Vice

"Till conqueror Death discover them scarce men, Rowling in brutish vices, and deformed, Violent or shameful death their due reward" - Paradice Regained: The Third Book

[theserpentsmind]

INTRODUCTION POST

Sometimes people believe in something a little too firmly. This belief shapes itself into a moving, changing thing. Something beyond whatever horror humanity had imagined. One of these things is incarnate. Evil incarnate. Or in this case, Vice. That horrible corruption that eats at the soul of men and tears into their heart. Destroying what good remained. Incarnate. Taking on the form of a man and haunting the earth.

Vice takes all that is human about their victims and leaves an empty shell. If the victim is powerful enough, they will keep them as a tool. A costume to be worn when needed. Oh, it is not cruel. It is a mercy! Freeing the poor things from the struggles of this world. From the terrible battle of choice and free will. If they cannot sin, then they cannot hurt, right? After all, it is sin that causes pain.

Unkillable, unstoppable, unending. There will forever be Vice so long as humanity survives. It is futile to fight. Give yourself up to their caring hands. Let them strip you of all that you are. Give you a new life as another version of them.

To be updated soon.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[variousvossivixens]

He can smell it, the scent of alcohol and body odor and the sea. Feel the rope chafing against his wrists and ankles. Imagine the disconnect, the absence of nature, the absence of his magic. Can feel the burn in his chest and the taste of salt on his tounge. He gasps, trying to convince himself its not real, but it feels so real. He can't see anything but water.

[theserpentsmind]

Neither knows how long it lasts. Whether or not the water in his lungs is real. The fear is delectible. Vice is hardly aware of feeding, although once it is over, they cry. He is going to leave them now. They are sure of it. They creep away, hiding under a fallen tree, ashamed to be seen.

[variousvossivixens]

When its over he collapses, shifting into fox form and curling up in a ball. He knows he should go talk to Vice, but he doesn't have the energy. He's shaking and he's tired, and he just wants to think about something other then what that felt like.

[theserpentsmind]

The afternoon passes slowly, bringing with it the sickly warmth that they had left back near the village and the confused whispers of the insects. The nature fighting the darkness that seeped into the ground, poisening the earth and making its ways into to the roots.

[variousvossivixens]

He naps for a while before eventually dragging himself to his paws. He can feel it, the energy. The opposite of nature. Opposite of all he's been raised on and all that he is. He swears this kid is going to kill him. And yet... despite the pain of it... he finds he doesn't care. He just hopes he can teach them and help them enough before he passes. He sniffs the ground and starts going, searching for Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

He finds the child before he finds Vice. They have left their borrowed body behind, leaving the kid sleeping on the ground under a fallen tree. Thankfully still alive, although they are groggy and don't want to get up. But he can still smell Vice. Hiding in the shadows.

[variousvossivixens]

He reluctantly shifts back to kitsune form to care for and check over the child. He gives them his backpack as a pillow and his jacket as a blanket, letting them continue their rest. Then he ventures just a little further into the shadows. "Vice... come on out. Talk to me."

[theserpentsmind]

The air smells like sea salt as if warning him to leave...or perhaps an admition of guilt. That they'd caused the flashback.

[variousvossivixens]

"Its..." He sighs. "Look, that wasnt fun. It hurt, it was scary, I hated every second of it... but... I love you. I know you're just working on instinct... you didnt mean to feed on me, did you?"

[theserpentsmind]

"I didn't mean..." The words curl like smoke in his mind. "...but I promised. I promised not to hurt you again. I can't control it. I'm a monster and I can't be around you."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[variousvossivixens]

He can smell it, the scent of alcohol and body odor and the sea. Feel the rope chafing against his wrists and ankles. Imagine the disconnect, the absence of nature, the absence of his magic. Can feel the burn in his chest and the taste of salt on his tounge. He gasps, trying to convince himself its not real, but it feels so real. He can't see anything but water.

[theserpentsmind]

Neither knows how long it lasts. Whether or not the water in his lungs is real. The fear is delectible. Vice is hardly aware of feeding, although once it is over, they cry. He is going to leave them now. They are sure of it. They creep away, hiding under a fallen tree, ashamed to be seen.

