Random meeting and blood~Nick~

[Nitya Demont]

I was so relieved to see the doctors place. My heart was thumping out of nerves, but it was slowing a little now. However, I knew I couldn't just run up to it. There was no telling if the pks would be nearby or what. My eyes swept around the place. Nothing seemed to be out of order or suspicious, so I silently made my way to the door and knocked. While I waited, I kept my eyes moving in case I needed to make a run for it and try again. Hopefully the doctor would be willing to help the two of us again.

Before he answered, I tried to comb out my hair with my fingers. I'm sure I looked like hell, but I wanted to fix up just a little. I had just finished when the doctor answered the door. It was apparent that I had just woken him up, and I felt bad about it. Still, I needed his help, and coming by night had been the best way. I'd have to make all this up to him somehow.

The inside of his house felt a lot safer than the outside world. Still, I felt the worry that the pks might burst in at any moment. "I know," I say. Looking at the doctor who is looking at me with so much kindness makes me want to let out the tears I've been holding for the past few days, but I manage to hold it together. "He's got the start of an infection. Everything's all red and..." I break off to get hold of myself and clear my throat. "He needs something to help," I say. "I don't know how much time he has."

I'm never going to be able to repay him for his kindness, but I do take a quick moment to thank him. "Before...what you did. Thank you," I say. "I'll make it up to you." He has put himself in a lot of danger for us.

[Jack Lexington]

The doctor is a very kind man by nature and wants to help whenever he can. Being one of the few doctors in the district also means that he gets the odd person knocking on his door at night. This time it's a surprise though because the girl is wanted by the peace keepers. Having her in his home might get him in big trouble so he simply nods and gives her a warm smile because he can tell that the girl in front of him has a hard time holding it together.
"An infection was to be expected and I should have given you something right away but things happened too fast. The station wasn't sterile by any means but when you have to make the call that's the least of your worries." It was almost like he was justifying his actions.

When Nitya thanks him a smile spreads on his face. "You're welcome. You just never know why people cross district borders. Not all of them are criminals and you seemed to think he was a good guy." He shrugged as if it was the most normal thing to help a criminal escape.

He waved her into one of the rooms on the ground floor that held an examination table and a large medicine cabinet.
"Is the infection only superficial or in the deeper tissues?" his fingers are searching through the different packages in the cabinet. When Nitya doesn't answer he adds. "Just red on the surface or also pussy, fast heartbeat and a fever? If that's the case I have to come see him."

Grabbing a few packages from the cabinet he explains. "Carefully clean it with soap and water."
Then he hands the worried young woman a small flask and a syringe. "Do you know how to use this? It's penicillin."

From upstairs his wife is calling his name. "Herold? What's going on?"
"I'll be right back." He quickly assures her before he places his hand on Nityas arm. "You're a very brave girl. I admire you."

Then he walks her to the door to make sure she's not spending too much time at his place. "Only bring him here if things get worse..but then don't hesitate."

Outside the pks were patrolling the streets and still on the look out for the wanderer who was illegally here. Because of his injuries doctors homes, practises and the hospital in the next town were under close watch. In teh distance they could see a dark figure imerging from one of the doctors homes.

[Nitya Demont]

I listen to the doctor talking about how it was expected. Honestly, I probably should've known that and asked for something, but there just hadn't been time. Right now I'm just grateful that he is helping me now. That's more than most people would do I'm sure. He doesn't need to justify anything to me as far as I'm concerned.

"Thanks for taking that chance," I say. "He really is a good guy." The doctor is definitely one in a million. I'm glad that he trusted what I thought. Everybody is usually so quick to judge other districts; maybe we've all been wrong about that. Of course, there usually aren't that many people from other districts that come through here besides the winners and stuff.

When he asks me the question, I have to stop and think for a moment. "I think it was only superficial when I left, but that could've changed by now." For all I know, Nick has gotten much worse. I know it hasn't been that long, but one can't tell with these sort of things how fast things will go. "I still think superficial though." I know I've repeated myself, but it's to reassure myself. He didn't have any of those when I left, so I'm trying to hold on to that and not let myself think about if he got worse. Besides, I don't want the doctor to take more risks than he is already.

