''I have to steal. I HAVE TO!'' the Sewer King said. He watched as the men frowned and exchanged glances. He walked back while they approached him.

A man raised his fist and brought it back. His eyes were wide the minute a hand caught his fist. He saw the Sewer King's matching expression.

*The man carrying the boxes earlier?* the Sewer King thought. He stumbled and fell on his side. The Sewer King winced before he viewed the man releasing the fist. *Hm?* he thought as the trembling men ran.

''I'm Alfred Pennyworth. Are you alright?'' Alfred extended a hand after the Sewer King nodded. There was concern in his eyes.

There was another glance back. The Sewer King faced the boxes on the ground. After turning to Alfred, he took the latter's hand. He wrapped his arm around Alfred's waist and released him. The Sewer King smiled and nodded at the same time. ''Many thanks,'' he said.

The Sewer King abandoned Alfred. He decided to return to the sewer. Perhaps his children were already under the streets.
So he guessed. Not every person wished to attack him. So he guessed.

The Sewer King held the watch he took out of Alfred's coat earlier. The watch he removed when he wrapped his arm around the other man's waist. His smile returned slowly. ''Many thanks,'' the Sewer King said before he laughed in a loud tone.

THE END