it's like the face inside is right beneath my skin; Gryffen

[Aoki]

Rusted chains rattle, locks unbolt and doors slide open. Crow is on the move, his dark presence stronger, more possessive the longer I am immobile, the longer I am in the presence of another. His dark fingers curl around my throat, the darkness slipping and sliding just behind my eyes. Faded green that look like the dying autumn grass at my feet. They watch him, the pallid beast, all of his form, shimmering in the light. Ghosts walk along paths trodden by most, but they can easily cast a glance my way. I'd seen many ghosts, perhaps from Crow himself, but they follow me, their dark eyes swallowing me. There is no sleep, no peace for you. Mine. Mine. The chains rattle horrendously, they are all I hear. My ears pin tightly against my crown. I try and block him, but his unseen hands crawl over my skin, unperturbed by any, not even the pallid beast. Because he knows no one can see him, he is tainted, a ghoul of sorts, a spectre only I can see. Somewhere along my life line, I'd troubled someone, something and he attached himself to me. As far as I can remember, it's always been Crow and it has always been Aoki. But more often than once, I've longed to be solitary. 'The man can keep Crow away from Aoki?' there is a strange brightness in my voice, such a contrast against my broken, bruised frame. The emerald glaze returns momentarily. 'Aoki will do anything, anything for that.' The rusted chains rattle, slide and drag across the halls of my mind, he threatens me, teeth gnashing, fingers pulling and strangling me, choking me. I cough, a drawled breath. My lungs like lead, my eyes clear like glass marbles as they look upon the beast. 'Aoki will do whatever he wants.' Foolish girl. But if he hurts you, I will treasure the moment. There is nothing like seeing you break some more. 'Break me more.' I say, a whisper, as fragile as a dying butterfly. I extend my course muzzle and drag it across the pale steed's shoulder. My silvery mane falling in ringlets over my eyes. It is a foolish notion, indeed a foolish expression, but I reach for him with perpetual shaking hands. My salvation. 'Whatever the cost. Aoki will do anything. Please, please stop Crow.' My dear, there is no stopping me. That, I can promise. it's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within, A  O  K  I;It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin.