Memento Vivere ~Open~

[Morto Mente]

It seems when one is in a near state of shock, time begins to crawl to a stop. You could even make yourself believe the scarce water drops from rooftops or the sky seemed to freeze mid air. A situation like this would feel it birthed straight from a horror story. To be honest, for one individual, this was a horror story. Shaking breaths somehow escaped Alex's mouth as he pushed his body and will to continue forward down a dark alleyway. His frightened eyes were agape, pupils constricted, and his heart pounding.

"What the hell.. is going on?" This one thought is the only thing Alex's brain could muster, outside of his minuscule movements. Images of scenarios began popping into his mind, of which he didn't want to imagine. However, the best one his mind seemed to stick with is: "This is one hell of a dream... Never had one to scare me before..". None of Alex's sense worked correctly, aside from the sense of touch. This is what led him to believe it was merely a dream.

His chest felt colder than the air which surrounded him. The last thing he could recall was the forest just outside of his home. The Spring warmth felt like it was just a far off memory in comparison to where he had awoke. Trudging onward, Alex's inhuman senses slowly began to function again. The dense feeling of emptiness in his head started to fade, and his hearing started to work again. The sense of smell that was bestowed upon him with his curse also returned. At this point, Alex knew what was happening wasn't a dream. It wasn't an illusion, nor in any way imaginary. This place he was in, is as real as the heart beating in his chest.

After what seemed an eternity to him, Alex eventually emerged from the alleyway, and found himself in what appeared to be the center of a large city, reminiscent to Victorian Europe. The darkness of the alley was lightly lifted from what little light that was produced in the largely open area. The cold, moist air's temperature dropped as a light gust of wind blew by. Alex's skin seemed to be pricked by needles at this point, which reminded him that he is alive, and in an unknown place. His energy was slowly returning to him as he snapped back into reality, albeit he didn't want to.

The few people who were wandering around the square took no notice of Alex. It seemed to him that he wasn't an abnormality here, which slightly calmed him down. The last thing he wanted was to be attacked in this unknown city. Forcing himself to calm down, Alex allowed his feral senses take over, calming his heart rate, and leveling his mind. He slowly put his arms at his sides and took a deep breath in through his nose, and equally slowly exhaled through his mouth. His eyes opened, bearing luminescent blue eyes, resembling those of a wolf's. "Now.. to find out where in the hell I am..."

[Saasha]

Saasha's human ears were tuned to the sounds of the city- the bustling people and carriages, children begging their parents for different odds and ends, soldiers milling about and keeping the peace- an interesting task considering not but a few days before half of the city had been nearly leveled. Her half blond, half smoky blue hair tussled in the breeze as it swished over her shoulders. She was donning her usual brown jacket that fell to her knees, covering her black turtleneck sleeveless top. Sheathing her legs, a pair of tan slacks that hung nicely loose over her knees and nearly hid the black short heels she wore. Over her shoulder was her trademark messenger bag- this time cat free thank goodness. Of course, her ears and tail had been morphed into her body as usual to prevent any staring to alarm.

She was out on the town for the day to get away from the manor. She loved it and all of course, but being the natural roamer she was inclined to be, she took to the town often. She didn't fancy leaving her manor and Joshua alone so she didn't leave Hallowton and the surrounding woods often- but she did value her trips. And today was no exception. She had dropped by her usual bar and had a small drink with the regulars, been to the park for some resistance training. That is, resisting her more canine urges as she had been for the past few months since her master merged her consciousnesses. Still not a lot of luck in the squirrel chasing department. At least now she could watch them without an overly powerful urge to chase them.

Either was she now found herself walking about town, her lightly pinked lips curled into a small smile as usual. Yes, today was a nice day. Her steps fell lightly on the walkway as she passed building after building on her usual route to her favorite shop- she needed more incense so she might as well get it while she was out. She was rounding a corner, her shop in sight, when a strange scent caught her nose- forest... Now it was not the fact that the scent itself was woodsy. It was the type of woodsy. Not at all like the woods around Hallowton... then it hit her. Her head snapped to lock eyes on the man that had just appeared out of the alley way. Was he a... She took a small sniff that confirmed it for her- wolf. What Kind she couldn't tell just yet but it definitely wasn't demon. That was a plus.

The look on his face and the feel about him told her that he was a bit confused. Yep, a new arrival. Now, Saasha was not one to just randomly approach people like she was about to, but two things made her do it. First, the fact that he was a wolf and her wolf-en side was curious. Second, better she run into him than another with less than polite intentions. Not that he couldn't defend himself- she determined with a bit more watchfulness- it was just that he didn't quite smell like a threat per say. Plus she knew how confusing and disorienting inter-dimensional travel could be and how she knew she would rather be greeted by an agreeable personage than a fight right off the bat. And so she approached.

