Scorching Passions (OPEN)

[achen]

The air was crisp and heavy with the promise of chilling rainfall. The trees stood proud around Achen's home as the wind whispered through their branches, singing songs that caressed the soul of any with the heart to hear them. Achen let his eyes wander over the scene around him, mesmerized by the vivid colors that gave the dreary background a languid sense of life. A promise of sensuality, mystery, and comfort to his yearning heart. The multitude of greens and browns blending and dancing, showing him a landscape left untouched by the ravages of advancement. These lands still held their primal beauty, the very essence that was once the supporter of his fathers before him and worshiped for what it held and gave. That reverence died though in the midst of the people who found this land and claimed it as their own. So much of his ancestry was lost to their desires, cultures scorched from hearts left broken and covered in their tears of blood. So much more came from such sorrow, the knowledge to heal beyond anything his people could have ever known. The passion to save souls that did not have to part this earth so soon. It was a gift to do such things, a responsibility. Achen lived for that passion alone, the desire to save those he could save and to make easier the passing of others.

Achen stepped into his two-story house, his hand touching the symbol carved into the wood of the door frame. The same symbol on his hip and carved into all the frames of every opening in his home. A ward of sorts he learned from an ancient book his father had gained possession of. The ward energized itself from the surrounding land and acted as a scanner of any who entered his home with the intent to harm. It would slow their reflexes, burdening them with emotions their intent would cause. A superficial protection, but he used whatever he had since so many vampires seemed to have come into the area. He hated the red-eyed devils, but found the golden-eyed ones a curiosity. Such a strange scent they held. He pondered over who they were and if it had any connection to the golden-eyed doctor so many years ago. He looked around his home. A two-story home he called his own. Painted in the earthly colors of warmth and comfort. Soft browns, subtle greens, and the pleasing golds of fall. He felt content in this home like he had in no other for so many years. He walked upstairs to his bedroom and opened his closet. There, in the back corner, was a dusty guitar. The wood gleamed after he picked it up and dusted it off. He always took care to keep the guitar in good condition. The polished wood gleamed darkly, with the rich tones of red the wood held. A natural beauty that had few equals of craftsmanship in this current world. He strung the guitar and for the next half hour, took his time tuning and becoming familiar with his friend of memories. After he finished, he stepped outside into his backyard. It was spacious, like the front. Though his home was modest, he had spent time and money into buying the property around his home. Enough to give him more privacy, and the security of the clearing that surrounded him. The forest rose up around him like a wall. A home away for home for Achen. He strolled to the edge of the forest and slipped into a sitting position against a tree. He stared into the distance and let his thoughts wander with his emotions. The love of his profession and the contentment of helping those in need. The anger that burned with unequaled strength at the red-eyed devil that killed his parents. A dangerous anger that threatened to cloud his judgment and pass the blame to other creatures. This anger was best left under tight control, it's hunger always seeking to be sated, but never reaching it's goal. He let all his emotions pour forth, his fingertips slightly changing. The fingernails becoming slightly more pointed, as if he had simply grown them and filed them to a shape he had desired. As he strummed, the melody poured forth from his guitar, his heart and filled the air with words he never said.

Achen let his fingers take on the life of his heart. They danced across the strings, playing a haunting melody of passion and sorrow locked in a dance that never ended. The air quivered as the music lifted into the breeze, gracing it as a presence worth recognition. They mixed like two old friends excited to see one another again and dancing with joy. Achen's music took up the tempo of life, pounding with the strength of a survivor's heart. A pace that called to instincts that had been forgotten in this civilized world. His body knew the call though and answered it with the rush of adrenaline in his veins. His voice broke loose from the depths of his soul and a deep, rich bass wove into the melody his fingers wove into the clearing around him. The tempo rising with the passion of his heart, the joys of his accomplishments lending the sorrow shades and dimension. Giving his music a life of its own. He felt the adrenaline peak as the music called to those instincts that every creature held. Dogs howled in the distance, hearing the music he played, wanting to answer the call of their blood, the instincts that had dulled over centuries of domestication, but never forgotten. Achen smiled as he allowed the music to reach it's peak, then as the sky let loose its bounty upon the earth. He let the music follow, allowing it to fall and crash like the waves against a shore.

Achen sat there, letting the earth continue with the memory of what he unleashed. Listening to the rain begin a melody of its own. He wondered why even the simplest of friendships were as elusive as ever. He wanted to bridge his seclusive life and reach across the chasms that left him stranded, but there was no mind as old as his that answered to a heart that held such compassion.

