Within the Sound of Silence

She walked in anger; heavy boots leaving a trail of heat in her wake along the cracked pavement. She was done with the pathetic sacks that swarmed her at the bar in that shit hole of a planetoid. The same deal every time she went in, didn't matter that her attire screamed contained violence. Black turtle neck, dark blue jeans, black combat boots and her favorite old black duster. She wasn't anyone's 'sweetheart' or 'shuga'. She swore the next sonuvabitch that tried to lay a hand on her was gunna taste dirt for a week.

She had made good on that promise...too bad the knuckles of her right hand were gunna hurt for the next day or so. Oh well, hittin' that piece of shit had been well worth the bruise.

As she echoed the promise of death on her lithe footsteps down the winding path, she felt an unease slither through her bones. Some thing was out there in the inky black of the colony... An intelligent glare shimmering like deadly starlight with every move she made.

She was being hunted.

"Fuck this...I'm Not in the mood." She snarled under her breath, hands having disappeared into the deep pockets of her coat, covering the twin six inch blades she clutched in a white knuckled grip. If this bastard wanted a piece of her, it was gunna die trying.

The itch at the back of her neck only intensified as she got to her front door. Whatever was trailing her hadn't made a move...not yet. Quickly, she slipped inside and locked the many deadbolts that lined the heavy door frame. It was allot, sure...but a girl can never be too careful. Not in a 'verse set on ghostin' you the first chance it got. Better to be safe then, well...dead.

Hours passed like the trickling of rain; pattering gently along the walls of her mind, keeping her on edge...waiting for the moment shit royally hit the fan.

But soon exhaustion set in...whatever had been tracking her, hadn't made a move to attack. If it was one of those mooks from the bar, they'd have tried a go at her the first chance they got. They weren't the brightest asshats in the 'verse. Whatever this was, wasn't human. Why? Human's are sloppy. Period. They always slip up. No...this, whatever This was...was smart, real smart.

There was something else too... There was somethin' about this that felt...familiar somehow. Like a voice in a dream you just can't place...

After fighting herself, she lost the battle and ended up collapsed in pair of dark gray loose pants and a large black shirt against the cool sheets of her mattress. Hoping, that sleep would wash the uneasiness away.

If only she'd known how Wrong she was...

*  *  *

Darkness enveloped her sleeping form as a silent shadow emerged from the night itself. Two orbs of burning silver blue light trailed the curves of her body, memorizing every line, taking in the very sight of a creature he'd thought he'd lost so long ago. It been too long since he'd seen her, too long having tasted her scent on the back of his tongue when he breathed her in.

My god, she was beautiful.

It was painfully obvious how much had changed...everything about her screamed a warning, a defense against any who would dare get too close. The sense of unease, as though even in her sleep, her body thrummed with heightened awareness. He knew how he had to play this out. Nice and easy. He recognized that energy that pulsed in waves from her still form; a primitive alertness against anything that threatened to prey on her in such a vulnerable state.

It struck something deep within his being, witnessing this new behavior with a Hawk’s eye clarity. She was more like an animal now… In fact, she was frighteningly more like Him.

Not exactly what he was expecting.

Encased in shadow, he stood within the silence. Watching her even breathing, the rise and fall of her chest… Instinctively knowing that not everything is ever what it seems. Knowing she wasn’t peaceful, that if he made even the slightest sound, she’d be on her feet and ready to kill within the span of a heartbeat.

How did this happen? The short time they’d spent together couldn’t have created this new creature that feigned innocence just a few feet away. Had his brief influence in her life all those years ago…been so great? No. This wasn’t something you Chose to become. This was something inside you, buried deep beneath layers of domesticated Humanity. A genetic trait generally dormant within the masses strewn out across the universe. How didn’t he sense this before? Perhaps it had awakened during his long absence. What had triggered it? What horrors had she encountered in those long nine years without him there to protect her?

