The Snowflake Capital

[dezzyk3]

Strength is Nothing,

More than How well You Hide the Pain

Unsure how to react to his kind jester she stood there for a little while then sat down next to him. Turning her head she looked up at him and smiled softly quickly as it appeared on her face it left. Then it turned into her normal blank emotionless stare. When she was standing there in quadword silence she could feel the gaze of the beast. It seemed they went back to normal when she sat down quietly. She put her hands on her lap then held her own hands together her gaze was now looking at her hand's at the two talked among themselves.

Not know what was going on or what to do she just watched them without a word. Just now thinking about it the beast looked to be about her age. It was good to know she wasn't the only one out there that was around her age. So it sounded like she wasn't the only was who was going to get check the place out to see what was going on. But she was still only thinking about it but if he was going other people might go. Then she would have a less risk of dieing.

There was a few thing's she wanted to say but didn't have the gut's to say anything. She was but to afraid to speak one word to any of them. That was all because her damn past kept popping up in her head once she tried something like this. A other thing she hated about this new world it seems like you can never forget anything. Moving around to get comfortable she found that the leg over leg was best to her liking. Not that was a stalker or anything she enjoyed listening to their conversation some how it reminded her that she was alive and wasn't alone in this harsh world.

"Isn't that place dangerous?" Right after he spoke she answered the question her voice was soft and very quiet only because it was hardly used at all. Yes, from what I found out about the area it is highly unstable from many viruses that have went there. Stopping herself from saying anything else to them she shouldn't have said anything to them at all. When she did speak she was looking at her hands that was sitting on her lap. She only wanted to hide her face when she spoke what was so wrong with that?

[/left][/color][/size]

[rukene]

Aroku didn't seem all that afflicted by what the hollow or Skye said. In fact, he only smiled pleasantly, not in the slightest bit worried. "It is true, it's fairly dangerous. But that only furthers my motion as to why I must go there." He locked his fingers together and stretched his arms out, pressing against his fingers, but released the hold and stood up from the couch, placing his sword back at his side, slipping the sheath where it belonged. The leather strap holding it just beneath his pouch. He ran his fingers through his hair and stretched his wings a bit.

"Well, I suppose I must go if I am to come back any sooner and teach you how to use that weapon of yours." he said to Skye. Aroku wasn't an idiot, even if one would say so from him deliberately going to a village full of viruses. In fact, he'd made a slight profession out of killing Viruses, hence why he was off to Villi as if it was a regular errand and there was nothing to worry about. He wanted to get there sooner, because what if there were survivors trapped or close to dying. He didn't want to let them die from the distortion or be turned into a virus. That meant he had to get there as soon as possible. Although it hadn't even been an hour lodging, he needed to go if he was ever going to kill off those viruses and save whoever sent him the letter he had tucked in his jacket. A distress call from someone, most likely. He just wondered how it got so far, or if it was directed to him exactly. That fact bugged him, and he knew it was likely to be a trap. But if it wasn't, he had to go because the person would die.

"To tell the truth, I'm the exterminator called out to rid the village of those pests." He said, then walked over to the counter, talked with the man briefly and signed out his name. The old man had overheard their conversation and offered him some advice and a 'godspeed'. Aroku walked over to the door, but paused.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name Miss. But I'm on a tight schedule. Skye, return to your friends house and make sure to stay inside until morning. I wouldn't want you to come to any harm while I am away." Aroku smiled. He was going to return, as he had promised. After he was finished with his suicide trip, he'd definitely come back for Skye.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

The man didn't seen bothered by his or the Hollow girl's mention of danger. Instead, he just smiled, saying that only furthered his desire of going there. Skye blinked, bewildered. Nowhere was completely safe in this world. Even relatively peaceful villages like this one were dangerous enough, why would someone want to go somewhere even more dangerous?

The Leech commented that he needed to go, so that he could come back soon and teach him how to use his scythe. The boy somehow felt disappointed that he was going to leave already, but he smiled, happy that the man has still planning to come back and teach him. Aroku was definitely different than most other people he met. He'd not only saved his life on the way here, but he'd given him money for a new weapon and was apparently going to help teach him how to use it, too. It was the first time anyone had been so kind or generous to him in a long while. It felt nice.

