I never liked being in the Wall, let alone in the city itself. But I would do it for her. For Sel. Taking a breath I stepped off the trolley that ferried people from the entrances of the city to their destinations. I chose the square, a secluded mini-park near Sel's apartment, due to its relaxing nature. Taking a seat at one of the tables I waited for Sel, her boyfriend, and Jantzen to arrive.
Jantzen arrived first and sat at a table some distance in front of me facing me. Shortly after Sel arrived hand in hand with a tall guy that had light brown hair and seemed to be rather fit. Studying her round and usually vibrant face I only saw a muted version of the Sel that I knew. Usually she is as bright as the sun reflecting off of her golden hair. Attributing it to nerves I watched them interact. All I got was a faint sense of unease. But that, combined with Sel's less than happy demeanor, was enough to make me suspicious. It wasn't until his hand, which was rubbing her back, lifted her shirt enough to show the edge of a fresh bruise on her left side that I knew.
Standing, I was at their table before Jantzen could clear the bench. Grabbing the guy's wrist I twisted it so he was forced to stand and move away from Sel before kicking his knees out from under him. "Jan. Restrain him." Moving to a shaking Selene when Jantzen's massive hands replaced mine I knelt next to where she sat at the end of the bench. "Sel. Little bird. Look at me." Trying to calm the roiling sea of rage that was boiling my blood I met her tearfilled eyes. "Please, don't hurt him. I can't lose you too."
Reaching up I pulled her head down and leaned my forehead against hers before closing my eyes and sighing. Staying like that I forced the rage down and shut it away. The contact seemed to calm her as much as it did me. Opening my eyes I turned and met Jantzens blazing sapphires. "Keep a hold of him." Standing I pulled out my Hunters Identification card and inserted it into the CCRS, City Crime Report Station, nearby. Noting the small amount of blood on my hand I felt my rage threaten to overwhelm me again.
"Hunter Four-six-four, Keith Forrest, reporting domestic and possible sexual abuse of Marskman First Class Selene Forrest. Suspect in custody. Requesting that units be dispatched immediately to this location and that Jackson Dehalloway be the attending physician." Pulling my card out I turned and went to sit next to Sel. Ignoring the muttered threats coming from the bastard still restrained by Jantzen I pulled her into a hug.
Not even five minutes later two guardsmen arrived followed by Jackson. Jackson's eyes darted to the unharmed man as he was being led away. Kneeling in front of Sel he signed to me. "Ask her if she's okay to walk to the transport." Relaying his question I watched as she wiped her eyes and nodded. Walking with her I made to follow her into the transport when a nurse stopped me with a hand to my chest. "Only family is allowed."
"He is family. He's my brother." Not moving her hand the nurse turned and looked at Sel for a moment before reluctantly removing her hand. Ducking into the transport I turned and met Jantzen's worried gaze. "Don't worry big brother. I've got her. You just make sure that fucker dosn't get released."
. . .
Noting the darkening sky outside I turned to look at the sleeping Sel. She looked so tiny in the hospital bed. Flashing back to an hour ago I clenched my jaw. Jackson had come in with the imaging that showed several fractured ribs, a partially dislocated shoulder, and a hairline fracture in her skull. Using the type to speak function on his tablet he asked if Sel wanted me to stay for the rest. When she said yes he went on to say that there was evidence of recent sexual activity. She'd been raped. The only thing that kept me from flying off the rails was the knowledge that if I did, there would be no one here to keep Selene anchored.
Upon hearing the news she shut down. It took me twenty minutes to get her to speak to me. When I did she shattered. Latched onto me crying her heart out about how she should have seen what kinda person he was, about how she should have known. Thirty minutes of comforting her and assuring her that it wasn't her fault and that no one could have known passed before she finally succumbed to her exhaustion. Even in sleep she wouldn't let go of my hand, nor did I try to pull my hand away.
The door opening had my head snapping over and my free hand falling to my knife. Seeing Jantzen's worried face, I relaxed. "How is she?" Turning to look back at Selene I shook my head. "Sleeping for now. That… thing raped her. Probably after knocking her out seeing as she has no recollection of the event. A small mercy." Jantzen took a breath before moving to the other side of her bed and taking her other hand. "Jantzen?"
"Hey, Minnow. Don't worry. No one's getting to you." She smiled a bit before closing her eyes again. "My Shield." Slipping my hand out of hers I stood. Stopping at the door I met Jantzen's eyes. I could see that he understood. Looking at the fragile form on the bed I turned away. "Worry not about the fact that you can't see me, Little Bird. You only need to look behind you to find me. Ever your Shadow."