The answers would come in time…

First thing’s first, approaching her without incident. Would she remember him? Was she so far gone now…so detached from her gentle nature that she’d try to protect herself at all costs? The time for weighing his options was over. The innocence he'd loved about her, appeared to be nothing more then a faded image within the layers of anger she wore like a defiant shield.

For a moment he was conflicted, torn as to whether he should go through with this…until a faint energy danced through his heightened senses. There, hidden within the sound of silence… He could feel it, like a soft ember glowing defiantly within the black. Which meant there may be hope after all...

…and there was only one way to find out.

A deep rumble lifted into the darkness like living thunder when he took a silent breath and growled, "Hold your breath."

-End Part One-

Monster Induced Musings

Cool fall air dances gently through the open blinds... The gentle scent of Autumn, crisp Ocean Air and hidden secrets only October can bring. It puts my sore body at ease as my ravenous mind slows down from its tireless churning.

I have but a few hours before I remove myself from this spot, make myself presentable and go to work. After last night's momentary snap in sanity; the violent windstorm of destructive energy turned into a creative outlet as I finally made a crack in my internal cage. The overwhelming pressure that had steadily built up, was allowed some release...which in turn, has allowed the many wounds of this year to begin to stitch themselves back together.

I feel better on this beautiful, mid-October day. The world seems brighter somehow, even through the haunting overcast skies...there's a peaceful energy thrumming through these veins, a feeling of hope I haven't truly experienced in many months. In shorter terms, the scent of Change fills me...telling me good things, wonderful things are about to unfold before me. Maybe not all right away, but with patience...I will see it.

And Not just for myself, but for everyone. Strangely, last night (Or early morning, you could say) in allowing myself to show but a glimpse of my internal struggles...I had given the chance for others to connect, being able to express their own troubles...and in doing so, not only was I able to help them feel better, knowing that I'd been there, and caused a smile or two...made Me Feel Better. Funny how that works.

To be completely honest, I don't enjoy nor feel right about sharing my emotional misfortunes with the masses. I do however, find great comfort in being able to Listen and then Share my experiences so they know They, themselves are not alone. That is, for me, the only time I feel it's okay for me to open up and share. It's a Selfless reason.

I believe the reason for my emotional silence, is due to being the Open ear for others. And sadly, there are some, who abuse that privilege. No longer are we connecting and relating, so there can be a change and possible resolution, I'm just there to be their Emotional Punching Bad. Pouring this horrific Poison down my throat, which of course I become upset over, and afterward am told thanks...and they're just fine...where I'm left shaken and sick, unable to purge the venom swirling through my system. Venting is one thing, and I am completely fine with that. But when someone directs all their negativity on me, purposefully making Me upset because they want to 'Share The Pain' and then when I become upset, I'm suddenly told I shouldn't be... You see how unhealthy that is. It wears me down...and I almost got to a point where I didn't want anything to do with them anymore. That's Harmful, not Helpful.

I'm also like a man (and some women) in that regard; you come to me with a problem, I'll try to help you find a way to fix it. If you just want to Vent, by all means...but inform me first. However, constantly dumping your destructive filth on me so You Fell Better? Completely Unacceptable.

Sadly...you can't explain that to some people...because they didn't know they were doing this to begin with and become incredibly hurt and you're made to feel like the Villain.

*sighs'n'chuckles*

Well my luvlies, I must bid thee anon... There is a Monster energy drink to finish and a shower to be had ;)

-Adieu

...I Bow to No Man...

Broken is the mind, like rotted flesh, that dangles and flings itself to an unforgiving earth. Tasting secrets along the whispering wind; gentle as it caresses the senses.

Fleeting are these things; emotions and thoughts tangled within a web of confusion. Can you feel me or am I fading?

Where is that glow that led me from the black? There's tragedy in the air...dancing at the very edge of my mind...warning me on wordless whispers...

It's Coming...

