Is this Real Life? {Arrows & Marre}

[cameo]

"Come on, just one more house." I plead to Prism in such an innocent tone. How ironic, given that we're stealing and all. Sure he has more money then most in District Three, but there's nothing like a good rush. Perhaps I'm a terrible influence on him, but he has yet to complain. A cheesy grin is plastered upon my cheeks as I pull his hand towards another home. This one's calling me, I'm just not sure why. 

We've explored serval places without getting caught in the tiniest way. Course we don't take precious valuables, only alcoholic beverages for the experience. Most of which we've already downed, causing my steps to be slightly wobbly. No time to stop though, not when this stash is bound to only last a day or two. I'm craving more of a thrill, and this house seems to hold that. 

Just like the other homes, we check each window until we find an open one. "Shhh." I jokingly advice while slipping in. The living room we enter is setup far too perfectly, without a thing out of place. Automatically it gives me a creepy vibe, though I don't dare to leave. I wait for Prism to get in, then begin searching through the home quietly. 

Instinctively I head towards the kitchen, knowing that's our best bet to finding booze. Only I find nothing but an ideal kitchen, that anyone would hope to achieve. Are we in a barbie home or something? Then I spot the heavy lock on a door, that must lead down to the basement. A luxurious wine-celler? Might as well find out. "Think you can bust through this?" I question to Prism while grasping the lock. Has to be something good if there so keen on keeping it locked away.

After a bit of effort we make it through, and I flick on the light to lead me down. What I come across is nothing that I would of expected though. The wallpaper is bright pink with butterflies, and the room is decorated to like it belongs to a little girl. Then I notice the small redhead on the bed, eyes wide open as if she's been drugged. "What the hell?" I mutter and instinctively go over to her with concern. Is she a plastic doll or real? I'm afraid to find out.  

[Arrow]

<>Prism Nixton<>

    The winter winds were bellowing threw the silent streets of district three. Although Spring was suppose to have began a while ago the nip of winter still hung in the winds that encircled Prism. All that could be heard through the darkness of the night was the sound of echoing footsteps. Footsteps created those by drunken lovers who were foolishly vanquishing the peace of the night by barging into houses just to score a few bottles of beer here and maybe a bottle or two of whiskey there. it was complete and utter stupidity, especially since Prism could easily just go out and buy all these things with his extensive wealth, yet it filled his body with a warming rush of excitement.

    Any sort of action that his stupid father would disapprove of or that could even slightly show him under a bad light got Prism going. Once started there was no stopping until the deed was finished. However tonight as Prism moved like a mouse past a slumbering cat Prism was filled with adrenaline. Still it wasn't just the action of robbing houses blind of their alcoholic goods that sent shrills through his bones but the company of DJ right beside him every silent and groggy footstep of the way.

    By this point in the night Prism and DJ has consumed so much vile liquid and smoke it was blatantly clear that they were not all there in their heads. Alas though they continued their noble search to obtain more of the almighty liquid that allowed them to break free of the world's shackles. Together they were two vigilantes on the run from the boundaries of society itself. Never once did they fit in so they were shoved into the corners by everyone else and left to rot. Now they would officially be flipping off all of the douches who ever dared scorn them. Sure now they had a reason to hate them both, if they get caught that is.

    DJ's voice catches Prism's attention as they approach the next house. Even through his heavy intoxication Prism feels uneasy about the shroud of mystery that lied over this house. The moment they clinked into the house it didn't get better, but in fact worse. Everything was so pristine and perfect, it was like some sort of porcine house. Not a single thing one spot out of place. Not a single shred of dust gently lying on somethings side. "This is really fucking creepy if you ask me." Prism said in a hushed tone.

    After reaching the kitchen they wasted no time in searching everywhere for the booze. Yet no matter where they looked or buttons they pressed they couldn't find any. In fact the kitchen didn't even seemed used. The only things inside its vast cabinets were some cereal and soup. Prism's nerves were screaming at him to get himself and DJ the hell away from this place but when he turned towards her she was gone. His heart leaped into his chest as he swiftly searched the house for her.

    Several minutes later he let out a shaky sigh when he found her inspecting a heavily locked door. Clearly the door led to the basement and DJ was thriving to go and explore. Prism wanted to say they should leave instead but he wouldn't want to disappoint her so he inspected the pad lock. He let out a laugh as she questioned whether he could open it. Then with a thud the lock fell to the floor as Prism pushed the door open.

    What greeted his eyes was far from what he was ever expecting. The room was pink with butterflies fluttered all throughout the walls. Then in its center a girl was sitting there her eyes glazed by the poisons of dark drugs Prism knew all to well from his own experiences. He followed DJ over to the red haired little girl and he scanned her intensively. She had taken quite a lot of the drug to be in as heavy as a state she was. In fact if Prism didn't notice her slight breathing he would have thought she was a doll. Then everything clicked.

    Quickly he pulled DJ close to him as he whispered into her ear. "Listen I know what drug this is. As you can see it drones your brain activity down a fuck ton. Except the thing is you don't get as bad as this girl unless you constantly keep taking an overdose amount. Listen I don't know what's going on here but she should not stay here. I can feel deep down she didn't do this to herself. The process to use the drug she is on takes a syringe and specific positioning." Prism's eyes fell back to the girl as he rested a hand softly on her shoulder and cooed to her. "Hey there, my name is Prism and this is my girl friend DJ. We wanna take you out for a walk okay? Are your parents home?"

[cameo]

There's something extremely off about this house. It's radiating off of the walls, and even from the one I've grown so close to. The last house he was glowing with excitement and adventure. Now I can feel the fear deep within his core, and even within mine. Yet something tells me to journey further anyways. That it's not time to retreat, despite the fact that the other half of me is telling me to do exactly that. I travel down to the nauseating bright baby pink, with caution behind each of my steps. 

My breath is taken from me because of what my eyes fall upon once entirely in the basement. A life-size doll in a room personalized just for her. Toys neatly scattered about as if placed for a picture. Fine dresses awaiting for that little redhead to come to life and play. Everything seems so wrong while appearing so innocent. It brings a chill down my spine, but I have to investigate further. 

"No..." I'm speechless when I spot that tiny chest rising and falling just slightly. "Prism...please tell me." He's pulling me into his grasp just as I'm reaching for his support. I can't form my words around what we've discovered. Please, just make this not true.

Everything feels to be in a whirlwind and I can't think straight. The way those red curls fall upon her tiny shoulders has me hypnotized. Anger rages through me, yet my fingers only tremble as a result. Luckily, Prism's voice snaps me back to what has to be done. "She's only a little girl." Though that's all I can muster up from my shock. 

The way Prism reacts is unbelievable, and very much needed at this moment. His tone is so soothing, like he's a natural with youngsters. "What if it was her parents that did this to her?" I manage to choke out, grasping onto my collarbone as if it might keep my heart from exploding. My shaky fingers go to brush away some hair from her face, hoping to get any sort of reaction from her. She only continues to stare blankly ahead. And instead noise comes from upstairs, to make us aware that we haven't gone unnoticed. 

[Marree]

"Deja. Honey. Can I come in?" I can hear the footsteps first before he ever reaches my room and I know what he's about to do. I know what day it is. I know what he wants from me and just like all the other days, I don't want this to keep going on. One day, I'll get out, but for now, there's no way I can overpower him and escape. I"ve tried before and it never turns out well not to mention that one time... just one time.

I tasted freedom.

It tasted like chocolate laced with sugar and drizzled with honey.

It felt like a dream when I met Annabell, too. She was my age. She wanted to be my friend, but when daddy found me, he punished me. He led me back to the house with a tight grip over my arm. He told me that I was his little girl and mommy's doll and if I got hurt that I would break. The punishment for running off was... horrible.

The moment we got inside the house, he pushed me to the basement and that's when the needle entered my vein. I knew, from then on, to never run off again. Its not like I'd ever get that chance again. The painful poison that seeped into my system kept me from doing anything. From talking... moving... the only thing that was ever kept my own was my own thoughts, and even then, sometimes that were limited. It all depended on how much he needed me to be quiet and how long he needed to reminece on my mother's memory. When my mother was found dead, was when he snapped.