"To tell the truth, I'm the exterminator called out to rid the village of those pests." He added before he walked back to the front counter. Skye blinked again at that. Ex...terminator? He stood up as the man signed off to him and the Hollow, telling Skye to head back to his friend's house and to stay safe until he came back. His non-existent friend's house. Skye frowned a bit. What would he really do here while he waited?

"Wait...exterminator? Do you mean that you hunt Viruses?" The Beast's eyes were wide, the boy clearly impressed. "S...since my friend wasn't home yet...can...can I come with you?" He sputtered, looking a bit embarrassed. "M...maybe I can help?" Not likely, he thought to himself, if he didn't even know how to use his weapon yet. He did have his abilities, but that was about it. Still...he wouldn't mind trying, after everything the man had done for him. He'd try not to be a nuisance. "It's just...kind of lonely here, since my friend is still gone right now..." He glanced back at the Hollow girl for a moment, wondering what she'd do at the man's departure, before looking up hopefully at the Leech.

[dezzyk3]

Dream As IF You'll Live Forever,

Live As If You Will Die Tomorrow.

Her gazed watched the man as he smiled as if danger was but nothing to fear. How, how could someone smile at death? The word itself was gloomy and depressing. Putting her pale hand on her face as she debated the topic farther in her thoughts. Switching her leg she looked up across the room with a dull gaze. Carefully removing her hand from her face she looked back over at the man it seemed if she had gotten a plan, or as someone else would call it an idea.

Before she could get a word in the conversation he stood up even what he had said shocked her. "To tell the truth, I'm the exterminator called out to rid the village of those pests." Her little yellow eye's opened wide, ' So thats why he was going, that is quite interesting. Anyone knew that someone shouldn't go on a task like that alone, it was but to dangerous. Plus he kind soul, Aeli wouldn't want to see the man get hurt. How sweet is that?

She popped off the couch and trotted over by him as he was have a discussion with a other man she didn't know. This was but her way of telling him she was going to follow him and help him with his task. Thats if he wouldn't laugh at her and tell her to go away because how young and weak she seemed in appearance wise. It seemed they was moving on to the door it seemed like she was but a shadow to him she trotted along beside him with a slight smile on her face .

This time she was spoken to which made her jump slightly. She was not quite used to being called 'miss' but she didn't really mind it. She blinked at the question it seemed like she had to speak again, wonderful . Aeli. she spoke very quiet as if she almost didn't want him to hear what she had said. She looked off to the side as if she was embarrassed to have told them her name.

[/left][/color][/size]

[rukene]

Aroku gazed at them some time, it seemed they wanted to go with him. He frowned at that, he wasn’t willing to put someone else at risk - especially when he knew nothing of their fighting ability and could not rightfully assume their strengths or weaknesses. It was risky to go out killing Viruses, even being in a distorted area for so long. And it was obvious that town would be terribly distorted when they got there. Leaving them little time to be there. And if one of them got lost in the town, wasting even one moment could be fatal. But he had no authority over them and could no force them to stay. He sighed at how silent the girl was, her name was Aeli. “You have a nice name…” he said, but drifted as he was in thought. His compliment seemingly went forth without completing itself as he tapped his finger to his chin.

“I see you two wish to come with… Although I insist you didn’t, I cannot force you to do anything.” He said, reluctantly complying to them tagging along. “However!”He added quickly, shoving down any excitement that may have been bubbling up at his yield, “You will not be rash, and you will do as I say if you want to survive. If you get into trouble or feel any harsh effects from distortion, run and don’t look back.” he ordered, voice like a strict but caring father. Although he knew they didn’t have to listen to them if they didn’t want, he really didn’t want them to die just because they wanted to come along with him. He wasn’t willing to let them die - if he had to, he would carry them away from the place and continue on alone or even forget about it. What mere note was worth two innocent lives?

“And I am not a hunter in particular, I just do what I can to help.” he added to Skye’s earlier comment.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

Aeli... The girl finally introduced herself. Aroku made a comment about her name, before giving thought to his request. The Hollow girl, Aeli, seemed quiet, but from the way the she had been following after the Leech, it seemed that she wanted to come along, too. Skye waited to see what the man would say, hopeful. His reluctance was obvious, but the man noted that he couldn't force them to do anything. That meant they could come, right? The Beast's eyes lit up in excitement. But before he could say anything else, the Leech gave them a brief lecture on how they'd need to behave.

