What's going on? (Open, Semi Formal)

[Alue]

Alue

After running for so long, she needed a place to stay for a while. Alue panted as her steps slowed. Feet aching, she leaned her body against a giant tree. Looking to the sky, the sun was still high as it beat down on her gray fur. Taking a deep breath, she knew she would need to find a safe place from them. She wasn't sure what they were, but she had seen other dogs go insane after getting just bitten by one. Alue was lucky, for this did not happen to her. Fear still came through out her body at the sight of one though.
Looking forward, she made her paws move. Maybe she would find someone who wasn't one of them and hang with them, or at the very least find out what was happening around here. Alue knew that in this city, where they seemed to be around more, some of the sane dogs would know. Her eyes went from side to side as she watched around her. This city was bigger than what she was used to, nothing like the villages or the forests. The only reason she dared step here was, maybe, just maybe, she could find a good pack that knew how to keep the insane dogs away.
Alue's stomach growled as she smelled some human food. A garbage had just had some meat thrown in it. Lowering her nose to the ground, she keep sniffing until her head was just about to bump into the giant garbage. Alue lifted her head, as she placed her paws on the side of it. As she moved her paws onto the bar on the side (where a garbage truck would put in the spike-thingy) she leaned her body over.
Her back legs hit the dump with a ringing sound. She winced a little, but then noticed how the garbage almost came up to her chest. Jumping over to the meat, she grabbing it swiftly in her muzzle, then tried to jump out. The only issue with her plan is that, her front right paw got caught under a bag, then made her fall to the ground, hitting her head and right side. She yelped in pain with the sausages fell out of her muzzle onto the cold ground.
After about five minutes of just laying there, trying to get over the pain, and breathing deep, she sat up. Her brown eyes went onto the food, as she slowly started to eat. Her jaw sent small waves of pain through out her body, but hunger won over. Maybe she would be lucky here, and meet a sane dog trying to find food and find out what is going on.

[Starmuttani]

POGI

There was no specific destination in a mind of a bored dog. Big chocolate brown eyes lazily glances around while his paws that seems too big for him carried his long body forward. This Dachshund appears to be in an autopilot mode, seeking no purpose of the day and could use something to kill time. Subconsciously, he turned up his long snout heavenward. The sun being so high up in the sky is usually a good indication that it's only early afternoon, which meant that most dangers are stuck lurking in their shadows. Particularly yellowed-eyed monsters who is so sick that they're falling into insanity. The city's better without them... At least Pogi would know. The Dachshund knows the city from the back of his paw. He's lived it since he was puppy. He learned it. He breathes it.

There is nothing that's going on in the city that he doesn't know.

Although, Pogi felt the need to move as far away from the humans as he possibly can. Being so early in the day, they're hustling and bustling to places; minding their own business. Those damn apes... Walking as if they're the king of the world and tormenting any species that are considered inferior to them. Disgusted with that thought, Pogi snorted and shook his head, refusing to allow himself to remember just how cruel these creatures can really be. Thankfully, he was distracted. His tattered left ear perked to the faint ringing sound of flesh hitting metal. 'The hell is that?', the Dachshund's curiosity sparked in him as he lifted his right ear in his effort to locate the source of the noise.

Soon enough after his quick exploring, he has the dumpster in sight and something appears to be... moving in it? Pogi narrowed his eyes suspiciously and kept his distance. Once can never know what would be raiding the trash; it could be as innocent as a rat or something far worse. Before long, he is watching a mass of grey fur struggling to get out of the metal container and made a leap of faith... only to smack face first into the ground! "Oof..." Pogi winced as he witness the terrible fall, but completely exposed in view, there's no questioning it. It was another canine and it's a rather well-built one.

Pogi was tempted to leave. While the failed attempt to make a graceful escape was far entertaining then he hoped for, there was no knowing if the said dog is an infected. Then again, he paused. Infected usually don't like to be out and about in clear daylight [as the bright lights would hurt their eyes], more or less desperate enough to raid in a dumpster. It could actually be safe. Besides, it was not like there was more urgent matters that he could be tending to. Pogi first waited to see what the grey dog will do, but as the seconds ticked by and there was no movement, he was beginning to wonder if the dog was actually clumsy enough to knock herself out! "Well... That's sad."

It wasn't until he took a few brave steps forward did Pogi notice the meat lying on the ground nearby. Oh! That looks like a tasty snack! His powerful scent of smell tells him that it's still in pretty good shape too. Well, it would be a shame if it went to waste, especially if the dog won't be eating it any time soon. He began to waddle towards it until... "Oh shi- you're alive!" Pogi remarked his surprise as the dog managed to sit up all on her own. He firmly planted his paws to the ground as he carefully eyed the creature before him. A dog? This thing looks more like a wolf! There's no way he could outrun those long legs of her's, more or less fight her off should she chose to attack.

His only option?

Time to whip out his smooth voice. Pogi cleared his throat as an attempt to recover from his shock and pulled on a salesman's smile. "Greetings! That was a rather nasty fall you took!"