[variousvossivixens]

When its over he collapses, shifting into fox form and curling up in a ball. He knows he should go talk to Vice, but he doesn't have the energy. He's shaking and he's tired, and he just wants to think about something other then what that felt like.

[theserpentsmind]

The afternoon passes slowly, bringing with it the sickly warmth that they had left back near the village and the confused whispers of the insects. The nature fighting the darkness that seeped into the ground, poisening the earth and making its ways into to the roots.

[variousvossivixens]

He naps for a while before eventually dragging himself to his paws. He can feel it, the energy. The opposite of nature. Opposite of all he's been raised on and all that he is. He swears this kid is going to kill him. And yet... despite the pain of it... he finds he doesn't care. He just hopes he can teach them and help them enough before he passes. He sniffs the ground and starts going, searching for Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

He finds the child before he finds Vice. They have left their borrowed body behind, leaving the kid sleeping on the ground under a fallen tree. Thankfully still alive, although they are groggy and don't want to get up. But he can still smell Vice. Hiding in the shadows.

[variousvossivixens]

He reluctantly shifts back to kitsune form to care for and check over the child. He gives them his backpack as a pillow and his jacket as a blanket, letting them continue their rest. Then he ventures just a little further into the shadows. "Vice... come on out. Talk to me."

[theserpentsmind]

The air smells like sea salt as if warning him to leave...or perhaps an admition of guilt. That they'd caused the flashback.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[variousvossivixens]

He can smell it, the scent of alcohol and body odor and the sea. Feel the rope chafing against his wrists and ankles. Imagine the disconnect, the absence of nature, the absence of his magic. Can feel the burn in his chest and the taste of salt on his tounge. He gasps, trying to convince himself its not real, but it feels so real. He can't see anything but water.

[theserpentsmind]

Neither knows how long it lasts. Whether or not the water in his lungs is real. The fear is delectible. Vice is hardly aware of feeding, although once it is over, they cry. He is going to leave them now. They are sure of it. They creep away, hiding under a fallen tree, ashamed to be seen.

[variousvossivixens]

When its over he collapses, shifting into fox form and curling up in a ball. He knows he should go talk to Vice, but he doesn't have the energy. He's shaking and he's tired, and he just wants to think about something other then what that felt like.

[theserpentsmind]

The afternoon passes slowly, bringing with it the sickly warmth that they had left back near the village and the confused whispers of the insects. The nature fighting the darkness that seeped into the ground, poisening the earth and making its ways into to the roots.

[variousvossivixens]

He naps for a while before eventually dragging himself to his paws. He can feel it, the energy. The opposite of nature. Opposite of all he's been raised on and all that he is. He swears this kid is going to kill him. And yet... despite the pain of it... he finds he doesn't care. He just hopes he can teach them and help them enough before he passes. He sniffs the ground and starts going, searching for Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

He finds the child before he finds Vice. They have left their borrowed body behind, leaving the kid sleeping on the ground under a fallen tree. Thankfully still alive, although they are groggy and don't want to get up. But he can still smell Vice. Hiding in the shadows.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[variousvossivixens]

He can smell it, the scent of alcohol and body odor and the sea. Feel the rope chafing against his wrists and ankles. Imagine the disconnect, the absence of nature, the absence of his magic. Can feel the burn in his chest and the taste of salt on his tounge. He gasps, trying to convince himself its not real, but it feels so real. He can't see anything but water.

[theserpentsmind]

Neither knows how long it lasts. Whether or not the water in his lungs is real. The fear is delectible. Vice is hardly aware of feeding, although once it is over, they cry. He is going to leave them now. They are sure of it. They creep away, hiding under a fallen tree, ashamed to be seen.

[variousvossivixens]

When its over he collapses, shifting into fox form and curling up in a ball. He knows he should go talk to Vice, but he doesn't have the energy. He's shaking and he's tired, and he just wants to think about something other then what that felt like.

