Information

Vyces has a minion!

Clavicus the Corvimp

Vyces
Legacy Name: Vyces

The

Nightmare Telenine
Owner: Alkuna

Age: 12 years, 7 months, 2 weeks

Born: August 3rd, 2013

Adopted: 8 years, 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Adopted: January 26th, 2018

Statistics

Level: 10
Strength: 25
Defense: 25
Speed: 25
Health: 25
HP: 25/25
Intelligence: 33
Books Read: 33
Food Eaten: 0
Job: Unemployed

The shrill blaring of Officer Silas Vinicio's alarm sliced through the morning tranquility, jolting him from the remnants of sleep. He groaned, unwilling to start the day, and rolled over, fumbling for the button with sluggish fingers. His hand, still numb and drowsy after a night under the pillow, fumbled with the clock. At last, after several exasperating moments, he managed to silence it.

He propped himself up, squinting against the bright morning light that filtered through the blinds, creating stripes on his tired face. As he rubbed his cheeks, he could feel the coarse stubble reminding him that he needed to shave before heading out. A new day was dawning, bringing along the duties tied to his badge. Among these duties was the need to maintain a polished appearance, avoiding the scruffy look of a rookie with a five o'clock shadow.

The bed's soft embrace beckoned him, and he burrowed further beneath the comforter, clinging to the last traces of warmth before he had to face another long day in Mournstead. But he couldn’t stay hidden forever. With a small groan, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and winced at the chill of the floor. He trudged through the usual routine: he washed up, shaved, and pulled on his uniform. Then, with a sigh that said everything, he made his way to the kitchen, steeling himself for whatever fresh nightmare the cursed town had waiting.

Silas would never label himself a coward. Instead, he considered himself cautious, someone who thought things through and didn’t leap into reckless risks. Why rush into something dangerous if you didn’t need to? Everyday troubles - speeding tickets, shoplifting - were simple. Those situations never posed a threat in Mournstead.

However, in a town where supernatural monsters made daily forays into the urban streets, when the stakes were higher and danger loomed closer, everything changed. Silas had his own way of handling trouble; he’d claim he was farther from the scene than he really was, maybe take a detour before answering a call.

Some cops loved the adrenaline, running straight toward chaos. Officer Vinicio, though, kept things low-key. He figured the others could handle the wild stuff just fine without him getting in the way. When things got ugly, he trusted his team to step up, even if he wasn’t there.

And honestly? It worked. Silas avoided the messiest situations, did his job somewhere else, and never risked more than he had to. That was exactly how he liked it.

After all, in this town, the urgency of a full-blown "all hands on deck" scenario was a myth. The monsters in the Vale of Hungry Shadows didn't travel in large packs, and situations never needed more than a couple of cops with their blessed silver bullets to take out some low level creature. The bigger monsters triggered the town's warning system, and only the Hunters responded to those situations. It helped that there was an odd calm spread like a cloud over the townsfolk, and while sometimes unsettled, they rarely descended into the kind of chaos that would require the entire force to mobilize. Not once in over three hundred years had a riot been recorded, which meant Silas could basically ignore things when the civvies did get up to shenanigans.

On a typical afternoon in Mournstead, Officer Vinicio usually found himself at the frontline of a different kind of battle - one fought not with flashing lights and sirens, but with patience and understanding. Someone had to handle the less-than-glorious tasks from non-emergency phone calls that came in. The phones rang incessantly, each call pulling him deeper into a web of community quirks and complaints. At this point, Silas had an actual tally card on hand.

Someone had to tell the senile old Bernice McDaniel for the twenty-sixth time that children were allowed to play in their own yards. Vinicio had to reassure her that the sound of laughter was permitted during early afternoon hours and did not break any laws. Just because McDaniel's neurotic Jollin barked with every playful shriek, it did not mean that the police were needed to silence the children.

Vinicio also had to remind the entitled Allan Frederick that Mournstead did not have a Home Owners Association, nor were there any town ordinances about lawn height. Nobody cared about a neighbor's grass being a quarter of an inch too long, or too brown, or too green, or too patchy with weeds. Like it or not, the police were not going to harass a neighbor because Mr. Frederick had other opinions. He was on his third talking to; one more and he would be cited for misuse of emergency services, which would result in a tantrum worthy of a toddler. Silas would be the one to bear the annoyance of sticking him in a temporary cell until he wore himself out, accepted that the world wouldn't end over a lawn, and paid the fines for his disturbance.

Silas felt a sense of duty to take on these less-than-heroic calls. While other officers dealt with the action-packed emergencies - chases, arrests, and the thrill of real crimes - he embraced the mundane. Someone had to be the voice of reason, the calming presence, the one willing to say, “Yes, this is okay. Our intervention is not needed,” when the low-key drama unfolded in the neighborhoods.

Taking a deep breath, Silas grabbed his phone, his heart sinking as he read the messages from the station. Sergeant Silvia Holan had summoned him to her office as soon as he arrived - never a good sign.

His stomach rumbled, prompting her to whip up some toast and cereal in a hurry. He scarfed it down, understanding the importance of eating, especially with the unpredictability of the day ahead. The kitchen was still messy, which he hadn't gotten around to cleaning up yet, with the smell of last night's dinner still lingering in the air. He poured himself a cup of coffee and took a sip, the bitter liquid was hot on his tongue and joltied him awake more effectively than any sunrise.

Officer Vinicio picked up his keys, feeling the heavy weight of anxiety like a man walking to his execution as he stepped into the brisk morning air. His patrol car sat waiting in the driveway, and he slid into the driver's seat, its leather seats already sticky with the promise of a long, hot shift ahead. The engine rumbled to life, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood. In just a little while, people would start leaving for work, but for now he was the only one moving, and the only one facing whatever fate had in store for him today.

