Emma sat on the familiar beach letting the soft sand thread between her toes. Eyes closed to drink in the sensation as a cool, gentle breeze seemed to welcome her back. For as long as the young blonde could remember she had called Moku Ola Island home. The relatively small island nestled in Hilo bay just off the coast of the big island of Hawaii was little more than a park for picnics with a colorful local past when her grandfather had purchased it. The island's long standing reputation as a place of healing was exactly the atmosphere he wanted to build his family-owned and operated resort. And it was exactly that reputation that the emotionally bruised and battered artist needed right now.

Yearning green eyes opened to take in the pale blue crystal clear waters hoping beyond hope that they truly held some unfathomable power. Emma stood as she peeled a thin, disproportionately angled, loose knit tan top from a well toned torso unaware of the curious gaze taking in her form. Short denim shorts quickly joined the discarded top to reveal a dark blue bikini with but one modest white hibiscus flower on each piece of the set, both on her left side-one at her breast the other near her hip. With a slow stretch, a determined gaze took in the white capped waves moving toward her as though beckoning the troubled young woman in.

Powerless against that call, bare feet began to close the distance. Each sinking step into the soft sand brought memories of the legends she had heard since she was a child. Moku Ola's very name means Healing Island or Island of Life when literally translated. Ancient natives would come here for its restorative waters. Those who had fallen ill as well as warriors wounded by their experiences would come here to wash their pain away. As the waves licked slim apricot colored ankles Emma, recalled the ritual. All that was needed was to swim around the island three times and one would be cured.

With a weary sigh long, toned legs carried the honey blonde deeper into the lukewarm water. Each step seemed to bring forth another painful memory: red lightning streaking behind her eyes, throbbing and echoing in her ears, deafening her to anything else. Then there were confused blue eyes staring back at her. Taking a deep breath Emma dove into the water at the first thought of Belle. At first the bookish girl had seemed sweet and innocent. Her kind nature made the awkward blonde feel at home for the first time since she had arrived at that prestigious art school in New York. Everyone else had seemed so intense and confrontational that it had put her off. But the auburn haired bookworm wasn't just smart. She was sweet and understanding with a generous spirit.

A stubborn jaw clenched as the frustrated young woman rose for air. Strong arms pulled her through the water with battering strokes as though she could tear through the memories. Belle had been wonderful and supportive even when Emma's migraines started. The library aid had held the artist's hand through every doctor's appointment, held back her hair through every round of vomiting whether induced by pure pain or whatever experimental meds she had been pumped with.

It wasn't until that unconscionable flirt Killian had found her huddled in the shade outside of one of the outbuildings cradling her ears, eyes shut tight that the blonde found any relief at all. As it turned out the rakish cad understood what she was going through. His older brother suffered from migraine's as well. " 'ere try this," he offered holding out a joint. Green eyes darted dubiously between blue orbs and that white rolled paper. "Betta for ya than whateva they're pumpin' ya full of, luv. I guarantee it," he assured her in a kind tone. It was the first time that the playfully arrogant foreign exchange student had allowed her to see passed his façade to the actual person beneath. In a moment of trust engendered by such honesty she desperately gave it a try. And damn if it wasn't effective, deeply effective.

Emma snarled at the memories arms pumping faster dragging her body through the waves at impressive speed. Along with thoughts of that sweet relief came memories of guilt and shame. Belle had delighted at Emma's newfound health and happiness until she learned the source. As her girlfriend's father was a cop and the bookworm a devoted daddy's girl, the blonde had thought it best not to disclose her secret savior. Then one day just a week ago a member of the faculty had caught her with a blunt behind one of the satellite buildings. SinceEmma was a gifted and disciplined student most of the time and respectful to faculty and teachers they had let the slight go with a warning. She was temporarily expelled. It was firmly suggested to her that she take off a year to get her health in order before returning to her classes.

The stubborn blonde coughed and sputtered fighting the tears to control her breathing as she swam harder and harder trying to force the memories away. As she turned the last quarter circuit that last thought, that always rang hollowly in her mind, came rushing to the surface again. Another headache had been coming on when Belle lashed out at her. The studious young woman was enraged at Emma's perceived betrayal. Not only had she lied, by omission, about her drug use, but she violated the law and every sense of justice and reason that the bookworm stood for. As the ache nestled in ringing in her ears, Belle informed her that she could never look at Emma the same again, never trust her again. It was over.

