One morning just like every other morning's, taking a path through the alleyways was a boy whom was making his way to school. An unconventional meeting with delinquents were a frequent in those alleyways. Though there was light in the morning's, little light penetrated inside those alley's, providing the perfect cover for misdeeds.
Teenagers whom instead of going to school, would hang around alleyways to engage in bullying and robbing kids of their wealth. "Your typical everyday thug so to speak".
It was inevitable that the boy would eventually cross paths with them, a situation where many would shiver with fear afraid of being confronted. However, just like every other protagonist in any movie, the boy would have a run in with these delinquents.
As he walked down the path evading obstacles in the way, a sudden *Shrek*-like sound echoed from deep within the alley. For a brief moment the boy stopped, swallowed with fear held tightly his bag and continued to move forward. While lost in thought, the boy could barely notice the creeping presence approaching from behind him. A hand, calloused and rough, clamped down on his shoulder, the grip surprisingly strong. He flinched, whirling around to face his assailant.
Standing before him were three figures, their faces obscured by shadows and hoodies, their eyes narrowed with a predatory gleam. The tallest one, the apparent leader, sneered, revealing a chipped tooth. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice a gravelly rasp. "Look what we have here. A little schoolboy, all alone in the alley." The other two snickered, closing in, effectively blocking the boy's escape. The boy's heart hammered against his ribs. This was it. The moment he'd both dreaded and, secretly, yearned for. He took a deep breath, trying to project an air of confidence he didn't feel. The showdown had begun.
In that brief moment as if time had come to a stand still, many scenarios started to play in the boys head. Perplexed at whether to confront the three figures in front of him or to attempt an escape. As both scenarios played, escape was near impossible being concerned and out numbered. The only possible outcome was a confrontation with the figures in hoods.
This thought *Confrontation* would have been impossible to even think of considering the situation, though that would have been the case if our *MC* was your ordinary guy.
Wh-what do you want? He stammered, voice barely a whisper. The leader took a step closer, invading the boys personal space. He could smell a stale scent of cigarette from his breath as he pulled closer to his face, as if high, *you seem to have something that belongs to me on you, give it*. The leader said, his eyes scanning the boy's worn bagpack. *All you gotta do is what we tell you to, now drop all you stuff and skedaddle outta here boy*
Afraid was the boy has he slowly took off and lowered his bagpack to the ground. *Good booy* the leader spoke out continuing with a gesture of his finger suggesting the boy to leave their sight.
As the boy turned to leave, a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He glanced back at the leader, then at the other two figures, their faces still hidden in the shadows. The stale scent of cigarettes and the predatory gleam in their eyes fueled a sudden surge of adrenaline. He took a deep breath, his voice gaining a newfound strength. "Why?" he asked, his voice no longer a whisper, but a clear, steady tone. "Why are you doing this?"
The leader paused, surprised by the boy's unexpected question. He exchanged a glance with his companions, a silent conversation passing between them. A smirk played on his lips. "Because we can, kid. Now, scram before we change our minds."
The boy stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. "What did I do to you?"
The leader stepped forward, his patience wearing thin. He reached out, grabbing the boy's arm and shoving him towards the alley wall. "Don't you get it, you little punk? We don't need a reason. Now, are you gonna leave, or are we gonna make you?"
The boy's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening. He knew he was outnumbered, but something inside him refused to back down.
The leader's grip tightened on the boy's arm, shoving him against the cold brick wall. The other two figures moved closer, their shadows looming over him. The boy braced himself, knowing a physical confrontation was inevitable. He tensed, ready to defend himself, when suddenly a voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Hey! Leave him alone!"
A girl, no older than the boy, emerged from the shadows. Her eyes flashed with a fierce determination, her fists clenched at her sides. She moved with a surprising agility, stepping between the boy and the leader. "You heard me," she said, her voice clear and strong. "Back off."
The leader, taken aback by the girl's sudden appearance, hesitated. He looked from her to his companions, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Get lost, girl," he growled, trying to regain control of the situation.
"Not a chance," she retorted, her stance unwavering. "He's not alone in this." With a swift movement, she kicked out, catching the leader off guard. He stumbled back, clutching his leg in pain. The boy seized the opportunity, shoving the remaining figures and creating distance. The girl, seeing her chance, delivered a series of quick, precise strikes, disorienting the attackers. The fight had shifted, and the odds had changed.
Suddenly brimming with confidence, the boy took a stance, punched his fist together in an attempt to face the thugs. Though situations like this always take an unexpected turn.
In that moment of confusion, the girl had gained possession of the boys belongings, grabbed a hold of his hand and made a run for it. On their tails were the thugs chasing them down through the alley, fortunately they wouldn't get caught thanks to the girl's unimaginable agility.
Finally free from their pursuits the boy thanked the girl for her assistance, all the while introducing himself as *Hansel*. Responding in kind, *Ruby* the girl gave her name.