[Alue]

Paw steps sounded behind Alue. Fear dashed through out her body. Was it one of them?! She bite into the sausages, carrying them in her muzzle as she stood to her paws. The fur on her back went on end, as her ears went back. The gray and white hybrid swum her body, her brown eyes settling over a small dog with many scars. Her teeth bared as she looked at him. Alue did not know the signs of insanity, only they could be any of the dogs. This was a dog who did not take chances.

"Greetings! That was a rather nasty fall you took!"

The wind blew as he spoke, and she could smell a tiny bit of fear. Alue relaxed a little, telling that this dog was no someone to fear. Her ears went more to the side now, and now a friendly smile was on her lips. She dropped the food onto the ground, as she looked kindly to the small dog. "Oh, you saw that? Heh." In her tone of voice was embarrassment. She lowered her rump into sitting. Ears perked now, she looked at the dog. "You hungry? You can have some, I don't mind." She said as her black nose slightly pushed some of the sausages forward. Kindness was something had a habit of. So, of course she would share with a stranger.
"Hey, do you know what's happened to all those insane dogs? I've seen them in the forests and there seems to be more here." She said, with confusion in her eyes. Maybe he had the answer or they could find it. At the very least, she might have a new friend. Sighing, she laid down, watching this dog. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Alue, what's your name?" She said to him with a smile. This is slightly awkward. She thought for no reason.

(Sorry shorter, still trying to get back into RPing >.<)

[Starmuttani]

[No worries, so am I actually! xD]

The Dachshund will have to admit. The other canine's reaction surprised him again that he actually jumped backwards to gain some distance between themselves. His muscles tensed and ready to flee if he could, even though there was no chance that he could outright escape her clutches. Damn, she must have read his mind about wanting to steal her sausage as he pitifully watches the hybrid snatch it up in her mouth. "Woah, woah, woah! Easy!" Pogi yelped out as soon as he saw those sharp fangs expose themselves. Okay, this is looking pretty bad! And this dachshund knew that he had no chance of defending himself unless his opponent exposes her stomach or have weak ankles.

As if this dog is bipolar, her aura and body language had completely flip the tables on him. Pogi raised a confused eyebrow, but he still kept his grounds and his heart hammered in his deep chest. The stranger showed her embarrassment that he had witnessed her fall and just went ahead and sat down. Could this dog really be THAT trusting? She even went so far as to offer her meat! Pogi glances down at the sausages that was pushed forward in his direction and almost immediately, he was working out a plan in his head. He wondered if he could be able to grab the whole thing and make a break for it. Just running simply won't do, especially from a large canine such as this wolf hybrid, but perhaps he could outwit her.

Suddenly, he was snapped out of his thoughts when she inquired about some 'insane dogs' that was running about the city. Oh ho ho? An outsider? Pogi nearly had to smile at this luck. If he could grab the whole sausages and escape into the city, he could very easily lose her. It was a mistake for her to be releasing so much information about herself so soon; she even told him where she was from. Pogi has never went into a forest before, more or less been in an area with so many trees... But he was sure that it's totally different than an area surrounded by people, large buildings, and those 'insane dogs'. However, he decided to play along. "Oh, you never heard of the Infected? Surely, you must at least heard of the Virus."

Normally, the Dachshund wouldn't feel so bad to have left her in the dark if he felt like it, but this was a rather slow day. As mentioned earlier, he had nothing more interesting to do. When the wolf hybrid actually felt comfortable enough to lie down, Pogi had to question what kind of a lifestyle she led. Whatever it is, it must not been a dangerous one to lie down in front of a complete stranger. For all she can know, he could attack and by putting herself on the ground, he has an easy access to chomping her eyes out. Thankfully though, this Dachshund was not that type. Pogi's not so much for violence. "Well, a tip for you sweetheart. It's never a good idea to relax, especially so exposed where the monsters can get you." He glances side to side as to survey the area and looked pleased to see that it was still clear.

Out of the blue, the stranger remembered to introduce herself. 'Alue? Currently not the kind of name I would think for a wolf...', he thought to himself but dismissed it. Well, if he is going to play along, might as well be courteous. "Pleasure. You may address me as Pogi." As of hunger just struck him at the most inappropriate timing, his stomach grumbled faintly. Grinning sheepishly, he inched forward towards the meat but kept his eyes on Alue. "Ah yes... I was feeling rather nippy..." Hey, if she's sharing, might as well take a bite! Pogi sniffed briefly at the sausage before tearing a piece and chewed rather contently. Oh, it was good... She had gotten her paws on a juicy one!

[Alue]

The infected? Alue thought to herself. It was a infection than. Interesting... That also meant her blood resisted this infection. I wonder if there is anything you can see straight off about an Infected dog... Her thought keep trailing as she thought of this. Now knowing something important, she looked back to the dog.

"Well, a tip for you sweetheart. It's never a good idea to relax, especially so exposed where the monsters can get you."