The ride to the station was a trip filled with well-known landmarks: the park where kids laughed in the morning sun, the diner that always had that greasy aroma wafting through the air, and the town hall that had been a fixture for ages. He was familiar with every street and alley in town, maybe even more than the postman.

But today, something felt different. The usual landmarks seemed a little darker, a little more ominous. This unsettling feeling had only intensified after receiving the Sergeant's orders.

* * *

"Sarge, this has to be some kind of joke, right?" he asked, trying to keep his voice light.

Sergeant Silvia Holan's expression didn't change, "No, this isn’t a joke. I'm assigning you a partner. From this moment on, when you're on duty, we're going to make sure you stay there."

Officer Vinicio could feel his face getting warm. "Wait, what? Are you really saying I'm dodging my responsibilities? I’ve never..." He stopped, the words stuck in his throat at Sergeant Holan's expression. Silas had always been skilled at concealing his fears and avoidance with his level headed reputation, but perhaps the sergeant had seen through his facade.

"The GPS doesn't lie, Vinicio," Silvia's voice was stern. "I’ve got a record of where your car was during those emergency calls, and they don't match up with the times and locations you've reported back."

The room went silent as the blood drained from Silas' face.

The sergeant looked at her pale officer with a serious expression. "Listen up, Silas. I’m going to be straight with you. You have three options ahead of you." She held up a finger for each. "First, get your act together and start responding to calls that could be risky. It’s what every other cop does, so it’s not too much to ask. That's your best choice."

Silvia's expression turned grave. "The second option? You could lose your job and your pension if you don’t start stepping up."

She paused, visibly swallowing. "The third..." Her voice thickened. She took a moment to gather her thoughts and then said slowly, "The third is that you'll end up face-to-face with Vyces or one of her platoon."

Officer Vinicio croaked, "Vyces?" The name of the town's most dreaded monster made his stomach churn and left a foul taste in his mouth. Trying to inject some bravado into his tone, he scoffed, "Ridiculous! I never walk the beat in remote spots, and I definitely don’t park my patrol car where I could end up alone after dark."

Sergeant Holan leaned back in her chair, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment. "You think hiding behind the wheel of that tin can makes you safe?" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Vyces can get to you in your own home, no matter how many doors and windows you lock. We've seen the evidence on those calls you decided not to show up for." She shook her head in disgust. "What you're doing is not policing, Vinicio. It's pure cowardice, and it's the very first sin on the list. If you keep this up, it's going to get you killed."

Silas's eyes went wide as the sergeant's words registered, freezing him in place.

Holan's voice was as cold and implacable as ice. "Now, your cowardice stops immediately. We can't lose another officer." Silvia looked briefly pained, but quickly composed herself. "A new officer has transferred to town and she's on active duty as of today. Her name is Audrey Jones, and she's from the city of Darkside. Audrey has years of experience dealing with dangerous situations and creatures. She can provide the experience and backup you need to build your confidence and get motivated."

The sergeant exhaled deeply and continued, "Look, you know this town like the back of your hand. You’re familiar with all the shortcuts," she shot a quick glare at Silas, who quickly looked away. "While she's giving you some backbone, you can help her become familiar with the alternate routes through town. Just so you know, Officer Vinicio, this partnership is important for both of you. The town’s safety and your own well-being are on the line."

Silas felt a knot form in his stomach. A transfer from Darkside? The town was renowned for the bravery of its officers, though they usually faced wild animals and the dangers of living near a volcano, not with supernatural beasts that shrugged off regular bullets. It was like bringing in a Ruffie to teach bravery to a terrified Popoko while facing down a Mortiking.

Still, he nodded, realizing he had no choice. "Got it, sergeant," he said quietly.

Sergeant Holan called Officer Audrey Jones into the office. The door swung open, and Jones entered with confidence, her boots echoing on the linoleum floor. Officer Jones had an athletic build, her lean muscles a result of years of training. Her eyes were a steely gray with just a hint of blue, giving her a serious yet kind look. She didn't look like someone who would shy away from a challenge. Her black hair was cut short, and she had the vibe of someone always ready for action. But it was her smile that caught Silas off guard - a warm, genuine smile that seemed at odds with the serious way she entered.

They exchanged a handshake, her grip strong and friendly, before stepping out of the sergeant's office.

As they made their way to the patrol car, Silas scowled and said, "No offense, but I don't want a partner to act as a crutch. I'm sure you're a great cop, but I work better on my own."

"None taken, I assure you," Audrey's response was almost carefree. "But I'm not here for you to lean on, Vinicio. I'm here to watch your back. We're in this together now." She paused, her expression turning serious, "And if what I've heard in the briefing is true, we're going to need each other."

Silas's scowl deepened as she spoke, "I'm afraid everything they've told you is true. In fact, I doubt they covered everything in only a week of onboarding, so it's probably worse than you've been told." He gestured grimly around them. "This place is a veritable smorgasbord for anything that swims, crawls, or flies. And guess what? We humans are the ones laid out for their buffet."

She flashed him a crooked grin and said, "Alright, then let's find a way to get the civilians off the table."

Audrey's unshakable optimism felt wildly out of place in the nonstop horror of the monster-infested town. Yet Silas chose not to dampen his companion's spirits - the town's terrors would soon provide that reality check. Audrey was a genuinely likable woman, and Officer Vinicio already dreaded watching this place destroy her spirit, likely sooner rather than later.