*  *  *

They all stared at the broken thing lying on the cold concrete; crimson pooling around a lifeless body. Small streams of fading heat drifted in small twisting vapors toward an endless night filled with stars. No one knew the weight that had pressed too hard, crushing the last of the spirit that struggled to remain. No one was able to fix the shattered pieces; torn strings and battered wings...lost inside a sea of unseeing dreams. Hollow are the remains of a special thing...having become nothing more than an insignificant blip in a tirelessly brutal existence.

*  *  *

Words, weaving through the endless labyrinth behind these tired eyes... So much to speak, but no sound flows from these silent lips. There's a horrible knot forming deep within my chest, an agonizing scream welling in the back of my throat, only to be choked back down as I clench my teeth. I won't allow its freedom. I will not break...not yet.

Not yet...

So many miles to go...so little time. Gotta pull the knife out of my back and turn the tables. I will not be a Victim. If this life thinks it's gunna just take me out, it's got another thing commin'.

A deep voice echoes these words through my mind like a mantra...

"I Bow to No Man."

It brings a ghost of smile to my lips...as I'm once against swallowed by the Black.

-Anon-

Through Furyan Eyes

So many times I've tried to type these words...and every time I stop myself, irritated with my lack of creativity and erase everything I've written. I feel suffocated and fear, that I am indeed on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Generally I can suck it up and push forward, forcing down these unwanted emotions and keep moving. But somehow, the emotions have spilled forth, having transformed into living abominations; hooking their gnarled claws into my legs, stopping me from trying to continue on my journey. Persistent little bastards.

I try to allow the creativity to flow...and I find that it flickers out; fading from my eyes and I'm left with a blanket of shadows to keep me company in my frustrated silence.

I want to tear this disgusting weakness from my chest and burn it; watching as the ashes of who I once was be taken away by the wind, never to be seen again.

*growls softly*

I apologize for my silence; finding solace within the confines of my internal cage. I've tried taking on the weight of the world; outside influences burying me within their selfish debris. I struggle to release myself, but have found that it only pulls more down on-top of my beaten body and my soul wails for a salvation...that will never come. I am the only Knight in this fucked fairy tale. I don't believe in being the helpless damsel in distress. I'm distressed alright, but there ain't nuthin' helpless about me. I've been buried before, I've dug myself out...so what makes this different?

Hmm...probably more then I'm used to being weighed down by. Or mayhaps it's merely taken Years for all the pressure to finally get to me. Whatever the case...I haven't been myself.

Being the mischievous social ball of energy that I am, many may have noticed I haven't quite been myself, especially on the ever popular Facebook (or 'Facedesk' as I lovingly call it). My posts seem less personal... Not as many updates on how I'm feeling... My notes having been greatly neglected. To be perfectly honest, I think I've been sinking into an abyss... At first, I didn't want to post about my troubles, not wanting to worry anyone. That progressed to me stopping myself from sharing music I was listening to, fearing that it would provoke the wrong response or others would be able to see a theme I didn't want them to see. This continued until I became so edited that I stopped posting even joyous thoughts. Such as me applying at a Halloween Store. Why not share that? Simple...I didn't think it was all that important. I had become so internally withdrawn that it took a great deal of effort to actually say that I had landed a job.

It's painfully apparent that this shows symptoms of depression. Withdrawing from speaking, anti-social behavior, loss of interest in the things I enjoy, inability to stay focused, trouble sleeping, nightmares, outstanding stretches of irritability and over-sensitivity to the point of rage. Distancing myself from loved ones and finding difficulty in staying positive when the world seems to continuously throw shit in my direction. So why talk about it? 

It's taking me a great deal of focus to get this all out. I've just been in a very dark place emotionally, and I didn't want that to leak out onto those I love. I just figured, 'I got this... Besides, there are others that need my help, my bullshit can be sussed out later'. Heh...guess that ain't the case.

I felt sumthin' snap not too long ago, figured it would heal like it always does and I'd be fine, ready to soldier on. Ya...whole lotta good that did.

