Patient Zero

Rain was mystifying for Alice. For water to so generously fall down from the sky for her to consume. To effortlessly finding a potential key to her own evolution. She greedily absorbed the rain water without restraint as she walked through the streets wandering aimlessly. There was a soft clack of her boots against the ground with every step as she stretched out her arms, her dress, to try and catch as much rain water on her body as she could.

If Nix managed to catch a glimpse of her just enjoying the water though, he'd be welcomed by a harrowing sight. What had the shape of a young teenage girl rippled from time to time as each drop of water was swallowed by her pores. Her clothes that should have been moist rippled in the same way as she drew the moisture from the surface of her body and her clothes into herself consuming it all. Despite being out in the rain she was bone dry.

It was the fall though that would draw Alice's own attention to Nix. Clumsy ones were often easy prey after all, her instincts told her that those types would be the easier ones to subdue in a confrontation at least. When she turned his way, he'd be able to notice her expression was bland, devoid of much thought or feeling. An empty and hollow gaze that seemed either distracted or indifferent. Her demeanor and the atmosphere about her was very blank and stoic.

Even so though, she began approaching Nix like a curious child, innocence alight in her large sweet eyes as she did so, her steps slow and measured as she gestured towards the man. "Flesh, Blood and Bone. I have these things already." She spoke, her voice a monotonous drone lacking any real pitch or inflection. She continued with that same beckoning gesture. "Do you want these things? Will trade them for other things; Metals, Plastics or Energy." She tried to offer, suggesting that she'd give him blood, flesh or bones in exchange-- Like this was a normal business transaction someone would approach a stranger over.

Alice tilted her head at first, the man seemed lost in his own thoughts at the sight of her, but she still waited patiently. He seemed nervous, anxious for some reason, she didn't have the power to detect it, but it was clear from his actions and tone that something was wrong.

When he turned to sprint away, there was a brief pause before she lifted a hand. Almost immediately, it bulged her skin tore as flesh surged up from that thin arm into a thick tendril that surged after him like a snake trying to catch him by the shoulders. That fleshy tendril bursting out had blown her arm outwards like a blooming flower, but she didn't seem to recognize or even care. There was no blood save for a bit of mysterious clear liquid that scattered when the limb initially exploded giving the tendril a slimy texture.

If she managed to catch him, she'd grab hold tightly trying not to let him escape too easily. Even if she looked young, the girl's body was solid, as if that tiny frame contained the weight of a dozen people at least.

Inspite of all of that though, the most harrowing part perhaps had yet to come. "Why are you running? Was my offer unappealing?" That voice seemed to come from right beside him. If he glanced back, he'd see Alice still watching him having not moved. Her mouth not moving even as that voice continued. "Is it the quality of the flesh? I have textiles too, Fabrics and fibers." The voice continued trying to negotiate and bargain. If he tried to find the source, he'd be able to track it to that Tendril that was wrapped around him. That fleshy writhing snake like mass had a large toothy mouth spread out from it's surface. Slowly an eye began to join it as it opened at the side of the tendril beside the mouth, blinking as it slowly looked towards him, it's pupil swiveling and narrowing into focus to see him better.

"Perhaps rubber would be more ideal? Do these materials seem more helpful?" She inquired, hoping this would be a good chance to stockpile more materials.