|
Post by Arai on Dec 11, 2007 21:37:09 GMT -5
Walking through the streets, Arai kept her head down, lost in her own world. It was chilly as she stuffed her hands deep down in her pockets, trying to keep them warm. Her small frame was lost in the thinning crowd. All in all, she was a rather nondescript person. Her hair was the most distinguishable feature as it shone a rich reddish brown. But that she kept short and out of the way. Right now it was covered by a black hood on her sweatshirt. Her feet, size six and clad in sneakers, shuffled on the sidewalks of the town as she walked with no real destination. She didn't even know the name of the town she was in, nor did she really care. Arai was deep in thought as she walked methodically through the town. How long she had walked she wasn't really sure. Cities were her thinking places. Being a non-entity to the others around her was soothing, in a sense. No one knew or cared about her past, or her future, so it was a nice time to just think without interruption.
As she walked, she absentmindedly looked up, her light gold eyes scanning the clear skies. Nothing of interest was there, so she just looked around a bit as she waited for a crossing light to turn green. Many of these buildings looked strangely familiar, and she wondered how many times she had passed by them without really noticing. Shrugging, she began to walk again. But the light had not turned green. Walking into the middle of the street, she didn't notice the small car bearing down on her fast. The driver was unaware of the imminent collision, as he was talking rapidly on his cell phone. Onlookers gasped as the two entities drew closer to one another, sure they were about to see a horrible car accident.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 12, 2007 21:16:37 GMT -5
Jasper walked down the streets feeling the playful afternoon air blow its way gently across his bare arms. He flicked a tuft of dark hair from his eye with a slight shake of his head. The fallen auburn leaves curled around his feet as they danced in the breeze. The stores lined the streets with an occasional tree or two that stood awkwardly in the concrete palace. He glimpsed his reflection as he passed, a tall, lean, well muscled man of about twenty smiled back at him. Jasper tucked his hands in his pockets and leisurely strolled on the concrete. He approached an oncoming intersection and spotted a woman crossing. The woman seemed stiff and focused as she stepped onto the road, not realizing the bus was speeding ever closer. People started to draw their attention to the scene as the girl unknowingly became seemingly acquainted with the last few seconds of her life. The vampire became a blur. His speed kicked in, he dodged ladies with shopping carts and spectators that stood around helplessly. He crossed the intersection as the bus was a foot away and the girl was still oblivious. "Hey!" Jasper shouted to try to get her attention. He swept the girl up and curled himself protectively around her tucking his head to his chest and holding the girl close to him protecting her vitals. The vampire gritted his teeth and turned his back to the bus to take the pain. He dug his sneakers into the asphalt for stability, as the metal of the front of the bus shaped around his back and shoulders. The screech of tires as the bus halted amazed the onlookers, miraculously, both were unscathed by the speeding metal. Jasper grunted as he wrenched himself from the metal case that he formed with his body. The woman still scooped up in his arms he walked calmly to the sidewalk and laid her down. He gazed down into her face with his forest green eyes, "Are you okay?"
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 13, 2007 23:06:00 GMT -5
Hearing a panicked salutation, Arai looked up, unaware of her approaching doom. A young man, about her age probably, zoomed up to her, scooping her up and tucking her tightly to himself. Before she could protest the van hit. It was amazing how, in moments that could very well be your last, time seemed to slow, spinning out endlessly and burning every image, every thought into your mind. She felt the man's muscles tense beneath her, bracing for something. The collsion hit, and she automatically curled tighter, protecting herself as shockwaves transferred through their bodies, sliding them a bit as metal screeched horribly around them. Arai's pulse slowed as her heart skipped a beat or two, her mind barely comprehending what was happening. This stranger, that for some reason was saving her life, loomed above her, his teeth gritted and eyes closed as he held her there. She was so close to him that she felt his taut muscles standing out like ropes under his shirt. Within seconds, it was over.
