.My. I m m o r t a l ;;

[Nicole]

"A threat!" Kratos barked incredulously, green eyes wide and full of amusement. "Well, there are plenty things I could do. I could use my amazing ability to put you to sleep, then head off to the realm where the Gods and Goddesses reside and I would be safe." He smirked in a friendly manner and nodded as if to confirm his actions. "But that would be the cowards way out and it's much too easy. There would be no fun in it." Not that he was really looking for a "fun" way out of a threatening situation. His thoughts ran back to Ella and his final power. He remembered there was no fun there. Something so simple turned into something deadly. "You know what, just forget about that. I just remembered my abilities aren't that amazing..." His voice drifted and one could tell there was more to what he said, but he didn't elaborate.

"Those are the smart ones," he said, soon realizing what he said sounded a little rude. "Not that the ones who don't figure that out are... less intelligent, they just need to figure it out," he added hastily as he pushed himself up from his sitting position in order to stretch, having not moved his muscles since he began talking to Annika. He couldn't help but yawn as he performed this action. He hadn't slept in days and he didn't plan on it anytime soon. His eyelids fluttered and his eyes glazed over slightly. He suddenly looked fatigued; sleep wasn't always as peaceful as some thought it was. "I despise sleep," he murmured quietly in an unrecognizable tone, his voice almost inaudible. He didn't want to fall into a deep slumber like he knew he would. He didn't want to see the images he saw when his lids were shut. He heard Annika speaking, but he couldn't understand what she was saying as his vision blurred. He wasn't putting up with that; not here, not now.

"It can be yes," he said when he snapped back to reality, a tired half smile on his maw. "But I'm not too worried about it." He would live on forever, which sometimes didn't seem so spectacular to him, but he could continue to watch the world change and its inhabitants evolve into stronger and wiser beings. There would always be someone to talk to, always be someone to help, always.. well, there would always be someone there even if they weren't the same wolf or creature. It was almost comforting. Almost. "I'm not really sure," he replied to her question. "Sometimes I don't even notice when I'm alone. I guess I'm just used to it." His shoulders lifted in a shrug as he dropped his gaze to the ground, narrowing his eyes in thought. "Perhaps.. but I'm sure some of them won't get the memo."

[/blockquote]

[--> S u s a n]

Annika;; {This P a i n is too REAL}

“Put me to sleep and rush to the realm of the Gods and Goddess? What are they doing to do? Help you defeat the big ol’ mean Annika?” She asked, not able to contain her laughter at her own words. “Hm, yes I suppose that would be a coward way out, then I guess we’ll just have to fight till the death, eh?” she said with a smirk. It was quite obvious they were just playing around. Annika strongly disliked fighting and thought it would do nothing good in the end. It would only cause more tension, not a resolution. She paused what he said next. She felt like he was hiding something, then again she shouldn’t be talking. She did not push him future about it; she just nodded her head, turning away from the subject.

“Yes, I understand what you mean. I believe later on they’ll begin to understand the importance of learning to take care of things yourself. Of not going to others and begging for help, instead of helping yourself.” Annika liked to encourage others to be stronger. Annika watched him yawn and whisper lowly that he did not like sleep. It was odd in a way, after all he was the God of Sleep, but it was none of Annika’s business. She was positive he had his own reasons not to like sleep, perhaps past memories or something like that. Annika pushed the thought aside. She didn’t like to interfere in other’s business unless they want her too. After all she didn’t want someone to know about the horrible thing she done before, why should she intrude on other’s business, when she didn’t want others to do that to her?

“Friends are nice to have, even if they’re not around so long. I’ve had several friends, all whom I watched die.” She told him with a side ways smile. She could understand. They were both the same. They would become friends with mortals, only watch them die. He was right, there were always others around, but it was nice to meet new wolves and make new friends, no matter how short the relationship may last. “I like being around others, but being alone is nice. To clear one’s head. It’s refreshing.” She told him as she sat back down upon the ground, wrapping her tail around her thin frame. “No, sadly, no matter what I still have others come up to me asking for miracles, miracles that I cannot make happen.”

