Random meeting and blood~Nick~

[Jack Lexington]

Her smile encourages me to breath a little easier. Her words do as well. "The doctor said that you should make a full recovery. It's going to hurt for a while, but there is medicine for that." Nitya tells me but forgets to explain what on earth was bleeding like I had been butchered. "What was wrong?" I wonder, not that it mattered now. "I guess it doesn't matter now that they fixed it." I'm still oblivious to the meaning and impact the loss of an organ could have. And I don't care, especially when Nitya points out again that my true identity has been discovered and I'm about to be reported to the peace keepers. Even her physical closeness and warmth cannot calm my shaking. Her words however provide some comfort as she assures me that she doesn't intend to fullfill her civil duties and turn me in. Instead she tells me that I mean too much to her. I mean TOO MUCH. The words echo in my head like something I've never heard before. And that's probably the secret key why I feel connected to her. I mean something to her. Who has ever told me that before? Maybe my foster parents but I never thought they were being sincere because I was too much trouble. I had a bad conscience. How could they care?
Nitya, on the other hand is credible because I feel that I have done my best to deserve at least being liked. Do I deserve her putting herself in danger for me? Not really.
"You shouldn't do that. You'll get punished if you knowingly hide a criminal."
It's hard to call myself that because I don't feel like I've really committed a crime, aside from charming girls so they'd let me stay in their beds and eat their food. But i have crossed over district borders which is a criminal offense.

Nitya continues and refers to us as 'we'...as in not you and me but we-together and that's exactly how I feel. Belonging, togetherness.
"Thank you." I mutter lowly. "I'm not sure I deserve that but thank you." I turn my head a little more so my lips touch the soft, pale skin of her cheek.
"I shouldn't drag you into this.."
Who is saying this? is it really me? This is very unlike me. Usually I look out for myself and nobody else. Only this way I've gotten this far. Unfortunately now I'm lost without her help.

I shift a little to get a better look at her face but even that tiny movement is excrutiating and makes me wince.
"Without you I'll go to prison. I need you to get me out of here before the peace keepers come here. But before you decide I'll tell you who I am." I surprise myself with this statement. It must be the shitload of painkillers and anesthetics in my system that are making me let my guard down. I have to pause and collect myself for a moment, work up some strength before I explain in a whisper. "My name is Nick Travis. I was born in district 6, where I ran away from my foster parents at the age of 14. I've been crossing from one district into another ever since. I stole a few things here and there just to survive and I slept with a lot of girls to stay under their parents roofs and eat their food. From time to time I gamble to make money and.." I gasp because I run out of breath and drawing deep breaths causes my side to expand.
"Ah...shit. I still owe people money...it wasn't until maybe a year before I met you that I've been leading a straight, honest life."
I can't even look at her any more now that she knows what a scumbag I really am. All the hearts I've broken and the people I used. It's shameful and I know it.
"I'm sorry. I'm not proud of my past."

[Nitya Demont]

He asks what was wrong, and I immediately feel rather stupid for forgetting the most important thing to tell him. My hand rubs over his shoulder as I speak. "I'm sorry. Guess I'm a little out of it. The spear got your kidney," she said gently. "They took your kidney out. That's what was causing the bleeding. We're lucky that we got here in time." It really had been a very close call, especially when they were moving him. So many things could have gone so much worse. She was glad that he'd had both kidneys so they hadn't needed to worry about a transplant.

He continues to shake, and all I can offer is my closeness. I know it can't be easy for him to deal with this. It is an awful lot for one day. I wish that I knew how to help more, but some of this decision is going to have to be on his part. There are many things we can do, and I'm set on taking care of him. I've never felt like this about a guy at least not in this way. I'm not used to this, and I'm really not used to having somebody like me back which he seems to be how Nick feels. Guys never see me in that way; he is the first that did.

"I know, but I don't care. You aren't a criminal to me. You do work around the district; you helped me. There's a good heart inside you, so to me you aren't a criminal. In my mind, I'd be hiding a friend." It sounds cheesy, but I speak the truth. He isn't a criminal. Yes, he crossed over the borders of another district, but it isn't like he's done anything wrong while here. It doesn't make sense to me. It makes me angry at the capitol even more, but of course that is one thing I don't voice. Something like that will get you into way more trouble than harboring a supposed criminal.

My face flushes slightly at his kiss. "You deserve more," I whisper. He does; I truly believe that. "You aren't dragging me," I say matter of factly. "I brought myself in because I care. Let's do this together." It will be a lot easier if we work together. There are a lot of avenues that we can try, and I know that we can keep him safe. I see his wince as he shifts to look at me. "You stay there; I'll move," I tell him. I move where he can see me and look into his eyes. I'm about to just agree when he says that he will tell me who he is, so I close my mouth to let him speak.

