Achalon

The jouyous crowd down below was starting to give me a headache. I rubbed my temples, tired of our pathetic act of a happy family. Outside of this perfect

family, Acailen was rotting in total chaos, though I'm the only one who notices. Who else in our family looks out past our walls? No one, sadly, but me. At one point, my Grandfather, Salinete Jane, had led our city in peace with the Achalonian Queen. Achalons are shapeshifters. Since I've never been allowed outside of this forsaken house, all I knew were that of rumors and possible legends. Grandpa Jane was no longer alive to tell me what is true. He died along with the Queen.

From what I know:

1) Each Achalon had a human form (tempting for anyone) and a predatory animal form (wolf, lion, our carnivores).

2) Each Achalon must claim a human mate (male or female, I don't think it matters if they are gay or not) and a human child (they're new "pup", "chic", "kit", depends on what animal they are), or they die. Die out in extinction, possibly, but any other outcome, who knows.

And 3) Achalons can only look human at night.

Anything else is a total mystery to me. My parents are careful on any leaks of rumors and stories. It n with the falseness of this house, which at this very moment I was attempting to ignore by blasting Old World music. Ever since Achalons appeared, the Old World ended, leaving only the wonders of art, music, and whatever else that survived such as my ultimate favorite past time, books. I adored the Old World just as my beautiful sister, Ali, adored the faery stories of love and adventure.

Ali stayed with me in my room. I refused to go downstairs at this moment since our noisy little cousins have come to visit us here in Saliente. Even though it was my own seventeenth birthday, worth the reminder of the remaining year I still had to put up with, there was no way in the Seven Hells that I would go down there.

Ali glanced up at me from her book, her ghostly pale blue eyes filled with worry though her facial expression stayed composed. That had still been our skill, composure. As usual, she was a sight of beauty, her earth brown hair pinned up in a ponytail, revealing her pale face from the usual frame of thick, curly hair. Since our 'family' was over, I was due to have a headache and possibly pass out. So far, the first of the two have occured and I preferred to avoid the second.

"Amy! Ali!" Jason called, our older brother that I still loved though he had been the cause of our caged state. "Time for cake and presents!"

"Coming!" Ali called, standing up from her position on the ground. She glanced at me but I gave my signal that I'll follow in a moment. I took my time turning off the music player and wrapping up the headphones carefully. I stand up from my favorite spot on the floor, looking up from my one comfort. My eyes widened. A man, hardly looking twenty, stood in the doorway of my room. His skin looked smooth, pale and clear unlike anything I have seen here at home. Jet black hair framed his face in a neat fashion, though I knew he had came from outside of this house. But his eyes. His eyes instantly captivated me once my gaze met his. I couldn't look away, as if sealed into place by his powerful gaze of impossible gray shade tinted oddly with green. Though his pupils were slits, making me instantly suspect what he was, I still could not bring myself to break the connection.

"Hazel," he whispered, his voice smooth and young, a tenor. Not loud but not deep. A shiver raced down my spine, not of fear.... but recognition. My eyelids began to droop to half mast as he grinned, revealing his canines. Sharp

canines. This confirmed my suspicion of him being an Achalon as teeth sank into my arm, though I couldn't see it. My sight left me as well as whatever had kept me standing, letting my body fall into him. I could barely sense him lifting me bridal style, tight but somehow careful, especially with my now wounded arm. Wind tackled my face as I lost all feeling and could only hear. A scream pierced the air, following in a haunting manner. I knew that scream. That scream belonged to Ali and she only screams like that when she sees blood. My blood in particular. Now hearing left me and I drifted in some form of dark sleep as a sickening fire coursed through my system.

X ~ x ~ x ~ x ~ X

Aiven held the girl tightly to his chest as he leaned against a wall, sitting on the floor with her body laid against him so he could keep her from hurting herself with the best efficiency. Her arm he had draped over his side as he restrained her jerking body with his arms and legs. She had reacted to her soul name, as he had expected after years of seeing her from that balcony of hers, trying to see outside of the protection the Jane family had erected. At the least, he could 'corrupt' one of the Jane girls so she may actually attempt to change that damn family. For too long they have holed themselves up in Saliente Jane's old home, ignoring the rising chaos outside. Her spasms lessened, all reaction to his bite. First, her body must accept the Claim before her soul did and if he had any luck, she would be strong, possibly even stronger than she portrayed. He definitely had no patience for weak women, not now. He needed a strong one for a mate and what he wished to do.

