In a dark alleyway, a young woman cowered in terror as a thief held a gun on her. "Give

me yer purse, lady. Don't give me any trouble, an' I won't have to hurt yah." the thief

demanded. The woman, so full of fear, didn't move. The thief raised his weapon,

preparing to shoot...

The gun clattered to the ground, dropped from nerveless fingers. The thug likewise

dropped to the cement, unconscious, the victim of a blow to his neck. Two strong arms

encircled the frightened woman, who tried to scream, but could not, for a hand quickly

clamped over her mouth.

"Shhh... You're safe now." a soothing voice whispered in her ear. The woman

blinked. Unbelieving, she began to struggle. "He can't hurt you anymore." the voice

whispered again. The woman, feeling the danger pass, began to sob loudly – her head

leaning against her savior's chest. "There, there. Let it all out; you'll be fine." the voice

continued, strong and sweet. After the woman finished her crying, she looked up at her

rescuer, her brown curls damp from her tears.

"Who are you?" she asked, tears streaming down her face. She stared into the

man's eyes through his visor.

"A friend." he replied. Helping her to her feet, he allowed himself to be hugged

fiercely. "Go home and get some sleep." he told her. She nodded and quickly walked

away. The man shadowed her for a time, looking for any other danger to the woman, and

then finally melted into the night.