In A Different Light Chapter 10
Raven stepped out into the sunlight, and pulled the hood over her eyes. She didn't want any attention, and her legs were going to gain enough of it on their own. They wobbled slightly, with less feeling then she'd originally planned on utilizing. But, there really wasn't anything she could, or would, do about that.
She continued to walk down the empty street, grateful for the peacefullness of it all. Suddenly, she felt the urge to go to the park. It wasn't that far... Hawk would probably not be within eyeshot of it either... Maybe a few minutes, and then she'd turn around...
It barely took more than ten seconds to make a decision and begin walking to the park. The park was a rather large area, green and inviting. Like a large grand circle, it bred of tree's and birds, the grass green and supple, even in cold weather. There were several benches, and a cool breeze was running through the air. She smiled up at the air, and let the wind tickle her face. She went to the nearest bench and sat down. The wind was still then. There was nobody in the area. The park was empty. The clouds were dark and ominous. It looked as if a storm was forming just north of where she was.
She looked up at the clouds boredly then. It was just her luck. She knew that these clouds meant a heavy load of rain. She'd have to head home, and soon. Especially since she was hobbling anyway.
Raven went to stand up when she was startled. Something had caught her attention right outside her periferal vision. She didn't turn though, not sure what to do. She could tell it was a rather burly man, somewhat athletically built, of a distinctly North African background... Possibly, Egyptian? She took a chance and turned slightly to see him better. She instantly regretted the decision to turn when she saw the expression on his face.
It was lust.
Raven recoiled slightly, almost tripping backwards in her haste to back away from the man. He continued to stare at her. She turned as quickly as she could, the clouds only swirling ever more dark...
She knew she couldn't run. She didn't know what possessed her to try. It was possible that fear overtook the logic to scream. But at the same time, who would hear?
Everyone was inside, waiting for the storm to start. Probably blasting music and watching the weather channel. How could the situation get any worse? Oh yeah, there was a creepy guy, possibly a mugger or rapist... and she was alone, and partially crippled. Her situation couldn't really get any worse.
And then the man pulled out a knife.
It was worse.
Victor walked leisurley to the park. For some odd reason, he felt like he needed to take a walk through the desolate nature. He knew no one'd be out at this time. There was a storm brewing just east of where he was. He planned on taking a quick walk around, then heading back home to pick up his kid sister.
When he reached the edge of the park entrance, he almost shouted out a string of profanities. A man was standing across from a small female in a navy hooded jacket that was much too big for her. He couldn't see her face, but he could imagine her expression. After all, the man was holding a knife to her, and was advancing on her tiny form with a stalkers malice.
An overbearing urge to protect this unknown female suddenly overwhelmed him. But what could he do? His arm was in a cast, and he couldn't exactly fight off a guy with a knife!
What finally made him jump into action was what the girl did. She attempted a scream, but decided better against it. She braced her legs, and then seemed to buckle under fear. Her legs collapsed beneath her, and she screeched. The man laughed a slimy laugh and advanced on the poor girl. Victor acted on instinct and ran at the man. he didn't know what he'd do, but anything was better than allowing the man to get any closer.
Luckily for the both of them, the sound of footsteps made the man scamper off. He didn't even look back to see who was coming. Victor had to give the guy some credit. He wasn't stupid. And he was very fast. If the girl had tried to run.... Victor could imagine the outcome of that situation. He shuddered delicately and turned to the girl. He held out his good hand.
A pair of fear filled amethyst eyes stared at him.
And he was speechless.
Raven's eyes locked with a pair of grey ones, set in a very familiar face. Victor. This would be the second time he'd saved her skinny butt from near disaster. She owed him so much. She couldn't just sit there however, so she quickly, well, as quickly as she could anyway, got up and, with use of his outstreched arm, righted herself before him. She hadn't realized how much taller he was than her. She had to stare almost straight up to see his face. His expression was suprise and concern.
"R-Raven?" He asked before She herself could speak. She nodded and swiped a piece of hair out of her face. What could she say to her savior?
"I- Thank you!" She said, louder than she had intended. "I- I don't know what I would have done if... I just couldn't.... I-" Victor held a finger to her mouth.
"Hey, it's all good." He said, smiling for her. "Here, lemme walk you home... wait, aren't you supposed to be in a wheelchair?" Raven blushed in chagrin and turned slightly to the left.
"Er..." Victor sighed. Suddenly, he felt pinpricks of rain. He had forgotten all about the rain that was supposed to be plummeting to the earth. The dark clouds made the sky seem like night. Raven shuddered slightly. He instantly felt protective again.
"Hey, come on now, let's get you home, you're gunna get all sick. Then your brother's gunna think I did it to ya!" Raven smiled slightly and tightened the strings on her hood. She wrapped her small arms around Victors arms and held herself close to him.
"Okay." She said, shuddering again as her body continued to get pummeled by the rain. Victor smiled, and looked down at her.
"Alright... let's get you home."