GRACE IN THE RAIN

"No, stop right there! Who are you people I don't know you!"

In desperation, she started to writhe her tied legs and hands like a snake in a fire, attempting to free herself, despite being cognizant of the fact that the result would be in vain.

Jazmin disregarded the pain of the rope's roughness against her skin as everything else was not as important as her freedom.

The man who gave the order left anon. The second one stood at the door as if the room was too tiny for him to consider entering. The third man was the one carrying the orders to take her to the van.

He came standing before her, his figure enormous and towering like a mountain, making her appear smaller, more vulnerable, and fragile than ever. She saw him bring out a pre-filled syringe and flicked the syringe expertly as though he had injected people many times hitherto.

"..."

She wanted to protest, but no word came out as though she was struck dumb by fear.

"Move fast, we don't have much time"

The person at the entrance reminded the one to carry Jazmin and thus, before Jazmin could realize it, the distance between her and the syringe was closing and she could feel the skin on her neck shudder fearfully. 

"Stay still" the man ordered, grabbing her head to keep it in one place. His voice was without sympathy as his hooded eyes.

"No don't...stop"

Jazmin wanted to continue shaking her head, if that could stop the man from administering the injection however, the man's hand was a mountain on her head, rendering her totally subdued under the sheer power of his strong hand.

"It's gonna be a long drive, so you are better off presented a sleeping beauty"

She heard the devil with a syringe telling her what came out like a declaration of death.

What now? No movement, no hope.

"You are unmanly, bullying a woman"

Thankfully, her mouth was not taped and upon hearing her taunting words, the man's hand that was directing the syringe to her neck halted amidst.

He smirked as if he heard something from someone naive or idiot. Then he said

"I have done this to countless women and children before you, thus I don't think it will make a difference now. As Lady Orcel's daughter, you grew up pampered and ignorant of violence, so don't force me to show you how rough people can be"

The one at the door also said

"Utter another word and your mouth will be stitched forever" 

There was a movement on Jazmin's neck as she fought hard to swallow saliva. When did swallowing saliva became this difficult, it felt more like a lump than liquid. She hated to admit that their presence and every word coming out from them was frighteningly crushing her hopes.

Maybe, the pressure of the situation made her think there was hope, maybe her mother did not even notice something was unusual after all, today she was heading home from work earlier than usual.

Just when she closed her eyes, awaiting to be painfully injected,

"Gentlemen, I am going to have to ask you to stop whatever you are doing"

There came simple words, smooth and easy to understand. It made the people around look towards the source, including Jazmin.

A silhouetted figure of a tall man standing outside in the rain with an umbrella welcomed their sights, just a few steps behind the man at the door. The newcomer simply looked approachable compared to these two, notwithstanding the powerful curves on his arms, menacing like weapons.

Thunder stroke tremendously, followed by a brilliant lightening that lit up the world momentarily yet the silhouetted figure's face remained hidden under the canopy of the umbrella he held. As unreadable as the silhouette, it exuded simplicity that could make one think whoever it was, was harmless.

"And how are you related to our business to think you can intrude? Gentleman, disappear from here for your own good unless you are the one sent by Lady Orcel" 

The man at the door, turned fully to face the stranger who stood under the tears of dark clouds as it poured. They knew he was the one and mentioning it was just an etiquette of heroes and villains.

Jazmin on the other hand, upon hearing that the newcomer could be the one sent by her mother, she nearly screamed from happiness. If that's really the case then no injection, no abduction, and only the warmth of home awaits her.

"It goes without saying" -The newcomer.

"How funny, thought she would send an army of her men to rescue her daughter" The door-man scoffed.

"That, I doubt we need an army to deal with only two annoying rats"

"Sure you will. You've got the spirit of a hero but I'm not sure if I will understand you by simply talking"

"Mmm...true, you won't understand simple talk so let's get serious. Since we are all here for the same thing, the one who stands in the end wins"

"And you think I'm a fool to fall for such tricks? To buy time for the authorities to arrive?"

"I don't think that would be necessary since I already have the winning card"

"Talking alone doesn't make one a winner, you must have my blood in your hand first!"

The man at the door who lacked a pinch of patience exploded, took a large power-filled stride, closed their distance, and swung his iron-like fist to strike with a punch-him-hard intent.

"As you wish"

In the final moment, the newcomer responded casually, neatly sidestepping the launched blow. The swift yet simple movement of his silhouetted figure with an umbrella in the rain was a sight to behold. 

"Too slow, let me teach you how to unleash swiftness" said the newcomer.

As soon as his voice died, his figure blended into the shadows, momentarily disappearing from everyone's sight. 

His attacker narrowed his water-dripping eyes, the rain lashing him harshly since he had no umbrella and no sense of grace in the rain.

The newcomer then made a move...