My name is...

Nina hurriedly stood up with the young girl who was taking a fighting stance. Turning to look at the owner of the gruff voice but only see a dark figure she knew the figure was still some miles away. She quickly turned toward the young girl who was ready to fight and was slightly stunned by the aura which surrounded the young girl. It was a dangerous aura of murky toxicity. It was filled with anger, malice, hatred, and violence, something a child her age should not have.

Resolutely grabbing hold of the young girl's shoulders,Nina spoke in a low and even tone," I need you to calm down young one, undo your transformation, I will deal with this issue."

Genevieve did not speak or make any sign of acknowledgement towards the woman who seemed to want to be her salvation. This woman was a stranger. How could she trust someone based of the mere fact that the woman wanted her to trust her. However, closely examining this woman, she could see the strong resolution behind those oak brown eyes.

There was no trace of uncertainty or deceit, this woman, Nina, genuinely wanted to help her. he cheery face that squatted before her, warm aura, and genuine concern from Nina that occurred a few seconds ago flashed through her mind.

Genevieve's eyes went back to normal and her sharp scales rapidly retracted back into her body as she took deep and even breaths. She looked into Nina's eyes and nodded. Nina nodded back and in a flash the Genevieve felt herself being lightly pushed behind Nina.

Nina was looking ahead resolutely while maintaining a protective stance for the young girl who complied with her wishes. a barely noticeable smile formed on her lips." Thanks...I know it was a bit selfish of me to ask that of you....sorry, I'll make it up to you some day....but right now.... your name, quickly tell me your name!" Her calm tone transformed to an anxious one as the figure who spoke earlier became more visible.Before she could say anything else, the atmosphere suddenly got colder as a tense feeling arose in the alley.

"Oh! Nina It's just you." The gruff voice said as it drew closer." How's your babysitting going?" He sneered.

"You don't even have time to let them out of your si..." his mocking paused as he examined the figure whom Nina protectively held behind her. the girls head was bowed down in what seemed like submission to the man, but Nina knew that young girl who she held firmly behind her was bowing her head to conceal the malice she had for the approaching man.

"What do you want Tom? What do you think you are doing here?" Nina asked venomously as the man suddenly stopped talking." We had an agreement with your boss that you would never do business here!"she hissed anger flaring in her eyes, " You only check on them once a month."

"Woah! Woah! Woah!....calm down, we all know your agreement with the boss, though we don't even know the details of your agreement....and yeah! yeah! I know I already checked on those snot-pickers this month." he said with a sinister smirk on his scared face.

"Though..." he paused for a few seconds, which felt like hours for Nina, "I know each and everyone of those brats you take care of down to the annoying knee length squirt." he said as he exaggeratedly extended his hands. "But...this one, this one, I don't know her to be one of yours...funny thing is, we are looking for a little nameless kid, about the size of the one your holding, with lovely black hair..." the smirk on his face slowly widened to a menacing smile as he moved closer for a better look, since the light was insufficient for him to clearly see the figure behind Nina.

"Stay right there, you disgusting bull." Nina roared authoritatively but Genevieve could feel the slight aura of fear that Nina emitted. Tom paused his steps, the malice which was clearly painted on his face becoming mixed with arrogant interest."You do know..."he paused dramatically "it's best not to hide anything from us."

"I'd never dream of it. This girl is one of my own." Nina said mockingly. Genevieve was stunned, her lips slightly curved upwards,this was the first time she was being defended by someone since he left her. That's when she decided she would really do it, for the first time in eight years she would tell someone her name,however, although she was grateful she did not feel comfortable revealing her whole name. Her small smile became more pronounced," Jenny." she muttered in a voice that only Nina could hear,"My name is Jenny."