Skye almost smiled at that a bit, though, in spite of himself. He sounded the way his father had used to talk, with the same stern but concerned tone. Before his father had... The smile disappeared again, but was replaced with another one at the thought of being able to come. "I will! I'll listen!" He chimed, his eagerness audible in his voice. He wasn't even quite sure himself why he was so excited. He liked the idea of being able to be around the Leech longer, and he was glad that he didn't have to think about returning home yet. He was eager to experience something new. To be honest, he was a bit scared. He hated Viruses, after what happened to his father. He didn't like the idea of being near them, but he somehow felt safer with Aroku around.

“And I am not a hunter in particular, I just do what I can to help.” The man added to his early comment. Skye grinned. Someone who actually went out of their way to help others with the way life was now was quite unusual, too.

[dezzyk3]

She smiled as she looked over at the other direction to hide her face from them. It would rude for her not to thank him for being so kind to her..Thank you. Once again she spoke in a quiet tone, turning around she faced him as he started to speak. Her pale face brightened up when she heard that she could go. For once there was something else to do beside wondering around the pixel's world looking at the sensory that she had seen quite a few time's already. But There also could be lands that she hadn't seen before that was hidden in plan sight. When Aroku continued talking about some of the rules for going she but nodded to show that she understood.

The beast boy looked even more jumpy about this then she was. But then yet again she wasn't the type of girl that would jump up and down while she was squealing if something made her happy. Aeli was already starting to look up to him, he was helping others by risking his own life. With no doubt she was going to enjoy going a little trip the two. She run slash jogged past Aroku and went out the door maybe if Aroku thought she was strong enough she could try and maybe destroy a few viruses or help destroy one. Aeli don't enjoy violence but it would be nice if she could let anger out that she held inside of her for so long.

Forgetting that it was but cold out side, luck for aelis body quickly warmed itself back up. That was one perk about not being human anymore but then yet she missed out on some of the most simple things she used to do when she was human. Standing a few steps away from the door she waited for them to follow her to their mission. They was an unlikely group of people but hey what mattered they was all helping everyone else. This was going to be epically fun.

[/left][/color][/size]

[rukene]

Aroku couldn’t help but chuckle at the two, acting as if this was a some rare fun opportunity. And it didn’t help the fact that they were so cute considering their age they looked. He barely blinked when Aeli skipped out the door like a bat out of hell and was standing there nonchalantly waiting for them. Aroku glanced back at the desk, finding no one there. He wanted to thank the man, but he wasn’t here any longer. Had he retired for the night?? Aroku was unsure but walked out leisurely, hearing his steps crunch on the snow under his feet as he was once again greeted with the cold. The night air was still as chilly as it was before, the scenery had not changed as the thin clouds loomed in grayish blue hues across the sky and a blue illuminated moon barely perceivable beyond the clouds. The forests beyond seemed so dark compared to when they were in them earlier and the town seemed lifeless and isolated.

He breathed in the cold winter air that smelt particularly of nothing but the fresh scent stung at one’s lungs. He stretched his limbs once more, making himself nimble from his rest. “Be careful. Not only is the village dangerous, but so is the path to it. It’ll take another day to reach the town.”

[SKYE ASHEREI]

The Hollow girl ran eagerly to the door, waiting for them to come. Skye grinned, coming up to join her eagerly. Aroku seemed to look around for a moment, glancing in the direction of the innkeepers desk. He wasn't there, though. It had gotten quite late, the boy realized from the lack of light coming in from the partially open door. Maybe the man had already left his post for the night and gone home. They'd spent a lot of money for being at the inn for such a short time, he realized absently. But oh well, this trip was going to exciting, so it was worth it.

They exited the inn as the Leech joined them, going back out into the cold. It made him shiver again. After the warmth of the fire, the winter landscape only seemed even chillier. He crossed his arms across his chest in an attempt to keep warm, hoping that the weather would be less harsh as they got closer to Valli and away from Everai. Wasn't Valli relatively close to Defray Desert? Heat, even harsh heat from a desert, sounded great right now. He knew that it probably wouldn't be peaceful when they got there, though.