"Not right now, Daddy... I'm playing with my dollhouse." I try to tell him. Usually, he lets me play if he's in a good mood, but what could I have done wrong this time?" I turn my gaze back to the doll house, letting my tiny, boney fingers latch onto one of the little dolls inside and rub my finger across it's mouth and over it's painted on eyes. For a moment, I focus on the dolls dress and how it is the perfect shade of yellow; like sun yellow. I smile, faintly as I close my eyes before another knock follows and this time with more meaning.

"Now! Deja. Open this door." His voice comes out with a harsh tone, but in a perfect voice as if he knew I would open the door. I shake my head.

"Daddy. I wanna play. Please? I want to play." I try to beg him, but I take the doll and leave the dollhouse, going to the corner of the room and sitting down. That's when my gaze goes to the door like always. I start to count. Three... four... five... if I can reach twenty, then he's gone. If not, then I guess I have to endure it again. Why can't he stop? Why does he keep doing this to me? I'm not a bad kid. I'm not a bad kid. I'M NOT A BAD KI..

The lock turns and the door opens.

"Deja. What did I tell you? If you disobey me, you're going to be punished."

Tears spring to my eyes, for the next few moments I watch the needle in his hands and the bottle of poison... but this time, it's too much going in. That amber liquid is being filled up too much. It's not like the other times. Why doesn't he stop? Daddy! That's too much! You'll kill me. You will kill me... please don't!

I try to shield my face and neck but like always... I slip off into the unknown. The amber colored liquid is forced into my body and slowly, but surely, I lose all control of everything.

... one thou... sand and two? I keep staring off into the vacant part of my bedroom, staring off at some butterfly with wings in mid-flight. Somewhere below it is the exact same butterfly in the same exact position. How long have I looked at it? Oh yeah. ... one thousand... and... and... three?

I blink. Once again, I slowly open my lids to reveal the same bright pink room and take a very light breath, just enough to keep my body alive. It's funny, but it almost hurts to keep breathing. Wouldn't it just be easier to stop? You have to - fight it. Don... one thousand and six?

I feel as if I'm on the verge of giving up when I hear the door open and my heart speeds up just a couple of beats, pushing my mind into another dimension. So, he's here to tell me stories now? He's here to pretend that I am nothing but a doll for him to keep on display. I won't listen to you... daddy. Not again.

Instead of his words or his body, I vaguely see someone else in my peripheral vision. This time it's a girl and not more than a moment later, it's a boy? Who are they? I want so much to look over and see what they are doing, but I can't quit looking at this damn butterfly.

Help. Me. I plead. Since when did daddy ever let anyone come down here?

"Hey there, my name is Prism and this is my girl friend DJ. We wanna take you out for a walk okay? Are your parents home?" I blink, slowly. Opening my eyes just a bit and forcing my eyes to try to cooperate with me.

Get out... You will make me... be in troub...le. I try to beg them, but I know they can't hear me. At least not now, but I wish they could.

"She's only a little girl. What if it was her parents that did this to her?"

Yes! It was. Daddy... help me. Please? I slowly force my eyes to move away from the butterfly, and shift over to Prism cause I can feel the warmth on his hand that's on my shoulder. It seems to bring me back to a place of comfort. Why does his hand feel comforting whereas my own father's hand is not? His hand is so cold... this new person?

Movement catches my attention when the girl moves. She's got red hair like me, that much I can tell already, but what is she doing with her hand? Why is she acting as though she's scared? Maybe, daddy caught her? What if she is here like me?

Only her hand suddenly comes to me and her fingers brush up against my cheek, pushing a bit of my hair out of the way. I feel like yelling or crying on the inside. Maybe she's not here because of daddy to be punished. Maybe, he thinks I need to be played with? Is she here to play with me? Is he here to play with me too? Have I been turned into a real doll?

My heart starts to crumble on the inside and the heat that his hand is giving me goes straight to my heart and then with that comes a new emotion I've never been able to express while under the intoxifying drugs. Fear. With this fear, also comes tears that starts to blur my unstable vision already. Ever so slowly, the tear falls down my cheek, tickling my skin as I blink once more and keep my eyes shut the moment I hear the noise upstairs.

He's coming. Run. You... can't stay... get! out!

