The Blind Assassin

Chapter 2

I yawned and stretched as I woke up Athena was laying right next to me on the floor. She woke up to the sound of me waking up, she was always alert to my movements. Kind of like a helicopter mom. Todays agenda was shopping, I was running low on food and supplies. I sighed getting up and running through my normal routine. I was sure to grab my glasses this time, I think I owned about 100. I always had to get a new pair when I forgot them, peoples reactions always annoyed me. 

"Athena come." I could hear her getting up from her bed her nails tapping against the floor as she approached.

I put on her working dog vest, it kept people from distracting her from helping get around the city. Which could be difficult with all the noise with all the noises and smells of the city, that and I have to wear shoes. I hated shoes even when I was young they felt suffocating and craped. So now just wear sandals or fuzzy boots in the winter.  

I head out locking my door, the weather was cooler today. The wind had a chill to it it must meant fall was coming. Great that meant it was harder for her to cover her tracks, and it meant dock runs where going to be a bitch. I groaned and started walking down the little trail to the city. I didn't really mind the walk it gave me time to clear my head before and after going to the city, plus I know Athena likes to chase the squirrels and rabbits on the way home.

Even with the wind chill it was still a beautiful day I decided to wear a dress today since I knew I was only shopping. I shuffled my feet along the ground. The sound was annoying to some but it helped me see and feel the vibrations in the ground. Yes Yes like Toph it's actually a type of martial arts I learned that I have integrated into my life.

"So Athena," I said breaking the silence "What should we get for dinner tonight? Mr. Ukai's or Ramen from that new place." I could feel her tail beating against my leg. "Looks like Ukai it is."

He always made special food for Athena since most of the vegetables and spices were toxic for dogs, he made sure to keep it healthy for her. I've know Mr. Ukai since I was about 5, my parents used to bring me here every Friday. I was always a picky eater and all I wanted to eat was the Egg Drop Soup. 

We finally reached the City the sound of horns, sirens, dogs, people talking, and running around. It was deafening I sometimes wish I was born without my hearing but beggars can't be choosers. I used my scarf to cover my nose before the smells gave me a headache. I knew people were staring at me but I couldn't care less, people were scared of things they didn't understand. 

Oh well I understood me and so did Athena that's all that mattered to me. Sure one day I want to have a family but right now I have a mission I want to make it safer for my future family. Maybe some slight revenge but that's for another time. We finally arrive at the store and head to the pick up zone. 

Athena sat down near the door as I opened up my rolling back to put the groceries in. Even since they made apps for shopping it made everything so much easier. I didn't have to stumble around looking for fruits or prices, since no one ever used brail on their labels. I waited for them to finish packing the bag before thanking them and heading off towards china town. 

It was usually quieter in this part of town, it was common to be respectful towards others. Athena and I walked into Ukai's shop it sounded busy today there was a lot of slurping, and silverware clinking. I took a deep breath and sighed relaxing, this place was my second home it was like a warm embrace of spices and calming atmosphere, even among the busy dinning room. 

"Hey kid!!" I turned my head to where Ukai's voice rang, "Its been such a long time!" I heard his footsteps approaching I opened my arms for the inevitable hug.

"Hi Mr. Ukai!" He gave me a big hug before dropping down to scratch Athena's ears. "It has I've just been a bit busy lately.

"How many times have I told you to call me Keishin" I could tell he was crossing his arms and giving me an apprehensive look, he knew what I was up to he was my informant but we usually talk over the phone.