It's amazing that he has been running for so long and that he hasn't been caught until now. Even though it isn't a legal action according to the capitol, it impresses me. The part about stealing isn't the best, but I understand how that can be a necessity. It does bother me that he used girls that way, but it's in the past. He takes a moment to breathe and continues on. He apologizes, and we are left in silence. There are things that I am not wild about that he's done, but it still comes down to the fact that it's in the past. The Nick I know is the one that I care about.

"Nick, thank you for telling me that," I say and pause. "I can't say that I'm wild about everything you did, but I still want to help you. You've changed; I can accept that. You are important to me. Now, let's get a plan together."

[Jack Lexington]

When Nitya tells me that I just lost a kidney I think I have to die because I never paid attention in school and dropped out way to early to know how many kidneys a person has or needs. Panic reaches out with its icy cold finger and tackles me, making me shake even more. The fear is aweful. Then it dawns on me that I should be dead already if I couldn't live without it so I calm down a little but can't shake the feeling that I'm doomed and crippled. Maybe that's why I am so weak now and can't move. Will I have to lay on my back forever?

Nitya tears me out of my bad thoughts by assuring me that she will stay by my side and how much she cares about me. Even when I tell her about my past and who she's really dealing with she doesn't drop me like a hot potatoe but tells me honestly that she's not thrilled about my past but accepts me for who I am now.
I'm incredible thankful for her attitude because it's hard to change when the past comes haunting you. In my book I deserve a chance.
Moved by her words I still avert my gaze but whisper. "Thank you for accepting me like this." Where did this incredible woman come from? She's so much more mature and desirable than any of those chicks I used to date.

She asks about a plan but my brain is still too mushy to come up with straight thoughts, let alone a good plan. Pressing my hand against my temple I scrunch up my face while I try to come up with something but after a few minutes surrender. "I have no idea."
So I test whether I can sit up or walk. I place both hands on the table below me and try to push myself up but it only causes me to hurt and fall back. "Ouuuuch. Fuck!" I curse loudly.
It takes a moment until the pain subsides enough for me to straighten my legs that I have pulled up and relax a little.
"I need to be able to walk if we want to get away from here before they send some pks down here." I explain my desperate attempts.
My second try is a little different. This time I roll over onto my good side until my feet are hanging off the side of the table and I only need a small push to bring my upper body into an upright position. It feels anything but good but as long as I hold my breath I can stay like this, hunched over but sitting...for about a minute or so until my vision returns. Then I surrender and roll back.
It's clear to me. There's no way I'm walking away from the station. "I'm screwed, Nitya. I can't walk. No chance in hell."
Desperation is written all over my face because I don't want to go to prison, not now that I found her.

The doctor has caught the end of my words and comes rushing in. "You shouldn't. Give yourself a day before you try to walk around." He greets me with so much confidence and happiness that I don't get the feeling I'm an unwanted criminal here. "I'm glad to see you're awake. I wasn't sure you'd pull through. How do you feel?"
"Like crap." I admit honestly.
"You'd be dead if it wasn't for her." The man informs me about Nitya never leaving my side and donating her own blood.
"And you." I add. "Thank you."
We exchange a meaningful glance, he feels my pulse, checks the slightly red bandage and then he's gone again. The insecurity doesn't leave with him though. It lingers on ... with me.

I try hard to get my thoughts together and think out loud. "Is there any way you can think of that you could bring me out of here and somewhere where I can hide? Do your parents have a cart?"
I can't believe what I'm asking from the girl. This would mean for her to put her own safety on the line., maybe even commit a crime.
My shaky fingers reach for hers and interlace while I try to pull her close. Gently I kiss her hand and look her in the dark eyes. "I want you to know one thing. I never meant to be using you like the other girls and I still don't. Whatever you do is your decision. I won't hold it against you if you want to do what's right. I care about you."
There's a connection with this young woman like I've never felt it before.

The last words come out as a mere slur because I'm still to drousy and weak. My eyes close even though I will them to stay open. For a while I drift off to sleep again.

[Nitya Demont]

He says thank you for my acceptance, but I see no reason to make a response. He knows how I feel about it. Acceptance is what everybody should get by somebody. I offer him a smile. I am curious, though, about all that he's seen and all the different districts. Nobody really has a feel for that. It must have been difficult at first to adapt to a place that was so different. Each district was quite different.

Nick has no idea on a plan, so I know that I will have to think of something. It was wrong of me to ask since he just got done with surgery and probably still had some of the drugs in his system. He starts to try and push himself up but immediately falls back cursing. I want to go to him the second he falls, but I know he's going to want to try again. His reasoning for trying makes sense, so I stand close by in case I need to catch him but let him do things at his own speed on his own.

