It was early morning in the city that never sleeps. Even though appropriately named for the nightlife and busy streets, no one bothered to notice a hulking shadow pass silently over the rooftops, as graceful as the dancers in a theatre that he passed, and as powerful as the storm brewing ominously in the background. Thunder boomed overhead as it rolled through the heavens, like angry drums.
Slowing at the sound of a distressed cry the figure peered over the edge of the building, his brow furrowing at the sight before him. Perched and waiting to strike, the figure snarled as the group of tattooed boys, because he refused to call them men, cornered a young brunette. Fists shaking like leaves in his anger. He decided he had had enough of listening to their foul tongues spew grotesque, sexual, obscenities to the defenseless woman.
Dropping onto the two males in the rear, he noted with disgust the dragons they sported like ugly purple bruises snaking up their necks and arms. Melting into the shadows easily, watching for another opening, and striking faster then the human eye could see, had become second nature to him at such a young age he could easily do more without conscious thought.
When he disposed of the last three he turned to make a silent assessment of the trembling woman, years of experience told him it was best to be an invisible protector. Better to help from the background anonymously, than upfront and personally be rewarded with shrieks and cries of, "MONSTER" or "FREAK".
As the womans head lifted her soft brown hair fell away, showing a rounded face, soft lips, and wide eyes. His heart began to pound unexpectedly as his gray blues saw lovely blue greens. Staying in the shadows, he remained deathly still as the woman looked around as if in search for something. Slowly getting to her feet, he watched as her coat fell open to reveal a light yellow shirt, and a long jean skirt. She reached for the shoe she most likely tripped out of when being cornered, and quickly put it back on as she continued her scrutinization of the darkness around her.
"I know you're still here!" The woman said suddenly."Or, at least I hope you still are..." The last part was nearly a whisper, hadn't he had sensitive ears he would've missed it.
"If you don't wanna come out it's okay, to each is own I guess. I really wanted to thank you properly though, so...if you're ever on the north side of town, drop a note addressed to Sue on the rooftop of building 2256 on East Drive. Wondering around at night must make you hungry." Almost as an afterthought she added. "And if you're wondering how I know about you, I've heard the stories on the news. I think it's really cool what you've done, so...if you need anything, let me know."
He watched, stunned as she nodded, like she was reassuring herself that she was okay before she made her way to the mouth of the alley. Before she stepped out however, she spoke one last time.
"If you are still here, and if you don't mind, not that you don't have anything better to do but...what I'm trying to say is." She took a deep breath. "I'm on my way to work and it's still five blocks away, could you, maybe, tail me? Please? If not just leave, but if yes just throw something from the alley."
He stood there, not knowing what to think. Here someone was wanting to thank him, a very pretty someone, and at the same time offering him the chance to stay secret. Lost slightly in his musings he forgot to throw something from the alley, she was about to step out when his voice startled her.
"I'll go." At that the woman whipped around and stared into the darkness. In doing so he caught a waft of her scent, fresh like, rain and lilies. He shook his head.
Instead of commenting, she simply nodded again and took a left out of the alley. He quickly jumped to the roof of the same direction, and followed her all five blocks to a well known sweet shop on the corner of third and fourth called Sueanne McCarthy's Sweats, treats, and tea.
Stationed upon a building across the street from the quaint little shop, he watched, bewitched, as the wind seemed to cause her long brown hair to flow in waves behind her, and as she stopped to fish out keys from her skirt pocket, the sun at half mast, cast a ray of morning light that bathed her in golden orange, and red light, which caused his breath to hitch precariously at the beautiful sight.
He was growing unsure of the rapidly developing heart and respiratory condition that has begun since being in the presence of this, delicate creature. Wait, what? The figure shook his head of the strange thoughts, but couldn't seem to shake the warmth the picture he previously witnessed placed in his heart, and it continued to spread and soon settled in the pit of his stomach.
Whatever it was, he chased it to the back of his mind as he made his way back home. Frowning slightly at the clouds' timing as they all let loose their heavy load upon the figure as he leapt, still as silent, graceful, and powerful as since earlier that night.