A drawing of three plushies Vale keeps in his room. From the left: the alien Qaim, the dragon Gene, and the Vylupe Zack. The latter was a commissioned plush.

They've been a source of comfort for Vale, who lives alone in his new house. Vale treats them like companions, reflecting personalities on the three as though they were friends he could have conversations with. Qaim is curious about the world he's in, unknowing of what dangers may be out there. Gene is timid and unconfident, often needing reassurance that everything will be fine. And then there's Zack, who likes to pick on the others, acting tougher than he actually is.

Vale doesn't place a lot of faith in real people, so his plush friends suffice. Or at least he's convinced himself that they'll suffice.