I'm impressed at his attempts; I can't imagine how painful it must be to move around this much and yet he is still trying. He sits up, but he still has to roll back. Then he voices what I am thinking. He can't walk. Whatever we do, we're going to have to do it so that he can stay as still as possible. On top of that, I'm beginning to wonder if we are going to need to take some medicine too. I still have some pain medication on me, but I'm unsure as to how long that will last. "We will figure out something," I say reassuringly.

The doctor comes in, and for a moment I feel my heart stop. However, no peacekeepers follow him into the room, so I can breathe again. There is a nice exchange between the two of them, and the doctor leaves again. Still, I'm wondering if as nice as he is being if he wants to keep us here for a reason. I don't know him well enough to make an assumption one way or the other. All I know is that sitting here in the coast guard office, we are not safe.

"Yes," I answer. "We have quite a few." I pause as I think on the idea. "I've got to say though, I'm worried about leaving you here to go get it. They could come for you while I was gone." Again I lapse into silence as I think on some of our choices. "We'd have to get you out without being seen. There are a couple of ways out of here, but with the guard about and the doctor, we're going to have to be sly. We also are going to need to figure out how to get you in the cart. You can't walk....we may need to bribe somebody at some point here." This is why I really wish I knew whether or not we could trust the doctor.

He kisses my hand, and for some reason I feel my eyes fill up with tears again. It's probably lack of proper sleep and some other emotions I feel. This time they are close to spilling over, but I try to stop them. "Thank you, Nick," I say. "I never thought you did. My decision is to stay with you; you helped me and I help you." His eyes close, and I sit in the room with him. Once in a while, I hear the guards in the other room. I haven't decided what to do if the peacekeepers come in here.

The guard I know comes in and tells me that my parents know I'm at the coast guard. They also know that I'm alright. He hands me some food that they've sent. Then he asks me a question. "So is this your guy?" I feel my insides squirm. He doesn't give me a chance to answer. "You could do better. I could help you." I pass his statement by.
"Thank you for bringing the food and telling my family," I tell him. He smiles and leave the room, and I breathe again.

Later on the doctor comes in to take a look at Nick's bandage. I offer him some of the food since I know that he's got long hours, and I set the rest aside for Nick to try when he wakes up again. The doctor tells me to help him chance Nick's bandage. As I do, I keep glancing over at him to decide how much I can trust him. Rather than ask that though, I decide to ask another piece of information I need. "How long until he recovers?" I ask.

[Jack Lexington]

I drift in and out of consciousness for a while, even notice when one of the coats guards comes in and talks to Nitya who is not leaving my side. I can't make out what they are saying in my half awake state and soon fall asleep again with an odd feeling.

For a very brief moment I wake from the pain that is induced by a new bandage but can't seem to keep my eyes open even though I try real hard because I know I need to get out of here if I want to remain a free man.

The doctor is beyond tired and running of coffee and sugar by now. Yawning loudly he accepts the food and listens to the girl while he eats. "Hm, I don't know. I can't even tell you for sure that he'll survive yet. He's lost a lot of blood. It'll be a while, at least a few days until he's built enough new blood and his body has adapted to one less kidney..." With knitted brow he shifts his glance from the obviously worried glance to my sleeping pale features. "Provided there won't be an infection. That's always a risk. Even in a hospital...but here I really can't tell." Again he yawns loudly.
"Why do you care so much?" After all Nitya knows now that I am not from district 4. "You should just go home before you're in too deep. Or are you from another district as well?"
Is this just curiousity or will he alarm the peace keepers himself any moment?
Instead of leaving he squeezes Nityas hand and whispers. "You'll make the right call. Your heart is in the right place." Then he leaves the room to us, cold and empty, except for us, who are anything but cold and empty.

It takes another two hours until I wake up again in the early hours of the morning. Finally I'm really awake but the pain in my side is less dull now. So i can't help the sharp breath I take.
"Nitya." I simply ask because she's behind me right now.

That moment a man comes in and announces. "The hospital can't send a transport here so they've asked us to bring you up there by boat. The peace keepers will meet us in Port McArthur."
More guys fill the room before me or Nitya can comprehend what's happening.
They are bringing in a stretcher and putting their arms under my shoulders and feet, when I take a deep breath and exclaim. "Wait. I don't need to go to a hospital. I can't afford that anyway." Right now I'd say anything for them to let go off me.

I see the men exchange a few glances while they try to figure out what to do with my statement, which is obviously a half-truth.
At the same moment I find Nitya's eyes and plead with her to safe me as they pick me up, helpless and limp at their command, sprawled out like a dead frog.

"Go home, mam. We'll take it from here." I hear one say as they lift me up putting me through agony, mentally more than physically, making me gasp and groan."Wait, WAIT!"
I WILL go to prison and there is not a damn thing I can do about it.

[Nitya Demont]

The doctor answers my question which doesn't help alleviate any of the worry I'm feeling. In fact, it takes me back a step since I thought that he was going to be completely fine. It was hard to hear that there was still a risk of losing him, especially since we needed to move him as soon as possible. It just wasn't good news for the most part. The only part that was good was that it didn't seem as though he was in any immediate danger according to his doctor.