[Nicole]

"No, I would just go there to escape you and whatever it is you decide to do if I were to apologize," Kratos replied with a distracted tone, his green hued gaze still on the ground beneath his paws. He didn't want to make the atmosphere gloomy with his words or actions, so he lapsed into a dull silence with only his thoughts keeping his mind company. He was surprised Annika didn't press on for more information. Most wolves would have asked to know more, but she didn't. It was a nice change really. She didn't seem so bad. Maybe in time they would become good friends. It was a nice thought in his mind.

"I don't want to seem rude, because I'm not trying to be, but how about we have a change of subject now?" he asked, finally breaking his silence as he pulled his gaze back up to hers. It wasn't that he thought the conversation was getting boring, but he got the feeling there was something there that was reminding them of things in the past and he didn't want that; not if they were bad things. "So how about we talk about... the weather?" he asked, knowing it was a pathetic attempt at changing the subject. In all honesty, he had nothing on him. He had run out of things to say having thought back to previous things, or perhaps it was because of his lack of sleep. "I'm--" He almost said 'I'm sorry', but caught himself before the rest of it could get out. Instead he merely grinned crookedly and said nothing, fearing if he opened his mouth again he would, in fact, apologize for his poor attempt at changing the conversation.

[/size]

[--> S u s a n]

Annika;; {This P a i n is too REAL}

“I don’t believe you would want to know what I would do to you.” She warned him with a sly glance. She watched as the silence stretched forward, but she did not speak. She sat there with a smile upon her maw. It was none of her business to insist he tell her what is on his mind. If he wanted to speak about his past, then she would listen with all ears and positively help him out to the best of her abilities. But she would not poke her head into other’s business, because she did not clearly belong there. She dug her claws into the ground, it felt good. The weather was nice and decent, though a chill ran down her spine as a gentle breeze flew past them. She watched him, silently.

“No, I understand.” She said, not thinking he was rude at all. Their conversation had been a delicate topic, it had stirred memories for herself and she was sure it did so for him. Maybe it was odd to have such a conversation when they first met each other, but Annika did enjoy his company. He was nice and funny, she did like to laugh. “The weather? Why I think it’s absolutely beautiful.” She knew he was just trying to figure out a better way to start a topic. She thought of something they could talk about that would not bring up old memories, though it was harder then she believed. “Hmm, let’s think. We can talk about places we’ve been, perhaps. I mean you’re a God and I’ve lived for six hundred years, I’m sure there are interesting places you’ve been too?” She asked him with a tilt of her head. “Unless you can think of something better to talk about.”

[Nicole]

"One could take what you said in many different ways you know," Kratos said with a lack of emotion. "They could assume you mean something bad, which is what most would think." He pondered over that momentarily before speaking again, though he seemed to be somewhere else at the moment. "They could assume you secretly mean something good," he continued, distracted by the thoughts that were now buzzing through his mind like an angry swarm of bees. "They could assume you mean actually nothing at all, that you're just saying that in an attempt to spook them." His gaze had wandered off to the horizon while he had been speaking and a sudden longing appeared deep within the emerald orbs. Before the look could be detected, he blinked and turned his attention back to Annika, the faint trace of a smile, which seemed almost sad, stretching across his maw. "Then again, who really knows what someone else would think?"

At least she wasn't offended; or if she was, she was good at pretending. Either way it was nice not having to drag on about the same thing constantly, especially when it brought back memories of the past that should remain locked away and never thought about again. "Yes, I suppose it is beautiful," he agreed quietly with a short nod. He would have preferred every day to be like this; not too cold, but not too hot. It was almost perfect in a way. He enjoyed it. "Believe it or not, I really haven't been anywhere interesting. Sure I've gone here and there, but it really wasn't all too exciting. Half of my existence was spent in the realm where us Gods and Goddesses dwell, and the rest - from then up until now - I've been traveling the lands without much thought." He paused and thought over what he said, snorting softly a moment later. "I'm rather boring if you ask me."

[--> S u s a n]

Annika;; {This P a i n is too REAL}

Annika did not speak at first. She tilted her head to the side as she listened to him speak. She wandered if he was upset at what she said. She was obviously kidding, she couldn’t do anything dramatic, even if she actually wanted too, and after all he was a God. “I suppose…” She whispered, still not sure what to think after his little rant. It kind of hurt, to see his rather sad smile, she slid silently closer to him. She wanted him to know that she was there, even if they did not speak of their pain, she was there. Sometimes, words were not needed. Sometimes, someone just needed to know they had a friend beside them. She wanted to get that impression through without talking. She gave him a friendly smile.