Hazel's body finally stopped moving in jerky movements. Her chest rose and fell calmly and naturally. Aiven picked her up once more and moved her to the bed across the room. Though he had been comfortable, he didn't want her waking up to be found in such a intimate

position. That alone could screw up his chances. He took a seat and simultaneous to his sitting, her eyes flickered open. Aiven blinked in surprise. That was a little too quick, especially for a human. Her eyes were hazel, forest green and earth brown fighting equally to be more dominate. She sat up slowly, as if she wanted to avoid a dizzy spell. She surveyed her surroundings carefully before look at him. Her gaze didn't harden in an accusing manner. Rather, it questioned him, certainty asking who

he was. Her emotions, as he now sensed as shadows of the real ones, remained calm and collect, absolutely abnormal for a Claimed human. Aiven found himself intrigued by her, as if she was a mystery for him alone to figure out. As if anyone else can have a chance now that he has Claimed her.

"That was quick," he said, not realizing he had said it. She tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she didn't know what he meant. He watched her long wavy auburn hair fell over her shoulder onto her chest.
"What was?" she asked. Now her voice captivated her. Smooth and clear, no other woman out here in the real world of Acailen could possibly have a voice like that. Though soft, it held an air of confidence. Even though she lived a shelter life, this woman did not fear him.

"Your recovery," Aiven said, deciding she would be capable of accepting this. He straightened up from his slight slouch, studying her face for any alarm. "Normally, it takes at least an hour for a human body to recover after accept the Claim. You, it took moments."

Hazel's eyes trailed to the window. Aiven wondered what part of outside she would take in; the dangerous living or the chaotic dying.

"You called me Hazel before... before you bit me. Biting me was placing a Claim, isn't it?" her gaze moved back to meet his, questioning and still calm. The tranquility Aiven sensed from her soul was beyond peculiar.

"Hazel is your soul name. If it wasn't, you wouldn't have reacted to it as you had and I would be incapable of placing a claim. You're correct on your guess that by biting you I have staked a Claim. I doubt that in your sheltered life, you would have acquired this knowledge." Hazel nodded. "What name were you given? No one, but me should know your soul name.... how should I put it..."

Hazel grinned. "It's like virginity. You can only give it once."

Aiven laughed. "That works almost perfectly. Your soul name allows the one who knows it to have power over you, which is why I would give you mine...."

"Amy."

"Right, Amy. But right now, you need to rest. I'll have some food sent up for you as."

Amy gave her a full smile, a rarity for her usual nonchalant attitude she had in the Jane household. Aiven smiled softly back as he stood up. "Rest, it's best if you get more energy. You have a lot to learn and accustom to."

Amy nodded, her face relaxing and looking tired as he spoke. She curled up under the sheets before he left, appearing as if a child totally content from a day of playing.

Aiven set about the town. If things worked well enough, Amy would stay with him. She had a powerful aura, a strong mentality, as well as an attractive body that would give him an edge as he will

make a change in this Hell hole.

Along the streets, dying humans laid about. Some had been used by Achalons, a factor that made Aiven determined to fight, while others were simply broken, raised living in the streets, too weak to be used or Claimed. The children running about, stealing as well, could not possibly be fit enough to become his

pup. This deterred the weaker Achalons that did not know where to look for stronger children.

A powerful eagle chick caught his eye. She watched him, a smile flickering on her lips. He made a beeline to her, hoping she may know where her mother might be or if she had a way to contact her. Sai Chi was very protective of her flock and one must have permission first to ask a favor of her children or risk the wrath of her beak, claws, and abnormally sharp nails (when she's in her human form.)

