Just so I can make this clear-should have done this a while ago

Pronunciation time!

Romane (RO-MANE) As in (ROW-MAIN) like row row row your boat. Main street.

Levi (LE-VI) (LEE-V-I) Like Lee, as in Bruce Lee. Vi as in vi-olet. Lee-vi. Levi at the side>> played by Theo James

So we left Jessie with one of the most dangerous men in the world.

Let's see how that goes...

WARNING: NOT EDITED> AT ALL. SERIOUSLY. I will later, after the homework.

‡††‡‡

My hands dampened. I did a discreet wipe across my thigh, and attracted his attention to my face as I tucked a hair behind my ear.

"I see you've found me," I said coolly.

He swiped a glass from a passing waiter and tipped the champagne. "I see you're still locked up, wildcat."

My eyes hardened. "I am not locked up."

He sipped the bubbling liquid and rubbed his thumb over the rim. "Oh really? Because it seems like you're Levi's lap dog."

My jaw muscle twitched. "No I'm not."

He did a small shrug and took another sip. "Sitting respectively at the side while your owner goes to do his business. When he comes back, you're going to follow him on a leash and kill whoever he says, defend him when someone attacks." He lifted a slow hand. "Wildcat, you're his lap dog."

I scoffed and propped an arm on the table. "Oh, and if I were with you I wouldn't be?"

He boomed with laughter. "Of course not. If you were with me, you'd be free. You'd be whoever you want to be." He tapped my wrist. "You wouldn't be chained."

Yanking my hand away in disgust, he only laughed again, struggling to drink. "I see you're all dolled up too," he managed to speak.

I snatched a quick drink from the passing waiter. My fingers tightened in an instant, and cleared my dry throat. "Yes. Levi advised I dress according to the gang." I arched a cautious brow. "You like?"

He put his arms over the seat, and lifted his glass. "Ravishing, wildcat." He broadened his hands around the room. "So what lucky man are you going to hit on tonight?"

I snorted and mumbled in my drink. "If there's any man I'll be hitting on, I'll hit him in the face."

He laughed again, his drink nearly tipping. I studied his brightened face, and frowned. "Why are you always laughing?"

He leaned back and kicked his feet up. "Because you're hilarious."

I flattened my face, shrinking an inch back. No one had ever called me hilarious. Funny would be the last word in my vocabulary. "I didn't even say anything humorous."

Smiling, he answered, "You don't need to."

My mind puzzled, I finally drank the champagne and allowed the fuzzy buzz to defuse my aching confusion. "Why are you even here?" I asked and found him staring.

He leaned on the table with both arms, setting down his glass. "I'm here for you."

Terror iced my stiffened bones. "You're going to kidnap me? Kill me? Torture me?"

His eyes rolled. "To talk to you, wildcat. Jeez. You make it sound like I'm a monster."

Because you are.

I weighed his face again, thinking if he was a Jaq. Probably. A Cold Blood? Maybe. I was uncertain and registered his movements, looking for any signs. "I would like to make a deal," he said.

"You want me to make a deal with the devil? How absurd," I said. I quickly grabbed another glass passing by and sipped. "Clearly you've been drinking too much."

He shot a wicked grin, laughter dancing in his eyes. "Devil? Wildcat, there are much more people worse than me out there. Trust me."

Trust you? As ever.

I crossed my legs and allowed the burning... I had no idea. Now that I thought of it, this was my first time drinking. "What are you proposing?" I asked. He set his drink down and took a long glance across the room. My gaze remained on him, drawn into this supposed deal. "Are you visiting in secrecy?"

A short laugh escaped as he turned back. "No. Unlike your owner's democratic system, I'm a one man show. People listen to me and me only." He flicked a crumb off the table. "I don't have a stupid council to control my gang."

I raised my head. "Council?"

He threw his hand behind his neck and rubbed. "You have no idea, do you?" He licked his bottom lip. "This just gets too good."

The glass beneath my fingers cracked. I averted my gaze, my teeth grinding. "It seems everyone knows me better than myself. Secrets already unfolded before I even realize their own existence."