[Arrow]

<>Prism Nixton<>

    

    The sound of soft treading footsteps licked lightly at Prism's ears. His heart hammered uneasily against the cage of his ribs at the thought of who or what was making those sounds. Prism knew whatever it was surely wouldn't be happy that he and his girl friend had broken into the prison within its home. Prism wouldn't have been happy if someone had broken into his house and stole his precious weed. Of course though this girl wasn't weed, she was a living breathing human being that probably should not be shoved into a pipe and smoked...probably...

    Deja's voice also didn't help calm the sea of fear that waged throughout Prism's shaking body. Only once before in his short life had Prism experienced a fear on the same level as this one. It was back when he was much much younger, back when his Father still seemed to give a real damn about Prism's existence. Prism had just witnessed the death of his own Mother and his Father had turned his full rage upon Prism's new sister. It was in that moment when Prism took his Father's bloody fist attacks that fear had taken full control over his breaking body. Now in this moment, as the steps sounded ever so louder was Prism just as scared as he was back then. He was once again a little boy frozen and unable to put up a true fight for himself. He was weak and undesirable just as his Father told him he was.

    The sound of the little girl's sniffles though brought Prism reeling back to reality in a few quick blinks of his electric and shining blue eyes. The girl before him, along with DJ for that matter, was shaking quite rapidly and he could see she too seemed very terrified of what was making the footsteps. Which only meant that she knew what beast was slowly approaching its ever so "unaware" prey. Prism knew one thing for damn sure, he had to get his own sorry ass and the asses of his two girls the fuck out of the murder house they were all playing dollies in.

    "Dj," Prism's voice cut out through the fearful dark, "I don't know whether her parents did this to her or not but that doesn't matter right now. What does matter is that we get the fuck out of this place because whatever did do this to her is coming for us right now. No offense to it but I sure as hell would like to not get to know the reaction of the thing that owns the very house we just broke into. So lets get this girl up and out of this hell hole along with ourselves." 

    Prism wasn't sure why he seemed to act so naturally in dire situations like this very one but it was just something he was always very keen at. He never freaked out or broke down like many others did. Instead he seemed to thrive onto a whole new level of survival when things got really bad. Instead of shutting down, he turned on. Whatever haze of a high he was on instantly vanished as his fully lucid and operating brain pushed though the clouds of pure drug insanity. Now if that isn't a rush then rushes simply don't exist. 

    With a swift motion Prism gently brought the girl into his arms in just the same way a man would pick up his beautiful and new bride during their strut to their honeymoon car. Then softly he smiled at her so that she understood that he still had no intentions of hurting her in anyway. "Hey we are going to go for a walk. I promise nothing bad is going to happen to you." Prism said gently to the little girl now lying tenderly within his subtle embrace. Then with a soft yet firm gaze he signaled with his head to Dj that is was time for them to move out of the house.

    The sound of their feet clattered against the wooden stairs of the basement as the ascended quickly from their tomb. Whatever they did they had to get out before the lurking beast revealed itself to them. Prism nearly laughed as the gentle and cooling breeze from outside bellowed lightly into the house from the window they had entered in. Once by the windowsill Prism wasted no time letting DJ out and following closely after her with the little girl resting carefully in his arms. However once outside Prism froze like the beating of a dead man's heart.

    The sound of a gun clicked behind him and Prism turned stiffly after setting the girl down. What he saw made his hands curl into terrified fists. Slowly his eyes locked on DJ and he whispered carefully into the still night surrounding them, "Dj, you need to take the girl and run. Whatever happens do not come back." Prism only prayed that DJ would have some sense and leave but he knew she wouldn't the damn bitch was like him, she wasn't selfish. Damn smokers for having hearts, why can't they all just stick with their damn weed. 
    
                

[cameo]

Dillon Hartmen

"When the dust finally settles, when the smoke clears, when the music stops. Will you still be able to love the girl with hair as red as blood?"

This is it. We're going to get caught, and this particular house doesn't contain simple drugs or alcohol that we can leave behind to save ourselves. A small, young girl is in need of our help, and there's a good chance the one creating those footsteps above us, isn't going to approve. My heart thumps loudly within my throat, screaming at me to do something, anything. But I can't seem to pull myself away Prism, nor flinch my focus from those rednecks framing such delicate features. Why must this be real? 