[DAHLIA KINGSTON]

Lily was running as fast as her legs could take her. Her lungs were purring like a cat as she was gasping for air, the cold frigid air stung her skin like a thousand bee stings. Her heart was rapidly pounding in her chest and her breath was irregular. The previous night was the last night she would have to live through the nightmare that had plagued her for years...or atleast until the next coming full moon. Three nights out of each month she stayed hidden within the deep confines of the forest, afraid that the beast that took shelter within her would wander out into the populated streets and somehow cause havoc. It wasn't every day that a snow white wolf would wander the streets of Forks and she couldn't bring that much attention to herself and her kind. It had become more than a routine for her to gather her belongings, tucking them neatly within her bag and heading for the deepest part of the woods. But this time she left empty handed. For years she had lived in utter fear, of herself and the animal that took over her body and mind for three consecutive nights. Lily was always level headed and reserved, always has been but without control she could quickly go from a quiet coffee house waitress to a wild and predatory animal. All it would take was a single word or action. Once the rope inside her mind snapped, there was no turning back and before you knew it you were being ripped apart to pieces. This was her biggest fear. She had placed one person in a coma because of this and she tried her hardest to not make that mistake twice.

The wind blew fiercely through her golden hair, the sound of twigs snapping underneath her feet echoed through the forest. She just wanted to get out of here and fast. The more she stayed in the woods, the more the beast was clawing at her from the inside, trying to fight it's way back out again even though it wasn't it's time. There was no relief for Lily, even when she was in her human body. Day after day the white wolf would pace back and forth waiting for it's time to show itself unto the world. Oh how she hated her father for this curse..as she liked to call it. If it wasn't for him she wouldn't have to hide like a vigilante on the run, but she couldn't place all the blame on him. Unlike her he embraced his connection to nature and with the animals that inhabit it. He could transform with ease and had full control over his other half. But Lily wasn't strong enough and because of that she had to live a life of constant pain and torment. The faster she ran the more she panted like a dog, droplets of cool rain started to trickle on her skin. She could smell it in the air, it was going to rain fast...and hard. The closer she got to the edge of the forest the more she anticipated the nice long bath she had been waiting for and the comfort of her own bed. Finally after a few minutes of running she came to a clearing. But with a unexpected thud she lunged for the ground, holding her hands out to break her fall. Without noticing it her foot was caught up in a vine, causing her to trip. She was so concentrated on laying in her soft, warm bed that she didn't even look down at her feet. Lily tried to get up but was too tired and weak to move. All of her strength was used up during her transformation back into her human body. Her clothes were dirty and her hair had not been combed since the previous night before her transformation. With little food and water it was hard for her to muster up the strength to keep going. So instead she just laid there and rested her head on the cold, hard ground.

[achen]

Achen heard the sound of snapping twigs and the rush of breath being knocked out of someone's lungs. He was on his feet instantly, his soles shifting ever so slightly into the pads of his animal form. He dashed in the forest, quiet as the whisper of the leaves. Eyes constantly scanning his surroundings as he processed what his ears had heard and how far away it had been. He came to another clearing that was close to his home. Stopping the the shade of the forest, he scanned the area and noticed a figure lying on her stomach on the far side. He prowled half the distance around the clearing to ensure the safety of their surroundings and let his sight fall on the lone figure once more. The rain was coming down in a torrent now. Masking his breathing and the sound of his steps. The smells of the forest were rich and pleasing to his senses. He noticed it was a woman on the ground, soaked from the rainfall and shaking with apparent exhaustion. Her chest rose and fell, thankfully alerting him that she was mostly unharmed. He approached her carefully, wondering why such a woman would be so deep in the forest by herself. He cam to her side and knelt down. Scanning her body for any injuries and not seeing anything apparent. He grasped her neck and carefully rolled her onto her side. He looked into her eyes as they flicked to his face.

"It seems you've almost knocked yourself out." Achen said with a smile.He picked her up, careful to keep her neck supported.

He strolled through the forest with ease, stepping over the fallen branches with ease and returning to his property. He seemed to pick out a trail in the forest that existed only to his sight. He carried the lone woman to the apartment at the back of his land.

"This is my home. You will be safe here." Achen said as he stepped across the threshold into the pristinely kept apartment. He kept it for those who he ocassionally came across and needed a place to feel safe and rest.

Achen carried the lone woman into the bedroom and put her on the bed. He walked out of the beige colored room and returned a few moments later with a couple bottles of water and a plate of cheese, expecting her to pass out and not be able to eat until later. As he placed the things on the end table, his phone buzzed with an alert.

