Cerulean

Prolog:

Running...

I've never felt so exhilarated... So free...

So chased.

My lungs burn.

My body feels wild.....

I am happy...

Terrified....

Expectant..

Death is alluring.

Mysterious.

Comforting...

I am at the edge of Life and Death...

Nearly a dozen men with angry scowls surround me. Weapons are drawn.

"Face your end you Kaibutsu!" one hisses, lashing out at me.

I feel blood drizzle down my arm. I lick the blood from my claws slowly, savoring the metallic tang.

The man falls to the ground.

I have killed dozens today... One more hardly seems to matter.

Knowing that the crimson stains my lips, chin and teeth, and knowing it enrages these men more... I smile and chuckle deeply.

"Oh? And what will you do Ningens? Have you forgotten it is I who stole your noble prince? I who has slain your brave and worthy king, your pure Queen and innocent Princess? Let me remind you then... Would you like to hear all the savory details? How I tore their intestines out? How their blood misted the air... How their hearts beat in my hand, before I crushed them? I suppose you'd even like to know why I did it?...." I mused.

"Kill her!" the leader hissed.

I took a step backwards.

I had two choices.. I couldn't escape..... It was just Death and I....

But I could chose how I was going to die...

I could suffer by the hands of these mortals...

Or free fall...

Blades or free fall.....

I looked to the shining jewel in my hand. I could almost see the soul residing in the obsidian depths...

I smiled, baring my fangs.

I wouldn't be dead forever...

I closed my eyes and let my body topple over the edge.