A nod instinctively comes from my head while I listen to Prism stress on getting all of us out of here. There's no possible way that we're leaving this girl behind, making this situation that much more difficult. "Okay." I agree in a whisper, allowing him to release from my arms despite my need to feel his protection around me. This is no time to be selfish. 

There's nothing else for me to do, aside from watching my boyfriend scoop up the tiny Redhead and listen to the patter searching around the first floor. Any second now that person's going to descend down to us, and it obviously won't be a pleasant scene. Frantically I gaze about for an exit that doesn't involve going up the stairs, knowing very well that'll only trap us further. I come up unsuccessful.
 
 My eyes flicker back over to Prism, desperate for an escape for us three. Footsteps are evidently growing closer, causing my heart to race faster with every enhanced sound. No windows are present within this pink dungeon, leaving the stairs as our only option. I want to fall over and faint, black out all that's about to unravel. But I wouldn't dare put this entirely on Prism, risk not being able to save this girl from whatever was occurring. I follow right behind them with wobbly legs, even if we're headed straight up to the one that probably held this Redhead hostage in the first place.

For now, we're surprisingly clear from whom ever is roaming around the first floor. Perhaps they assume no one would make it past the heavy lock blocking the basement door, or wouldn't bother for that matter. Doesn't mean I'm going to assume that we're completely safe now though. We hurry over to the window we entered from, and I refuse to waste a second arguing with Prism over who should exit first. 'Course he's still going to be a gentleman during a dire situation. So I quickly maneuver through, and hold out my arms to take the tiny Redhead as he gets out. Maybe there is a sliver of hope that we'll make this out unharmed...

Or not... 

"Deja!" A man screams from the window, just as we're a couple feet away. Instantly I hear the clicking of a gun's safety going off. "Get back here with my daughter!" Now it feels like I might puke up my stammering heart. 

As weak as my arms feel, they don't falter at securely holding the little girl I'm assuming is named Deja. How odd that she contains the same red hair as me, and a similar name as well. "Dj, you need to take the girl and run. Whatever happens do not come back." Prism demands, though my feet don't budge. I could save her, along with myself. Easily. He could distract the man with the gun, and we could escape. But I could never do that to my first and only love. 

"No..." I hardly get out my refusal, my throat dry and my confidence no where to be found. I can't leave him though. "Come on." I beg him with desperate eyes. 

Then the sound of a bullet whipping through the air surrounds me, and the next thing I know I'm on the floor with Deja and Prism is on top of us. I hear metal dropping into the grass, and aside from that I have no clue what happened. "Prism?" Instantly I'm panicking. It's obvious that neither Deja or I were hit, but was he? 

I can feel the unpleasant texture of blood gracing my elbow and arm, providing the unwanted news on what happened. "Prism!?" I repeat again, choking on my words. As gently as possible I set Deja down beside me, and turn my focus over to my love. Already blood is soaking his shirt. I gaze over to the man that did this, to see his frozen, wide eyes staring from inside the house. 

"I'm sorry..." He actually has the gut to apologize? "I didn't..." There's a stutter within his voice, guilt over what he just did. He might of just killed the only person I've learned to love. And all he feel is guilt? All he does is apologize? I'm not in control of my body, as I stagger closer to the window.

He's also no longer a statue when he notices what I'm aiming for. But he's not as quick as I am. My fingers curl around the trigger, and before I even realize it another bullet's going off. 

I stare at my violently trembling hands, and the gun that lays between my feet, right below them. What did I just do? I look back over to Prism and Deja, and hear the ambulance sirens in the distance. Guess someone heard the shots. 

I somehow manage to stumble back onto my feet, and glance into the house where the man had fallen. Blood is pouring from his forehead, while his eyes now stare blankly. He's dead. I killed him. But did he kill Prism? 

Without wasting another second, I'm shuffling back over to Prism and fall straight to my knees beside him. "Prism...baby." My teeth clatter together, and tears form in my eyes. "Please stay with me. I don't know what to do." I cry for him not to leave.

Tag - Word Count - Notes

[Marree]

The footsteps. They are getting closer. They are coming down the hallway. He will be here soon. It won't take long. How many more seconds do they have to leave? 33... something like that?