The doctor's question feels like a loaded gun in a way. However, I try not to let that bother me. "I care because he cared for me," I whisper. It goes beyond that, but I don't think the doctor needs to hear about that. "I'm not leaving him, and I'm not from another district," I say clearly. I know it helps us that I'm from District 4, but I don't know what if anything else can at this particular moment can be said. His comment about knowing I'll make the right decision makes me nervous. I know we can't count on him to help us get out of here.

He leaves us, and I know one of our avenues is gone. I get up and start to pace a little as I think. This is getting more and more tricky, but I am going to think of something. He says my name, and I move next to him. "I'm he-," I start out just as a man comes in. Immediately I grasp Nick's hand. This really doesn't look good at all.

My thoughts are confirmed when he starts speaking. More guys come in, and my stomach and heart drop. One makes me drop Nick's hand and pushes me to the side as they start to pick Nick up. I hear him speak, but I know that since they probably all know he isn't from this district, he doesn't stand a chance of being let go. They exchange looks, but I know that they will still take him. My eyes meet Nick's, and I can see them asking me to do something.

"No! Please, you're hurting him!" I yell. Immediately I try to push through to get to him. Hands try to hold me back, but my adrenaline is working well for me. I push past them and block their exit from the room. "You can't take him...not when he's like this." Honestly, I wouldn't let them take him ever, but I decide to start arguing for just this moment.
"We know what you're trying to do," one of them says. "We will use force, ma'am."

Part of me is scared not only for me but for Nick, but the other part finds courage from somewhere. "Please! He needs to heal; he might not even make it to the hospital." My eyes turn to Nick. I have to do something. I'm not going to lose him now. "I'll bargain for him. What will it take?" I finally say. Looking around I know that some of these guys take bribes; I see the glee in their eyes. I don't know about the rest, but there is no way that I can physically take on these guys. I keep my expression serious. What I wish was that I could have at least one hand on Nick.

[Jack Lexington]

Struggling against their grip doesn't work at all. It only inflicts pain and I know I'm not walking anywhere by myself so I give up. Nitya however doesn't. I can even see her try to block the way out of the room we're in. She's so brave trying to do whatever she can for me in a hopeless situation like this and I love her for it. 'he might not even make it to the hospital' I hear her say. Of course I know she's trying to trick them but her trick works on me better than them as it leaves me scared and wondering whether I might really not survive the passage there. Is that how it is? Is it detention or risking death? I think I would choose detention in that case. The choice isn't mine as they are starting to get rough with her.
"Hey!" I croak but she makes everybody listen up by offering them money to let me go.
For a moment they stop and stare which gives me a moment to somewhat calm down. The seconds pass too fast and then they snarl at her and simply shove her out of the way. Some find her offer ridiculous, some others offending. 'She shouldn't have said that' I close my eyes slightly shaking my head.

Off in the corner I can see the doctor with concerned expression talking to another man but his eyes are on me and then Nitya, while I get carried down the hallway and out the main door.

The morning air is crisp and clear just like it was when we set out to sail to the reef. Now it gives me chills though. I can hear their raspy voices, some seagulls but no sound of Nitya so I try to see whether she's still there.

The doctor had stopped her and held her back whispering. "This is getting out of hand. Don't do this."
But he catches her eye and suddenly understands why she is so desperate to help me.

A few minutes later they are loading me on one of those gasoline engine boats that I have seen from a distance. Not many people in the districts can afford fueled vehicles, it's mostly just authorities.
Every move they make seems to be ripping my side open again until they finally place me on the bottom of the boat and give me a moment to rest and just breath.
From far I hear the doctor shout. "Wait up. Hang on. If you want him to get there alive..." His face is now above mine, looking down at me with a strict, almost upset expression, which is hard to interpret. I only know that it seems a bit strange. "..he needs an IV."
I have no idea what he's talking about nor do I care. I only want to see Nitya. Without her I feel lost.
Her face pops up behind the ring of men around me and for a moment my lips twitch as I want to tell her to take care of herself rather than me. I'm worried she'll end up in prison herself but I remain quiet.