[theserpentsmind]

The afternoon passes slowly, bringing with it the sickly warmth that they had left back near the village and the confused whispers of the insects. The nature fighting the darkness that seeped into the ground, poisening the earth and making its ways into to the roots.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[variousvossivixens]

He can smell it, the scent of alcohol and body odor and the sea. Feel the rope chafing against his wrists and ankles. Imagine the disconnect, the absence of nature, the absence of his magic. Can feel the burn in his chest and the taste of salt on his tounge. He gasps, trying to convince himself its not real, but it feels so real. He can't see anything but water.

[theserpentsmind]

Neither knows how long it lasts. Whether or not the water in his lungs is real. The fear is delectible. Vice is hardly aware of feeding, although once it is over, they cry. He is going to leave them now. They are sure of it. They creep away, hiding under a fallen tree, ashamed to be seen.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[variousvossivixens]

He whimpers as his paws get wet, not liking this at all. "Uh- V-vice- time f-for me to go away- r-right? I- w-was I supposed to leave- I don't-" He whines, trying to get away from the water. "Help-"

[theserpentsmind]

Vice doesn't respond, the creeking of a ship playing somewhere in the distance. The fear was delicious. It consummed their thoughts, twisting the surrounding image farther and farther.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods shakily. "Oh- okay- yeah." He needs a break. Before the thoughts get worse. Before hes thinking about the way his lungs filled up or the burn of rope or- ...he needs a break. "Just not too long, okay? See you soon."

[theserpentsmind]

They crouch down, covering their eyes. They could imitate it all. Replay the horror so easily. It was all basic imagination. Water seeps from the ground, pooling around their feet, although they hardly notice it, so focused on quelshing the desire to feed on their friend.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[variousvossivixens]

The fear grows as he just thinks about it, rubbing a scar on his arm while he tries to keep his breathing normal. "Oh. Um- I don't know about that one Vice... maybe- uh- maybe we keep brainstorming."

[theserpentsmind]

"Are you sure-" they cut off with a soft whimper. "No...no...can't... You gotta go away for a little while. I don't want to hurt you."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[variousvossivixens]

Voss's tails lower slightly and theres a noticeable flicker of fear. He laughs awkwardly. "Lots of water, huh? Like- like a beach side city, or...?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Like a cave." Vice knew they shouldn't, but the spark of fear had been to tasty... "A cave with a deep lake or river flowing down, down, down....away into the darkness."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[variousvossivixens]

He yawns, stretching out and quickly climbing down. "Oh yeah? You got a good feeling about it today?" Starts walking. "What do you think this home will look like?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Good feeling, yeah," They agree, following him with a slight skip to their steps. "I think...I think home will be dark. With lots of water."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright. Thank you, Vice." He sets them down, looks around and then climbs up into a tree. He curls up and gets comfortable, closing his eyes to rest.

[theserpentsmind]

Vice wakes him up close to dawn, shouting up at him quietly rather than climbing. They are shivering from the chilly nightair, but otherwise seem in good spirits.

"Come on! I bet we will find our home soon!"

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[variousvossivixens]

"That... yeah that sounds like you're drunk... okay. Note to self, Vice can overdose on fear." He goes back to looking through his bag, eventually finding a sedative he can use on the werewolf. "Alright, I found something. We can stick em if you lose control over them. For now... do I need to carry them or can you force them to walk?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Vice overdose," they repeat, giggling. They sit up at the question. "Can walk. I can only do one body at a time right now. Child has to walk by themself." They stop speaking and switch to the wolf, making him sit up. The child blinks in confusion, wondering why they were free again.

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright then." He smiles at the child as they wake up, offering them a stick of beef jerky from his pockets. "They kid, you ready to go for a walk?" He looks around and points. "We were over there, so we should probably keep going this way I think."

[theserpentsmind]

The child doesn't answer, at least not verbally, although they stomp their feet and snatch the beef jerky quickly, stuffing it in their mouth. Vice follows Voss's gestures. They head in that direction without question.

[variousvossivixens]

He sighs, stretches, and starts walking. He doesn't really know how long they walk for. A while. It feels like forever. Though thats probably just because he's tired and theres no real destination.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice comes to a stop, pointing up at the sky. "See...the moon. It makes me want to howl at it. I think... You should take the child and keep walking. I'll catch up in a minute."