Her kindly smile showing through as she cleared her throat to get his attention gently, "Pardon me but are you alright? You look a bit disoriented." Her tone was not overly amicable but definitely friendly. It held undertones of caution- she didn't know who he was after all, nor his intentions. Smell could be deceiving.

[Morto Mente]

Among all of the typical movements of this city, Alex's piercing, yet gentle blue eyes scanned his environment. It seemed as though life were slowly draining from him, as one could tell by looking closely at his eyes. His breathing was slow and steady, he relaxed his left leg by shifting his weight to his right. A mild grimace briefly showed on his face. However, that lifeless gaze slowly started to change as Alex' sense of smell started to pick up on something. Blood.

"Tch... This most likely won't end well..." Alex's thought immediately drove into the worst case scenario, but he couldn't even think about preparing himself for what is actually about to happen. His eyes danced around the square, attempting to find the source of that smell. The smell of blood is something Alex has grown accustomed to, however it always surprises him. For all he knew, it could be a fresh cut from working around the house or cooking. These thoughts never crossed his mind.

All the while Alex was deep in thought, looking for the source of the uneasy feeling he has, something seemed to nag on his brain. This thing was slowly bringing him back into reality once again. Eventually, Alex snapped his eyes open as he realized that 'thing' was actually a voice. Oddly enough, it was a fairly familiar tone of voice. It seemed almost nostalgic. Alex retracted his eyes from the distance, to a girl who appeared around his age standing next to him. He was slightly taller than her, so he had to gaze downwards to her.

Analytic eyes scanned the girl before Alex. She appeared to mean no harm, and the smell of blood was coming from her. Another thing Alex noticed about her, is that she ever so slightly smelled of wet fur. This caught Alex off guard. That is a smell Alex or a dog would produce after being exposed to a moist atmosphere such as the one he is in now. Upon realizing this girl asked Alex a question, in which he responded with staring, he quickly turned his body to face her, He placed his right hand over his chest and bowed slightly.

"My apologies. I did not mean to stare, you just caught me off guard." Raising his body back to it's correct position, and thought about her question. As polite and genuine as Alex was trying to be, his words left his mouth with self resent. "Hmph...Am I alright? Not really. Disoriented? Well.. I was." Alex drew in a deep sigh and shook his head. "I apologize again, my manners seemed to have slipped. My name is Alexander Gray, and I honestly have no damn idea where I am."

[Saasha]

So she was right, he was a newcomer. In that case his actions and confusion were to be expected. Not many who came to the world in the usual was were immediately aware of where they were or what happened. Not even she had known and she had spent nearly her entire life traveling and tracking. Speaking of which- she analyzed the scent wafting off of him as she breathed. German? The German forests. And his accent- well, she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was per say but it was definitely European. On small part of her working mind wondered silently if he was from her own dimension perhaps. But the chances of that were astronomical to say the least. With all of the worlds combining in the way that they were, it was a wonder that her own step-brother even found her when he was outright searching for her.

She was pleased at his politeness. She had not been expecting that really. It was not uncommon that those that came to the world newly were on high enough guard to not even hear the words of a kindly greeter. "Do not worry yourself. Trans-dimensional travel is not something that most experience every day, I was not expecting a conscientious greeting. My name is Saasha." He seemed civil enough so she curtsied a bit, rose, then opted to extend her hand to him in greeting. "And welcome to the planet Genesis and the continent of Jherra. You are in the city of Hallowton, on the east side of the continent." She examined him as she spoke out of the corners of her eyes though they never left his face. White hair, fair skin, blue eyes. Yes, European. But there was something a bit off... oh well, that could be investigated further later. Right now he no doubt wanted some questions answered.

[Morto Mente]

Trans-dimensional travel, Genesis, Jherra, Hallowton. Saasha's words bounced around Alex's head as he blankly stared into her eyes. He found his sight slowly trailing down to the ground. This was quite a bit to take in at once, however he took it in stride. There hasn't been a single thing that has ever caused Alex to falter. Nothing has swayed his ability to continue to look forward. He sighed deeply through his nose and shook his head. "I do apologize, this is just quite a bit to take in."[/b]

Alex spoke with great earnest while he stayed level headed. That way of travel that she spoke of meant that there are more than just mere humans around. Of course, he wasn't one himself so knowing that there could be others like him slightly got his hopes up. He noticed her extended hand and gently shook it. Her soft, smooth skin reminded him of the girls he had once nearly given his life for. A wry smile donned his face before he spoke after releasing her hand. "Well, this is a bit of a situation I have myself in then. I now know I am no longer on Earth, and I can tell that there are beings here who are not human, based on what little you told me. I'll be keeping my manners and wits about me."

