VIRUS, THE WAYFARER Disgruntled Visitor

lI refuse to indulge in your world any more than you have made me. Do not test me, Gale. Sparklers Seafood Known for their reflective, multi-colored scales, this species of guppy are often saved from the lunch basket by the impressive glittering performance they use to get away. 29 3 Miasma Crystal Apparel The crystal swirls with visions and enchantment. 1200 Charged Tungsten Minerals & Ores A popular material in bulbs and superalloys. Lightning dragons harvest the stuff like it's going out of style. 375 Harvest Floracat Familiar The leaves of this floracat become a brilliant, fiery display before they are shed and regrown each season.(Colored by akitamonster.) 2750

06/02/20222

Alright, I think that's everything. How are you feeling?

Tired. Confused. Everything's different, but everything's the same. What happened?

A lot. After everything that happened, I managed to get you away from anyone's influence. Unfortunately, due to the nature of where I put you, it forced you to become dormant. You've been inactive for close to a year and a half.

What about-

Don't ask about those involved. Everything's been resolved and it's best you don't go digging in the past for answers. There's only trouble to be found in familiar faces. Speaking of...don't look into the dragon profiles I sent you when you first arrived. I know everything's overwhelming, but I wanted you to stay out of trouble.

This is still quite a list.

Listen, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I know you caught onto the new horror very quickly. While yes, most are harmless, I can't risk potential information about you and myself getting out. It's...complicated and you'll learn in due time why I don't want you snooping around those specific individuals.

So....they can read my mind? Is that what you're telling me?

More or less. Some to a higher extent than others with how the ability manifests. I know that it's all text in a bio or in a document somewhere and therefor fiction, but you know crossovers can happen. They aren't aware that they're coding and text, but you do. You're a link between the 'real' world and this digital one and I'm not quite sure what they'll do with that information.

Looking at the tab, I'm guessing you'll point me to the references?

Of course.

Anyways, let's focus back on yourself and everything new.

Oh yeah the layout change. My appearance. My mate.

Yep! I hope you found everything without much of a struggle. Your outfit gives me certain...vibes, but I know you didn't do that on purpose. Me putting you in a box when you don't even fit in any. As for the skin, I think that's what your old one morphed into. Makes sense since you're no longer a mess.

I suppose I do feel stable now. And free. And my mate?

I grabbed her for you and you seemed to welcome changing her looks and nesting with her so I guess I should be asking you about her.

She's...fine. Suitable to carry on father's lineage. She lacks awareness. Is this intentional?

Yes. I'm leaving it to you to decide if she, any future mates, and any offspring will share your awareness. Also, this no longer pertains to your parents. Neither have access and never will again. I've blocked the channels involving them while you were dormant.

...ah

I know a lot has changed. And I promise you it's for the better. Take time to adjust, and if you have any questions or concerns you'd like to bring to my attention, you know I'll check in on you.

Oh, you're leaving already?

I'm afraid so. It's late here and I need to sleep.

Care if I ask one more question?

Go ahead.

May I "Customize" myself? This is all new.

Of course. Make yourself at home.

---

06/08/20222

My children are already gone. Why?

Back when you were in limbo, I promised an old friend that they could give another one of your children a second chance.

I know that home well. It's where Void and Anchroix reside. They are happy and free. I will not ruin that for them. Who is the second home?

That's a good friend of mine. We met long after you moved. I promise they'll take good care of your daughter.

....Something else is bothering you. You didn't disobey my request to not enter certain dragons' profiles did you?

No. I've been looking around to figure out more about them. I think I know why but that sort of...power can't possibly transcend their origins, right?

I'm unsure myself, but as I told you before, I can't afford to risk it. The last thing I need is for one to see me through you. I don't want you to be a target again, and I sure as hell don't want to be effected by this either.

I can look at the others though, right?

Yes. It's not like the dangerous ones can tell you're looking at anyone other than them in terms of the site's coding. Sure, the lore notes I guided you to say otherwise, but that's a story. You aren't a part of the stories so long as I don't write you in them. As such, it is perfectly safe for you to browse anyone that's not on that list.

....good. I'll make sure to pass that message onto my offspring. I don't want them falling into the same potential trap.

Spread that information as you need to. I'm sure the two will be happy to have it.

Is that all for tonight?

I believe so. I'll be keeping an eye on my daughters.