Climbing into the patrol car, he felt the vehicle's confines even more constricting with Audrey beside him. Her excitement was obvious, completely opposite to the anxiety swirling inside him. Audrey was accustomed to the faster pace of city life and seemed to be always prepared to jump into action at a moment's notice. As they pulled out of the station's lot, her eager eyes scanned the town, soaking in the scenery with a level of enthusiasm Silas hadn’t experienced in ages.

It was their first day on the job, and luckily, it promised to be a long and uneventful one. The previous night’s storm had knocked down quite a few trees around town, and the one they were tasked with was a huge maple that had toppled right at the entrance of a neighborhood. Its branches stretched across the road like a giant's arms, restricting traffic. Sweat started to form on his forehead as they got out of the car and put on their reflective vests; morning commute, and already the day felt like a hot one.

Audrey took a good look around, her eyes focused and calculating. "Seems like we’re in for a bit of a wait," she remarked, her tone steady and relaxed. "The town crew has plenty of trees to chop down before they can reach us, plus we’ve got two rush hours to deal with."

Silas nodded, doing his best to mask his relief. This was the kind of work he liked: simple, ordinary, and totally devoid of the creepy supernatural stuff that haunted the Vale and its town. "Yeah, probably," he agreed, his voice a touch too cheerful. "Storms always bring the same predictable chaos. Sometimes I think there’s just one chainsaw budgeted for the entire town."

Audrey snorted in amusement as they set up cones and unfolding the barricades with flashing lights, their movements almost comforting in their predictability. The morning traffic was rerouted around the big tree, and thankfully, there was just enough room for cars to squeeze through in a single line.

As the sun rose higher, the hours slowly dragged on. When traffic slowed, Audrey ordered lunch and drinks, which a teenager on a bicycle soon delivered. The sandwiches and sports drinks were quickly consumed.

As the sun began to set, commuters were once again directed around the same tree they had navigated that morning. Officer Vinicio grew tired and irritable, but was still grateful this was how he was spending his day. Tree removal always took all day, with the creatures usually absent on these occasions. Nights were a different story, but the town crew usually finished up by or just after curfew.

The air grew thick and heavy with humidity, scented by pine and earth as the warm summer day faded.

He found himself glancing toward the forest's edge, searching for any movement among the trees. Fear began to prickle along his skin. Shadows were always in motion in that damnable place, so the slightest shift caught his attention. But the mention of Vyces had his anxiety peaking, and he couldn’t help but keep an eye out for the figure of the Nightmare Telenine.

As the sun sank toward the horizon and darkness began to press in, the once-routine task of directing traffic around a fallen tree felt less and less safe. The town had implemented a curfew for a reason: night was when things got really hairy. Or scaly. Or whatever. Even officers weren't supposed to be on foot unless they were explicitly on a job. Granted, Silas and Audrey were still working, which provided some level of protection. To Vyces' demons, there was a line between breaking curfew out of necessity and violating it out of Pride. Silas had no clue how the damn beasts could tell the difference, but their judgment was oddly accurate.

As the shadows lengthened, Silas wasn’t the only one feeling a bit anxious. Audrey started to frown, her brow furrowed with concern, and hit the button on her radio. “Dispatch, what’s the ETA for those city workers?” she inquired. Her tone was calm, but Officer Vinicio could catch a slight edge of tension when she added, “It’s getting dark.”

"Just fifteen minutes," came the reassuring reply. "They’re just clearing a tree off a roof. You’ll be back on the road in under an hour. Stay strong, Jones. You’re not being overlooked."

Officer Jones let out a relieved sigh and glanced at Silas. "Orientation made sure I got to see photographs in graphic detail of what happens at the scene of an attack," she mentioned, and Silas grimaced in remembrance. Audrey continued, reaching up to fiddle with the talisman hanging from her neck, adding, "I even got one of these before I finished unpacking from the moving truck." She paused, his expression turning serious. "This place has a different kind of scary vibe than Darkside, and I definitely don’t want to run into whatever’s hiding in the Vale."

Silas gestured for another car to pass and said, "Tell me about it." It was good to see Audrey treating the Vale with the seriousness it deserved. "You remember the drill, right?"

Audrey nodded, and she recited in perfect tandem with him, "Keep moving, don't look back, and pray to whatever gods you believe in that you don't meet Vyces."

The after-work crowd started to clear out, and the congestion began to ease. Streetlights flickered to life, casting a soft urban glow over the deepening twilight. The rumble of engines grew less frequent, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves. The once-bustling streets felt oddly quiet, a sharp change from the lively town they had experienced just a few hours before. The temperature dropped as dark rain clouds rolled in overhead, carrying the promise of a long, wet night ahead.

The serene quiet was suddenly shattered by the deep, guttural sound of a heavy-duty city truck approaching from within the town. The sound grew steadily louder, and Silas spotted the headlights cutting through the gloom, shining on the road like two bright beacons of hope. A wave of relief washed over him: help was finally coming.

The truck rumbled to a halt, and several burly men in reflective vests hopped out. The halogen lights on the vehicle flickered to life, casting a stark glow over the fallen maple. The scene transformed from one of foreboding to one of industrious efficiency. The revving of two chainsaws echoed through the night, was music to their ears, marking the end of their vigil.

Oh, so the town splurged on two chainsaws now. Silas thought dryly. Woo hoo.

Audrey gave a friendly wave to the workers as they came closer, her smile widening with relief. The foreman, a gruff-looking man named Nikolas Buckley, nodded in acknowledgment and got right to work with his crew. The loud buzz of the chainsaws and the scent of gasoline felt strangely reassuring, reminding them of the civilized world that sheltered them from the haunted woods.

