finally stopped circling and approached him, leaning downwards and staring with it's interrogating eyes. It growled lowly.]

“ And yet with all that sweetness, I haven't even got your name. ”

[Arseni let out a breath similar to an angry bull. It's nose remained scrunched as if it was looking at something repulsive, yet it's eyes had some sincerity to them.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Sweet? Really? Uh- thanks!!

[That did absolutely nothing to lessen the pink dusting Ignazio’s face, even if Arseni was only referring to his literal flavour. Neither did the way the Beast towered over him, or the way it looked at him… somewhere between hunger and the beginning of some respect.]

It’s Ignazio, Ignazio Voronin- piacere! And you are…?

[A non-Russian first name and a Russian last name, that explained Ignazio’s unfamiliar accent and his random indecipherable words… probably, it wasn’t like the Polar Bear had that large of a lexicon.

With wide, enthusiastic brown eyes, and a crooked toothed smile, he held out one hand to invite a handshake, his broad tanned hands calloused and heavily scarred from whatever it was he did for work. Arseni could guess it had something to do with metal, by the smell of it on him and the many toolbelts around Ignazio’s hefty midsection.]

[polarmauling]

“ The Polar Bear. Let's keep it there for now. ”

[Arseni never revealed it's name so soon. It wouldn't give formalities just yet; and the Polar Bear was firm enough it stuck. It looked like a towering polar bear straight from Antarctica, wide and bold in silhouette. And yet, when it's buttons were pushed correctly, it became this sappy doormat. But right now, it was testing.]

“ Interesting name, Ignazio. I like it. ”

[It stood up straight, like he had passed some sort of test. It tilted it's head and reached down to the handshake, swatting it away with the back of its hand like it was touching something disgusting. At this point Arseni, spit on him why don't you.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

The Polar Bear… I see where it comes from, gelo!

[Rough, sturdy, densely muscled, covered in dense white hair, absolutely massive, it wasn’t hard to see why it had earned the name of the similarly charactered bear, or why Ignazio’s first instinct was to respectfully nickname it “frost” in his own tongue.]

Ignazio just means “firey”, back in Italy where I come from, I changed it after I got into metalwork a few years ago!

[Similarly for Ignazio, it wasn’t hard to see why a man with flame-red hair dye and smelling thickly of explosives would be named after the fire that accompanied just about everything he did in his spare time… and just like the Polar Bear, he also wasn’t too keen on telling people what his name was at birth, for his own reasons.

Ignazio folded his hand back as the Polar Bear slapped away his offer of a handshake, the sensation snapping him out of whatever homoerotic stupor he had found himself in at the sight of them… though it didn’t smack more than just slight confusion into him, and it certainly didn’t get to him enough to make him justifiably afraid of the beast.]

[polarmauling]

“ Italy. ”

[It repeated quietly. It scratched it's chin for a moment, then nodded as it pretended like it knew. It did, sort of, but only that it was a place. And people were there. For all it knew it was just another one of the many Russian cities. It sort of understood counties, like the US or China, but that only came from knowledge from others. Reasonable deductions such as "the president of the US" told it that these were self managed places. Therefore, likely separate from Russia.]

“ It is my fighting name. The Polar Bear. White beast of Yakutsk. ”

[It clarified. That was it's home; though it may as well just be a vacation home. It never actually went there, just were it was born and then handed off to Volkov. From there it lived in Moscow and Volgograd. Depending on the fighting season. It tilted it's head to the side like a confused dog.]

“ You are lucky I'm not hungry. ”

[It stated quietly, somewhat pouting that it didn't get the feeling to eat Ignazio. However, knowing that he knew Artie, they were sure it would bite them in the ass if they did anyway.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio, observant and social as he was, could see well enough through the beast’s pretend knowledge of Italy, but he didn’t bother to press on it. Most people he’d met in Russia didn’t know too much about his homeland, and he had little he was interested in discussing about it anyway.]

Fighting name? Like, eh, wrestling? Or…?

[Ignazio knew absolutely nothing about sports of any kind, usually too busy with his projects, his studies, or the millions of parties he went to, to care… and as little as he cared for the rule of law, he hardly partook in breaking it more than trying some definitely illegal substances once in a while. It was safe to say, he was completely ignorant to the existence of fighting rings, in Russia or otherwise.]

Probably for the best, half my body’s metal, not much edible anyway.

[He spoke matter-of-factly, like this was a normal trait for a human to have, for him it was! To demonstrate, he leaned down, a loud “CLANG CLANG CLANG!” sounding as he hit his knuckles against the calf shell of his prosthetic, hidden under the leg of his pants. Rising up further, he flicked his finger against the pins of his once present ilizarov frame, a muffled metallic “ting ting ting!” ringing out. He rolled his shoulders out as he rose back up to his full 5 and a half feet of height.]

[polarmauling]

“ Fighting. ”

[Was all Arseni boldly replied with. It wasn't wrestling..it was a game of life and death. And for a good while, The Polar Bear was winning. But it had recently become interested in that Muhammad Ali fellow. A few of his fights were on tape, which were found in a gym office. Not bad, it reckoned.]

“ ...metal? ”

[It flinched at the reciprocating sound of his prosthesis. They stuck out their tongue for a moment, pierced but irrelevant. It no longer had much interest in picking meat from metal; the appetite was washed away by the fear of biting straight into a hunk of steel. It tilted it's head and leaned down slightly, sniffing the air for metal. Strange. Didn't smell metallic. However, the beast did. Simply the lingering smell of it's last meal.]

“... strange. You are strange.”

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Yeah, steel bones and aluminum skin!!

[He rolled up his pant leg a few inches, revealing the steel ankle and aluminum shell of his prosthetic, his single longest work in progress, as a further demonstration. He was happy to show off the metal that sparsely populated the rest of his body as well, but most of it required him to undress to display, and he wasn’t quite in the mood to do that in front of the beast right now.]

Hah, I hear that a lot, people like me are apparently a rarer sight here in Russia. Back in Italy, nearly all my friends when I was growing up had metal bodies too, if you can believe it!!

[He said it with a smile, though as he thought more about it, the memory soured for him. There was no way half of them were still around now, still alive through all their complications now that they’d been battling them for 25 years. Turbulent as his life had been, he was probably the luckiest of them, only having one wholly prosthetic leg and a few rod-supported bones. He pressed his lips together, looking off to the side with renewed disdain for the poison at the heart of the tragedy.

He shook off the feeling quick enough however, his brown eyes lighting up as he looked back at the beast.]

Sick tongue piercing!! I’ve been wanting to get one for a while, but it’s not like any piercing shops are open right now, and I haven’t met anyone who’ll do them in the apocalypse yet!

[polarmauling]

“...thank you? ”

[It seemed a little confused by the compliment, but simply nodded and waved it's hand gratefully. It looked him up and down again, finally leaning down so close they were face to face again. It sniffed the air, then him, then squinted. There was a moment of deafening silence, before Arseni grinned and stood. It covered its mouth in mock elegance.]

“ Your face is warm, chipmunk. Should be careful running fevers in this climate. ”

[Arseni said with an amused expression. It gently reached out and poked his cheek with their thumb, feeling the warmth and poking it with their claw as they pulled back.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio met Arseni’s eyes as he leaned down, more confused than anything by its behaviour, and certainly not intimidated. He grinned wide with crooked teeth at their nickname for him.] Chipmunk, huh? Never heard that one before… I like it.

[Ignazio’s face was wonderfully warm, his stubble-rough, dry skin covered speckled with scars, making for an interesting texture to feel. His face only grew hotter with Arseni’s touch, which he hardly protested, wholly unafraid of the beast before him. Quite the opposite actually… if humans were able to purr, he would have, as he stared dreamily up at it. He had always been weak for anyone tall and scarred up, god…]

Anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?

[…He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. This was the closest he’d looked to being actually afraid of the beast so far, and it was sheer embarrassment from slipping up that bad.]

[polarmauling]

“Hm? Yeah, actually. Quite a new obsession you little rodents get with me. Yer not the first, surely not the last.”

[Arseni rolled it's eyes, but leaned down closer. It pulled Ignazio in, claws digging into his shoulder slightly, but not enough to hurt. Just a reminder of it's capabilities should it be tried. As a final, physical test of his fear, it leaned into his face and bared its teeth. It rumbled out the best mockery of a growl it could. Almost like a rolled tongue done lowly. And resonated in it's chest.]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Overcome with embarrassment, Ignazio stared down at the floor and the beast’s shoes, faced flushed as he struggled over his words. God, he hopes he didn’t freak them out or make them uncomfortable!]

Sorry, I didn’t mean to blurt that out- I’ll stop if you want me to stop, you’re just—

[Ignazio was cut off by the beast’s grabbing of his shoulders, its claws only barely long and sharp enough to pierce through the dense, thick fabric of his shawl, hardly scraping at his skin. Wholly unafraid, Ignazio stared blankly into its wild, white-lashed eyes as it threatened him in case he ever dared to challenge it… something he had no intention of doing, being 30 centimetres shorter, severely disadvantaged by his missing leg, and not knowing the first thing about unarmed combat anyways. The winner of their match had been decided already, even if Ignazio cared about challenging it, there was no point in playing it out.]

…Ethereal.

[polarmauling]

[Seeing him not display any fear was all it needed to see. It removed it's claws and grinned, dropping to it's knees before Ignazio. It tilted it's head, eyes half lidded and full of amusement. For once, it was looking UP at him. And it liked that a bit more. It rested it's tilted head on his chest, chin pressed to his brown top, and stared. There was a silence between them.]

“ You're too kind. ”

[It replied lightly, blinking a few times.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio watched with surprise as the beast got down on its knees, though he was anything but upset with it. Really, he would be fine with it if Arseni ripped him in half, no, he’d probably like it… but he preferred this right now.]

Just saying my thoughts, pretty bear!!

[Ignazio grinned a wide, crooked toothed smile at their comment, and what he figured to be physical affection, pressing itself against him

Feeling Ignazio’s build through the thick fabric of his clothing, padded enough to serve as light armour, Arseni could feel the sturdy build of his body. Especially for someone who didn’t fight or formally train, Ignazio was very densely muscled, his arms thick and his hands rough and calloused from his time in his workshop, his fat-encased thighs and core solid from lifting his own solid metal creations. If not for the blunt metal rods Arseni could feel poking out of his legs, or the ring of metal clasps he could feel decorating Ignazio’s stomach and thighs, he would be an exceptionally delicious meal in times like these.

As for Ignazio, he lowered his hand to the side of the Polar Bear’s massive head, wanting to feel that beautiful white hair of theirs, only hesitating because he dared not to try its boundaries further than he already had with his flirting, not without consent.]

May I, gelo?

[polarmauling]

“ Mmh. Don't see why not. ”

[Arseni purred in reply. They tilted their head into the contact and shut their eyes, letting the fingers explore the vast, surprisingly smooth mane of the creature. It at least brushed it daily, so that helped...but it was surprising for a lack of hair care routine. Just soap and water. It shuddered nearly at the contact, head becoming somewhat supported by his hand as they completely melted into the contact.]

“ Hmm. Gentle, see? ”

[It said, humming and presenting it's hand. It was showing that it could be docile. It could be obedient and calm. It wasn't completely maniacal and feral.]

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

[Arseni had tried everything. It didn't want to wake Nadya, she just finally went to sleep. But Faina was wailing. She had been changed, fed, played with, and it was at a loss. It only had one other person it could go to...someone who actually was knowledgeable on the subject. It carried her in it's arms, gently shushing her as she wiggled and cried. Her face was warm but...she wasn't running a fever was she?

Arseni ducked into Ilya's room, not bothering to knock as the crying baby already gave away it's presence. It frowned, staring at Ilya and whimpering pitifully.]

“ ...help. I don't know.. what's wrong. ”

[It said in defeat.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

*Ilya heard it before they even opened their eyes. And here went their afternoon nap...

It was a particuliary hot day. Everyone and everything was engulfed in sticky, heavy warmness. It felt impossible to sleep but also impossible to do anything else. The heat just took away all energy and ambition. Ilya sat at the edge of their small bed with a groan. But the alarm they felt deep inside them, only reinforced by Arseni's confused and pathetic face gave the former-FEMA plenty of newfound energy to get up.

They approached without a word and with the same feeling of urgency they felt that day everyone got shot. What happened ? What happened to their grandchild ?!*

- Leave it to me !

*They said, but did nothing to get her from Arseni's arms. They figured the panicked parent wouldnt let go so easily, as very few did. Besides, they needed their hands...

They reached inside their green bag for a frontal thermometer, and placed it gently on the fussing baby's temple. 43° celsius. Her reddened skin felt dry under the touch.*

- ... She has a heat stroke.