Now, surrounded by the soothing waves of Hilo bay Emma gave in. Going slack in the water she floated on her back and let the tears wash over her. In her heart of hearts she knew that Belle could never be the one. The woman's naive black and white worldview would have eventually come between them one way or another. It was the disappointment she felt in herself for hurting someone else that stung so horribly. Expressive hands covered her face as she floated letting herself cry it all away. As her tears dissolved into the ocean the artist did feel cleansed and renewed. Dipping her head back into the water the memories seemed to rinse away with the salty droplets that had stung apple cheeks, that subtle ache of pain giving its first reprieve since she had been hauled into the dean's office. Perhaps now, back home, surrounded by loving family and old friends she could find a new peace.

/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Regina sat nestled among small dunes. The subtle hiding spot was her perfect oasis. This was her safe place where no one could find her or judge her. It was early afternoon, one of the few times that she had just for herself. There were several hours yet before rehearsal and another after that before show time. With a slow calming breath the dark beauty retrieved a lighter and blunt from the breast pocket of her sleeveless black denim jacket. Just as slim wrists wrapped in thick black leather bracelets began to rise for her own private communion with fire a sound over the next rise caught her ears.

"Dammit," she cursed whisper light under her breath quickly tucking the implements to the inside of her wrists obstructing them from casual view. The last damn thing Regina needed was some random guest catching her out here smoking up. The owners had made it very clear that they were willing to make certain allowances for the performance staff so long as they followed a few simple rules. Never show up to work stoned. And never let the guests see you getting blazed. The agitated performance artist belly crawled in an almost military fashion towards the crest of the dune to peek over at the encroacher upon her territory.

Dark brows rose in surprise at her private view of the solitary blonde. Creamy skin seemed flow over sleek muscles like buttercream icing over a sculpted cake. For a moment the aggressive femme wondered if the girl tasted as sweet. A smirk curved dark red lips at the thought. As though a reflection of her desires that was the exact moment that the girl's shorts joined her shirt on the ground. A guilty little thrill at her voyeuristic pleasure tingled through some lower extremities as the force of nature wondered what might possibly go next. 'For me? Oh, you shouldn't have,' Regina mused before thinking better of it. 'One second thought, yes you should. Don't stop now.'

A dark, hungry gaze tracked the deliciously fit young woman's progress into the waves. As a particularly chilled wave burst over the woman's stomach making nipples strain against the fabric of that dark blue bikini she felt truly spoiled. Regina was almost sad to see her go. With a shake of her head the dark beauty tried to dispel the thoughts as she sank back into her hidey-hole. It was just another vacationer like every other random face that floated through here. There was really no reason to get worked up over it. Sure, the blonde had one hell of a body, but plenty of hot blondes came through the resort. It really wasn't anything new.

Regina tried to convince herself that she was better off. Now that the younger woman was gone she could return to her previously scheduled relaxation. The tranquil brunette was a third of the way through her little ritual when the blonde reappeared slicing through the water with a vengeance. An involuntary grunt of approval was roughly stifled so as not to lose any of the precious substance warming her lungs and soothing sore muscles. Hell, watching that girl fly through the water was practically a workout unto itself. Her heart was racing and other parts were definitely growing damp. Surely it must be sweat from watching the blonde workout.

The second time the blonde went by Regina convinced herself that her body's rampant reaction to the somehow sensual strain of that contorted face was simply a sympathetic fever in response to the other woman's efforts. Yes, just sympathy. But the true depths of her compassion weren't realized until the third time the blonde appeared in the water before her. Familiar with the legends about the island the brunette wasn't completely shocked to see the woman break down in tears. And yet her private view of that hidden pain tore at the dark beauty.

Without a thought or ounce of hesitation Regina pinched out the blunt between her fingers as black combat boots trudged through the sand. Quickly stowing the roach in her jacket pocket slim shoulders slipped free of it depositing it on the sand. Slightly swelled hips shimmied out of a black denim micro mini skirt. The brunette stood in a black bikini which sported a white skull and crossbones over her right breast and an image of a full on Jolly Rodger flapping in the breeze across her ass. As she reached to remove her boots in preparation to dive after the stricken woman the target of her concern seemed to gather herself and move on at a calm clip.

The boot she had held dropped with a numb thump. Pressing a hand to her brow Regina shook her head wondering what in the hell she had been thinking. This woman was probably a guest or vacationer from the main island that came here for the healing powers of the island. No matter how beautiful the fit blonde was she was more than entitled to her privacy. And the last damn thing Regina needed was to get attached to some temporary floating figure drifting through her life she reminded herself as she began to redress. She wasn't a kid anymore. She had deeper responsibilities and couldn't afford some random summer romance. Just as the familiar black denim settled over her shoulders completing the ensemble a stubbled figure crested the rise above her.