The coast guards start checking their watches and ask the doctor. "How long will that take...can you do it here?"
He nods and tells them "Ten minutes. I'll be back soon."
"Oh goodness, we're on a schedule. Okay, get started." The groan and roll their eyes.
As the doctor hurries away to get his supplies I watch them closely.
Only a few hours ago these men have saved my life and treated me with respect like I was one of their own and now I can see the disgust in their faces and how eager they are to get me locked up. But I'm still the same guy.
Two of them sit down, two others stand around waiting, after two or three minutes of silence they kick the sand and say. "Oh man, we don't have time to wait around, let's get the supplies for this afternoon ready."
A moment later three of them are gone and Nitya and me are left with one of them. Another few minutes pass but the doctor doesn't return and suddenly one of them states. "Make it look like you overwhelmed me. I'll take 200."
At first his words don't make any sense but a split second later I understand that he's handing me the key to my freedom. So I roll onto my side and press out. "I have 180, you can have it all." My freedom is certainly worth all my savings. Taking a deep breath and pressing my hand against my side I push myself up and try to stand, which is damn near impossible.
There's no way I can bend down to grab one of those rocks that could make my escape look believable.

[Nitya Demont]

Immediately it is clear that I have made the wrong decision. I'm shoved out of the way and get my head hit on the frame for my troubles. Still, I had to take a shot. I know that some of them would take the offer, but there are too many to appeal to all it seems. Now they are taking Nick away, and I don't know what I can do. My head hurts from the bump on the frame, but I still try to gather myself enough to follow them. Even if they take me in too, I'm not going to let Nick be taken alone. It may be stupid or silly, but I just can't let it happen.

I'm stumbling slightly, but I still manage to keep up with them. There's no getting near Nick, but I am keeping him in sight. Then I feel the doctor's hands on me. He holds me to keep me from following. I know he is trying to help me stay out of trouble, but this guy is special to me. I can't let him go. Though my limbs are growing tired, I try to push him off. His words reach me, and my eyes meet his just for a moment. "I have to," I say simply and softly. I don't expect him to understand; I hope he does, but I don't expect it.

Nick is being loaded up now, and I want to cry. HOwever, I'm still following them. I'm so focused that I don't realize that the doctor is still near me until I hear him shouting. It takes me by surprise. What is he doing? He overtakes me and reaches Nick. I can't hear what they are saying, but whatever it is is helping Nick stay just a little longer. My brain is working quickly to come up with the next plan, but at the moment nothing is coming to mind.

It takes me a little, but I manage to catch up and get a quick look at Nick. I see him twitch but am unsure why though I guess that it might be due to pain or worry. I try to mouth something encouraging, but one of the men steps in front of me. I want to get closer to him, but something tells me to hang back. Something is happening; I'm not sure what, but it feels like the winds might be changing in this situation. I bite my lip and listen to the conversation going on.

The doctor says he needs an IV, and inwardly I frown. Wouldn't he have mentioned this before if that were the case? Is this man actually going to help us? The doctor goes to grab supplies, and I wait on the fringe trying to keep my eyes on some part of Nick at all times in case something happens. I can't stand how some of the men are looking at Nick. The once friendly expressions are gone. It all seems like a bad dream.

Before I know what's happened, Nick and I are left with only one guard. The doctor is not in sight, and just as I'm starting to wonder what is happening, one of the men speaks. He makes an offer, and I am bowled over. Apparently I was correct in thinking that some of them would take money. AFter all, they need to live as well. The price is steep, but it is worth it. Nick accepts, but he only has 180.

"I have the rest," I say. Then I amend what I say. "Take half from me and half from him." Nick needs money; he can't give it all away. I watch as Nick pushes himself up. It looks a struggle, but he manages it. Now it is time to set the scene of an escape. My eyes go to the rocks around us. There is no way that Nick will be able to pick one up, but I can. People often underestimate my strength, but I know that I can do it.

Without a word, I reach down and pick up a fairly large rock that would be the perfect tool to incapacitate a full grown man. The pk and I work together to set the stage a little. It has to look believable, so I know there needs to be some look of a struggle. Without hesitation, I reach down and pick up a sharp stone. I make a few cuts on my hand to spatter a bit of blood about. The rest is pretty easy to take care of. Once that's done, I know it's time to move Nick.

My eyes look along the shore line, and I recognize where we are immediately. Not far from here is a small cave that not many know about. It leads to another cave that is usually under water, but right now the tide is perfect so that the second one will be accessible. From there we will have to decide, but right now I have to get Nick out of here. I know that both of us will be in trouble after this escape, but I know somehow it will be taken care of.

I walk over to him and put an arm gently around him. "Come on," I say softly and seriously. "I'm going to help you, and we are getting out of here. We're heading for that wall of rock over there."

The wall isn't far, but I know that with Nick still having little strength, it will be a tall order to get there. Plus, there is no telling when the others will come back. The hope is they won't any time soon, but we can't count on that. I bite my lip and take our first step.

