A/N: Here it is…another new character. That will be all. There is abuse in this chapter, so be forewarned. I'm so sorry I haven't posted this sooner, but I got grounded, and I kinda snuck this one on…

5. Events of an Alley

Chessie made her way to an alley that was a shortcut to the De Chagney's villa. She was going over her plan, when she heard a cry in the night. She immediately jumped into the nearest shadow, completely invisible. She inched closer to the shadows, dancing on the brick walls. She studied the moving forms and saw a man and a woman. The man had a grip on the woman's wrists, and it looked like she was struggling to get away.

Chessie stood there watching, to make sure it wasn't what she thought it was. Then she heard the cry again, "No, stop! Let me go!" the woman kicked the man and it landed on his shin. He only yelped and backed her to the wall, slamming her hard against it.

This time, it was clear what was happening. She moved closer, still in the shadows until she could see them. The man was obviously drunk; she could smell it on him and the way he moved gave him away.

The woman made another attempt to free herself from his grasp. The man grunted and slapped her hard across the face. She gasped and didn't turn her head to look at him any longer. He forced her on the ground,

Chessie's anger took over her again, and she moved silently right behind him, still invisible. She uncoiled her Punjab lasso and threw it over the man's neck. It was amazing how much power it gave her. The man made gagging sounds and clawed at the rope, which was tightening around his neck. She jabbed her sword in his back and he squeaked. She didn't puncture him, only poked him.

She then lowered his ear to her lips from behind, so he would not see her face. She spoke in an icy voice she didn't know she was able to do, "Monsieur, I suggest that you look back on this night before you think about drinking again. Goodnight." The voice scared him so bad, he leaked his pants and started to tremble. The way her voice came out made the back of her neck prickle, with the fine hairs that stood on end. She smelled victory: urine. She smiled in the dark, and tightened the rope again. It was all that he could manage, and his knees buckled. She let go of the rope, only when she saw that he was knocked out.

The woman was scared out of her mind and she pressed her back into the wall as much as she could, trying to melt into it. She huddled in the corner, holding onto her knees tightly when she saw the stranger come towards her.

Chessie recognized the girl. She also lived in the Opera house. She was a very shy person, and spoke only when spoken to. Another ballet rat, but nonetheless, a good one at that. She didn't know her name, though.

Chessie put her sword back in its sheath and walked towards the trembling girl. The moonlight shone down on her face of porcelain, and sent blue streaks on her dark blonde hair. She noticed a large red mark on her face, and softened. She bent down in front of her, looked in her green eyes, and spoke softly,

"It's alright; he's not going to hurt you anymore." She reached out and touched the girl's shaking arm. The woman jumped and Chessie rolled her eyes.

She sighed, "Look, I'm not going to hurt you either. See?" She took off her cloak and cap. She shook her head and her hair flowed down past her shoulders, revealing her gender. The girl's eyes widened in recognition. "I know you! You're…"

"Yes, I'm Chessie; you live at the Opera house too?" The girl nodded and said, "I'm Jillian, but people call me Jill. Than-"

"Don't. I'm not worthy of any praise." Chessie turned her head away from Jill and whispered more to herself, "I hurt someone…and that voice…it wasn't mine."

Chessie inched closer and saw that the large red mark was the shape of a hand and the edges were turning purple. She gently reached out, touched Jill's face, and said sadly, "That's going to leave a nasty bruise tomorrow."

Jill flinched when Chessie touched her bruised cheek, but relaxed and nodded in agreement. She looked away, not wanting to see Chessie's look of pity.

Chessie suddenly remembered the other things the man did and spoke up. "Did…did he…do anything else to you?" She felt relieved when Jill shook her head, but she somehow didn't believe it.

She looked concerned and said softly, but firmly, "Let me see your wrists."

Jill very reluctantly held out her wrists, palms up. Chessie bent to examine them and she could see big finger marks, pressed so hard on her skin, she could almost make out fingerprints. Her wrists were already a dark bluish purple, no doubt, her face will match it soon. She let out a angry growl and moved so suddenly, it made Jill jump.

Chessie strode gracefully at the man lying on the alley's street and wrapped the rope around her hand. She rolled him over and grabbed his collar, pulling him up. She gave Jill the most frightening look. It had the glint of a murderer's. Her voice changed from sweet and mellow to cold and icy again.

"See this rope? All I have to do is give it one more tug, and his neck will snap. It will kill him instantly. That's all it takes, I can end it quickly. I'll kill him if you wish it."

Jill gathered her courage and stammered out, "No! D-don't kill him…you've done enough, thank you. Let's just go home…please!"

Reality hit Chessie and she gasped. The evil look was gone and was replaced with horror. She immediately released the rope and his collar. He fell to the ground with a sickening thud. She backed away; terrified at the anger that almost cost a life. Oh God…what is happening to me? She went to Jill and extended a hand to help her up. She took her hand, and was surprised when Chessie hugged her. She tensed in pain, from where he slammed her against the wall, but hid it.

Chessie let go and the rest of the way home was in silence except when Jill was cold, she couldn't hide it and Chessie put her cloak on her. She didn't mind, she was burning up in shame, guilt, and anger, so she didn't need it.

She led Jill to a wall made of vines and reached in, feeling around for the knob. She found it, and opened the secrete door, instructing Jill to follow. They got into the opera house, and Chessie suggested Jill should stay at her place, until she figured out something to say, should anyone ask. They went through a tunnel that ended in the hall of the dormitories. You wouldn't know it was there unless someone showed it to you.

Chessie opened the door to her room, and asked Jill if she would like something to eat or drink, to which she said she would. When she came back, she had two cups of tea and sat opposite of Jill while they chatted. Jill noticed a grand piano in the corner and asked, "You play too?"

Chessie laughed and said, "Yes, do you?"

Jill smiled and nodded in excitement. Chessie was glad that they could focus on something else, and led her to the piano.

The two took turns impressing each other for the next two hours.