"Come on, sound check's in ten," August reminded her in a friendly voice as a thumb tucked over his shoulder demonstratively.

"Yeah, I'm comin'," Regina assured him climbing the rise.

/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Now that the magic of the island had lifted her spirits, Emma knew exactly what her next stop would be. The penitent blonde had already had the welcome home and 'keep your nose clean' talk with mom and dad before going for her little dip. There was no competition in regards to who she wanted to see next. Sandaled feet slipped quietly through the backdoor of the massive industrial kitchen. As she crept up behind her target, a weathered face like an old bulldog rose shifting grey curls. With an impish smile the sneaky young woman held a finger up to her lips. The older woman merely rolled her eyes and stayed out of it.

Sleek dark hair with blood red streaks bobbed from side to side lost in the music pumped through slim earbuds. Delight at the ease of approach thrilled through the cheeky blonde. Lifting soaked honeyed strands Emma squeezed wringing it out over a slim shoulder. "Oh! You Son of a…." Ruby screamed as she spun to face her attacker with a scowl. As thickly makeuped eyes fell on her best friend the fashionable chef squealed in delight, "Emma!" With another sharp unrestrained sound of delight pale arms flung around firm shoulders pulling the blonde close. A delirious grin lit cherubic features as the artist lifted her best friend returning the hug with a giddy spin.

Once set to her feet again Ruby tugged the headphones out of her ears and spoke in a more normal tone, "Oh my God, it's so good to see you. When did you get back?" Before the blonde could answer a pale pixieish nose curled as water was wiped from pale arms. "Ugg what did you do, swim the bay?" A weak half hearted attempt at a smile tugged at one corner of pink lips as Emma shrugged in silent response. The goth femme sighed her heart breaking a bit for her long distant friend. "Alright, come on. You can tell me all about it." Grabbing Emma's hand the feisty young woman called out to her grandmother, "I'm taking a fifteen!"

A spatula waved threateningly in her direction as the old woman groused, "It better be fifteen, too. Not twenty not thirty, fifteen. You two can catch up after the dinner rush."

"Yes, Granny," Ruby hollered over her shoulder as she exited the back dragging Emma along with her. As they had kept in touch through email and the occasional skype it didn't take but five minutes to catch Ruby up to what had been going on. "So Miss Priss just dumped you like that," the stylish young woman asked in clear disgust.

With a sour look and a sharp swipe of her hand from left to right Emma clarified, "Just like that."

A scoff accompanied a poetic hand flowing through shiny sleek strands. "Damn, what a bitch! I knew she wasn't good enough for you," the loyal friend responded with an encouraging grin. "But at least you can go back to school after you get a prescription, right?"

Emma nodded. Pursing pink lips in thought she delicately broached the subject, "Speaking of which…"

A wary gaze stiffened the pale young woman's spine. "Oh no…" Ruby shook her head along with a warning finger before continuing, "No way am I getting fired for enabling you for what you got kicked out of art school for."

An angelic face fell in disappointment pouting, "Aww come on, Rubes. They'll never know."

Blood red lips pursed as the feisty femme reminded her friend, "Do you remember what happened when we wrapped Tommy Lemur's house in toilet paper and spray painted his car?"

Pink lips parted with a crestfallen jaw as the blonde defended herself, "Hey, that was different! We had no idea it was gonna cost so much to fix his car. I had to get mom and dad to it somehow." A dark brow raised as Ruby simply stared at her friend in a slow glower. "I would never throw you under the bus like that again! I was stupid and twelve. Besides, we won't get caught," Emma pleaded. The goth beauty grumbled and sighed looking away from the pleading expression on her best friend's face. Emma tilted to the side to invade her line of sight with her best adorable pout begging, "Please, for my health?"

A low growl preceeded the brunette standing sharply. "Fine! Once, and we do this my way-no repeats and I am NOT selling to you."

It was Emma's turn to scoff this time as she accussed, "But you sell to guests, which is totally against the rules."

Indignant hands flew to slight hips as the feisty femme fired back, "Only the ones I sleep with."

The blonde chuckled at the less than innocent defense, "Well, if that's all it takes."

Ruby laughed cutting off her friend's approach with a firm palm in the center of an advancing chest. "Please, we got over that possibility in tenth grade. We both know you can't keep up with me," the goth girl teased before taking off at a dead run.

"I've grown. You don't know what I can handle," Emma fired back racing to catch up and quickly overtaking the less physical femme. As she began to gain ground the blonde reached over and gave her friend's backside a sharp squeeze before racing passed her.