[Jack Lexington]

What's happening now is truly surreal. Not only does the coast guard take our bribe but he's also helping us set up a scene. I shudder when I see Nitya cut her hand and spread some blood and silently wonder why she's going to these lengths for me. Does she feel the same bond? She must.
My friend picks up a rock and hands it to me. At least I'm a match in size for the guard. He steps up to me and tells me "Hit me, it's good to look like you overwhelmed me, just not too hard." The man's brown eyes dart back and forth between us and the path to the coast guard station. "Hurry."
I nodd and hope he knows what heäs doing but it doesn’t seem to be a first for him.
“Just make sure to say it was me, who hit you, not her.” I’m already a wanted criminal. Nitya on the other hand is just a bystander so far.
The young guy replies with a nod and braces himself for getting whacked. Hauling off I smack the rock in his face making sure to leave a couple of good scratches but no permanent damage. The feeling I get is very strange and anything but pleasant. Here’s a man corrupting himself for me. How strange. As he holds his head in pain and drops to the ground I’m not sure whether he’s acting or I really hurt him that much but I know I have to run if it’s not supposed to be for nothing. Running, however, is something I’m not capable off.
With my my friends help I manage a very slow stagger. I’m merely four steps away when my head starts spinning and my side revolts so much that I want to scream. If I do I will alarm the guards so I bite it back, grunt and groan while leaning heavily on Nitya for support. Never in my life have I been so incapacitated, never have a few steps been so painful or drained the energy for me as much.
I have to stop and take a brief moment when I hear the guards voice not far behind us urging us to ‘hurry’.
Pulling myself together as much as I can I grit my teeth and take the next steps faster. Together we somehow make it out of sight and down a small hill towards the rock face, that she mentioned. By the time we reach the hill I can hear their shouting and angry voices. It almost sounds like dogs barking at each other. Maybe they aren’t buying our set up. It’s too obvious. Right at that moment my foot catches on a small rock and I go tumbling down the rest of the hill. Rolling down over grass, roots and rock is more than I can handle and makes me scream. Half way through I bite my lip so they won’t hear us. Hopefully they haven’t already. At the bottom I come to a halt but can’t get back up. I cannot put in words how much it hurts, I just want to scream, cry and wish nothing more than pass out. This is too much. Sprawled out and looking up at the early morning sky I’m ready to give up. My face contorted in pain I press out. “I can’t…let them…” The rest of my words get drown out by a loud groan because I can’t control what’s coming out of my mouth. I’m beyond hope.

The men have discovered their companion on the ground and are now looking around to see which direction we have run to.
Picking him up they notice that he seems quite disoriented and while one keeps asking. “Where did they go, which direction, c’mon, where?”, another one says. “You gotta be kidding me.” The poor guy even gets searched for money, which he doesn’t have yet.
Blood is dripping from the side of his face and he can barely speak.

[Nitya Demont]

We are making good headway, but it isn't near fast enough. This is confirmed when the voice of the guard urges us to hurry. Of course, it's easier said then done. I figure that most people that pay guards to let them escape actually have the ability to move quickly and have not just undergone surgery. However, Nick manages to move a little faster, and once again I am struck with how truly strong he is.

I feel relieved when we make it down a hill and are now hidden from sight. The only thing that worries me is that if somebody were to climb to the top of the hill, we would be easy to spot and sitting ducks to boot. My heart freezes as the sound of angry voices reach us. Clearly, our escape has just been discovered. It's now more important than ever to reach the hidden cave. That's when Nick trips and is yanked from my arm as he goes tumbling down the hill.

He screams, and as I run to catch him, my head jerks around to see if any of the guards have heard it and are now onto our trail. However, I can't see them. Perhaps the noise of the water nearby is enough to drown it out. I'm not sure how, but Nick stifles his scream. As fast as I'm running, I know I won't catch him before he hits the bottom of the hill. He's got too much momentum. I slide to the ground when I reach him which makes me wince slightly, but he is the one that is in true pain.

I look at him and know that there is no way that he will be able to get up. Fortunately, his bandage is still on and we are close to the rock face, but that is where our fortune ends. His words start to come, but almost immediately they stop. We are so close but right now it seems like an eternity away. Again my eyes go to the top of the hill, but nobody has gotten there yet. Maybe I can carry Nick. The rock face is just a few yards away, and even if I can't get him all the way to the cave at first, I can at least hide him behind the rock.

The voices get louder, and I wonder if the guard that helped us is alright. He took a huge risk to help us. At least the guards won't know about the money since it isn't on him, but who knows what they will and won't buy. I know that I have to at least try to lift Nick. I will get him to safety no matter what.

"Nick, I'm going to carry you," I say. "We can at least get you out of sight." If the voices start getting closer, I will hide him in the sand or in the big patch of seaweed I see. However, now I have to get him as close to the protection of the rock face as I can. As quickly as I can, I lay down next to him and pick him up in a fireman's carry. My teeth clench slightly as I take on his full weight. This is not going to be easy.

[Jack Lexington]

I press my eyes shut as hard as I can because I want everything to go black but of course that doesn’t happen. Damn it but when since when am I one to give up? I’m not, never was, never will be but how can I move when I feel like I’m falling apart?

