Bang, bang.

Twin blasts exploded into the tree. A mass of silver and black tumbled out of the branches, a hiding place proven useless.

He shot me down.

Panic seized the clear blue cat-eyes, but there was no time for wasted words and careless cries. Not anymore.

Bang, bang.

Two more shots, skinning the shoulder. The pale skin underneath quickly seeped crimson, as the groan of torment leaked out of his lips.

I hit the ground.

Even as he fell from the root, he knew there was nothing left. No dignity. No honor as he would be killed like a common dog.

Bang, bang.

Scrambling for some haven, some sort of salvation, the boy-man couldn't even turn to the one he loved. The one he gave everything for. Because they were already there, holding that accursed gun.

That…awful sound.

This wasn't right. This wasn't what was supposed to happen.

This wasn't how it was supposed to end.

The barrel kissed the pale forehead, ignoring the cries of its victim.

"VIN-."

Bang, bang.

Nothing.

He was gone.

Shadow-wrapped arms took up the small body. The golden claw, capable of so much harm, only caressed the silver hair. There was pain, unimaginable pain, in those blood-red eyes. They spoke volumes. Of forced murder. Of knowing he would be the one to put those final shells into his love.

It was a sadness no amount of tears could wipe away.

My baby shot me down.