"This is for you when you are able to eat." Achen said. He took the comforter and covered her in it. "The bathroom is just out the door and to the left. Their are robes in there for your use and any item you may need. Feel free to treat this as your home."

Achen stepped out of the bedroom, leaving the door with a large enough crack, that the woman inside could still see his actions. He took his cell-phone and viewed the alert.

"Another emergency at the hospital and no doubt Doctor Carlisle will be there." He stated. Still, Achen walked out of the apartment and locked the door to ensure the woman would not be harmed by any strangers who would act foolishly. Achen could not ignore someone needing help, even when he knew that the smell that permeated the hospital had something to do with the briefly seen doctor.

He sprinted to his main home, clicking the automatic locks on his house as he jumped into his car and sped away to the hospital.

[DAHLIA KINGSTON]

The rain's speed had quickly grew from a slight drizzle to a pouring storm. Her clothes were now soaked and her body was shivering, the only thing keeping her from going into shock was her unnatural body temperature. To a human she would feel like a furnace in the middle of winter. The school nurses would always send her home for this, thinking her temperature was caused by an infection or cold. But no..this was one perk of being a Child of the Moon and she used it to her advantage. The wood around her was quiet and still as if time had came to a halt. The smell of the crisp Autumn air filled her nose and took shelter within her over worked lungs. A blanket of red and gold leaves lay under her, replacing the once blooming flowers from the previous season. If it wasn't for her love of mother nature and the beauties it held, she would of kept on fighting to move on. But she just laid there and took it all in, a euphoric feeling overwhelmed her and for a moment she felt content, as if she was becoming one with nature. She was slowly drifting in and out of consciousness, her vision was burred and the ground felt like it was spinning. A ringing sound persisted in her ears, slightly egging on a migraine that would probably last for hours. The strong smell of the dirt and dying grass beneath her head was quickly replaced with something much sweeter. It was a scent she was all too familiar with but yet, at the same time it was new. Lily was fully aware of the different kinds of species, it was hard not to when the town was over run by them. But this kind...was original. The shape shifters had inhabited the area for centuries watching over it and protecting it but eventually spread out to other parts of the country once the settlers took over. "It seems you've almost knocked yourself out." the voice sounded distant but his presence told her otherwise. With a slight jerk she felt her body being lifted up off the cold ground and into the warm comfort of someones arms holding her up from underneath. Her head sat comfortably on his arm as her arm did on her stomach. She couldn't move her head up to look at the strangers face, but she already knew she was safe.

No sooner than he found her they were passing through the door way and into the confines of walls and a roof. The warm air hit her face and ran down her body, warming her cold, wet body. "This is my home. You will be safe here." She opened her mouth to speak but nothing could come out..not even a squeak. Her body was gently placed on the bed and instantly she started to feel relief. Even if it wasn't her own she wasn't one to be picky and was now forever grateful to this generous stranger. The moment she touched the soft mattress her eyes closed and a soft breath escaped her lips. Her vision was darkened by the back of her eyelids but that didn't blind her completely. Every sound around her was intensified as if they all where happening right next to her ear. Even the sound of his shoes hitting the floor as they walked out the room and returning shortly after. The scent of cheese overwhelmed her senses, making her nose twitch like a dog sniffing your hand for treats. But she couldn't move...not right yet. She needed to sleep it off and regain her strength. "This is for you when you are able to eat." the voice spoke again as the covers were pulled over her. "The bathroom is just out the door and to the left. Their are robes in there for your use and any item you may need. Feel free to treat this as your home." A soft smile crossed her face at his generosity. She made a note to herself to do just that when she woke up, and to thank him too.

Before he could step out the door she was fast asleep. She tossed and turned as images of the last few nights flashed through her mind. This time her wolf was quiet and only hunted after small rabbits. Ever since she met the only other werewolf she knew of, her influence on her other half was starting to stick. Lily was gentle and loved every living being on this planet, but the part of her that took form on the full moon thought otherwise. Until just recently it would take all of her strength just to through the transformation alone, shortly after passing out for hours in the wood. But this time she had just enough strength to make an attempt home, but unfortunetly not enough to make it past the forest. An hour later Lily awoke from a semi-dreamless sleep and stretched her arms and legs. Opening her eyes to the world she squinted, at first the bright light from the windows blinded her. But with a quick movement she threw the covers off of her and let her legs dangle over the edge of the bed. Her muscles felt tense and every inch of her body ached. Pushing herself up off the bed she remembered what the man told her and followed his instructions, walking out the bedroom door and left into the bathroom. Closing the door slightly her hands followed along the wall, searching for the light switch. Once she found it she flicked it on. Walking over to the mirror she looked at herself in horror. Her hair was all matted and her clothes slightly ripped. Dirt had found a home underneath her fingernails and in her hair. She hoped he wouldn't mind if she used his shower, she couldn't stand to be covered in filth any longer. Turning on the facet she waited until the water was hot enough until she stripped down and jumped in.