[variousvossivixens]

He stares for just a moment, then looks between them and the child. He carefully grabs the drug he'd pulled from his bag earlier and clutches it like a dagger. He nods. "If you say so... come on kid." He drags the child with his free hand, continuing on their walk. His ears fidgeting as he keeps looking back.

[theserpentsmind]

The child stares back over their shoulder for as long as they can, concerned. Voss can hear Vice's voice. Not speaking through the wolf, but the whispering, breathy voice that is barely real. The voice of a demon without a form. He can't tell what they are saying.

[variousvossivixens]

"Just keep going. Don't look back, okay? I'll keep you safe." Gives the child a small smile with a confidence he definitely doesn't feel. Its fine. Everything's fine.

[theserpentsmind]

"They're going to kill him." The child squeezes his hand. Whether they were looking for reassurance or trying to give it was unclear. "They always send me away when they do. Say it's too much for me."

[variousvossivixens]

He blinks. That actually is reassuring. He doesn't actually care much if Vice kills the wolf. For a moment though, he'd thought the werewolfs body was having some weird affect on Vices mind, making them go crazy. He nods. "He... he was injured." By me. "Its better for all of us for the wolf to die."

[theserpentsmind]

"Do you think it hurts to have something eat your soul?" They stop walking, digging their heels so he won't pull them farther forward. "Do you think if I get hurt, they'll eat mine too?"

[variousvossivixens]

"...I don't know. I think... it would probably hurt for only a second." He shakes his head. "No. They're attached to you. And... I wouldn't let them. Everything I can do to protect you, I will. I promise. We're... we're family now, okay?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Family? All of us?" They bounce, trying to warm themselves. "Are they family too?"

[variousvossivixens]

He hesitates but nods. "Yeah. All of us. You, me, and Vice." He kneels down, giving them a tight hug. "We'll take care of each other, yeah?"

[theserpentsmind]

They stiffin, then lean in, wrapping their own thing arms around him and burying their face in his chest. "Yeah..."

Voss felt Vice slide quietly into the back of his mind, but they didn't say anything. Or do anything. Just curled up inside him and went still.

[variousvossivixens]

"Love you both." He kisses the child's forehead before straightening up. "Lets keep going. Maybe we can find a town or something."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay." The child takes his head again, bracing themselves for the long walk. Vice is almost concerning the quiet for the rest of the night. The child talks more than they do and that is strange.

[variousvossivixens]

He is worried for Vice, but he doesn't want to push too much. Are they grieving? Do they feel bad? He wouldnt have expected that from them but its the only explanation he can think of.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice switches, taking their usual place in the child's body. The first thing they do is hold up their hands. "Carry me. In your arms. Like you do for the child. I want to hear your heart."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods, picking them up and hugging them tight. "Sure thing kit. ...you doing alright?"

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[variousvossivixens]

He hugs Vice and kisses their forehead. "Its okay to be scared. I'll be okay though. I promise."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay..." They sigh. "You should rest now. I'll watch. I'll wake you up if anyone comes."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[variousvossivixens]

"That... yeah that sounds like you're drunk... okay. Note to self, Vice can overdose on fear." He goes back to looking through his bag, eventually finding a sedative he can use on the werewolf. "Alright, I found something. We can stick em if you lose control over them. For now... do I need to carry them or can you force them to walk?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Vice overdose," they repeat, giggling. They sit up at the question. "Can walk. I can only do one body at a time right now. Child has to walk by themself." They stop speaking and switch to the wolf, making him sit up. The child blinks in confusion, wondering why they were free again.

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright then." He smiles at the child as they wake up, offering them a stick of beef jerky from his pockets. "They kid, you ready to go for a walk?" He looks around and points. "We were over there, so we should probably keep going this way I think."

[theserpentsmind]

The child doesn't answer, at least not verbally, although they stomp their feet and snatch the beef jerky quickly, stuffing it in their mouth. Vice follows Voss's gestures. They head in that direction without question.

[variousvossivixens]

He sighs, stretches, and starts walking. He doesn't really know how long they walk for. A while. It feels like forever. Though thats probably just because he's tired and theres no real destination.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice comes to a stop, pointing up at the sky. "See...the moon. It makes me want to howl at it. I think... You should take the child and keep walking. I'll catch up in a minute."

