My territory

5. Fight

The following day is dry and sunny, so they let the prisoners have some time outdoors in the courtyard.

Bible has seen the cantine in passing, just tagging along with Tay without looking to anyone much, he didn't have any interactions with other inmates. Also, the cantine has many guards watching them.

The courtyard is different, there are fewer prison guards, the inmates are allowed a bit more freedom there.

So Bible follows Tay down the corridors, trying to be as invisible as possible.

In the courtyard, there's a few playing basketball, some smoking and walking, and others simply sunbathing and talking in groups.

The group with big guys catches his eye, there's like four really big hunks with a menacing aura.

Some in that group seem to have spotted him, they look like they are having an argument, and they've pointed in his direction a couple of times.

He's scared but ready to fight. Bible avoids staring and tries to act as cool as possible, but all his senses are heightened, feeling danger coming his way.

Then two of the hunks come a bit closer. Halfway they ask him:

- Hi, newbie what's your name?

Bible doesn't answer. He's breathing deep and slowly, trying to look like he's just minding his own business and didn't hear them.

The guys close the distance and start manhandling him, a big hand shoves his shoulder

- You don't have manners, piece of shit.

They tower around Bible.

The other two hunks of the group also come closer

- Don't bruise the goods! - say one of the new guys. - Fruit is delicate...

They are defending him but at the same time implying they are doing it because he's someone's meal. The hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

He's so ready for action that when someone touches his face wanting to grab his chin, Bible attacks first.

He's trained in MMA combat so he manages to hurt the bigger guy.

They exchange a few punches. Then, his partner also gets in the fight, and Bible receives a hard punch in the stomach that makes him fold in two, his breakfast wanting to come out.

When he's looking down at the floor, catching his breath, he sees two shiny expensive-looking shoes approaching.

Then a familiar voice:

- I told you I don't want him to receive any damage.

The voice makes a pause.

-Not yet, at least.

Bible feels he can finally look up.

So that's Princess. The guy he saw at the infirmary, Jeff.

He's so ethereal.

So out of place.

He's wearing a designer jacket opened to show a big portion of his chest, jewelry around his wrists and neck, and leather trousers.

Bible realises his face is at Princess' crotch level, so he stands up.

They are the same height.

Everyone is quiet, waiting for Jeff's words, collectively holding their breaths.

Bible has a bit of blood on his swollen lip. Jeff takes his thumb and rubs it over Bible's lip, exerting a bit of pressure.

Although it may look he's just wiping the blood with his finger, the pressure on the wound make it a bit painful.

Then he takes the finger to his mouth and rubs it over his own lips, all the while looking at Bible, who hasn't reacted since he heard his voice earlier on.

Then Jeff looks away, to give orders to his henchmen. Bible hears it clearly:

- Don't hurt him anymore. Bring him to my cell tonight.