Slowly the pain gets a little less and I open my eyes just to look into Nityas face that is right above mine. Her eyes are warm and encouraging. I could really get used to this.
There’s an urge in her voice when she decides that we need to get away as fast as we can and she tries to carry me. Needless to say that this only causes me more pain and is fertile because I probably weigh 100 pounds more than her.
“Stop.” I wince but keep my arms around her neck to lean on her and let her drag me along as good as she can. With her help I somehow manage a few steps. The poor girl is dragging me more than I’m actually moving myself but we somehow make it into the shelter of the rocks shade, where we can’t be spotted from the top of the hill.

The coast guards have split up and are now searching towards the forest near the station and two are standing on top of the hill scanning the area.
“I can’t see them.” One shouts over to the others. “I cannot imagine that these two are gonna go for a swim right now.”

Luckily they don’t know about the cave in the rock just above us, which is only accessible at low tide…or maybe they don’t consider it an option that somebody else knows.

With my back against the cold sharp rocks I take a few shallow breath and lean forward to support my upper body with my hands on my thighs. “Shit.” I huff.
Nitya’s ears must be ringing by now with all the cursing but I can’t help it.
Slowly I turn my head and look above to where the cave entrance is…
“Seriously?”

I’m not sure how on earth we will get up there but we’ve already come this far.
Not too far away I can hear some voices. Will we get up there? Or drop in the water? Or get caught? Whatever will happen I don’t think it’ll go well so I feel the need to take a quick moment to place my shaky hand on the side of Nityas face and whisper over the sound of the rolling waves that are splashing our feet. “You are the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” Then I place a short but gentle kiss on her cheek.

A moment later I turn around and straighten up to search for a good route up. The right side seems to be less steep and has more edges to hold on to so I limp over there and reach up for a nose with my left hand, then the left foot…so far so good. The other side is barely helpful and I can only use my right arm and leg to support the left one. Only half a meter off the sand I’m ready to give up and start shaking. The only thing I manage to do is scrunch up my face and keep pulling for the life of me.
From here I cannot see the coast guards but I can clearly hear them. They are coming down the hill, which makes me try harder.
“Hurry, Nitya.”

[Nitya Demont]

I halt the moment he says to stop. I bite my lip and immediately feel terrible that I've caused him more pain. "I'm sorry," I say as we adjust our tactic. He's leaning on me, and I'm dragging rather than carrying him. It's a little easier than carrying him, but I'm still struggling slightly. Thankfully, this way we make it to the rock face. It's hard to believe that we've made it. However, I'm exhausted.

My eyes go up the rock face to the cave. Climbing is going to be difficult, but this was our only shot. Nick is cursing, but I don't care. My thoughts are saying the same thing. I'm thankful that the guards haven't come this way yet, but I know it's only a matter of time. With both of us in less than one hundred percent form, I know it's probably going to be a close one.

"I know," I say in answer to Nick's reaction to the location of the cave entrance. It seems so far away, and I'm not sure how we are going to get up there. Still, we have got to try. We got this far, and we are going to make it all the way.

Again my insides freeze at the sound of the voices getting closer. There are so many things that could go wrong right now, but whatever happens I am going to get Nick to freedom. Just as I'm beginning to think about the best way to climb this thing, Nick surprises me with some of the kindest words I've heard. "You do not have to thank me, Nick. I would do it again in a heartbeat. You are the best." I return his kiss and give him an encouraging smile.

I keep my eye on the hill and let Nick start up. He appears to be good thus far. I stay nearby to help him if he needs it. This is definitely going to be hard going. As he gets further up, I start my own climb. My arms are tired, but I keep pushing myself. I know I am strong enough to do this. Unfortunately, our time seems to be running out. The guards are coming down the hill.

I hear Nick tell me to hurry, so I dig inside of myself and push. We've got to get in that cave and out of sight. The entrance gets closer with every movement, but it's also getting harder to make those movements. My fingers scramble against some of the rocks and once or twice my feet slip slightly. Still I hang on and offer aid to Nick when he needs it. The voices get louder. I know they're almost down the hill.

"You can make it, Nick," I say. "Keep going." I keep going too, but I'm beginning to worry that we aren't going to make it.

[Jack Lexington]

I don't know why Nitya is so sure of my abilities because I can barley hold on to the rocks. My muscles are simply too weak and I have no energy left. Plus my head is spinning and my vision is getting worse again. Frantically I feel for the next rock, which is very close to the entrance of the cave but my fingers don't want to hold on to it anymore. Desperately I try to close them around the cold, sharp rock and pull but my muscles don't cooperate any more. If I fall now I'll only drop maybe four or five meters and will probably only brake a few bones but I will fall right onto Nitya and burry her beneath me.
"I can't hold on." I squeeze out when my hand slips and I'm only dangling from one hand while my feet are searching for halt. Just when I think 'that's it' I step on something and somehow hold myself with my face pressed against the rockface.
I can feel her supporting hand as adrenaline shoots through me.
It takes a moment but then I hear their voices again and pull as hard as I can this time making it.
While all power vanishes like a cloud of smoke I fall flat on my stomach into the entrance of the damp, dark cave. Even though my chest is rising and falling I feel like i have no more strength to move one inch, not even turn around.
Behind me I can hear Nitya make it to the cave and that's all I need. She's save. I would have hated to hurt the only good person in my life. Whether they have spotted us or not I'm oblivious to.