"What is it that M'Lord Aiven wants?" the eagle child asked, cocking her head in a questioning manner. Aiven recognized the telltale marks of Sai Chi's first child, Melissa, as he stopped a safe distance from her.

"I was wondering if you know where I might find your mother. I have a favor to ask," he answered. Melissa gave him her wicked smile, one that has made normal men try to please her even if it meant kneeling to Death.

"Does this have to do with your intended mate?" she asked as she pulled out a old, beaten cell phone. Aiven snorted as Sai Chi answered."Oka-san, he has her."

Sai Chi replied at which Melissa answered with 'hai'. After a few minutes of exchanged responses, Melissa held out the phone to Aiven.

"So how is she, Little Lord?" Sai Chi asked with a hint of sarcasm. Always 'little' lord, which made Aiven twitch. How he hated it and only just because she has known him since he was born.

"Peculiar. She was calm, took in whatever I said, and quick to recover as well as understand," Aiven said, recomposing his emotions. Sai Chi remained silent for a moment.

"That is...peculiar. She is

on of the sheltered Jane girls, is she not?"

"Of course."

Another pause followed suit.

"I'd like to examine her. You must find a child soon anyways to keep her longer. This calmness she has I doubt will last long now that she is out here in the real world."

Aiven silently agreed. How could a sheltered girl be strong out here? It's live and die here. Amy's face came to mind. Calm and confident, she seemed prepared and willing to face anything and everything. Possibly even death. No, she would survive through it. She had that power.

"That could work," Aiven mused, not entirely listening, picturing Amy awake. Fully

awake. Wanting only for her to be comfortable, Aiven made a decision. "Tomorrow, I'll bring her to Mel here. While she's with you, I'll go looking for a pup."

"Deal," Sai Chi replied readily. Aiven knew the only reason she wanted to see Amy was for her oddity. Still, Aiven handed over the phone to Melissa. She had her avian grin again as moments later she shut the phone.

"Mom says nine," she said, lifting herself onto the railing behind her, balancing herself as she watched Aiven.

"Great," Aiven said distractedly. He sensed Amy beginning to wake and instantly wished to be by her side at that very moment. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

Melissa chuckled as he left.

"Lord Aiven, you best be careful. Many would rather kill her than let you regain power," she whispered, scanning the crowd for the more malicious Achalons that bore ill-will for Aiven. The tigress Hailey glowered at her with wavering uncertainty. Melissa knew her to hate her and her flock but she absolutely adored Aiven and would never betray him. The flash of orange eyes sent a chill down her spine. Dialing her mother's number again, Melissa met the orange gaze of Elric with fear. Now he

would destroy him.

X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X

I woke warm and comfortable. Like the last time I wakened from a dreamless state, my mind was clear. The Achalon sat in a chair once again, staring at me. Shadowy bags hung under his eyes, but his gray-green orbs were lit energetically.

"You look tired," I said, sitting up. The movement lifted the blanket, allowing an opening in which cold air sieged through, sending a freezing chill through me. His gaze surveyed my body, but not in an immoral way, like I have seen from the balcony and on TV. Finally, the met with mine, a smirk on his face.

"Looks can lie," he said. "So out of caution, I will ask: how are you feeling?"

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, not surprised as my feet touched the ground that the frozen air had instilled itself into the floor. It didn't even surprise me that my shoes had been taken off and I now tested my ability to stand in my socks. No dizzy spell came to knock me down. I smiled softly, a sudden joy feeling me with light energy as I spun myself quickly. I stopped before him, a grin now replacing that smile. I felt wild and powerful especially

while standing there with him in front of me. "Does that answer your question?"

He smiled, standing up now. Our chests had a few inches in distance from each other. His arm slipped around my waist, closing that distance. To my surprise, I felt at ease, a sense of safety flooding me with him this close. This man could protect me. In fact, he would

.

"You know, you never gave me your name," I said, my hands laying on his chest naturally, though uncharacteristic for me. Power soared through my hands, making me feel lightheaded with its strength. Daemon

, a voice whispered inside my head. Though I have never had experienced voices in my head, I had no reaction, just knowing it was that of an older woman. "But I think I know your soul name."