"Lap dog," he sang, and my eyes hardened again. "You're only programmed to know what your owner tells you. Only aware of what's in front of you-only aware of that trick he would teach you." He lowered his face, closing the space between us. There was a second crack down my glass. "Wildcat, I think it's time you learn your own tricks."

The words were stuck in my throat. His icy eyes froze my shallow breathes, and I had trouble finding my next response. "W-What do you mean?"

He grabbed my hand. About to protest, he hissed, "Calm yourself. I'm just taking you to dance. I'm not taking you away." A twinkle glinted in his blue irises. "Yet."

Fed up with never getting answers, and only producing questions, I followed. I made sure to remain close with others, not naive enough to be alone with this killer.

Falling under the pink lights and musty fog, we squished ourselves against g.rinding lunatics. It took me a while to understand I had been pressing closer to Romane, and quickly made a distance. I backed into a hysterical drugged girl, and Romane caught my hands.

My breath hitched as my warm body pressed against his. An icy shiver crawled down my back. "Why is your body constantly cold?" I questioned. He took my hand and spun me, my spine now pressed against his structured chest.

His lips traced my collarbone. "Because when you've gone through what I have, your heart gets cold. Your heart turns against your mind and everything you touch turns numb, and bitter."

Pity crawled its way into my clenching heart. Unable to speak, his lips made an upwards trickle up my neck. The music matched my pounding chest. Thud. Thud. Thud.

Sweat was slicked across everything I touched, people seeming to close in. The speakers shook, the fog clouded your thoughts; put you under a spell. It was binding, I hardly realized I was dancing with Romane. Our breaths were rigid, heavy. There was something in the air. I was drunk. But how would I know? I didn't know what being drunk felt like. My ears ringed. My bodies were moving. Arms waving. I wasn't drunk. Something in the air. Something.

Swirls of pleasure laced throughout undiscovered regions. I was facing him now-who was it? Romane I believe. I laughed at something he said. I didn't know what it was. Sounded like cheese. Pineapple. Something in the air. Something. My arms were wrapped around his neck. Our hips were g.rinding. I kissed his chest. He stiffened. "Now your heart isn't cold anymore," I murmured. His whole body froze. Something in the air. Something. I heard a giggle. Maybe it was mine. My lips landed on his neck. He snatched my chin, his fingertips squeezing a wince out of me.

"Never. Do that again," he breathed hotly.

I giggled and pointed to a blur. "Look! You're even breathing fire!" Something in the air. Something.

He swore, and pinched my jaw, bringing our faces closer. "Wildcat," he said. A trigger went off. My eyes widened. The spell dropped. "I'm proposing you to join me. Join Eagle's Eye where you can be anyone you want to be. Where your answers lay." His tone was rough. "Or stay with the Snipers. Remain to be some lap dog who gets treated like a child. Who's locked up from her own destiny. Who remains to be clueless and never gets answers." He ripped his hand away. "You have tomorrow to decide. If you want freedom, meet me at Nathan Road, midnight. One time offer."

He turned and started to walk away. I tried to follow him, but others were in the way. A moment later, he had vanished. "Romane!" I called. Hm. Dragged me into an area where he couldn't be followed. Smart.

Suddenly the ringing in my ears sharpened. I shrieked and covered my ears. The ringing got louder. I screamed, wishing it could stop. Pushing people, I ran out of the dance floor. The sudden shrills were bleeding pain.

Warmth enveloped my shaking body, and I looked up to see honey eyes luring my face in. "Shhh," he hushed, stroking my hair. I cradled my burning cheeks in his neck.

He stirred us away from the club, my feet stepping into the cool streets of Hong Kong. I heard other footsteps behind us. The sole stepped into a puddle. I screamed, and Levi hugged me tighter. "Shhh," he hushed. "Everything is going to be okay."

Trembling like an overdosed guy on crack, Levi removed his jacket and draped it across my shoulders. We were by a railing, looking into the glistening lake of black. My sore eyes rested on the silver reflection, the twinkling stars easing my flinches.

Casper was beside us, staring at me along with Levi. He looked at Levi and twirled his finger by his head, making a low 'crazy' whistle. Levi smacked his head and Casper just laughed, then rubbed my back in a comforting motion.

"What the hell happened?" Levi mumbled.