The streets were nearly deserted by this point, leaving the two of them to guide a final car around the scene. Officer Vinicio started to catch glimpses of movement that seemed larger than usual among the nearby trees. He felt heat begin to rise from his talisman, and he spun toward the forest, hand on his gun. A gasp of terror burst out of him, but the sound was lost beneath the roar of the chainsaws. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. The talisman he wore around his neck stayed warm, and he swiped at the beads of sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand.

The city workers wrapped up their job, loading the last of the fallen tree into the trailer within an hour. Nikolas slapped the side of the truck, a gesture that carried more warning than farewell. "Get home safe," he called out as the truck and its crew drove away.

Officer Jones started picking up the cones, moving quickly and smoothly. Silas felt a surge of urgency and hurried to assist her, his anxiety rising as the darkness deepened. They needed to escape, to reach the safety of town before it was too late. He snatched the barriers and folded them up with shaky hands, collapsing them and packing them away as quickly as he could without fumbling.

The setting sun had faded into a dim twilight as they cleared the last of the flashing lights and cones from the street. The trunk banged shut just a heartbeat before a distant howl pierced the air. It was a sound that sent a chill down the spine of even the bravest souls in Mournstead. This was a noise that had haunted his nightmares for years - the unmistakable wail of the hellhound: Vyces. Everyone recognized that sound and understood its significance.The insects that had been serenading them since the sun had started to set, all fell silent. Officer Vinicio's talisman abruptly heated up, becoming almost too hot for comfort. Silas knew what that meant, and he felt his mouth go dry.

Officer Jones' eyes snapped to his, her expression concerned. "Is that who I think it is?" she murmured.

Officer Vinicio nodded mutely.

Audrey's hand hovered near her gun, the reflex that seemed almost too casual. "I don't like that," she murmured, eyes narrowed as she searched the tree line for any sign of movement. "We'd better move."

The storm clouds overhead weren't thick enough to completely obscure the moon yet, and a reddish tinge began to seep into the darkness. Silas glanced up, a chill of dread creeping down his spine. The moon, once shining bright and full with a cool blue-white light, had transformed into a deep red. Crimson energy began to swirl around the celestial body like water circling a drain.

Terror motivated Silas to sprint to the patrol car. His hands shook as he struggled with the keys, but soon enough, the engine roared to life. Once Audrey was inside and securely buckled, he put the car in gear.

There was another howl, suddenly far too close for comfort. The warning system kicked in; a siren wailing to life and lights started flashing. If you were driving in the area lit up by those lights, an immediate evacuation order was given. For anyone on foot, the instruction was to find shelter in the nearest building.

Officer Vinicio cursed under his breath and floored the accelerator. The patrol car's tires spun for a moment on the asphalt before gaining traction, and then it zoomed down the street. The engine's roar was nearly overshadowed by the siren's mournful wail.

As he put distance between himself and the scene where the tree had fallen, Silas's talisman cooled down against his skin. The forest's edge receded behind them and the tension in his chest eased, though he wasn't ready to completely relax just yet.

The sound of the siren faded away, lost in the distance behind them as night truly began to settle in. The patrol car's headlights pushed back the long shadows that clung to the pavement ahead. They had protocols for this - procedures drilled into every officer from day one: when Vyces was on the prowl, you didn't go looking for trouble. You let her take her prey and prayed it wasn't someone you knew or cared about. It was a harsh reality, but one they had grown accustomed to. Heroics and hot-shot stunts had no place in Mournstead. Trying to find the monster before she found her victim only made you the next target.

The radio remained silent, with no reports of a new victim coming through. The two officers exhaled with relief. So far, so good - neither was eager to turn back. It felt like the night’s chaos had settled down... until something darted out in front of the patrol car.

Officer Jones shouted in alarm while Officer Vinicio cursed, slammed on the brakes, and swerved. The creature was so close that it disappeared below the edge of the hood. The brakes locked and the tires fought for traction as the vehicle fishtailed, half-turning to face the trees lining the road. The vehicle finally stopped on the shoulder, the motor dying after one last jarring lurch.

Adrenaline surging, Officer Vinicio craned his neck, searching for the animal that had just vanished from view.

"Did you hit it?" Jones asked, a little breathlessly.

"No, I'm positive I didn't, but it was so close that I'm not sure how I avoided it," Vinicio admitted. "It looked... wrong somehow."

"Wrong in what way?" Officer Jones asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not entirely sure; I only caught a glimpse of it. But it seemed distorted somehow, like it was surrounded by a fog that blurred its outline." Officer Vinicio explained.

"It was likely just a trick of the shadows," Officer Jones reassured him. Then, with a hint of teasing, he added, "Or maybe it startled you so much that you didn't see it clearly. The important thing is that we're safe, and you didn't hit anything."

"No, the important thing is that I need to change my pants," Officer Vinicio retorted.

The two officers exchanged a glance before bursting into relieved laughter, releasing the fear and tension brought on by the frightening encounter.

Officer Vinicio exhaled deeply, a mix of relief and frustration washing over her as the adrenaline faded. "Some people have no business owning pets," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice laced with emotion. "The last thing we need tonight is breaking the news to someone that their cherished Rover isn't coming back."

Audrey reached out and gave his shoulder a gentle pat, her expression sympathetic. "I'm with you on this one, completely. Tell you what, why don't I drive us back to the station? You sound a bit shaken up."

"I'm... Actually, no, I'm not okay," Officer Vinicio confessed. He paused, then said, "Yeah, let's switch. We can check the front just to make sure the Telenine isn't standing frozen, two inches from the bumper or something."

