>>37084613"To live and die for someone else's happiness. And that meant I had to become a criminal, to fight and grow stronger every day."
"For years, I was miserable, and all I thought about was what I'd do if I could quit. That is, until recently."
"My mother acknowledged my suffering and shared it with me. Thanks to that, I found meaning and purpose in my work. Now, I feel like I couldn't stop even if I wanted to."
> "Would you do it if I asked?" She pleads."She's my mother. I've known her my whole life. You, I've met twice. Having sex doesn't change that."
> "I know, but this city is dangerous. If we had enough money, we could leave and live somewhere safer.""You're right, but that's not the life for me. You're part of The Sirens, and I'm part of the Black Shadows. It may sound crazy, but being part of a gang is the safest option in this town."
"Your sisters will protect you, and now so will I."
> She smiles and gives you a soft kiss.> "I'm going to hold you to that."> Finding comfort in your words, she rests her head against your chest and wanders off to dreamland. You were feeling pretty tired too. It was a little early for you to be calling it a day, but with Sonata glued to you, you weren't going anywhere.> The next thing you hear is some sounds emanating from the kitchen. Looking over at your clock, you see it's just past noon. A few hours before you normally got up, but that's not what you were worried about.> If your mother saw you like this, she might do something drastic. Sneaking out from under Sonata, you throw on some casual shorts and a wifebeater before heading to the kitchen.> "Good morning. You're up early." Your mother greets you."Yeah, went to bed early too."
> "You feeling alright? Back acting up at all?""A little, yeah. Say, can we talk?"
> "Sure. Here." She says, handing you a cup of coffee."I met someone the other day."
> "Someone I know?""No, her name's Sonata. Really cute and bubbly. She's with The Sirens, but she herself is relatively harmless."
> "The Sirens aren't harmless, son. Whatever notions you have about this woman are wrong. Most of them may work as strippers and joytoys, but the second you let your guard down, they'll slit your throat.""Not this one. She's more of a victim of circumstance, like any civilian. I'd like you to meet her?"
> "Why? What does she have to offer us if she's a victim.""Personal fulfillment."
> "If you're suggesting we help some hooker down on her luck, you should know what my answer will be.""I do, but that's not what I'm asking."
> As you take a sip of your drink, the door to your room swings open. Seeing Tempest tense up, you knew exactly what was going to happen. In the blink of an eye, your mother reaches for the knife block and throws a single dagger.> Having no time to stop her, you throw your mug and intercept the deadly blade in midair. Causing coffee to spill everywhere. 