"She was running out of the dance floor. The chemicals in the fog must have been reacting to the drug," Casper suggested.

Infuriated, the gang leader snapped his head to the side. "Why weren't you looking after her?!"

"The drink line was longer than I thought! I couldn't find her! She wasn't at the table and I searched everywhere." Casper scowled. "You took longer dealing with that Seducer."

"Well I took care of her as fast as I could," he snapped.

"Enough!" I shouted. Throwing off Levi's jacket, I pointed two fingers at the boys and said, "I'm tired of this delaying during the games because of me. You two sound like a gay couple who lost their daughter in the mall! I can take care of myself. Let's get going, the clock is ticking. We're moving, ladies."

I didn't understand these mood swings. I wasn't going to question them. But I was scared-they were controlling me.

But I was even more scared-because when I tried to recall what happened on the dance floor, I couldn't.

‡††‡‡

I hadn't killed after that. The fire-that ball of energy I had summoned on the weirdest occasions never appeared. My drug wasn't working. I was normal. I almost died. Twice. Levi and Casper had saved my life more than enough, my skills gone.

I didn't understand how I did those things back there. Those kicks, swings-how I could have done the impossible. And then couldn't. It was getting Levi aggravated, constantly keeping me close. Annoyed how I couldn't do anything.

I couldn't control my skill.

I hated it when Levi was right.

Maybe I was off because I was trying to retrace what happened on the dance floor. What Romane said. I couldn't remember. It was a blur. It was frustrating.

They killed two more. I was just another thing in the way. Again.

We were running now. On an empty bridge, cars zoomed, one of the busiest streets in Hong Kong under us. I was panting, running beside the boys. The lamp posts were exhausted, most struggling to even flicker. They even understood it was a long night. Having trouble catching up, I kept pushing the loose ponytail strands away since I didn't have enough time to retie my hair. Girl problems. Cue groan.

You could say I wasn't a pleasant sight. Sweating like a pig, stumbling like a zombie. The boys however were perfectly fine. Still looking polished and clean and perfect. What a surprise.

Ready to just take a break, what sounded like a large gong bounced off the city walls. I took a cautious look around. "What was that?"

The boys stopped in their tracks and exchanged sly grins. Casper reloaded his pistol. "See you, Jess," he called and gave a quick wink.

My confused response was too slow as he ran after a passing farm truck. He grabbed onto the back and climbed, disappearing into the stack of hay. I was about to run after him, but Levi rested a hand over my chest. "Don't."

Puzzled, I looked down, and asked, "What? What's going on?"

His honey eyes drew my mud brown ones. The gaze heated as I suddenly felt his chest against my pounding heart. His eyes drifted to my soft lips. What felt like a zoo rocked my stomach, my nerves shaking on ends. He took my chin in his hand and tilted it slightly. I followed his gaze, and saw a peek of orange leak from the dark horizon.

"I'll see you in an hour," he murmured, pressing his hot mouth to my ear.

I swallowed hard and stepped back, jerking away. "What?! Why?"

His wicked smile crossed his caramel bronze face. "Meet you at Langdom Place at seven," he informed, heading to the edge of the bridge.

"Rush hour," I whispered, almost forgetting that game twist.

The cars below zoomed past, and I ran behind, the loose strands of my ponytail whipping past my temple. "Wait! Don't leave me! I don't even know my way around this city, let alone country!"

He stepped over the railing, one step away from the racing highway underneath. He stared at my frantic state. His voice changed, speaking in a deep, calm voice, "Remember: No hesitation, guilt, and restraints. No holding back. Control, Jessie. Control it." He turned, and then a thought must have surfaced, because he took one last look. "Oh, and try not to get killed."

Then he jumped off the bridge.

I raced after him, the cold railing slamming into my stomach. I searched for any sign of movement. A second later, out raced a metallic truck. Levi stood on its roof with two feet.

"Mother f.ucker," I snarled, kicking the railing. "F.ucking leaves me."

My team-ex team, had eighteen kills. Meaning Casper, Levi and I each had eighteen kills. Checking my chip, I found others already growing their numbers. Cray's kills just jumped from fifteen to seventeen. Levi and Casper leaped to the nineteenth kill. The other two Snipers were around the sixteen range. Vamp held an impressive twenty one. Leaving me third last so far.

