New to Ketterdam

Chapter 6

Warnings: blood and mentions of wounds.
Word Count: 2.3k
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     It had been six months since Julia and Jesper began going to the shooting range.  They went at least once a week and were strongly committed to it. Jesper improved—if it was even possible—in his gun-slinging skills and Julia improved drastically with her archery.  Although she had nothing like Jesper's talent, she could certainly hold her own.  He had trained her well and she was "his greatest student," according to Jesper.  

     "I'm your only student, Fahey." 

     "Regardless."

     Jesper didn't go to Ketterdam University anymore; a fact which broke Julia's heart.  He didn't tell her originally, trying to make it a painless, slow process.  He had told her it all happened naturally—his work with the Dregs just took over his life and he absolutely loved it.  Most days, Jesper's life consisted of hanging around the Crow Club, watching tourists at the gambling tables (occasionally joining in on the fun), and going on any and all heists Kaz would hand him.  If Jesper had the opportunity to shoot his pistols or unleash his charm, he was there with arms wide open.  He didn't immediately notice Julia's sadness at his absence from the university.  He assumed their time at the shooting range and occasional walks around the East Stave were enough for their friendship to last.  And in a way, he was right; but Julia missed him during classes.  Without Jesper, Julia felt alone and out of place among the rest of her fellow students.  His companionship and quirky jokes were what normally kept Julia awake during class.  But now, without him, her work with her father and her desire to do well at the hospital was her only motivations for listening to her professors. 

     Julia had been working at the hospital with her father and was making a name for herself quickly. In just close to a year since being in Ketterdam, Julia believed that her life was finally going in the right direction.  She was doing well in school, improving in archery, and becoming a useful medik in Ketterdam.  She enjoyed every second at her father and brother's side as she learned from them.  She quickly learned that in Ketterdam, there are two sets of patients—the ones who are hypochondriacs (apparently due to a plague that hit Ketterdam a few years back) and ones who have been shot or severely wounded by gang violence.  She learned to treat both and became a natural with fixing and bandaging any sort of injury or illness.  

—//—

     Today was particularly exhausting.  Julia had a test at the university early in the morning before heading straight to the hospital after classes.  Julia had predicted the test didn't go well and she was too tired from all the constant busyness of the past week to be a functioning intern at the hospital.  Despite the bright light of day surrounding the bedroom, the second Julia was able to be alone in her room she passed out on her warm, welcoming bed.  

     A sharp tap on Julia's shoulder woke her up with a start.  I must've been knocked out cold, Julia thought to herself.  It was dark outside with only a faint streetlamp to illuminate Julia's room.  Julia began shaking off the weight of sleep as the sharp tapping on her shoulder continued.  She rubbed her eyes as she looked over at her shoulder for the source of the movement.

     "You'll need to follow me."

     Julia saw a small, teenage boy leaning over her.  He had a note tucked tightly in his hand, his expression grim as he stared back at her.

     Julia got to her feet as quickly as she could and reached for one of her daggers on her desk. His hand stopped her before she could grab the weapon.  "I come from Kaz Brekker."