I've just been dealing with a great deal of crap. Not just mundane everyday BS, I'm talkin' full-on, 'someone's havin' a god-damned catastrophe and I gotta be their emotional bucket they can spew into'.

*sighs*

I sound bitter, huh? *smirks darkly* Don't mean to be... I'm just done with it. I'm tired of listening to the constant badgering that's become nothing but a sea of crackling white noise, threatening to completely drown the broken strands of my sanity. I'm tired of attacking myself for being worthless. I am Not worthless. So I butched up and did what I set on doing. And guess what? First objective achieved. 

I'm different this time around... I guess grieving will do that to you. The 1 year anniversary of my Nuna's (Grandmother) passing was on the 11th of this month, and though I'm still scarred from that, I had more then six other deaths weighing on my mind so I've been a little...off. And that's only a small part in the chaos of insanity that's been pouring down on me like acid rain.

I don't really speak about these things because I honestly don't want sympathy. Everyone has things they're worried about, so what makes me special? So I keep it to myself... Allowing it to fester like a wound that just won't heal. Sadly, the wound's become infected and the poison has been traveling to my brain. A dark sickness that's made me feel hollow.

I'm getting better as things begin to fall into place after I've been fighting for them. I'm just becoming exhausted...and yet, I can't afford it. I'm far from done... It's incredibly frustrating.

So again, I apologize for not updating like I should. Everyone has their dark days...mine just happened to be a fuckin' black out. 

Heh...all I need is some shined eyes and a shiv and I really would be Riddick...

*chuckles* And on that note...due to my brain being so scattered, I must bid thee anon. Though I have a feeling this writing thing, might actually begin to pick up as I begin to drag myself up again.

-Adieu

Behind the Veil

 [Original Story Concept]

It must be so easy… Walking through life, ignorant to what lives beyond the veil…oblivious to the monsters right beside them, within reach…but they just can’t see. They’ll never see. Only some of us, in fact…very few I’m afraid, know the truth. And sadly, I’m one of the few.

I can’t tell them what they can’t see. I can’t warn that man on his cellphone as he walks down the street in his over priced business attire, that there’s a horrid abomination with strings of drool oozing along rows upon rows of dagger like teeth as it stares ravenously with dozens of beady emerald eyes. I’m watching it now as he passes by, completely oblivious of the 9 foot tall nightmare with its pulsing maggot like flesh, throbbing as it wheezes, salivating in anticipation of the kill… It peers over at me for a moment and we lock eyes. And there’s a look I know all too well… It realizes not only that I can see it, but it knows What I am. The look is worth the time I’ve spent staring at the putrid creature, because now it’s going in the opposite direction. Guess it decided to skip lunch.

People think accidents are just coincidence. If they only knew the dangers they invite. When you’re not paying attention, you’re being hunted. Of course, you can’t see the thing pulling itself along the cracked pavement behind you as you walk down an empty sidewalk at night. It lurches its skeletal arms forward, three fingered claws curving into the concrete as it drags its legless abdomen like an ant with its back legs crushed. Something thick and viscous bubbles and oozes in sickening pools from strange gaping holes along its deformed body, soaking the sidewalk in a slimy grayish substance so it can drag its pulsing form faster behind its unsuspecting prey. And all the while you just feel uneasy…blind to the thing about to grab you when you stop, wondering why a chill just slid down your spine…

The news in the morning would say some unlucky sonuvabitch got run down by a speeding car that lost control at the last second and what they don’t tell the public is that they had to literally scoop up what was left of the pedestrian from the sidewalk where the car hit.

Ya…right. And Santa Clause is in league with The Easter Bunny.