Ruby squealed and leapt into the air barely missing a step. "You've grown as a perv," she shouted before racing to tackle the blonde sideways into the sand.

Emma chuckled as she rolled over happy to let the stunningly quaffed woman pin her if she so chose. "Here and I thought you didn't want me," the blonde teased playfully with a comical batting of eyelashes as peach arms slid around pale shoulders.

A burst of laughtererupted from a spontaneously wide smile. "Oh I almost have you where I want you," Ruby taunted playfully. Holding her old friend close the pale beauty rolled their bodies together until both lay beneath the structured beams of a bungalow. A firm hand caged Emma's chuckles. As she felt the blonde settle the content young woman rolled off to the side and produced a sweet smelling blunt.

Safely tucked out of sight and struggling to keep their coughs quiet, the two old friends bonded in silence. The blonde rested her head on a pale shoulder. The unspoken request of comfort was welcomed by a gentle stroke of honeyed locks. They lay like that no words needed between them until the blunt was gone. As Ruby actually was on a schedule she placed a soft kiss on the blonde's forehead making a quick phone like gesture with her fingers encouraging Emma to call her after her shift. A simple nod accompanied the soft smile in response. With that, the vibrant woman was gone leaving the artist alone to her thoughts and the fantastic floating sensation that seemed to separate the blonde from all of her worries and cares.

After a short rest beneath the bungalow, an irresistible urge to create overcame the artist. Cautiously slipping out of her hiding spot Emma jogged back to her room to fetch her art supplies. If she hurried, she could just catch the sun setting over Hilo bay and those sweet waters that had renewed her hope.

With supplies and a comfortable spot atop the slight dunes colored charcoals flowed from possessed fingers capturing the beauty and wonder of the gorgeous sight in loving layers of red, orange, yellow and purple. The inspired artist debated too long on whether or not to add color to the black and white tones of the landscape and water or to leave the contrast that way. Before she could decide the sun had gone down. A nervous energy flooded the blonde as she nibbled the inside of her cheek in thought. Whatever she decided would have to wait until the next sunset. With a sigh she gathered her supplies and began to head back towards the resort.

The sounds of music and the light of raging bonfires drew her attention. At least she could use the light to survey her progress thus far, and perhaps come to a decision. Music and dancing by bonfire light was nothing new to the humble resort and so did not excite or disturb her in the slightest. However, as the blonde approached the usual bonfire area, she was a bit surprised to see the stage decorated in a heavy industrial almost post-apocalyptic theme. Her parents rarely opened up the stage area and even when they did, it was usually for some wholesome family friendly act. The dark aggressive tone of the decorations was rampantly different from anything Emma had seen here before. Like a moth to a flame she was drawn to the scene accented by rising music.

/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Regina stood, eyes closed, behind the massive wrought iron clock face separating her from the audience. Meditative breathing helped set her focus for the intense timing and precision required in the moments ahead. A razor sharp mind flowed through every lesson of movement, expression and especially safety protocols in a dazzling zoetrope of thought. Everything was set. Her jagged edged black leather mini skirt gave plenty of freedom of movement. The black feather accents at her hips and wrists were coated in flame retardant. Her black leather bra had no excess strings or fabric to snare or ignite. Mid back length black hair sported naturally voluminous waves that did not require the danger of hair spray or mouse. The performance artist's make up was simple but dramatic with thick black cat eyed liner, smoky eyeshadow and dark red lips that looked dangerous. Usually the brunette preferred to dance barefoot with matching feathered black leather ankle straps, but with the addition of the two new stunts, footwear was necessary. The highly skilled dancer had settled for black leather ballet slippers which she added spikes to the lacings of that crawled up well defined calves.

Thick lashes popped open at the beginning strains of the P!nk song. Fully prepared, she gave August a nod signaling that she was ready. Without a word he lit each section of the multi-tipped fire fans in her hands and slipped away through the shadows before the dark beauty lit the candle on this particular rocket. With her back turned to the flashpaper faced clock, the flickering light of the fire fans silhouetted her curves against it. A sharp spin accompanied the first lyrics as Regina tapped a fan against the paper separating her from the audience. The surface seemed to dissolve at rapid speed in a dazzling display revealing the exotic beauty to the crowd as P!nk's throaty voice intoned, "I know that I am running out of time." Once the flashpaper clockface had dissolved all but the last edges, a ballet leap carried the dancer through the remnants of the clock flaming fans held aloft gracefully one forward and one behind her. "I want it all MMmm."

