You listening?

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

“Ciao. I’m LOOKING for some sorta DEVIL named AORTA. Coulda SWORN I saw him with YA, so I thought I’d ASK.”

Dess smirked, walking up to him.

“Do you KNOW them? What’s your RELATION with them? Oh, BETTER YET. What’s your NAME?”

She reached her hand out to shake. There was a paper bracelet on her wrist, that said “Viaggiatore 178243” on it.

Hello, dess! My name is ace, and would you mind if I asked you why you need to know all that about aorta? Seems a bit invasive, don't ya think?

“That would be INDESIDERABILE to you.”

She wiped her hand on her dress.

“I was told by a PEST that Aorta would like SEEING me.”

Dess sneered a bit.

“Didn’t think I’d be met with such a ‘CHARMING’ fellow.”

Well, indesiderable, I don't know whom aorta is, nor where she might be. I didn't think I'd be met with such an "indesirable" individual either. You really should learn Italian better, darling.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

“Ciao. I’m LOOKING for some sorta DEVIL named AORTA. Coulda SWORN I saw him with YA, so I thought I’d ASK.”

Dess smirked, walking up to him.

“Do you KNOW them? What’s your RELATION with them? Oh, BETTER YET. What’s your NAME?”

She reached her hand out to shake. There was a paper bracelet on her wrist, that said “Viaggiatore 178243” on it.

Hello, dess! My name is ace, and would you mind if I asked you why you need to know all that about aorta? Seems a bit invasive, don't ya think?

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

...I won't then. I think we've found our little follower anyway.

He hid you behind the door and stood in the threshold, threatening a stance against dess. His smile was bright and he contrasting held out his palms in a "jazz hands" gesture.

Hey there, kiddo! You got a problem or something? What're you doing, kid?

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

He was awfully close.

I dont feel it, no…But if someone is following us, we should hide…

Aorta tugged Ace into one of the buildings, that was…Certainly a house belonging to someone. They could get in big trouble.

No.

His words were stern.

he pushed you behind him gently as he trued to peak out the door again.

I can't seem to spot where they are... they must be good at...observing. whoever they are.

He mumbled under his breath;

Whatever they are.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta’s smile faded into a small frown.

It’s always a little bittersweet. Thinking about it.

…

…Mm, I think Alice had a residency here when they worked at the church normally. I’m guessing it’s been given away.

Aorta glances over at a small house and views a couple children chatting. They look up at him and he tries to smile, but it’s unsettling enough that they glance away.

Ace glanced at the children you smiled at but decided it best not to interact, as he got a chill up his spine once more. That's it. He was sick of this, he was going to tell aorta.

Aorta, darling? Do you feel that as well? That...dread?

He placed his hands on your shoulders and leaned over you while walking. He looked slightly less cheerful than usual, and whispered in your ear.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta took Ace’s hand and walked them through the forest to the village. They still had no idea that Dess was following them through the bushes.

When they got there, it was exactly as Aorta had expected. The air was cold and the sky was dark, like it was about to rain over the town. Only some people lingered outside, and they seemed quite young.

ace could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise, as if he were being watched. If the feeling occurred again, he decided it best to inform aorta.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta’s appearance has scared people before.

How…Did you know where the village is, dear?

It sounds wonderful! We should go. It's not far, after all.

The corner of his mouth twitched.

Aorta didn’t see Dess, he was trying to talk to Ace about finding Alice. I don’t think it’s home…So maybe we could go to that little village and see if it’s there? Ace seemed quite insistent on staying around the church. And while the two of them went back and forth, Dess listened…Resisting the urge to not leap out and butt in.

He seemed almost as cheery as he was when you first met him now, it felt so unnatural it almost made you sick.

How did he even know that? He clearly hadn't been here before, let alone in the forest at all. How on earth did he know that?

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Why do you want to walk on your own? Why can't you just lead me? You're not going to leave me, are you? Aorta, do you even know what would happen if you left me? Do you want to find out?

