User blog:Stormlilly/V. The figure makes no sound as your fingers settle around it's neck...

To your surprise, its flesh is thin, and soft to the touch - covered with a thin layer of what feels like the fuzz around the skin of a peach. You feel half-conscious as you twist your fingers, and the figure makes a sad, surprised half-sigh... And collapses to the ground.

You feel no sense of pride or accomplishment. Finally having caught sight of the thing, it appears weak and emaciated. You kneel down to peel the paper bag off of it's face and perhaps remove some of the grime covering your assailant - but then your eyes catch something glinting around it's neck, and you are filled with a fell sense of need.

A key.

Don't those always lead somewhere? Yeah, with this, aren't you safe..?! You grab the key from around a thin silken thread, and snap it off - the freak's head wobbling like a marionette with cut strings as you do so. That doesn't matter though - nothing else matters. You are free.

Scrabbling up the collapsed passageway, you carve your way up, up, and onwards. Nothing else blocks your escape as you run hurriedly through quiet hallways - and finally reach a large gate made of burnished steel. Chains have been thrown over the door, but they're no match for your spade and patience. A heavy lock has been cast under the chains - but it's no match for your new golden friend. The key fits in, the lock slides off and you open the door.

The night air is cool and refreshing as you head outside - you can taste the smoke in the air, perhaps from a distant fire. The cold rain drenches you - you'll have to find shelter. But you're free now, and there's no looking back.

... A lingering doubt creeps into your mind. Perhaps you could've explored a bit more - perhaps you left something... Behind? But you quell the thought with a wide smile. Whatever happened tonight - it dies here. Like that creature. Like your friends. You're free now. Free...

... Your shoulder itches.

Ending:

FREEDOM