Searching through the profiles, many were already disappearing. Fast. Scanning for a profile that caught my attention, my eyes came to an abrupt halt.

The gang leader photo was still glowing. He was alive.

"This Max guy"-Levi tapped the man's smiling face-"He's been getting too many second chances, screwing up enough deals and even having the balls to cheat me. This bloody bastard is worth ten kills."

Ten kills. Surely Levi would be going after this man, judging by his struggling frustration dripping in his voice.

But ten kills...that was enough for a victory.

Doubt crept down my neck, and I shuddered. "No, too much of a risk, Jessie," I said to myself. "You'll get yourself killed. You don't know what you're doing." Levi's advice seeped into my mind. No hesitation.

Maybe it was time to take some risks. I stared at the glowing club down a few blocks where Levi was heading. I opened the digital screen. Targets rested on the trail towards Max's club, other little kills I could attempt.

I bit my bottom lip and shut my eyes.

It was time to unleash this monster I've been hiding all my life. I couldn't hide it forever. If I was a Cold Blood, I'd have to learn how to control it. I was useless if I wasn't controlled.

I paused. But I couldn't even summon the drug inside of me. I didn't know how to trigger it.

All my life, I was told what to do. What not to do. Not to drink this. Not to touch that. Don't do it, too much of a risk! That was my childhood.

I wanted to show I wasn't a child.

Maybe it was time to take risks.

"Kill of the day, here I come," I whispered.

Running towards the railing, I ingested a gulp of air and jumped off the bridge.

My back smacked off the metal and I rolled over the side of the truck. I grabbed onto the edge, dangling above the fast moving roads. I screamed to push myself up, crawling flat onto the roof. The wind digging into my eyes, I crept low, just making out the club that was fast approaching.

The neon lights glowed 8008132. I snorted: Nice message. Slowly rising, the truck driver swerved the car, and my knees buckled, my chin hitting the metal. I cried out, and the car swerved again. This time, I grabbed onto the roof tightly, and turned my head to see another truck drawing near. Standing up again, I took in a deep breath and jumped onto the next truck.

I skid across the roof, barely tipping over the edge. Biting my tongue, I craned my neck and found us coming closer to 8008132. Landing, Jessie. Landing. I scanned the area and noted the opened green garbage bin on the road ahead. "Wanted to take chances, Jessie? Here you go," I whispered. Crossing my arms on my chest, I rolled off the truck, knocking a dunk into the garbage.

I wasn't barely able to catch my breath, but quickly shot up, climbing out of the bin. Landing on the street, I hustled into the open club and was hit by a distinct familiar feeling. Grabbing a hoodie from the rack, I hiked the hood so my face wasn't as visible, and was sure not to face the light, my eyes only visible then.

Apparently this was a multipurpose club. What looked like a restaurant was at the side; the bar both an alcohol service and kitchen. Poker was popular among tables to the left, the haunting dance floor on the opposite end. In the centre was a stage, my guess an erotic show was about to start. Liquor was a heavy scent here, old cigars, and sex merging into a vomit smell that made my nose hurt. Crowded couldn't even begin to describe how crazy this place was, my shoulders constantly pushed like in the market.

Ducking away from pot lights, I spotted Levi a few feet away. Brown hair brushed to the side, he had the same idea with a navy coat he must have nabbed earlier. He was eyeing a man who sat in front of the stage. A big man he was, bald hair and dark beady eyes that meant business. Max. His large fingers kept tapping the chair, impatient for the show.

What caught my attention were the three guards surrounding Max, their Men in Black images making me think twice about doing this. Staring at the guards, a glimmer shimmered-a glass? My lips frowned. "Force field," I said. Now how the hell did they get that?

Levi stole a seat at the bar, and I could sense his gears moving for a plan. If I wanted respect, I had to be the gang leader at his own game.

That's when I sensed another familiar presence. Scouting the audience, a certain head was turned opposite as everyone. My gaze clicked to Romane who stared back, a coy smirk painted over his face. Holding a beer with a bunch of sober men, he raised his beer and mouthed, "Let's see that new trick."