“Oh really?” She said with a tilt of her head. “Hmm, I suppose that is alright. I haven’t been to many places anyway. I mean there was a time I went to this huge waterfall, the Niagara Falls, I believe is what the humans call it. I’ve never seen such a site like it before. Hmm, then I been to the Grand Canyon, it’s huge! It wasn’t as awesome as some people say, but it was pretty good.” Annika kept on talking, not wanting the silence to stretch on for too long, but sometimes when Annika talked without thinking, words slip out before she can stop them. “I have to say the most beautiful place I’ve been to is a meadow, I know it sounds silly, but it was…magical. I can’t even explain it. Of course I haven’t been there since Kyros was alive…” the words caught in her throat and she had no chance to stop them.

Why did I just say that? She froze when the words came out of her mouth. She said his name out loud. She had not said his name out loud since he first died. Saying his name brought back memories of what he done to her, and how she killed him, drenched in his blood. How the Gods and Goddess punished her for a hundred years. Oh my God, I can’t believe.. The pain stung her and she quickly turned away from Kratos, ashamed of herself for speaking the forbidden name. She had been so careful, for so many years, why now? Why with Kratos? After several minutes of looking away she turned back to him with a smile. For one of the first time in Annika’s life the pain broke through her fake smile.

[Nicole]

Kratos' sad smile faltered, quickly turning into a frown when he realized what he had said probably sounded a little rude. He hadn't meant it in that sort of way. "Sorry...," he said in response to her words. He had forgotten that he was supposed to be trying not to apologize, but even if he knew he wouldn't have cared. "I didn't mean for that to sound so.. so.." He paused as he tried to find the word he was looking for, but none came. "I didn't mean for that to sound the way it did," he said after giving up his search. He was consciously aware of the fact that she had moved closer, but he said nothing of it; it wasn't as if he objected to her being so close. "That tends to happen when my thoughts dominate me. I say things that sound like they mean one thing, but they really don't. You know..." He paused again and laughed silently, though he couldn't find the humor in what he was saying. "I'm not making a whole lot of sense right now. It's probably best to ignore me." He offered a half smile before turning his gaze back to the horizon, but his ears were still turned towards her to show that he was still paying attention.

When she spoke of the humans he couldn't help but snort loudly. They were amusing creatures to him, those who walked on two legs. "Humans...," he murmured with another snort, one quieter than the last. "Amazed by a huge hole in the ground. They're funny things, they are," he said with a slow shake of his head. "I suppose I shouldn't speak. Us wolves are strange creatures as well, and sometimes I find myself being amazed by the smallest of things..." His voice faded as his thoughts pushed forward in his mind, but he shook them away. He didn't want to seem like a jerk again, especially when he and Annika seemed to be making progress toward friendship. His gaze snapped back to her when she turned away. Something about the name must have upset her. Well, obviously it did. He had to be a fool not to notice that. He watched her curiously for a few moments but did not press on for more information. It wasn't any of his business. Maybe it would be better if he brought up something else, something like...

A past memory surfaced, playing right before his emerald eyes and only for his eyes. He smiled fondly at the memory, but a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes. "When I was a pup," he spoke, nearly startling himself with his voice, "I used to use my powers on my siblings. Well, just two of them anyway.. the third one..." His voice faded and the lingering sadness grew deeper. "Anyway, whenever we would get into fights, whether they were play fights or sibling fights, I would knock them out with sleep because I knew it annoyed them. It used to get me in quite a bit of trouble sometimes. That's how I got my entertainment when I was a young one." He smiled shortly and sighed quietly. "Now I'm just an old bag of bones." He chuckled at this, hoping whatever it was about that name wouldn't keep her down.

[/size][/blockquote]

[--> S u s a n]

Annika;; {This P a i n is too REAL}

A small smile spread across her maw when he spoke. “Oops, you said sorry again.” she said with a genuine chuckle. “No, it’s quite alright. I just wasn’t sure what to think about it that’s all.” She said with a slight shrug of her shoulders. She honestly didn’t care; her mind was occupied with other things at the moment. She shifted her weight, averting her eyes away from him, waiting. “No, you’re making sense, don’t worry about it.” She said with a shake of her head and a deep sigh. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to pay more attention to what Kratos was talking about the Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. She heard his voice stop.