[variousvossivixens]

He stares for just a moment, then looks between them and the child. He carefully grabs the drug he'd pulled from his bag earlier and clutches it like a dagger. He nods. "If you say so... come on kid." He drags the child with his free hand, continuing on their walk. His ears fidgeting as he keeps looking back.

[theserpentsmind]

The child stares back over their shoulder for as long as they can, concerned. Voss can hear Vice's voice. Not speaking through the wolf, but the whispering, breathy voice that is barely real. The voice of a demon without a form. He can't tell what they are saying.

[variousvossivixens]

"Just keep going. Don't look back, okay? I'll keep you safe." Gives the child a small smile with a confidence he definitely doesn't feel. Its fine. Everything's fine.

[theserpentsmind]

"They're going to kill him." The child squeezes his hand. Whether they were looking for reassurance or trying to give it was unclear. "They always send me away when they do. Say it's too much for me."

[variousvossivixens]

He blinks. That actually is reassuring. He doesn't actually care much if Vice kills the wolf. For a moment though, he'd thought the werewolfs body was having some weird affect on Vices mind, making them go crazy. He nods. "He... he was injured." By me. "Its better for all of us for the wolf to die."

[theserpentsmind]

"Do you think it hurts to have something eat your soul?" They stop walking, digging their heels so he won't pull them farther forward. "Do you think if I get hurt, they'll eat mine too?"

[variousvossivixens]

"...I don't know. I think... it would probably hurt for only a second." He shakes his head. "No. They're attached to you. And... I wouldn't let them. Everything I can do to protect you, I will. I promise. We're... we're family now, okay?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Family? All of us?" They bounce, trying to warm themselves. "Are they family too?"

[variousvossivixens]

He hesitates but nods. "Yeah. All of us. You, me, and Vice." He kneels down, giving them a tight hug. "We'll take care of each other, yeah?"

[theserpentsmind]

They stiffin, then lean in, wrapping their own thing arms around him and burying their face in his chest. "Yeah..."

Voss felt Vice slide quietly into the back of his mind, but they didn't say anything. Or do anything. Just curled up inside him and went still.

[variousvossivixens]

"Love you both." He kisses the child's forehead before straightening up. "Lets keep going. Maybe we can find a town or something."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay." The child takes his head again, bracing themselves for the long walk. Vice is almost concerning the quiet for the rest of the night. The child talks more than they do and that is strange.

[variousvossivixens]

He is worried for Vice, but he doesn't want to push too much. Are they grieving? Do they feel bad? He wouldnt have expected that from them but its the only explanation he can think of.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice switches, taking their usual place in the child's body. The first thing they do is hold up their hands. "Carry me. In your arms. Like you do for the child. I want to hear your heart."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods, picking them up and hugging them tight. "Sure thing kit. ...you doing alright?"

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[variousvossivixens]

"...no. I think we've gotten pretty far. And if they do find us... I know how to fight too ya know." Smiles. He doesn't know how many people he'll be able to take on at once, but what's important is not scaring Vice.

[theserpentsmind]

Not scaring Vice. That thought was the key to unlock what was going on. Vice hadn't kept people around for as long as they'ed kept him. They hadn't cared before. So they hadn't felt this kind of fear before. Vice was afraid and they didn't have words for it.

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[variousvossivixens]

"That... yeah that sounds like you're drunk... okay. Note to self, Vice can overdose on fear." He goes back to looking through his bag, eventually finding a sedative he can use on the werewolf. "Alright, I found something. We can stick em if you lose control over them. For now... do I need to carry them or can you force them to walk?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Vice overdose," they repeat, giggling. They sit up at the question. "Can walk. I can only do one body at a time right now. Child has to walk by themself." They stop speaking and switch to the wolf, making him sit up. The child blinks in confusion, wondering why they were free again.

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright then." He smiles at the child as they wake up, offering them a stick of beef jerky from his pockets. "They kid, you ready to go for a walk?" He looks around and points. "We were over there, so we should probably keep going this way I think."