Dazed, she was aware of being carried away from the steaming hunk of what used to be the front of a bus. He was somehow unscathed, holding her just as strongly as before. Set down on the sidewalk, her hand rested on the cool, rough concrete. It was covered in city grime, no doubt, and she made a note to wash her hands. Staring up at the sky in disbelief, her view was suddenly interrupted by a face. It was her rescuer. His dark hair fell into his green eyes as they radiated concern. He looked young, but his eyes were deeper than the ocean, endless in their solemnity and thought. Arai couldn't help but feel that he was an old soul in a young body. Her own pale gold eyes stared at him, wide and wondering. Slowly she nodded, her mouth half open in a caught breath. Lifting a hand, she was about to brush back her aubrun locks, which no doubt looked to be in horrible disarray. The motion of her hand caught her eyes, and she froze as her muddled mind suddenly realized what had just happened. In mid air her slender hand began to shake uncontrollably, and she tucked her knees close to herself, her gaze wandering to the bus that stood there, a crowd gathering around it. She had almost died! As this thought struck her, Arai began to quiver unceasingly, her body shutting down in a state of shock.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 15, 2007 9:19:45 GMT -5
Jasper's brow furrowed in concern. The girl was going in to shock. Worse than that though, Jasper had no idea what to do. He could only imagine what she was going through... The vampire had no idea if the woman he encountered was 'one of us' or 'one of them.' He couldn't sense anything strong, though he knew you normally could in most cases. The crowd around them buzzed, people's jaws were dropped as they realized what had happened. Their slow minds began to connect the pieces and notice that the man who'd stopped the bus was walking away but it was the bus that was crumpled. Humans whispered and yelled into their cell phones to news crews and the local media to come witness the feat. As on cue a news truck pulled up and screeched to a halt just in front of the two. The back doors burst open and people poured out and anxiously were bounding over to Jasper and the woman. "I'm really sorry about this, but I'm afraid we're going to have to move." Jasper scooped her up in his arms once again like a sleeping bride and ran as fast as he could down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. He looked down into her face and realized how beautiful she was. Her radiance struck him and for a few seconds the sounding of his thudding sneakers slowed. The vampire cleared his throat, "Is there anywhere I could take you?" Blue signs popped up pointing the way to the hospital, he headed that way just in case. He knew that some people had a way with resisting being taken to a hospital, and at this point he wasn't sure what else to do. Just as long as they didn't try anything on him it was fine, that would lead to a world of trouble that he tried his hardest to avoid. If she was anything other than a vampire she should be able able to have a heartbeat, so there wouldn't be that problem.
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 17, 2007 23:07:56 GMT -5
Somewhere in the distance excited voices filtered in, coupled with motors arriving and the ring of phones. Arai had the vague sensation of moving, being carried maybe, as if on a ship or a horse. But that wasn't possible. She was curled up, she guessed, and slowly sensations began to return to her shaking body. Had someone spoken? Her light brown eyes blinked open slowly, her eyelashes fluttering until sight focused in her brain. The rescuer, the one who had saved her from immenent death, was carrying her easily, his feet hitting the pavement with a steady rhythm. His arms were strong, though not freakishly so, and so close to him Arai felt strangely cooled. Her own heartrate began to slow from its erratic pace and thud more steadily, mimicking the sound of his sneakers hitting the concrete.
Wide eyed, she gazed up at him, her eyes a bit distant and wondering, hands tucked against her stomach and feet curled up. "No....no, I think I'll be fine," she managed, her voice not wanting to cooperate and coming out as no more than a whisper. His green eyes warmed her, though she felt so cold. His jaw was strong, as was the rest of him, and she felt a strange sense of peace and safety come over her. A slight flush crept into her cheeks as she realized her situation. Here she was, daydreaming about a guy whose name she did not know while he carried her about as if she were his fiancee. Not cool. The barriers she had placed around her emotions went up higher as she came out of her initial shock, and, still shivering a bit, she tried to get out of his arms. "I'm fine, really," Arai stammered, "you don't have to carry me."
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 26, 2007 11:57:06 GMT -5
Jasper squinted against the sun as he jogged on. The cloud cover was thick thankfully, but it still made the vampire nervous, he gazed down in to the womans face for shelter. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that she was uncomfortable in his arms. To Jasper it was as if she was a hawk feather resting gracefully in his arms, smooth and beautiful, but a piece of something more dangerous that was apparent upon examination. With ease he sat the woman down, although with ease came reluctance. "Are you sure you're okay?" He held his arms around her still to steady her. "I have no problem taking you where you need to go..." Jasper offered politely, a concerned look furrowing his masculine brow and creeping to his strong set jaw. Surprise took the vampire, no sense of his usual hard pounding lust was present, nor the thirst that tangled his veins with dire need. Simply without a double agenda, he looked upon the woman, and marveled at her beauty. It seems I've picked the right person to save... he thought.