"Telenine, huh? Looks like you caught a better view than I did," Audrey said while unbuckling his seatbelt. Silas did the same but then she stopped him, worry etched on her face. "Could it have been Vyces?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Fear flickered in his stomach for a moment, but he quickly dismissed it. "We're miles from the scene and well into town," he said, popping the driver's door open. "She'd have to somehow outrun a speeding patrol car and navigate the streets to get ahead of us."

Audrey pulled his flashlight from her hip and hopped out to approach the front of the patrol car, sweeping the bumper and grill with the beam. "No sign of Rover," she reported as her partner joined her. "And you're right, we didn't hit anything. There's no blood, fur, or dents - it's like the pup vanished into thin air. Is he some kind of ninja, or just insanely lucky to have dodged a vehicle traveling at fifty-five miles per hour?"

Officer Jones faced the shadows and let out a cheerful whistle, "Come here, buddy! Who's a good dog? Ready for a ride?" She punctuated the invitation with a few gentle pats on her thighs.

Silas and his companion listened for the happy jingle of a collar and tags, or the scramble of paws on loose earth that would signal a pet coming toward them. Not a single huff of doggy breath could be heard. The fresh, pine-scented breeze lightly caressed their faces, but the lonely stretch of road was unnaturally silent.

Normally, every damn insect in the county would be singing like Elvis Presley this time of year. The houses glowed from the inside, yet the yards were left empty and there wasn't a sound except for the breeze occasionally stirring the leaves on the trees. The stillness gave him the creeps, an unsettling feeling that refused to fade and kept his heart racing. Silas felt a shiver run down his spine, making him rub his arms to dispel the goosebumps and chase away the sudden chill. A creeping sense of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Then, he realized that the red light hadn't faded. Anxiously he looked up. The moon was still blood red, surrounded by slowly swirling energies. They were, somehow, still in range of Lieutenant Vyces.

Another piercing howl cut through the darkness, now way too close for comfort. It sounded like the hellhound was in the easement, just barely out of sight by a distance measured in feet. Silas jumped about a foot in the air, while Audrey swept her flashlight through the shadows, hunting for any sign of the creature. The sudden, unsettling feeling that they were being watched crawled up their spines. Officer Vinicio felt his talisman grow warm once more.

Officer Vinicio swore softly. "Jones? I think we'd better get our butts back into the patrol car," he hissed.

"Yeah, maybe we should," Audrey sounded uneasy as the echoes of the howl faded.

The siren started up again, and lights flashed around them as the warning system activated once more. The two exchanged looks of horror, switched sides, and slammed their doors shut simultaneously.

Audrey fired up the engine, and it roared to life without a hitch, thank goodness. She backed out onto the road, while Silas did his best to shake off the creeping anxiety that was settling in. "How? How on Subeta did Vyces catch up to a speeding vehicle so quickly?" he wondered aloud.

"Maybe it wasn't Vyces? Maybe it was just feral?" Audrey's voice held a hint of desperation as she grasped at the possibility. "Could it be just a lonely stray that never found a loving home?"

The patrol car quickly picked up speed, the flashing lights and siren's warning fading into the distance behind them. Silas's talisman grew cool as they put distance behind them, but he was no longer fooled. The moon stayed red above them, and the night was still tinted crimson.

Vinicio shrugged, not sounding too convincing even to his own ears. "She might have been, but my talisman started heating up while we were out there. Even wild animals don’t do that."

Jones' voice was grave as she asked, "Your talisman? Mine was totally cold. Are you saying the Telenine was targeting you?"

Vinicio shivered a bit and flicked on the heater, hoping to shake off the chill that felt like it was wrapping around him. "Yes," he said. "It was Vyces. She really is after me."

Officer Jones' voice was strained as she swore, "Is there something we can do? Keep driving? Go to the Hunters?"

Silas's response was a dry, mirthless laugh. "No. Once you are actively being hunted, there's no escape."

Audrey felt helplessness and frustration building inside her. This was Bovyne crap. Complete and utter Bovyne crap. She had just been paired with her partner and he was already telling her that he was going to die, here and now, with no chance for safety. She reached down and unsnapped the strap over her gun. If Vyces was going to attack, Officer Jones was determined to to put a few bullets into that damned hellhound.

The patrol car rumbled steadily down the road for a few more miles. Then the siren began to wail again, and the flashing lights came to life; but this time, it was ahead of them.

Officer Vinicio frantically radioed back to the station, reporting the presence of Vyces in three locations and the activation of her talisman. Just as she wrapped up the call, a massive, dark, four-legged creature sprang off the embankment in front of them, barreling straight for the vehicle. Its black eyes shone brightly, and the pure white fangs of the Telenine lit up in the headlights as she leaped into the air, aiming directly for the windshield.

A panicked swear burst from Silas' lips over the open channel as he slammed the emergency button on the dashboard, triggering a pre-recorded distress signal to dispatch. Audrey cursed under her breath and attempted to swerve, but it was already too late. The Telenine slammed bodily into the reinforced windshield, turning the bullet-resistant glass into a web of cracks that made it almost impossible to see through.

The patrol car careened out of control, crashing loudly into a tree. The impact deployed the airbags, and the air filled with the acrid smell of burning rubber. Officer Vinicio pushed himself away from the airbag after his face hit it and began coughing from the powder that had puffed up from the safety cushion. Their seatbelts had locked tight, holding them securely in place upon impact.

The black silhouette that was sprawled across the spider webbed windshield rolled upright, and leaped off the hood of the car with no sign of injuries. Jones couldn't be sure, but she didn't think there was a single drop of blood smeared across the glass. Her half-dazed thoughts couldn't comprehend the impossibility of it all. Everything bled, didn't it? How could a living being nearly crash through bulletproof glass and walk away unscathed?