I listen to him tell me how to clean it. When he hands me the things, I quickly stuff them into my bag under the clothes. If the pks start to close in, I'm going to have to hide the stuff and come back for it. Hopefully it won't come to that though. "Yes, I do. I've helped my mother with something like this before." The idea of having to stick this in Nick isn't a pleasant one, but if it will help him recover there is no question about whether or not I will do it.

The sound of his wife makes me even more guilty about what I've dragged him into. He's got a family; why didn't I think of that earlier? Hopefully nothing happens to him because of this. However, his touch calms me down for a moment. "Thank you," I whisper. Honestly, he's that one that should be admired. It takes a lot of guts to do what's right even when it goes against what the capitol says.

He walks me to the door, and I nod my head at what he says. "Thanks again. Hopefully, it won't come to that," I say. My eyes quickly sweep the area. I don't see anybody, but of course that means nothing. Quickly, I begin to head away from the house and back to Nick. I'm nervous because I know that the sun is going to rise, and then I will be totally exposed. Besides, who knows where the pks are.

I moved towards anything that could give me cover. It wasn't easy though. Since I was away from the beach right now, few things offered any real cover. I didn't see any pks, but that made me nervous. Where were they? Were they with Nick or the doctor? Or were they waiting for me?

[Jack Lexington]

Just after midnight I wake again in an empty, cold room. The fire is almost out with some red glowing bits left in the fire place. Shivering I come to my senses much faster than I want. The sickweak sick feeling keeps me from trying to get up and the darkness tells me that Nitya hasn't returned yet, which truly worries me because the walk into town is no long than half an hour and the same back. She's been gone too long for my taste but there's nothing I can do.

Slowly I push myself to a sitting position and draw the blanket around my shoulders to shield me from the cold air. I reach for the cantine on the floor but only my fingertips brush up against it so I actually have to bend down to grab it, which is agonizing. I can tell how inflamed my side is already but I need that water.
After unscrewing the top I take a sip and then slowly drag myself over to the fire to add one of the logs on the floor.
With some blowing I get it to start up again and stay close by in an armchair to get warmer.
Now that I'm alone I use the opportunity to light the candle on the table next to me and have a look at the wound by myself. It's like I'm peeking at something forbidden, something that shouldn't be there. My eyes roam over the 10 inch bright red, swollen scar with disgust. Only now do I start to get an idea of what the impact of this could be for me other than peace keepers on my track. I could be incapacitated for good and maybe not able to work. Maybe I will be forced to go back to sleeping with girls t get by. Now that I found somebody I really care about that would be the last thing I would want. I guess I'd better stay positive and keep my head up.

My eyes wander to the window but all I can see is the reflection of the light from my candle.

The peace keepers who were watching the doctors house didn't fail to notice the person coming from it. Since it was already late at night this was defiently suspicious activity so the followed the shadow until they were close enough to order the person to "Stop. peace keepers of district 7. Wait up!"
Their steps got faster to close the distance before the man or woman would decide to disappear between the shadows of the buildings.

[Nitya Demont]

I started to worry about the lack of pks around, and that was apparently well founded. Just as I was about to get to a small cover of rock, I heard a voice ring out telling me to stop. My heart froze. This could not be happening, but I should've figured that they would be watching the doctor's house. How could I have been so stupid? I didn't want them to find the medicine in case it got the doctor in trouble, so I quickly took it from my bag and hid it in the belt I was wearing. It was supposed to be used to hold hooks and things when fishing, but it worked this way as well.

For a moment, I considered running, but I knew that would do me no good. They would catch me eventually, and then I would be in even more trouble. Fast as I was, I knew that I couldn't out run that many pks. Instead, I did as they asked and stopped in the shadow of the buildings nearby. As I waited for them to come up, I wondered how bad this was going to get. After all, I had run away from them and helped Nick escape. The only good thing was that at least I didn't have Nick with me. Of course, being caught would mean that it took me even longer to get to him.

I was also worried about the doctor. Though I had hidden the medicine, I knew they would be suspicious about what had happened. I could lie and say that he hadn't helped. If something happened to him, I don't know what I would do. Then there was Nick. He wasn't with me, but I'm sure they'd think I knew where he was. Plus, I had been sneaking around in the dark. Maybe I could just say that I needed the attention of a doctor for some of my wounds. Regardless, I felt sure that there was going to be punishment of some sort. As brave as I wanted to be, I was scared.