I'm just a prisoner in my own body. I'm nothing more than a doll right now. I can be manipulated and controlled. Pushed or pulled on and bent into any position that they want me to be in, but instead of treating as the doll that they've come to play with, their voices and actions are very distinct. They aren't here to play with me. They are here to help me. With the fear pulling on my heart strings, I feel the thumping getting just a little bit faster. Just enough to wake me up a little more than when I am normally under the effects of this mind numbing drug. What is going on?

Then something was happening. I can feel their fear and even more so when the boy suddenly reaches under my unwilling body and scoops me up into his grasp. His warmth transfers to my own and it feels so good right now. It is the exact opposite of how I feel. I feel cold and his heat makes me shiver in his arms. My unstable vision looks up at him from this angle. I can see that look in his eyes and the way his mouth forms words that leak into my senses.

"Hey we are going to go for a walk. I promise nothing bad is going to happen to you." I blink.

"Th..ank... yo.." My voice cuts off because they start moving now. I feel safe enough in this boy's arms that I let myself cave into the nothingness that is wanting to consume me. I just want this all to go away, but is this simply just another nightmare that has been brought on by the needles contents? Am I really being pulled away from this man that's suppose to love me and take care of me and doesn't? When I wake... will I be alive?

The grip around my body tightens as I get jostled around. They are moving me upstairs in a hurried fashion, I can tell that already. Each step is a little bump that only gives me a tiny bit of hope with each one I feel. Where are... we going? Please don't take me to him. Take me... away... from here. We are almost free? Little movement has been restored to my person, but one thing I can sense is my own ability to press my head lightly against this boy who has taken the hero's route to get me out. Where is that girl? Isn't she coming too? What is her name?

A breeze wafts around my face and the smell of fresh air prickles my senses. I'm going outside? Yes! Take me out..side. Let someone see that I'm still here. I make myself wake up and look around as the boy passes me through the window to the girl and again, a different kind of heat makes me sense nothing but comfort. The labored breaths of my heroic saviors is letting my heart catch up.

Only death seems to catch it first with the sound of my anger, drunken father screaming my name. Can I die now? Before he touches me again, can I die now?

"DJ, you need to take the girl and run. Whatever happens do not come back."

What's happening? What do they know? What are they...

I flinch and squeak when I suddenly hit the ground, no longer in the safe reserves of the arms of my saviors. Instead, I feel the hard ground. I smell the tainted grass. I feel pressure being pushed against me and my breaths feel lost to me. What.. happened?

I let my mind slip off into a moment of security and see myself standing in front of a brick wall and the air is still. My arms are wrapped around something and when I look down, I notice momo in my arms. The fuzzy fur plays nicely against my skin, putting me into a happy place. Just like that, I start to hug the cat that I"ve missed for three year, but how is this possible? Is it merely a memory or...

Voices pull me out of my stupor and I glance over to the girl and see her fussing with the boy she calls 'Prism'. So, it's DJ and Prism who are my saviors? They are here to rescue me...

Blood? Why is there blood on DJ's arm? What's wrong with Prism? You have sentenced me. He's going to capture you! He's going to kill me next... A trembling starts to go off in my body and one I can't control. The fear has taken hold of me and I can't control this at all. My father's voice bellows out once more about being sorry but in the blink of my own eye, another shot has gone off and I waste away into nothing.

Waiting...

...waiting?

What's w...rong? Why has it gott... ambulences? I hear the sound off in the distance and I see the gun that's fallen before Dj's feet. What did she do?

"D...J" I say it out of a mere whisper and watch her frantically go to the boy. The whole time I want to scream because I can't move. I can't seem to lift my own body up and do my own bidding. I'm cursed. I'm trapped. Somebody help me!

Help me!

My finger tips play against the ground, barely moving, but I can feel the grass at this moment. I just don't know why I can't do anything else. "Go. DJ. Leave us." I try to get her to leave and my voice seems as though she won't even hear me beyond the noises going on and her frantic ways over the boy that is now laying on the ground and bleeding.

What have I done?

"I'm... sor... sorr... sorry..." My chest heaves softly with tears that come from fear and guilt. Something else that I can't control. When will this nightmare be over?

