I Am One With The Vault

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadow simply giggles at Vents response.

Vents shook their head, curly silver hair much longer than what they were used to flying in their eyes and they instantly tried to push it away from their face before peering at the wolf again.

The shadow gasps playfully at this, pretending to be offended by Vents’ words.

“Everybody’s scared of something, scaredy-dog!” Vents replied, using the term in place of a name because she didn’t know his yet. Did he have a name, even? Vents wasn’t sure, but didn’t exactly know how to go about finding out.

The shadow just lets out a huff at this, although he’s obviously amused when Vents pokes him. He doesn’t seem bothered by their fingers going through him at all.

Venus frowned slightly when they heard that, it seemed like their teasing attempts had failed. They were just going to have to keep going until they’d found proof of Lupus being a scaredy-dog. The current conversation had kept the worried, mildly claustrophobic thoughts away.

This makes Lupus laugh, the sound echoing through Vents’ mind.

“You look like a dog.” Vents countered, though it had been…a very long time since they’d seen a dog. Or any kind of pet. They think that they might’ve used to have pets—and they knew that they used to have someone else, but they’re not sure who. Everything from when they were alive is getting foggier and foggier.

Lupus giggles at this.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadow simply giggles at Vents response.

Vents shook their head, curly silver hair much longer than what they were used to flying in their eyes and they instantly tried to push it away from their face before peering at the wolf again.

The shadow gasps playfully at this, pretending to be offended by Vents’ words.

“Everybody’s scared of something, scaredy-dog!” Vents replied, using the term in place of a name because she didn’t know his yet. Did he have a name, even? Vents wasn’t sure, but didn’t exactly know how to go about finding out.

The shadow just lets out a huff at this, although he’s obviously amused when Vents pokes him. He doesn’t seem bothered by their fingers going through him at all.

Venus frowned slightly when they heard that, it seemed like their teasing attempts had failed. They were just going to have to keep going until they’d found proof of Lupus being a scaredy-dog. The current conversation had kept the worried, mildly claustrophobic thoughts away.

This makes Lupus laugh, the sound echoing through Vents’ mind.

“You look like a dog.” Vents countered, though it had been…a very long time since they’d seen a dog. Or any kind of pet. They think that they might’ve used to have pets—and they knew that they used to have someone else, but they’re not sure who. Everything from when they were alive is getting foggier and foggier.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadow simply giggles at Vents response.

Vents shook their head, curly silver hair much longer than what they were used to flying in their eyes and they instantly tried to push it away from their face before peering at the wolf again.

The shadow gasps playfully at this, pretending to be offended by Vents’ words.

“Everybody’s scared of something, scaredy-dog!” Vents replied, using the term in place of a name because she didn’t know his yet. Did he have a name, even? Vents wasn’t sure, but didn’t exactly know how to go about finding out.

The shadow just lets out a huff at this, although he’s obviously amused when Vents pokes him. He doesn’t seem bothered by their fingers going through him at all.

Venus frowned slightly when they heard that, it seemed like their teasing attempts had failed. They were just going to have to keep going until they’d found proof of Lupus being a scaredy-dog. The current conversation had kept the worried, mildly claustrophobic thoughts away.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadow simply giggles at Vents response.

Vents shook their head, curly silver hair much longer than what they were used to flying in their eyes and they instantly tried to push it away from their face before peering at the wolf again.

The shadow gasps playfully at this, pretending to be offended by Vents’ words.

“Everybody’s scared of something, scaredy-dog!” Vents replied, using the term in place of a name because she didn’t know his yet. Did he have a name, even? Vents wasn’t sure, but didn’t exactly know how to go about finding out.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadow simply giggles at Vents response.

Vents shook their head, curly silver hair much longer than what they were used to flying in their eyes and they instantly tried to push it away from their face before peering at the wolf again.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadow perks up as Vents slowly reaches towards it, tail now wagging even faster. It slowly moves forward to touch its muzzle to their hand. However, Vents can only feel freezing cold air where the wolf should be, their hand phasing through slightly.

Vents frowned as the wolf’s—ghost wolf? demon creature? Vents was a little too scared to find out—big snout went through their fingers, leaving only a cold sensation in a place that was used to being numb. Vents was going to have to get used to feeling things like temperature, but they hadn’t in so long.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

The shadow simply tilts its head at Vents’ reaction, even looking amused as they fall onto the forest floor.

Vents let out a nervous little hum as the creature creeped closer, but it didn’t seem dangerous or aggressive, which soothed Venus’s worries. The pool of moonlight wasn’t very big, so they were already close to the creature, which seemed to be some sort of lupine ghost.

The shadows grow long as the sun sets, making the forest you’re wandering through darker and darker.

There is no answer to Vents’ call, only silence as the shadows continue to behave unnaturally.

Vents expected a lot of things when they looked around. An axe murderer, a tree, maybe even a bat. But not a giant wolf that looked like it was going to eat them. The shock enough was to make them let out a scared “eep!” and trip backwards. Don’t worry, you can’t die. You’re already dead, it can’t kill you. Vents whispered to themselves, but they didn’t even know if that was true anymore. They could feel the stones and sticks they’d landed on digging into their back—they used to not be able to feel that. What if they could die now too?