Officer Vinicio let out a raspy gasp. "Cheese and rice... How...?" The words barely escaped his lips before the passenger side door was ripped clean off the patrol car.

The Telenine's snarl echoed as she seized Silas by the throat, yanking him from the vehicle, silencing his scream in an instant.

Audrey shouted his name in horror and frantically struggled to escape the patrol car. She ripped her Glock from its holster and rushed around the vehicle. "My God, the car is still in gear!" she realized with growing panic. The door should have been locked and his seatbelt was still fastened. How could this happen?

Officer Audrey Jones felt her mind racing, but she kept her cool, gun gripped tightly in her hand. Before her, the damned beast loomed over Officer Vinicio's lifeless form, smoke curling up from where her paw was resting on his chest, a sinister red glow pulsing on Silas' forehead.

Without a second thought, Audrey steadied her aim and pulled the trigger three times at the beast. The Telenine yelped as the blessed ammunition hit her broadside, punching holes into her dark, unnatural flesh. With a snarl, she pivoted to face Audrey, only to catch a fourth bullet right between the eyes. Impossibly, the beast let out a final roar at her before turning and loping into the darkness. She paused once, for half a heartbeat, to cough. There was a faint ping of metal hitting the asphalt, and then Vyces was gone.

Watching where the beast had vanished, Officer Jones knelt next to his partner's body, reaching out in vain hope that he was somehow still alive. Her heart sank as she noticed her vacant eyes and the word "Coward" was cut into his forehead. A still-smoking paw print marked his uniform, burned deep into his chest.

Vyces had claimed his soul; he was gone. The siren's wail soon faded into silence, as the flashing lights extinguished one by one. The crimson light faded, and the full moon soon shone down on the lone officer, standing helplessly next to her partner's body.

The area was lit up by flashing red and blue lights from several police cars. Huddled in a blanket, Officer Audrey Jones stared vacantly into the distance, her gaze unfocused.

"Officer Jones?" Hunter Richard from Bravo Team approached Audrey, speaking softly.

"I shot her." Jones' eyes were haunted and uncomprehending as she recounted the events. "I shot Lieutenant Vyces four times with blessed silver bullets, but she just... kept going. I saw the bullet wounds, and they seemed to only piss her off." Her voice was tinged with a mix of disbelief and dread.

Hunter Richard grimaced and sat down next to Jones, offering companionship on a human level. "There was nothing you could have done to protect him. It was out of your hands."

"Then what good are these bullets?" Jones shouted, causing Richard to wince at the volume. "You told me these were the best defenses the force could have, with the power to stop a Zentu and the magic to straight up kill just about anything from the Vale!"

Richard let out a sigh. "Officer Jones, they are. The important part is 'just about anything.' Most of the monsters from the Vale can be avoided by wearing a talisman, keep your eyes peeled, and don’t act like easy prey." He paused, then added, "Do me a favor and take a look at these."

Trembling, Officer Jones held out her hand as Richard deposited several items into it: Silas's blackened talisman and four spent silver bullets.

Audrey examined the bullets, brow furrowed. Something seemed off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Then it hit her. "Wait, they're not deformed!" she gasped. "Bullets always deform in bodies when they hit flesh and bone."

Richard nodded solemnly. "The creature that took down Officer Vinicio isn't your typical monster made of flesh and blood. It’s more like she's made of ballistic gel or something along those lines. The point is, you can't kill her. We've tried so hard every time we encounter one, but even we can't kill them. They're the reason the Sins and Vices lists are plastered all over this town, as laid out by Vyces herself. Fortunately, many citizens in Mournstead are safe because they’ve been brought up to steer clear of sin."

Officer Jones sighed, sounding defeated. "So you're saying that Officer Vinicio had his soul devoured because he was guilty of some arbitrary crime, made up by some demented monster?"

A decade of exhausted resignation weighed on Hunter Richard's voice as he spoke. "In short, that's exactly what I'm saying. We still don't know what causes some people to succumb to them. It's common knowledge that Vyces and her platoon of monsters will come for them, yet there are always a few who either forget or just choose to ignore the rules. Vyces and her platoon are decimating the town's population, and somehow, new people or families keep showing up to take their place."

Jones stared in horror. "So, I was transferred here because my predecessor was murdered?"

Richard didn't say anything. He didn't have to.

Audrey's voice was laced with desperation as she demanded, "What happens if I just pack up and leave? Just... quit and drive away?"

The Hunter's laugh was a quiet, bitter sound. "Go ahead," he said softly, "give it a try. You wouldn't be the first to think you could escape the Vale's hunger." He shook his head, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "You wouldn't last more than a week. Nobody does. They fall asleep on the seventh day, and wake up back in the homes they abandoned, with no memory of how they got back there. No matter how far they travel, no matter how fast they drive, the Vale drags them back. Run away too many times, and you'll fall into Cowardice."

Officer Jones' gaze unwillingly settled on the Corpse Bearers as they wrapped Silas's body in a tarp for transport. She didn't need to be told what would happen then. "So... what now? I just started this job in this town, only to lose my brand-new partner just hours later? My first damn day on the job! What was the point of any of this? I was supposed to help him, to get him out of Vyces' sights!" Audrey looked around for something to throw, but her options were limited to her radio, her gun, or the blanket - none of which seemed appropriate.

Richard's face fell, a look of sheer horror spreading across his features. "Today?" he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "You were paired today?"

Officer Jones eyed him sharply. "What's with that expression?" she demanded.

The Hunter swallowed hard, then cleared his throat nervously. "Don't...don't worry about it right now," he said.

Audrey's brow furrowed as she regarded the Hunter's reaction. "Come on!" she snarled. "Something I said obviously scared the crap out of you. What is it?"