My knuckles curled and I stuck up my chin, turning away. He wanted to see a new trick? He was going to get one. Proving two gang leaders that I was worth more than they thought; all in one place; time to prove myself.

I pulled the hoodie more over my face and noted the three guards wouldn't be easy. Plus the force field, and Levi who was going to make his move anytime, and the fact Romane was watching. How could I kill a man without actually going up to him? How could I kill a man unseen?

I rubbed my temples, and concentrated harder. Think, Jessie. Think.

Distracted by Caribbean carnival colours bouncing in the corner of the room, a line of theatre dressed ladies were heading backstage. My knuckles softened and I blended within the black dressed crowds, Romane struggling to find me-impossible for Levi as well.

Soon I was riding the current of ladies who had transformed into ecstatic creatures ranging from vivid pigments, thin fabrics barely hanging on their bodies. The room was dim, vintage celebrity desks with mirrors reminding me exactly of a backstage room in movies. I tried not to stare at the bright bulbs that revealed the bickering ladies who drew sparkling lines and thick smudges on their faces.

"There you are!"

I stare down at sharp French pedicure nails dig through my sleeve. My jerks up to see a stencilled woman guide me towards a chair, a scowl making her tiny face look impossibly large with the makeup. Looking similar to a peacock-no joke-with the tropical coloured dress, she plops me in front of a chair and pokes my skin, frowning. "Nice complexion. You must be Cara, the new girl." She rips off my hoodie and makes another disapproving scowl.

"I can't believe you agreed to the leading role for this performance," she grumbled, her quick hands undoing my clothing. "Hope you practiced your solo act. You're lucky Rob allowed you to take the lead, this room is full of hungry animals, Cara. Fuck this one up and these girls will hunt you down."

Mental note: Don't f.uck up.

Of course, it would be very possible to-that reasoning being I didn't have a routine. Let alone knew how to entertain with l.ust.

I reached up to bite my nails, but she swatted it with a mascara tube. "Don't you dare." Dropping my arms, she strapped a curly red haired wig that dropped to my waist. Putting what I think was glue, worry began to eat my stomach, leaving a gruesome feeling. "The glue will only last enough for your performance," she said.

Improvisation was something I was going to have to get used to. Before I knew it, I was wearing a peach blouse that exposed my shoulders and stomach, unbuttoned enough peek a hint of the white push-up bra she forced me into. Along with terrifying six inch heels, circulation cutting shorts and stockings, I believed it couldn't get worse.

That is-until I met the mirror. I couldn't even distinguish myself beneath all the makeup, turquoise and golden patterns threaded in my newly plucked brows, scorching red lipstick infected my penciled puckers. It was horrifying really-to not be able to recognize yourself. Especially how literally five minutes ago you were looking at your normal appearance.

"Showtime!" squealed a short man, running through aisles with a clipboard.

The stylist pushed me off the chair, shooing me away. "Break a leg!" she shouted, and already grabbed another hopeless victim who entered.

My heart skittered around in my chest. I followed the set of girls who hustled close to the stage, creating a confusing formation.

The short Clipboard man put a hand on my chest. "What do you think you're doing? Wait for your cue."

Meekly nodding, I watching horribly fascinated by how they strutted out so confident-knowing and appreciating they were hookers. The curtain lifted and I tried to peek a glance onto the show, but Clipboard man kept ushering me back. "Wait, wait" he kept repeating.

Meanwhile, I was freaking out. Having a hard time breathing, I wasn't sensing the heat writhing in my body. The music that blasted meters away didn't help. I felt like I was going to puke.

"Okay!" His hand grabbed my back, getting ready to launch me onto the stage. "You're going in five, four."

I threw my hands up. "What?! No! I can't!"

"Too late, honey. You signed up for this," he shrugged. "Three, two."

"But I-"

"One!"

Stumbling onto the stage, I covered my arms from the bright lights. My cheeks flamed as I felt all eyes on me. Panic rose, and I ran behind the curtains, back to Clipboard man.

His jaw dropped. He threw his clipboard up. "What was that?!"

I shut my eyes, wanting him to go away. Breath, Jessie. Breath. Control. I imagined Levi's voice. Control. Prove to me you're not a child.

I concentrated hard. I built all the pressure I was under-imagined a gun to my head. Imagined if I didn't do this-I would die. Imagined I could do this.