Annika looked up at him when he did not press forward. Annika took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. “Thank you…” She whispered to him. He had let it slipped by, going on talking, almost as if she had not said the forbidden word. Even though it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. It felt good. She listened him talk about his pup hood, a smile upon her maw. When he finished she turned her gaze up to him, looking at him for a long time, before she said anything.

“That’s nice to be able to play with all your siblings.” She turned forward once again, taking in the beauty of the wilderness. She had not realized it was almost night; colorful lights were smeared across the golden sky. “When I was younger I spent most of my time with my mother and my sister. Hardly did I spend time with my two brothers and father. It bugged me some, but not too much. My mother was training me and my sister to be proper Yuurie-Dao wolves.” She turned to look at him. “It was more training then fun, but I’m not one to complain.”

[Nicole]

"Hm.. I did, didn't I?" Kratos murmured, looking up at the sky thoughtfully. "No punishment though, huh?"

[/b] he asked with a quiet chuckle as he looked back to her; the thoughtful gaze was still there as a small frown crossed his maw. "It makes sense? You're the first to say that," he said, the frown twitching upward into a slight smirk. It was nice not having to explain things over and over again until someone else understood what he was saying. It made him feel like he was a fool most of the time. This was different. This was something he would have to get used to, something he could get used to.

When she said thank you, he merely nodded and smiled faintly. He wasn't going to press her into talking. If she wanted to, she could and she would. Her business was her own as was his. If she wanted to talk, he would listen. "They didn't think it was so nice," he said with a short laugh. "Of course, we all had our own special abilities since we were either Gods or Goddesses. It was definitely interesting growing up." A fond smile slipped across his maw as more memories came back to him, each one humorous. "I'll have to tell you about our little adventures sometimes." His smile faltered somewhat when she spoke of her and her family, a perplexed look crossing into his expression. "So you were too busy to spend time with them?" he asked curiously, hoping he didn't sound rude. "Hm.. interesting.." he murmured, letting his words die as he looked to the horizon.[/blockquote][/center][/size]

[--> S u s a n]

Annika;; {This P a i n is too REAL}

“Nope,” Annika shook her head. “I think I’ll be the nice one and let you off the hook. This time. Can’t promise anything next time though.” She said with a playful wink and a small laugh. “Hmm, really now?” She said with a tilt of her head. “Well, I guess that’s just because I’m special that I actually understand you…now I just have to know if that is a good thing or not.” She said as she heard thunder in the distance. Her ears perked as she tilted her head upwards. The sky was still clear, but she could see a storm brewing in the distance, she wasn’t sure if it would make it to them or not. After a few moments she turned her attention back to Kratos. She was not ready. She was not ready to open up to the past. Although just saying his name took a weight off her shoulder. Part of her felt that if she could open up to anyone it could be Kratos. For some reason she felt as if he wouldn’t change his opinion about her. He would understand. Just maybe…

“I would love to hear them.” She told him. She was interested in other’s adventures, what they did when they were young and when they got older. “Well it’s the way of our kind. It’s not like my mother just suddenly came up with the idea. She was separated from her siblings and the same for my grandmother. For the first few months we’re able to build close bonds with our siblings, but then after that me and my sister had to train with my mother and my brothers trained with my father.” She shrugged her shoulders. It never really bothered her that much. Sometimes she wished she got to know her brothers, but she knew there was no time. Being a Yuurie-Dao wolf was an important thing, and it took years of practice. It was something that was unavoidable. When she children, no, if she had children she would have to do the same thing. That is if she had a female pup. It was very rare. However it seemed her family’s gene had more females then most. Her great grandmother had 3 females and then her mother had 2. Most Yuurie-Dao wolves were lucky to have one female out of ALL their litters.

[Nicole]

Kratos arched a brow, a wry smile stretching across his maw. "Well, if you say so," he replied with a silent chuckle. "Unless you just don't stay true to your words. Perhaps you have no intentions of giving me some sort of punishment if I apologize again."

