Stop the Moment [Taylor S.]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

No one looked twice at the wild canid as it loped across the school's fields. You know you're in the right place when.... There wasn't a logical reason for Asia to have shifted, but her illogical reasons were good enough, as far as she was concerned. She wasn't late, and was in no danger of being late, for this... appointment? That sounded too formal. Tutoring session was probably more accurate, but it stung Asia's pride to admit it. She had never needed tutoring in her life. A meeting of the minds was what she'd call it. To Hell with accuracy. In any case, she was right on schedule... to be early. Asia was possessed with a fear of being late. One strong enough to cause her to get ready sooner than necessary, then pace restlessly until she gave up and headed out. So here she was, making tracks toward the Commons. African wild dogs could out pace any human, but the particular speed Asia was running at now was not beyond her human capabilities. It was, however, completely effortless, whereas maintaining this speed on two legs would mean looking like an idiot, sprinting across school property to a deserted cafeteria. At least, she hoped it was empty. Sunday evenings at this very special school usually found the students scattered around the city. Perhaps the diligent would stay in and do homework, but they typically stayed to their dorm rooms and the library.

Asia slowed before she shifted back, wincing from the memory of what had happened when she decided to try to shift mid-stride. God, she had been cocky, and it had sent her tumbling. It was like the feeling you get when you step off of one of those moving walkways in an airport... multiplied by a thousand. She didn't recall ever falling on her face in an airport. Pulling back her long hair and wrapping it into a loose bun, the Junior pushed through the double doors of the main entrance with her shoulder. She made her way up to her locker first, to retrieve the backpack that held what supplies she would need. She double checked the contents as she walked to the cafeteria. Canon digital camera, Photography binder, other nonessentials. Entering the massive room, Asia scanned the rows of tables. Completely deserted. Smiling to herself, she set her pack down on one of the round tables and hopped beside it. Laying down flat on her back, the Junior stared up at the high ceiling, losing herself in though until Taylor showed up.

She didn't know Taylor too well, but had recognized that she was overflowing with knowledge on cameras and photography. When this assignment had come up and left Asia totally stumped, Taylor was the person that offered to come to her rescue. "Make a large, dark space feel warm and cozy." The empty cafeteria had immediately come to mind, but that was where Asia's creativity had ended. So here she waited, a hand draped over her bag, half-listening for the sound of approaching footsteps or an opening door.

[taylor]

Though she was only in tenth grade, Taylor was quite the expert at photography, or so she'd like to think. Either way, she was helping someone with their photography skills. It was new, really. She was used to helping people, or tutoring for math, science, even english and history, but photography? Not quite as often. The teen quietly made her way to the cafeteria, ear buds stuck in her ears and music playing. Taylor loved her music.

She tugged at her outfit. It was a small, gray, strapless dress matched with a brown pleather belt. The shoes and her bag corresponded with the belt, fitting the soft burnt orange color. She wore a light colored cardigan over her ruffled dress, and a pair of glasses rested on her nose. She was simply too lazy to put in contacts.

With her camera around her neck, a couple of other lenses in her camera bag, the young photographer slowly, but confidently, made her way to the cafeteria. She could remember how that place was chosen - Taylor had asked Asia where a large place was, that one could make feel both larger or smaller, comfy and on edge, anything, really. The first thing that was said was the cafeteria, and Asia was quite right. She quickly turned off her iPod, put her phone on vibrate and placed them both in her pleather bag.

The white tiger shifter entered the cafeteria noiselessly, save for the sound of the door. The light pitter-patter of footsteps resonated through the large, spacious room. Taylor quietly approached the older girl, and inspected the situation. Asia was quite the model. She hadn't even been trying, either. Bringing her Nikon 3100 up to her face, Taylor squinted one eye closed and focused on the girl lying face up on the table. Snapping a picture, she smiled and reviewed it. It looked amazing. The colors of the room, the expression of serenity and calm on Asia's face, the picture was simply wonderful. Breaking the silence, she reintroduced herself, then set up her camera and stand. "Alright, so what is the project on." She inquired, knowing that the topic could be within a range of options. Animals, plants, people, scenery, home ware, basically anything. It simply depended on what the teacher felt like looking at, much to the dismay of the students.