[achen]

Achen returned early that morning, his veins laced with the adrenaline after the events of the hospital. His drive home was short and barely memorable with his thoughts racing. He pulled into the driveway and with a slow, deep breath, relaxed and calmed his thoughts. He stepped out of the car and looked toward the apartment nestled against the trees. All was quiet and the clearing around his home was peaceful.

Achen walked to his door, unlocking it as he felt the tingle of his ward across his skin. He went to his bathroom and sighed as he entered into the blue heaven. Modeled in regard to the wild beauty of the untamed ocean depths, he took a few minutes to let his eyes wander of the shades of blue. From the dark blue of the tiled floor, to the softer hues as his gaze lifted to the ceiling. The ceiling was perhaps the most wondrous part of the work put into his bathroom. It was carefully painted to resemble an ocean surface rippling as the sun filtered into the depths of the water. It made him feel submersed and at peace in a world that was mystifying and alien to him. The handles of the sink and bathtub were made out of an imitation pearl and accented the serenity of the oceanic theme he put so much money into. What was a fortune when it couldn't be used to bring peace, warmth, or safety? That thought brought him back to the woman sleeping in his apartment. He undressed and stepped into a hot shower, letting the heat and pressure relax his muscles. Then, he turned the hot water off and reveled in the nipping cold as it kissed his skin. His mind calmed as it was captivated by the sight of the calming blues and feel of cold water caressing his skin. Minutes later, Achen was stepping out of his bathroom with a towel around his waist. The scentless soap he used left his sense of smell thankful. He stepped to his mirror in the bedroom, letting his gaze wander over the muscles rippling beneath his sun-kissed skin. He stared at the ruby cross that hung on a silver chain around his neck. A treasure that was as old as he was, if not older. He dressed in the deerskin breeches of his heritage, leaving his chest bare as he walked downstairs and strode to the door.

The air out side was cool against his skin. A refreshing feeling as he let himself fall into his emotions and his feet carried him across the clearing into the woods that surrounded him. He stepped into the shadow of the forest, letting it swallow him into its mysterious world of nocturnal life. He smiled with anticipation of the freedom his blood invoked. His finger untied the string of his breeches, leaving them near a tree he had marked when he first moved here. The shift was gratifying, as if the chains of the human world were shattering and leaving him with only his will to guide and judge him. It was a freedom few knew in such an industrialized world. His howl filled the still night air, as the scents of the forest surrounded him, dancing with his senses. His breath glided from his lungs as his tail moved and his steps carried him forward. His strolled at first, letting the adrenaline course until he could deny the desire to run no longer. In moments, he was dashing through the forest, weaving among the ancient sentinels of the land, jumping over fallen ones and dodging left and right. His race carried him into the depths of the forest where the calls of the night went unperturbed by civilization. Where the animals called to their fellows, warning them of a predators presence. The earth was alive and beautiful and he was a part of its turning whims once more. He stayed in the woods until he could sense the tracings of warmth that sunrise brings. He returned to the clearing and donned his breeches as the sky lightened and was lit on fire. Golds bloomed as reds and oranges were smeared along the horizon, the hints of yellow and soon blue dancing. The stars were winking out as a being far greater than they claimed the heavens once more. Warming the air and beckoning nature to change once more into the beauty it held in its presence. Achen loved seeing the world change when the sun rose and fell with its sibling.Achen sat on the forest's edge until dawn had made its presence known and Achen could hear Forks coming alive once more. He looked at the apartment and with a quick decision, he rushed inside to change and meet the woman he had helped yesterday.

He stepped into the apartment, announcing his presence by tapping the door bell. He went into the kitchen and made himself a dish of cut apples, peeled oranges, sliced bananas and kiwi, chopped strawberries and grapes (green and red) with carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. He thought for a moment and put a small bowl of ranch on the table as well.. He always started his day light. He made another dish like his for the woman, hoping she enjoyed fresh fruit and vegetables as much as he did.