It was pitch dark, you couldn't even make out ace's face, if it was even there.

what was wrong with him?? Why was he acting like this?

he let go of your arm and let go of your torso, not trying to place you down at all, leaving you to your own for you to get off of him.

it's alright.

He sounded much more monotone now.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Why do you want to walk on your own? Why can't you just lead me? You're not going to leave me, are you? Aorta, do you even know what would happen if you left me? Do you want to find out?

It was pitch dark, you couldn't even make out ace's face, if it was even there.

what was wrong with him?? Why was he acting like this?

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Ace made his way through the dark forest, still carrying you in his arms, rubbing your arm gently with his thumb.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta knelt down as slowly as she could as to not cause any pain in her legs, and untied the laces on her shoes. She didn’t quite know where to put them, though. Did she keep them on and risk them slipping off? Did she leave them here and get a new pair later? She didn’t really want to carry them…

She just decided to leave them loose on her, they either fell off or they didn’t.

Alright. Let’s depart. There’s an abandoned little town a few miles away, near my partner’s church…We could take a trip there before I make my way back to Alice.

He locked the door behind him before placing his hand on your back to make sure you were secure.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

…Yes…Certainly…

As they were unchained, they almost collapsed right into Ace. Their legs felt weak after standing there for a while.

….unholy hellfire…i don’t think i can feel my legs.

Would you like me to carry you outside? I think it's safe to say that we can leave now.

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

Um- n-no, I’d really rather you didn’t-!

Oh, but it was too late. Aorta was forced onto the wall and Ace chained them down before they could run away. The cold metal on their arms, the restricted movement, the way their breathing shallower and their heart rate picked up…It all brought back some very bad memories.

Ace, darling, could you let me go?!

I told you that you fascinated me. Now I can really... take everything in.

He examined you meticulously, tracing his finger along the bridge of your nose and the lengths of your arms,before just standing there for what seemed like hours. Once he was satisfied he placed his hand on your cheek.

Exactly as I expected. You've really outdone yourself, aorta! Do you want to get down now?

Aorta glanced at her side to see Ace’s tail inching towards her. It was getting…Quite close. She could feel it starting to brush against her. So she shuffled forward a bit, so that she was closer to Ace.

Don’t fret! I’m not going anywhere for now.

His tail finally edged close enough as he wrapped it around your arm, holding you tight.

Oh I know.

His face shifted as he stood up, pulling you up with him. It shifted into something more...normal. his grin just seemed malicious now, not unnatural. His eyes still looked the same, but asides from that his face actually looked...rather attractive. How did he do that?

Having a more welcoming face would make the next part so much easier.

he wrapped his tail around your waist and grabbed your wrist as he walked you upstairs to a small room and two chains hanging from the wall. Reddish brown liquid stained some of the nearby wallpaper and floorboards.

You know, I'm just so fascinated by whatever little critter you are that I'd like to get a closer look at you! Seem okay?

-♤

Oh, greetings! I suppose Alice sent you here, didn’t it? What a sweet thing.

He tilted his head to the right slightly, wondering as to why you sprung the question.

Chains? That's funny...well, not funny. Just another fascinating aspect about you, friend. I suppose you are quite the little critter.

He peered off for a moment, trying to remember the conversation he had just had.

Oh! Yes! Not to "creep out" the child again. Bubble, I believe her name was.

It was lovely! I don't see why it wouldn't be, really.

He noticed you acting strange.

He took a step closer to scan your body, clearly taking your message incorrectly. He placed his hands out in a protective gesture.

Aorta giggles.

I’m not hurt, silly. Weak as in…I lower defenses. Even if you didn’t mean to compliment me, you’re just…you’re very kind, Ace.

Aorta steps back and shakes their hands a bit, to recollect themselves.

Well, I suggest I take my leave. That book I was reading has left me entranced and I can’t wait another moment to keep on.

They try to leave…But their wrist is grabbed, stopping them from moving.