[Arrow]

Prism Nixton

"Promise me that no matter what you hear. That no matter what you feel. That you will run and you won't look back. For all I am is just another bad boy."

The warmth of his life evaporated from Prism's body in the shattering sound of a deadly canon. His feet had moved from a simple and quick command launched from deep within his brain. Yet truthfully the order had rung out from the bells in his heart. The very same bells which now cracked and broken with every passing and excruciating second that Prism was left breathing. His entire world had been thrown into a downward spiral the moment that the monster had reared it ugly head and shot out with its venom. Its intent was to kill, to maim, and perhaps it would get what it desired. 

Yet perhaps the beast would not get the prey it desired. For as Prism laid in the river of red that was his own blood he heard the sound of sodden foot steps. He heard the sounding of a terrified animal's breathing. Then through the silence and the pain the swept through Prism's body he heard another bang ring out into the darkness that was night within the walls of District Three.

The sound of a limp body crumbling to the chilling asphalt just as Prism had done was the next sound that slipped into the crevices of Prism's ears. Even though Prism's vision and his ability to remain conscious began to transpire into nothingness, his heart still raced. Not only because of the blood that flowed relentlessly from his skin but because of the thought of DJ or the poor little girl lying dead beside him. 

It was then Prism felt the soft and warming touch of the one he loved most dearly for. It was DJ who turned Prism pitifully over onto his back and it was her golden tears that leaked from her eyes and dropped softly against his very own white cheeks. Even in the light of death itself Prism could still tell she was glowing like the angel she truly was. An angel that he wanted all to himself, to love and to protect. Just as he had done moments ago.

Slowly Prism lifted one of his red plastered hands softly to DJ's cheeks as he carefully wiped the tears away. He knew that a girl as gorgeous as her should never have to cry. She should only smile so that her beauty could continue to shine eternally on. Even in the darkest moments like the one they found themselves in. Even with the actual dead body of the man DJ surely shot lying just yards away from them.

'Listen DJ," Prism choked out through the pain that was en-wrapping his vocal chords. "You have to take the girl and get her to a safe place." As his voice trailed off again he could hear the distance blaring of Sentinel Cars racing towards this location probably at the call of a neighbor who heard the gun fire. Yet Prism was not relieved for himself by the sounds of the sirens, but instead worried from DJ and her own freedom. He knew that if she stayed here with him like he desperately wanted her to that she would be taken from him and killed. So even though it hurt him so much he had to say what he had to say, no matter what he selfishly wanted or felt. 

Slowly he placed a pair of keys in DJ's soft and small hands as he looked her deeply in the eyes, hoping that she could understand. "Now those keys..they...they will unlock an apartment on the third floor of the electro suites. I am sure..sure..you know the building with the big electric signs in the square. It is my hide away, I want you to go with the girl there, you have to...to go now before you are caught. I can't...I can't live knowing they have you."

Through the haze and blur of his blood lose Prism could see the lights of the Sentinels approaching so gently but as strong as he could manage he shoved DJ away. His eyes held back the tears that threatened to fall, but in this moment he had to be a man. He had to save them like he saved his sister. "Go..." he mouthed to her as the darkness of night finally danced over his opulent eyes. 

table by Arrow

[cameo]

Dillon Hartmen

"When the dust finally settles, when the smoke clears, when the music stops. Will you still be able to love the girl with hair as red as blood?"

Every moment shared between Prism and I flash before me, as if I were the one dying. Desperation is building up within, though I don't know the first thing about a bullet wound. Fixing a bad ankle twist from dancing, or assisting someone that's had far too much alcohol, perhaps. But my qualification don't run any higher then that. All I know is that the sounds of sirens growing closer is the only chance to Prism's survival... It just also might be a terrible sentence for myself.

Despite the odds presented, I scoop up Prism's head to comfortably lay in my lap, while trying to avoid moving him in any other way. There's only the desire to hold him, reassure that everything's going to be okay. It might be a lie, but it's the only thing I have at this moment. Both of our lives remain swinging on the line, though I wouldn't dare risk his. Maybe they'll understand the situation and my rash, spontaneous decision. Allow me to remain with the love of my life and the young girl we've now taken in. Or my odds might just be as bad as theirs'. Either way I refuse to leave him to die alone. 

