Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

Comments

[dredefulchilde]

That makes the petting stop, just for a moment.

"Truthfully?" Joscelin laughs, a little bitterly.

"So was I, until recently. So no, I won't be strong again, not whilst I remain human."

[sobothersome]

"Kind of." that wasn't quite the reaction he'd been expecting, but at least he hadn't been thrown across the room.

Though finding out the kid had been a vampire...and now wasn't...intrigued him. "How?" he looked up at the kid. "How did you stop?" could it work for him too? Could he be human again?

[dredefulchilde]

"' Kind of?'" Joss repeats. "Is it because you're a cat right now?" Vampires aren't supposed to shapeshift, but in this train where nothing makes sense he supposes--why not? Why not have a vampire who is also a talking cat?

"I died, about five weeks ago. Got shot through the heart with a laser--which apparently counts as something that can kill vampires even though it's not one of the traditional methods. Then I woke up and I was human again, after nearly seven centuries. Being a weak human child is extremely inconvenient; I don't recommend it. I even need to wear glasses."

[sobothersome]

He supposed it couldn't hurt to explain to this kid... Or not a kid. He was like his brother. An old child. So strange...

"I'm called a Servamp." Maru started. "A servant vampire. I've 7 siblings. We're the only creatures like this in my world... Except for subclasses. I've never made one of those." his siblings had though but never him.

He thought about what the kid said and wondered about finding one of these lasers for himself.

"I don't always like being the way I am. I don't like how people look at me. Like I'm evil. Like I'm a monster. Isn't it better to be normal like them?"

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin listens quietly to the explanation, brow furrowed. "You know, you're the third vampire not from my world that I've met on this train," he replies after the cat finishes. "And we're so different. Daia can even go out into the sun without consequence, which..." He pulls up the battered old ring hanging underneath his shirt. "I need a magic ring to do that. Or, needed, I suppose; I just wear it because it feels safe. Like a child's security blanket. No, I've never heard of servant vampires or subclasses or anything like that. Your world must be very different indeed from mine."

He pauses.

"I hated it, you know. Being a vampire. I pretended otherwise, of course, but all I wanted was to be able to grow up and have a normal life. But then my wish was granted and all I want is to go back. The grass is always greener, they say."

[sobothersome]

"Sun makes me like this..." Maru replied. "I can change back, but it takes more energy than it's worth..." But it wouldn't kill him like vampires in the movies. At least his creator had done something right there.

"Only 8 of us were made. We're... unique, I guess..." And, of course, their creator was gone now. So he couldn't make anymore....

"Well... What did you like about being a vampire?" Maru tilted his head. "What's so good about it? Is strength that important?"