The forest ahead of them seemed even more intimidating without daylight, the trees and branches creating dark silhouettes in contrast to the falling snow. Being out here still made him nervous, after the incident with the other Beast earlier that day. He subconsciously stuck close to Aroku. “Be careful. Not only is the village dangerous, but so is the path to it. It’ll take another day to reach the town.” The man reminded.

Skye just nodded. At least they wouldn't need to stop to sleep, but he would be glad when it was daylight again.

[dezzyk3]

She grinned brightly at the boy who eagerly followed after her out of the inn. In the background she heard a chuckle from Aroku, not knowing how to react to it she simply acted like she didn't hear it. Aeli was doing her best at communicating with them as possible the poor girl could only do so much.

It seemed that Skye was cold outside, maybe she was the only one who couldn't feel the cold? Attempting to help warm the boy she walked over and hugged him carefully so that her body heat could warm him up to a better temperature. Blinking she seen Aroku finely had walked walked outside. Releasing Skye , Aeli walked over to Aroku and stood in front of him waiting from him to do or say something.

“Be careful. Not only is the village dangerous, but so is the path to it. It’ll take another day to reach the town.” When these words spoke it seemed if she zapped behind at speed of light. Not only she didn't like the sound of that she was was unsure of what to expect.

The thought of something coming after her to drain energy, shuttering from the idea of a beast getting a hold of her. Aeli tiny pale fingers gripped on a his shirt for comfort, the silly fool scared herself with fake horror story's that most likely wont come true.

[/left][/color][/size]

[rukene]

Aroku blinked when he saw the girl hugging Sky, refraining from laughing as she parted from him when she saw him walk out. But gazed at her when she grasped her shirt tightly, making her pale hand even whiter. He crouched down, as she was already in front of him, and tenderly put a hand to her shoulder. “You already know there are Viruses at Valli, but there is a chance they are wandering in our path. That chance is small, so do not worry.” He offered her a reassurance and comforting smile. “I’ll make sure to protect you if we do come across one. Have faith.” Aroku released his hand from her shoulder, unable to resist the urge as he pet her head. Ruffling her light blue hair a bit under his hand. She was probably ten years older than she appeared, because of this network. But she was still so adorable, like a cute pink stuffed animal one just couldn’t resist squeezing.

But after a few pets he stood, relinquishing the gesture and motioned out to the snowed over path out of the village that cut through the trees and further up the mountain. If one looked further, it seemed to lessen its snow. That is where they would be heading. He didn’t much wait for an answer, knowing that they had to get there as quick as possible, and walked ahead at a leisure but brisk pace. Although this was just a normal strut for him, his long legs made gaps in his steps, probably having the two others, who were much shorter, running after him to catch up. “Come now! Don’t get lost.” He said, ushering them to follow. His hair already catching the snowflakes that drifted from the sky as he walked through them. If Sky, and their new company, Aeli, didn’t keep up, they would loose him in the white of the winter snow.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

Skye flinched when he suddenly felt arms that weren't his own wrap around his chest, turning his gaze to see that the Hollow girl had approached and given him a light embrace. He tensed, catching a startled gasp before it left his throat. In truth, Hollow made him uncomfortable, and he had to resist the urge to pull away. That was thanks to his mother. But he didn't want to seem that rude in front the people who would be his new traveling companions for the time being, so he tried not to show his nervousness on his face. But unlike a certain other Hollow, Aeli didn't do anything to harm him. He absently noticed that her body seemed a bit warmer than his. It was hard to tell with girl, since she seemed so quiet, but maybe she'd been trying to warm him up. That would explain the sudden hug, anyway. His face turned just slightly pink. "Err...t...thanks." He muttered quietly. She let go as Aroku appeared from the doorway. Skye un-tensed, secretly feeling a bit relieved, but he still kept that to himself. It seemed like the quiet girl had meant well.

Aeli seemed to get nervous, though, after the Leech's warning about the path being dangerous. The man gently reassured her, giving her a few soft pats on the head and ruffling her hair. Skye blinked, watching.

