*picture of Alex

"Oh. Right now? Are you sure? I mean, I know I want my brother to be safe and all but shouldn't we make a plan or-"

"Oh quit you're talking and follow my lead newbie," Raine interrupted me and pressed herself to the wall dusty brick wall.

"What'd these thugs look like?" She asked me and turned her head to meet my eyes.

"The lead guy had an eye patch and a scar over his other eye. He was really tall and had a deep husky, raspy voice. You recognize him?" I said quietly.

"I do. we're dealing with Hawker. Why'd you pick one of the toughest guys in town to deal with? On your first day?" Raine looked at me.

I shrugged, "New here and didn't know who he was, and still kinda don't. But is this bad?"

Raine moved her shoulder as if to say "so, so" or "kinda, maybe, maybe not."

"Oh, I'm not worried about me, it's you.  Gens are weak and cowardly, no cunning minds or ideas or intelligence. You got everything handed to ya," Raine said matter of factly and shrugged.

Gee, thanks Raine. Glad to feel appreciated.

Raine drew her sword and burst into the alley way.

"Raine Silvera," the guy, hawker, chuckled and turned to face us.

"Hawker," Raine growled and held her sword tightly.

"Lookin for the little gen's friend?" Hawker nodded to me with a grin.

"Brother actually," I stepped in.

"Shut up!" Raine hissed, "now listen Hawker. We're not lookin for trouble. Just give us this no worth gen and we'll be on our way."

Tristan frowned and then his face froze with fear as hawker looked at him.

"If he's no worth, why is he yours? Fight me for him then," hawker grumbled.

Raine cried out and ran at him with her sword. She aimed high then suddenly ducked down and hit the back of his knee with the sword handle.

Hawker fell to the ground with a surprised shout and threw Raine against the wall. Raine crouched down then jumped up over him and hit him with a strong blow sending him flying into the brick wall and he slouched down with a groan.

I rushed forward and grabbed Tristan and Raine led us out of the alley way and back to the alley way I'd met her in.

"Thanks Torren and-" Tristan broke off As he looked at Raine.

"Raines the name. And you're welcome," she responded and opened one of the sewer caps below us, "Now follow me."