The Snowflake Capital

[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 kept his free hand holding a rather flimsy branch, keeping his footing plastered on the sloped ground under his feet. The terrain was much more rocky and grassy with many slopes and edges which the trees seemed to be just barely clinging to with their roots slipping and trailing off the edges. Although the area Aroku stood was glazed over with thin snow and ice, patches of lush green was seen through and flourished even deeper the farther one looked. Thankfully it wasn’t encased in ice, or climbing these slopes would be more dangerous than needed. And as the trees were much more thinned, any viruses that may be in the area could see them if they weren’t careful.

Aroku stood for a while, listening and watching for anything out of the ordinary before continuing. His foot steps were slow and careful, planting each one carefully before proceeding to the next ledge, keeping a hand on anything firm that could help him up. It didn’t seem the two company were much trouble. But even if they were, Aroku wanted them close in this vulnerable terrain so they could not get hurt or even killed if there was a Virus lurking around. In such an open terrain that provided shelter for Viruses of many kinds with thin trees and low underbrush and cracks in the ledges, it wasn’t hard to imagine that it was dangerous. Even more so that Aroku was so shifty and silent, glancing around warily every time he heard something other than his own footsteps.

Viruses were everywhere, that wasn’t a secret. And they were prone to killing people without hesitation as soon as they saw someone. But there was a greater chance they would happen upon a Virus as they were walking the path to a village over come with Viruses. This was much like someone walking towards a swamp of alligators.

[Alyssa Weatherby]

Alyssa walked along, the snow crunching under her feet. She was barefoot, allowing the slightly clawed nails to grab the ice as she walked, if needed. The cold didn't bother her, due to her aura of cold that she always lets off, she was used to it. She wore a pair of blue Jeans, and a black jacket, giving the allusion of someone that could get cold. As she walked, she noticed several viruses, hiding in various places. They paid her no mind, since they were, in fact, converted by her. She hated herself for doing it, but it was needed to survive. Then, her eyes happened upon someone she didn't recognize. He wasn't a Virus. She approached him slowly, making little noise. "Hello, traveler. You shouldn't be here. It isn't safe." She said, her voice had a chill to it as she spoke. "Theres Viruses all around you." She said, gesturing toward a few of the hiding spots.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

[[We're going to go ahead and continue the thread, Dez. If you want to post again later, feel free to jump back in wherever we're at.]][/b]

Skye blinked, looking down from where he was riding on Aroku's shoulders. Someone seemed to be approaching them. A woman in a jeans and a jacket... He studied her as she came up, wondering what she wanted. She lacked any wings or any features, and unless it was hidden beneath her clothes, no part of her body seemed mechanical in appearance. ...Was she a Siren? ...That had to be it, he decided, not seeing what other race she could be. What was she doing here? Was she here to fight Viruses, too? She was the first person they'd seen since they'd left Everai. Whoever she was, she seemed oddly calm, too, he noticed in the back of his mind.

When she reached them, she gave a warning. The first part they knew well, but Skye tensed when she mentioned there being Viruses all around them, gesturing about the area. Skye tensed, feeling like he could see some motion in the areas she was pointing towards as he followed her movements. And now that she mentioned, he thought he could feel a slight naseua, quite possibly an effect from nearby distortion. All at once afraid, he made a slight whimpering sound, clinging more tightly to Aroku's shoulders. "They're here! There's lots of them!" He repeated the obvious, his hands trembling slightly. "W...what now?"

[dezzyk3]

Aeli's little body went tense for a moment went she was picked up, This was a heck of allot better then running. Cuddling to Arouku for comfort she felt safe when she was with him. If it was possible Aeli would have fell asleep in his arm's before she herself would even know it. Looking back up at the winged boy she smiled when he waved at her, blinking she watched Arouku pull in down from the sky and set him on his shoulders.

Only once and awhile Aeli would peep out from he hiding spot to look around her every time she looked the area was totality different. Her calmness crashed as she tensed at a sudden voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. In the back of her mind she was hoping it wasn't real, wait... she wasn't even real. Nothing is real. Wanting to know who was the owner of the voice she turned her head over to the direction of the sound. Blinking bluntly at the virus, there was a virus here. Wait!? Theres a virus here!

Looking up seeing the beast start talking quickly out of fear, Aeli wanted to jump out of his arms so she could go toss a hit or to at the virus. But She wont do anything unless she was told to by Arouku. But for now she just hugged him tightly as she closed her eye lids shut tightly with her tiny face hid in his chest. Why did they have to run across a virus? They was doing just fine a little bit ago! Maybe she was just bad luck after all..