The Leech motioned to the path they'd be following afterwards, though, suddenly moving towards it with a brisk pace. The man's long legs made him fast, Aroku urging them make sure they kept up. Skye did okay at first, but as the snow got thicker he started struggling to keep up a bit. He paused just briefly, giving his wings a few test flaps to shake gathered snowflakes off of them, before lifting into the air with a few more wing-beats. At least this way he wouldn't have to trudge through the snow, and he had more energy than he'd had on the way to village, so flying didn't seem so hard. He could move faster this way, but he passed a glance back in Aeli's direction, wanting to make sure that she was keeping up, too. After all, if any of them got lost in this weather, they'd be hard to find. The blackness of the sky and the layers of falling white seemed to swallow up everything.

[dezzyk3]

Aeli could feel Skye tense up when she hugged him, did she do something wrong? "Err...t...thanks." He said when she let go and ran off to Aroku. Aeli was glad that she got a thank you from him because now in her head it confirmed what she did was a good thing. When Aeli caught sight of the tint of his checks turning red, she smiled at him then spoke softly Your welcome.

Now her attention was set on Aroku watching him as he crouched down beside her. Just now she realized how short she was when she stood next to him. When Aroku put his hand on her shoulder she wasn't sure how to react so she just stood there looking at his face waiting for him to say something or do something else. “You already know there are Viruses at Valli, but there is a chance they are wandering in our path. That chance is small, so do not worry." She sighed with relief good everyone was going to be safe here, that eased worrying her a little.

“I’ll make sure to protect you if we do come across one. Have faith.” Her face beamed with joy when she heard this finely, someone was looking after her after all this time. Someone really cared about her. Giggling when Aroku patted her head, Aeli felt safer already. Blinking as Aroku stood up and started to ... walk away from them. Seeing that Skye started to head that way toward him she ran best as she could to catch up to them.

Why'd he have to be so fast? It was hard keeping up in this snow plus the sudden winds whipped her hair this way and that making it very hard to see. Looking before her Aeli seen Skye flying ahead of her. He was lucky to have wings, but then again it would be very tiring to have to fly in this weather.Just now realizing she couldn't see Aroku ahead of her anymore. Did she stop for to long or was she just going to slow? Scared, Aeli started to speed up best as she could to catch up to them.

Picking up her legs farther so that it would be slightly easier for her after what it seemed to be minutes a shape started to form in front of her. ' It must be Aroku ' she thought as her pace sped up to the shape. Sighing, with relief it was him she had just gotten there when he turned around and spoke . “Come now! Don’t get lost.” Also he was ushering with his hands for her to follow him, now Aeli totally forget about how terrified she was just a little bit ago.

After a little while Aeli finely caught back up to him and kept by his side by walk running beside him. She wasn't ready to get lost again like that. Looking up once and a while at Skye when she would see him looking at her she would smile and wave at him while she tried her best to keep up with Aroku. Also to calm her nerves and relax her when ever she thought she seen something she would hold onto Aroku's shirt. The poor girl couldn't help it she was so jumpy when it came to some stuff she was just like that allot.

The reason why she is so jumpy is unknown but it could easily have to do with something that happed to her in the real world. Aeli knew it had to ether had to do with her father or her elder sister. Because when they needed to lash out anger they tossed it all at her by, she'd been punched by her sister. The reason was only because Aeli asked if she could have a snack a few hours later after eating lunch. Then following after that her sister called her a damn fat pig. What a depressing life she had.

But, now in this new world she was starting to like her new life better. She already found someone that was willing to protect her from harm. Then there was a new friend she had made that was her age but, it seemed by what happened when she hugged Skye that he didn't really see her as a friend.

[/left][/color][/size]

[rukene]

"Though Life Has Always Been Merely A Journey To The Grave, It Must Not Be Undertaken Without Hope.
Only Then Will A Traveler's Story Live On- Treasured By Those Who Bid Him Farewell."