He let a light laugh escape his covered mouth, even through his mask you can tell he was grinning. You could see it in his eyes...or what you assumed to be his eyes. It was difficult to tell whether his tone was malicious or not.

Don't leave me, aorta. We have so much more to talk about, no? Why do you want to leave? Why do you want to leave me?

I…I’m sorry, Ace, I didn’t realize you wanted to converse longer.

Aorta moved herself closer to Ace, maybe he would let go of her wrist…

Thats good. That's what I like to hear!

he peered down at you and grinned wider.

Just don't let it happen again, hm? It's quite rude to cut conversations short! I thought you respected me more, aorta.

Aorta took Ace’s wrist in his hand so he wouldn’t accidentally trail behind and get tugged forward again. They watched Ace’s tail go back and forth and tugged at their hair again.

…Where are we venturing to?

he giggled to himself at your naivety, he thought you were smarter than this.

You'll see!

He picked up his pace as he walked, brisk and upright. He had abnormally good posture, and dressed pretty formally.

He took you through the higgledy and crooked streets, as they got darker and darker. He turned a corner quickly, almost enough to make you lose your balance.

aorta got the feeling he probably shouldn’t be speaking.

…Ace? Are you alright, dear?

he quickly turned to you and placed a hand on your shoulder.

A-ok! How do I look?

You wanted to usher the words "terrifying".

Aorta recoiled and covered her mouth. That was scary. That was terrifying. She wouldn’t say anything but the truth, but maybe now would be a good time to lie. Besides, she liked creepy things, didn’t she.

…Sorry, sorry. You look charming. So, this isn’t a church? You live here?

She glanced around the area, and out of the corner of her eye saw something skitter across the floor. She jumped and instinctively moved much closer to Ace even if she should not have done that.

He took the match and lit a nearby lamp, the room was illuminated slightly. It was old. Very old. It appeared to be a kitchen of sorts, and looked like something straight out of the vuctorian era, like it hadn't been touched since then either.

I do live here! We hold ceremonies from time to time...but at the moment both you and I are alone in this building. It's just us. Isn't that nice?

His grin slowly creeped back, and he spotted the small mouse. It must've escaped his grasp earlier before he left This morning.

he lunged at the mouse and grabbed it with his hand, squeezing it so tight it looked like it was about to burst open. He turned around so that you couldn't see what he was doing and brought his spare hand up to his mouth. He...he unhinged something. His jaw maybe? He pulled it wide open, wider than any human should've been capable of. You could barely catch a glimpse, but he wrapped his creepily long tongue around the mouse and swallowed it whole. He swallowed the mouse whole.

He pushed his jaw back into place with an unnerving pop and turned back to you like nothing had happened.

Aorta gulped.

…Riiiight. Thank you…

Aorta kneeled on the ground and wrapped their arms around themself. Ace walked over to them but they didn’t look at him.

Just us. I suppose that’s…Comforting?

Why were they scared? Their whole thing was that they loved scary items. They were horrifying in themselves.

What kind of ceremonies do you host?

nothing too serious. Just....get-togethers if you will. We all share a...meal and get to know each other better! It's a great community to be a part of.

He noticed you acting nervous, and could only imagine why.

At the question, Aorta tensed up a bit.

There are…Certain traits of yours that are a bit unnerving. But it’s a bit silly to be afraid of them. Especially since I’m not that ‘normal’ myself.

He leaned forward a bit. Did you know that when my heart beats, those around can hear it? Drives people mad! My heart is expressive; And I say the heart is the key to the feels. Let me say, you’ve made my heart race multiple times today. Mainly out of fear, but…

Aorta trailed off, tugging at a strand of hair once again.

chainmail? No! Of course not, silly! However, we do have a few chains we use in the society for when things get out of hand, is that what you'd like?

-♤

Oh, greetings! I suppose Alice sent you here, didn’t it? What a sweet thing.

He tilted his head to the right slightly, wondering as to why you sprung the question.

Chains? That's funny...well, not funny. Just another fascinating aspect about you, friend. I suppose you are quite the little critter.

