Hero

Chapter 6

The coldness of the slate tile and it's dampness seeped through the thin dinem trousers Zayn had on from earlier today. With knees pulled tight to his rib cage he shivered in the nighttime chill. In this poor light the roof-tops spread in every direction like great grey serpents with rectangular scales. Only the red brick chimneys ruined the illusion, but in this light they were just as monochromatic as everything else, the slate, the swirling smog, the streets that were never deserted, the unfriendly sky with it's dense cloud robbing him of the starry night. From here he could see what a maze this city was, every house three stories and each joined to the next. The streets curved as if laid down on a whim a few centuries ago before anyone had conceived of a grid pattern idea. He smirked, up here he was the king of the world, untouchable. He leant back against the chimney, reaching for chocolate wedged in his pocket and moved forward a few feet toward the gutter.

Then his phone rang, distrubing the calming silence. He furrowed his eyebrows as he lifts the phone to see who sent him a new message. Rolling his eyes when he sees that it's no one other then his best friend Louis Tomlinson, Zayn smiles and reads over the message.

From Lou: You are so unbeliveable Malik! First you drool over Styles, and now you've forgotten to come to the comic book shop at our normal time?! You better be dead cause if not I'm gonna kill your earholes with hit tracks from that indie pop shit!!!

Zayn rolls his eyes and sighs happily. He sends a reply that he's on his way, and then makes his way down the fire escape. Starting his venture down the sidewalk Zayn softly hums to himself as he watches the nightsky move with him. Zayn always appreciated this time of night, it would let his mind wander about all the possibilities and thoughts of something mind blowing happening in the scientific world. About the many letters he's sent to Marvel for a chance to be an intern there. Then most importantly, he's thinking about new inspiration for a comic design to show Marvel if they do recruit him. However, his thoughts were cut short when he noticed someone heading toward him with something shiny flickering in his or her hand.

Unflinching, unblinking, he or she blocked Zayn's path. The face was mostly masked by a handkerchief. The knife that was being toyed with in the persons thick fingers glimmered in the sunlight as it was twirled so deftly. The person spoke without any nerves, "Wallet, jewelry, now."

Footfalls in the space behind Zayn told him that he was surrounded. His hands shook as he tried to make an escape plan. He didn't have anything to give, but he's sure if he told the man that, that he wouldn't just let him go by. Zayn is watching the leader without turning his head, his heart is hammering but Zayn kept his gait casual and tried his best to show no hint of hesitation.

"Did you not hear me pretty boy? Give me your shit," the man said as he steps closer to Zayn.

The raven haired lad quickly stepped back, and closed his eyes in fear. He couldn't breath, it felt as if someone was choking him. His heart was racing and all he wanted to do was curl up into a ball and wait for someone to save him. But no one would, no one was there. A choked cry for help forced itself up Zayn's throat, and he felt a drop run down his cheek. It seemed as if this was the end of the road for him. He heard the men snickering and laughing at his reaction. Darkness washed over the men sending another chill down Zayn's spine. But it wasn't a chill of passion like it is when he does art. It was a chill of fear. The same fear he had before when Louis had taken him on that damn rollercoaster. Then in the short amount of time, Zayn decided that he hated every single one of those men. He trembles when he hears many footsteps getting closer to him, and let's out one sigh and a single tear.

Then there was a loud clap, and wind was now blowing all in front of him. He opens his eyes and he sees a wide tube of wind going by, causing the three men in front of him to go hurdling across the street making their bodies collide with the wall. Zayn gasps and then he turns to the source of the wind. His eyes widened and sparkled with delight when he saw that it was actually coming from a person. He couldn't see the face because of ther hood that was blocking the strangers face, and hiding the persons face into a shadow.

From what Zayn could see, the rescuer was the classic story book hero in height and build. His stance was a bit off balance, and his clothes flapped from the wind he was creating. Zayn noticed that the person wore skin tight skinny jeans, and Zayn couldn't help but to blush because he had no shame in checking those legs out.

Soon all the guys were blown away into the night, or had just ran away in fear. Zayn turn to thank the person, but when he looks no one is there anymore. He looks up and sees a dark shadow-like figure running across the rooftops. Zayn quickly pulls his phone out and takes a picture of it and then the unconcious men on the ground.

He couldn't believe his eyes. He of course wanted to anyway. He never saw something like that even in his best dream. But that was only because his brain always woke him up before such an amazing image covered his mind. And now he was seeing something his eyes won't ever be able to erase. He looks at the picture of the hooded hero again, and a wave of excitement washed over him again. He felt pumped, excited, more alive than he has ever thought possible. All the mundane worries of Zayn's life had been muted and all there was to know about was this moment. No worrying about the past, no anxiety about the future. In one adrenaline fuelled warrior-yell Zayn smiles a goofy wide smile, and then sticks his tongue out at the guys who tried robbing him before jogging off in the direction of the comic shop. And yeah, he definitely has to tell Louis about this.