[/color] Something lit up inside him, like a light bulb turning on above his head. His green and gold tinted eyes came to life, a mischievous gleam appearing. He had an idea, but he was unsure if he should try it out. It was harmless after all; he just wanted to try out the apology thing again. His maw parted, but no words came. He decided he would wait and spring it on her when she was least expecting it. If he did it now, she would probably be expecting it and she could - possibly - come up with something. Where was the fun in that? He would just have to wait.

His shoulders were shaking in silent laughter as he thought of the consequences, if there even were any to begin with. "I wonder,"[/color] he spoke out loud, having forgotten he was trying to keep this tom himself. He seemed to catch on, though, and he fell silent as the trace of mischievousness disappeared, replaced with a look of contentment. "Well then, I'll have to rack some of them up and we can have story time together sometime," he said, repressing the urge to snort with laughter. "Hm.. I see... curious." He peered at her with the same curiosity from earlier before realizing he was staring again. "You're kind seem interesting enough." He frowned but quickly laughed. "You're kind!"[/color] His laughter continued, though it wasn't rude. "The way I say that makes it sound like you're an alien of some sort. I'm not meaning it like that, or trying to make it sound weird. I'm just.." He paused and his laughter came to a stop, but it was easy to see he was trying not to laugh some more. "I'm just going to shut up now."[/color] With that said, he fell silent and became as still as a statue, not even breathing as a bland look crossed over his expression. That would do for now; he didn't want to over-do it.[/size][/center][/blockquote]

[--> S u s a n]

“Don’t worry,” Annika said with a playful wink, “I stay true to my words. Even if I hear you utter sorry under your breath you’ll get it.” She had no idea what she would do to him if he did say sorry, but she would think of something. Annika sucked in her breath as she watched as the dark clouds began to rumble over in the west. She wandered if the storm would past this way or would vanish with the sun. She turned her attention back over to Kratos, things were relaxed between them. As if they had known each other for more then just today. It was nice to be able to relax and not worry about the troubles of the days. She turned her attention back to him when he spoke next. “My kind?” she asked with a tilt of her head, and then laughed softly. “It’s okay. After all we are different species of wolves. However, we’re closely linked, since it is the Gods who specially created us to help other wolves.” She said with a nod of her head.

“Today has been nice.” She told him. “Just nice and quiet, spending a day relaxing.” It is what she needed. A time to get rid of the horrible memories, however just moments ago they had been stirred back toward the surface. Usually when that happens she liked to be alone for the rest of the day, but after a few moments with Kratos she was feeling better then ever. Suddenly, the atmosphere dramatically changed. Annika froze, her ears perked as she looked around her. She pushed herself off the ground and looked around. She could sense something, but she could see nor hear anything. Perhaps it’s just my imagination, but this sense is very familiar, as if I had felt it before, a long time ago. Just the thought of this unpleasant aroma sent a shiver down her spine. She turned her gaze back to Kratos.

“Kratos, do you see anything, unusual?” She asked, her mind going over her memories, trying to figure out what it was, and then suddenly it hit her. Her eyes grew wide as she stumbled backwards. The aroma had gotten stronger now and it her senses like a ton of bricks. It was them, but what were they doing here? She had not seen them for a hundred years. The ones who had cursed her a century of heartache and pain. The Gods who she angered, she looked nervously over at Kratos. What if they came and spoke of what she had done? What would he do if he found out that she had murdered someone? It might have been a big deal for some, but for a Yuurie-Dao wolf it meant everything. I can’t let that happen. They are watching, but I don’t think they’re going to confront us, at least right now.”

“You want to go for a walk? We’ve been standing her for a while now, and it’s such a nice day.” She said, trying to get farther away from those she had hated. Part of her could not blame them for what she did. She deserved it. She deserved death. However, they did not understand her pain. They held neither guilt nor sorrow. They laughed and cursed her. They did not care for her, and she did not care for him. She shifted her weight, uneasily, waiting for Kratos reply.