Weird or freak accidents are the Monsters doing. But they’re always covered up in some fashion. Hell, you could’ve been on the other side of the street and you wouldn’t have seen the creature attack…you would’ve only seen the speeding car. And you would’ve never known that there was a second creature, inside the car just before it lost control…

They enjoy working groups, it makes it all look so perfect. Just an accident, bad timing… No word on if the driver of the vehicle was under the influence as they too lost their life in the crash. The investigation is on going. But you never learn anything more as the news goes on to something else. You never think twice about it, never wonder about what really happened. You never find out that there was nothing wrong with the car and that the driver, well…what was left of the driver, came out clean. Just a freak accident.

While two more nightmares slither away unseen with a full stomach… Their presence overlooked completely because humans just can’t see.

Except for me.

Not that I asked for this, it’s a genetic thing. Like a disease you can’t cure. You can treat it, stop it from flaring up…but you’re stuck with it. And sometimes when it flares up, well…let’s just say I try to stay indoors until it lets up.

It kicked in when I was fourteen, oh the joys of puberty. I didn’t think anything of it at first seein’ as I’d always had a very vivid imagination and just figured I was seeing things because my head was always in the clouds. But when I started to physically react to things…

In the beginning, when I saw my first monster, again I figured I was just nuts… Until the wounds started to appear. It looked like someone had tried to cut at my wrist. I was able to hide it well enough…until I started seeing more of them and the cuts got a little longer and little deeper. If I hadn’t started wearing long sleeved shirts, I’m sure the adults would’ve sent my ass to a hospital to be psychologically analyzed for self-mutilation and possible suicidal tendencies. And it should’ve sent up a major red flag because I was wearing long sleeves in a warm climate. But since I’d always been on the strange side, people just thought it was my thing. Didn’t help with the bullying, but I didn’t care. They were always gunna find something to pick on me for, didn’t matter what excuse they came up with.

Besides, seeing Monsters with your own eyes and having your body betraying you by seeming to tear itself apart is insane enough.

I knew I couldn’t tell anyone. To most I just seemed like a typical teenager that was fighting to understand what they were going through. They had no idea how terrified I was. And if you think High School’s bad on its own… Imagine hundreds of hormonal kids wandering around with no idea of the hundreds of Monsters trailing each of them. Some kids had two or three at a time. I always felt bad for them, because they were the most sensitive. The kids that suffered the most depression, had more creatures on their tail. There was only one kid I ever knew to start with one and then had more then fifteen monsters over the period of three months. A week after I saw that, he took his entire bottle of Paxil, his sister’s birth control pills and bought a brand new survival knife.

His mother found him in the bathtub… The kids at school said it was like a scene from Stephen King’s IT.

Ya, those weren’t rumors either. It was really that bad.

These monsters don’t just feed on our physical bodies. They feed off our life force. The stronger and brighter your energy, the more will hunt you. If you’re very strong willed and intuitive, you get the nastier types. The weaker you are, just an everyday Joe…you’re barely noticed let alone followed. Makes sense, doesn’t it? They feed off of the strongest. It’s their favorite kind of prey.

And I wasn’t impervious to them either. If anything I was their Biggest target. They called me ‘The Fledgling’ and thought it was hilarious to follow me in Droves so the scars would begin to show and I would get thrown into a psyche ward. That way I would become lost in my drug induced prison and they could feed off me for as long as I kept breathing. That’s why they go after the strong willed. It takes a lot longer for people like us to just give up. The more stubborn, pig-headed you are, the longer it takes to fall. It gives them years of convenient dining.

It was really hard in the beginning, but I started to understand I had more control than I thought. I found out I had Power…

It had been like any other night, just hanging out with my best friend. It had been a ‘slow’ day, didn’t see many monsters, nothin’ too nasty anyway… Until a few showed up…focused on my best friend. And she felt it immediately, she couldn’t see them like I could, but she could Feel them. Just like a blind person, who may appear helpless, but it’s quite the contrary. Their other senses are more keen and more developed, making them more aware of their surroundings. So she knew what I knew, and I could feel her fear. I could also see and feel they were pleased by this…

That’s when something Snapped.

