[ v has to physically stop himself from saying that if nero found him dead, it'd probably solve a few of the problems in his future.

still, he shakes his head. ]

If you are worried about my health, as I said - it's fine. And if it is my ability to defend myself --

[ there's a sudden growl, and shadow climbs out from a pool of blackness on the ground, chroma glittering around him as he gets up and his tail lashes back and forth. ]

-- I am not alone here.