Bariyan slammed a hand forwards. His fingers closed on empty air, too slow to stop Martin from escaping. And his body now too broken to give chase.

He ran after Martin anyways, staggering out of the alley as he feet sought new balance, trying to readjust to torn muscles and broken bones. But Martin was moving much faster than him now -- always had -- and he soon lost sight of the boy.

Bariyan stopped, momentarily. He swayed on his feet and fell back against the nearest wall, hanging his head in despair.

"God-- damn-- it--"