I’m still not too clear how I did it, it was a long time ago…but what I remember, is suddenly seeing through tunnel vision, seeing them in all their grotesque, hideous glory and then I felt something inside me open, like a wind tunnel going inward… I blinked and they were gone. I also felt a little heavier, my chest had just slightest bit of pressure, like after a heavy meal. It was the weirdest thing…and made me realize something awful strange about myself.

I could devour them completely.

And that was just one of the first things I could do. Heh, oh ya…I’ve got an arsenal now. But I can’t tell you the end of the story first. Where’s the fun in that? I gotta give you just enough to get you interested, a bit of back story so you can decide for yourself whether you wanna join me on this journey I’m about to embark on within the pages of this twisted tail.

But be weary dear reader, for there may be an unseen horror peaking over your shoulder as you read this… Waiting for that perfect moment to strike…

Anybody not ready for this?

-To Be Continued-

Guardian of Blue Fire: Part 1

-Her Perspective-

Warmth encircled me, held me like a mother holding her child on a cold night. I felt peaceful; my heart beat drumming softly in my head, my breathing even. My eyes fluttered open. There were small streams of daylight bleeding into the dimness of my room, casting playful shadows along the walls, telling me it was time to get up. I let out a soft yawn and tried to bury myself back into the comforting warmth when my bladder began to protest. Frown lines creased my face as my lips pulled back; a deep-chested growl of disapproval flowed through clenched teeth as my nerves roared to life, bringing the pain along with it. My body was awake, even if my mind still lingered on that high ledge of dreams. It was time to get up. Damn.

-His Perspective-

A soft tingle of energy trailed along my spine, causing every hair to bristle and stand on end. If I'd closed my eyes, I could've sworn it felt like small fingertips brushing along my flesh. Which told me she was awake. A small smile ghosted my lips as I hit the switch on the coffee pot and leaned back against the kitchen counter; arms held loosely across my chest. Small kitchen, barely enough room for my big ass let alone two people. Small living quarters, or what she corrected me as, 'her apartment'. I knew what it was, but I loved teasing her. Once provoked, she wouldn't back down, even under playful circumstances. A trait I'd always admired in a woman. It also made me wonder how she'd handle a potentially violent situation. Would she go in guns blazing? Or would she talk them into submission? Hmm. Guess I'll have to ask her sometime.

I waited patiently as she finished her morning ritual in the bathroom and felt my heart thunder just a fraction faster when I heard the door open, followed by the very briefest of sound; light footfalls you had to strain to hear if you knew what to listen for. I wonder if that was instinctive. She seemed unaware of how truly quiet she made herself when she moved, as if it were second nature. Most people would jump at her sudden appearance, but I knew better. I'd felt her long before she'd made herself known. Must be a predator thing. Always aware of your surroundings; kill or be killed mentality. The slightest sound could be the one thing that can either save or damn your soul. When you've been hunted for most of your existence, you become accustomed to it. There was always some one or some thing thinkin' it's bigger and badder then you on the food chain.

She'd never been where I've been, seen what I've seen. Didn't have to kill to survive. She'd lived a somewhat normal life on this rock she called home...and yet, she reacted to everything like it was a threat. Hypersensitive to everything around her. It was like looking into a mirror. What made her this way? Too many thoughts...too many questions. I've known her for years and she still had a way of surprising me.

-Her Perspective-

He was just leaning his large frame back against the kitchen counter, just right to the coffee pot; arms held in a loose fashion across his massive chest. Dressed in his usual attire; black tank tucked into a pair of dark gray cargos that seemed to be tucked into his black lace up boots. Dressed like a shadow. The thought would've made me smile if I wasn't half asleep. The only expressions I could make in that state of mind were not pleasant ones. At least, I didn't think so. I've never been accused of being a 'morning person'. 

