Art by  tkd_dbull!

* * *

Ivan froze at the sight of the Once Iggy leering down at him until it started scaling down the wall like a spider. Its claws sank into the bricks like a spoon into frozen ice cream; the progress was slow, but when Ivan ran past it and around the corner of the building, his ears picked up the sound of its increased descent.

It was playing with him. Mocking him. I can catch you anytime I want, was what its actions told Ivan, but first we will play.

Ivan hoped he would prove to be a very poor player. He moved with an increased, frantic pace. The parking lot of the Bullseye was empty--he must have remained hidden between the dumpsters for hours after all. A hurried glance past the entrance doors showed only darkness. No one would be in there. He had a hope, however slim, that he might have been able to find shelter inside.

He moved faster, fearful that if he slowed down, or looked over his shoulder, that the Once Iggy would be leering scant inches behind him. The unearthly shriek of his pursuer did sound closer now. It was gaining, and he already felt himself getting a stitch in his side. He was not built for running, but running was the only thing that could save his life.

He had almost reached the street that separated the Bullseye parking lot from the gym's when he saw Tank locking up. There was no mistaking that large figure which gave him his nickname, and for a moment his heart leapt with joy, giving him the second wind he so desperately needed. The stitch in his side was gone and his feet seemed to fly across the parking lot, the streetlamps blurring past him. Did he feel the air behind him part, as if from a swipe of claws?

Ivan knew the thing was behind him now, as the absence of shrieks were paradoxically deafening to his ears. Fear brought out the will for more speed. He had never run so fast for so long before. He would pay for it later...if he survived. It would be a price he would gladly pay if he lived.

But first he would have to reach Tank before--

The parking lot suddenly ended and Ivan stumbled off the curb, his arms windmilling to help him keep his balance as he raced across the street. Somehow he kept himself from falling as he reached the gym's parking lot and Tank.

"Ivan?" Tank looked at him as he walked down the steps, casually tossing his keyring into the air and catching it. He paused in midstep, cocking his head. "What the hell's wrong?" He narrowed his eyes as Ivan quickly grew nearer to the steps. "Is that blood on your--"

"Tank! Please! You must help me!"

Tank's eyes widened as he looked past Ivan. "BEHIND YOU!"

The warning came too late as something slammed against Ivan from behind, the weight bringing him down.

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