The moment she landed the dancer was more than prepared for what came next. Twirling the flaming fans close to her curvaceous body a spinning step remained one move ahead of the drizzling water that poured down as the music continued, "And I'm wishin' they'd stop tryin' ta turn me off." Still in the tight twirl, Regina tossed up a spinning fan and caught it never missing a beat. "I want it all Mmmm." As she came to a stop with a graceful balletic semi circle of a pointed toe, the performance artist swallowed roughly gathering her breath for the first new technique. The timing had to be just right. As the chain began to lift from the floor attached to an ever raising platform, the dark beauty raced up it like a gazelle, fans spinning at her sides even with her hips to the sound of, "And I'm walking on a wire trying to go higher." Reaching the now ten foot high two foot by two foot steel platform, a momentary relief flooded her that she hadn't overshot her target. A quick steeling breath girded her for the next step.

Using the momentum she had gathered the bold performer held the fire fans out to either side as she performed a double flip off of the platform. "Feels like I'm surrounded by clo-owns and liars." Massive applause met her predatory crouched landing. "Even when I give it all away." Standing proudly with pursed lips a sharp almost regal dismissive gesture flung the fans to either side where they landed in massive brass braziers that burst into massive bonfires at the ignition. The audience ooed and aahed thrilling the smirking performer who knew that she was just warming up, so to speak.

Emma gasped at the stunning pyrotechnic display. The fascinating creature at center stage literally took her breath away. This dynamic addition to the performance staff was absolutely hypnotic. Green eyes were captivated as much by the skill of the dark beauty as her sassy attitude. There was a general cockiness about the woman that was magnetic. Obviously, this was the sort of person who deserved to be a little arrogant. The combination of technique, timing and flair more than earned a bit of boasting. And the hypnotized blonde had to admit, gloating looked good on her. The somewhat innocent heiress had never seen, much less met, anyone like the enthralling vision that demanded every ounce of her attention. Unable to resist the allure, the artist immediately set about trying to capture some small fraction of that gravitas on canvas paper.

"I want it all." Folding in half, the dark beauty sharply snatched two chains from the ground tipped in tightly packed cotton soaked in lighter fluid. "We came here to run it, run it, run it." As she straightened another sharp movement cast the chains skyward where they seem to hang for a moment. "Just like fire…" With that a flick of the wrist brought the ends of the chains down into the braziers lighting the fire poi. "Burning out the way." A spinning step accompanied the elliptical swirl of fire poi around her body as the dancer maneuvered closer to the thick semi circular brass trough near the front of the stage. Twisting her body with the motion of the step into a spiraled crouch an arch of chain erupted from her hand the poi igniting the massive trough into a waist high wall of flame. "If I could light the world up for just one day." Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.

Regina smiled to herself as a spinning step brought her back to center stage. All the while the chain poi swirled in figure eights around her. "Watch this madness colorful charade." Coming to a stop facing the crowd boldly, hips cocked arrogantly a seemingly dismissive gesture flung the chains skyward so that sassy hands could rest on slightly swelled hips accenting her confident posture. "No one can be just like me anyway." A few whistles erupted from the crowd and one she recognized from backstage. Regina tried not to let her unofficial silent partner's encouragement distract her. This timing had to be precise.

Elegantly gesturing hands hovered to either side casually catching the chains as they fell. "Just like magic." Once the grip was secured the dark dancer erupted in a spontaneous aerial with the poi spinning at the side of her gracefully splayed legs. "I'll be flyin' free." The instant she landed Regina raced back towards the pole holding the platform aloft as a large square of candy glass descended from above. "I'm a disappear when they come for me" Racing up the pole the multi-talented performer launched herself from the pole into a wide back flip. At the arch of the spin she kicked up shattering the candy glass "Kick that ceiling." Harmless shards tinkled around falling with her as she spun to land seemingly effortlessly. "Whatcha gonna say." The crowd erupted once more in hoots and hollers.

With a spinning step the poi circled around her in a figure eight accented by the occasional leg flare carrying her back to the front and center of the stage. "No one can be just like me anyway." A graceful flick of the wrist extended the poi in a y shape above her extended arms once more. "Just like fire… uh." As her arms fell Regina bowed to the audience. Working in perfect concert August cut the propane flow to the trough and braziers so that the only lights left were the poi. The audience sprang to their feet in uproarious applause. A brilliantly wide smile lit dark features at the response, but in truth only one opinion mattered to her. A dark gaze cast down to the left side of the stage where the most precious face in the world was wrapped around fingers to make his whistle louder. A delighted chuckle rippled through a flat belly as Henry jumped up and down pumping his fist in the air. "Yeah, go mom!" A slight wave acknowledged the sweet boy before Regina blew a kiss to the audience. With one last bow she retreated backstage once more.