ONE STEP FORWARD TWO STEPS BACK;; open - visitor

The sound of her voice rang through his ears. Her desperate tone and familiar, eloquent phrases caused his grip to lighten momentarily. In that short span, his eyes interlocked with hers and his hissing stopped. Atticus froze. The feline snapped back into motion milliseconds later, claws repositioning into their place, but as soon as he did, the force of her paws pushed against his chest. Pain vibrated throughout his ribcage and shot into his spine, causing him to back away. A yowl in pain sounded out from his throat and traveled into the sky. One would call it a genuine screech in pain, others would call it a subconscious cry for help.

Atticus stumbled back into his place, catching his balance before he fell over. Golden eyes zeroed back into Sweeney. With a ragged heave, he mindlessly dove back into the battle and pushed her into the floor, chest facing him. His gaze stared down at her with demented intent as the feline shook violently. He didn't act yet. A battle within was raging. Thoughts raced in his mind, control and true feelings fighting amongst themselves.

'Stop.'

Atticus froze. An external source was arriving to take control.