Thinking about Dion's words made me realize what was happening. Ever since the fight started, the figure had been instigating me to attack. And I fell right into his trap every single time by being the one to run out and start swinging at him first. Meanwhile, he was conserving his energy, waiting, concentrating, letting me do all the work while he patiently calculated the right time to strike. Once I saw what he was doing to me, I started to mirror his degree of hesitation. I simply stood strong, in a battle stance, and waited for HIM to come to ME this time. Our eyes locked onto one another, and no matter how long it took, I wasn't going to strike first this time. He was going to have to make the first move.

Finally, the shadowed figure charged forward and began swinging wildly at me to throw me off balance. It was then that my mimic capabilities kicked into high gear, and I absorbed his fighting styles right into me with every blow. My body began to twist and contort in all new ways, as my reflexes suddenly blessed me with newfound talents and striking positions. I defended myself with ease, and landed some harsh blows to the figure in front of me.

A train rushed by over our heads, and the slight distraction gave me the opening I needed to give the bastard three hits to the chest and face as hard as I possibly could. I used every bit of strength that I could to make thows blows count...but when I saw the creature stand back up and walk forward again as though nothing happened...I began to wonder if beating him was even possible! That was my best shot! And he just walks it off??? NOW what?

Quote #7: "We're all hurting in our own ways, Justin. Whenever you're feeling down, you're never alone."

1) Dion
2) Jenna
3) Taryn
4) Tim