Late Night Walks

By Majamane

     This story was originally written just to let me get into the mind of a character I created for Shadowrun.  However, unlike some of the others it works well enough that I thought I would let it out to the public.  I'm not sure if I will write any more stories based on this character.  But, if you are interested in seeing any, contact me at mimac@ns.sympatico.ca   please feel free to contact me with any comments & criticism of this story as well.

     It was another dreary day, there are few others, but at least it wasn't raining   yet.  The streets were rather empty, even for this time of night.  I checked my watch by the flickering of a street light   1300.  I really need to kick that insomnia.  Luckily quiet streets usually led to quiet nights, unfortunately this wouldn't be one of them.

     The only others I saw were a man and a woman, a couple I assumed, awaiting a bus. They must have been out late partying I assumed, the man looked a bit unsteady on his feet.  As I approached, I could just detect the sounds of their talking, arguing from the sound of it   which would explain what came next. 

     As I watched, the man struck out, hitting the woman across the face.  Normally I don't like to get involved in the affairs of others, but as I watched the woman collapse to the ground I grew angry.  Don't get me wrong, most women can handle themselves, however this one appeared defeated, and he had a serious size advantage   even over most other men.  I would guess him to have been the size and weight of an ork. 

     Ignoring the man, I walked to where the woman slumped, extending my hand to aid her in regaining her feet.  As I did so the man made some drunken comment   something about my heritage and his possessions I believe.  Although this angered me further, no one is the possession of another, I continued ignoring him, not giving him the advantage.  Never enter a battle of wits with the unarmed as the saying goes.  I simply smiled reassuringly to the woman as she regained her feet, the side of her face glowing red from the blow.  If all had ended there, it would have been fine, unfortunately the brute decided to teach me a lesson about messing with his "possessions." 

     As I released the woman's arm, his hefty hand landed on my shoulder, using it to spin me to face him while grinding the bones   that was a mistake.  Although I may not have metal or magic in me, I am still a 'runner, and without those boons I learned to get by on my skills and physical attributes.  Moving with the spin and using its force I dislodged his arm, grabbing it by the wrist and shoulder as I dodged underneath it.  Making sure it was tight in an arm bar, just short of breaking, I forced him to the ground.  With a careful blow to the back of his neck I left him stunned and flat on the ground.

     Standing, I dusted myself off, then turned to check on the woman.  Instead feeling her brush by as she ran to kneel at the beast's side, checking him over.  As I slowly walked away, she threw insults and barbs at my back, I never really paid attention to the exact words.  I simply shrugged and continued to walk.  I hadn't gone far when the bus rushing past me cut away the sounds of her curses.

     I kept up my walk, sighing, as the rain again began to fall, further darkening the dreary city.  I hid myself deeper in my duster, tucking my braid inside to keep most of it dry.  I thought back to the couple and wondered   sometimes I just don't understand this life, or those who travel through it.