[/blockquote]

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

At the sound of the shutter, Asia turned her head to peer over at Taylor. Her eyes narrowed suddenly, shooting a mock glare at the Sophomore as the camera was lowered from her face. "Did you just take my picture?" It was a rhetorical question, since it was obvious enough that she had. Sitting up, she looked the other girl up and down, quickly, then surveyed her own outfit. It was much more basic, consisting of a pair of denim shorts, a dark purple v-neck tee shirt, and black and green flip flops. Asia had never been the kind to be self-conscious, though. Different people had different tastes.

Prompted by Taylor's own preparations, she pulled her bag into her lap and pulled out her camera. It was a Digital Rebel XT, and she still hadn't learned all of its bells and whistles. She'd actually just purchased it as an upgrade from her Powershot and was somewhat intimidated by its complexity. At Taylor's question, Asia looked up. "The project..." She reached for her binder and started flipping though the papers and folders clipped inside. Coming to the right page, she read over it quickly. She had remembered it, had pondered over it for the past week, actually, but she had just wanted to be sure. "I don't know if it's just me, but I think it's a little vague. 'Two photos of a sunset from indoors, each with a different mood. Have fun!'" Asia read the last comment with dripping sarcasm. She wasn't used to having problems in her classes, and it clearly bothered her. Well, her savior had arrived; the end was in sight! "I don't know, it sounded so easy. But I just keep coming up with shots of sunsets. That all. Look. The same. The mood is very sunset-y in all of them, but I don't think that's what I'm supposed to be going for." She laughed shortly, pulling out her little tripod. She jerked her chin toward a row of the high windows, where a rich range of warm colors was pouring in. "It's been nice, though, actually watching the sunset every day for the past week.

[taylor]

As the junior rightfully accused Taylor of taking her picture, the sophomore put down her camera, fixing it on the stand. She elegantly turned the camera so that it was locked on, and wouldn't fall off. Taylor owned a tripod whose heads where interchangable. At the moment, she had a ball head screwed on. It allowed for all ranges of motion, a major plus when taking various shots, quickly. However, she needed a pan-tilt. those were perfect when taking scenery pictures, specifically ones where you didn't have to move around. Flashing a cheesy grin, she giggled and gave her a thumbs up. "It looks really cool! I promise!" She said, refusing to show her the picture. The younger teen was planning on uploading it onto her computer, then placing it in a photo album on either Snapfish or other account that she had.

The girl listened intently as the project was explained to her. "Actually, vagueness is good. It leaves room for more options." She mused with a slight nod. Sunset was easy enough, just wait for the right time of day. Moods... moods, moods, moods. Gosh, there were so many, it was crazy. They were a bit harder. It took both the photographer and the scenery to create a mood. And, if there was one, the model, as well. She loved moods. They always made the picture so much more real. If an expression was "Alright, so moods are basically the same as emotions portrayed through a photograph. For example, sadness, happiness, romance, playfulness, etcetera." Thinking, she slipped over to where Asia was sitting with her camera and binder. Perhaps, if they could use people, then that would be easier to create a mood. Maybe different rooms, inside a dorm, more homey... Inside a classroom, more serious. The library had wonderful windows, perfect for taking such pictures. Unfortunately, the sun set quickly in Florida. "Are you allowed to use people?" She asked quietly, hoping that either the answer was yes, or that it didn't say in the directions. Even animals would make it more interesting. Perhaps a picture of a dog carrying a stick towards the door, while the sunset flooded through the windows gave off a better look. Maybe the sight of a small rabbit itching its nose would add an air of delight. "Or rather, animals?" She asked, thinking that the image of a beautiful, exotic animal basking in the diminishing sunlight. Its coat would be painted with the colors of the sky, and the lucky photographer would be watching from the safety of the indoors. Taylor's mind whirred with the possibilities and scenarios floating through her mind. Perhaps even the artistic mood of a person sitting in a cafe, the sunlight floating through their water bottle, the model staring out the window, as if to wish they were outdoors, would look nice.