I sucked in a sharp breath and stepped in. I blinked back, the stage lights blinding my eyes. Blurs danced beside me, grinding the air and turning hypnotic spins.

I imagined I could do this. I told myself I had to do this-for survival.

Then the flames exploded over my body. I dipped into an erotic move, swerving uncontrollably. The beat was settled in my mind, the bass strumming behind like my backup dancer. I strutted down the aisle, my hips breaking and snapping, dipping into the next verse. My hand glided down places I never knew existed.

My eye caught onto Levi who stood sceptically by the door, unaware of my identity. I whipped my hair and latched a hand onto the p.ole. For survival. I dropped down and, cranked back up, my back on the silver s.tick as my hands swayed above my head.

My chest raced. I curved in circular motions and slid against the silver, my hair flipping over my bare shoulder. At the end of the stage, I caught their eyes and u.ndid my blouse. For survival. As I broke each button, my eyes laid on Max. His lips licked and I tossed the thin fabric. I pumped up my torso and snapped my hips again. I lifted my leg and spun, discovering areas I've never touched.

The heat in the room jacked up. I slithered off the steps, feeling a lust heat wave smack my presence. Working my stomach, I shook things that shouldn't be shook, and t.ouched things that shouldn't be t.ouched. Beads of sweat trickled along my golden skin, down my u.pper m.ountain and into the v.alley. For survival.

Teasing my way to leering men, I made my way to Max. His body guards hesitated before their leader waved them aside, out of his way except for the guard behind him. I caught the glimmer rise, the force field vanishing as a guard fumbled with something in his pocket. I snapped my fingers and busted my chest forward, cracking my hips and swerving my waist before his eyes. Hunger flared across his features, his nails digging into the chair.

I lingered my fingers from his ankles to his thighs, swirling around his belt before clawing up his chest. He shut his eyes and moaned. My fingers danced across his neck. I straddled his waist, earning an appreciative sigh from him. "Ready for your c.limax?" I grinned in his ear. He nodded.

Rubbing hard on the raw flesh and bone, I reached my arms over his neck and onto the guard behind him. My nails just grazing over his b.uldge, the guard g.roaned, throwing his head back. I then grabbed his gun hanging off his pocket, twirled it around while loading it and aimed it at Max's forehead with a click.

"Here's your c.limax, Max. Your climax of death." For survival. I pulled the trigger. The bullet sucked the life out of those stunned eyes, the gunshot awakening those from their lust beds. Jumping up before the guards could understand, I put Max's head between my t.highs and flipped him over along with his chair, knocking the guard behind him with the wooden legs. The second guard threw a punch, and I dove to the floor, rolling over to shoot his neck several times.

Blood splattered across my mouth and I didn't have time to wipe it off as the third guard, leaped behind a table and started firing.

I used the closest booth as protection and my spine hit the table. My breath was coming in shallow gasps. Ripping off the dreadful stilettos, I sensed the guard peeking from the table and whirled around, throwing the shoe and nailing the heel into his chest, penetrating enough to kill.

I exhaled a relieved sound, and flinched as a bullet just missed my shoulder. Making a run and leap, I slid across the counter, behind the kitchen and bar. The glowing shelves of alcohol shook as I bashed my head against the fridge, the gunshots ringing louder. The bartender was hiding beside, staring horrified with his legs brought up to his chest.

The existence of twenty men filled my mind, and I cursed, scolding the naive part of me who believed there were only three. Their shots were caging me in. I fuelled my panic into my concentration, forcing the mental gears to get to work. My dad once told in his story that a bartender named Darby worked for a prostitute joint when she was younger. For the rich customers, she would cook the alcohol over a stove with spices before making the expensive beverages that cost a fortune.

A bullet broke one of the vodka bottles, the glass shattering and the luxurious liquor creating a pool across my feet. Then the gears clicked. Tackling the bartender, I shoved my hands in his pockets for a lighter. Spitting my flying strand of hair out of my mouth, I reloaded the gun and shot the bottles of alcohol, creating an alcohol ocean by our feet.

"Show yourself, you whore," cackled a guard, his footsteps growing louder.