He peered off for a moment, trying to remember the conversation he had just had.

Oh! Yes! Not to "creep out" the child again. Bubble, I believe her name was.

It was lovely! I don't see why it wouldn't be, really.

He noticed you acting strange.

He took a step closer to scan your body, clearly taking your message incorrectly. He placed his hands out in a protective gesture.

Aorta giggles.

I’m not hurt, silly. Weak as in…I lower defenses. Even if you didn’t mean to compliment me, you’re just…you’re very kind, Ace.

Aorta steps back and shakes their hands a bit, to recollect themselves.

Well, I suggest I take my leave. That book I was reading has left me entranced and I can’t wait another moment to keep on.

They try to leave…But their wrist is grabbed, stopping them from moving.

He let a light laugh escape his covered mouth, even through his mask you can tell he was grinning. You could see it in his eyes...or what you assumed to be his eyes. It was difficult to tell whether his tone was malicious or not.

Don't leave me, aorta. We have so much more to talk about, no? Why do you want to leave? Why do you want to leave me?

I…I’m sorry, Ace, I didn’t realize you wanted to converse longer.

Aorta moved herself closer to Ace, maybe he would let go of her wrist…

Thats good. That's what I like to hear!

he peered down at you and grinned wider.

Just don't let it happen again, hm? It's quite rude to cut conversations short! I thought you respected me more, aorta.

Aorta took Ace’s wrist in his hand so he wouldn’t accidentally trail behind and get tugged forward again. They watched Ace’s tail go back and forth and tugged at their hair again.

…Where are we venturing to?

he giggled to himself at your naivety, he thought you were smarter than this.

You'll see!

He picked up his pace as he walked, brisk and upright. He had abnormally good posture, and dressed pretty formally.

He took you through the higgledy and crooked streets, as they got darker and darker. He turned a corner quickly, almost enough to make you lose your balance.

aorta got the feeling he probably shouldn’t be speaking.

…Ace? Are you alright, dear?

he quickly turned to you and placed a hand on your shoulder.

A-ok! How do I look?

You wanted to usher the words "terrifying".

Aorta recoiled and covered her mouth. That was scary. That was terrifying. She wouldn’t say anything but the truth, but maybe now would be a good time to lie. Besides, she liked creepy things, didn’t she.

…Sorry, sorry. You look charming. So, this isn’t a church? You live here?

She glanced around the area, and out of the corner of her eye saw something skitter across the floor. She jumped and instinctively moved much closer to Ace even if she should not have done that.

He took the match and lit a nearby lamp, the room was illuminated slightly. It was old. Very old. It appeared to be a kitchen of sorts, and looked like something straight out of the vuctorian era, like it hadn't been touched since then either.

I do live here! We hold ceremonies from time to time...but at the moment both you and I are alone in this building. It's just us. Isn't that nice?

His grin slowly creeped back, and he spotted the small mouse. It must've escaped his grasp earlier before he left This morning.

he lunged at the mouse and grabbed it with his hand, squeezing it so tight it looked like it was about to burst open. He turned around so that you couldn't see what he was doing and brought his spare hand up to his mouth. He...he unhinged something. His jaw maybe? He pulled it wide open, wider than any human should've been capable of. You could barely catch a glimpse, but he wrapped his creepily long tongue around the mouse and swallowed it whole. He swallowed the mouse whole.

He pushed his jaw back into place with an unnerving pop and turned back to you like nothing had happened.

Aorta gulped.

…Riiiight. Thank you…

Aorta kneeled on the ground and wrapped their arms around themself. Ace walked over to them but they didn’t look at him.

Just us. I suppose that’s…Comforting?

Why were they scared? Their whole thing was that they loved scary items. They were horrifying in themselves.

What kind of ceremonies do you host?

nothing too serious. Just....get-togethers if you will. We all share a...meal and get to know each other better! It's a great community to be a part of.

He noticed you acting nervous, and could only imagine why.