Getting away from her deeper thoughts had become a habit she was ashamed of. Venom knew she needed to face her inner demons but the weak part of her continued to ignore it. One of the best ways was to spend time with Plague’s young brood. Watching him become a father had been nearly as rewarding of having puppies of her own. As usual Seere was the most exuberant and easy to find for a little adventure. She was going to need to assign them to mentors soon and if she could spend a little time with them it would be easier to make that decision.

Venom took the girl to the border of their pristine white forests, letting her enjoy a short patrol that evening. The girl’s energy and innocence help rejuvinate the Empress, and it was easy to wear a small smile as they went. The journey was uneventful as Venom expected, but they weren’t walking for any length of time before Venom heard a disruption ahead. Instinctively she reached out a paw to place in front of Seere’s chest so she stopped.

"Stop, do you hear that?” Venom asked almost in a whisper as her eyes narrowed. Was that a bear?



"Venom"

Seere prances along beside her auntie Venom, little legs lifting up high with each step. She had been picked to go on patrol with her favorite aunt and that is a job the girl is taking very seriously. Well, as seriously as the happy, excited pup can take it. Tail wags happily as they walk, little nose lifting to sniff the air whenever auntie does because it seems like the right thing to do. Tongue lolls out the side of her mouth while the corners are to be pulled up in a huge grin. Dad is going to be so proud of her! She is going to be a mighty warrior, just like him. Maybe, once she is a great fighter, mommy won’t be so afraid to leave the den. She will have a mighty Seere to defend her!

The pup imagines herself in bright armor while smacking away a huge bear that is getting ready to attack her mom when a pale paw stops her forward progress. Eyes snap up to her aunt, mouth closing with a clack, while her tail slows down. Her auntie poses a question in an almost whisper. Eyes dart around as she strains her small ears to find the sound that Venom hears. To be fair, she would have to dead or completely deaf to not hear the commotion the bear is making. Mismatched eyes round as Seere looks back up to Venom, mouth forming a huge ‘O’ before she whispers, maybe a little too loudly, “Is that a monster?” The pup isn’t afraid of whatever that huge thing is that is making all that noise. Nope, not scared at all. Okay, maybe just a little bit.


"Seere Abraxas-Destruction"

Seere was quite happy and exuberant as her aunt asked her along on their patrol. Venom didn’t actually expect to find any excitement, as far as safety went Ashen was high on the list. They had many wolves protecting their borders, but even then it wasn’t fool proof. There would always be predators right outside. Thankfully the girl listened to her aunt’s instruction, she wasn’t so sure one of the other pups wouldn’t have run blazing ahead to take on its foe. The thought would have brought her a chuckle if her niece’s voice didn’t speak up softly.

"Not a monster, Seere.” She told her quietly, not really wanting the attention of the black bear. "A bear. A predator like we are, something we must protect our border from.” She explained as she lowered her paw. "Come, lets try and chase it off.” Venom invited her as she charged towards the intruder, planning on taking the brunt of the beast’s ire and attention.


"Venom"

Small head tilts back to look up at Venom, wide eyes searching for answers. Seere blinks as her aunt explains about the bear and how they have to protect their borders from it. Pale paw that blocks her path leaves and her auntie invites her to help chase it off. Wait. Auntie Venom wants her help? Small tail wags as she races after Venom, small body weaving around obstacles to get closer the big bear. It seems really mad at her aunt and Seere cannot allow it hurt her! With an extra burst of speed, the pup rushes toward a front paw and bites down hard. Small, sharp teeth make it through the flesh and draw blood, which earns her roar from the bear.

Oh no! It wants to squish her! Since she could walk, Seere has loved to run. Her days spent chasing birds is put to good use as her small paws push her away from swinging paws. Speed is her friend and the monochrome pup rushes away only to make a sharp turn and reappear next to her aunt. She puts on a mighty show, setting her defenses just like dad showed her. Barks and yips fill the air as Seere does her best to try and chase off the bear with her aunt.

"Seere Abraxas-Destruction"

Seere seemed to accept her explanation, this wasn’t some monster to be feared, it was just another threat to be driven back. Venom could have convinced it away on her own, but she believed that Seere deserved a chance to learn. Plague wouldn’t chastise her too harshly for such an event. Not that Venom was expecting the girl to rush forward on her own. She should have stayed back a little, but Venom could correct her once the fight was over. There was no fear after her aunt told her what they were fighting. As Seere danced away Venom moved forward, "Stay back,” she warned as she leapt forward. Seere’s little barks spurned her on towards the beast. Venom slashed with her sharp claws, scratching the bears nose as it roared in anger at her. As soon as she drew blood though, it seemed to rethink its decision. There wouldn’t be much more fight in the bear, stealing from Ashen wasn’t worth the pain.

"Venom"

Auntie Venom slashes the bear’s nose making it think twice about attacking them. Seere backs up a few steps, setting her defenses as she keeps barking. For her size, the monochrome pup can make a lot of noise. The predator takes a small step back and she sees her opportunity. A blur of monochromatic colors rushes toward the bear as Seere rushes toward one of bear’s front paws. The black bear looks confused as the pup bites one of its toes, needle sharp teeth poking into the bear. It roars in outrage as it shifts it weight to swing the other paw at the annoyance. However, Seere is already moving, running back toward her aunt and away from the anger bear, a smile on her lips from all the fun she is having.

"Seere Abraxas-Destruction"