Devil's Avenue

Introduction

They called it a 'game' but for most of us, it was survival. I slowed my breath and relaxed my body into the shadows, letting the hum of the city veil me. I closed my eyes and listened, waiting. I knew the rules, and I knew that I would be killed if they knew my secret -- why I was so good at taking what wasn't mine. As my muscles relaxed, I could hear everything.

Thirty yards away there was a young girl picking out ice cream with her mother. They weren't what I needed.

Twenty-five yards away there was an elderly man picking a coin off the ground. Not even close good enough.

Wait, something good was getting closer. I cocked my ear and listened to the approaching footsteps. A young man, 17-25 years was about twenty yards away. This was the one. His footsteps were slow and carefree, and as he got closer I could tell by the sound of his breathing, the weight of his steps, the carelessness of the loose coins and carnival tickets rattling around in his pockets, he was 22.

Moving as little as possible, I quickly altered myself. I usually preferred to move around the city as a young girl -- it was easy to maneuver through crowds, small hands were preferable for slipping into bags and pockets, and an innocent face was useful for getting out of trouble. This situation, however, called for something a little different. I transformed my hair by adding a few inches and turning it a deep raven. I could feel my limbs grow longer and my waist take an hour glass shape. My face was instantly more slender and refined, and I added deep green eyes and sprinkle of freckles over the bridge of my nose.

As the footsteps were drawing near, I quickly devised a plan and let out a few low sobs. The young man stopped, listening for a few moments before squinting into the shadows. Crouching, he slowly inched closer.

"Ma'am?" He hesitated, and then kneeled next to me. I quickly buried my face in my hands and continued to sniffle. He awkwardly placed a hand very lightly on my back, and with the accent of a traveler he whispered "Miss, are you alright?"

I fake sniffled a bit more, and hoarsely cried "I got separated from my family, and I fear that I am lost in this strange city!" His hand relaxed on my back and he patted it a few times. Standing up, he reached down to give me a hand up.

"Let me help you find them, miss. I'm still not used to this city myself, but together we'll find them. Trust me!" As he lifted me from the dust, his voice became stronger and more confident. I smiled bashfully, thanking him and allowing him to take my arm. I wasn't worried about him, but could he trust me?