Defend the Defenseless

Shouldn't we be going to the castle?" Bryanna called after me

"No, the knights can protect the castle; the people in the poor area of town have more to lose and fewer ways to protect themselves."

Bryanna said nothing in response, but I knew she understood my decision. "Just like last time, I'll distract the attackers; you get everyone to safety."

"Right"

We got to the farmer's market just in time. Young girls and women were being gathered onto a horse-drawn cart on the far side of the street. The men were being beaten or were hiding behind their stalls with the boys. Bryanna and I stood atop a nearby roof, watching the terrible scene.

"Separate the horse from the cart; I'll cover you."

Bryanna holds me back, grips my shoulders hard, and pulls me into a kiss.

"Don't die"

"I won't"

I jumped off of the roof toward the closest men. I threw my swords and, using the magic strings attached, made sure my left sword hit its target perfectly this time. Instead of pulling them back, I teleported to them and threw them again, this time both into the same brute. Once again, I teleported, but realizing the surprise element was gone, I stood my ground and turned toward the remaining three bandits. I twisted my swords to show off a little and held them firm against the ground to my sides.

"Well, well, well," said the most prominent and strongest-looking man, who was probably the leader, "You are pretty fast, but can you keep up with me?"

He charged forward, I blinked, and time seemed to slow down. I didn't realize my speed had increased to this level. I smirked and decided to mess around with this guy. He only had a dagger in his left hand but tried to deceive me by drawing a short sword from behind his back. I swung my left sword to parry his knife and held my right one to block his surprise attack. Time resumed at normal speed as the man slid across the ground, unable to stop his momentum for a second. 

"Hmm lucky break that your sword was there. You won't get lucky twice."

He was right about that. He came at me again, and I could see everything happening in slow motion. I took a small leap to the side and kicked his left hand this time. His dagger swung back toward himself and pierced his right lung. He hit the ground hard, lodging the knife even deeper into his chest. He let out a scream that was cut short by his back slamming into a tree. A loud crack rang out. Whether it was the sound of the tree almost splitting in half or the man's spine was unclear, but either way, the pillager went silent and laid still.

The other two kidnappers stood stunned, unable to comprehend or see the speed of the battle that took place in front of them. Bryanna took that opportunity to cut the horse from its cart and let it run free. The stunned looks turned to anger, and they both charged straight for me.

The first man took a big high swing at me; I easily stepped aside and, with a single motion, hit the first man on the back of the head with the hilt of my sword while parrying an attack from the second man. I swung my left sword and cut through the second bandit's shoulder and bicep. His right arm fell to the ground with a sloppy-sounding thud. I ended his screams of agony by stabbing him straight through the forehead. I rotated the grip on my sword and stabbed straight down through the first man's heart and twisted. His body twitched once, and then he exhaled for the last time.

Families and friends reunited after I killed all the raiders. Bryanna approached me and nodded, indicating it was time to go. Right before I teleported us away, I heard a yell from the crowd.

"What is your name, hero?!" Voices rose in appreciation, and the farmers and their families cried out for clues to our identity. 

I put up my hand to silence the people, and instantly the voices quieted.

"I am no hero; I protect the innocent from those who wish to blemish our peaceful world. You may call me World Healer." With that, I teleported Bryanna and me to the roof overlooking the market. She held my hand tightly and laid her head on my shoulder.

"You are super cheesy," she giggles.

I let go of her hand and put my arm around her waist. "I figured I needed a cool name that eases pain, creates hope for the good, and strikes fear in those who do evil."

"That was even cheesier." Bryanna lifts her head, and I kiss her again. This time, much more passionately. 

"The battle isn't over yet. It looks like they've been gathering in the Northeast. We should scout it out."

"Are you sure you are capable of fighting right now? I noticed you didn't use any elemental magic this time."

"There were too many bystanders this time, and I haven't used magic on this scale before. Plus, I wanted to test my speed and sword skills." I don't mention that when I focus on my reactions and movement speed, I can slow down time; for now, there are things I want to keep to myself. "Let's get closer and monitor the magic movement from afar. We can get to work once we know all the bandits have returned."

Bryanna pulls me in for one more kiss before letting go of me and concealing herself.

"Let's go, Mr World Healer," and off we went."