"What the hell... Grr... It's going to take more than past wounds to kill me! Come on!"
I start to pick myself up, painful feelings that come and go from my stomach. But I've gotten used to them, even though I am not in anguish like before... I collapse on the floor.
Shirley starts to dwell in my head, our precious moments... Her lovely complexion, dark red hair, her smile. Her voice lingers in my head. Memories of the past.
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"Please... Don't kill me... Please... Let me go!"
I can't hurt this woman! She probably thought I was an enemy! But what if she is the enemy?
"That depends, girl. You're going to have to convince me before I let you go..."
"Are you the one they call, Mars?"
"That's what I get called..."
I proceed to give her a deep kiss. She slaps me hard and now she has me down.
"You let your guard down, boy. I don't care if you are Mars... Although you're a bit young... However, we aren't enemies... Unfortunately..."
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"Hey, thanks for helping me out... Never thought I would be helped from the same person that scolded me, haha!"
"Just don't get killed, all right? You're no good to me dead, son don't be a stupid fuck and get us both killed!"
"As you wish, mademoiselle!"
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"Richter! I don't know how to respond to your proposal! It is very unexpected! But how are we going to live like this?"
I place the ring on her finger.
"Don't worry, Shirley. I've asked the heads and went all the way to the top. They allowed it, we just need to do a few more jobs."
"Richter... You just gave me the happiest moment of this life. I'm grateful I'm with you. Please, don't ever leave me..."
I proceed to hug and kiss her.
"Everything for you, dear. You are the best thing that has ever come into my life. I will always be by your side. Never will I let you be hurt."
We kiss once again and proceed through the special night.
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I regain my senses. I pick myself up and slam down on the floor, hard.
"SHIRLEY! GRRRAAAHHH! I want you back in my life! I NEED YOU BACK IN MY LIFE! WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN?!"
I once again slam down on the floor.
"You weren't supposed to die, Shirley... I tried... Hopefully, through these Kindred, can I get to the very person who planned this out. Ralph... When that night comes... Your blood will be shed!"