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[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 stopped walking completely, not all that surprised of the appearance. In fact, he didn’t seem effected by the news. By the way he was acting so cautious the entire time, it stated he knew they were there. He just would not go after them so soon when they still had Valli… Which was covered with Viruses. He couldn’t risk his companion’s lives, not again. He’d put all his effort into saving them. Aroku kept his emerald eyes on the newcomer as he squatted down and put Aeli, scooping Skye from his shoulder and setting him down as well. “Stay together and don’t move.” He said, putting a hand on Skye’s head. “If anything happens, take Aeli and run. I do not want you getting hurt.” Aroku offered them a small smile, then stood, placing a hand on his sword and his smile vanished as he looked on to the woman who had found her need to say something and stop their progression away from the area.

“You are a Virus yourself, are you not?” He replied with a bit of cold nature himself. His eyes narrowing behind the lens of his glasses. “Why don’t you leave, and I’ll be sure to spare your life.” Aroku spoke, taking a step forward to the woman, which was a step further away from the children… A virus decided to take it’s chance, bursting up from behind the rocky under cove. It was a large lanky bird that resembled a vulture with four piercing red eyes, its feathers as black as oil. It let out an eerie screech and dove after Skye. Aroku Took a quick side step, facing the virus and drawing his sword quickly, slashing through the virus. It let out a squeal as it came in contact with his blade, falling to the rock, but before it could vanish down the cliff, he stabbed it directly in the back, pinning it to the ground until it’s body boiled and dissipated, the glow of its eyes slowly fading along with it.

Aroku pulled his sword from the ground, twirling it in his hand before holding it with both hands and pointing the tip of his sword at the woman virus. He was not about to let any harm come to his companions or himself. These two probably had much left to live for, and Aroku had too much to do before he could die…

“Leave. Now.” He said more sternly, his eyes cold and angry.

[Alyssa Weatherby]

Alyssa took a step back when Aroku took a step forward. "I... I'm here to help. I do not want to see innocent children hurt." She spoke, her voice softening slightly. She looked at Aroku pleadingly when he set down the children. "Grab them and move. I'll show you the safe way. I have no reason to hurt you." She said, her hands held out to show she wasn't going to fight back.

"You're a Virus yourself, are you not?"

The words stung as he spoke them. It was true she was a virus, but she didn't like that fact. "Y... Yes. I am." She spoke, looking down and away from the group. "I would ask you to kill me where I stand because of it, but I'm different. I still have most of my memory, and I can still feel for the ones I loved... Like my daughter and my husband." She said, meeting Arokus gaze again. She watched in awe as Aroku dispatched the bird-like Virus that had attacked the children.

She let out a sharp whistle and a small group of wolf-like Viruses came from hiding, circling the group slowly, growling outwardly. "I was the one that converted these three. They've followed my command since. They will help you reach safety. As will I. If you do not want an escort, let me know, but then I will be unable to insure your safety." She said with a slight nod.

She looked between the two children, noticing the fear in their eyes. "Do not worry, little ones. If your friend here agrees to the escort, no harm will come to any of you. I will promise you that." She said, with an assuring tone. "So then, what will it be?" She looked back at Aroku with a slight glance. "I'm sure that you can tell that I am truthful in what I say." The dogs around them stopped behind Alyssa, sitting down and looking at the group. Normal Viruses, surely, would have attacked them by now.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

The Hollow girl seemed alarmed too, burying her face in the Leech's shirt at the woman's entrance and words. But the man himself didn't seem surprised. He glared at her for a while, before placing him and Aeli back down on the ground below. Skye blinked up at him, but Aroku gently patted his head, telling them to stay still there, and for him to take Aeli and flee if things went badly. His words only made him more nervous as he glanced up at him. "B...but, what about you?" He sputtered anxiously, but the man had already turned back to the strange woman.

“You are a Virus yourself, are you not?”

Skye's eyes opened wider at his older companion's words, not doubting them. The woman herself looked stung and taken aback, too. She was a virus herself? He hadn't thought that Viruses could speak and look so human-like. She herself admitted that she was different, then, saying that she could still function and feel humanly.

Before anyone could say anything else, though, something suddenly burst out from the bushes. And it was headed directly towards him, in a mess of black and glowing red. Barely having time to react, the boy shrieked, vainly attempting to guard himself and Aeli with his right arm, his eyes closed.

But it never hit. Hearing a screech, he opened his eyelids just in time to the see the Virus fade away with Aroku's sword in its dissipating body. He gasped in relief, his small form trembling as he stared back at the Leech and the Virus woman.

They were soon surrounded by wolf-like Viruses who seemed to be under the control of the woman. The boy instantly tensed again, but they didn't seem to be attacking. The woman said that she wouldn't allow them to hurt them, and that she'd create an escort to safety for them. Skye narrowed his eyes, staring up at her distrustfully with his body still shaking from the previous attack. Her voice seemed to be honest, but he couldn't quite believe it. She was a Virus! There was no way she'd tried to protect them, was there? How was it even possible that she could speak and act like this? Why her, and not his father? He just kept staring up at her, but didn't say anything. He waited to see what Aroku would do. After all, they'd come here to fight. Would his companions want to stay, and would they believe her words? Feeling the pulse of his chip - what would've been his heartbeat - fluttering rapidly, he stayed at his place, shaking even though he tried not to look afraid.