Instead of my usual grunting or soft growling as a means of speech, I noticed the way he was watching me and felt myself tense with awareness. There was something behind those pitch black goggles covering his otherworldly gaze. An unseen energy that seemed to pour away from him and curl around me; probing, curious. I felt his power trail invisible fingers along my skin, searching for something...an opening. I felt something ball up like a clenched fist deep inside me as his energy continued to search my form... As soon as it found a crack in my walls, that strange electricity inside me exploded, meeting the invasion like a whip of lightening. It was suddenly very hard to breathe. I choked back a gasp when I felt a soft pop behind my ears, as if our energies had clashed like to two Titans meeting swords.

I had to grab the empty door frame to my right to keep myself steady because there was a slight tremble in my legs I didn't trust. What in the hell was That?! I think the question showed on my face because he was no longer leaning back against my kitchen counter, but was suddenly right in front of me. Like he'd just appeared out of thin air. I blinked and looked up into those haunting goggles, wondering how he'd moved that fast without me seeing it.

"Back up." My voice was a strangled whisper. So I swallowed and tried again, "back up, Riddick." It was firmer the second time, but still a tad breathy as if I just ran a marathon.

He didn't move. In fact, it seemed as though he were fighting something deep inside, the strain showing on his face when his jaws clenched in a stubborn line. It wasn't like him to push me. He knew better.

I wasn't angry, I was worried. He would've moved without a second thought, but to me, it almost seemed like he was trapped there, staring down at me. "Can you move?" I asked in a careful tone and felt a crease of concern furrow my brow as I searched the quiet lines of his face.

-His Perspective-

It felt like strings had pulled me forward and I had to use every ounce of willpower to stop myself, right there, before I could pin her up against the wall. My fists clenched, white knuckled with the strain to keep my hands at my sides and not let them do what they wanted. Every muscle, every tendon screamed with tension as I fought myself to stay exactly where I was. This was new. I'd never lost control of myself like this before. She had no idea how close I'd come to... No, I wouldn't even think it. Period.

The sound of her words, the concern there, brought part of me back from my internal struggle and let me reply, "Don't think it'd be wise." It wasn't even my voice; it was a deep-chested growl that didn't sound like it was formed with human vocal chords. What the hell was wrong with me?

I could see a shimmer of clarity in her eyes, as if she knew something I wasn't in on. Her features seemed to smooth out, growing calm, an expression I had perfected over the years. It was the look I'd get when I didn't want someone to see what was going on in my head... I didn't want them to read my emotions. Shit. She was shutting me out.

"I'm sorry." She suddenly murmured; a soft tone that was still unreadable as it danced through my ears. I couldn't see what she was thinking or feeling. She merely stood there, stubbornly unwilling to move out of harm's way, her gaze never leaving mine. "I think you triggered something."

I felt my brow furrow at that. "Me?" I shot at her, harsher than I'd meant to sound, and felt the tension in my body begin to slowly leak away. Always an improvement.

Unreadable eyes stared me straight in the face as she spoke, "your energy tried to frisk me and something inside me didn't like it." She explained in that empty tone and paused to take a calming breath, guess she wasn't as shut off as she seemed, "it reacted and I think whatever lives in you, thought it was a challenge."

Her words made me tense, but for another reason. She was right. Whatever darkness lives inside me, didn't like being told no. And as a result, almost made me... I swallowed a sudden lump from the back of my throat and hoped my voice wouldn't betray me. "Guess I need to keep a better leash on it then, huh?" I mused in a low thunder, sounding more in control, more like myself. 

Feral eyes searched my face, as if she didn't quite believe it was me talking. Couldn't blame her... Don't think she knew how close the darkness had come to getting its way.

And just like that, warmth filled her expression and her posture relaxed as if nothing happened. "Smells like the coffee's ready," she announced, tone once again that sultry purr I'd always loved. But just underneath I could sense a hesitation. As if there was now a part of her that didn't trust me anymore. It hurt to feel that, but I didn't show it.

"Then by all means," I rumbled and stepped back, out of her way, allowing her what little room there was to maneuver in that small kitchen of hers, "ladies first."