[A small figure would appear in front of you. They’re skin looks metallic and there’s a gently steaming mug in their silver and copper streaked hands. They extend it to you, their face the picture of concern. Jack the frog peaks it’s head out from the pocket of an oversized unbuttoned jacket]

Lost what?

[They make a noncommittal noise to let Vents know they heard them, eyes refusing to open. Nothing seems to work as it should, for them. They're too lightheaded to care much.]

[Vents carefully fished Jack the frog out of their pocket and set him beside Cedar. The green frog quickly presses up to Cedars cheek, the tip of its tongue lolling out of its mouth.] That’s the frog. And I’ll be careful, but I can’t just leave someone in need alone.

[They force themselves to nod, even if it barely counts as a nod. They're trying to not fall asleep. They don't know much anymore, but they do know that falling asleep wouldn't be a good thing.]

[Vents gently titled Cedars head up so they wouldn’t choke on the hot chocolate, trying to be delicate so that way they wouldn’t injure the being further. Their eyebrows knit together and for someone usually quite gentle, they look remarkably angry at mention of all of Cedars bones being broken.] Here, and it’s no problem. I’ll come back later with medicine and stuff I can find to help your bones.

[They sip at the hot chocolate, eyes slowly forcing open to look over at Vents again. The now-open eyes aren't focused, hazy with pain, not in the present. They see Vents, but not truly. They aren't aware enough to mind the warmth of the cocoa.]

[Vents nodded at the mention of Cap before pressing the hot chocolate mug to Cedars mouth again, half of it nearly gone already. They smile slightly at the fact that Cedar can keep their eyes open—not their eyes just have to stay that way.] Yeah, Cap was okay last time I saw ‘em! They named my frog—his name is Jack.

[They quietly drink the cocoa again, waiting for an update. At the mention of Cap being okay, however, they relax with a sigh, eyes slipping shut again. They think that that's a good thing- that if, out of everything that's happened, Cap is okay, then it'll be okay.]

No no, keep your eyes open. That’s an important apart to staying awake, right? I know you’re tired, but you gotta keep your eyes open and stay still.

[After another moment (and lots of effort), their eyes open, looking around to focus on Vents again. The hot chocolate was nice. It was comforting, and they think to themselves about how they liked it.]

That’s good, it’s good that you’re keeping your eyes open—just keep doin’ that, okay?

You're... so kind. Are you an angel?

I’m…I’m not an angel. Just a friend. [Vents explained as they picked up the frog, this time tucking him in the pocket of their pants where he’d be safe. They may leave their coat, but they won’t leave their frog. Besides, they’d promised Cap that they’d bring Jack to visit them.]

[A small figure would appear in front of you. They’re skin looks metallic and there’s a gently steaming mug in their silver and copper streaked hands. They extend it to you, their face the picture of concern. Jack the frog peaks it’s head out from the pocket of an oversized unbuttoned jacket]

Lost what?

[They make a noncommittal noise to let Vents know they heard them, eyes refusing to open. Nothing seems to work as it should, for them. They're too lightheaded to care much.]

[Vents carefully fished Jack the frog out of their pocket and set him beside Cedar. The green frog quickly presses up to Cedars cheek, the tip of its tongue lolling out of its mouth.] That’s the frog. And I’ll be careful, but I can’t just leave someone in need alone.

[They force themselves to nod, even if it barely counts as a nod. They're trying to not fall asleep. They don't know much anymore, but they do know that falling asleep wouldn't be a good thing.]

[Vents gently titled Cedars head up so they wouldn’t choke on the hot chocolate, trying to be delicate so that way they wouldn’t injure the being further. Their eyebrows knit together and for someone usually quite gentle, they look remarkably angry at mention of all of Cedars bones being broken.] Here, and it’s no problem. I’ll come back later with medicine and stuff I can find to help your bones.

[They sip at the hot chocolate, eyes slowly forcing open to look over at Vents again. The now-open eyes aren't focused, hazy with pain, not in the present. They see Vents, but not truly. They aren't aware enough to mind the warmth of the cocoa.]

[Vents nodded at the mention of Cap before pressing the hot chocolate mug to Cedars mouth again, half of it nearly gone already. They smile slightly at the fact that Cedar can keep their eyes open—not their eyes just have to stay that way.] Yeah, Cap was okay last time I saw ‘em! They named my frog—his name is Jack.

[They quietly drink the cocoa again, waiting for an update. At the mention of Cap being okay, however, they relax with a sigh, eyes slipping shut again. They think that that's a good thing- that if, out of everything that's happened, Cap is okay, then it'll be okay.]

No no, keep your eyes open. That’s an important apart to staying awake, right? I know you’re tired, but you gotta keep your eyes open and stay still.

[After another moment (and lots of effort), their eyes open, looking around to focus on Vents again. The hot chocolate was nice. It was comforting, and they think to themselves about how they liked it.]

