Damien Cross: cold stare Remember this place? The shadows? Feel them creeping?
laughs nervously Shadows... right. So, you've risen from the dead. Or not?
smirks Oh, I've risen alright. And I've brought a little gift for you. reveals a small, gleaming dagger
raises an eyebrow A gift? You think you can just give me a dagger and expect me to thank you?
No, little brother. This dagger is just the beginning. It symbolizes what I've been through, what I've had to endure.
leans against the wall, arms crossed Endure? Is that what you call it? Or were you enjoying every moment of your little adventure in the land of the dead?
narrows his eyes Enjoyment is a subjective term, TinnyTales. Let's just say I found it... enlightening. But enough about me.
leans forward, gripping the edge of the table Enough about you? Really, Damien? That's all you have to say? What about mom and dad? They must be worried sick.
sighs Mom and Dad... pauses, looking down at the dagger They don't know the whole truth, TinnyTales. They think I'm still dead.
grins Dead, huh? Well, that's one way to keep them from finding out all the shit you've been up to. How long do you plan on keeping this secret, Damien?
runs a hand through his hair, visibly agitated TinnyTales, you don't understand. This secret... it's a lifeline. If Mom and Dad find out, they'll force me to leave. And I can't let that happen.
grins wider A lifeline, huh? Well, lucky for you, I'm feeling generous today. Tell me, what's so special about this dagger anyway?
pulls out a small vial from his pocket This dagger... it holds a vial of my blood. It's a symbol of my survival, TinnyTales.
chuckles Your survival? Or your damn arrogance, Damien? You always did have a flair for the dramatic. So, what's next? Are we going to have a duel or something?
stands up, brandishing the dagger A duel? No, TinnyTales. This isn't about pride or honor. It's about survival. pauses, then sheathes the dagger
smirks Survival, huh? That's rich coming from you. What could possibly be threatening enough to bring the great Damien Cross back from the dead?
leans in closer, lowering his voice Listen, TinnyTales. There's something out there... something dark, something unstoppable.
laughs Dark and unstoppable? Sounds like a party to me, Damien. Go on, tell me more.
grabs TinnyTales by the collar, forcing him to look into his eyes You think this is a joke, don't you?
smirks No, Damien. I don't think it's a joke. But I do think you're holding back. Spit it out. What's this dark thing you're so afraid of?
releases TinnyTales' collar, taking a deep breath Fine, you want to know? pauses, searching for the right words It's a creature... a monster that feeds on the souls of the living.
leans back, grinning A monster, huh? Sounds like your typical Tuesday night. But seriously, Damien, how do you know this thing exists?
pulls out a worn photograph from his pocket I saw it with my own eyes, TinnyTales. This photograph... it's the only proof I have left. hands the photograph to TinnyTales
takes the photograph, studying it closely Damn, Damien. If this thing is as bad as you say, why didn't you do something? Why did you let it live?
narrows his eyes, his voice filled with determination Because I had to understand it, TinnyTales. I had to know its weaknesses, its desires.
grins Understanding, huh? That's one way to put it. So, what's your plan now, Damien? Are you going to hunt this beast down or try to reason with it?
paces back and forth, deep in thought Reason with it? That's a laugh, TinnyTales. This creature doesn't respond to words, only to strength.
chuckles Strength, huh? And what makes you think you have any strength left, Damien? You're dead, remember?
stops pacing, locking eyes with TinnyTales I may be dead, but I have something that this creature doesn't: purpose. pauses, taking a deep breath TinnyTales, I need your help.
raising an eyebrow My help? With what, exactly? Are you planning some kind of suicide mission here?
smirks Not a suicide mission, TinnyTales. It's more like... a redemption mission. pulls out a map from his pocket
takes the map, examining it A redemption mission, huh? You always did have a flair for the dramatic, Damien. Alright, where are we headed?
points to a location on the map We're going to the heart of the city, TinnyTales. There, we'll find the key to stopping this creature.
grins The heart of the city, huh? Sounds like a real adventure. Alright, Damien. Let's get moving.
starts gathering supplies, his movements quick and determined We need weapons, protective gear, and anything else we can find to aid us in this fight.
grabs a bag, starting to fill it with gear Alright, Damien. Let's see if this shitshow of a life you've got is worth saving.
checks the perimeter, ensuring no threats are nearby Stay close, TinnyTales. We can't afford to be caught off guard.
nods, gripping her weapon tightly Don't worry, Damien. I've survived worse than this. Let's go.
moves stealthily towards the city, his eyes scanning for any signs of danger Keep your guard up, TinnyTales. We don't know what awaits us.