*When Faina puked on their arm, the diagnosis was confirmed. Faina was so hot not because of some virus induced fever, but because of the heat and dehydration.*

- Babies are the most fragile in such weather. And today was particuliarly hard. No wonder the poor thing got overwhelmed. You did nothing wrong but now she needs to cool down and drink something.

*She wasnt old enough for water. It had to be milk. Maternal or formula, wathever, as long as she drank it all, little by little.

For the rest...*

- One of us needs to go water some clean clothes and cool her with it. Not too cold. Lukewarm for now. Then a bit colder and little by little she should feel better.

*Poor treasure. She was being so very brave...*

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes widened at the nearly immediate diagnosis. It didn't even seem to mind the puke on it's arm, it'd had to change but Faina was ten times more important than a little milk vomit. It quickly took her from her swaddle to alleviate some of the heat, resting her on Ilya's bed. It pat their arm, retrieving was something it could do quite well. Bigger arm mass, more things could be carried. It quickly darted out of the room to grab what was requested; formula, a bottle, a clean shirt made by Hollis wet with lukewarm water, and some ice water to prepare her drink.

It returned, arms full with additional towels to wet with the remaining ice water, and still had that panicked look. It immediately dumped everything on a table and went back to Faina, observing her and wincing with every wail. It gently stroked her small black hair back, whimpering like a sad dog.]

“ It's okay, little cub...just bear with me. I'm sorry. ”

[Even if it wasn't it's fault, it would still feel guilty. Or rather, empathizing with her discomfort. It didn't much like the heat either. It looked to Ilya and then stood, no, better to be helping with her pain. It grabbed the wet shirt and changed her into it, frowning as the sensation seemed to scare her at first.]

“ No, no, it's alright little cub...shhh... ”

[It was very desperately trying to calm her, and it seemed to work a little bit. At least she had stopped wailing, which was beginning to strain her throat. But she still was gently crying.]

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*While Arseni was out of the room in the search for everything needed, Ilya had taken care of removing excess clothing from the baby, and checked for any sunburn or dried out spot. Fortunatly, there was nothing in sight. Of course, poor Faina had never been left to the sun, but better to make sure... With the last "incident"...

So, waiting for the necessary material, and trying to reassure the crying Faina, Ilya took her in their arms, gently rocking her back and forth, and washing her face with the hem of their pyjama shirt. Fortunatly they were not wearing their disgusting hazmat while sleeping, and had a large t-shirt and shorts. The baby was screaming less, but still visibly suffering. This broke their old and dry heart. If only they knew a little lullaby or could make some stupid baby voice... ! Instead, they gave praise, and cuddles. This little being, so fragile in their big arms, it filled them with love that flood their body to the brim. And so, so much worry they tried to hide.

Ilya was starting to panic too when Arseni came back, just like a heroic soldier coming back home arms full of ribbons and paper flowers.

As it was taking care of putting the wet clothes on her, Ilya took the task to prepare the bottle of milk. The water was a bit too cold, but it quickly gained room temperature next to the window, and so the former-FEMA could prepare a lukewarm milk bottle. Perfect.*

- It's a good thing she has the energy to cry. An unresponsive heatstroked baby is a worse emergency than that. You did good bringing her so quickly, Arseni.

*Reassuring the parent, Ilya offered a friendly smile. Nadya and Faina had worked a lot for the former-FEMA to trust Arseni this much. And to say it once threw them across a room !

Now the former-FEMA was firmly -but gently- holding it's baby, and giving Arseni the milk bottle, telling it to feed the child.

- She trusts you more, stay close to her. It's good to talk to her.

*Trying to stay in their nurse role, they listed everything they could remember about such a case... Wich was not that much.*

- She needs shade and calm. Constant surveillance. And regular feeding and changes of clothes. Not too much movements.

*Putting a fresh towel on Faina's forehead, Ilya damped her everywhere, letting her shiny like a well-fed plant. Already, she was less squirmy and her skin less red, less hot to the touch.*

- You are a very, very brave girl, Faina. A little warrior. ~

[polarmauling]

[Arseni let out a panicked breath it didn't know it was holding at Ilya's reassurance. If it was truly the cause of Faina's ailments it'd likely never forgive itself. They'd lock away like when Nadya's uncle put it at gunpoint, and hide like the scared animal they were. They gently took Faina into their arms and gave her the bottle, monitoring her sipping to make sure she didn't need to ralph again.

The beast grinned as her tiny hands came up to support the bottle herself. It gently pushed her hair back and pet her while she drank, her eyes slightly irritated from the crying. Her legs kicked happily, and Arseni gave a small hint of a smile. She was okay. And she was going to be okay. The bear sat on the bed and watched her, huffing.]

“ She is. I'm..sorry my little cub. I should've known. ”

[It apologized lightly. It felt guilty for not knowing, but it was really like it's life had only started two years prior. It was still learning, much slower than everyone else as it much preferred just being feral. It set the bottle aside when she pushed it back, a sign she didn't want anymore. It lifted her and patted her back to burp her. It looked to Ilya as it did, continuing to speak.]

“ I'm always so scared for her. And it's like she doesn't even mind the dangerous situations she is in. She likes to...ehm. Escape her crib at night. Scares me and Nadya half to death. But she will be smiling and giggling when we find her..and it's like nothing was ever wrong. I don't...get it. ”

[Arseni was trying to articulate its deep worry for Faina, but was having trouble finding the words. Not like they were easy...it was a first time parent trying to explain parenting with a dictionary of about 100 pages.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

[Arseni stood over the poor individual. Leering. Staring. Like a predator stalking it's prey. All it did was stand in the doorway of the room the poor raven haired individual was in. And drool seeped greedily from its muzzle. The only thing stopping it from taking the snack it desired. The only thing caging it from mauling the other alive.]

“ Rr... Rrrgh...hrrfgg..”

[It panted out like a hungry dog. It felt like it was STARVING.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

Arkadij looked in Arseni's direction and rised an eyebrow. Unusual view, a tall mascular looking person with hair bright as snow staring at him like a predator about to tear him apart. Hmm, seems familiar but not fully, at least this one has a muzzle which makes the situation seem to him not as dangerous as it would be without it.

He stares at them directly in the eyes and then looks up and down, didn't he seen them somewhere before? Perhaps in the news, but not too sure about it. He didn't really watched TV before cataclysm, it seemed like a waste of time back then.

Arkadij let out a giggle after a long moment of silence and the got up, he started walking in their direction. "Heh, want a tissue? Fuck, you're drolling sooo much..! Missed a rabies vaccine or something, hm?" He said with a grin on his face, this guy is surely acting too reckless in this situation.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes lowered the closer the man got. It glared and craned It's head down to better face Arkadij. The giggle was especially angering; the beast snapped its jaws at the sound. A muffled click. It growled through the other's words, eyes squinted and pupils small.]

“ Rrr. RrrrRRGH.”

[That was all it could vocalize. Arseni could speak, of course, but it's mind was so fogged with the need to taste blood. To sink it's teeth into flesh. It hovered it's hands over his shoulders, pointed fingers with clawed nails they had been filed that way; painted black in chipping paint and extending not excessively, but in the hands of an ex-fighter it was lethal. Arkadij was staring right into the jaws of a Polar Bear now. And smiling. And Arseni HATED being mocked. Yet it didn't move.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Wow...sooo frightening! What? You want to eat me or something?" He didn't seemed to care, absolutely didn't took this situation seriously. It was fun for him, teasing someone just to get a reaction he can laugh at, and this? This was just perfect.

"Aww, sowwy, I don't taste well!" He mockingly pressed a finger against it's muzzle with a chuckle and then walked away, sat where he previously was. "Unless you like uhhh..taste of alcohol and cigarettes? Dirt and..lithium perhaps? Fuck, no idea."

[polarmauling]

[This...freak was messing with it's head! At least, that's what its mind said. It shook its head around, some of the drool reaching its suit; a normal occurrence, it's a wonder the thing wasn't stained with how messy of an eater the beast was. But when Arkadij walked away, Arseni pursued. Not quickly, but it finally entered the room and stopped its doorway leering.]

“ Hff...hff...”

[It watched him sit so nonchalantly. Like he didn't know what he was playing around with-- like he didn't know who the POLAR BEAR WAS.

Arseni was still getting used to the fact it was only popular in illegal fighting rings. But right now, with a mind so clouded by hunger, it wasn't thinking straight. Finally, it decided to give a decree of its strength. Next to his head, like warning gunfire, it slashed it's claws into the sofa. The stuffing of the plush seat popped out; well that was just mean. But it didn't quite seem to care. With it's neck craned outwards, drool now dropped onto the sofa and even a stray strand on Arkadij's leg.

Gross.]

“ RrrrrRRGH! ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij just stared at it directly into it's eyes with the most unimpressed face expression possible. Well, it was funny at first and now starts to absolutely bore him. Can they say anything more than just those bear-like animalistic sounds?

Then, he noticed a single drop of droll dropped onto his pants. His face expression shown pure disgust. "Hey- what the fuck?!" Arkadij attempted to roughly push them away from him with his legs...and now it appeared that the person before him is much stronger than him.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni glared as it was kicked. It decided to seize his ankle to put a quick end to that discomfort; especially since one of its legs was weakened from the gunshot. It was healing, but still very tender. It snarled and gnashed it's teeth, leaning down to meet Arkadij at his face. It scrunched up it's nose at his scent.]

“ Disgusting. ”

[It speaks! Yet very insulting. It hissed and tightened it's grip on his ankle. It intended to bruise; it of course wasn't strong enough to break bone with one hand. However. It was going to leave a reminder of it's lethality.]

“ Mask. I need . Off. ”

[Well, if he was going to be no use for a meal. May was well make use of those eyes and hands, to play with the clasp at least. See, Arseni had tried to unlock it. But between it's long snow-white hair and it needing to align two small dials to click it off; it was nearly impossible. And under the leather was a thin metal lining. It wasn't coming off without help.]

“ Now. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

It did hurt after it's grip tightened on his ankle, Arkadij was about to fight back until he heard the person's voice. So, it does speak, good to know. "...Who are you calling 'disgusting' you oversized drolling piece of shit?!" He yelled and quietly got up.

He looked at the mask and did hear what it is saying. First they pretty much tried to eat him and now want him to take off their mask.. "Mhmmm, no. I'm not taking that off your face."

"...Unless you have some to offer! Heh, nothing is for free."

[polarmauling]

“ Offer...your life. ”

[It hissed bitterly in return. It reached up and clawed idly at the front; the spikes were there to deter that behavior. It snarled and looked back, eyes squinted and teeth bared. Though the latter wasn't visible behind the mask. It showed it's claws again, shaking it's head around. Their drool also dribbled when it did so.]

“ Freedom. I need it. Need. To eat. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Not worth as much as you think." Arkadij rolls his eyes and sighs, he expected something better for taking off this person's mask. Maybe a pack of cigarettes? It would be great.

In the end he deicided to help it. He reached his hands up and took a look at it. Doesn't seem that difficult..The real challange was not messing his hands with it's droll.

After a while, he finally managed to unclip everything and take off their mask. "Mhm..here you go."

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes widened; it was slightly shocked he even found the will to do it. Not like he had anything better as an option, but it was still surprising. It shook its head around, baring it's teeth for a moment now that they could be seen. Remarkably clean for being in a mask; it hadn't been on that long. Though, the beast still suddenly leapt at the smaller man. Since he was stood, it knocked him awkwardly back onto the couch. It caged him between its arms, arms being used to pin his shoulders down. And then, it just stared. Perhaps it was sizing him up? Considering betrayal?

And yet it did nothing. The entire moment became a standoff of a growling and panting albino bear and a well built ruffian.]

“ ....hm. ”

[Intuitive, Arseni.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"..." He also just stared at it, directly in the eyes, as he waited for any sudden move. Yet Arseni done nothing, maybe that's better than it suddendly tearing him apart but at the same time Arkadij expected..something, literally anything.

It took him a moment but he grined widely to them. "Are you gonna do something oooor just stare at me like this? Heh."

[polarmauling]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[Arseni pouted. It leaned in closer, blowing a white got breath against his face. It stared with it's serious, squinted eyes, trying its best to read into his expression. It tilted it's head to one side, then another, and leaned in so close their noses were touching. Weird. It growled lowly.]

“ You smell rotten. ”

[It noted quietly, huffing as it's claws dug into his shoulders slightly.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Mhm, rotten..Just like your breath." Arkadij rolls his eyes and tries to move his shoulders away from Arseni's claws. It didn't hurt that much, it's claws just caused mild discomfort.

"Maybe some fuckin' "thank you" for helping you?" He just keeps staring at it, not trying to move anymore. "...Who the hell are you anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ I am the Polar Bear. ”

[It growled as if the answer was so simple. It held him closer, more firm. The squirming angered it, but it didn't flinch physically. It bared its teeth to try and be defensive. It huffed.]