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

Rolling her eyes, Asia didn't ague with Taylor's assurance of the quality of the photo. She could tell from the tilt of the camera that she wasn't allowed to see it. Smiling, she let the matter drop.

As far as the directions... "There's not much more than what I just told you. Oh, there's a note about not using filters. I think we're supposed to go for creativity more than anything." Asia peered at the younger girl inquisitively as she became lost in thought, but didn't say anything. She wasn't about to interrupt the musings that could get her assignment in on time. Asia's mouth became a hard line as she considered her Monday afternoon due date. She had really put this off to the last minute. Brows suddenly drawing together, Asia stared at Taylor's face, hoping she wasn't coming up with anything that would take more than this single sunset. She had informed her of the Monday due date, though, and would just have to trust her judgment. Letting the tension in her expression fall away, the Junior hopped off the table and straightened up, making it clear she was ready to act.

Technically, they were not allowed to shift indoors, but there wasn't another student or faculty member in sight. She couldn't think of any other way to get a cooperative animal model, and since this was a school for shifters, it was hardly cheating. This was assuming that they were going to use a model. Judging by her expression, Taylor's mind was racing at a mile a minute, so who knew where they were at with this project at this point. She thought that Taylor had a tiger shift, but wasn't certain. She didn't keep a log book of every student and their shift, but tigers were memorable enough that it was common knowledge soon enough.

ooc:: Oh my god, this is bad. So sorry!

[taylor]

Smiling, she paused her thoughts and took a quick glance at the sun. It was slowly lowering into the horizon, but the rate it was going was much faster than most other suns. Florida sunsets didn't las half as long as New England sunsets. Part of that was the beauty that they had to capture. "Okay, so we are going to use a model!" She said, excitedly, clapping her hands together once, much like a cheerleader. Just talking about photography gave the little girl more energy.

She had assumed that Asia had already figured that out, based on her questions from earlier, but she just wanted to clarify. Her blue eyes bright, Taylor cocked her head to the side. "So, what animal are you?" She asked. It was Friday. They needed to be finished by the end of Sunday, and the sun was already disappearing fast. Speaking rapidly, she took another glance at the sun that was flooding through the windows. "I'm a white tiger." Taylor let a small, thin look of annoyance flash across her face, but she reverted to her usual, happy composure moments later.

Her mind began to reel as types of animals flew through her mind. Jamie was a peacock, and that would look brilliant against the golden iridescent sunset. However, a sweet bunny would be great, as well. With wide eyes, she realized something else. "Oh! Perfect! Take a picture, getting the empty tables in it." She directed. It would convey loneliness. Actually, what would look better was if someone were to sit at one of the tables. "Wait! No, um. Go sit over there. Or do you want me to?" She asked, flustered. "Anyways, it'll convey loneliness with a person sitting alone at a table, and you can incorporate the beauty of the sunset in the background." She said, her voice speedily forming each word. As she spoke, the girl jogged over to her bag and pulled out a book. It was large, thick, but if the person were to read it, or even just lay it on the table and stare at it, it would look marvelous!

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

ooc:: FYI, it is Sunday evening, so it's pretty much now or never

bic:: "Alrighty then." Asia couldn't help but laugh lightly at Taylor's sudden excitement. She didn't display her emotions quite so freely, but in truth she was equally excited to get things moving now that a direction had been chosen. She gazed at the windows, at the light pouring in, and thought about the different things they could do. When Taylor spoke, asking about her shift and explaining about her own, Asia's grey-blue eyes flicked over to the other girl's face, catching a disruption in her Stream of Happy. Her brows lifted marginally at the expression of irritation (or was it disdain?). Before she could be sure, it vanished. Asia didn't feel comfortable asking about it since she hadn't even been sure she'd seen it. When they were less pressed for time she might dig at it a bit.

