I could feel the sun beating down on me as I walked to the office. This summer has been one of the hottest on record so far. It wasn't even close to noon, but the sun was blazing already. I could hear fighting in an alley as I walked by, so I picked up my pace. There's violence every day in Ergastulum you would I would be used to it by now, but it still makes me nervous. In fact it scares me, but it's also my job security. There's always someone who's going to need bandaged up, and there's never a dull moment at Dr. Theo's. I was about half way to the doctor's office when I heard a gruff voice call my name.
I turned around to see a group of men behind me. "You're Ariana? Theo's nurse?" The one closest to me asked with a mischievous smile. "Who's Theo?" I asked giving the thugs an innocent look. "Don't play dumb." The biggest one growled as he pulled out his tags. I steadied my nerves as I took a deep breath. "I don't know who you gentlemen are looking for, but I don't know anyone named Ariana or Theo. You have the wrong person." A few of them seemed to accept this answer, but the Tag wasn't taking the bait. In a few short steps he managed to close the distance between us. He studied me with intense eyes and sneered at me. He grabbed me by my hair in a swift motion and I bit down a scream.
"I told you not to lie. You'll be paying for that now." He growled as he pulled me by my hair. "What do you say we have some fun with this one boys? I'm sure the good Dr. wouldn't mind." Fear ran icy through my veins and I couldn't hold back my whimper as the man's hand dug into my shoulder. "Please… let me go…" I stammered as tears began to run down my cheeks. "We will… if the Dr. agrees to our terms… and after we have a little fun." He said with a smirk as he ripped my shirt. "Please don't!" I pleaded. I felt the strength go out in my shaking legs and I began to sag to the ground.
Just as I had given up there was a flash and the Tag's grip on me went slack. I looked up just in time to see the man's blood spray across me and everything in its path. Relief flooded through me as the attacker came into view. It was Nicolas. He shrugged out of his jacket and handed it to me. As I took it he gave me a smile and patted my head. He took a step towards the thugs and smiled. "She said no." He growled. I saw the men jump at the sound of his voice. I wrapped his jacket and took comfort in his familiar smell. He quickly finished off the attackers and then turned his attention back to me. 'Are you ok?' He signed. I tried to speak, but all that came out was a pitiful sob. I covered my face as I cried. I looked over as Nicolas sat down next to me and nudged me with his shoulder. I leaned against him as I gained my composure again.
"Thanks for saving me Nicolas." I said softly. 'Any time Ari. Can you walk?' He signed studying me with a serious face. I nodded as I stood. He stood with me and watched me carefully as I took a shaky step and began to lose my balance, but he caught me before I fell. I felt my face begin to turn a bright scarlet as I looked up at Nicolas, who only rolled his eyes. In a smooth motion he scooped me up and started to carry me. "Nicolas you don't…" "This is faster." He said as he began to run at inhuman speed. I wrapped my arms around him as I hid my face in his shirt.