Richard's voice was rough with fear, "This place has its own set of rules that every monster sticks to, but something's shifting... messing with those rules. If the guilty take the right steps, they can find a sort of forgiveness. It’s not easy and takes time, but it’s possible. Officer Silas Vinicio was paired with you because he was guilty of Cowardice. Just being paired with you should have given him time to escape the Vyces' clutches. You could have helped him."

"It didn’t give him any extra time," Officer Jones frowned. "She got him anyway."

Richard's voice carried a note of nausea as he spoke, "You're right: it didn't buy him time. That means the forest is getting worse."

He fell silent for a long moment before continuing in tones of deep, terrible sadness, "Officer Audrey Jones, I'm so sorry you were dragged into this hellhole. You're caught up in a battle we're bound to lose."

II.

The Deadly Sins: listed by Vyces, clarified and updated by the Hunters

1. Cowardice - Cowardice is characterized by its clever, subtle, and deceptive nature. It manifests when individuals avoid confronting challenges; they will simply choose not to take action, refrain from taking a stand, or even speak out against injustices. Cowards come up with clever excuses or rationalizations to mask their underlying fear, so that their failure to act seems to be a calculated decision. Cowardice can also conceal itself behind admirable qualities like humility, common sense, intelligence, or a reasonable sense of pride.

Additional note by Hunter Marcus: It is important to note that reasonable fear is not a sin. Choosing not to recklessly leap into obvious danger that could result in serious harm or death is fair and sensible. Also, the natural reactions of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn aren’t part of cowardice; they’re just instinctive responses to real threats or trauma.

2. Pride - Pride, often called vainglory or hubris, is seen by many as the most serious of the seven deadly sins. Basically, it’s all about loving your own greatness a bit too much. Those who exhibit pride tend to be self-centered, constantly boasting about their accomplishments and seeking the spotlight in conversations or situations, often at the cost of others. "I've talked about how great I am, do you want a turn at telling me how great I am?" is somewhat hyperbole, but a good example of Pride's sinful side. This behavior can manifest in both overt and subtle ways, but regardless of its form, it tends to be quite harmful. It creates this mindset of "as I become superior, you become inferior."

Many believe that pride is the root cause of various other sins and unethical actions. It can be tricky to spot since it often lurks in the shadows of a person's mind. Some telltale signs of pride include prioritizing oneself over others at all times, ignoring the needs and viewpoints of those around them, resenting healthy boundaries, taking credit for someone else's achievements, and viewing oneself as superior in some manner. These traits can create a toxic environment, both for the individual and those they interact with.

That said, there’s a healthy type of pride too - like when you feel proud of the skills and experiences you’ve worked hard to develop throughout your life. Celebrating those accomplishments is totally okay! Criticizing this kind of pride only undermines the value of human effort and achievement. While it’s true that overconfidence can lead to tragedy, too little confidence can also prevent people from reaching their full potential. If people don’t recognize their own achievements, they might forget that it’s up to them to keep striving and succeed down the line. The key difference is understanding that having skills doesn’t mean you’re the center of the universe - it’s about finding a balance.

Additional note by Hunter Marcus: Rest assured, LGBTQ+ Pride is the celebration of culture and community, and as such, Vyces has never shown an interest in Pride celebrations.

3. Gluttony - Gluttony is all about overindulgence - consuming far more than we actually need, often leading to waste. It’s not just about eating too much; it can also mean using up excessive amounts of resources like water, food, or energy. People who indulge in gluttony might also go all out on extravagant meals or hoard excessive amounts of things, whether it’s cars, excessive wealth, or even multiple homes.

This tendency reflects a excessive materialism, and it's one of the easiest vices for people to fall into in our consumer-driven society. We’re never truly satisfied with what we have and even when we think we've had enough, there's still that nagging desire for more. These behaviors are a stark reminder that unchecked gluttony is not how our community, or even our personal well-being, is meant to be treated. You could say the phrase "glutton for punishment" is pretty spot-on in these situations!

4. Wrath - Wrath is an intense, uncontrolled anger that can spiral into rage or even hatred, often fueling a thirst for vengeance. It's considered a deadly sin because this overpowering feeling can lead to destructive thoughts, hurtful words, and harmful actions. What really distinguishes wrath from regular anger is its complete lack of reason or balance. You see it in things like road rage, violent crime, getting super impatient in long grocery lines, or lashing out at someone who says something offensive.

No matter what sets it off, wrath often goes hand in hand with pride. People love to justify their “justified” anger, which shows just how hard it is to think clearly when you’re caught up in that storm of rage. Wrath is like a toxic substance that gradually eats away at your spirit, slowly eroding the soul and transforming it into something chaotic and unpredictable. When you let this kind of rage take over, making good decisions becomes nearly impossible.

5. Greed - Greed is like this never-ending appetite for more - whether it's money, fame, or power, it’s all about putting ourselves first. While it's perfectly normal to want things for a stable, comfortable life, greed pushes individuals to obsessively pursue more than they actually need. This excessive desire can make people envious of what others have, often leading to theft, robbery, and fraud.

The effects of greed can ripple out and harm those around us, as you can't really accumulate wealth without taking it from someone else. When someone lets greed take over, it shapes how a person views themselves and others, clouding their judgment and eroding their empathy, respect, and compassion. It might even blur their sense of right and wrong, along with their need for genuine connections. The nature of greed is such that it only grows: the more you get, the more you crave.

6. Lust - Lust, often referred to as hedonism, is frequently considered the least serious of the seven deadly sins. However, just because it’s viewed that way doesn’t mean it can’t cause real problems. Lust goes beyond just sexual desire; it can also show up as an unquenchable thirst for wealth, power, status, or any kind of physical pleasure. At its core, lust is a self-centered urge to pursue those fleeting pleasures.

