his head shook wih the force he'd hit the wall, it's a wonder he didn't crack it. I stumbled backwards, eyes flickering around the room in quick glances, trying to find a suitable weapon. There were few things I could throw at him, the lamps, and the radio, the only other things were Bloom's books and Thorn's magazines laid out on the table. These things would hardly deter him, especially with my aim, I couldn't throw to save my life. I'd have to make a mad dash for the kitchen, we had knives, they weren't swords, but they were better than nothing. My eyes found Karnage again, he was staggering to his feet, it was now or never.

I raced for the kitchen, Karnage swore behind me, in English and Spanish. I grabbed the butcher's knife, it was the biggest one we had, and it was still puny compared to his sword. I held fast to the ebony handle, praying silently, as Karnage walked into the kitchen. I had seen him mad before, but never this mad, the killer look in his eyes spiked my fear, but I had to do this, I had to protect my daughter. I rushed him, knife ready, and managed to stab him in the side, before he grabbed me by my hair and flung me into the counter's corner. I gasped at the rush of pain in my middle back, and fell to my knees, eyes stinging with tears. His strong hands were quickly around my neck, as he forced me down, choking the air out of me. I heard something like a banging, but couldn't focus enough to tell what it was. I was gasping, taking in quick shallow breaths, my heart was pounding fast in my heart, drowning out any other possible noise, and black spots started dotting across my vision field.

Suddenly the pressure around my neck was gone, and I started taking deep greedy breaths, my throat hurt, and I couldn't move for what felt like eternity, before I slowly, carefully started easing myself up, but I barely made it to hands and knees before I felt the urge to vomit. "Ugh..." I mumbled sickly. I had to be seeing things, you know, from lack of oxygen, because I could swear there was a hand inf ront of my face. I gingerly reached out and grabbed it, and it pulled me carefully to my feet. I cautiously looked up into the face of my apparent savior. "Baloo" I breathed "What are you doing here?"
"I saw the Iron Vulture fly by, I had a hunc, and decided to stop by."

"Oh, well I'm very glad you did...thank you...Is he?"

"He got away."

I took a deep breath and then I heard Angelita start to cry. "I need my baby" I said softly and walked past him and up the stairs. I entered the nursery, not even bothering to turn on the light, the night light in the wall was enough. I carefully picked up my weeping baby and helt her close, gently shushing her. But tears started to leak down my own cheeks as well, I hated to think of it, the fact that if Shere Khan hadn't showed up, then I'd be...and Angelita...he would have taken her away. No matter what I could never let that happen, I wouldn't.