She nodded, a gentle smile curving the line of those full lips and proceeded past me. The act was impressive and would've fooled anyone...except for one tiny flaw. She'd made a point to avoid brushing against me. Such a small movement, but it hadn't gone unnoticed. 

-Her Perspective-

I shut down inside, buried whatever it was that awoke with a snarl and focused on getting some caffeine. I knew he was watching me, trying to read me and I was damned positive my avoiding physical contact hadn't gone unnoticed. But what hell was I supposed to say to him? 'Oh hey, ya know...that was kinda scary and I think I'd like you to stay the hell away from me for awhile'. Ya, not very nice. And it wasn't entirely his fault...I think. He didn't know he was doing it...right? That whole thing, whatever the fuck it was, was a challenge of power. I was gunna have to suss it out further before I could bring it up in conversation again.

For right now, focus on coffee and waking up. Later I could worry about it. At least...that's what I was hoping for.

-Fades to Black-

Guardian of Blue Fire

[No idea where this came from...but here it is! *chuckles* Seems my Muse has finally resurfaced...*smiles*]

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Cool night air embraced an aching form as she sat within the stillness of her apartment. Haunted eyes remained unfocused as delicate hands danced gracefully along a black keyboard. The tapping of her long, talon like nails was amazingly quiet as the words continued to spill from her mind through those dancing fingers. The grace in which she moved, her stillness...captivated a watchful shadow hidden in the background. 

She seemed more relaxed; that trickle of familiar electricity she emanated trailed almost playfully along the entirety of his form, telling him she was finally given a break. She was in less pain than she had been. The thought seemed to loosen something deep within the confines of his powerful chest. Which also told him he could approach her without her energy attacking him. Something he'd learned a long time ago; never corner a wild animal. Especially when it's wounded.

There was a slight shift in the air, as if someone had opened a window somewhere deep within her apartment. But apart of her brain knew who that someone was... And before he could utter a single greeting as he approached, her lips began to move, allowing a sultry purr of a voice to fill the stillness.

"Hey, Big Guy." She said softly and kept her eyes forward as his large silhouette seemed to pour out of the darkness and filled the empty chair to her left in complete silence. It always brought a ghost of a smile to her lips at how much he reminded her of a large cat; powerful and graceful in his calculated movements, but there was also a ferocity held within his luminescent gaze. Knowing that when he appeared bored, or aloof; his face a portrait of secrets...she could feel that contained violence trickle ever so lightly along her spine, reminding her that at any given moment, even in his calm state, he could explode into a dark fury. It felt as though she were sitting next to a wild Tiger. Exotic and beautiful but also dangerous and unpredictable.

"Hey back." He thundered in that low, gravely tone she knew to be pleasant. "You seem better." He added and began memorizing the lines of her face, as he'd done a thousand times before, as if he were afraid that he'd never see her again. Old habits die hard.

She gave a slight nod and took a drink of the warm coffee swirling within her black thermos, enjoying the way it trailed a line of heat down her throat and into her stomach. "A bit, yes." She murmured in reply after setting the thermos back down to her left and was about to pull her hand away when she was stopped; a current of living electricity thrummed from his paw of a hand as it covered her own. She almost gasped at the sudden feeling of his life force streaming into her flesh. Instead, she brought wide eyes to his watchful gaze; orbs of blue fire glowing with a silent intensity within the black.

There was a pause as their eyes met. Speaking without words, as if the souls had their own language and were conversing on a level neither of them were even aware of.

He smiled; full lips curving at the edges, "glad to hear it." He growled finally, a genuine warmth shimmering within that blue fire gaze when he gave her hand the slightest squeeze and released it; letting his hand vanish from view.

He loved these moments with her, sitting within the quiet shadows, knowing she felt safe in his presence. Knowing that here, with her, he wasn't a Killer. A Monster. She made him feel like his life meant something, something good. Especially when she smiled. 

And this is why he loved her.

-Fades to Black-