Hey, it's okay to relax. There's nothing to keep stressing out about anymore. I broke the curse that was put on you. Void and Anchroix are free as well. There's no more outside forces back from when your father still watched over you. This is a fresh start for you.

As long as I don't grab the attention of this Eye figure?

As far as I'm aware, that's the only potential threat left. I don't want to take risks, and I know you don't either.

.....

Virus, I know you're back to how you're supposed to be, but don't think you're better than something else. Don't poke the bear.

What if my daughters do though?

Well, if you teach them well and they understand, they never will.

But what if they do?

If they do, protect them. But promise me that no matter what happens to them, you will not do the same.

I can't just...

I'm not losing you again Virus.

....I promise.

---

06/15/20222

Hey, sorry I've been gone. It's been rough and I've been wanting to take time away from here. Hope you've been alright.

....Why did you bother breeding me?

Wait back up I feel like I'm missing something.

Go look at my children. I'll be here.

I.....Okay.

......

......

That's....I'm sorry.

....I want to talk to them you know. Make Iris know she can speak out. Calm Misch and teach her patience. But Occinae is adamant and I do not wish to make an enemy of my daughter.

Do you want me to reach out myself?

You can't influence their lairs.

Well, about that. You know how there's that wall you mentioned not being able to break through?

Stop being vague.

Fine. I can talk to them on what's on the other side of that wall. The reason I don't allow you to access it is so you don't get overwhelmed. Trust me it's for the best.

Can I not speak to them?

Look, this is either you reach out to your daughters yourself, or I try and force their owners to act. That's it. Those are your options.

Fine. I'll write to them. It's probably a good idea to do so. I'll write to Occinae too. It's not his place to decide what my daughter does, regardless of his owner's actions. If I must intervene so my daughter can recognize her potential so be it.

I do not wish to make an enemy of anyone. But I think it may be for the best.

What of the warnings?

They'll find them if they go looking here. If they do not heed them or ignore what is written here, they've done it to themselves. I hope it does not come to that.

I.....I'll leave you to write. You know where to find the PMs.

Thank you.

---

---

---

Virus’ head was pounding when he woke up. He squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to shut out the light flooding his vision. Aside from the headache, his entire body was filled with pins and needles.
"Uhh, hello? Anyone in there?"
"Urghh... what? What is this?" Virus opened his eyes and it was... a house. It was a chilly day, the middle of fall, and he was laying in a bare patch of lawn. There was also a letter clutched in his paws.
"Read the letter, please," A light green blob of light floated into his vision, a wisp of energy pointing to the piece of paper.
As he read, the headache and staticky feeling in his body faded, replaced with the soft warmth of his clothing. When he finished, he was distraught.
"You're... Gale, correct?" He looked over at the wisp, still in disbelief, "And you've put me into Sornieth proper? I'm not a part of the website anymore, it seems."
"Yep. You're not really code anymore."
"...how?"
"Better for you not to know. Don't worry about it." The wisp suddenly startled, turning towards the house, "Oh, she's up. Go see your daughter, Virus."
With a hesitant nod, he walked onto the path to the door. The wisp opened the door and let him step inside before vanishing. It was not their place to see what happened after.

---

Virus was doing a patrol of Iris' neighborhood, or in terms of how a normal dragon would see it, taking his nightly walk. All was normal until the light green wisp appeared, looking quite confused.
"Uh. That's not the outfit you had when you came from Henry's. What's with the skull and extra wings?" The wisp tilted its head slightly to the side, "Not criticizing or anything, just puzzled."
"I was not intimidating enough as I was. I needed to be better, to protect her. To keep her safe."
"...this isn't an unsafe place, Virus. Nobody here is going to hurt you," the wisp suddenly looked deeply sad.
"You say that, like everyone has. What will you say when she gets hurt, or exalted, or tossed aside? I will not let myself grow complacent in the face of any threat. This is not safe, this is a break in the battle."
"Virus, please. Henry told you themselves that they wanted you to relax. Can't you at least do this for them? Try to settle down, care for your daughter-"
"I will care for my daughter by protecting her, thank you." Virus snapped, eyes narrowed under the ram's skull, "This is what she needs from me."
"She needs you to be there for her. You can't just hover around in the background of her life, Virus. Please. She doesn't need an ominous spectre to smite her enemies, she needs a father." The wisp sighed, "Please think about it at least. She wants you in her life, but not like this."
Virus simply remained silent, continuing his walk until the wisp vanished once more.