"Oh really?" he mused, an underlying challenge making me smile.

"Oh yes, Daemon, I think I do," I said, the importance of the name sent a pleasurable shiver. His lips met mine instantly, filled with a passionate demanding pressure. His powerful aura now overwhelmed me, throwing me off guard. My head spun with the combination, only allowing me, remarkably, to kiss him back. Soon, I was breathless and his kiss trailed to my cheek.

"I am known as Aiven here," he whispered, his hot breath sending an intense shiver throughout my body.

"Then Aiven I will call you," I whispered back, kissing his cheek then added. "In public."

Aiven laughed, pulling back so the loudness didn't hurt my ears. I liked his laugh. It sounded as if it is seldom used and I loved it more since I had been the one to bring it out.

"Right then, Hazel

," he said, nipping my neck, adding to the pleasure pooling within my body. "You must change. I have asked Sai Chi's daughter to help you accustom to the life out here. While you two are going about with whatever she has planned, I'll be going about town."

For a pup

, I thought suddenly. I chided myself. I could be going psychic now. His gaze met mine and I followed an urge to kiss him fully on the lips. As I pulled away, I noticed a pile of clean clothes set out on a chair.

"I'll be quick," I said, pulling away to pick up the set of clothes and ran into the bathroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With a slice of toast, I ran after Aiven. He had a playful smirk as he walked briskly ahead in the crisp morning air. I giggled as I finally caught up with him. Aiven slipped his arm around me as we walked at the same pace. The streets looked dead with the clutter of homeless and people walking about with a strong sense of wariness. The same scene from my balcony but now it seemed much worse.

"Are you startled?" Aiven asked, glancing at me with analyzing look. I shook my head.

"I suspected it would be like this. It's more intense than from that I am use to but I kind of knew already. I just wish my family could see this and understand," I said, meeting his gaze. I came close to saying 'we could help this' but I knew the impossibility of that. Once my family found me, they would rather lock me up in my room but would never look out at what they are too ignorant to see. Ali's scream came back to me, freezing my heart as well as my body in its steps. Aiven stopped at the same time as me, not missing a beat of my own movements.

"What's wrong?" he asked, as I tried shaking away the cold feeling that Ali had placed in me.

"Ali," I whispered, her pale face looming in my mind though I met his mesmerizing gaze. "The one who screamed. My sister. I haven't thougt of her since I was last at the house."

"Your sister?" he asked, puzzlement in his tone. Or surprise. I wasn’t entirely sure.

"She's the only one that I truly care about in my family. Well, besides my grandpa, but he's dead."
Aiven studied me for a moment, choosing his words carefully I think.

"She will live for now. Sorry, but I absolutely refuse to give you back. I would kidnap her but I need to have complete the Claim with you so you're safe. Sadly, that might take a while," Aiven said, standing before me with a serious look and his hands grasping my upper arms. He wanted me to understand, almost to a point of desperation. I gave him a small smile.

"I understand. She will just have to put up with our crazy family till then. She fits more in the family than I do. Now, I believe we have an agreed time and place to meet someone at?" I asked, poking him teasingly. I pulled out of his grasp before he could get me back and ran, ran for the park that laid ahead of me. Aiven passed me up, only slowing to stand beside a beautiful girl that appeared around the same age as my brother, Jason. As I neared, I noticed she had an avian look about her. My blood has never pumped so much through my body in a long while. It felt amazing to run now. My face had a definite fluch as I smiled at the avian woman.

"Melissa, this is Amy. I trust she will be safe with you and Sai Chi," Aiven said. Melissa gave him a bright, malicious looking grin.

"Don't leave my dear little brothers and sisters out, M'Lord. Word has spread amongst them that you have chosen someone. They all came home today to meet her," Melissa said. I laughed.

"How old are they?" I asked.

"Ranging from six to twenty. I'm the eldest with twelve others. We've been one large flock for so long; we scare the others of our kind."

Melissa turned to Aiven, a grin on her face, "I like her."

"Me too," Aiven chuckled. Melissa hooked her arm around mine and waved to Aiven.

"I shall steal her now."