Aroku slowed every so often for the two to catch up when he felt they were getting too behind. The trees seemed endless in blankets of white snow as the storm became harsher out towards the outer parts of the forest where they were heading to get to the edge of the snow covered forest. The sound of howling wind gusted through the trees and speared through the skin like ice. The snow only became denser and denser as they kept walking and the snow became harsher. Eventually, Aroku stopped all together, finding the two would be having much difficulty since the winds were gusting much too strong and the snow was too deep. Considering this, the two would be slowed down considerably while Aroku was much taller and was more agile in the snow, he wrapped an arm around Aeli and plucking her from the snow, shifting her in his arms so she would be almost cradled in his arm while close to him so he wouldn’t drop her on accident if something were to attack them or if he tripped. Which both weren’t likely.

He spotted the black winged crow in the sky and planted his footing, then jumped up and grabbed Skye by the waist, bringing him down with him. Setting the boy on his shoulder so he could sit there. “Stay with me.” Aroku said with a smile, knowing they would be probably stunned by the sudden startle of being plucked from their course and being carried. Aroku began trudging through the snow once again, his long legs barely sinking through the snow before the other went ahead and carries him further. He was guiding a bit of wind under his feet, the same skill he used on his sword to enhance or soften attacks. It was useful for other things as well, such as this. Aroku didn’t mind the snow much, he’d been walking through it for hours and hours before. So it didn’t make much difference to him except now he had a spot of company that he was carrying. And it was much faster to carry them then waiting for them to catch up constantly.

As soon as they got out of the snow, the trees would probably think to a more rocky mountain terrain, which meant they’d be climbing quite a bit. Although Aroku was a leech, he didn’t fly much unless it was really necessary. Flying could attract very unwanted attention if there wasn’t any trees or any sort of cover to help provide them some secrecy. Also in the fact it took energy as well, and Aroku would rather not waste that and have to steal energy from others any sooner than could be avoided. Thankfully, the snowy forest didn’t stretch as far as the way Aroku had came before, but the slopes were a nuisance and very slippery from the amount of snow which was beginning to thin. The trees becoming more green than their frozen whites and blues while the snow became calmer and floated down from the sky, spiraling down on gentle winds as if on an unperceivable stair case and the sky was beginning to become brighter over the horizon of the mountain they were traveling across. With the clouds now thinner, the stars were more visible, but began to vanish with the new found light.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

Their travels continued like that for a while, with the him and Aeli just managing to keep up with Aroku as they traversed the snow. It was a bit tiring to fly with the wind pushing against him, but Skye still found it easier than walking with his feet sinking into the snow. The Hollow girl seemed to be doing okay, though, running alongside the Leech, he found as he glanced down. Every so often she looked up at him and smiled, passing him a small wave. He just blinked at first, but eventually smiled just slightly, giving a light wave in return. Even if she was a Hollow, at least he finally had a companion close to his age. Ten years had passed since everyone had stopped aging. He'd existed for 21 years, yet he was still 11. If things didn't change, he'd never be able to grow up. At least now there was someone else who had to understand how that felt. It made him feel less lonely.

The snow and wind only became thicker and harsher as they traveled further into the wilds around Everai, though. The boy panted a bit, his body beginning to feel too heavy for his tired wings to lift. He began to struggle to keep up a bit, but he tried not to show his weariness on his face, embarrassed. He didn't want to seem so weak.

He was suddenly jostled out of his thoughts as he noticed Aroku come to an unexpected stop. The Leech suddenly scooped up Aeli into his arms without warning, wrapping one around her protectively as he put her in a carrying position. The boy blinked, but before he knew it the man all at once jumped up, his other arm suddenly grabbing him by the waist and pulling him down. "Eek!" He chirped in surprise, instinctively flailing his wings in the startle, but the man kept his grasp, setting him down safely on his shoulders.

He just passed him a smile. “Stay with me.”

Skye blinked for a moment, still tense from the startle, but a grin spread across his face as he started to relax. He nodded gratefully, lightly wrapping his arms around the man's neck to make sure that he wouldn't fall off as the Leech started moving again.

The terrain slowly began to change as Aroku carried them further. The slopes below looked slippery, but the white covering the trees began to thin out, with what traces that remained illuminated lightly by the blue tint that came to the sky just before dawn. Everything looked so different now, in comparison to the harsh winter night they'd just left behind. "It's almost morning..." He observed quietly. It hadn't really felt it, but they must've already been traveling for a good while.