My vision and hearing goes out of for a bit but when it returns I can see Nitya sitting close by. Her face is lit by sunlight that's falling in through the entrance. She looks so beautiful, simply perfect. My saving grace. "Have we made it?" I ask with my face still down in the dirt.
Nitya doesn't need to answer. I can see by the look on her face that we're alright. At least for now and suddenly a huge load of fear and anxiety drops off me. I can't help what's happening next and hardly ever has happened to me. Out of shere relief I start crying like a baby. tears fill my eyes, spill over and run down my nose into the dirt while a smile creeps up on my lips.
Out of the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of her again and right that moment make a promise to myself. 'I'll always treat you right and if you let me stay by your side for good. I never want to be apart from you again.'

[Nitya Demont]

He says he can't hold on, and I immediately put my hand up to help push him up if he needs it. "Yes, you can," I tell him. I grit my teeth as I try to work myself up further. Thankfully he is able to hold on, and we can start to move again. The voices are getting ever closer, and though I am trying not to act like it, I was starting to panic quite a lot. It sounded like they only had a minute maybe two until they would reach a place where they could spot the two of us. If that happened, there was no hope.

I almost cry in relief when Nick makes it into the cave. It gives me the strength I need to pull myself up. Quickly I look to see how Nick is doing before collapsing on the floor of the cave. My hands hurt from the rocks, and I feel sore all over. The adrenaline I was going on ran out the moment Nick was safe. Now I lay in an exhausted heap not far from Nick. It appears that we have made it just in time too. The voices now seem like they are right under us. Yet they have no idea that we are here. Even if they knew about this cave, I doubt they would check here. With Nick's injury, they will obviously doubt our ability to get up here without falling.

For a while, I doze a little. It's been some time since I've had a full night of sleep. I'm not entirely sure when I'm awake or asleep until the sun starts to get too warm on my face. I sit up and that's when NIck asks if we made it. "Yeah. Their voices went away a while ago. We can stay here for a while." I start to turn away to look out of the cave when I notice that Nick is crying. I make my way to him and put a hand on his cheek. His smile makes me smile as well.

I can't believe we have actually made it. There was so much going against us, but yet we're here. We owe so much to those that helped us escape though. I know I will need to pay back the doctor. I'm not sure what changed his mind, but I owe him. I think that I should be alright to show my face again. I'm not sure they'll believe that I could escape or that I would try. Of course, who can tell with the pks.

Slowly, I bend over and kiss him gently on the lips. I look around the cave. I'd been waiting to look around. Very few know of this place. It's been used for escapes before, but it's been quite a lot of other things besides. I find some blankets and a few other small things that may help us stay the night. The one thing there is not is food. I think we can handle that when it comes time to worry about it. "Well, I found some blankets," I say. I pull them over and try to make up a little bed. "What do you want to do now?"

[Jack Lexington]

Tears are still running down my nose when I turn my face a little and she captures my lips. Her kiss is gently and short but gives me a boost of energy. Smiling against her lips Ikiss her back and try to make it last a little longer.
Taking a deep breath I gather my strength and push myself around until I'm on my back. Nitya walks away and looks around. The sun streaming in through the entrance almost gives her a halo around her form until she walks further into the cave.

Soon she comes back from a dark area with two blankets in her hands, which I gladly accept because the hard stone I'm laying on is not only rough but also very cold.
"Wonderful,thank you. Looks like we aren't the first ones here."
That also raises the question how long it will take the coast guards to figure out where we went. Hopefully we didn't leave a trail.

She asks me what I want to do so I take her hand and pull her closer. Her fingers are much smaller than mine I notice.
"The question is what we can do...right now I just want to be safe..here with you."
I wrap my arm around her so she's under my shaggy, dirty blanket as well.
"Warm me up."
My half naked body is pretty darn cold and shivering but of course I want more than just her body warmth.
Together we lay for a while. I can feel her breathing, her chest rising and falling next to me. Her body heat is helping me get a little warmer as well until I'm almost comfortable despite the pain that keeps radiating from my side with every breath or move.
"What do you want to do now? You could have just left me but you didn't. I will never forget that, Nitya." Gently I caress her shoulder with my hand. Needless to say that by helping me she committed a crime and might now face punishment. I hate the idea of that but don't want to bring it up right now.