[DAHLIA KINGSTON]

Ever since she woke up and jumped into the shower she felt rejuvenated. Her muscles no longer ached and her head wasn't pounding like a pair of conga drums being played inside her head. The nicely decorated bathroom and it's calm colors brought peace to Lily's mind, reminding her of the beach. She loved the beach finding it more relaxing than the forest, she didn't visit it as much as she would of liked. To feel the sand in between her toes and the warm, salty air hitting up against her pale skin would of been a sweet release from her crazy life. It wasn't busy or hectic...just crazy. Between her job, family, and her nights under the full moon she felt like she was slowly loosing her sanity. But if it wasn't for Jeremiah, she would of already been dangling over the edge, ready to let go. The man was her savior, her knight in shining armor. But at the moment so was this perfect stranger that took her in when she needed it the most and she made sure she would repay him somehow.

To her surprise the house was empty and quiet at first. She thought no one was home, he didn't seem to even have any pets. It was slightly unnerving to be in a strangers house, maybe it was because she was forced to watch many scary movies with her mother. But how could he be of any threat to her? He was kind enough to take her out of the cold rain and into the comfort of his home. He apparently didn't think of her as a threat as well if he allowed a stranger to roam free inside his home. Or maybe he was just that trusting, or stupid Lily wasn't sure yet. Lily wouldn't steal or touch anything that looked fragile, she wasn't that type of person but she wondered why did he help her? Other than the obvious reason, Lily couldn't help but think there was more to it. Maybe she was just over thinking it like always. She knew who he what..or atleast what he was. But what did he know about her? It could be one of two reasons. One he knew about her just as much as she knew him, or maybe with the off chance he was one of those few oblivious to any other species. Werewolves weren't comman in Forks, let alone the States so it is possible her second guess was more accurate. As she looked down at her clothes they were dirty and torn. With a sign she folded them up into one big ball and set them on the floor in the bedroom, not wanting to make his bed anymore dirty then is was from her sleeping in it with her clothes on. She made a mental note to wash the sheets before she left, it was common curtosy and she felt bad. He didn't seem to be living large but his abode was tasefully done as if a proffesional was paid to decorate the house. Looking through his dresser drawers she saw a pair of cotton pajama pants and a a dark blue t-shirt. The clothes didn't hang off of her too much but you could still tell they were mans clothes. She had no other clothes and as far as she remembered he told her to make herself at home. It wasn't like she was going to steal them from him as if they were valuable, she would give it back.

Slowly she walked out the bedroom and into the hallway. The sound of the front door creaking as it opened make Lily suddnely halt, only making it past the bathroom she kept quiet and listened as his foot steps traveled to the kitchen. He was home, or alteast someone was and from the sounds of bowls clinking together and the familiar sound of a knife hitting a board. She steadily picked her feet up again and started moving. He was found cutting up various fruits and vegtebales into two bowls. One for him and she figured the other was for her. With a smile she cleared her throat to make her presence known, although she was sure he already knew. ”I want to thank you, for everything. Who knows where I would be if you weren't there.” With her hands linked together behind her back she waited patiently for him to respond.

[achen]

Achen took a moment to finish preparing the bowls and set them on the table opposite one another. He did not want to place the woman in an uncomfortable position.

"You would not be here, of that much I am certain." He said with a smile. Achen always liked crafty humor, it was so simple that it made life easier in a world where everyone demanded complications."Please join me for breakfast. I'm sure you must be starving." he said as he sat down in the farthest chair. Better she have the escape route so that she wouldn't feel like a caged mouse. Achen learned long ago that people simply couldn't fathom his compassion and often mistook it as calculated treachery.

"I am happy you have made yourself comfortable and you are looking much better than yesterday." he said. Achen always spoke with truth, it was a necessity for him that he did not break lightly. "I'm hoping that you can shed some light on your mysteries if you would like to or perhaps another conversation with some wry humor. I enjoy a good meal with a friend."

Achen sat there at the table waiting on her response as he stared into her eyes. It was a matter of respect to never avoid another's gaze, it meant you had something to hide from them. Achen certainly had his secrets, but none of them placed her safety in any danger, just ,perhaps, her sanity and perception. Virtual immortality was nothing more than a fairy tale anymore.
Achen kept letting his thoughts wander behind his eyes, letting his attention wander and settle as it may, but never shifting his gaze for too long. He often wondered why doctors considered this to be ADD when he saw it as a natural part of who he was. Of course, this society liked placing their children in chairs for hours and then complained about obesity and lack of exercise. As always, they made simplicity complicated so they had problems that shouldn't even exist.

"A good day for new beginnings." he said.