[Jack Lexington]

The woman stops so the keepers are quickly closing in on her eying her with suspicion. "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"
They demand to know and as soon as they shine one of the flashlights in her face they know who is in front of them. "It's her." The two men exchange a quick glance.
The, before Nitya can do anything, her hands get twisted onto her back, where they are getting bound with handcuffs.
"You're under arrest. You're wanted for possibly helping a criminal escape."
Two string, leather clad hands where padding her down looking for weapons and things she could have gotten from the doctor.
"What did you want here in the middle of the night and where is Nick Travis?" The older one demands to know while he has a firm grasp on her arm.

Back at the cabin I've grown restless because Nitya is taking so long. If only I could go out and search her but judging by my shivers and pain I won't even make it all the way into town on my, not will I be able to help her. I'm wrecking my brain what could take her so long, other than some problem she ran into. I give walking a try but barely make it in front of my door so I tell myself that I'll wait another 30 minutes before I try and head out.

[Nitya Demont]

My heart is thumping hard in my chest as they close in. Again, I think of running, but I know it's pointless. I hold my ground and try to think of other things to keep myself as calm as I can. They are not going to make me show fear, and they are not going to break me. Of that much, I feel certain.

I don't even have time to answer them before I get a light in my eyes. For a moment I'm blinded, and that's when I hear them identify me, and I know that I'm in trouble. The next thing I know, my arm is being twisted behind my back and bound. The twist hurts, but I manage to keep my face neutral. I refuse to give them any satisfaction of any sort. The charge doesn't surprise me except for the possibly part. However, perhaps that is something I can work with.

The feel of hands roaming over my body is not a pleasant one, but at least they don't find anything. "I needed help for myself," I say. That is true enough. "I've got an injury to my ankle. You can check." It wasn't that old, so it still looked kind of iffy. At least it didn't look like an out right lie. It could be true. "And in answer to the second part of your question, I don't know." Honestly, they had seen me with him, so they knew that I knew of him at least. I felt bad telling lies, but I tried to think of it as being partly true. Nick could really be anywhere at this moment. What I worried was that he might come looking for me when I didn't come back right away.

Now, I wondered what was going to happen to me. The handcuffs were cutting into my wrists, and their looks alone could freeze a person. Would they take me to my family? Throw me in the prison of sorts we had? Torture? What was it? Too many questions flew about in my head, so I instead tried to focus solely on them. Again, I didn't want them to see that I was worried about what would happen.

[Jack Lexington]

One of the men quickly checked the ankle she was indicating and took a look at it. Then he nodded to the other one. Apparently they were satisfied with her explanation why she was at a doctors so late.
"But why are you sneaking around at night and not during the day if you ahve nothing to hide?" He narrowed his eyes while his voice was cold and grim. He was so used to being lied to by these district people.

The other one interrupted him with another question. "How old are you?"
Again he felt around her clothes for some form of ID.
"You know that your parents will be charged if you are under age. We're still investigating how Mr. Travis managed to escape but according to the coast guards he had to have some sort of help. Was that you, young woman? Did you help a wanted border crosser and thief escape?" He stressed my offences loud and clear hoping to shock the girl and make her give up my location.
"If you're hiding that man, you'd better come forward with the truth and you might be spared but if not either you or your parents will be locked up for a long time. Do you understand?" His words were trying to drill the fear into her head.

His partner started whispering something in his ear in a very low tone, turning slightly away from Nitya, then he nodded before they stared her down again while curling a hand around the butt of a whip.

I've had it with waiting. By now I'm sure Nitya is in some sort of trouble and can't stay here any longer. I at least have to try to help her. So I fish my jacket and woolen hat from a hook and slowly slip it on.
My boots follow but I leave them untied because I simply cannot bend down.
With my candle in a lantern I make my way outside the door where the cold winter wind, that distinctively smells of snow, greets me. It gives me instant chills yet I'm determined to go look for her.
Slowly and carefully I walk down the two stairs and into the night to go search for my sould mate.