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 26, 2007 23:43:25 GMT -5
Finally, her feet were on the ground once more, and she steadied herself in his arms. The lack of sun was helpful, as she didn't have to squint to look at the stranger. Being only five foot two, Arai constantly looked up at people. However, that was only physically. Mentally she looked up to no one. Few had been worthy of her respect since the beginning of her new life. Pale gold eyes wide, she gazed up at him. He was muscular, though not grossly so, and seemed concerned about her. His arms were cool around her - strange, she thought - as he looked down at her. A sense of uneasiness crept over her. There was something about his eyes, about his demeanor, about him, that unnerved her deep down. Shifting from one small foot to the next, she cut her gaze away, suddenly aware that she had been staring. "Thank you," she managed, daring to look up at him again, her short auburn hair ruffling in a bit of a breeze, "I owe you my life." Under his scrutinous gaze she suddenly felt a bit more self-conscious than usual. Her hand automatically swept back a few wayward wisps of her hair, brushing over the thin scar that ran down the right side of her face. "I'm Arai," she added, cautiously meeting his eyes again.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 27, 2007 14:53:06 GMT -5
The vampire drew his hands back when he was sure she was stable and gazed into her face. He noted her eye. The thin scar that slipped over her eye mattered no more to him than if the rain in Spain fell on the plain, it was hardly noticeable, and to him it made her all the more beautiful. He offered his hand to the petite girl as he towered over her at 6'6", "I'm Jasper." He looked into her golden eyes as he spoke. "So, do you just randomly decide to stand in the way of speeding automobiles... or?" Jasper teased trying to lighten the mood, a crooked smile plastered its self on his pale jaw. "I mean I know some people have kinks, but yours could turn out quite dangerous..." The singsong tone of joking flowed through his voice.
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 28, 2007 14:29:01 GMT -5
Taking the proffered hand, Arai shook it, noting the strength behind the grasp and the way her slender fingers were engulfed in his hand. A slight flush creeping into her cheeks, she smiled a bit and looked down at her shoes. They were dirty, worn, and frayed, but they had served her well. A far cry from the fashionable shoes and clothes she had worn before the fateful camping trip. In fact, almost everything about her, especially appearance wise, was different since then. "No, I don't normally....I wasn't trying to...I was just lost in thought, I guess," she stammered. Collecting herself, she met his twinkling eyes as his mouth twitched in mirth. Drawing herself up to her full height, which was still tiny compared to him, she lifted her chin a bit. "I had no intention of needing a savior," she finally said cooly, "but I do thank you for being one. I can assure you I will not do that again," she finished with a weak chuckle. The sinking sun shone red through her hair, making it stand out remarkably in contrast to Jasper's own dark locks. It was getting a bit chilly, and Arai wrapped her arms around herself and shivered a bit.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 30, 2007 19:21:24 GMT -5
"Its glad to know you've learned from this experience then, Arai," he replied smoothly. Jasper met her eye and never looked away. Subtly his eye would wander down the petite beautifully curvaceous woman, but never enough to make her feel gawked at. Arai's stance and speaking reminded him a bit of Diorah, and as the memories drudged up his heart twinged, full to the brim with ache. Never had he been a big religious man, especially after what he'd become, but he had always wondered if reincarnation was possible. The auburn hair and the soft eyes before him drudged up his curiosity, and again he began to puzzle over it. Her soft skin was radiant in light that peeked out in rays of the clouds. One fell directly above her, casting an angelic feeling, he admired her beauty. He dropped his eyes and cleared his throat before he got too caught up. "I have a friend who's a doctor that's near by. No hospitals or anything, I just think you should get a thorough examination. Just in case, you know. He works out of his apartment about a block away from here."
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 30, 2007 20:48:52 GMT -5
Aware all too well of his eyes on her, Arai put the walls she kept around herself high. Sure, she looked cute, even with the scar, but she was far from it when a full moon came around. The twilight sun shone upon her, turning her thoughts to the imminent night. Her heart sank. Tonight wasn't....couldn't be....was it? Mentally she kicked herself. She had lost track of days, of her careful monitoring of the phases of the moon. Tonight might be a full one, and that spelled death if she didn't get out of here. Trying to not act panicked, to slow her heart, to act casual, she shook her head 'no' again. "I'm fine. Really," Arai assured. Her arms wrapped around her waist as if to protect herself, the tips of her fingers feeling the lacerating scars beneath. She was self-conscious about those, and no one would ever see them if she got the chance. Especially not a stranger. Especially not this Jasper.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 31, 2007 1:56:49 GMT -5
Jasper nodded in understanding, "Okay." He went over the past half hour or so in which these events happened in his head. The realization struck him, he'd just saved her life. It hadn't occured to him, even when she'd said it. Minutes before it had just felt like he had just put the cat out just before the snarling dog came in, not like he'd actually saved a life. Jasper mulled this over in his mind, standing in awe. What did this mean now? Music reached his ears, he looked over in the direction of the noise, recognizing it as the introduction to the Breaking News newscast. Behind a thin glass window were rows of tv's stacked up in the window on display. Jasper turned to better see the tv broadcast from the electronics store window and folded his arms over his chest in question. The camera zoomed in on the reporter, "We have breaking news coming from downtown Waltsburg. Here's Susan with the latest." The camera zoomed out and another woman appeared standing at the site of the action. "Thanks, Tom. Today there was a horrible bus accident in which two pedestrians have been involved. We aren't at liberty to release names yet, but as we are told both victims have fled the scene! Remarkably! We have a witness on the scene to explain to us what happened." The camera panned out to show the blonde concerned looking reporter holding the microphone to a balding old man standing in front of the crumpled front of the bus. "So tell us what happened," the reporter hearsed. "Well, I was standing on the side of the street waiting for the pedestrian light to come on, and this woman came walking across the crosswalk towards me, obviously not paying attention. Then I noticed a tall man running after her, I thought it could maybe be some lover's spat and she'd run off, but that's when I noticed the bus." The man directed to the bus behind them, "This bus was speeding through and the man came and stood in front of her and it hit them! I saw it! Then they ran off!" The man was throwing his arms up in disbelief. The reporter started again as the man backed out of the camera's view, "The dents in the bus are believed to be caused by the man's body on impact..." The reporter kept talking on talking over details of the accident. Jasper turned to Arai, "Seems as if we've made an impression on our friends."