Asia looked back at the windows, then scanned the room. "I'm an African Wild Dog." She moved slightly to the side as she spoke, looking for a better angle to shoot from. She stopped and grinned at Taylor as the Sophomore began rattling off ideas, clearly thinking faster than she could get the words out. Grabbing her camera, she clicked it on and turned off her auto-focus. "You go. Sit at one of the tables in the middle, so it looks like you're lost in the sea of... something." No, Asia wasn't really in touch with her creative side.

When Taylor was in position, she began clicking away, moving from side to side, kneeling at times. After a while she straightened up and looked through a couple of them. "There's something good in there." Glancing up at the rapidly lowering sun, Asia chewed her lip with sudden anxiety. No. She would get this done. At this point, the entire room was bathed in shades of red. It looked... angry. She could do angry. "Taylor, come over here! I just had an idea!" Asia said it as if it was a marvelous occurrence never before recorded in nature. Suddenly uncertain, she began backpedaling. "Well, I think it'll work... I was thinking of shifting, and since no one is around I'd just hop on one of the tables..." She gestured broadly toward the sea of red-gold light. "I'm gold, black, and white. The color palette would work, right?" She laughed, but her intense gaze belied the light tone. Time was running out.

[taylor]

(LOL. TOTALLY DIDN'T REALLY REALIZE THAT X) PLEASE IGNORE THE THING ABOUT FRIDAY, THEN)

Taylor stuck her dark pink tongue out at Asia as she laughed. Scrunching up her face in a humorous expression, the cute girl took another quick glance at the lowering sunset. At the sound of Asia's voice, Taylor was immediately jarred from her thoughts. Her jaw dropped. "That is so cool!" She exclaimed with wide blue eyes.

Half way through her rant, she heard a quick order escape the junior's mouth. Giggling, she nodded and situated herself on a table. Her feet were propped up on the chair across from her. She tilted her head to the side, leaning it on her left arm, which was propped up on her elbow. She stared towards the window, her blue eyes contrasting with the bright sunset. Her layered hair framed her face in a way that brought out her softer features. Her painted nails, though colored dark, contrasted in a different way than how her eyes had, but left similar effects. Her expression was flawless, as if she had been modeling for years, though she had only modeled for this project, and well... this project.

Once the junior finished, Taylor let out the breath that she hadn't realized she was holding. Straightening up immediately, she practically leapt from the seat. Jogging over, she nodded as Asia spoke, quickly. She nodded vigorously. "Yes! That's so perfect!" She squeaked, excited. Grabbing her camera, she paused and set it back down. "I'm gonna use your camera so that you have the pictures." Her dark locks flew everywhere as the teenager grabbed the camera and held it up to her eye. "It would work perfectly!" She said, realizing that the dimming sun was now a strong, orangey-red color. With a golden and black pelt, the colors would look perfect, as it the night and the day were fighting. She stepped back to give the other girl some room, and prepared to snap away.

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

The Junior was filled, quite suddenly, with appreciation. She had hated asking for help, however well she hid it, and she didn't like not being on her game. All the while, there was Taylor, giving this her all. She hadn't even blinked when Asia tentatively asked for her help with this project. And she was doing a superb job of helping and giving Asia her inspiration back.

After explaining her idea, Asia's eyes brightened when the Sophomore so clearly liked it. She watched as her camera was seized, cracking a smile at the continued enthusiasm emanating from Taylor. This would work! Loosening up a bit, Asia glanced over her shoulder, checking all the entrances and windows. They were still alone, and really, they wouldn't get in too much trouble. She'd always thought of the "No Shifting in the School" rule as more of a guideline. Looking back at Taylor, Asia paused. "Thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate it. Seriously, I do. You're a life saver. Or a grade saver at the very least." Her expression became one of genuine gratitude for a moment, before she turned away and ran a couple of paces.

