Gunfire sounds out throughout the night, proof that the fight has begun. Bullet after bullet is fired, only to miss its target. Authorities could be here anytime with the commotion, but we don't care. Danger only excites us further. The bright lights approaching, near blinding. We jump to the shadows, fight still ongoing. Voices call out in warning, but we don't care. Our opponent gets cold feet and tries to escape. Our adreneline is raging through us, eager for more. Giving chase, a single stray bullet pierces our shoulder, but we only run faster. We cannot lose our prey now.

Cornered, it quivers, it calls us a monster, but are we really the monster here? We don't hesitate, gun to its head. Say goodnight, for eternal slumber awaits. The voices are getting closer, but we care not to mess with the police tonight. We have completed what we've set out to do, so we flee. Finally granting me freedom within the confines of my own home, I collapse on the couch. I know it's only the beginning. Tomorrow it will be the same. It always is. Sleep comes fast, and I welcome it, knowing it is my only sanctuary from this hell.

Morning comes, and I shield my eyes from the sunlight. The scent of alcohol is strong. I hardly ever use my bedroom anymore. Various empty alcoholic bottles litter the living room. Sometimes it's unbearable, but last night was mild. Just thinking about last night scares me. A voice rouses me from my thoughts and I slowly get up.

"C'mon, Kaito. You can't be THAT exhausted. I could keep this up for days!" The voice cries out in my mind, mocking me.

Growling, I respond, "I'm only human. You're the one who needs to settle down."

"Humans are so boring! Let's get up and DO something!" It prattles on.

Standing fast in a fit of anger, I stomp my foot on the floor. "Shut UP! Every fucking morning!" My angered words fell short of what I'd meant them to as I deflated back to my tired self. Every morning starts like this, me and him arguing.

Heading to the kitchen, I pull a box of cereal out of the cupboard and pour myself a bowl. I know better than to get milk. Last time I fell asleep in it. Leaning on one arm, I begin eating. Taking my cell out of my pocket, I begin texting the client. Job successful. Hitting send, I call my friend Cipher.

"Mornin' Kai! How's the old demon treating you?" He answered before I could even say a thing. Cipher was the only other person that knew what happened to me. He was the only one I could trust with such a secret.

Taking another bite, I replied "Just peachy..."

"I know it's none of my business, but you really should talk to that thing. It's ruining you." His voice was full of concern.

Sighing, I agreed. "I know. Last night, it was like I..." Trailing off, I took another bite.

"Anyway, just wanted to know if you felt like chilling. I got some of the good shit."

Smiling a little, I responded "I'd like that."

"The usual spot. I'll be waiting." Click.

Finishing my cereal I got up and headed to the bathroom. I felt like shit. Grabbing a comb, I tried to fix my hair a little bit to be at least presentable. Looking into the mirror, I couldn't help but think how much I've changed. I remember a time when I saw a young innocent boy in the mirror. His brown hair neatly arranged, smile reaching far across his face. Now all I see is what I am now. Disheveled white hair, the result of too many experiments. Eyes emotionless, just staring.

Sick of looking at myself at the moment, I headed out for the usual spot. Of all times to speak up, it was now. "You look like hell."

Shaking my head, I ignored the voice. It could shove off for all I care. Cipher was right about it, but what could I do about it? As if on que, the voice laughed. "There's nothing you can do. Just give up."

Around the next corner stood Cipher, short brown hair, rectangular glasses. Green eyes that shined with life. His signature grin plastered on his face. "About time. C'mon."

Walking into the alley, he passed me a joint. "That's not good for you." again the voice decided to bother me.

"Shut up. I don't care what you think." I muttered as I lit the joint and brought it to my lips. Cipher knew who I was talking to, and made no comment on it. "The good shit you say? This is tame as fuck."

Cipher sighed. "There's no drug strong enough to sate that body of yours." Taking a drag off his own, he looked at me. "I haven't gathered any additional information yet. Whoever these guys worked for really knew how to cover their asses."

Musing on the thought of there not being a strong enough drug for me, I chuckled, although barely audible. "Imagine surgery. That'd be hell."

"Heh, unable to be put out. That would suck." Looking up to the sky he changed the subject. "You ever wonder if there is a reason for everything? A reason why things happen?"

I shook my head. "Don't even start. I've done nothing to deserve this. There is no reason." Inhailing the smoke, I groaned. "Okay, so maybe this shit is better than last time. I'm feelin it."

A sudden wave of nausia hit me like a ton of bricks and I dropped to my knees. "Ughh, something feels sickly familiar." Ever since that demon was here, I've had the ability to sense finer things. Some things I couldn't even begin to describe, but this...I know what this is. I can't put a name to it, but I know I felt this before.

Cipher was at my side instantly, but for some unexplained reason, I roughly shoved him away. "You're losing it, Kai." He let out a sigh. "I just don't know what I can possibly do to ease your pain."

Realizing what I'd done, I stood up. "Why did they have to detain it? I'd rather just give my entire being up to this thing. It will never go away." It could have taken my entire body as its own, but due to restrictions in the experiment, we're equal. It has to yeild to what I want, and I have to yeild to what it wants. It's a constant game of tug o' war.

Feeling that rage suddenly, I steeled myself. "Cut it out! It's the middle of the day! I don't mind letting you wander at night, but for fucks sake, not during the day!"

"You're no fun." The voice echoed through my mind, but it let up. "But tonight I get to have MY fun!"

Shaking my head, I looked at Cipher. "Thanks for the joint. I better head back home and rest." Not even waiting for a response, I walked off...