That’s good, it’s good that you’re keeping your eyes open—just keep doin’ that, okay?

[A small figure would appear in front of you. They’re skin looks metallic and there’s a gently steaming mug in their silver and copper streaked hands. They extend it to you, their face the picture of concern. Jack the frog peaks it’s head out from the pocket of an oversized unbuttoned jacket]

Lost what?

[They make a noncommittal noise to let Vents know they heard them, eyes refusing to open. Nothing seems to work as it should, for them. They're too lightheaded to care much.]

[Vents carefully fished Jack the frog out of their pocket and set him beside Cedar. The green frog quickly presses up to Cedars cheek, the tip of its tongue lolling out of its mouth.] That’s the frog. And I’ll be careful, but I can’t just leave someone in need alone.

[They force themselves to nod, even if it barely counts as a nod. They're trying to not fall asleep. They don't know much anymore, but they do know that falling asleep wouldn't be a good thing.]

[Vents gently titled Cedars head up so they wouldn’t choke on the hot chocolate, trying to be delicate so that way they wouldn’t injure the being further. Their eyebrows knit together and for someone usually quite gentle, they look remarkably angry at mention of all of Cedars bones being broken.] Here, and it’s no problem. I’ll come back later with medicine and stuff I can find to help your bones.

[They sip at the hot chocolate, eyes slowly forcing open to look over at Vents again. The now-open eyes aren't focused, hazy with pain, not in the present. They see Vents, but not truly. They aren't aware enough to mind the warmth of the cocoa.]

[Vents nodded at the mention of Cap before pressing the hot chocolate mug to Cedars mouth again, half of it nearly gone already. They smile slightly at the fact that Cedar can keep their eyes open—not their eyes just have to stay that way.] Yeah, Cap was okay last time I saw ‘em! They named my frog—his name is Jack.

[They quietly drink the cocoa again, waiting for an update. At the mention of Cap being okay, however, they relax with a sigh, eyes slipping shut again. They think that that's a good thing- that if, out of everything that's happened, Cap is okay, then it'll be okay.]

No no, keep your eyes open. That’s an important apart to staying awake, right? I know you’re tired, but you gotta keep your eyes open and stay still.

[A small figure would appear in front of you. They’re skin looks metallic and there’s a gently steaming mug in their silver and copper streaked hands. They extend it to you, their face the picture of concern. Jack the frog peaks it’s head out from the pocket of an oversized unbuttoned jacket]

Lost what?

[They make a noncommittal noise to let Vents know they heard them, eyes refusing to open. Nothing seems to work as it should, for them. They're too lightheaded to care much.]

[Vents carefully fished Jack the frog out of their pocket and set him beside Cedar. The green frog quickly presses up to Cedars cheek, the tip of its tongue lolling out of its mouth.] That’s the frog. And I’ll be careful, but I can’t just leave someone in need alone.

[They force themselves to nod, even if it barely counts as a nod. They're trying to not fall asleep. They don't know much anymore, but they do know that falling asleep wouldn't be a good thing.]

[Vents gently titled Cedars head up so they wouldn’t choke on the hot chocolate, trying to be delicate so that way they wouldn’t injure the being further. Their eyebrows knit together and for someone usually quite gentle, they look remarkably angry at mention of all of Cedars bones being broken.] Here, and it’s no problem. I’ll come back later with medicine and stuff I can find to help your bones.

[They sip at the hot chocolate, eyes slowly forcing open to look over at Vents again. The now-open eyes aren't focused, hazy with pain, not in the present. They see Vents, but not truly. They aren't aware enough to mind the warmth of the cocoa.]

[Vents nodded at the mention of Cap before pressing the hot chocolate mug to Cedars mouth again, half of it nearly gone already. They smile slightly at the fact that Cedar can keep their eyes open—not their eyes just have to stay that way.] Yeah, Cap was okay last time I saw ‘em! They named my frog—his name is Jack.

[A small figure would appear in front of you. They’re skin looks metallic and there’s a gently steaming mug in their silver and copper streaked hands. They extend it to you, their face the picture of concern. Jack the frog peaks it’s head out from the pocket of an oversized unbuttoned jacket]

Lost what?

[They make a noncommittal noise to let Vents know they heard them, eyes refusing to open. Nothing seems to work as it should, for them. They're too lightheaded to care much.]

[Vents carefully fished Jack the frog out of their pocket and set him beside Cedar. The green frog quickly presses up to Cedars cheek, the tip of its tongue lolling out of its mouth.] That’s the frog. And I’ll be careful, but I can’t just leave someone in need alone.

[They force themselves to nod, even if it barely counts as a nod. They're trying to not fall asleep. They don't know much anymore, but they do know that falling asleep wouldn't be a good thing.]

[Vents gently titled Cedars head up so they wouldn’t choke on the hot chocolate, trying to be delicate so that way they wouldn’t injure the being further. Their eyebrows knit together and for someone usually quite gentle, they look remarkably angry at mention of all of Cedars bones being broken.] Here, and it’s no problem. I’ll come back later with medicine and stuff I can find to help your bones.