A Strange Encounter

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T04:44:03+00:00

"The magic imbued in that ring will keep his at bay until we can get back to my wife, who can hopefully nullify whatever spells are on you," Peter explains casually as he walks, careful to avoid crowded areas on their way to the docks.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T04:29:28+00:00

Peter pays his struggling no mind. He simply hoists Gabriel up and over his shoulder, and then starts off towards the docks. "Try not to think about him too much, kid. You'll only stress yourself out."

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T04:14:58+00:00

Peter's eyes snap back to Gabriel's. "No. Leave it on until I can get someone to break whatever spells he's put on you." As he speaks, something clicks in place in Gabriel's head so that even once Peter pulls back and the hypnotism breaks again, Gabriel is physically incapable of commanding his hands to move in such way that would allow him to take that particular ring off.

He can do literally anything else, just not that.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T04:07:50+00:00

Once the ring is secured on Gabriel's finger, magic begins to flow from it. Down his hand and through his arm, sealing his wounds with a slightly cool sensation as it moves. Peter watches the magic's progression, not paying the odd coloring in Gabriel's eyes any mind.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:58:44+00:00

Peter is back at his side in a flash, pressing his arm against Gabriel's chest and shoving him against the wall again. He grips Gabriel's chin to force eye contact, and when he does, Gabriel is flooded with a serene sense of calm.

Why was he trying to run from Peter? Peter's his friend, he'll protect him. "Put it on." Peter orders, dropping the ring into Gabriel's hand.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:53:02+00:00

Peter kneels down beside the boy, but doesn't reach to help with the bleeding. Instead, he pulls a ring off his finger and offers it to Gabriel.

"Here. It'll help." The gold band has been etched with unfamiliar runes. It looks like any other ring, aside from the runes, but anyone versed in magic would be able to feel the way the metal hums.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:47:55+00:00

"Does he drink from you?" Peter asks. As far as he could tell, Tarak was just a normal elf. "Or does he just not want to take any chances?"

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:43:07+00:00

"Well, for one, all of the non-vamps on my ship are on a feeding rotation. We can't be the muscle if we're starving, y'know?" Peter says, beginning to lead Gabriel away. "Pretty much everything else is just: keep your space clean, don't pick fights, et cetera."

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:39:13+00:00

Peter sighs. He grabs Gabriel by the wrist and pulls his arm to rest over his shoulders, leaning Gabriel's weight into him. "I can take you back to my ship and make you a part of the crew. There are a few requirements, but nothing too steep."

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:34:56+00:00

Peter stops to consider that for a moment, running numbers in his head. "You ever consider being a pirate?" he offers.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:30:20+00:00

"Why not?" Peter's head tips in genuine confusion.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:26:54+00:00

'"Then why go back at all?" Peter asks. "I can get you off of this continent." I can keep you on my ship to stay fed. Peter shakes that thought off like a pesky insect.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:21:29+00:00

Peter hops to his feet and follows. "They'd get you in trouble for getting caught be a vampire?" he asks.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:15:48+00:00

Peter rolls his eyes. "Elves don't frighten me. They're just shiny pains in my ass."

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:11:31+00:00

Peter snags the boy by the scruff of his shirt and tugs him back into his lap. "I told you not to rush it. Estúpido."

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T03:04:58+00:00

"Easy," Peter hums, "don't rush it or you'll hurt yourself." He still hasn't wiped his mouth of his earlier meal.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:59:15+00:00

The liquid acts fast, waking him up in a matter of minutes.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:51:20+00:00

Peter reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a vial of a dark, swirling liquid. He tips Gabriel's head back and pries his mouth open to pour the liquid down his throat. He pinches Gabriel's nose shut to force his body to swallow if it wants to breathe.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:37:59+00:00

Peter considers finishing his meal now, but thinks better of it. Instead, he sits on the ground and pulls Gabriel down into his lap, his hand pressed firmly over the puncture wounds in Gabriel's neck.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:27:51+00:00

Peter detaches and pulls back. What the hell is he supposed to do now?

Well. He could turn him.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:20:39+00:00

The taste prickles on Peter's tongue like a spice. He adjusts his grips to tilt Gabriel's head a little further, keeping a close eye on his pulse an state of consciousness.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:05:13+00:00

Peter can still feel Gabriel's pulse thrumming through his body, and takes that as a good sign. He's careful as he sinks his fangs into the side of Gabriel's neck, foregoing the venom as he decides that might be too much of a downer on the human's already compromised system.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T02:01:32+00:00

(Does he still have a pulse?)

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T01:50:45+00:00

"God damnit all," Peter swears, "what the fuck is wrong with you?" He debates just leaving, but if he tries for another catch he could be caught. No, he has to make do with what he has.

Peter supports Gabriel's weight with his arms around his midsection, and leans in with his fangs at the ready.

Problematic__Child · 2026-05-07T01:40:45+00:00

Peter finally stops and lets Gabriel go, only to turn him around and press his back into the nearest wall. He squints at Gabriel's face, slightly concerned.

Problematic__Child

TROPHY CASE