~Justin's POV~

My head throbbed painfully, my legs ached, my vision was blurry- every part of me hurt. I stumbled listlessly through the snow, uncomprehending.

The only thing that gave me direction was someone's smaller, warm fingers gripping mine. Whoever it was pulled me along gently, not saying anything. Snow kept falling undisturbed from the gray skies- like nothing had just happened.

I didn't even want to think about it, but if not for this person, I'd be much worse off. An involuntary shudder passed through me.

Then all thoughts were blotted out by a sudden flash off bright pain within my skull.

I think I let out a groan. We stopped walking and, unsupported, my knees buckled. I would have collapsed if not for whoever saved me.

"Hey," a soft, gentle voice, "Hey, do you need me to carry you?"

I just let my eyes stay shut and managed another groan. Before I could say anything- not that I would have been able to for a while, probably- whoever it was just swept my feet out from under me and carried me. We began moving again.

The gentle rocking was theraputic, soothing, and it was utterly silent. I decided not to protest, just let whatever happens happen, and allowed myself to be lulled to sleep.

~

I didn't wake for a while, as far as I could tell. It was dark, and I was on a simple cot in an otherwise barren room. The window was thrown open, to my left.

I sat up without any problems. Why didn't anything hurt? How long was I out for anyway?

In the room by myself with only the moonlight, I could just barely make out a door.

Of course, I stood up and opened it. A quick peek around revealed a long, dark corridor with many other doors. All of them were simple white doors against the dark blue wallpaper.

Suddenly, one of them further down the corridor opened, and out walked a girl.

"Hello?" I blinked. When did I decide to talk to strangers? It seemed like my best bet right now though so....

"Where am I?" My question sounded plainative even to my own ears, and I flushed.

She turned to look at me and grinned suddenly. "Finally awake, huh? How ya feelin'?"

Her honey blonde hair was cut short, her bright eyes were captivatingly deep, and she wore a simple t-shirt and jeans ensemble. She was pretty... But she also pressed an ice pack to her side.

I caught sight of it and instantly became concerned out of habit, "Are you alright?"

Her laugh made me forget very briefly what I asked her. Then she answered airily, "You shouldn't be worrying about me, boy! Worry about yourself, 'kay?"

I liked the way she spoke, lilting and lazily. "Alright... wait-" I swallowed hard, "Were you the one that... s-saved me?"

The laughter went out of her eyes and she walked toward me. Finally, she stopped about two feet away and said harshly, "Those two are just evil. I'm going out to find them tonight, after what they did to you that day- did they do it?"

I blinked, then reeled as her words sunk in. I got what she was asking. I hastily exclaimed, "NO! No, but they almost... but you came, and I'm alright now." I finished unsteadily, and her eyes were stormy.

"Good," she replied simply, "But I'm still going to hunt those two down. I'll show you out now, if you're all patched up though."

I nodded. I honestly didn't quite know how to react to that. But if she was going to hunt them down and teach them a lesson, I had no problem with that. Whatever they got, they deserved.

She led me down the corridor, then we made a few turns and arrived at a flight of descending stairs.

"Down there, out the door you'll see, then make a right. You'll arrive at a familiar street, I promise," she instructed, "Then go home and forget about this, be safer in the future. Got it?"

Should I risk the question? Why not? I uneasily cleared my throat," I don't understand exactly what's going on, but thanks. Thank you, so much, you don't know how much I'm in your debt and I don't know if I'll ever see you again but... can you tell me your name?"

I got another laugh in response and a smile. "I'm Zoe. I'll see you around, Justin," she grinned. With that, she strode back into the darkness of the labryinthine corridors.

Somewhat dazed, I made me way down the stairs and out the door. I got home safely, but Zoe stayed in my mind for hours before I could sleep again.

Somehow, I knew I'd see her again soon.

And I was right.

Author's Note: First chapter is finally up, I plan to send the first chapter of another story out tomorrow.

So this is my first story, "My Guardian Girl".

Feedback? Comments?

The next chapter should be longer, alright?

So that's all, enjoy!