[Nitya Demont]

They buy the ankle bit but then ask why I was sneaking around. Fortunately an answer comes to my head quite quickly. "I didn't want my family to know. I told them I was fine." Honestly, had the bit about needing medicine for my ankle been true, I would've sneaked around. It really was something I wouldn't want to talk to my parents about. They'd had enough to handle. Still, I'm worried about whether or not they will accept this answer. At least I didn't hesitate too long or answer too fast. That would have easily given me away.

I couldn't remember where I had my ID. I couldn't remember if I'd been putting it in my pockets as I changed clothes or what. Hopefully that was the one thing they would find. I definitely hadn't meant to go without that if I had. "I couldn't help a thief," I say honestly. Fortunately, I didn't think of Nick as a thief, so once again I was telling the truth though in a weird way. Then, I decide to play on my size a little. For once, being mistaken as weak would come in handy. "I'm not big enough for much even if I wanted to help a thief." That should be pretty obvious since I'm sure that all of them would be able to fit one hand around both my wrists.

Honestly, I had no fear about my parents being locked up. They were far too important, and they had always appeared to be model citizens on the outside of things. It was me that would get locked away. I felt like they were telling me that to scare me. For most, just the threat of going to jail themselves was enough to make them tell what they knew, but I couldn't do that. "I understand," I said. Though I was trying not to be afraid, they were scaring me a little. Still, I kept my face a mask; I'd had a lot of practice at that after all.

When his partner started whispering, I immediately felt my stomach sink. This was not a good sign. Standing there in handcuffs with large men with weapons talking in hushed voices wasn't exactly a comforting or warm feeling. Their stares bore into me, but I kept quiet. One of them put his hand on something, but I refused to follow it. I didn't want to know what it was that he had. Instead, I let my thoughts go to Nick. I hope he was still alright. I was going to get back to him somehow.

[Jack Lexington]

Her words about being not big enough makes sense but somebody had to have knocked the coast guatrd out. Finally one of the guards finds her ID in the back pocket and scans it with a small device from his pocket. A moment later it beeps and shows her face on the small screen. "Nitya Demont. Underage. No previous offenses."
With the hand threateningly the man tells her. "You should stay away from criminals like that man. I don't know what he told you but Nick Travis is not only wanted for trespassing into another district but for theft and criminal impersonation. He's been leading on girls like you." With a satisfied smile he adds. "Looks like he found another foolish young thing to fall for him." Ridiculing her was part of the fun of his job.

Soon the men grabbed her and walked her home to the adress that was stated in the ID. A hard knock on the door woke up somebody in the house as a light soon came on. After some rummaging sounds a key could be heard as it unlocked the door and the tired, shocked face of Nityas father came eye to eye with two, bulky peace keepers.
"Mr. Desmont. Your daughter has been sneaking around town. She's under investigation for the escape of fellon Nick Travis. Are you aware of this, sir?"
The other man unlocked her handcuffs and handed the girl over to her father.
"Should we find that your daughter has anything to do with his escape you will be held responsible. Keep your child under controll, I suggest."
The man nodded his head before him and his partner turned around to leave. "We'll keep an eye on that place." They whispered to each other.

I've barely made it to the fence of my property when I have to sit down the first time because my knees are getting too wobbly and my heart races so hard. It takes a good ten minutes out in the cold until I get up again and, with my hand pressed against my throbbing side, put one foot in front of the other. "I have to find Nitya." I tell myself.

[Nitya Demont]

When he finds my ID, I feel relieved. If he hadn't found it, I don't know what would have happened nor would I have known where it had gone off to. In addition, they seem to accept my words. They are really true enough though. I'm strong, but there is no way I could take one of them out without a spear or something. When my name pops up, I know I'm in trouble for the underage thing, but I'd rather that happen than anything else. Plus, at least my record is clean. There is something to be said for that around here.

I decide to act hurt by this news. It wouldn't look right if I wasn't; most normal girls would be a little hurt by this news. A hurt look comes across my face, but I know what I really believe about Nick. He's a good guy no matter what they say. "I see," I say softly casting my eyes to the ground. I don't appreciate them calling me foolish, but there's nothing I can do about that. "Another," I repeat. Then, I lapse into silence and try to exude a little sadness.