Brutal advice on leaving him, and saving the small Redhead, escapes from his sweet lips. Does he not realize what he's telling me to do? Even the thought of not being by his side rips my heart into a million shreds. "No..." I refuse to take his orders into consideration, and don't budge an inch away from him. My face sinks into his red stained touch like it may be the last. 

Cold metal rubs against the skin of my palm, shortly followed by instructions on where to go. He truly wants me to leave, save myself and this tiny child we've found. I'm trapped within an internal debate on what to do. My head is screaming at me to run before I'm sent off to an unknown punishment. While my heart is convincing me to stay with Prism, for the final moment we might have. My lips fall heavily on his before he's gently pushing me away for my own good. 

"I love you." I press for him to hear, before delicately placing his head back upon the grass. "Please, come back to me." Hardly gets out through the tears I'm trying to choke back. Quickly I force myself away, instantly cradling Deja in my arms to the best of my shaky ability. 

Not once do I look back, knowing very well that if I do I wouldn't be able to take another step. "It's going to be okay." I reassure to both Deja and myself, though it only feels so false. If I'd of stayed, there'd certainly be no seeing Prism. Right now, my concern has to be upon this youngster that needs me. Have to set aside the persuasion that's calling for me. I must tell myself that we will meet again. 

Tag - Word Count - Notes

[Marree]

Useless. I am useless. No longer laying on the bed. No longer daddy's girl. I am free, but at what cost?

The commotion beside me makes my stomach churn.Watching the two people faun over each other. The girl over the boy's bleeding body. The boy over trying to get her to go without him and 'save' me? They are doing this because they found me and yet the sirens are getting closer to me and they are becoming stronger to my ears that are no longer empty passageways for sounds to bounce around in. No, I hear and understand all what's going on around me. What they are saying in those hushed voices. What I do hear is him telling her to get me to a safe place.

With no more venom. No more needles to sink into my veins and press poisonous liquid through... no more limp arms and fuzzy brain. Will I recover now?

The great debate starts when she tells him no. For a moment, my heart wants to stop because if she stays, then I'll be found and punished along side them for what has happened. I feel like I will die if I am locked up again somewhere. Just set me free? I am a bird. I can't be caged any longer... I will die, if you trap me again.

The horrible images that run through my mind make me close my eyes and let the soggy tears be pushed out of my eyes. I feel as though I'm ready to accept the fate that I've been given. I no longer want to live if I have to be punished for something I didn't do.

Just like that... words are said to the boy in the form of something with love and a pair of gentle hands scoop me up and my heart jolts with the sudden altitude that I wasn't expecting. You're taking me with you? You aren't going to leave me? DJ... thank you.

Then I realize the sacrifice that she's making. She's leaving the boy. Every so quickly, before she turns away, I can see him and I want to trade places with him. I want to be the one to die a horrible death instead of living this life where I can't do for myself. Will it get better? Or will I have his blood on my hands?

I lose all ability to function and think as this girl tells me that things are going to be okay and I let my body sink against her touch and chest and let myself be wisked away from the evil of the house.

In the numb parts of my mind, time is nothing. I feel like it might be only a few minutes or it feels like it could be hours that I have spent in her incredibly shaking grasp before she slows down. She wakes me from my unscheduled nap when she stops. She's fumbling with something. My legs move without my own ability to do so and I try to look behind me, but the poison has still got a hold of me. So, all I can do it wait and hope to see where this girl is taking me. She finally turns something and goes in. My eyes feel shaded from something or it could just be pure darkness and then the door is shut from behind.

Where am I? Where did you take me? Please don't leave me in the dark, Dj. Please don't hur...

Lights flood the room and it isn't scary at all. It looks peaceful from this angle. I hear Dj sniff and I can onlly assume she's crying and then she lays me down somewhere and then stands, turning away from me for a moment and disappearing somewhere. She left me alone... again.

"Come... back..." I whisper out and slowly turn my head as much as I can to examine the room that I'm in. Messy and lived in, but in a homey kind of way. There's no order. There's no perfect 'feel' to this place. This place looks safe. It looks like my salvation. No pink anywhere. No toys. No dolls. No father...

"Dj?" I mutter and wait until she comes back. Will you come back?