I barely gave Aiven a kiss as she began pulling me along before Aiven can comment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Amy's kiss had been chaste, but it still sent a tremor through Aiven. He smiled, already seeing how Amy has changed him and still changing him. With that wonderful feeling she gave him, Aiven shifted into his wolf form; a silver wolf, the last of his clan. In this form, most mistook him for a stray dog. That made it easier to enter the Acropolis of Saliente.

In this part of Acailen, families were better off. The ones strong enough to move migrated farther up north, closer behind the Saliente Manor for protection. More humans lived here though. Families would only go out in protective packs, though their young had no clue why. People have given up explain this Hell hole that the rebellious Achalons created.

Mothers shopped with their children, holding tightly to their hands as if that alone would prevent them from going missing. Still, a lot of children go missing here, but not as many as back in the lower areas. These people, though, knew how Achalons steal away children. Like demons or faeries, just the adults didn't realize it relies more on choosing

the right child.

After shifting in an alley, Aiven stood outside one of the few parks to watch the children. Up here, they believed with the fewer parks and places where the children might be taken, the easier it will become to find the child. This process, though seemingly simple, could take months which wouldn't surprise Aiven.

A small girl skipped up to him, her gray eyes shining in the mesmerized way that is caused by an Achalons presence, especially those with the intent of finding a pup, bringing possible pups to him. Aiven looked at her, calculating what to do with this scrawny child.

"Mister, have you seen my mommy?" she asked, the usual question a child would ask here. She wouldn't last the Change, being so scrawny and weak looking. He pointed at a tall blonde women who currently was freaking out. The one thing that Aiven enjoyed about this was watching the parent that a child leaves enter a state of terror.

"Is that her?" he asked. The child looked over at her, her eyes changing a fraction in sign of recovering. She nodded and gave him a smile before running back to her mother.

Aiven suspected she would try telling her mother about him, so he disappeared into the thickening crowd. Market day was on its way. The number of humans that would be out and about will be large in a day or two. The mother must have already lectured the child about 'talking to strangers.' Strangers. The thought made him chuckle darkly. Aiven was no stranger here. If they knew him, they would either cringe in fear or awe. He shook away the thought. He needed to focus. Though none of this was new to him, for his elder sister had taught him years ago, he couldn't lose focus. Especially when the thought of the dead came up. He shivered. Why must he remind himself of what was lost? Regathering his thoughts, Aiven continued his scan of the crowd as the hours passed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Melissa's sisters were hyper actively excited, her brothers no where close to their energetic personalities. The difference from the house I use to live in only made me laugh. Here, it was all real. No faking smiles, laughter, or getting along. A smile lit my face as a seven year old (Jinlee), two eleven year olds (Ashton and Miliana), and a twelve year old (David) sat in a semi-circle on the floor before me and their mother, Sai Chi. Sai Chi laughed at their animated chatter.

I never thought I'd meet someone so unnaturally beautiful. Melissa had only a copied image of Sai Chi's avian features. With Sai Chi, the point of her sharp features were spot lighted. In her hair, feathers of black, brown, white, and a single golden one tied into her hair, some near the crown of her head as if they were her own. I did not doubt she had a bird form, just which bird I have no clue. Sai Chi had focused her golden gaze on me. I suspected I must be one really freaky human having earned this woman's attention.

"Sister," Jinlee called as Melissa came into the room, changed into an outfit that would fit in the crowds of where ever she plans to take me. Melissa picked her up. "Is she the one?"

Melissa grinned at me as I stifled a laugh. "Hell yeah. Mother, I don't think she needs examining. Sure, she's unnatural but we're suppose to teach her too. I want her to be a good mother with knowledge rather than absolutely confused."

Sai Chi turned to Melissa. I almost suspected Melissa might get told off for saying such. Sai Chi gave me the impression that she was an unquestionable force, one you don't go against or speak against. Though I have a feeling Melissa hardly asks of anything or supports anyone besides her flock. A smile lit Sai Chi's face. A soft one at that.

"My daughter, you will teach her then."

To Be Continued :3

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 02.12.2010

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