Alex's voice began to trail off as something slowly started gnawing at the back of his mind. What was it he was in training for? What was it his family was kept alive to achieve? Why was it so important for Alex to be kept away hidden from the world? "Excuse me, but would anything come to mind when I say 'ragnarok'?" His eyes turned back to her, and the lifelessness that once reflected from his eyes had returned.

Ragnarok. That is something Alex would rather have nothing to do with. Albeit, because of that, the blood that has fought the challenge of time and wound it's way down to Alex actually saved not only his, but his friends' lives. Alex could feel his teeth clenching as he waited on baited breath for Saasha's response. He knew that if this was the coming of ragnarok, he may very well have to start fighting for his life.

[Saasha]

She smiled kindly at him as he released her hand hoping to ease a bit of his worry. She was, at her core, a gentle spirit, it was only when threatened or unsure of her company that her more stoic and harder hunter's spirit came to light."You are right in what you say. You are no longer in your dimension- how far from it, I know not. And as for the non-human beings... Well I shall address that in a moment."

Saasha's head tilted a bit when the question was posed. A strange one, but a topic she was familiar with to be certain. Traveling lent many interesting pieces of knowledge to the mind. "I am familiar with it yes. The coming of the end of the world in Nordic mythology, I believe. The battles of the gods Loki and Thor, along with Tyr and Loki's father. Many others too according to the stories. Why do you ask?" The question was very curious indeed, but she figured that he was trying to place exactly where he was. Not only in location, but also in time. This was very understandable, even she still didn't know where in time in relation to her own world she was. But the question did intrigue her- maybe he was from her dimension after all.

"But that is just my knowledge and I am not from this world originally. So that information may not have been shared by another that may have approached you." Who was he, she wondered. Not human but knows of Ragnarok and is actually interested in it. Hm. Saasha supposed if she listened he might disclose some little hidden gem that would shed light on his personage- but she would not press the issue.

[Morto Mente]

It was as he had feared. This was the beginning of ragnar- What did she say? Alex's eyes quickly regained their life and snapped to hers. As they widened, his mouth slowly opened. He tried to speak, but found himself speechless. She knew about it, but she's not from this world? Does that mean she's from a world like his, or actually from his world?

It took a few moments for Alex to snap back into reality. Actually, he slapped himself back. He blinked a few times while shaking his head. "You know of it, but you are not of this world?" Alex usually is the type to show manners and a calm demeanor, however this situation is one to get the best of him. He never speaks fast, puts too much energy into his words, or pries into one's past. At this moment in time, manners was the last thing on his mind.

He sighed once more and stood straight. His throat seemed to constrict as he tried to swallow the dryness from his mouth. Alex again released a slow, heavy sigh through his nose. He frowned lightly as he turned a thought in his head. He didn't want to cause any problems, especially with one he just met, but he knew he had to ask. This could really turn the situation sweet or sour for him.

"Are you of Earth? Tell me, was that the name of your world?"

[Saasha]

He must have had the same thought she did as his mouth slowly slid open. Was it really possible? Had she found someone from her world? The thought caused her eyes to brighten a bit with a hopeful gleam and a grin reveal her small pointed canines. A feature that disappeared when he slapped himself. Well that was an oddity. She blinked a few times in surprise but recovered quickly when his question came. "That's right." Could it be true?

Although she was denying all the possibility to keep her hopes from swelling up, she couldn't help that optimistic side from sneaking itself into her mind as she went over all of the odds and possible combinations of percents of chance of their meeting. But, when his second question was posed, and the name of 'Earth' floated into her ears she decided to give it a chance. "Yes, Earth is my planet. Within the Milky Way. Specifically, I am originally from the United States." She opted to leave out the part about her human past for now. If they exchanged stories later, she might tell that part. But then... as of yet, no one but her master and her brother knew her tale. And her brother didn't even know the whole story.

"My Earth has many names- Terra, the Blue Orb. As for the continents, there are seven- Asia, Europe, Australia, Antarctica, North America, South America, and Africa. It has two major oceans- the Atlantic and Pacific. Are those names familiar to you at all?" She asked hopefully. Her blood-brown eyes held the slightest glimmer within them as she stared into his blue ones.