“ I smell fine. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Oh well, at least 'the name' fits you. You do look like a damn polar bear.." He didn't cared about the person's visible anger. If they were about to harm him in some way, they probably would already do so at the very start..At least that's what he thought.

"Let me inteoduce myself then!" He smirked to it. "Arkadij Zaytsev-Bernadziekiewicz, nice to meet you." Arkadij said his full name and slightly pulled away just to out of nowhere grab Arseni's hand and give it a handshake.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni looked at his hand, cocking a brow. It frowned and smacked it away, leaning in closer and sniffing him gently. It scrunched up it's nose again then stopped, leaning in and sniffing again. Finally, it released him. It crossed it's arms in a pouting manner and stared.]

“ Mm. ”

[It tilted it's head to the side, rolling its eyes. It nodded slowly and huffed.]

“ Fitting. Long and boring. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"...Fuck off, you're boring." He frowned almost dramatically, taking it as a very personal insult.

"What was that whole sniffing thing for anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ Was trying to smell your fear. ”

[It said mockingly. That was a joke, somewhat, but it was really just double checking. This WAS in fact a visitor. That slightly sour scent..it wasn't edible. Arseni huffed and rolled it's eyes.]

“ You are of no interest to my appetite. ”

[It hissed, but then just...flopped down to its knees.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"I have no damn idea if I should take it as a blessing or another insult." He rolls his eyes and then stays silent. Wow, so he actually smells that bad? Well, at least this person didn't ate him because of that.

Afterwards Arkadij just pulled out a pack of cigarettes, he really needs to smoke after that.

[polarmauling]

“ Rrr. ”

[Arseni remained in its seated position. It's nose scrunched up and lip curled to bare its teeth, eyes slightly squinted. Eugh, the smell of cigarettes. But it didn't say anything, just staring.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij noticed it'a reaction but decided to have a smoke anyway. Feeding his nicotine addiction was much more important to him than Arseni's comfort.

"Heh, want one?" He said with a smirk on his face while holding a pack of cigarettes.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni shook its head, blowing the smoke back at him. It snarled and reached up, taking his wrist with the pack. It pulled it down, sniffing the pack of cigarettes and his wrist.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij rised an eyebrow. "Stop it." Then he immidietaly tried to pull his hand away from Arseni.

He said and then inhaled the smoke, hard to describe how much he loved the nicotine. Then Arkadij smiled to them. "Tss..Why do you keep sniffing me even though 'I smell rotten", hmm?"

[polarmauling]

“ Assessing how black your lungs are. ”

[Arseni bit back at him, nipping at his fingers as he pulled them back. It huffed, crossing its arms on the couch cushion and lying its head in them.]

[polarmauling]

[Ignazio had been headed back to visit Artie, it had been a while since he’d spoken to him, and he’d had fun enough speaking to him last time… he’d been let in through the front this time, as much disdain as he held for FEMA, he’d not wanted to scale another wall tonight, and he was clearly enough a human that he had little to worry about.

He opened the door to the infirmary, expecting to see Artie again as always, only to be faced with an absolute goliath of a person where Artie was supposed to be. White haired, muzzled, and dressed in a formal white suit, Ignazio couldn’t help but stare… those scars, those muscles, those eyes… god, they were beautiful.]

Ah-Uh- hi!! I… you… sorry, I was looking for someone- uh…

[Nice going Ignazio, REAL smooth.]

-@flash-in-the-crucible

[Arseni had been put to the task of making the infirmary beds. What a waste of it's talents, it thought. While FEMA roamed that it could be chewing apart, now it was stuck with the mundane task of home making. Thanks ILYA. Yet, it knew rewards were in order for being good. Perhaps a corpse to nibble on or hell, even time with Nadya and Faina. None of that sounded too bad.

But being interrupted didn't get it there any faster. It quickly turned its head and raised a brow, baring it's teeth. It tilted it's head and looked down at him. Interesting. Bite sized, maybe tender, stringy meat? It's brain was already analyzing what a meal they could make out of him. Yet, formalities (or lack thereof) came first.]

“ What. ”

[Smooth.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Even at a glance, Arseni could imagine this guy would taste wonderful… he wouldn’t be a particularly large meal by any regards, the stranger wasn’t even five and a half ft tall, but that small stature was a well sculpted one, with well built arms and thighs and a layer of stomach fat concealing what must certainly be delicious core muscles.

Unfortunately for Ignazio, someone who’s most illegal activity was probably doing questionably safe party drugs, he had no idea who the Polar Bear was, nor its track record for cannibalism… all that was on his mind was a million different terrible poems about the ethereal creature before him. His face quickly went red, an awkward smile spreading across his face as he tried to form some sort of semblance of logical thought through the sea of homoerotic ones flooding his mind.]

Sorry- I was uh- looking for a guy named Artie- brown curly hair, skinny, missing a leg?

[Keep it together Ignazio, you’ve known this person for about one second now, they don’t need to know how attractive you find them.]

[polarmauling]

[Arseni grew interest, seeing the person in the light. How peculiar. And someone with piercings like it's own- not something you see around here very frequently. They took a few threatening steps forward, turning their head to get a look at him from both angles. Finally, they processed the question. Artie. They knew that name. They reached into their coat and pulled out the polar bear coin- a gift from him. They held it up.]

"Coin creature. I think healed up, went back to room.”

[Arseni spoke in a sort of broken English. It seemed to push words that it felt wasted time; it wanted to get right to the point. It could be poetic if it tried hard enough, but what was the point? The coin looked comically small in the beast's hand. It tucked it back away within it's suit, approaching Ignazio now with renewed interest. It looked him up and down, really raking it's eyes over his form.]

"Not hot in here. Breathing hard. What, you scared?”

[It was said to be antagonizing. Threatening. Demeaning.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Their piercings and the cut of their hair was rather similar, as well as their body type, though of course Ignazio was a lot smaller, and was lacking a leg under his clothing as well… he was probably too small to be another fighter, but he looked otherwise capable of holding his own… and he smelled a little too strongly of black powder and smoke to suggest he wasn’t armed under all those belts. Arseni had a shot at killing him if it wanted to, but a counterattack from the stranger might land them back in the infirmary for a few more weeks, if not worse.]

Oh, uh- right, makes sense, good to know-

[Ignazio had already fully lost focus on Artie, every thought in his mind was focused on the beast in front of him. He wanted to run his fingers through that pretty white mane, feel over the ridge and valley of each scar, admire it like a marble statue you might see in an art gallery.]

Scared? No, no, not at all- uh, do you want me to be, gelo?

[Unsurprisingly for someone who quite literally played with fire as much as Ignazio, it took a lot to genuinely strike fear into his heart, and as far as Ignazio was concerned, Arseni hadn’t given him much of a reason to fear for his life. The Polar Bear was far bigger than him, and had made some vaguely threatening facial expressions, but he didn’t think that was enough to be worried about a fight breaking out… not yet anyway. Still, for the sake of respect, Ignazio took one awkward step back for every 3 Arseni took closer, his prosthetic’s stiff ankle vaguely resembling a limp in his gait.]

[polarmauling]

“ Not scared? Fascinating. ”

[It was said with the kind of bitten wonder of a failed experiment. Like a lab rat that just exploded before its eyes. Most people's natural reaction was instant fear. Repulsed at the looming beast that smelled of iron and it's cheap cologne. At least it made an effort to mask its tastes. But the smell of gunpowder, like a walking short fuse, told the Polar Bear this wasn't the average Russian citizen. In fact, the accent told it he wasn't Russian at all. Arseni took a full predatory circle around Ignazio, caging him into the room now.]

“ Reckon you should be. I'm a big bear, and I eat small fry like you in mere minutes. My bite power...n' my claws...they ain't for human foods. ”

[Lasha had recently been trying to get it back on human food. But it was just so addicting and easy to tear through a human. And right now, it wondered if this was a meal worth fighting for. Yet, it seemed more like Arseni was gauging Ignazio's reaction. To see what he'd do under pressure.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Is that so?

[Ignazio replied with a still unshaken lack of fear, assuming Arseni was a visitor, and not just a human with some strange tastes. He’d been with visitors before, and he really couldn’t care less as long as they keep from eating him… unless he lets them of course. He was a scarred up sort as well, and not every little silvery raised cut on his body was from accidents in his workshop.]

I’m fine with that… I’ll warn you though, I might be too spicy for you to handle…

[He did not yet reach for his weapons, he almost never struck first in a fight, but he knew well that he had the capacity to kill Arseni… unfortunately, with weapons like his, the hard part was NOT killing or crippling his opponent, since he would rather not in this particular case. He hardly regretted the times he had killed before, they had all been cases where it was either Ignazio’s life or a visitor’s trying to eat him, and he would prefer to keep it that way.]

[polarmauling]

“ FINE with that? Ain't you sweet. ”

[Arseni sneered, but it was somewhat impressed with his tone. It finally stopped circling and approached him, leaning downwards and staring with it's interrogating eyes. It growled lowly.]

“ And yet with all that sweetness, I haven't even got your name. ”

[Arseni let out a breath similar to an angry bull. It's nose remained scrunched as if it was looking at something repulsive, yet it's eyes had some sincerity to them.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Sweet? Really? Uh- thanks!!

[That did absolutely nothing to lessen the pink dusting Ignazio’s face, even if Arseni was only referring to his literal flavour. Neither did the way the Beast towered over him, or the way it looked at him… somewhere between hunger and the beginning of some respect.]

It’s Ignazio, Ignazio Voronin- piacere! And you are…?

[A non-Russian first name and a Russian last name, that explained Ignazio’s unfamiliar accent and his random indecipherable words… probably, it wasn’t like the Polar Bear had that large of a lexicon.

With wide, enthusiastic brown eyes, and a crooked toothed smile, he held out one hand to invite a handshake, his broad tanned hands calloused and heavily scarred from whatever it was he did for work. Arseni could guess it had something to do with metal, by the smell of it on him and the many toolbelts around Ignazio’s hefty midsection.]

[polarmauling]

“ The Polar Bear. Let's keep it there for now. ”

[Arseni never revealed it's name so soon. It wouldn't give formalities just yet; and the Polar Bear was firm enough it stuck. It looked like a towering polar bear straight from Antarctica, wide and bold in silhouette. And yet, when it's buttons were pushed correctly, it became this sappy doormat. But right now, it was testing.]

“ Interesting name, Ignazio. I like it. ”

[It stood up straight, like he had passed some sort of test. It tilted it's head and reached down to the handshake, swatting it away with the back of its hand like it was touching something disgusting. At this point Arseni, spit on him why don't you.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

The Polar Bear… I see where it comes from, gelo!

[Rough, sturdy, densely muscled, covered in dense white hair, absolutely massive, it wasn’t hard to see why it had earned the name of the similarly charactered bear, or why Ignazio’s first instinct was to respectfully nickname it “frost” in his own tongue.]

Ignazio just means “firey”, back in Italy where I come from, I changed it after I got into metalwork a few years ago!

[Similarly for Ignazio, it wasn’t hard to see why a man with flame-red hair dye and smelling thickly of explosives would be named after the fire that accompanied just about everything he did in his spare time… and just like the Polar Bear, he also wasn’t too keen on telling people what his name was at birth, for his own reasons.

Ignazio folded his hand back as the Polar Bear slapped away his offer of a handshake, the sensation snapping him out of whatever homoerotic stupor he had found himself in at the sight of them… though it didn’t smack more than just slight confusion into him, and it certainly didn’t get to him enough to make him justifiably afraid of the beast.]

[polarmauling]

“ Italy. ”

[It repeated quietly. It scratched it's chin for a moment, then nodded as it pretended like it knew. It did, sort of, but only that it was a place. And people were there. For all it knew it was just another one of the many Russian cities. It sort of understood counties, like the US or China, but that only came from knowledge from others. Reasonable deductions such as "the president of the US" told it that these were self managed places. Therefore, likely separate from Russia.]

“ It is my fighting name. The Polar Bear. White beast of Yakutsk. ”

[It clarified. That was it's home; though it may as well just be a vacation home. It never actually went there, just were it was born and then handed off to Volkov. From there it lived in Moscow and Volgograd. Depending on the fighting season. It tilted it's head to the side like a confused dog.]

“ You are lucky I'm not hungry. ”

[It stated quietly, somewhat pouting that it didn't get the feeling to eat Ignazio. However, knowing that he knew Artie, they were sure it would bite them in the ass if they did anyway.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio, observant and social as he was, could see well enough through the beast’s pretend knowledge of Italy, but he didn’t bother to press on it. Most people he’d met in Russia didn’t know too much about his homeland, and he had little he was interested in discussing about it anyway.]

Fighting name? Like, eh, wrestling? Or…?

[Ignazio knew absolutely nothing about sports of any kind, usually too busy with his projects, his studies, or the millions of parties he went to, to care… and as little as he cared for the rule of law, he hardly partook in breaking it more than trying some definitely illegal substances once in a while. It was safe to say, he was completely ignorant to the existence of fighting rings, in Russia or otherwise.]

