Outside a light rain fell on the sleeping city, though one could not really claim that the city was truly sleeping. For a city such as this rarely ever slept. The people, the energy that pulsated and coursed through the city was intoxicating for those who thrived in the night. It was that energy and power, that caused Athanase to settle here in the first place. One can only live so long in one place, before those around him became suspicious then he had to move on. Find another dance company, in another city and start anew.<br/><br/>In the beginning it had been what he had become which caused him to move more often than he would have liked. Those young girls, so close, their bodies pressed against his own, the sweet, sweet scent of their blood as it pumped through their veins. Those years were pure torture for him, being forced to leave his love and passion for dancing, because he could not control himself. That night, that cursed night when he was changed and taken into this life. Were it not for the fact that it interfered with his dancing, he would have completely embraced this life.<br/><br/>The thrill of the hunt, the chase, stalking them, tasting their fear, the power over life and death. It was exhilarating. He could not have that and his passion for dancing , he needed to have control. Years and years he pushed himself striving for that balance, between killer and artist. Time passed, lives were lost, blood was shed, but finally he had it. That control, that mastery over himself, allowing him to shoot to the top. To be the best, to own the stage and command the respect and adulation of the public.<br/><br/>Modern times and the world was still pretty much the same, people were cattle. Thanks to shit books like Twilight, hunting was even easier which lessened it for him. When victims threw themselves at him, because they thought he some sparkling twink, that he was just going to sweep them off their feet and piggy back carry them through some forest.<br/><br/>Oh he would take them somewhere alright....right down a six foot hole in the ground.<br/><br/>One good thing about the current times would be the music. It changed, becoming a vibrant and organic beast all its own with such a pulse that it even made his pulse race. The new company he was with, held great potential. Edgy, was the term the younger kids were using when describing the vision of the young director. Thus far,<a class="postlink" href="http://attheloft.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ecca8b98833017743018f41970d-pi">Athanase</a>was enjoying himself..the stage was his and his alone. He liked it just fine that way...<br/><br/>---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>â€œThis way Miss Fiori, he does not like to be kept waiting...â€ the young woman said as she hurried through the building toward the stage. Leading her up onto the stage she stood to the side, as the dancers milled about talking to one another.<br/><br/>The director entered and everyone fell into their positions on the stage without further instruction.<br/><br/>â€œAlright. From his entrance...5...6....5..6...7..8â€ the music queued and the lights dimmed, a hush fell of the stage, the tension building till a spot light lit Athanase up as he suddenly appeared in the center of the stage.<br/><br/>Eyes closed he allowed the music to play, building in the room, building within himself. Then he was moving with the music, becoming one with the music. Arms raising above his head as he rose up on one foot, his other leg extending out pulling him into a slow turn. The lines of his muscles etched and prominent in the over head lighting. Arcing his back and leaning till he was nearly completely back, with a light hop and he flipping over catching himself with just one hand. Holding himself there, slowly extending his legs out into a split. As the music continued he followed through on the motion flipping himself all the way around to land on the ground in a split. The beat of the music picked up as he drew his legs up onto his knees, at the next beat he jumped up to his feet. Running or more like bounding across the stage he jumped into the air performing several spins, landing down on one knee, his arms extended before and behind him. Before he could continue the director halted him.<br/><br/>â€œAlright! That's enough,â€ signaling for the music to stop.<br/><br/>â€œWhat? Why? I was barely getting warmed up,â€ Athanase, protested waving off the water and towel from one of the female dancers.<br/><br/>â€œBecause it was merely just enough for her to see,â€ he gestured toward where Tempest stood.<br/><br/>â€œWhy should it matter what she sees?â€<br/><br/>â€œBecause she is going to be your new partner,â€ the pleased look on the director's face was only enhanced by the deathly glare that Athanase gave him.<br/><br/>â€œPartner? Are you serious? I don't dance with anyone else, I dance alone,â€ he practically spat out at the director, snatching the water bottle now from the dancer, taking a drink from the bottle if only to give him something else to focus on.<br/><br/>â€œWell, she is here to dance with you,â€ before a protest could be spoken, again, he pushed forward, â€œYou are an amazing dancer. Perfect would be the only word to describe you,â€ the smug smile on Athanase's face made the director pause to take a deep breath. â€œHowever, you are too perfect. It is like watching a robot up there. There is no fire, no passion, you are cold and it is almost like you are not even human,â€ at that Athanase scoffed but did not speak up to interrupt. â€œSo, she is here to add that to this show and you are going to make sure she is ready for the show,â€<br/><br/>â€œYou mean that little whelp is not even trained!â€ he shouted in anger.<br/><br/>â€œI suggest you hold your tongue before you find yourself out of the job,â€ the cold tone of the director stalled the following rebuttal.<br/><br/>â€œTempest, darling, come hereâ€ the director waved her over. â€œThis is the world famous Athanase Durant, your new partnerâ€<br/><br/>The cold stare that he gave her was anything but friendly, definitely one of those, if looks could kill moments.