The Immortal Mist

Ch. 3

Vira's entire body shook, eyes wide as she listened to her father's tale.

The village had all travelled to a nearby human town, and were, mostly staying inn, though others stayed with friends of their own. It was safe to say that the town was just big enough to hold most, if not all, of the Vivari's population.

According to Apollo, what had happened to the village wasn't caused by any of the Vivari.

In the middle of the day, a shadow had been cast upon the village, startling most of the villagers who were working.

While most of them tried to find what was wrong, a figure had risen in the distance, a large black mass with a lashing tail and sharp, lethal fangs.

The fox roared, pawing at the ground with it's deadly claws, before advancing on the few Vivari who chose to defend.

While the monster distracted them, somebody, or something, had litten a spark near the fields, and the entire village had caught alight.
The shadowy mass that the fox left behind was apparently very flammable, as it aided in spreading the flame as the canine fled.

Not every Vivari made it out alive, a handful of them becoming lost in the flames, while the majority hid amongst the forest where they could dive into the pond.

Vira stared into her mug, steam from the tea rising up and warming her face.
She frowned, pursing her lips. Her hands trembled, forcing herself to put down the mug before she dropped it.

She jumped when Vivienne placed a paw on her shoulder, sympathy evident in her gaze.
"It's okay...most of us got out alright. You found new land to inhabit, anyway, didn't you?"
She reasoned, trying to lift her adopted daughter's spirits.

"Yeah, we did. But...all that work. We've lived there for...forever. Not just us, the Vivari as a race."
Vira murmured, shaking her head.

"Change can be good sometimes. Maybe...maybe this was okay."
Vivienne told her, sighing softly.

Vira stayed silent, her ears swiveling to the staircase when she heard footsteps.

A young human man walked down the stairs, wearing a simply brown tunic and trousers.
His hair was chestnut brown, and he had brown hazel eyes. The beginnings of facial hair covered the area above his lips, a scar running down the middle.

"You guys look terrible."
He commented, eyes darting between the three of them.
"I don't blame you though."

"Oh, Vira."
Apollo spoke up.
"This is Erin, the innkeeper's son. We thought it'd be best if he educated you in the art of battle."

"Battle? No...Father, we're Vivari. We don't fight."

"Not yet."
Apollo smirked.
"But it's never too late to learn."

Erin blinked, crossing his arms.
"I'm only going to teach you if you actually try. Don't expect me to keep going if you aren't learning anything."

Vira sighed.
"I...I suppose it could be of use. When do we begin?"

Erin flashed her a grin.
"Right now. Come on, that insectoid friend of yours is already waiting outside."

"Mana?"
Vira gasped, flattening her ears.

"He seemed nice enough, and wouldn't leave me alone about joining in. Come on, while the day's still young."

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