Probably for the best, half my body’s metal, not much edible anyway.

[He spoke matter-of-factly, like this was a normal trait for a human to have, for him it was! To demonstrate, he leaned down, a loud “CLANG CLANG CLANG!” sounding as he hit his knuckles against the calf shell of his prosthetic, hidden under the leg of his pants. Rising up further, he flicked his finger against the pins of his once present ilizarov frame, a muffled metallic “ting ting ting!” ringing out. He rolled his shoulders out as he rose back up to his full 5 and a half feet of height.]

[polarmauling]

“ Fighting. ”

[Was all Arseni boldly replied with. It wasn't wrestling..it was a game of life and death. And for a good while, The Polar Bear was winning. But it had recently become interested in that Muhammad Ali fellow. A few of his fights were on tape, which were found in a gym office. Not bad, it reckoned.]

“ ...metal? ”

[It flinched at the reciprocating sound of his prosthesis. They stuck out their tongue for a moment, pierced but irrelevant. It no longer had much interest in picking meat from metal; the appetite was washed away by the fear of biting straight into a hunk of steel. It tilted it's head and leaned down slightly, sniffing the air for metal. Strange. Didn't smell metallic. However, the beast did. Simply the lingering smell of it's last meal.]

“... strange. You are strange.”

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Yeah, steel bones and aluminum skin!!

[He rolled up his pant leg a few inches, revealing the steel ankle and aluminum shell of his prosthetic, his single longest work in progress, as a further demonstration. He was happy to show off the metal that sparsely populated the rest of his body as well, but most of it required him to undress to display, and he wasn’t quite in the mood to do that in front of the beast right now.]

Hah, I hear that a lot, people like me are apparently a rarer sight here in Russia. Back in Italy, nearly all my friends when I was growing up had metal bodies too, if you can believe it!!

[He said it with a smile, though as he thought more about it, the memory soured for him. There was no way half of them were still around now, still alive through all their complications now that they’d been battling them for 25 years. Turbulent as his life had been, he was probably the luckiest of them, only having one wholly prosthetic leg and a few rod-supported bones. He pressed his lips together, looking off to the side with renewed disdain for the poison at the heart of the tragedy.

He shook off the feeling quick enough however, his brown eyes lighting up as he looked back at the beast.]

Sick tongue piercing!! I’ve been wanting to get one for a while, but it’s not like any piercing shops are open right now, and I haven’t met anyone who’ll do them in the apocalypse yet!

[polarmauling]

“...thank you? ”

[It seemed a little confused by the compliment, but simply nodded and waved it's hand gratefully. It looked him up and down again, finally leaning down so close they were face to face again. It sniffed the air, then him, then squinted. There was a moment of deafening silence, before Arseni grinned and stood. It covered its mouth in mock elegance.]

“ Your face is warm, chipmunk. Should be careful running fevers in this climate. ”

[Arseni said with an amused expression. It gently reached out and poked his cheek with their thumb, feeling the warmth and poking it with their claw as they pulled back.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio met Arseni’s eyes as he leaned down, more confused than anything by its behaviour, and certainly not intimidated. He grinned wide with crooked teeth at their nickname for him.] Chipmunk, huh? Never heard that one before… I like it.

[Ignazio’s face was wonderfully warm, his stubble-rough, dry skin covered speckled with scars, making for an interesting texture to feel. His face only grew hotter with Arseni’s touch, which he hardly protested, wholly unafraid of the beast before him. Quite the opposite actually… if humans were able to purr, he would have, as he stared dreamily up at it. He had always been weak for anyone tall and scarred up, god…]

Anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?

[…He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. This was the closest he’d looked to being actually afraid of the beast so far, and it was sheer embarrassment from slipping up that bad.]

[polarmauling]

“Hm? Yeah, actually. Quite a new obsession you little rodents get with me. Yer not the first, surely not the last.”

[Arseni rolled it's eyes, but leaned down closer. It pulled Ignazio in, claws digging into his shoulder slightly, but not enough to hurt. Just a reminder of it's capabilities should it be tried. As a final, physical test of his fear, it leaned into his face and bared its teeth. It rumbled out the best mockery of a growl it could. Almost like a rolled tongue done lowly. And resonated in it's chest.]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Overcome with embarrassment, Ignazio stared down at the floor and the beast’s shoes, faced flushed as he struggled over his words. God, he hopes he didn’t freak them out or make them uncomfortable!]

Sorry, I didn’t mean to blurt that out- I’ll stop if you want me to stop, you’re just—

[Ignazio was cut off by the beast’s grabbing of his shoulders, its claws only barely long and sharp enough to pierce through the dense, thick fabric of his shawl, hardly scraping at his skin. Wholly unafraid, Ignazio stared blankly into its wild, white-lashed eyes as it threatened him in case he ever dared to challenge it… something he had no intention of doing, being 30 centimetres shorter, severely disadvantaged by his missing leg, and not knowing the first thing about unarmed combat anyways. The winner of their match had been decided already, even if Ignazio cared about challenging it, there was no point in playing it out.]

…Ethereal.

[polarmauling]

[Seeing him not display any fear was all it needed to see. It removed it's claws and grinned, dropping to it's knees before Ignazio. It tilted it's head, eyes half lidded and full of amusement. For once, it was looking UP at him. And it liked that a bit more. It rested it's tilted head on his chest, chin pressed to his brown top, and stared. There was a silence between them.]

“ You're too kind. ”

[It replied lightly, blinking a few times.]

[polarmauling]

<he knocks, very loudly, very firmly, always with the cadence of somebody with somewhere to be, like a salesman. Except he’s got no rush, in reality, and he’s just very enthusiastic, eager to be let in.>

<set with the knowledge that they’ve got a working television, he’s been bringing in terribly dusty tapes he’d found around the school, varying greatly in topic, and begging to play them for a matter of curiosity. The other night, he’d brought a full box of them, which he’d promptly sorted by subject, then alphabetically, then by his interest in them. He’s also been returning frequently enough, only to watch Courage with it. He’s come to quite like the show, in fact, he’s even started taking comfort in it, contrary to his initial uncertainty. In any case, he’s back again, though his mission isn’t to force them to watch more middle-to-early-high-school educational tapes, fortunately. No, he’s here for an entirely different reason, and a little nervous that it’ll turn him away for straying from what he typically comes for.>

—🪙 ( @carrying-coins )

[Arseni's mornings were spent working. The evenings as well. But in the night time it rested in its room, listening to the TV mutter Little Bear. Another cartoon it was watching for the sake of Faina; just to make sure its content was up to its standards. That someone hadn't overwritten any inch of that tape with FEMA propaganda or something. But when the knock came it jumped, then growled. When it continued it knew it was someone who knew what they were messing with, and it stood.

The behemoth sauntered to the door a little awkwardly, still weak in it's right leg, and opened it with a grimacing face. However, seeing Artie's excitement made it lighten up, quirking a brow and leaning down.]

“ What've you got for me now? ”

[It drawled out teasingly, another full sentence which had become exceedingly common the more they spoke. It preferred few words in short conversations, but it could already theorize this was going to be more like a discussion.]

[carrying-coins]

<he moves past it, into its room without hesitation. If they’ve got the door open, he figures its invitation enough. He begins pacing, very full of movement for somebody who complains about his prosthetic or hip pain practically every moment he’s got the chance.>

Well… nothin’, this time, but that’s why I’m here.. I ah… need a favor. I need you t’ come with me, sso that I can get some stuff. Outside. Jus’ a little walk?

<He pauses his motion to give them a pleading look. He’d go on his own, but he’s been growing wary of the outdoors, primarily for the people it contains. The last few times he’d attempted going out on his own had gone quite poorly, and while he’s quite good enough at escaping rough situations, he’s discovered it more… difficult now that he can’t run as agilely. He does need some things from whatever abandoned store he can locate, but more than that, he needs out from the school… only, he’s afraid to go on his own as is, so he turns to Arseni as a lifeline. He’d forgotten about its own injury, though he figures its frame will be enough to drive away muggers or whatever other strain of trouble may arise. He doesn’t need it to fight, so much as an intimidation factor.>

I’ll pay you back somehow, promise, an’ it won’t be long- or- or it shouldn’t be..

[polarmauling]

“ Uhhh. Yeah.. ”

[Arseni looked around. It didn't have anything better to do, and it could use some physical exertion after such a hearty dinner of flesh. It shook its head, the shaking rolling through its body like a crack of thunder. It wandered over to it's bed, or nest so to speak, and picked up the bat leaned against the wall. It rolled the weapon in it's wrist and swung it shallowly, then grinned at Artie.]

“ There. We're good. ”

[The beast assured. It pat Artie's head and ruffled his hair, walking to the door and looking around. It peered into the hallway and looked for any danger, then nodded affirmingly to Artie. However, it wouldn't do this without some exchange.

It looked at Artie hopefully. A thanks would do ... Or good bear. If its eyes could sparkle, they would.]

[carrying-coins]

<he pumps his fist in a show of delight at its agreement. He really wasn’t sure that it’d play along at all- with how often it’s busy, another errand is likely one of the least preferable things it could take part in. He is beyond delighted that it’s agreed to come with. His head dips below the weight of their palm, though he seems rather satisfied by the gesture, if the brief slack in his features is anything to go off of.>

<he moves past it, out the door, only he bumps his hip against theirs as retaliation for the hair-ruffling. He looks profoundly proud of himself for it too. His eyes catch theirs, the plead in their expression, and a small bemused smile follows along.>

‘s that for?? Whatever could you want?

<he holds one finger over his mouth, as if in thought, before lighting up, as though he’d had some incredible epiphany.>

Ohh!….. Thank you. You’re a very good bear. <he huffs, amused, as though he’s any better. He’d do probably about anything for a few kind words.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni could've melted on the spot if not for it's trained demeanor. It shivered happily and gave a thankful yip at the compliment, turning its head. It gestured for Artie to go first; protection was more efficient if the 'protector' walked behind, of course. It was a little comical, the slide in height between them making the bear a looming shadow over the brown haired coin lover below. They were hyper aware yet didn't seem to show it, eyes occasionally moving to slide it's gaze across the area they walked.

While it sauntered it was also becoming aware of Artie's prosthesis movement. Funnily, both of them had a sort of rigid walk, with Arseni's weak leg still bothering it occasionally. But a weak leg was nothing to one missing entirely, and they were making sure he wasn't going to trip, occasionally outstretching a hand to push him back to the center of the hallways when he idly began shifting left or right. It didn't mind doing this occasionally, it was more teasing than actually helpful. It was no doubt he was perfectly capable not to walk into a wall or trip, the bear seemed to find amusement in playing barriers.]

“ What are you getting? ”

[It asked quietly, lifting it's head in interest. They hadn't left the school yet so it still spoke lowly, since most people were asleep right now and those who weren't...well it didn't really want to alert them to it's location. It's grip idly tightened on the bat.]

[polarmauling]

[Ignazio had been headed back to visit Artie, it had been a while since he’d spoken to him, and he’d had fun enough speaking to him last time… he’d been let in through the front this time, as much disdain as he held for FEMA, he’d not wanted to scale another wall tonight, and he was clearly enough a human that he had little to worry about.

He opened the door to the infirmary, expecting to see Artie again as always, only to be faced with an absolute goliath of a person where Artie was supposed to be. White haired, muzzled, and dressed in a formal white suit, Ignazio couldn’t help but stare… those scars, those muscles, those eyes… god, they were beautiful.]

Ah-Uh- hi!! I… you… sorry, I was looking for someone- uh…

[Nice going Ignazio, REAL smooth.]

-@flash-in-the-crucible

[Arseni had been put to the task of making the infirmary beds. What a waste of it's talents, it thought. While FEMA roamed that it could be chewing apart, now it was stuck with the mundane task of home making. Thanks ILYA. Yet, it knew rewards were in order for being good. Perhaps a corpse to nibble on or hell, even time with Nadya and Faina. None of that sounded too bad.

But being interrupted didn't get it there any faster. It quickly turned its head and raised a brow, baring it's teeth. It tilted it's head and looked down at him. Interesting. Bite sized, maybe tender, stringy meat? It's brain was already analyzing what a meal they could make out of him. Yet, formalities (or lack thereof) came first.]

“ What. ”

[Smooth.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Even at a glance, Arseni could imagine this guy would taste wonderful… he wouldn’t be a particularly large meal by any regards, the stranger wasn’t even five and a half ft tall, but that small stature was a well sculpted one, with well built arms and thighs and a layer of stomach fat concealing what must certainly be delicious core muscles.

Unfortunately for Ignazio, someone who’s most illegal activity was probably doing questionably safe party drugs, he had no idea who the Polar Bear was, nor its track record for cannibalism… all that was on his mind was a million different terrible poems about the ethereal creature before him. His face quickly went red, an awkward smile spreading across his face as he tried to form some sort of semblance of logical thought through the sea of homoerotic ones flooding his mind.]