When they grabbed me, I winced inwardly. They didn't care how rough they were though. At least, most of them didn't. At first, I wondered where they were taking me. However, when I saw that we were closing in on my own home, I felt another wave of relief wash over me. Not only did it seem that I wasn't going to jail, I would also be closer to Nick's from here. Of course, I'd probably have to do a little backtracking in case they were watching us. Of course, that seemed quite likely. After all, Nick was seen with me. They would probably think that he'd come here.

I saw my father's face, and once he saw me in their hands, I could also see him pale slightly. Fortunately, to most it would just look like an angry flush. He didn't like people to see his fear which was where I got that trait from. They told him what I had been doing. When he answered, his words were calm and to the point. "Yes, peacekeepers came to investigate my family when this Nick Travis character escaped. The sneaking around, I was not aware of." His glare fixed upon me, and I looked down. I was definitely in trouble.

The release of the handcuffs gave me instant relief in my arms and wrists. No doubt there would be marks, but I didn't care. "I understand," he told them. "She's never given us any problems before. We'll take care of it, or else," he said directing the last bit at her. They walked away, and father puled me inside. I knew there was no way we had gotten off that easily. Still, I knew that once again I had some explaining to do.

"Young lady, what were you doing?" my father asked clearly trying to control his voice. I didn't get to answer before mother and Hammil came in. "What's going on?" mother asked and then caught sight of me. Her mouth dropped open as did my brother's. "We thought you were helping that one boy," she whispered.

"I was," I answer. "He got an infection, mom. I have the medicine with me, but I got caught on the way back. THey were watching the doctor's house I guess or they were doing random sweeps."

Her father shook his head. "This isn't good. They'll probably be watching you now that they caught you sneaking about once. I don't know if you can go out again."

"Dad, I have to. He needs me; he'll die without this stuff."
"And what about you, Yaya?" Hammil voiced suddenly using my nickname. "You'll be in trouble. Look what's happened so far."
"I have to go back to him. Only, I don't want you all in trouble."

I bite my lip. As much as it pains me, I think I have an idea. "What if you were to 'kick me out' for a while. If I'm an independent, they can't charge you." Immediately, my brother and father shook their heads.

"Absolutely not."
"It isn't your fault though, father. It may be the only way. Just trying to sneak out of here again would be risky. If I leave during the day, they will expect me to come back."

After about an hour, they finally agree that it might be the best way. However, Hammil says that he wants to help. After all, he and my other two brothers are no longer underage. They are responsible for their actions and not their parents. He offers to accept messages sand ferry things if I should need them. It sounds like a good arrangement. Of course, I know my other brothers will not understand. Still, I leave them messages.

"Now make this good," I say looking at my father. "I'm sorry about this. I love you all."
Soon, we are done exchanging goodbyes and before I know it, I'm being kicked out of the house. My fathers voice throwing me out and some of the words he says hit me hard, but I know he doesn't mean them. I get up and start towards the shelter for underages like me. Then, I start to make a loop back making sure that I'm not being followed. I have to get back to Nick.

[Jack Lexington]

I'm only maybe 200 meters up the road when my knees buckle under me and send my spiralling to the frozen ground. The lanters glass shatters on the solid packed mud and a shockwave of pain shoots from my side through my body paralyzing me instantly. Groaning out loud I try to deal with it because I know nobody is around and will bother. Curling up in a ball seems to help a little.

For a good 5 to 10 minutes I lay on the cold ground with nothing but my winter jacket to protect me from the cold. I cannot help Nitya like this as much as I would want to because even if I somehow made it into town I'd not be strong enough to save her. For me trying ends here since it seems that my own life is just as much in jeopardy as hers. If she doesn't come back I have only myself and need to be able to function so I use my last bit of strength to get back on my knees, then my feet and drag my shaking body back towards my cabin.
My heart is beating like a drum from the strain and I feel flushes of heat take the place of the cold shivers. No doubt about it...I'm in trouble and not sure that I have enough own healing ability left to battle this infection.

As I set one foot in front of the other I think to myself that at least I found somebody I really care about, even if it was short.
More crawling than walking I make it up the front porch but cannot get the damn door open anymore. So I stay right there of the rough wooden boards of the old front porch wondering how long it would take to freeze out here.