[Morto Mente]

Alex took in everything Saasha said with eager ears. He couldn't believe it. Of all that is Holy and Damned, he actually somehow ended up near someone of his own world. His lips curled into a smile as she began to list off parts of their world as though she were speaking to an alien.

"Wow.. Alright so I think I can drop the formal act.." Alex sighed a sigh of relief and relaxed his shoulders. His smile had yet to leave his face as he spoke. "Yeah, that sounds like home to me... The United States? Ahhh, an American." Alex's words were that of satisfaction, only because it was a bloody miracle that he met someone like her.

The cool wind blew their hair to and fro, dancing with themselves. Alex closed his eyes and basked in the sun light. His smile finally morphed into a grin of pure joy. "Ah, just because I've dropped the formalities, doesn't mean I'll drop my manners."[/b] Alex continued to listen to Saasha as she spoke until her question.

Did any of it seem familiar to him? Of course it did. He learned many things in school. Even though he was fairly sheltered and protected, he still lead a life of that of a 'normal' kid. Once he became an adult, things hardly changed. He still continued his physical training, although his self defense was finished. Upon realizing he was making Saasha wait, Alex spoke again. "Yes, it's all familiar. That's where I am from. I'm from a Europe... It's pretty much a miracle to be standing next to someone from my own world, considering what you told me just a moment ago."

[Saasha]

And that was when her walls dropped just that bit lower. "Please forgive the added information. There are so many other worlds that I had to be sure that we were talking about the same one." A sweet chuckle followed the statement as the knuckles of her right hand covered her lips. She was relieved. Of all the chances... She ignored that thought for now and moved on. "Yes I am. And, pardon me for saying so, but your complexion, accent, and smell gave away your nationality. Well your general location, I can't quite put my finger on specifics."

Saasha felt her her shoulders relax and her mood increase. She shook her head lightly and mumbled, "Of all the odds." She placed her eyes back on Alex and shifted her bag higher on her shoulder. Perhaps now would be the time to move to a more private location. An idea popped into her mind. Strange she should think about it since she never allowed anyone but a few select people to go but... something told her that Alex would be fine to make an exception for. He didn't seem like he would bring much trouble to the place.

After a few moments of thought, she returned her gaze back to the wolf. "Tell you what. Let us walk and talk. I am certain you would like find find a place to stay then relax for a while, yes?" This way, if during their talk, she discovered him an unfit tenet, she could point him in the direction of an inn. If he proved to be true to her suspicions, their walk would continue to her first destination.

[Morto Mente]

Alex noticed Saasha relaxing, and took this as a sign that she was feeling the same as he. Whether or not this world was the beginning of Alex's ragnarok, he knew that this girl, and this world would somehow end up saving him. It's not as though he has a problem with his life, considering he has always done what he wanted. His goal was to help people, which is what gave him his curse. He nodded lightly to Saasha's words.

"In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure where it is I am from either. Every time I asked my teachers, they told me I'm not allowed to know."[/b] It was kind of odd, to say the least. Yet, it still somewhat made sense to Alex. He knew his blood line could not be found out, so they had to be a secret. Alex placed his hand on his face and smiled sympathetically.

"I know it's odd, but that's how it was for me. However,"[/b] Alex paused and looked around. This city is still foreign to him, so he decided to put the burden on Saasha's shoulders. "It does go against my morals, but I am in need of direction."[/b] Never being one to ask for help, Alex was apprehensive about requesting help.

"I don't have many questions about this world. I have a feeling that I will learn... Eventually."[/b]

[Saasha]

She took a few paces past him and turned her head to see if that he followed, "Do not let it bother you. I take great pleasure in helping those that need it. It is not that you cannot take care of yourself as I am sure you can. It is just that being in a totally different world, it is nice to have a helping hand." She waited for him to follow then would begin walking. Good thing the shop was on her way home- though it could wait for now. "I think now would be prudent to tell you that you were right about the species in this world. Humans are not the only ones that occupy its surface. Because the realms are combining, many different beings have made this their new home. Some friendly... and others not. It would be neigh impossible to warn you of them all. Suffice to say that it would be wise to be very cautious around those you meet."

This said, Saasha parted her lips slightly, turning more to face him and letting her hair fall to hid the sides of her face so that only he would see the pointed canines. Two on the top and two much, much smaller ones on her lower row. "Myself as an example. I am sure you have picked out the fact that I am not human. Do not worry yourself with it too much though. After all, you aren't either.[/" She grinned knowingly, her tone mildly playful and mischievous.

