Cautiously, I peel my blood-soaked dress off as I contemplate what to do next. Now that I've released my anger on my new toy, I feel an overwhelming sadness expanding in my chest. So much so that I feel like I'm suffocating. However, I also feel an extreme amount of determination. Now that Donaveux is dead, I'll need to learn my responsibilities and watch my back much more carefully. The harsh reality is that I'm a much easier target for anybody wanting access to my family's secrets and fortune.

Stepping into the warm shower relaxes my muscles, which feels wonderful, but my mind is what really needs to be soothed. Alas, I will never be at ease again. No matter how much I train and meditate, I will never be the same.

~ Flashback ~

After the monster stabs my brother, all I can see is red. Nothing can compare to the fury I feel. I dive off the roof and land on top of him. Fortunately for him, his head hits the alley wall and knocks him out immediately. If he had been awake any longer and had tried to struggle, I would have killed him right there in the most agonizing way I can come up with in this clouded mental state. What also saves the fiend's hide is the appearance of the rest of his friends. One look at the carnage and they fly at me like a pack of rabid animals.

It was one against four, and my cousin couldn't take three. However, he had been severely wounded and weak from his stay with whoever these people were. I am in peak condition. It is a blood bath. Blood dripped from the walls, the occasional limb was torn from the owner, and enough gore graced the alley to make the most merciless of individuals sick. Yes, the unconscious man was spared, but I swear to make him regret not meeting the same fate as his comrades.

Once the massacre is over, I fall next to my cousin and check for a pulse, praying to high heaven that he is still alive. He had stopped coughing long ago and is as still as XXXXX. To my relief, I manage to detect a faint pulse struggling to keep a grasp on life. I frantically pull out my phone and dial 911, requesting an ambulance. I know that I can't be here when the police arrive, so I do what I can to staunch the blood loss since he has already lost a frightening amount. Once I am done, I retreat with my newly acquired prisoner to the roof once more so I can be sure that one of Stangaurd's many dirty cops don't decide to off Donaveux upon discovering him.

As anticipated, many of the first responders lost their donuts upon seeing the state of the alley. One cop, whom I recognize as Officer Noir, steels himself and enters the carnage. It takes him only a few seconds to recognize Donaveux and shout for the paramedics. Within a minute, my cousin was racing for the hospital. I stash my prisoner and race home to change and wait for the call from the hospital.

After a torturous twenty minutes, the call finally comes. I dash to my car and speed to the hospital, hoping that the doctors were able to save my cousin. I am, however, realistic about the situation. He was in critical condition when he was "found" and his chances of survival dwindled with every passing second.

My car screeches to a stop after a, frankly terrifying, ten-minute drive. Speed walking to the front desk I inquire about my cousin, trying not to reveal exactly how frantic I am. The response crushes me.

"I'm sorry ma'am. He passed away roughly five minutes ago. I am sorry for your loss..."

I feel like my entire life just shattered in my hands. I could have saved him if I had been faster. If I hadn't overestimated Donaveux's condition. He would still be alive if I had simply come to his aid. Despite all the condemning thoughts running through my mind, I manage to keep my composure, if only just barely, and thank the nurse. As if in a trance, I make my way back home.

Once there, I make my way to the training room and grab the first weapon I see. A wicked looking katana. I make my way to a dummy and pour all my anger, hatred, and sorrow into annihilating it. My sword whistles through the air before it embeds deep into the wood before I whip it out and repeat the process. A few minutes later, the remains of the dummy lie at my feet while my anger continues to simmer.

It suddenly dissipates and is replaced by sorrow. I had a funeral to plan.

~ End Flashback ~

I step out of the shower and get dressed. Now that the funeral is over and my cousin is laid to rest, tomorrow, I must face the wolves...