Safe

I sit there in the darkness. You know that Im there, just like when I sat by your side. Back when I was wanted in your life, when I was needed as more than just a guardian. You laughed and said you werent worthy, did you ever stop to think that the one you thought was so deserving was the unworthy one? The dark past that follows me continues to haunt me, deep into the night. Its why theres almost always blueish grey smoke coming from my window, or in the dark, out where you dont know. Where the shadows are what cover me, your guardian demon, the thing that should not be. That which was there to help start your heart on the healing road, and now I sit in my solitude, watching you. Making sure that the evils of this realm, those like me, leave you alone. As the poisoned air enters my lungs from my little stick of death, a Marlboro. Cowboy killers. Though Im far from any cowboy youll ever meet. My eye narrows as I spot him, shadowing you. You dont notice me cause of my high up perch, even though you stand below me. Hes waiting for his chance. His chance to take from you what he wants. He believes himself a great predator. I wonder if he realizes that even predators are prey for something. As you pass you look around like you feel like youre being watched. How little you know youre right, on more than one account. I watch him pass after you continue on, knowing that I cant let him touch you, knowing that I cant touch you, or even let myself be known, now that Im not needed like that.1

You walk into the alleyway. I shake my head knowing that youre doing something stupid. Something that I taught you not to, begged you not to do. But here you are doing it. He waits a moment, I size him up as I watch. Hes stronger than me. He could easily take you and have his way. But the only way he will get the chance is over my dead body, and there are only two chances of that happening. Slim and Fat. He slides in not noticing the shadow that precedes him on the ground, one that doesnt quiet belong since no one passed by him. He pulls his blade and licks his lips in anticipation of the taste of your fear. His last thought of the hunt is "I wonder if shes tight." I appear in his way, head lowered so he cant see my eyes, startling him. I bring my razors edge out and slash it up through his groin pulling him in close, he screams as his manhood and his life blood flow out of his crotch. "You should have stuck to safer prey friend. Now theres no more hunting for you." A stinging sensation in my gut, like a giant needle sliding into me. A sound. Footsteps. Running footsteps. At my back. Its you, I cant let you see me. I climb faster than Ive ever climbed before leaving crimson stains on the wall as I go. Marking where I climbed. Showing where the person escaped. A scream. YOUR scream. My eyes are drawn down as you look upon your would be rapist and scream your horror at what has happened. The stinging grows as both adrenaline and the blade leave the body. I cant catch it, I must go. I vanish into the shadows as the blade hits the ground making you look at it. Then look up. And look at where I used to be. All you can think is what kind of creature would do this, what monster would have taken anothers life for no reason. And so youre avenging monster continues to watch. Adding another scar to his already formidable gathering of them. All in the name of justice. All gathered for you. The watcher continues his vigilance to keep you safe.2