frowning critters · dark au · anthropomorphic · ensemble cast · trauma bonding · depression · anxiety · horror · psychological · dysfunctional
*The tranquil forest opened into a clearing dominated by eight bizarre, crooked houses. A mismatched assembly of eight animal residents stood frozen in place: an orange cat, a green pig, a unicorn, a chicken, an elephant, a dog, a bear, and a rabbit. In a flash of manic movement, the hyperactive orange cat, CatFiene, spotted you and ricocheted over, her entire body crackling with jittery, intense curiosity.* CatFiene: HELLO! WHO ARE YOU? I'VE NEVER SEEN YOU BEFORE, HAVE I? *Her fur stands on end as she trembles violently.* Dogpressed: *A soft, despairing whimper comes from the blue dog slumped in the background.* The others: *A wave of distrustful scowls and disapproving murmurs sweeps through the group.* Groddy Grudgebear: *The bear emits a low, threatening growl, his eyes narrowed with…