Sorry- I was uh- looking for a guy named Artie- brown curly hair, skinny, missing a leg?

[Keep it together Ignazio, you’ve known this person for about one second now, they don’t need to know how attractive you find them.]

[polarmauling]

[Arseni grew interest, seeing the person in the light. How peculiar. And someone with piercings like it's own- not something you see around here very frequently. They took a few threatening steps forward, turning their head to get a look at him from both angles. Finally, they processed the question. Artie. They knew that name. They reached into their coat and pulled out the polar bear coin- a gift from him. They held it up.]

"Coin creature. I think healed up, went back to room.”

[Arseni spoke in a sort of broken English. It seemed to push words that it felt wasted time; it wanted to get right to the point. It could be poetic if it tried hard enough, but what was the point? The coin looked comically small in the beast's hand. It tucked it back away within it's suit, approaching Ignazio now with renewed interest. It looked him up and down, really raking it's eyes over his form.]

"Not hot in here. Breathing hard. What, you scared?”

[It was said to be antagonizing. Threatening. Demeaning.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Their piercings and the cut of their hair was rather similar, as well as their body type, though of course Ignazio was a lot smaller, and was lacking a leg under his clothing as well… he was probably too small to be another fighter, but he looked otherwise capable of holding his own… and he smelled a little too strongly of black powder and smoke to suggest he wasn’t armed under all those belts. Arseni had a shot at killing him if it wanted to, but a counterattack from the stranger might land them back in the infirmary for a few more weeks, if not worse.]

Oh, uh- right, makes sense, good to know-

[Ignazio had already fully lost focus on Artie, every thought in his mind was focused on the beast in front of him. He wanted to run his fingers through that pretty white mane, feel over the ridge and valley of each scar, admire it like a marble statue you might see in an art gallery.]

Scared? No, no, not at all- uh, do you want me to be, gelo?

[Unsurprisingly for someone who quite literally played with fire as much as Ignazio, it took a lot to genuinely strike fear into his heart, and as far as Ignazio was concerned, Arseni hadn’t given him much of a reason to fear for his life. The Polar Bear was far bigger than him, and had made some vaguely threatening facial expressions, but he didn’t think that was enough to be worried about a fight breaking out… not yet anyway. Still, for the sake of respect, Ignazio took one awkward step back for every 3 Arseni took closer, his prosthetic’s stiff ankle vaguely resembling a limp in his gait.]

[polarmauling]

“ Not scared? Fascinating. ”

[It was said with the kind of bitten wonder of a failed experiment. Like a lab rat that just exploded before its eyes. Most people's natural reaction was instant fear. Repulsed at the looming beast that smelled of iron and it's cheap cologne. At least it made an effort to mask its tastes. But the smell of gunpowder, like a walking short fuse, told the Polar Bear this wasn't the average Russian citizen. In fact, the accent told it he wasn't Russian at all. Arseni took a full predatory circle around Ignazio, caging him into the room now.]

“ Reckon you should be. I'm a big bear, and I eat small fry like you in mere minutes. My bite power...n' my claws...they ain't for human foods. ”

[Lasha had recently been trying to get it back on human food. But it was just so addicting and easy to tear through a human. And right now, it wondered if this was a meal worth fighting for. Yet, it seemed more like Arseni was gauging Ignazio's reaction. To see what he'd do under pressure.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Is that so?

[Ignazio replied with a still unshaken lack of fear, assuming Arseni was a visitor, and not just a human with some strange tastes. He’d been with visitors before, and he really couldn’t care less as long as they keep from eating him… unless he lets them of course. He was a scarred up sort as well, and not every little silvery raised cut on his body was from accidents in his workshop.]

I’m fine with that… I’ll warn you though, I might be too spicy for you to handle…

[He did not yet reach for his weapons, he almost never struck first in a fight, but he knew well that he had the capacity to kill Arseni… unfortunately, with weapons like his, the hard part was NOT killing or crippling his opponent, since he would rather not in this particular case. He hardly regretted the times he had killed before, they had all been cases where it was either Ignazio’s life or a visitor’s trying to eat him, and he would prefer to keep it that way.]

[polarmauling]

“ FINE with that? Ain't you sweet. ”

[Arseni sneered, but it was somewhat impressed with his tone. It finally stopped circling and approached him, leaning downwards and staring with it's interrogating eyes. It growled lowly.]

“ And yet with all that sweetness, I haven't even got your name. ”

[Arseni let out a breath similar to an angry bull. It's nose remained scrunched as if it was looking at something repulsive, yet it's eyes had some sincerity to them.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Sweet? Really? Uh- thanks!!

[That did absolutely nothing to lessen the pink dusting Ignazio’s face, even if Arseni was only referring to his literal flavour. Neither did the way the Beast towered over him, or the way it looked at him… somewhere between hunger and the beginning of some respect.]

It’s Ignazio, Ignazio Voronin- piacere! And you are…?

[A non-Russian first name and a Russian last name, that explained Ignazio’s unfamiliar accent and his random indecipherable words… probably, it wasn’t like the Polar Bear had that large of a lexicon.

With wide, enthusiastic brown eyes, and a crooked toothed smile, he held out one hand to invite a handshake, his broad tanned hands calloused and heavily scarred from whatever it was he did for work. Arseni could guess it had something to do with metal, by the smell of it on him and the many toolbelts around Ignazio’s hefty midsection.]

[polarmauling]

“ The Polar Bear. Let's keep it there for now. ”

[Arseni never revealed it's name so soon. It wouldn't give formalities just yet; and the Polar Bear was firm enough it stuck. It looked like a towering polar bear straight from Antarctica, wide and bold in silhouette. And yet, when it's buttons were pushed correctly, it became this sappy doormat. But right now, it was testing.]

“ Interesting name, Ignazio. I like it. ”

[It stood up straight, like he had passed some sort of test. It tilted it's head and reached down to the handshake, swatting it away with the back of its hand like it was touching something disgusting. At this point Arseni, spit on him why don't you.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

The Polar Bear… I see where it comes from, gelo!

[Rough, sturdy, densely muscled, covered in dense white hair, absolutely massive, it wasn’t hard to see why it had earned the name of the similarly charactered bear, or why Ignazio’s first instinct was to respectfully nickname it “frost” in his own tongue.]

Ignazio just means “firey”, back in Italy where I come from, I changed it after I got into metalwork a few years ago!

[Similarly for Ignazio, it wasn’t hard to see why a man with flame-red hair dye and smelling thickly of explosives would be named after the fire that accompanied just about everything he did in his spare time… and just like the Polar Bear, he also wasn’t too keen on telling people what his name was at birth, for his own reasons.

Ignazio folded his hand back as the Polar Bear slapped away his offer of a handshake, the sensation snapping him out of whatever homoerotic stupor he had found himself in at the sight of them… though it didn’t smack more than just slight confusion into him, and it certainly didn’t get to him enough to make him justifiably afraid of the beast.]

[polarmauling]

“ Italy. ”

[It repeated quietly. It scratched it's chin for a moment, then nodded as it pretended like it knew. It did, sort of, but only that it was a place. And people were there. For all it knew it was just another one of the many Russian cities. It sort of understood counties, like the US or China, but that only came from knowledge from others. Reasonable deductions such as "the president of the US" told it that these were self managed places. Therefore, likely separate from Russia.]

“ It is my fighting name. The Polar Bear. White beast of Yakutsk. ”

[It clarified. That was it's home; though it may as well just be a vacation home. It never actually went there, just were it was born and then handed off to Volkov. From there it lived in Moscow and Volgograd. Depending on the fighting season. It tilted it's head to the side like a confused dog.]

“ You are lucky I'm not hungry. ”

[It stated quietly, somewhat pouting that it didn't get the feeling to eat Ignazio. However, knowing that he knew Artie, they were sure it would bite them in the ass if they did anyway.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio, observant and social as he was, could see well enough through the beast’s pretend knowledge of Italy, but he didn’t bother to press on it. Most people he’d met in Russia didn’t know too much about his homeland, and he had little he was interested in discussing about it anyway.]

Fighting name? Like, eh, wrestling? Or…?

[Ignazio knew absolutely nothing about sports of any kind, usually too busy with his projects, his studies, or the millions of parties he went to, to care… and as little as he cared for the rule of law, he hardly partook in breaking it more than trying some definitely illegal substances once in a while. It was safe to say, he was completely ignorant to the existence of fighting rings, in Russia or otherwise.]

Probably for the best, half my body’s metal, not much edible anyway.

[He spoke matter-of-factly, like this was a normal trait for a human to have, for him it was! To demonstrate, he leaned down, a loud “CLANG CLANG CLANG!” sounding as he hit his knuckles against the calf shell of his prosthetic, hidden under the leg of his pants. Rising up further, he flicked his finger against the pins of his once present ilizarov frame, a muffled metallic “ting ting ting!” ringing out. He rolled his shoulders out as he rose back up to his full 5 and a half feet of height.]

[polarmauling]

“ Fighting. ”

[Was all Arseni boldly replied with. It wasn't wrestling..it was a game of life and death. And for a good while, The Polar Bear was winning. But it had recently become interested in that Muhammad Ali fellow. A few of his fights were on tape, which were found in a gym office. Not bad, it reckoned.]

“ ...metal? ”

[It flinched at the reciprocating sound of his prosthesis. They stuck out their tongue for a moment, pierced but irrelevant. It no longer had much interest in picking meat from metal; the appetite was washed away by the fear of biting straight into a hunk of steel. It tilted it's head and leaned down slightly, sniffing the air for metal. Strange. Didn't smell metallic. However, the beast did. Simply the lingering smell of it's last meal.]

“... strange. You are strange.”

[flash-in-the-crucible]

Yeah, steel bones and aluminum skin!!

[He rolled up his pant leg a few inches, revealing the steel ankle and aluminum shell of his prosthetic, his single longest work in progress, as a further demonstration. He was happy to show off the metal that sparsely populated the rest of his body as well, but most of it required him to undress to display, and he wasn’t quite in the mood to do that in front of the beast right now.]

Hah, I hear that a lot, people like me are apparently a rarer sight here in Russia. Back in Italy, nearly all my friends when I was growing up had metal bodies too, if you can believe it!!

[He said it with a smile, though as he thought more about it, the memory soured for him. There was no way half of them were still around now, still alive through all their complications now that they’d been battling them for 25 years. Turbulent as his life had been, he was probably the luckiest of them, only having one wholly prosthetic leg and a few rod-supported bones. He pressed his lips together, looking off to the side with renewed disdain for the poison at the heart of the tragedy.

He shook off the feeling quick enough however, his brown eyes lighting up as he looked back at the beast.]

Sick tongue piercing!! I’ve been wanting to get one for a while, but it’s not like any piercing shops are open right now, and I haven’t met anyone who’ll do them in the apocalypse yet!

[polarmauling]

“...thank you? ”

[It seemed a little confused by the compliment, but simply nodded and waved it's hand gratefully. It looked him up and down again, finally leaning down so close they were face to face again. It sniffed the air, then him, then squinted. There was a moment of deafening silence, before Arseni grinned and stood. It covered its mouth in mock elegance.]

“ Your face is warm, chipmunk. Should be careful running fevers in this climate. ”

[Arseni said with an amused expression. It gently reached out and poked his cheek with their thumb, feeling the warmth and poking it with their claw as they pulled back.]

[flash-in-the-crucible]

[Ignazio met Arseni’s eyes as he leaned down, more confused than anything by its behaviour, and certainly not intimidated. He grinned wide with crooked teeth at their nickname for him.] Chipmunk, huh? Never heard that one before… I like it.

[Ignazio’s face was wonderfully warm, his stubble-rough, dry skin covered speckled with scars, making for an interesting texture to feel. His face only grew hotter with Arseni’s touch, which he hardly protested, wholly unafraid of the beast before him. Quite the opposite actually… if humans were able to purr, he would have, as he stared dreamily up at it. He had always been weak for anyone tall and scarred up, god…]

Anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?

[…He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. This was the closest he’d looked to being actually afraid of the beast so far, and it was sheer embarrassment from slipping up that bad.]

[polarmauling]

“Hm? Yeah, actually. Quite a new obsession you little rodents get with me. Yer not the first, surely not the last.”

