Cyberspace; The Ultimus Collection

Chapter 13, Protect the Helpless

Daniel and Derick walked down the streets of the Internet. After their visit with Sheldon, Derick decided to take up Daniel's suggestion of doing a patrol. While it wasn't much, it did feel better than doing absolutely nothing. Besides, even if nothing was technically getting done it did make the citizens feel safer, not to mention help clear Daniel and Derick's heads. It was peaceful and blissful, about as much as a bustling city could be anyway. If the two weren't staying silent, they were sharing details and stories about their lives before they met. Daniel's sad miserable life and Derick's chaotic war filled one. While they might not have had the best or happiest lives, they took comfort and solace in the fact that one and other could understand their pain. The two grew closer, and a deeper bond formed between them. Both could easily tell of that fact. Suddenly the moment was interrupted by the rumbling of Daniel's stomach. 

"Hey, can we stop and get something to eat? Today has been hectic and I still haven't gotten a decent meal."

"Good call. I'm starting to get hungry too. There's a simple burger joint not too far from here." Derick started to direct Daniel over to their new destination. The street they turned on seemed to be full of different restaurants and eateries. As the two approached their destination they passed by a bakery with an adjacent alleyway. While Derick was fantasizing on what he was going to order, Daniel peered down the alley, when something caught his eye. Two men, wearing a light set of armor, presumably armed. One woman, backed into a corner, no way to defend herself. 

"I told you guys that's all I have. Business has been slow this month." The girl pleaded. 

"Well last time we were here you had double. And the month before that, and the month before that!" One man shouted.

"I think you're trying to play us for fools!" The other accused. "We ought to teach you a lesson!" 

"No please! I get you guys the money I swear! I'll take out loan, sell my books, I'll do whatever it takes! Please give me some more time!" The girl begged. 

"There's only one way I think you'll ever learn." The man closest to the girl then brandished a large hunting knife. The girl quaked with fear, backing up further against the wall. "Because I think you forgot who you're dealing with!" 

"That's enough!" All three looked back down towards the street, seeing Daniel was now there in the alley with them. The man closest to Daniel scoffed.

"And what are you gonna do shrimp?" It was then that Derick had peeked his head down the alley as well.

"Uh yeah, Daniel what are you doing?" 

"Protecting this girl Derick, what does it look like?"

"You haven't even attempted to use your power yet, why don't you let me handle this?" Daniel glanced back at Derick, and then back at the men. 

"I think I've got this." Daniel then began to walk towards the men and the girl.

"Okay... I'll be here on standby if you need any help." 

"Hey look! I think the pipsqueak is gonna try and fight us! How adorable."

"Why does everyone keep calling me small?" Daniel lamented. What did Sheldon say again?  If I can think it, I can do it? Is it really that simple? Daniel thought. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He widened his stance and spread out his arms, clearing his mind of any and all distractions. 

"Hey! This is a fight! Not some meditation circle!" The man with the knife sprinted towards Daniel, raising his blade ready to strike. Suddenly Daniel opened his eyes, newfound power surging throughout his body.

"I guess it really is that simple." Daniel shifted into a fighting stance. 

"What are you talking abou-ach!" Before he knew it, Daniel had punched the assailant in the gut with all his might, sending him flying back in spectacular fasion. The man collided with the other and the two were both sent flying through the air. The girl quickly dodged the human projectiles before they hit and slid across the ground.