The damp, heavy air pressed down on my lungs. The city night was noisy as usual, but this particular alley was eerily silent. Shards of broken neon signs lay scattered on the ground, and unidentified liquid formed deep puddles. The fishy smell of blood and a burning stench mixed disgustingly, stinging my nose.

It's finally over. Leaning my back against the wall, I gasped for breath. Blood flowing from my side was staining my leather jacket dark red, but I didn't have the luxury to care. I turned my head to check on you. Fortunately, you looked unhurt. That fact alone was enough. Ha... fuck, I really thought I was gonna die.

A sigh of relief escaped along with the curse. I tried to stagger to my feet, but slumped back down at the throbbing pain. Dammit, did I break a bone? Giving up on standing, I turned my gaze to you sitting beside me. You okay? Not hurt anywhere?