[Arseni rolled it's eyes, but leaned down closer. It pulled Ignazio in, claws digging into his shoulder slightly, but not enough to hurt. Just a reminder of it's capabilities should it be tried. As a final, physical test of his fear, it leaned into his face and bared its teeth. It rumbled out the best mockery of a growl it could. Almost like a rolled tongue done lowly. And resonated in it's chest.]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[polarmauling]

<he knocks, very loudly, very firmly, always with the cadence of somebody with somewhere to be, like a salesman. Except he’s got no rush, in reality, and he’s just very enthusiastic, eager to be let in.>

<set with the knowledge that they’ve got a working television, he’s been bringing in terribly dusty tapes he’d found around the school, varying greatly in topic, and begging to play them for a matter of curiosity. The other night, he’d brought a full box of them, which he’d promptly sorted by subject, then alphabetically, then by his interest in them. He’s also been returning frequently enough, only to watch Courage with it. He’s come to quite like the show, in fact, he’s even started taking comfort in it, contrary to his initial uncertainty. In any case, he’s back again, though his mission isn’t to force them to watch more middle-to-early-high-school educational tapes, fortunately. No, he’s here for an entirely different reason, and a little nervous that it’ll turn him away for straying from what he typically comes for.>

—🪙 ( @carrying-coins )

[Arseni's mornings were spent working. The evenings as well. But in the night time it rested in its room, listening to the TV mutter Little Bear. Another cartoon it was watching for the sake of Faina; just to make sure its content was up to its standards. That someone hadn't overwritten any inch of that tape with FEMA propaganda or something. But when the knock came it jumped, then growled. When it continued it knew it was someone who knew what they were messing with, and it stood.

The behemoth sauntered to the door a little awkwardly, still weak in it's right leg, and opened it with a grimacing face. However, seeing Artie's excitement made it lighten up, quirking a brow and leaning down.]

“ What've you got for me now? ”

[It drawled out teasingly, another full sentence which had become exceedingly common the more they spoke. It preferred few words in short conversations, but it could already theorize this was going to be more like a discussion.]

[carrying-coins]

<he moves past it, into its room without hesitation. If they’ve got the door open, he figures its invitation enough. He begins pacing, very full of movement for somebody who complains about his prosthetic or hip pain practically every moment he’s got the chance.>

Well… nothin’, this time, but that’s why I’m here.. I ah… need a favor. I need you t’ come with me, sso that I can get some stuff. Outside. Jus’ a little walk?

<He pauses his motion to give them a pleading look. He’d go on his own, but he’s been growing wary of the outdoors, primarily for the people it contains. The last few times he’d attempted going out on his own had gone quite poorly, and while he’s quite good enough at escaping rough situations, he’s discovered it more… difficult now that he can’t run as agilely. He does need some things from whatever abandoned store he can locate, but more than that, he needs out from the school… only, he’s afraid to go on his own as is, so he turns to Arseni as a lifeline. He’d forgotten about its own injury, though he figures its frame will be enough to drive away muggers or whatever other strain of trouble may arise. He doesn’t need it to fight, so much as an intimidation factor.>

I’ll pay you back somehow, promise, an’ it won’t be long- or- or it shouldn’t be..

[polarmauling]

“ Uhhh. Yeah.. ”

[Arseni looked around. It didn't have anything better to do, and it could use some physical exertion after such a hearty dinner of flesh. It shook its head, the shaking rolling through its body like a crack of thunder. It wandered over to it's bed, or nest so to speak, and picked up the bat leaned against the wall. It rolled the weapon in it's wrist and swung it shallowly, then grinned at Artie.]

“ There. We're good. ”

[The beast assured. It pat Artie's head and ruffled his hair, walking to the door and looking around. It peered into the hallway and looked for any danger, then nodded affirmingly to Artie. However, it wouldn't do this without some exchange.

It looked at Artie hopefully. A thanks would do ... Or good bear. If its eyes could sparkle, they would.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

[Arseni stood over the poor individual. Leering. Staring. Like a predator stalking it's prey. All it did was stand in the doorway of the room the poor raven haired individual was in. And drool seeped greedily from its muzzle. The only thing stopping it from taking the snack it desired. The only thing caging it from mauling the other alive.]

“ Rr... Rrrgh...hrrfgg..”

[It panted out like a hungry dog. It felt like it was STARVING.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

Arkadij looked in Arseni's direction and rised an eyebrow. Unusual view, a tall mascular looking person with hair bright as snow staring at him like a predator about to tear him apart. Hmm, seems familiar but not fully, at least this one has a muzzle which makes the situation seem to him not as dangerous as it would be without it.

He stares at them directly in the eyes and then looks up and down, didn't he seen them somewhere before? Perhaps in the news, but not too sure about it. He didn't really watched TV before cataclysm, it seemed like a waste of time back then.

Arkadij let out a giggle after a long moment of silence and the got up, he started walking in their direction. "Heh, want a tissue? Fuck, you're drolling sooo much..! Missed a rabies vaccine or something, hm?" He said with a grin on his face, this guy is surely acting too reckless in this situation.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes lowered the closer the man got. It glared and craned It's head down to better face Arkadij. The giggle was especially angering; the beast snapped its jaws at the sound. A muffled click. It growled through the other's words, eyes squinted and pupils small.]

“ Rrr. RrrrRRGH.”

[That was all it could vocalize. Arseni could speak, of course, but it's mind was so fogged with the need to taste blood. To sink it's teeth into flesh. It hovered it's hands over his shoulders, pointed fingers with clawed nails they had been filed that way; painted black in chipping paint and extending not excessively, but in the hands of an ex-fighter it was lethal. Arkadij was staring right into the jaws of a Polar Bear now. And smiling. And Arseni HATED being mocked. Yet it didn't move.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Wow...sooo frightening! What? You want to eat me or something?" He didn't seemed to care, absolutely didn't took this situation seriously. It was fun for him, teasing someone just to get a reaction he can laugh at, and this? This was just perfect.

"Aww, sowwy, I don't taste well!" He mockingly pressed a finger against it's muzzle with a chuckle and then walked away, sat where he previously was. "Unless you like uhhh..taste of alcohol and cigarettes? Dirt and..lithium perhaps? Fuck, no idea."

[polarmauling]

[This...freak was messing with it's head! At least, that's what its mind said. It shook its head around, some of the drool reaching its suit; a normal occurrence, it's a wonder the thing wasn't stained with how messy of an eater the beast was. But when Arkadij walked away, Arseni pursued. Not quickly, but it finally entered the room and stopped its doorway leering.]

“ Hff...hff...”

[It watched him sit so nonchalantly. Like he didn't know what he was playing around with-- like he didn't know who the POLAR BEAR WAS.

Arseni was still getting used to the fact it was only popular in illegal fighting rings. But right now, with a mind so clouded by hunger, it wasn't thinking straight. Finally, it decided to give a decree of its strength. Next to his head, like warning gunfire, it slashed it's claws into the sofa. The stuffing of the plush seat popped out; well that was just mean. But it didn't quite seem to care. With it's neck craned outwards, drool now dropped onto the sofa and even a stray strand on Arkadij's leg.

Gross.]

“ RrrrrRRGH! ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij just stared at it directly into it's eyes with the most unimpressed face expression possible. Well, it was funny at first and now starts to absolutely bore him. Can they say anything more than just those bear-like animalistic sounds?

Then, he noticed a single drop of droll dropped onto his pants. His face expression shown pure disgust. "Hey- what the fuck?!" Arkadij attempted to roughly push them away from him with his legs...and now it appeared that the person before him is much stronger than him.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni glared as it was kicked. It decided to seize his ankle to put a quick end to that discomfort; especially since one of its legs was weakened from the gunshot. It was healing, but still very tender. It snarled and gnashed it's teeth, leaning down to meet Arkadij at his face. It scrunched up it's nose at his scent.]

“ Disgusting. ”

[It speaks! Yet very insulting. It hissed and tightened it's grip on his ankle. It intended to bruise; it of course wasn't strong enough to break bone with one hand. However. It was going to leave a reminder of it's lethality.]

“ Mask. I need . Off. ”

[Well, if he was going to be no use for a meal. May was well make use of those eyes and hands, to play with the clasp at least. See, Arseni had tried to unlock it. But between it's long snow-white hair and it needing to align two small dials to click it off; it was nearly impossible. And under the leather was a thin metal lining. It wasn't coming off without help.]

“ Now. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

It did hurt after it's grip tightened on his ankle, Arkadij was about to fight back until he heard the person's voice. So, it does speak, good to know. "...Who are you calling 'disgusting' you oversized drolling piece of shit?!" He yelled and quietly got up.

He looked at the mask and did hear what it is saying. First they pretty much tried to eat him and now want him to take off their mask.. "Mhmmm, no. I'm not taking that off your face."

"...Unless you have some to offer! Heh, nothing is for free."

[polarmauling]

“ Offer...your life. ”

[It hissed bitterly in return. It reached up and clawed idly at the front; the spikes were there to deter that behavior. It snarled and looked back, eyes squinted and teeth bared. Though the latter wasn't visible behind the mask. It showed it's claws again, shaking it's head around. Their drool also dribbled when it did so.]

“ Freedom. I need it. Need. To eat. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Not worth as much as you think." Arkadij rolls his eyes and sighs, he expected something better for taking off this person's mask. Maybe a pack of cigarettes? It would be great.

In the end he deicided to help it. He reached his hands up and took a look at it. Doesn't seem that difficult..The real challange was not messing his hands with it's droll.

After a while, he finally managed to unclip everything and take off their mask. "Mhm..here you go."

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes widened; it was slightly shocked he even found the will to do it. Not like he had anything better as an option, but it was still surprising. It shook its head around, baring it's teeth for a moment now that they could be seen. Remarkably clean for being in a mask; it hadn't been on that long. Though, the beast still suddenly leapt at the smaller man. Since he was stood, it knocked him awkwardly back onto the couch. It caged him between its arms, arms being used to pin his shoulders down. And then, it just stared. Perhaps it was sizing him up? Considering betrayal?

And yet it did nothing. The entire moment became a standoff of a growling and panting albino bear and a well built ruffian.]

“ ....hm. ”

[Intuitive, Arseni.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"..." He also just stared at it, directly in the eyes, as he waited for any sudden move. Yet Arseni done nothing, maybe that's better than it suddendly tearing him apart but at the same time Arkadij expected..something, literally anything.

It took him a moment but he grined widely to them. "Are you gonna do something oooor just stare at me like this? Heh."

[polarmauling]

“ Rrrgh. ”

[Arseni pouted. It leaned in closer, blowing a white got breath against his face. It stared with it's serious, squinted eyes, trying its best to read into his expression. It tilted it's head to one side, then another, and leaned in so close their noses were touching. Weird. It growled lowly.]

“ You smell rotten. ”

[It noted quietly, huffing as it's claws dug into his shoulders slightly.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Mhm, rotten..Just like your breath." Arkadij rolls his eyes and tries to move his shoulders away from Arseni's claws. It didn't hurt that much, it's claws just caused mild discomfort.

"Maybe some fuckin' "thank you" for helping you?" He just keeps staring at it, not trying to move anymore. "...Who the hell are you anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ I am the Polar Bear. ”

[It growled as if the answer was so simple. It held him closer, more firm. The squirming angered it, but it didn't flinch physically. It bared its teeth to try and be defensive. It huffed.]

“ I smell fine. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"Oh well, at least 'the name' fits you. You do look like a damn polar bear.." He didn't cared about the person's visible anger. If they were about to harm him in some way, they probably would already do so at the very start..At least that's what he thought.

"Let me inteoduce myself then!" He smirked to it. "Arkadij Zaytsev-Bernadziekiewicz, nice to meet you." Arkadij said his full name and slightly pulled away just to out of nowhere grab Arseni's hand and give it a handshake.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni looked at his hand, cocking a brow. It frowned and smacked it away, leaning in closer and sniffing him gently. It scrunched up it's nose again then stopped, leaning in and sniffing again. Finally, it released him. It crossed it's arms in a pouting manner and stared.]

“ Mm. ”

[It tilted it's head to the side, rolling its eyes. It nodded slowly and huffed.]

“ Fitting. Long and boring. ”

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"...Fuck off, you're boring." He frowned almost dramatically, taking it as a very personal insult.

"What was that whole sniffing thing for anyway?"

[polarmauling]

“ Was trying to smell your fear. ”

[It said mockingly. That was a joke, somewhat, but it was really just double checking. This WAS in fact a visitor. That slightly sour scent..it wasn't edible. Arseni huffed and rolled it's eyes.]

“ You are of no interest to my appetite. ”

[It hissed, but then just...flopped down to its knees.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

"I have no damn idea if I should take it as a blessing or another insult." He rolls his eyes and then stays silent. Wow, so he actually smells that bad? Well, at least this person didn't ate him because of that.

Afterwards Arkadij just pulled out a pack of cigarettes, he really needs to smoke after that.

[polarmauling]

“ Rrr. ”

[Arseni remained in its seated position. It's nose scrunched up and lip curled to bare its teeth, eyes slightly squinted. Eugh, the smell of cigarettes. But it didn't say anything, just staring.]

[thetroublemaker-askblog]

Arkadij noticed it'a reaction but decided to have a smoke anyway. Feeding his nicotine addiction was much more important to him than Arseni's comfort.

