I'm Still Standing

He didn't try to dodge, confident in stopping her completely before she could even really begin - it wasn't as if she'd simply let this thing continue terrorizing her friends or family! Was it a move on a woman pushed too far? Of course, if she was already too far gone then there was no point in trying to act as she'd get out of this alive. Heels duck into ink and gravel underneath, her arms wrapping around him to keep him pinned against her as she pushed, her heart seizing in her chest at the deafening explosion not too far away - it rang even over the note Katsumi held for so long it made her dizzy and sick to her stomach. Please, no, not her. Not him - they have to be okay! Her eyes tightened closed, another violent growl ripping through her as she pushed again; then everything turns

blinding white. Katori freezes before there's a numb heat as she falls into ink. Bile builds in the back of her throat as she witnesses the damage to the building; incapable of moving as beautiful life is drained to a paperwhite. She can't help but stare forward, heart racing as she is redrawn to his preferred design. Horns regrown, curling instead of moving straight back, as usual, ink stains a pretty whitetail to nearly complete what would mark her as truly drained. Why did she smile as if relieved? I thought it was finally over. Eyes soften as she begins to cry silently, arms desperately pushing against the ground to pull herself back up, to keep going - but her body is weak and she wants to go to sleep - There's a fire, idiot, you need to get out of here. Kayoshi is in

danger! Damn it, I really wanted to try that new hibachi. Coughing violently, her wobbling knees finally steel as she glares down this creature - It - with eyes that still retained their color. She won't give up. "Yeah, you're right." I want to throw up. "Maybe I am crazy, but hey - after what you did who wouldn't go a little insane? At least I didn't step out a 20's comic horror story." I should've said the truth, I should've been honest with them both. "So you know what that means right?" I am an idiot. "I can't stop until I stop you." ... I should've been honest with him. Her pupils were dilated, adrenaline rushing so fast that she couldn't feel her limbs anymore. "... So, is that all you got?" And then a smile to mirror his, her eyes softening.