I quickly cranked the gas stove buttons, turning eight of them on. I ripped out the drawer of silverware and opened the microwave door under the sink. Grunting, I dumped the heavy utensils in.

"We're gonna count to three, s.lut."

Slamming the door while punching the numbers, I clicked start and grabbed a cleaning rag.

"One."

Sparks began to bounce in the microwave. I opened several cabinets, knocking over bottles for what I was looking for.

"Two."

I unscrewed the cap and drenched the rag with canola oil. I tore off the wig, throwing it onto the stove. I pushed the bartender, hissing, "Go!" He scrambled forward, dashing away.

"Three."

I tossed the wet rag onto the stove and ran. Before a bullet was able to fly, the entire bar exploded, heat whipped across my back. I yelped, the harsh pain digging deeper. At the sound of a microwave ping, another explosion went off. My knees fell forward, and I was laying on the ground. My hands clawed at the grimy floor.

All I heard was a piercing buzz. I stumbled to rise, following the crowd out the door. Impatient people broke through the glass, the shrieking hurting my eardrums. My entire back hissing, I gritted my teeth and snatched a trench coat from the outdoor boutique racks. My back screamed at the contact of the fabric.

My dirty blonde hair looked like a cheering Yankee at a Mets game. While entering the Temple market, I grabbed a beanie as I shuffled with the current. I put it on and felt more pain grow, not just from my back, but everywhere. As if something was draining my energy. Perhaps the RBR worked longer than it was supposed to-hell, it worked like a Red Bull actually. Suppressing the aching, I lowered my face and snaked back to Langdam palace.

It was impossible to get a taxi at this time-not to mention I had no money.

I wasn't sure I how long it took. I was glad I still had on the map necklace, and stumbled through the spinning glass doors. Bustling past people, my back was scorching and I tripped, falling on my knees. Crawling up, I threw myself into the elevator, clicking the top floor. Leaning my head on the wall, I shut my eyes.

"Almost there, almost there, Jessie," I told myself.

A soft ping was heard, and I busted forward, holding the wall for support. Entering the black room I was in seven hours ago, I stumbled into the glass table before following the passage we took onto the roof.

I started to lose the feeling in my spine. My legs began to get numb on the final step to the roof. I pressed my body forward on the steel door and turned the knob, going forward with the door.

"Jessie!" Snapback shrieked, and ran over. I just made out a blur of the rest of the gang who seemed surprised to see me.

I collapsed to the floor, the tiny rocks poking my cheek. Relieved, my feet gave out, and I lost the feeling in my arms as Snapback tried to stand me up. But I refused to get up. I had no energy.

Snapback shouted something to the others and some ran past me, others frantically crouching with me. "She's as pale as you, Vamp," Cray snorted.

The blonde beauty hissed and elbowed him before checking my forehead. She winced and retracted her hand, blowing on her fingers. "She's fucking burning."

My eyelids grew heavy. Dried blood crumbs dropped onto my chapped lips. Black shoes were aligned with my gaze. Someone called my name and I groaned, my ears buzzing again. I screamed as a sharp object was injected in my leg.

"Shhh," I heard below my ear. I screamed again as another jab penetrated my other leg.

"It hurts," I whimpered over and over.

A warm hand caressed my hair, cupping my cheek. The soft, crispy voice brushed close. "I know, darling. I know."

Before I could make another whimper, chomping termites fed at my vision, and I sobbed, hit by a wave of drowsiness. Before I allowed the darkness to cloak me, I made out clunky footsteps, grunts, and shouts. I flinched at a gunshot. An icy hand was placed on my chest. I shivered and whimpered. Then a chilly, hard voice invaded my ears; One that haunted me nightmare after nightmare.

"Nice trick, wildcat. But one trick you can't do is warm my heart. Because it'll always be cold."

‡††‡‡

Holy mother flaming Shigamama.

Longest chapter I've ever wrote. Seven hours straight. My eyes hurt.

Sorry for the crappiness of the chapter. I'm sick. As hell. The mountain of tissues are unreal. My Rudolph nose has had enough. I feel like I'm violating my tissues with my aggressive blows. A painful thing, my nostrils are on fire. Can't even spell crappies right... is that even a word?! Are any of them a word?