[rukene]

Aroku calmly sheathed his sword. His eyes never leaving this virus woman. “You make a valid case on your part, however, how am I supposed to trust you? You are a stranger, and a virus at that. You may be putting on a façade at this moment.” He replied distrustingly. But something said this was true, even if logic replied with a stern ‘virus’ alarm. Aroku held a severe hate for viruses, and unhealthy hate. It wasn’t that he’d kill them with reckless abandon because of it… but merely he suppressed it for logic and odds, letting it bubble under the surface. He hated them because they took his sister and so many of his friends away, left him with no knowledge whether or not they were dead. And he was stuck in anticipation of an answer that seemed would never come. It had been ten years in this anxiety, how could he not be angry with Viruses?

He closed his eyes for a moment with a sigh. “You may do as you wish and follow us.” He replied, turning around and settling his gaze on Skye. The poor boy looked scared out of his wits, and obviously wary of this new girl. He kneeled down, putting a hand on his head with a warm smile. “I’ll protect you if anything happens.” Aroku said almost happily. Gesturing it was alright to get up to them, but obvious he still wanted them close by no matter what. Aroku looked back at the woman, “I suggest you be on your best behavior. I’m Aroku, and keep that in mind.” He said, giving her a warning glare that if she did anything, he’d not hesitate to attack and kill her. Yes, he was kind and hated killing… but when it came to Viruses, it seemed he didn’t think they deserved to live if he had a say in it. “Skye, Aeli, come along.” He said, walking on the path once more, but hesitated so he’d hurry up and follow so he could keep an eye on him and this… woman.

[Alyssa Weatherby]

Alyssa bowed low, and looked up at Aroku. "My name is Alyssa Pierce. Don't worry, I wont attack unless you attack me first." She said, turning and making her way down the path, allowing the others to follow her. The three wolf-like viruses stood as well, moving toward the small group. One nudged Skyes side softly, looking at him with its red eyes. It turned and started walking, looking back to make sure the kid was coming too. The other two wolves walked, flanking Alyssa from the sides of her path. "So, what brings the three of you into this cold, unforgiving place?" Alyssa asked softly, not wanting to alert other viruses around them of her presense. This didn't work, however. She stopped and looked ahead of her, where a White, Leopard-like virus sat, looking at the group hungrily. Behind the group, two more appeared. "Megan, Isabella, Alexis. Get behind the group, protect them. I'll take this one." She said. The three Wolves seemed to nod and moved to the back of the group, growling at the Leopards behind them. The Leopards started moving toward them slowly, and the wolves rushed to meet them, the three attacking the two as best as they could. Alyssa lunged at the third on, digging her claw-like hands into its side and holding onto it as she tore into it with her other hand.

[SKYE ASHEREI]

[[Again Dez, feel free to jump back in if/when you want to]][/b]

Skye blinked in surprise as Aroku put away his sword. ...Did he actually trust this Virus? His words afterwards said otherwise, though, but he didn't outright tell her off, telling her that she could follow them if she wanted to. The man turned back and looked towards him, coming up and patting his head with a warm smile. “I’ll protect you if anything happens.” The boy passed him a grateful smile, feeling a bit better at the gesture, but his cheeks were also flushed in embarrassment. Why did he have to be such a coward? He'd asked to come along on this mission...was he just being a burden, now?

He hung his head slightly as the Leech signaled for him and the Hollow girl to follow along. As he absently heard the Virus woman introduce herself, he looked up again at her, though, his frightened gaze tinted again with nothing short of distrust, and beyond that, hatred. It wasn't so much her herself that he hated, persay, but he almost didn't want to believe that a Virus like her could exist. She'd said that she still loved her husband...her daughter. Why, then, didn't his father love him anymore? Why did she end up like this while his father had become a monster? That same question kept repeating itself over and over again in his head, making the boy's already trembling hands quiver also in anger. Maybe his father had never loved him that much at all...

He tensed, jolted out of his thoughts as one of the wolf-like Viruses brushed against him, turning its red eyes his way. He gave out a slight "eek"[/color] at the touch, but forced himself to continue with the Viruses and his companions.

The Virus woman started talking, but anything resembling peace didn't last long. A white, leopard-like Virus appeared before them, and much to the boy's dismay, two more made their way towards them from behind, the woman ordering the canine Viruses to guard them while she took the feline-like one at the front. He immediately tensed, the pulse of his chip pounding in fear again.