[Morto Mente]

Saasha was right in the fact that having someone be kind to him in this world was a massive help. Alex's smile has yet to leave his face and she spoke. He felt as though he could be himself around this person, so he intended to do so. "Exactly. Having you here is like a saving grace for me." Alex's words were true, for he would possibly have changed forms by now and just ran as far and fast as he could.

The next topic is one that caused Alex's smile to dissipate. Sighing ever so slightly, he place his right hand on his hip and shifted the weight on his legs. He listened to her words, nodding all the while. With Saasha's last comment about who he meets, Alex's smile returned and he chuckled through his nose. "Well, it's a good thing I met a stranger I feel comfortable with." Saasha took a few steps forward and turned to Alex, bearing her fangs playfully. He returned the notion with a grin.

Wait, her what? Alex's grin shadowed itself and lowered a little. Surprise, covered by false normal cheerfulness was painted on Alex's face. "Well... shit... No wait, that makes sense.. The smell she emits.. Yeah.. Sounds about right." Alex's thoughts were a a little jumbled, but he was able to think straight... In a sense. "I suppose it's only fair..." Alex was speaking to himself, which made his words seem like a whisper to others. Apart from Saasha, that is. Alex didn't know what sort of creature she was, but he thought it fair to show her a few traits of his own. He placed his left palm on his forehead, scoffed, shook his head, and finally sighed. He stood straight and closed his eyes.

The wind had decided to blow in favor of Saasha's back, pushing her scent into Alex, as well as everything from behind her. The moment that slight smell of blood hit Alex, he snapped open his eyes to reveal his feral pair. The slit of his pupil was constricted. Alex never once made eye contact with Saasha during this event. He slowly opened his mouth, baring his teeth to reveal several large fangs to Saasha. Alex's eyes slowly lost their will to stay fully open, so his eyelids hung on the brink of closing. His mouth gently closed, and Alex's lifeless gaze steadily met Saasha's.

[Saasha]

"I thought so." She nodded quietly. Funny, he had the same little trick that she did. "However, though we are both wolf-en it seems, I doubt we are of the same race." His smell was not demon for certain so that left her wondering exactly what he was. Again, another detail that was be held back until later in private. And so she turned to his lifeless eyes, strange that one so young would bear that kind of gaze. He wore it well though, as if it were not an unusual decoration for him. A sad thought.

"Your form is a burden to you... isn't it? I knew the moment I caught your scent- you didn't have to do that if you didn't want to." her tone lowered to a melancholy tone as she curled her hand a few times to signal for him to follow her and began walking. Saasha thought about trying to lift his spirits a bit by wafting a comforting wisp of her aura around him, but she thought better of it, not knowing how he took to aura's and all. And so, she settled for a simple change in topic.

"Sounds like you have some secrets to keep. Sometimes the secrets that not even you know are better left alone until the time to reveal them comes. I suppose the same is true with you. And if your question about Ragnarok is tied to those secrets... then maybe it is better you don't know for now, hm?" She knew first hand that some secrets were better locked away until it was absolutely necessary they be revealed. That made her off-handedly wonder if her knew of her father.

"So we are from the same world. But are we from the same time? I left that world in... I think it was 1980? Yes, 1980. What year was it when you departed?"

[Morto Mente]

"It's no problem for me to actually speak of it. I didn't have a problem showing you... You're the first person I've ever met that may actually know what it is to be hurt." Alex spoke from his heart for once. He never opened up to anyone, so this was pretty much new to him. He chuckled through his nose and followed Saasha. It wasn't until she mentioned ragnarok, that Alex responded with the whole truth as what seemed to be a pointless afterthought. "I'm just a descendant of Fenrir, Loki's son. Fenrir was a wolf, as am I. I'm the only one in my blood line that has this 'gift'."[/b]

Alex's last word was spoken as the rest of his previous statement. He put no emphasis on the word, or sarcasm. He thought the ability to be his curse, but decided to use 'gift' this one time. Alex sighed deeply and smiled. He knew it was a little strange for him to be acting like this, so he couldn't imagine just how this girl saw him. However, this much was fine for him. When he was alone with his family, he would usually be rather cynical, but they feared him as much as he detested them. His friends who saw past his ability, whom had grown up with him since they were children, were his saviors. This girl gave that same feeling to Alex.

"Wait, the 80's? Hold on... You look... My age..." Alex scratched his head furiously while exclaiming how confused he was. Come to think of it, what was the year of his world? After Alex graduated, he had no real use for the date, considering he would never see the outside world. He had to search his memories thoroughly. Eventually, he had remembered back when he was about to be 12, he heard of a massive attack on the United States. Taking that into consideration, it's easy to figure out that with the age he currently is, "It was the start of 2012.[/b]