I quickly backed away from the muscular man, but was careful not to leave the alley, should the others still be out there.

"Who are you?" I asked in my monotone voice.

"You may call me Slade" the masked man replied, taking a step forward. I stepped back again, maintaining a fair distance from him.

"What do you want?" I glanced behind him and saw nothing but bricks. "How did you get behind me?" I narrowed my eyes at the figure as I spoke. I heard him chuckle.

"I jumped of course" I could hear the amusement in his tone and it irritated me.

Calm down! Emotions are forbidden, remember? I thought.

"you jumped over me?" I said, keeping a childish hint in my voice. Again, much to my displeasure, he chuckled.

"No. I jumped down from there" he pointed upwards, to a metal fire escape that cut off on the 3rd story of the building. I rolled my violet eyes.

"That makes so much sense" I said sarcastically. This time, there was no infuriating chuckle. When I looked in the direction he was, I saw nothing but wall.

"You really shouldnt take your eyes off of a strange man in an alley." a voice said behind me. I gasped and turned sharply just in time to see his hand grab my throat. "You might regret it" he whispered.

I growled at him as I felt his grip tighten on my throat choking me, before releasing completely. I hunched over and gasped, trying to regain the much needed air.

When I looked up, again, he had dissapeared. I pushed myself to my feet and leaned against the wall as I caught my breath. Though my eyes kept darting back and forth, watching for a sign of the man, but saw nothing.

I sighed after 5 minutes of nothing, and left the alley, walking quickly. I suddenly remembered how hungry I am and walked to a gas station. I saw it was dark inside, but I was too hungry to care.

I glanced around, making sure no one was watching, and lifted my hand. Pointing my palm to the door, I whispered

"Azarath Metrion Zinthos" and heard the click of the lock. I pushed the door open and looked at the rows of food. I grabbed some chips, Dr. Pepper, candy bars, and other things. As much as I could carry.

I ran out of the store and into the park, looking for somewhere to sit. I decided to sit under a large oak tree. Sure, there were benched and tables, but they were too.. revealing for my tastes. I leaned against the bark as I ate, my eyes constantly watching for signs of a pursuer.

After I finished, I slowly closed my eyes, pulling my hood farther up and fell asleep. I never noticed the dark figure in the branches above me, nor did I notice when he dropped a card next to me. I did, however, notice the next morning.

I woke up to the bright sunlight, thankful I had my hood to shield me from the blinding rays, and saw a black and orange card on the ground next to me. On it, I read "I said we needed to talk. Meet me at the tree you slept under tomorrow at midnight. -slade" I growled, annoyed at myself for letting him catch me sleeping, but more annoyed that he had stalked me. I re-read the card, and muttered to myself "hope youre ready to fight Slade. cause youve officially pissed me off."