[Nicole]

Kratos remained as still as a statue as Annika spoke, hardly blinking or breathing. His green and gold tinted eyes had a glossy, glazed over look to them as if he were hypnotized or lost in a deep thought. Her words reached his ears, but he didn't reply. It may have seemed like he was ignoring her, but he really wasn't. He was merely putting on an act; an act that would soon fail. The rumbles of thunder soon reached his ears as well, breaking him from his statuesque state. His head turned slightly to the direction of the noise and his ears twitched. "Thunderstorm?" he wondered out loud as his nostrils twitched, searching for the scent of rain. His eyes were fixed on the horizon as if he were expecting some sort of creature to show its ugly self and cause the sky to darken and rain to pour down upon the land mercilessly.

His vivid imagination got the best of him and his attention had soon wandered off to the images and thoughts that were playing throughout his mind. One could say he was daydreaming, something he actually did quite often, but he was caught somewhere between reality and make believe. He was oblivious to the things around him, Annika included. Unresponsive, unmoving, not even breathing. He taken on the appearance of a statue again. It seemed like forever for him to surface from his odd state of mind, but in reality it had only been a few minutes. His entire frame shook as he stood and stretched out, temporarily relieving his tired muscles. "Yes, today has indeed been nice," he replied, the faint trace of a smile apparent at the corners of his maw. He wasn't saying that to be polite, he was being honest. It had been awhile since he had last had a decent day, one that wasn't full of problems that came up when you least expected them to.

"Unusual?" he asked in slight confusion as he scanned over the surrounding area, seeing nothing but Annika and the inhabitants of the meadow. "Well, I'd say we're rather unusual looking, but I don't think that's what you mean," he said slowly, letting his gaze stop on her in mild curiosity. Something seemed to have bothered her, but what? He wanted to ask, but chose not to. If she wanted to speak of it she would and he wasn't going to press her for information. His curiosity disappeared as an imposing presence came to him, but he was not disturbed like Annika seemed to be. His eyes searched the horizon, but there was nothing unusual about it. Though he could not see them, he knew there were Gods present. There was something about them that let everyone know, whether you could see them or not, they were there. He vaguely wondered why, but assumed he would find out eventually.

His gaze snapped back to Annika, still wondering about her sudden attitude change. Was she afraid of these Gods? Had they done something to her? Had she done something to them? There were so many questions he wanted to ask, but he wouldn't press her for information. Instead he just nodded silently and looked over his shoulder, unsure of which way they were going to go. "Sure.. why don't you lead the way?" he asked, waiting patiently. He wondered if he would find out what was going on, but decided he wasn't going to let it bother him if he didn't know. There were more important things to worry about.

[--> S u s a n]

Annika nodded her and smiled. “Okay,” she said as she slipped a few paces ahead of Kratos. She was glad to be walking around, even though the presence of the Gods still lingered in the air which caused the hair on the back of her next to stand up. She had no idea if Kratos had understood who was lingering about, probably seeing how he was a God himself. I wonder what they think. She thought to herself. About me hanging around another God, they still can do damage on me. I wonder why they are stalking me. She tilted her head backwards to where they were just were, as if she expected to see them appear out of thin air. She highly doubted they would encounter her, but she would not feel comfortable until the completely went away. Until then she just had to keep her mind off of it.

She tilted her head and looked back to Kratos. It was strange. She wasn’t one to seek other’s approval, but for some reason, she didn’t want him to know the truth, not yet at least. They’re friendship was still new, she didn’t know what he would think about it if he had heard. She shifted her weight her gaze leaving him. The silence began to stretch to the point where she could not stand it. She turned her head downwards looking down at the grass as she whispered. "Kratos, what do you think of murders?” she looked up at Kratos, her eyes gazed over with an odd look. She knew the question was random, but she was curious to know the answer. She smiled softly. “I’m just wondering.” She quickly spoke. She didn’t want to give herself away.

She turned back away from Kratos and looked off into the horizon. They were walking north of the storm, the Dyila Meadow still stretched on for quite a bit though. “I know, I’m acting a bit silly.” She said. She knew it was true, first she asked if he sensed anything unusual, then asked him to walk around, and then asked him what he felt about murders. She took a deep breath. He deserved to know the truth, and one day she felt liked she be able to tell him. “One day, you’ll understand, I’m sure of it.” She said with a nod of her head, not daring to look at him. Perhaps she was a little odd, but soon he will understand all of her actions. She had to tiptoe around the topic of her past, which for some reason keeps getting stirred up more since she been around Kratos, she even spoke his name, which she hasn’t done in forever.