"Heh, want one?" He said with a smirk on his face while holding a pack of cigarettes.

[polarmauling]

[Arseni shook its head, blowing the smoke back at him. It snarled and reached up, taking his wrist with the pack. It pulled it down, sniffing the pack of cigarettes and his wrist.]

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

[Arseni had tried everything. It didn't want to wake Nadya, she just finally went to sleep. But Faina was wailing. She had been changed, fed, played with, and it was at a loss. It only had one other person it could go to...someone who actually was knowledgeable on the subject. It carried her in it's arms, gently shushing her as she wiggled and cried. Her face was warm but...she wasn't running a fever was she?

Arseni ducked into Ilya's room, not bothering to knock as the crying baby already gave away it's presence. It frowned, staring at Ilya and whimpering pitifully.]

“ ...help. I don't know.. what's wrong. ”

[It said in defeat.]

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

*Ilya heard it before they even opened their eyes. And here went their afternoon nap...

It was a particuliary hot day. Everyone and everything was engulfed in sticky, heavy warmness. It felt impossible to sleep but also impossible to do anything else. The heat just took away all energy and ambition. Ilya sat at the edge of their small bed with a groan. But the alarm they felt deep inside them, only reinforced by Arseni's confused and pathetic face gave the former-FEMA plenty of newfound energy to get up.

They approached without a word and with the same feeling of urgency they felt that day everyone got shot. What happened ? What happened to their grandchild ?!*

- Leave it to me !

*They said, but did nothing to get her from Arseni's arms. They figured the panicked parent wouldnt let go so easily, as very few did. Besides, they needed their hands...

They reached inside their green bag for a frontal thermometer, and placed it gently on the fussing baby's temple. 43° celsius. Her reddened skin felt dry under the touch.*

- ... She has a heat stroke.

*When Faina puked on their arm, the diagnosis was confirmed. Faina was so hot not because of some virus induced fever, but because of the heat and dehydration.*

- Babies are the most fragile in such weather. And today was particuliarly hard. No wonder the poor thing got overwhelmed. You did nothing wrong but now she needs to cool down and drink something.

*She wasnt old enough for water. It had to be milk. Maternal or formula, wathever, as long as she drank it all, little by little.

For the rest...*

- One of us needs to go water some clean clothes and cool her with it. Not too cold. Lukewarm for now. Then a bit colder and little by little she should feel better.

*Poor treasure. She was being so very brave...*

[polarmauling]

[Arseni's eyes widened at the nearly immediate diagnosis. It didn't even seem to mind the puke on it's arm, it'd had to change but Faina was ten times more important than a little milk vomit. It quickly took her from her swaddle to alleviate some of the heat, resting her on Ilya's bed. It pat their arm, retrieving was something it could do quite well. Bigger arm mass, more things could be carried. It quickly darted out of the room to grab what was requested; formula, a bottle, a clean shirt made by Hollis wet with lukewarm water, and some ice water to prepare her drink.

It returned, arms full with additional towels to wet with the remaining ice water, and still had that panicked look. It immediately dumped everything on a table and went back to Faina, observing her and wincing with every wail. It gently stroked her small black hair back, whimpering like a sad dog.]

“ It's okay, little cub...just bear with me. I'm sorry. ”

[Even if it wasn't it's fault, it would still feel guilty. Or rather, empathizing with her discomfort. It didn't much like the heat either. It looked to Ilya and then stood, no, better to be helping with her pain. It grabbed the wet shirt and changed her into it, frowning as the sensation seemed to scare her at first.]

“ No, no, it's alright little cub...shhh... ”

[It was very desperately trying to calm her, and it seemed to work a little bit. At least she had stopped wailing, which was beginning to strain her throat. But she still was gently crying.]

[polarmauling]

<he knocks, very loudly, very firmly, always with the cadence of somebody with somewhere to be, like a salesman. Except he’s got no rush, in reality, and he’s just very enthusiastic, eager to be let in.>

<set with the knowledge that they’ve got a working television, he’s been bringing in terribly dusty tapes he’d found around the school, varying greatly in topic, and begging to play them for a matter of curiosity. The other night, he’d brought a full box of them, which he’d promptly sorted by subject, then alphabetically, then by his interest in them. He’s also been returning frequently enough, only to watch Courage with it. He’s come to quite like the show, in fact, he’s even started taking comfort in it, contrary to his initial uncertainty. In any case, he’s back again, though his mission isn’t to force them to watch more middle-to-early-high-school educational tapes, fortunately. No, he’s here for an entirely different reason, and a little nervous that it’ll turn him away for straying from what he typically comes for.>

—🪙 ( @carrying-coins )

[Arseni's mornings were spent working. The evenings as well. But in the night time it rested in its room, listening to the TV mutter Little Bear. Another cartoon it was watching for the sake of Faina; just to make sure its content was up to its standards. That someone hadn't overwritten any inch of that tape with FEMA propaganda or something. But when the knock came it jumped, then growled. When it continued it knew it was someone who knew what they were messing with, and it stood.

The behemoth sauntered to the door a little awkwardly, still weak in it's right leg, and opened it with a grimacing face. However, seeing Artie's excitement made it lighten up, quirking a brow and leaning down.]

“ What've you got for me now? ”

[It drawled out teasingly, another full sentence which had become exceedingly common the more they spoke. It preferred few words in short conversations, but it could already theorize this was going to be more like a discussion.]

[carrying-coins]

[It had been a while. Man, it had actually been ages. Between being shot and choosing motherhood, as well as Artie's own struggles, the two never really saw each other except when it gave him entrance to the infirmary to see Lasha. And even then, their interactions were of few words. Yet. The coin still remained tucked away in the beast's suit. It had recently interacted with a mutual friend to the coin carrier, that was what reminded it to check if he was still alive. Well, of course he would be. Would be a bit strange if Ignazio was looking for a ghost, I suppose. But Arseni still found it in them to check.

After putting Faina down for her rest and checking with Ilya to surrender its duties, it was finally falling into it's nightly leisure hours. It could go up to it's room and enjoy Little Bear or Courage until it fell asleep. But it decided instead to track that brunette down. It stalked the dark school halls, avoiding interaction along the way. Not like anyone dared say the first hello to such a daunting figure anyhow. Yet when it found where Artie was, it simply just. Stood in the doorway. Awkwardly, head craned down to fit and unknowingly caging him inside. And it's pale grey eyes scanned the room for only a moment before landing on him. It made a soft vocalization to at least notify of it's presence.]

“ Hm. ”

-🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear .. ( @polarmauling )

<he lies, belly face-up, slid halfway off of his mattress, both hands pinned over his stomach, where a book rests. He’d be outside if he could, but considering the vaguest whisper of a drizzle taking place, he couldn’t even contemplate letting himself out. Too wet. Too potentially cold. He figures reading is a good use of his time, anyways, what, with lasha stuck up in the infirmary… they could probably use discussion, especially over a topic they enjoy. He nabbed one of their more well-loved books, Frankenstein, if he recalls correctly, though he can really hardly read the cover alone, so in the three days he’s had it, he’s only managed to make it a few pages in. Nothing at all even happening yet. Captain Robert Walton is an ass, that’s been the lesson thus far.>

<he sits up with a start, as the hazy sliver of light from the hallway- which he’d been utilizing to illuminate the pages- dies into shadow. He can’t really make out the identity of the figure, only their silhouette… somebody tall, foreboding, broadly built. Not somebody he recognizes at first glance. He rolls over not his stomach, rather like a sea lion, with a small grimace of uncertainty, eyes narrowed to thin slits. Who the hell?>

….Hello??.. d’you wanna uh… come in, or…?? Doorway awful comfortable? Ha….

[polarmauling]

[Arseni looked around the room. It finally stalked in after a moment of hesitation, looking around in slight interest at how others made their room a home. To the best of their ability and with what they had, that is to say. It's room was just a mattress with a sheet, television on the floor, and some bookshelves it used to case itself into a space it felt safe. It didn't even understand the point of decorating Faina's nursery with fun colors; she slept more than she took the time to admire the blues and purples that lined her walls.

It drops to its knees with an audible thump. All 302 pounds becoming dead weight for a moment was sure to make that sound anyway. It stared with it's predatory, cold eyes. But yet it wasn't hunting. If it was it would be growling and drooling. It was checking in on Artie, was all. It bared it's teeth and leaned down, looking him up and down a few times to assess injuries. Yup that leg was definitely gone. Thanks for letting it know, Ignazio, or it would've been a lot more shocked. And curious if it was offered for eats.]

“ Rr. ”

[carrying-coins]

<his room is hardly any better, stark, pale walls, two twin mattresses, broken TV, and a few thin curtains he’d found necessary to hang to dampen the brightness of the daytime sun. Really not even curtains. Just two dirty scraps of fabric. Why decorate somewhere you only sleep in on occasion? Even then, he sleeps with Lasha more often than here. Here is only an ugly ex-classroom with an uncomfortable bed.>

<he drags himself into a sitting position at their approach, audible effort coming in the form of a quiet grunt, followed by a louder sigh. He scrutinizes where their face would be, before recognition hits him better at its scent. He does know them!>

Ohhh… <he brushes them over with dark, doe-like eyes, once they’re sat, to confirm that it really is them, and not just somebody with a similar scent and frame. He doesn’t imagine it would be anybody else, but visual confirmation is always good, isn’t it? With visitors and all, nowadays.. especially a break in typical patterns and behaviour. He bares his teeth in response, a mirroring, like a scruffy little dog taking on an entire bear, though he does it more because it amuses him, than as an actual threat.>

Ssso… ‘s there something the matter, or d’you jus’ want a staring contest and a goodnight kiss?

<by his word choice, it sounds nearly passive-aggressive, though considering the expression on his face he only means it as a question. Or maybe a few questions. Is something wrong? Is lasha okay? Are you okay? Why are you here? He leans back away from it with a nearly nervous grin. He really wouldn’t mind the company, should they choose to stay. Lasha is still injured, which means they don’t always like company, Bee is who knows where, Arkadij was run out like vermin some time ago, pink only visits every so often, Ilya is busy… he doesn’t really like to be alone, anyways.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni tilts its head at the question. It's brows furrow, really taking it in before it hits that it's some sort of joke. They place their hands flat in front of themselves, using them to support their upper body as they lean their head forward to get a better look at Artie. Then they just shake their head and offer a blank expression as usual.

“ No. Are you alright? ”

[They sniffed the air, lifting their head again to check the state of the room. Didn't smell sick. That was a good sign. They tilted their head to the left. Then the right. Okay. Didn't look any different from any angle. It raised its hands back to rest in its lap.]

“ I have. Uh..mmh. ”

[Better just to show, it had already forgotten the name. It reached into it's suit and pulled out the polar bear coin from the inner pocket, presenting it proudly. Honestly, keeping possessions in the apocalypse was a feat enough. Not like anyone would intend on robbing such a behemoth of a person. But it still wanted to show Artie that despite not really being around, especially with the baby, it still appreciated the gift.]

“ Coin. Kept it. ”

[carrying-coins]

Well… sure, I’m alright.

<he blinks at them slowly, unsure if the little speaking they chose to participate in helped his understanding of their presence any better. He tilts his head in the same direction as them, only delayed, trying to see what it might be looking at. An intruder, maybe?.. nothing at all. He looks back up at them, mildly confused.>

<he watched their hands, as they present the coin, head cocked to one side, curious.>

oh, yeah, the toonie. From.. uhm… <from before they collectively recollected to the school. From where the man with the blue sweater lived. He remembers it took a lot of begging to get in. Feels like ages ago, now.>

<he outstretched one hand to touch it, freezing coin held in sharply-nailed hands, nearly claws. He allows his hand to fall back to the floor, as support to his upper body while he considers in silence. Was that all? Did they get bored of whatever their routine usually consists of, and seek him out as entertainment? Do they need company? Seeking connection in its own odd way?>

What’s it you do, when you’re not checkin’ in on amputees, then? <he offers a small grin, attempting to find the root cause for their mingling with him. He’d been interested enough in them, but avoidant, too, out of maybe fear or jealousy.. something. Avoidant for any reason under the sun. Fear to be hurt, perhaps. He’d heard what they could do. He’s good at making people frustrated by accident, and they seem like somebody who you’d really rather not frustrate.>

[polarmauling]

“ Toonie. ”

[Arseni repeated in recollection, nodding. The coin looked strange in its hand, comical for something of its stature. It hesitated as Artie touched it, then closed its fingers around it. It tucked it back into its suit, head tilted. The grin made it quirk a brow for a moment, reading the mood before clearing it's throat and replying gently.]

“ Chores. Cartoons. Sleep. ”

[It sounded like it was listing off things, but they were actually in chronological order. Of course, leaving out some more significant things such as...well, it looks like it was going to bring those up too.]