When consumed by Lust, we dehumanize others, viewing them as mere means to satisfy our own selfish desires without regard for their inherent worth and dignity. It’s similar to greed; neither sex nor money is bad in itself, but when we pursue them mindlessly and at others' expense, it becomes a problematic habit that just keeps getting worse, all while we ignore the fallout. In the end, lust acts like a spiritual cancer, reducing people to mere objects and putting our temporary desires above everything else.

7. Sloth - Sloth is often mistaken for simple laziness, but it is the most misunderstood of the Seven Deadly Sins. In reality, sloth manifests as a pervasive apathy - a complete disregard for what truly matters, and a lack of concern for oneself and others. When sloth takes hold, it can make everything feel pointless, causing even the most important aspects of life to lose their significance. The slothful tend to overlook their own needs and responsibilities, and shy away from pitching in or being there for others.

It can also stem from an addiction to comfort, where people go out of their way to avoid anything that might challenge them or make them uncomfortable. This avoidance can lead to a temporary sense of relief, but it ultimately keeps them from addressing the underlying issues that contribute to their apathy. It’s a slippery slope where the desire to avoid discomfort can lead to a deeper sense of disconnection from what truly matters.

"Busyness" can also be a form of sloth, as it may involve occupying oneself with unnecessary tasks. Spending all day watching movies or TV may seem enjoyable, but it leaves chores unfinished and responsibilities ignored. Sloth causes us to fall behind.

Additional note by Hunter Marcus: Struggling with mental health challenges, like depression, it’s not the same as Sloth. While depression can make you feel indifferent about many things, it doesn't make it a moral failing. Mental illness can feel like a never-ending battle with an enemy you can’t fully defeat. If you’re not feeling motivated, it’s usually a sign that you just need to take a breather. Taking breaks is important for healing - it helps your mind and body recharge so you can deal with things one step at a time, whether it’s minute by minute, hour by hour, or day by day.

8. Envy -Envy is a smoldering desire to possess what others have - be it success, happiness, love, or a fulfilling life. Instead of seeking its own happiness, envy fixates on the idea snatching the good things away from others. It is a corrosive and isolating emotion, spawning a host of toxic emotions like hatred, bitterness, and cruelty. This is why Envy is often referred to as the "diabolical sin."

When someone is consumed by Envy, they struggle to feel good about themselves, constantly comparing their flaws to others’ success. Unlike jealousy, which can sometimes push people to make positive changes in their lives, envy festers and consumes. It’s not merely about wanting what someone else has; it’s about resenting them for having it in the first place, and seeks to punish them for having what the envious person feels they lack. Instead of inspiring admiration or motivation, envy drives a wedge between people, fostering a desire to tear down and destroy rather than striving for their own achievements. It’s like having an endless hole inside them that can never be filled, no matter how hard they try.

These definitions, while inspired by the sins listed in the Bible, are reinterpreted and may not match personal views. You may note that God is not mentioned in the sins: this is because the sins are not directly affiliated with God in this universe. They are sins as defined by the monstrous Vyces and her minions, who are corrupted entities created by a cursed forest.

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The Deadly Vices

1. Apathy - also referred to as indifference, is a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, or concern about something. The lack of care toward a person, situation or responsibility goes hand in hand with sloth. Example: you used to love playing the piano, but now don't care to.

2. Cruelty - callous indifference to, or taking pleasure in, causing pain and suffering. Cruelty takes different forms; against one another, against a different community, against a different tribe, against a different race or ethnic group, against different nationality, against the poor, and so on. It is the promotion of "otherness" and a perceived inferiority that helps to justify the behavior. Example: harming others for personal gain or even out of negligence.

3. Duplicity - also known as being two-faced, is when someone is deceitful in speech or conduct. Example: Though he said he didn't know anything about the footprints in the new sidewalk, his duplicity, or deceitfulness, was obvious from the cement caking his shoes. His mouth said one thing, his feet said another.

4. Hypocrisy - the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another. Example: People who tell you not to eat candy while they chomp away on licorice all day.

5. False Morality - claiming something is good and right, but actively works to have to opposite effect. Example: Someone publicly advocating for strong ethical principles like environmentalism, but then privately engaging in wasteful practices like excessive energy consumption or littering.

6. Abuse of Power - or abuse of authority, is the commission of an unlawful act, done in an official capacity, which affects the performance of official duties. Example: Using the authority of the police to harass and control instead of upholding the laws, protecting, and serving.

7. Cultivated Ignorance - the direct act of avoiding knowledge, or the spread of misleading or deliberately inaccurate information to mislead others. Example: Conspiracy theorists, flat earthers, and anti-vaxxers.

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Name: Vyces

Type: Hellhound Lieutenant

Alignment: Evil

Known Rules: Hunts people according to a set of Sins and Vices, which have been posted all over town in an effort to protect the people. Vyces rules over the sin of Cowardice and commands monsters that serve as soldiers in a platoon beneath her monstrous guidance. Her victims are forewarned by the sun or moon growing dim and turning red, as well as the world turning silent around them. She howls to announce that she is on the hunt, closing in rapidly on her victims regardless of the distance or speed that they happen to be traveling. Strong enough to rip car doors clean off, or simply passing through walls of houses, no one has yet survived an encounter once the hunt begins.

Combat: Prevention is the only escape. Once a person's talisman begins to grow warm, that is the first sign of danger, and the would-be victim can change their mindsets and turn from the sins with effort. Vyces is one of the strongest monsters the Vale has ever unleashed, and thus far, no one has been able to slay her or any member of her platoon.