The Immortal Mist

Ch. 1

Her pawsteps seemed to echo throughout the empty forest, as she walked aimlessly. The moonlight shone from above, reminding her of her purpose, though she hadn't quite found that either.

She just knew that she would find it some day. The light from the moon reminded her, gave her that bright, overwhelming hope, determination to push forward, emerge from her meaningless life as a Vivari scout, reach out and grasp what was calling out to her.

She closed her eyes, sighing softly through her nose. Her silvery blue hair seemed to glow in the darkness of the night, reflecting the moon's soft touch.

Without warning, she rushed forward, leaning down and dropping to all fours. Opening her golden eyes, she bounded forward, gracefully leaping through the forest.

Silent silver blooms brightened as she passed, guiding her, calling her.
Gratefully, she answered their voices, forcing herself to speed up.

Her lungs burned, muscles aching. She must have been running for an hour now. Or maybe only a minute.

The scenery around her blurred, dark shades of green and blues, glowing eyes trained on her, and her alone.

She knew she was near. She could feel it, resonating deep within herself.

Her jaws parted to let out a strained cry, tears springing to her eyes as she leapt forward, arms reaching out to grasp something, it was just within her reach--

Vita's eyes snapped open, her claws grasping her bedsheets. She sighed, sitting up and pushing off the thin quilted blankets.

Shaking her head, she got up, quickly dressing and glancing out the window to see the soft orange light of dawn pouring through, sweet birdsong reaching her sensitive ears.

Vira glanced at the mirror, looking herself over. Everything fit perfectly. Her thin, black laced dress, melding with her olive-tone skin, and her braided silvery hair that shone blue in the light. Her glowing golden eyes pierced the mirror, lighting up her entire face.
Four black stripes graced her cheeks, ending in points.
Her large black tail wrapped around her thin legs, the tip twitching slightly.

With a smile, she looked away, a soft, light feeling filling her chest.

She drifted down the stairs, seeing her father, Apollo Amberthorne, and his wife Vivienne, sitting at a round wooden table, talking quietly.

Apollo was tall, and fair skinned, brown hair dipping down just above his jawline. His eyes were dark blue, each as deep as the sea, and soft as silk. His chin was covered with stubble, skin otherwise soft, as most Vivari were.

Vivienne wasn't quite as pale as him, her skin shining tan and golden. Her eyes shone like emeralds, green and bright, full of joy and youth, even in her older days. Her hair was black and long, the tips fading to gray and curling around her hips.

Vira sighed, smiling softly and greeting them.
"Good morning."
She murmured, brushing a strand of hair back.

"And to you."
Vivienne replied politely, grinning.

"Took you long enough."
Was Apollo's reply, shaking his head, and smiling despite his remark, mirth softening his gaze.

"I know, I know."
Vira rolled her eyes playfully, flicking an ear at him.
"I had another one of those dreams."

She mentioned, shaking her head softly as Vivienne offered her a plate of chicken, glazed with a sweet-smelling sauce.

"Did you?"
Apollo sighed, frowning.

"It's your wild spirit."
Vivienne told her, smiling.
"We come from the forest, and our soul yearns to return there. But the village is safe. We have food, and trade, here."

"I know."
Vira huffed, the tip of her tail twitching, prompting Vivienne to let out a breathy laugh.

"Why don't you take a stroll? Let your thoughts wander a bit."

"Yeah...good idea. Thanks, Viv."
Vira smiled, getting up.

"Don't stay out too late. It can get dangerous out there."
Apollo warned.
She nodded silently, rushing out of the door.

Vira lingered outside the door for a moment, eyes darting around the village, watching the peaceful Vivari make their trade.

Shaking her head, she bounded forward on all fours, aiming for the forest.

When she got there, she finally allowed herself a moment's peace, admiring the stillness of the wood.

A few insects flitted from flower to flower, yellow dust trailing behind them from the blooms.

She sat down under a tree, sighing.

A distant voice echoed in the back of her mind, sweet and soft, calling her, pulling her.
She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the voice, trying to make out what it was saying.

Frustration engulfed her when she came up blank, eliminating the voice altogether.

She knew this had to do with her purpose. She had to have one. Didn't she?

Her life in the village was meaningless. She wasn't even a farmer, just a scout.

That's all she did. Scout for new territories to settle in.

She just knew that there had to be something more to her life. And she would find it, no matter what it took.

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Vira blinked open her eyes, gaze darting around the forest. Had she fallen asleep?
Shaking her head, she pushed herself up, tilting her head to look up.

What caught her off guard wasn't the purple light streaming through the leaves, but the moth insectoid hanging off of a branch, and peering down at her.

She gasped, jumping and stumbling back, prompting the moth to snicker, his wings fluttering.

He was tall, like most insectoids, and his skin...fur? Was light gray, the fluff around his neck and legs pastel green. His antennae were the same shade of green, as well as what appeared to be eyeshadow marking his face.

The sclera of his eyes were dark, almost black, his pupils a bright emerald green, much like Vivienne's.

"Don't laugh."
Vira scowled, flattening her ears.

"I can't help it."
The moth cackled, jumping down from the branch.
"The look on your face was priceless."

Vira huffed, shaking her head.
"What are you doing here? Insectoids rarely brave this part of the woods."

"Ah, I was here for that reason exactly. Needed some new territory to explore. So, what are you doing here?"

"I just like it here. It's like a safe space for me."

"I see. I'm Mana."
The moth, Mana, extended one of his arms, offering her his hand.

Vira reluctantly took it, allowing him to help her up and shake her hand.
"Vira."

"You live in the village near here, am I correct?"
Mana asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"I do. I don't think many Vivari leave the village."
Vira confirmed, sighing.
"I have to go. I've been out late enough already. It was nice meeting you."

With that, she turned quickly, rushing down the path to the village.

Mana blinked, shaking his head.
"Alright...nice talk."

He hesitated for a moment, before turning, a smirk ghosting his face before he ran down the opposite path.