In mid-stride she shifted, feeling the familiar lengthening of her arms, rolling of her shoulder blades, curving of her spine. The changes came fast; by the time her newly formed front paws hit the ground, she was a full African Wild Dog. Not wasting any time, the canid leaped onto the nearest tabletop, hopped from one to another before settling on one front and center before her photographer.

Asia turned, facing Taylor head on, and lowered her head to shoulder level. Her long, slender legs were angled out somewhat, and her muscles were tensed. Ears pricked forward at the sound of the shutter clicking away. Of course Taylor would start as soon as things started to look good. Curling back her lips, the canine bared her teeth at the camera in a silent snarl. It felt unnatural, because she felt no enmity toward the younger girl. Instincts warred with human thoughts as she maintained the pose for a few moments, then let it drop. Relaxing her frame, the Dog straightened up and shook. She jumped down onto the floor, then really straightened up.

Human once again, Asia walked toward Taylor on two feet. Rubbing the back of her neck, Asia smiled wanly. "It's always harder going back to human. It is for me, anyway. Something about losing legs, I swear..." She took a second to mentally brush it off, then perked up immediately afterward. "How'd it look? Did they turn out? I didn't look totally retarded, did I?" She stopped herself before she got to sounding like a self-conscious idiot, walking around to stand beside Taylor and look at the playback. One last look around the room confirmed that that was the last chance they were going to get. The sun had set and all traces of the warm light was gone. In a few minutes, they'd have to retreat to artificially lighted areas of the building. Just as she thought that, lights flickered on in the expansive room. Well, that was convenient.

[taylor]

Though her passion was with photography, the little sophomore excelled at math and science, as well. English was a rather tough subject for her, but she got by with a high B. Her parents were very harsh and expected a lot from her. Half of what they wanted, she couldn't give. Taylor wasn't a genius, and she didn't want her parents to try to make her one.

Her eyes widened as Asia shifted. She went from a taller girl with a soft face and beautiful, humanly, features, to an astounding black and gold dog. The transformation never ceased to make her jaw drop. The soft-looking pelt shimmered in the setting sun. As the four-legged animal leaped onto the table, her finger pressed the little silver button repeatedly. Her eyes focused on the photography opportunity before her. As Asia snarled and silently growled, the look of anger fit the red sun, perfectly. It brought an air of strength, infuriated beings, and splendor and mixed it with the beauty of nature enclosed in a room. Had she not known that the canine before her was Asia, she would have been scared out of her wits. Even the beautiful animal's eyes were hard and sharp, as if she were ready to attack at a moment's notice.

Giggling, she shook her head after the little photo shoot. The girl loved being praised, but it always made her blush, and she always denied it. "No, not at all! Just a friend!" She said happily, practically bouncing in place. Smiling, she thought for a second. It was quite the opposite for her. Perhaps it was just because she had to go from a small human to an overgrown feline. Returning her attention to the girl beside her, Taylor felt her whole face light up. "It looks crazy awesome!" This was true. The pictures had come out splendid. The look of ferocity and wildness had been captured with the beauty of the animal and the sunset in the background. She quickly held out the camera to Asia, pictures on the screen. She slowly paused between each shift of images. Grinning, she felt her blue eyes widen as the sun disappeared and the artificial lights flickered on. Blinking quickly, she shrugged and put the camera on the table.

Flipping the latches on her tripod, she quickly made the legs shrink. After it back in her bag, she put her camera in the specifically-designed case. Zipping it shut, she pulled her cell phone out and checked the time. Though it was only eight in the evening and the sun had just set, the outdoors looked as though it had been dark for hours. It sure did get dark, fast, in Florida. That was one thing she wouldn't get used to.

