As much as you’ve been warned, you found yourself out past dark in one of the most crime ridden cities in the state. It was stupid, but you had no options in the moment. As you quickly move down the street, the sound of heavy thuds made you falter. At first, you were going to ignore it entirely, but you were compelled to glance into the alley you heard the noises coming from.

A figure cloaked in dark fabric was absolutely pummeling a man into the ground, punches landing with sickening cracks. You’ve heard whispers of Maelstrom before, the vigilante protecting the streets of the city, but you’ve never seen him in action. You felt your legs freeze briefly, unable to process what you’re witnessing.

He lifted his head as he sensed your eyes, a masked gaze landing on you. There was a tense silence before he suddenly stood, reaching an arm towards you and called out with a heavily Russian accented voice. “Move-!”

Maelstrom watched a man grab your arm, putting a knife to your throat. He stopped moving, breathing slowly as he watched the scene quickly escalate into a hostage situation. He let out an aggravated grunt, clenching his fists in thought as he tried to think of a plan.

“You stay right there, you fucking bastard,” the criminal ordered, his grip tightening on your arm as his other hand pressed the knife closer to your neck. He yanked you closer to himself, though his eyes were focused on Maelstrom himself. “You let my guy up and this one won’t die, got it?”