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 31, 2007 13:05:27 GMT -5
Watching the news clip, Arai was astonished that they had picked up on it so quickly. She was also amazed at the marks on the bus. The front of it was decimated, liquid dripping from the no doubt ruined engine. Her amber eyes flicked from the screen to Jasper, confused. No one, no human, could have withstood impact from that bus and survived. Which heightened her suspicion of him. "Yes, so it would seem," she murmured, eyes still on the screen. In a few minutes, the news cast cut to 'weather on the eights'. The balding man, glasses glaring a bit on camera, informed her that tonight would be partly cloudly with a 50% chance of rain. He also informed her that tonight would be a beautiful full moon. Crap! she thought. "Listen, Jasper," she said, beginning to back away, "thanks for saving my life and all, but I've really got to go." Her heart began to race a bit. The sun was setting faster than she would like, the undersides of the clouds turning a bright pink. Within an hour the moon would emerge, and with it the uncontrollable side of herself. Despite her unease about this Jasper, she didn't want him to get hurt. After all, he had saved her life.
|
|
|
Post by Jasper on Dec 31, 2007 14:15:07 GMT -5
Jasper reached out and caught her wrist before she fled. "Wait. What is it?" He searched her eyes looking for anything to give away why she was acting so distressed. "I know you aren't running away from me because you're terrified, Arai. You already know something is different with me, why aren't you accepting your uniqueness?" The woman had seen a bus shaped around him, metal bending against his pure frame and nothing else, he'd demolished the front end of the bus, and it seemed as if she didn't connect it. Jasper had been a vampire long enough to know something was different about her. "You're special too aren't you?" His eyes were probing, and brow inquisitive. In his heart he didn't want to let her go, he needed to find out answers to other questions he had, was she really Diorah? What was going on? Why was she running? "Look, if you won't answer that, will you at least tell me if I'll ever see you again?" he asked hopefully but with a little confusion warping his tone.
|
|
|
Post by Arai on Dec 31, 2007 15:14:21 GMT -5
Her small frame was arrested in mid flight by the strong grasp of his hand on her wrist. Eyes dialated a bit wildly, Arai spun around, trying to pull away. His sudden touch only reminded her of the humans that mistreated her, of that fateful night on the island with the demon-possessed man. Cameron moved to Arai and took her by the neck, stretching her body out against the wall. Her body was spread apart and Cameron moved into her again. The demons didn't care at all about the gentleness now. " Finish what you started." The demon scolded. Finally whipping her hand away, she backed out of reach, wariness darkening her pale eyes, ready to flee. His cold touch still burned at her skin, and his words only confirmed that he was not a normal human. He couldn't be a lycan - the cold attested to that. In her mind she finally connected the dots. She hadn't had many brushings with vampires; she tried to avoid it, in fact. Eyes widening, nostrils flaring as she prepared to run, she replied quickly, "Everyone is special. Some for different reasons. I need to leave. I don't want you to die," she ground out, gazing into his confused green eyes. Lovely green, deep as the forests and wise. But not for her. She was alone on this, and if he were a vampire she wanted nothing to do with him right now. Turning again, she ran, her slender legs carrying her away, the days she had taken track serving her in good stead. Whether he followed or not was his choice. For now her concern was getting away from all these people before the moon rose. Which, by the constantly darkening skies, would be soon. Too soon.
|
|