[theserpentsmind]

The child doesn't answer, at least not verbally, although they stomp their feet and snatch the beef jerky quickly, stuffing it in their mouth. Vice follows Voss's gestures. They head in that direction without question.

[variousvossivixens]

He sighs, stretches, and starts walking. He doesn't really know how long they walk for. A while. It feels like forever. Though thats probably just because he's tired and theres no real destination.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice comes to a stop, pointing up at the sky. "See...the moon. It makes me want to howl at it. I think... You should take the child and keep walking. I'll catch up in a minute."

[variousvossivixens]

He stares for just a moment, then looks between them and the child. He carefully grabs the drug he'd pulled from his bag earlier and clutches it like a dagger. He nods. "If you say so... come on kid." He drags the child with his free hand, continuing on their walk. His ears fidgeting as he keeps looking back.

[theserpentsmind]

The child stares back over their shoulder for as long as they can, concerned. Voss can hear Vice's voice. Not speaking through the wolf, but the whispering, breathy voice that is barely real. The voice of a demon without a form. He can't tell what they are saying.

[variousvossivixens]

"Just keep going. Don't look back, okay? I'll keep you safe." Gives the child a small smile with a confidence he definitely doesn't feel. Its fine. Everything's fine.

[theserpentsmind]

"They're going to kill him." The child squeezes his hand. Whether they were looking for reassurance or trying to give it was unclear. "They always send me away when they do. Say it's too much for me."

[variousvossivixens]

He blinks. That actually is reassuring. He doesn't actually care much if Vice kills the wolf. For a moment though, he'd thought the werewolfs body was having some weird affect on Vices mind, making them go crazy. He nods. "He... he was injured." By me. "Its better for all of us for the wolf to die."

[theserpentsmind]

"Do you think it hurts to have something eat your soul?" They stop walking, digging their heels so he won't pull them farther forward. "Do you think if I get hurt, they'll eat mine too?"

[variousvossivixens]

"...I don't know. I think... it would probably hurt for only a second." He shakes his head. "No. They're attached to you. And... I wouldn't let them. Everything I can do to protect you, I will. I promise. We're... we're family now, okay?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Family? All of us?" They bounce, trying to warm themselves. "Are they family too?"

[variousvossivixens]

He hesitates but nods. "Yeah. All of us. You, me, and Vice." He kneels down, giving them a tight hug. "We'll take care of each other, yeah?"

[theserpentsmind]

They stiffin, then lean in, wrapping their own thing arms around him and burying their face in his chest. "Yeah..."

Voss felt Vice slide quietly into the back of his mind, but they didn't say anything. Or do anything. Just curled up inside him and went still.

[variousvossivixens]

"Love you both." He kisses the child's forehead before straightening up. "Lets keep going. Maybe we can find a town or something."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay." The child takes his head again, bracing themselves for the long walk. Vice is almost concerning the quiet for the rest of the night. The child talks more than they do and that is strange.

[variousvossivixens]

He is worried for Vice, but he doesn't want to push too much. Are they grieving? Do they feel bad? He wouldnt have expected that from them but its the only explanation he can think of.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice switches, taking their usual place in the child's body. The first thing they do is hold up their hands. "Carry me. In your arms. Like you do for the child. I want to hear your heart."

[variousvossivixens]

He nods, picking them up and hugging them tight. "Sure thing kit. ...you doing alright?"

[theserpentsmind]

"No." They rest their head, closing their eyes. "I feel funny. I keep thinking about the farmers. Do you think they'll find us? If they are really mad, I won't be able to do anything. Anger fills your head. Then we- you might be killed."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[variousvossivixens]

"That... yeah that sounds like you're drunk... okay. Note to self, Vice can overdose on fear." He goes back to looking through his bag, eventually finding a sedative he can use on the werewolf. "Alright, I found something. We can stick em if you lose control over them. For now... do I need to carry them or can you force them to walk?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Vice overdose," they repeat, giggling. They sit up at the question. "Can walk. I can only do one body at a time right now. Child has to walk by themself." They stop speaking and switch to the wolf, making him sit up. The child blinks in confusion, wondering why they were free again.

