As Zach walked away, Madelyn remained rooted in place before the bus stop sign. She was clad in her Ventrocloud High School uniform, with the emblem of a knight on a horse shooting an arrow on her chest.

On the busy street, anyone looking could tell she was from Ventrocloud High School. And with her good looks, she caught the eye of some not-so-nice folks.

At that moment, three thugs approached. Surveillance cameras weren't yet widespread in Venturia's streets. Things were way less high-tech than now. So, if something happened, it'd be hard to find proof. Even if the bad guys got away, catching them would be tough.

Seeing the three thugs getting closer, Madelyn lowered her head, hoping they wouldn't come any closer. But bad luck didn't care what day it was.

"Hey there, pretty, where you off to? Need a lift?" one of the guys laughed.

"I never thought Ventrocloud kids would look like you. Aren't they supposed to be rich? Got some money for me, sweetheart?" another one sneered.

Stu