[Nitya Demont]

It seems like this journey back is taking forever. Then again, I have been stopping and weaving about to make sure that I'm not being followed. On top of that, I'm exhausted from the events of the day. I haven't even taken a look at where the handcuffs were yet. My whole focus is on getting back to Nick. I'm sure he's worried; I should've been back ages ago if everything had gone as we had planned. Now, I'm just trying to hurry as much as I can.

Finally, I can see his place. My heart is thumping with nerves. Hopefully he hasn't gotten any worse or we are going to have to make another journey, and given how things are going, who knows what will happen with that. However, I push those thoughts out of my head as I start to make my way towards the door. At least I'm back with the medicine and get to see Nick again. That's when I see Nick on the porch. Though my legs are tired, I break out into a run.

"Nick!" I cry out as loud as I dare. My feet are going so fast that I'm surprised that I don't trip. When I make it up to the house, I immediately run up to him and open the door to the house. "What are you doing out here?" I ask full of worry. He looks as though he's warm, and he feels it to the touch. I seriously hope that he doesn't have a fever. Quickly, I start to get him inside the house. My heart is pounding even faster than it did when I was caught by the pks.

Inside, I try to get him to the bed and start to unfasten the belt so that I can pull out the medicine. "I got it," I tell him. "Sorry it took so long, but I have it." Words are slurring together a little because of how fast I'm talking out of nerves. "How are you feeling?" I know it isn't good, but I need to know what we're dealing with here. I could need to go ahead and push the needle into him right now. Though I'm doing what I need to by pulling out the medicine, I still feel the huge urge to run my hands over him and make sure that he is actually there.

[Jack Lexington]

Just when I thought I had to freeze out here and Nitya had gotten arrested for trying to help me I hear somebody call my name and soon shake me. This must be her. Turning my head slightly I can see her outline in front of the night sky. "You made it back." I mutter with little energy. "I was trying to find you." I explain in as little words as possible what on earth I'm doing out on the front porch.

She is quick to help me up and drag me in even though I must weigh a ton for her. I try to walk by myself but my steps are very unsteady. She drops me on the bed where it's much more comfortable than on the wooden floorboards and I breath a sigh of relief. It only lasts a moment because when I look at her to ask what happened to her I notice how hard my heart is beating in my chest and how much I'm sweating even though I was outside.
She pulls out something, which I son't recognize so I furrow my brow and ask. "What's that?"
How am I feeling? Can't she tell? "Wonderful." I say with my voice filled with sarcasm. "Hot and cold at the same time, weak and tired." It's time to complain a but I guess. If I was honest I'd probably groan my head off but I'm more worried what happened to her right now.
"What happened out there?" I ask while I'm placing my hand on her arm because I'm sure she hasn't stayed away this long without a good reason. "I was so worried. I thought they caught you."
At least that bit is not true since she's here, which soothes me.

[Nitya Demont]

The movement makes me feel better. Still, he shouldn't have been outside. "Yes, I did. I said I would." When he says he was coming to find me, I feel exceedingly special. "Thank you," I say simply. There isn't much else I know to say. He was worried about me, and he even risked going out to help me. It was so touching. Again his strength impressed me. Not many could keep moving after the stuff he had been through

"It's medicine," I answer. "The doctor gave it to me. I'm going to put this on your wound, and then we'll put in the penicillin." Hopefully that won't cause too much of a fuss. I grab what I need to put on the medicine as the doctor told me. The needle is within easy reach, but I want to try this first. I move over to him and start to gently remove the bandage to put this medicine on.

The sarcasm hits me, but I know it is because he feels horrible. I figured as much when I found him on the porch. It had been a stupid question, but I needed to know what we were looking at. "Feverish," I say softly. It looks like we may need to make another trip to the doctors, but I'm not sure if we'll make it. Hopefully this medicine and the penicillin will be enough. Gently I start to apply the medicine. "Sorry if this stings," I tell him. "I'll try to do this quickly but carefully." I hate causing more pain, but it has to be done.

He asks what happened, and I know I have to tell him. "It took a bit to get to the doctors and to get the medicine, and..." I pause for a moment as my brain starts to relive everything that happened. "They did catch me, but they let me go. They think I'm just some idiot girl you tricked. My family 'kicked' me out of the house in case they were watching so I could come back here. Don't worry, they didn't follow, and they barely laid a finger on me." Of course, this is going to worry him some, but at least I made it back here.