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright then." He smiles at the child as they wake up, offering them a stick of beef jerky from his pockets. "They kid, you ready to go for a walk?" He looks around and points. "We were over there, so we should probably keep going this way I think."

[theserpentsmind]

The child doesn't answer, at least not verbally, although they stomp their feet and snatch the beef jerky quickly, stuffing it in their mouth. Vice follows Voss's gestures. They head in that direction without question.

[variousvossivixens]

He sighs, stretches, and starts walking. He doesn't really know how long they walk for. A while. It feels like forever. Though thats probably just because he's tired and theres no real destination.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice comes to a stop, pointing up at the sky. "See...the moon. It makes me want to howl at it. I think... You should take the child and keep walking. I'll catch up in a minute."

[variousvossivixens]

He stares for just a moment, then looks between them and the child. He carefully grabs the drug he'd pulled from his bag earlier and clutches it like a dagger. He nods. "If you say so... come on kid." He drags the child with his free hand, continuing on their walk. His ears fidgeting as he keeps looking back.

[theserpentsmind]

The child stares back over their shoulder for as long as they can, concerned. Voss can hear Vice's voice. Not speaking through the wolf, but the whispering, breathy voice that is barely real. The voice of a demon without a form. He can't tell what they are saying.

[variousvossivixens]

"Just keep going. Don't look back, okay? I'll keep you safe." Gives the child a small smile with a confidence he definitely doesn't feel. Its fine. Everything's fine.

[theserpentsmind]

"They're going to kill him." The child squeezes his hand. Whether they were looking for reassurance or trying to give it was unclear. "They always send me away when they do. Say it's too much for me."

[variousvossivixens]

He blinks. That actually is reassuring. He doesn't actually care much if Vice kills the wolf. For a moment though, he'd thought the werewolfs body was having some weird affect on Vices mind, making them go crazy. He nods. "He... he was injured." By me. "Its better for all of us for the wolf to die."

[theserpentsmind]

"Do you think it hurts to have something eat your soul?" They stop walking, digging their heels so he won't pull them farther forward. "Do you think if I get hurt, they'll eat mine too?"

[variousvossivixens]

"...I don't know. I think... it would probably hurt for only a second." He shakes his head. "No. They're attached to you. And... I wouldn't let them. Everything I can do to protect you, I will. I promise. We're... we're family now, okay?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Family? All of us?" They bounce, trying to warm themselves. "Are they family too?"

[variousvossivixens]

He hesitates but nods. "Yeah. All of us. You, me, and Vice." He kneels down, giving them a tight hug. "We'll take care of each other, yeah?"

[theserpentsmind]

They stiffin, then lean in, wrapping their own thing arms around him and burying their face in his chest. "Yeah..."

Voss felt Vice slide quietly into the back of his mind, but they didn't say anything. Or do anything. Just curled up inside him and went still.

[variousvossivixens]

"Love you both." He kisses the child's forehead before straightening up. "Lets keep going. Maybe we can find a town or something."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay." The child takes his head again, bracing themselves for the long walk. Vice is almost concerning the quiet for the rest of the night. The child talks more than they do and that is strange.

[variousvossivixens]

He is worried for Vice, but he doesn't want to push too much. Are they grieving? Do they feel bad? He wouldnt have expected that from them but its the only explanation he can think of.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice switches, taking their usual place in the child's body. The first thing they do is hold up their hands. "Carry me. In your arms. Like you do for the child. I want to hear your heart."

[theserpentsmind]

OPEN RP - The First Happening

It was late summer when it happened. The rotting. Crops dead overnight without explanation. Rotten as if they had forgotten it was still warm out. It wasn't cold out, except when you were alone and the street was a little too dark. Then you heard the skittering of needle like feet and that horrid hissing. The news blamed it on the weird weather.

There was nothing wrong with the weather.

It was hot, as summer tends to be in the northern hemespher. Hot and sultery. It reminded one of darker places. Places that follow life but do not enter it. No one wanted to say that though. That was bad luck. Bringing superstition into this wouldn't help anyone. That's what the cops said.

You probably shouldn't have gone out alone.