[Asia Nicole Sedgewick]

ooc:: Not really sure what to do at this point? I think we should wrap up the thread, have them go back to their respective dorms. Probably one more post from you, if you want.

bic:: Asia looked at each of the photos carefully as Taylor flipped through them, completely absorbed. She was quite impressed with what her camera could capture. Every line was clearly defined, and the wild canid was in sharp focus in every shot. Asia rarely got a chance to see herself in her other form. Photographs were few and far between, and for some reason she couldn't register her reflection in the mirror properly with canine eyes. She could see it, but something just didn't click. She loved shifting, loved having this special ability, but it still confused her at times. She knew who she was, but it was like there was a whole other set of thoughts and instincts that ruled her mind. She processed things the same as she did as a human, but her priorities seemed to change dramatically. Suddenly studying her reflection wasn't important as soon as she took on that different form. A camera on self-timer mode always felt too weird. So, she was left with nothing more than an old snapshot from when she'd been little. Of course, the Dog had looked much different then. What was now a lithe, muscular almost-adult had been a rolly, squishy pup. These shots, however, captured something much more updated.

Asia brought her thoughts slamming down to the present as soon as the photos showed the animal that was her facing the camera. She couldn't hep but smile to herself at how... impressive she looked. She considered African Wild Dogs to be more lanky and cartoonish than serious, fearsome creatures. These photos, however, showed something else. The flashing white teeth set off the white patches in her coat, and the rest of the color seemed to swirl together into a roiling, angry mass. "Wow. She had to agree with Taylor. Crazy awesome was a good way to describe it. "I think I'm... done. We did it!" She gave Taylor a half-hug with one arm as she spoke, still looking at the camera. "Not that I ever doubted you."

Taking the Canon back, she watched as the Sophomore got her things disassembled and began to put them away. Asia dug out her lens cap and snapped it back on, the began placing her equipment back in her backpack. She had to arrange everything carefully so nothing would crush or scratch anything else. "I really need to get one of those," she murmured to herself, admiring how all of the other girl's things were packed neatly and securely away.

She looked out the now-dark windows and let her mind drift. She'd have to get her laptop and upload the pictures, perhaps tweak a couple on the computer, and then save the best two to a flash drive. That wouldn't take more than a half-hour, and the night was still young. Wait. Tomorrow was Monday. Mentally groaning, Asia remembered that she'd have to get up early the next day. She wasn't even remotely tired, and she wouldn't be for another six hours.

She turned and looked at Taylor, who was packed up and ready to go. Slinging her own bag over her shoulder as gently as possible, she turned toward the door. "You say it's nothing, but all the same, I owe you one, my friend. We should get some food or go shopping or something this week."

[taylor]

The girl grinned as she noticed Asia's expression. The older girl was thoroughly focused on the images before her, and she looked somewhat stunned. Taylor's smile widened as she flipped through each picture, waiting for an adequate amount of time before changing the image. The camera took such sharp and crisp pictures, each detail could be seen, no fuzziness or burred lines. Each detail could be seen as the little pixels on the screen, but each pixel held a bit of color that created an image so detailed and pretty, that Taylor just had to smile at it. The warm colors complimented one another, and the anger on the gorgeous animal's face simply set the mood. However, the rarity and beauty of the animal was the icing on the cake.

Giggling, she returned the half-hug with a small squeeze of her own. She nodded and beamed. She had successfully helped somebody out with photography. This was a first. "That, we did!" She said, her voice soft, but excited. Grinning, she finished packing up her supplies with a final zip. Her surprisingly sharp hearing picked up the few words that were mumbled. "Target." She replied, shrugging and smiling. She had gotten the bag at target for twenty-four dollars. At other stores, it would have been fifty dollars, at least.

Laughing a tad, she nodded at her. "Sure thing! I'd love that!" She said, leaning against the door. She waited until Asia had finished packing her own supplies before waving and disappearing in the direction of her dorm.

(LOLOL. CRAPPY POST. CRAPPY POST. ENDING POST. xD)