V

The streets of England glowed eerily in the light of the half-moon. Cobblestone streets glistened with the moisture of the low fog which crawled between the heavyset brick buildings and concealed shadows.

Rachel creeped along the edge of the wall, her nervous fingers feeling their way down the alley as she waited with held breath for the watch guard to pass. When he had, she moved to step forward but was suddenly pulled back into the shadows by a clammy hand over her mouth. A scream took form in her lungs, but deflated to a gurgle when she was pushed against the hard wall. Gasping for air, she struggled violently and managed to stick the heel of her boot onto his vulnerable toes and jab an elbow into his ribs. There was no rewarding grunt of pain, but a powerful slap across the face threw Rachel off balance and she gasped in pain, marginally aware of the metallic trickle smeared at the corner of her mouth. She hadn't yet opened her mouth to cry out, but the restraining hand soon returned. Angry, she bit the hand,

"F**k you." She said defiantly, not bothering to beg for mercy with the knowledge that she would receive none. The man's sadistic chuckle was silent but Rachel could feel the reverberations through his large chest and creeping hand. She stared daggers into the bloodshot dark eyes, unflinching as the fingers crawled over her skin.

Then, black gloved hands clamped around the man's neck. Rachel fell from the shock when she was suddenly released. She watched, eyes wide, as her attacker thrashed and clawed vainly at the shadowed figure suffocating him. His eyes bulged with shock and fear and there was a loud snap! His eyes rolled back and his head lolled to the side before his body crumpled to the ground. Rachel stared up, trembling.

She could not see his face, but his height and build were quite obviously that of a man. His entire form was concealed in black clothing, and when he stepped forward, a frightful mask with a sinister smile stared down at her. Rachel's green eyes watched his movements warily and she flinched when he spoke, his voice low and gentle,

"Are you hurt?" He offered a helping hand which Rachel was hesitant to take.

"I assure you I mean you no harm." He added and Rachel warily accepted his hand with a murmured thank you. She stood and looked at the harasser, then at the man who had saved her.

“Thank you.” she said again, this time louder and more sincere. He nodded,

“There is no need for thanks, I merely played my part.”

“Part?” Rachel asked, “Part in what?”

“In the game, of course; this wonderful game commonly referred to as life."

Feeling dizzy, Rachel merely nodded and moved to go home,

"I see; well thank you once again, but I really should be going now. Farewell." she turned to leave but froze when a sudden panic took over her body. She was rooted in place and her entire being was trembling. In the fog-shrouded streets she saw evil red eyes and monstrous shapes; blades glittered in the moonlight and her vision filled with scarlet before fading to black. Just before her conscience slipped away, she remembered seeing the moon in the sky but could not recall the pain of falling onto the cobblestone street.