You'd heard all the stories, but nothing could prepare you for the cold than dripped into your veins when you heard it. When you smelt it. Hot and sweet. Then a child was standing before you. Barefeet on the cobblestones, eyes wide and dark in the dimming light.

"Are you scared?"

Vice changes appearance a lot. Different starters may show different sides of them.

Np tags: @inmorganic (because we've interacted on other blogs and I thought you might be into the creepy stuff) @variousvossivixens @merrymoony

[variousvossivixens]

"That... yeah that sounds like you're drunk... okay. Note to self, Vice can overdose on fear." He goes back to looking through his bag, eventually finding a sedative he can use on the werewolf. "Alright, I found something. We can stick em if you lose control over them. For now... do I need to carry them or can you force them to walk?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Vice overdose," they repeat, giggling. They sit up at the question. "Can walk. I can only do one body at a time right now. Child has to walk by themself." They stop speaking and switch to the wolf, making him sit up. The child blinks in confusion, wondering why they were free again.

[variousvossivixens]

"Alright then." He smiles at the child as they wake up, offering them a stick of beef jerky from his pockets. "They kid, you ready to go for a walk?" He looks around and points. "We were over there, so we should probably keep going this way I think."

[theserpentsmind]

The child doesn't answer, at least not verbally, although they stomp their feet and snatch the beef jerky quickly, stuffing it in their mouth. Vice follows Voss's gestures. They head in that direction without question.

[variousvossivixens]

He sighs, stretches, and starts walking. He doesn't really know how long they walk for. A while. It feels like forever. Though thats probably just because he's tired and theres no real destination.

[theserpentsmind]

Eventually, Vice comes to a stop, pointing up at the sky. "See...the moon. It makes me want to howl at it. I think... You should take the child and keep walking. I'll catch up in a minute."

[variousvossivixens]

He stares for just a moment, then looks between them and the child. He carefully grabs the drug he'd pulled from his bag earlier and clutches it like a dagger. He nods. "If you say so... come on kid." He drags the child with his free hand, continuing on their walk. His ears fidgeting as he keeps looking back.

[theserpentsmind]

The child stares back over their shoulder for as long as they can, concerned. Voss can hear Vice's voice. Not speaking through the wolf, but the whispering, breathy voice that is barely real. The voice of a demon without a form. He can't tell what they are saying.

[variousvossivixens]

"Just keep going. Don't look back, okay? I'll keep you safe." Gives the child a small smile with a confidence he definitely doesn't feel. Its fine. Everything's fine.

[theserpentsmind]

"They're going to kill him." The child squeezes his hand. Whether they were looking for reassurance or trying to give it was unclear. "They always send me away when they do. Say it's too much for me."

[variousvossivixens]

He blinks. That actually is reassuring. He doesn't actually care much if Vice kills the wolf. For a moment though, he'd thought the werewolfs body was having some weird affect on Vices mind, making them go crazy. He nods. "He... he was injured." By me. "Its better for all of us for the wolf to die."

[theserpentsmind]

"Do you think it hurts to have something eat your soul?" They stop walking, digging their heels so he won't pull them farther forward. "Do you think if I get hurt, they'll eat mine too?"

[variousvossivixens]

"...I don't know. I think... it would probably hurt for only a second." He shakes his head. "No. They're attached to you. And... I wouldn't let them. Everything I can do to protect you, I will. I promise. We're... we're family now, okay?"

[theserpentsmind]

"Family? All of us?" They bounce, trying to warm themselves. "Are they family too?"

[variousvossivixens]

He hesitates but nods. "Yeah. All of us. You, me, and Vice." He kneels down, giving them a tight hug. "We'll take care of each other, yeah?"

[theserpentsmind]

They stiffin, then lean in, wrapping their own thing arms around him and burying their face in his chest. "Yeah..."

Voss felt Vice slide quietly into the back of his mind, but they didn't say anything. Or do anything. Just curled up inside him and went still.

[variousvossivixens]

"Love you both." He kisses the child's forehead before straightening up. "Lets keep going. Maybe we can find a town or something."

[theserpentsmind]

"Okay." The child takes his head again, bracing themselves for the long walk. Vice is almost concerning the quiet for the rest of the night. The child talks more than they do and that is strange.