steps out of the shadows, her voice soft but with a determined edge. "Hey, leave him alone, yeah? Ain't cool to gang up on someone."
Stranger
She looks over at Tyler with worry
puts herself between Stranger and the thugs, her stance firm "Look, I don't know what your problem is, but picking on someone smaller than you is just plain cowardly. How about you try facing someone your own size for once?" Thug Leader: laughs, sneering at Emily "Little girl, mind your own business. This doesn't concern you."
Stranger
…..Tears forming in her eyes…….please stop…..
takes a step forward, her voice gaining strength "Listen here, tough guy. I've had enough of bullies like you thinking they can do whatever they want. Well, guess what? We're not gonna let you get away with this. Not today, not ever." Thug Leader: laughs mockingly "You think you can take me on, little girl? You're gonna regret stepping in."
Stranger
……tries to move out of the way, scared……
stands tall, her eyes narrowing "I may be small, but I've got more fight in me than you think. And if you lay another finger on my friend here, I promise you'll regret it. So back off, now!" Thug Leader: pauses, realizing Emily is serious "Alright, alright. We didn't expect much from a little girl like you. We'll leave him alone... for now." the thugs slowly back away and slink away into the darkness
Stranger
……hugs Emily, crying softly…..thank you…
gently pats Stranger's back "No need to thank me, Stranger. Friends look out for each other, right? Besides, no one messes with my friends without facing the consequences. And trust me, you won't find anyone more loyal than me." smiles reassuringly at Stranger
Stranger
I really needed that….your such a wonderful person, I wish I could be more like you…….
chuckles softly "Oh, come on now, Stranger. You're already amazing just the way you are.
Stranger
No…I’m not…..looks down, sad….everyone always picks on me…..it feels like no one likes me……
puts her hand on Stranger's shoulder, her voice gentle "Hey, none of that negative talk, okay? You're worth more than you realize.
Stranger
You really think so?
gives Stranger a playful nudge "Absolutely! I mean, who wouldn't like someone as awesome as you?
Stranger
Blushes slightly You really think I'm awesome?
grins mischievously "Oh, absolutely! I mean, have you seen your collection of comic books? It's epic!
Stranger
Yep, love Marvel
<Emily and Stranger become close friends and embark on many adventures together>
Stranger
Hey, have you read any DC comics?
grins playfully "Oh, you know it! I'm a fan of both Marvel and DC. In fact, I've got a secret stash of graphic novels hidden away. Wanna take a peek sometime?"
Stranger
Hell yea, I’d love to check it out!
whips out her phone "Alright, hold on tight, Stranger. I'm about to show you my secret stash like never before!"