“ I uhm. Check on my baby. And...my others. Keep present. ”

[That was the most it had spoken this entire evening. The "others" were referring to its partners of course. And Faina was its pride and joy. She had carved it out into quite the mama bear. It awkwardly tried to copy Artie's smile, lips lifting nervously and appearing more as a grimace. It didn't know how to smile on command, only naturally, so this was a strange attempt.]

“ I guard. You saw. ”

[Lasha had elected it to be the guard of the infirmary in their most vulnerable state. A job it took very seriously; that was the only time it abandoned its other duties. The only thing that remained the same was checking on Faina in the night, where Ilya took it's place temporarily. But now Lasha was healing, and didn't need to be guarded as much. They had the bone knife, after all.]

“ ....you? ”

[carrying-coins]

<he considers their list quietly. An oddly domestic-sounding life in contrast with the hellscape outside.>

I haven’t seen cartoons. They still play?

<he hadn’t seen much of anything at all, really. No TV growing up, unless he was at his grandmothers house, and even then she’d only play old noir films, or romcoms, or musicals, or the news.. nothing he was really all that interested in, at the age of six. He’s mildly surprised they manage to access cartoons at all. Maybe there are still channels that play them.. or they’ve got DVDs. He wonders if they’ve got any other DVDs. Maybe the old ones from when this school was actually a school. Maybe sexual education videos, or history documentaries or… his mind wanders off for a moment as he contemplates the possibility of educational videos. He’d like to watch them, probably. He’d like to watch anything.>

I uh… I.. <sleep all day, see Lasha sometimes, go outside. Nothing at all. He doesn’t do anything. There’s nothing to do. Too handicapped for any job from Ilya, other than maybe cooking or cleaning, but even then he’s no good at that, can’t hardly read a word off a page, he’s only good at talking and finding things. He can get tools, or food, from places on occasion… he’s pretty good at stealing. Other than that, he’s mostly dead weight at the school.>

I don’t do.. much. Hhaha… Thought that counts, anyway, right? <he smiles again. Smiling too much all the time for such dire circumstances. He leans in towards them with some interest in his eyes, observing their features more finely with help from the proximity, only a few centimeters off from touching their nose with his. They’ve got a fine face, he comes to realize, strong jaw, pale eyes, interesting in its details. He settles back, satisfied with his inspection. A good face on a strong body, probably a good mind, if they’d care to use it to its capabilities. He sees why Lasha likes them. Well, actually, why many people like them. A good, protective bear for the most part.>

[polarmauling]

“ On tape. ”

[It replied quietly. Confirming just for his information. Artie's awkward shuffling and nervousness charmed it slightly, a low rumble in its throat from amusement. It brushed white hair from its face and bared its teeth to make an expression while it found the word. It sighed at his words, nodding and looking down.]

“ Have to work cause I'm big. You are alri-- ”

[Arseni's eyes widened as he got close. It backed up slightly and narrowed it's eyes, but it wasn't exactly repulsed by the action. His smell was somewhat delicious; as all flesh was. So it rather just turned it's head a moment for oxygen. Cheeks flushed in surprise. It let out a soft grumble and looked back with only it's eyes.]

“ Faina don't work either. She needs to pull weight. ”

[It snickered slightly, an absurd joke? From such a little spoken polar bear? Guess motherhood had really sanded its rough edges. It scratched it's cheek and turned it's head back, huffing. Awkward..]

[carrying-coins]

Fuck, ‘s jus’ like before all this. “What d’you do for work?” “Oh, I blah blah blah”, whatever.

<he huffs. For the record, he’d been the one to offer the topic of conversation. He doesn’t really know what else to offer up, this is the only thing anybody ever talked to him about before the cataclysm. He’s not very good at conversations. Small talk most especially. Thoughts rarely translate into words in the way he wants them to, and more often than not speech makes its way out of his mouth before he considers the contents.>

<he nods thoughtfully for a moment. On tape.. interesting. His attention returns in half strength as it begins speaking again, though his face hardly mirrors that at all. Eyes drawn away, face blank, posture unmoving. For all it knows, he’s stopped listening at all. That is, until they joke.>

<he tears his gaze from the ugly texture of the carpet to meet their eyes, giggle building in his ribs. Of course, it bubbles out loudly, and shrilly. Like the caw of a seagull, really. It only grows in amplitude, disintegrating into a full laugh, until he inhales sharply to settle his struggling lungs.>

Ohh, oww, ow.. <he rubs over his ribs gently, cramp having caught in his side, before moving northwards, to rub his flushed face on the back of his forearm. Really, such a little joke may not have been entirely deserving of such a grand reaction, but he’d laugh at anything with such enthusiasm you’d think he’d never heard a joke in all his life. He settles back, still slightly pink in the face, before speaking again.>

Will you show me a cartoon….. uh, please?

<he’d forgotten the “please” bit. Sometimes his manners escape him.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni lights up slightly at the joke. Oh, good! It was a funny joke. But their eyes still widened in shock at the way he laughed; their own was gutteral and wheezing. So hearing something so akin to a calling bird made them snicker under their breath. Cool. It hardly laughed itself, but slight ones happened often.]

“ Hm? ”

[It tilted it's head at the pain, raising a brow and observing. For a moment there was guilt, but it passed at his recovery. But at the question Arseni looked around. As if there was anyone else he could be referring to. But it did have the collection of scavenged VHS cartoons. Yet...how was it going to do this? It looked over at the broken television...not even a VHS player.

....but! It knew where a working T.V. was. It held up a finger to gesture to give it a moment, then stood. The Polar Bear trotted out of the room.

A few minutes passed, before finally it used its hip to open the door to Artie's room again. Lugging its own television in its arms with the Courage VHS sitting on top, it set it down proudly in front of Artie. Adaption! Not a problem. And yet it hadn't even considered just taking Artie to its room; perhaps it didn't want to inconvenience him. Arseni made sure the necessary connectors were plugged into the wall then sat on its knees beside Artie's bed. It handed him the tape, grinning. Courage the Cowardly Dog; its favorite cartoon. It must've seen the damn thing a million times by now.]

“ Here. ”

[It spoke lowly, letting out a content sigh through its nose after speaking.]

[carrying-coins]

<he watches it stand, with a rather befuddled expression. He’d missed the gesture, unfortunately, so he sort of figured they’re simply leaving… oops. He must’ve said something wrong. As a result of his misunderstanding of the situation, their reentrance makes him jump and swear, with great vigor at that. Oh, wow, they really brought a whole television. This amuses him fantastically.>

Ohhh, you’re strong as hell! You- an’ a whole TV? <this fact takes him by shock a little, and he shakes his head in awe. He knows of course, that their size could be attributed largely to muscle, but he hadnt properly… understood the truth in that, up until now. He pinkens beneath the dark coat of night, at this notion, the grandiose mass of muscle that they are. It’s truly quite impressive, now that he thinks about it entirely.>

<he watches as it sits, taking the tape in both hands with interest, flipping it over as though it’s an entirely unique and new specimen, only recently discovered… which maybe to him, it sort of is. He pauses his scrutinizing of the tape, to turn to them for help, not entirely certain on how to see it up… he turns away just as quickly, nearly embarrassed to simply ask… he’ll figure it out himself. How hard could it be? After a brief span of confused murmuring and exasperated squeaks and huffs, he manages to get it running. Great success!>

<he turns to it, very proudly, borderline smug, as though he’d won some unimportant competition, chest puffed. He leans in towards them, and whispers, though it’s really not a whisper at all, only the vague essence of one, despite his efforts.>

I’m a technological genius. <maybe they should smother him with his pillow. For the best. He smiles at it excitedly, thrilled with his incredible work of innovation.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni sits happily next to Artie's bed and watches him fumble. Despite his shortcoming, they are charmed when he finally figures it out. They tenderly press play to save him the additional confusion. Yet when he whispers they perk up and give a natural smile, crooked but theirs. They give a single gentle clap of their hand in celebration.]

“ This is my favorite.”

[The beast growled in a much happier tone. Not many things got it happier than Courage The Cowardly Dog. It wiggled for a moment as the intro sequence played, then settled. Man, there was something quite comical about a grown, bearded behemoth loving a cartoon about a dog encountering scary monsters. But it was charming, too. It stifled giggles at every absurd reaction or ghoul Courage faced. Even if it had seen this for likely the hundredth time.

Yet, it found itself looking at Artie too. At funnier scenes, to see a reaction. To confirm that it wasn't strange that it was laughing, or perhaps wave away awkwardness if it was the only one whom found it funny. It's icy eyes looked between the screen and him quite a few times. Then, they rested solely on him studying his features, squinting to read a curl of the lips or a wrinkle of the nose in the light of the television.]

[carrying-coins]

<he sits very quietly, tucking his knee up to his chest and resting his chin on it, as the intro plays, eyes impossibly wide with interest. He leans in very close to the screen, doing his best to decipher the coloured shapes into something more adjacent to people. He sees enough that he gets the gist.>

<he is a very reactive audience, expressive at roughly everything. Every time something remotely loud or sudden occurs, he flinches backwards into himself with a very quietly yelp, which makes him cover his mouth for fear of embarrassment. Every time something that could be considered funny happens, he giggles quite loudly. He is entirely absorbed in the scenes composed of flashing colour and movement. Courage is a hell of a first cartoon to watch. Really, watching any cartoon for the first time at the age of twenty three might turn anybody for a loop.>

<he doesn’t seem to observe its staring, and really, the only the only interaction he offers over the duration of the videos, is the occasional question, which often doesn’t have a good answer, if any at all. It’s intentionally surreal, disjointed and chaotic.>

<he seems nearly asleep bordering the end. Maybe he is asleep. It’s very difficult to determine the difference between the squinting he’s taken to and fully closed eyes. He is considerably quieter, in any case.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni, near the end, had stopped watching Artie and locked its eyes back to the screen. It loved Courage enough that...even for the thirtieth time, it was entertained by it nonetheless. Yet when the tape stuttered and stopped, signaling it had reached the end, Arseni blinked from its trance. How long had it been staring? It looked back at the brunette and rubbed it's eyes, leaning down. It sniffed him, perhaps checking if he was dead? When all cause for alarm dissipated, it made a low growl.]

“ Good. ”

[It was unclear what exactly it was referring to, perhaps Artie getting some sleep or praising the cartoon. But it resumed it's seated position and looked around. It would have to haul the television out of here...damn! That could wake Artie, if he even is asleep...okay, maybe better to test the theory then. Arseni leaned down, poking his nose with the tip of their claw and rumbling out a soft sound akin to a purr.]

[carrying-coins]

<upon closer inspection, a small stream of saliva makes its way down his knee, only just barely noticeable in the darkness. Definitely asleep then. He is a very bold, or perhaps a very stupid animal to fall asleep around what could very well poach him with ease. Then again, it’s given him very little reason to fear that outcome. If it had wanted to hurt him, it wouldn’t have brought its whole TV and had a conversation first. He sleeps upright, with almost shocking skill, seeing as he lacks the other leg to help distribute his weight better. Very comfortable with such a formidable beast. But maybe not that formidable, it had been very gentle with him the entire time, and he’s found himself quite fond of its presence. Probably, though, he’d take any presence he could get. He rather dislikes sleeping alone now. It’d been the opposite for a very long time, and he’s not sure when it changed, but now he becomes anxious, and therefore sleepless without another body in the room.>

<Without the illumination of the TV, and considering the weighted door had closed itself, cutting of the stream of light from the hallway, the only hint of effervescence radiates from the moon, vaguely orange in hue, as a result of the smoke in the air. It’s a relatively nice setting. Also exceedingly quiet, borderline silent, if not for Artie’s heavy exhales, and a little too hot, but with the cataclysm and all… well, you take what you can get, admire better moments.>

[polarmauling]

[Arseni, upon failing to wake him, just sighed out through its nose. That was alright, but it wasn't sure what to do without making noise. It didn't know JUST how light of a sleeper Artie was. So it carefully flicked off the television and laid on its back, staring at the ceiling.

It thought of what it's options were. Leave, and risk waking Artie...not like it had shame to care. Or just fall asleep here and possibly scare him in the evening. Maybe better just to abandon post. The polar bear slowly pushed itself to it's feet, unplugging the tv and then stopping. Artie was in such a strange position! It frantically grabbed a blanket from the edge of the mattress and put it over him, then resumed it's previous task. It boosted up the television into it's arms and began it's long trek back to it's room. The beast kicked the door shut behind itself and went to go settle down... it'd probably need to be up soon to feed Faina anyway. She was only down for a nap, it was sure.

It sunk into it's bed and didn't bother plugging the tv in; it was tired enough. They rested their wrist over their eyes and shut them, thinking about all the moments they spent studying Artie's face. They reached into their suit and flipped the coin between their fingers, looking at the way it caught moonlight through the slight vision it had at the edge of its arm. It growled, setting the coin against it's chest.

A toonie, huh? What a weird name.]