Right after he said this, Alue sat back up, hopefully not scaring the male. She shot her head side to side, wanting to make sure no one else was around. Fear swooped in, as she lowered her ears, while looking at the dog for maybe some encouragement. He looked tough, for a little dog, that is. With the scars he must of been through hell, maybe this hell.

"Pleasure. You may address me as Pogi."

A smile grew on her muzzle as her ears drew up some. Pogi, what a cute name! She thought. It reminded her of a little cuddle toy or something of the sort. Plus, he was small, so what else to think of other than cute and cuddly. But his name did not betray him. He looked like a little dog that would tear your fur out if you pissed him off. She didn't hear him talk when he went to the sausages and took a bite of it.

"Is there anything to know about this city? Safe places, dangerous place? How to tell if a dog or animal is 'infected'?" She said with curiosity shining in her eyes. As curious as she was, it was also very important to know these facts. Maybe she would come close to a dangerous area and realize it and run off. Important facts need to be know.

(ooc; sorry it took so long, I didn't have much time yesterday as I expected to)

[Starmuttani]

[No need to apologize! I wasn't even online yesterday. xD]

A brief moment of surprise took the Dachshund again as Alue suddenly sits right back up. In all honesty, Pogi was pretty surprised that a complete stranger [especially as one as large and possibly stronger than him] was even listening to him and taking heed to his warnings. Of course, he was quick to remind himself that this is an outsider. Naturally, tourists will do anything a local will say; even if it means doing something completely ridiculous and out of the ordinary. It is exactly why an outsider's simple mind always makes them the easiest steals. Of course, now that the damned Infected have basically overrun the streets, the humans are terrified and hyper-aware of everything. It constantly spoils his plans and forces him work harder for food. Pogi's large paws remains firm to the ground as it took all of his resistance to not back away as Alue was frantically looking around, but his chocolate brown eyes still betrays his wariness.

Silently, Pogi watches the wolf hybrid with caution, but when he notices that she is showing signs of nervousness, he allows himself to relax a little. It's odd to say that Alue's fear tickles Pogi's nose and makes him feel better. It simply means that she has no intentions to attack him, more or less bully him around. He'll have to admit, her fear gives him an ego boost and gives him a thinking that she's looking to him for protection. Of course, logically it's not true, but with Pogi's need to feel big, logic means nothing! "Ah, there aren't any in the area. Don't you worry your pretty head." Pogi twitches his tattered left ear and looks back at the hybrid's worried eyes. "Usually, the Infected don't like to be out in the sun. I think it's because it hurts their sensitive eyes." He finishes with a reassuring nod.

Now that the Dachshund had a piece of the meat, his stomach grumbles for more. It wasn't until then did he realizes that he was certainly hungry. It's a tough life, living out in the streets and fighting everyday just for food. Pogi hate having to be reminded that he's always hungry. However, just as Alue's smile sneaks onto her muzzle, Pogi grows suspicious. He narrows his eyes as if he concentrates hard enough, he would be able to read her mind. Alas, he's not that brilliant. So Pogi suffices with comforting himself with another bite of the sausage. While he chews contently on the juicy flesh and wondering why the humans would throw this wonderful piece of meat in the trash, Alue was very wise to not express her thoughts on Pogi's name or size. This Dachshund may appear to be adorable, as it is a curse from his breed, but with one utter of an insult regarding his height, Pogi's attitude would turn ugly so fast that Alue wouldn't know what to do!

There was some feelings of being impressed for this wolf hybrid as Pogi listens to her questions. They were very good information to learn about if she chooses to venture into the dangerous city. Although, Pogi took his sweet time. He waited till he swallows and a long pink tongue slips out to lick at his lips as to clean off the meat's juice. "It's actually quite simple." He begins with a serious tone, "There are only three things to watch out for. If you encounter any of the three symptoms, you get out. Don't ever take any chances..."

"Number one: all Infected shares yellow eyes, white tongues and black gums. There is no exception to this rule. I have never met one that didn't have those traits." Pogi felt the need to pause for a moment to steel his heart against the memories of watching a loved one turn into one of them. It was... unpleasant. He watches Alue's face as to make sure she is listening carefully, because he sure as hell won't repeat himself.

"Number two: usually, Infected smells like a walking corpse." It may be a personal opinion, but there was no denying it. They smell absolutely disgusting. It's really no wonder though, as the Virus is killing off the brain and deteriorating their flesh. Pogi sometimes knows when to avoid an Infected around a corner because of how strong their scent is. He was blessed that his breed was gifted with such a talented nose. "I don't know if you've been unlucky to smell a decaying flesh, but it's reflex jerker."

"And finally, number three..." The Dachshund fell silent yet again as he mulls over his word choice. It wasn't really a symptom, but it has happened in nearly all the Infected he came across with. It couldn't hurt to share his wisdom. "...If they appear to be insane... Or talks about their 'gift' rather obsessively and wants to give it to you... Do not approach them. They want nothing more but to give you the Virus.

Don't let them come close to you...

Don't even let them breathe on you..."

Slowly, Pogi glances in the direction of the city and finishes with a deathly whisper- "Because if you do... You're dead."

[Starmuttani]