Promises, Promises

[Nox]

It wasn't the first time the Atharim had been called a cult. The biggest difference with the Atharim is they didn't worship anything. Sure it was catholic based, but Nox didn't know a single Atharim that believed in God except Aria. And Aria was unique in her beliefs and a murdering psycho but he wasn't going to judge.

Nox faded in and out of consciousness while they drove. But his companion's voice kept him awake. At least he hoped it was him and not something else in his head. Last thing he needed was more voices. His sisters constant chiding was becoming annoying.

"Most believe they are right. Become fanatical. The Atharim are no different. Can't change. Don't want to. But the world is making them."
Nox shrugged as he walked into the clinic.

It wasn't fancy and it was empty for the hour. A single woman sat at a desk and looked up with a frown. "What can I help you with?"


Nox tried to grin through the pain. "Got a pesky gun shot wound I need you to look at."
The humor was lost in the pain. Nox was regretting doing a great many things in this moment. A great many!

The woman stood up and looked down. "The bleeding has stopped. What do you need us for?"


Nox sighed. "It's not, it's an invisible compression band. My friend here can remove it with those fancy goggles he's wearing."
Nox smiled at the guy who had escorted him inside.

She nodded. "Right this way. Who am I charging this to?"


Nox shook his head as he followed her. "Me. I don't want this going outside."
But Nox pulled up the sleeve of his left arm and revealed the red and black dragon eating its own tail. "It's best no one knows even them."


The woman sucked air through her teeth and nodded. "My silence has a price."


"Just tell me the price and I'll have it wired asap."
Nox wasn't rich but he had friends who could do what he'd just said. He'd pay Dorian back, or Cruz or Sage or whoever paid the woman. He owned them more than his life anyway. Nox sat down on the table and looked at his friend. "Tell me how I can repay you."
If it was money well he might as well ask for it all in one foul swoop. So Nox wanted to hear what he was expecting in return. No one did anything for free - specially not get shot at.