HONOR AMONG THIEVES: THE LEGEND OF AKIRA

PT. 4 SWORD FOR HIRE

A few weeks past since Nokia and the griffin, Artimis had pretty much forced their way Into Akira's life. They just wondered around the countryside taking In the scenery. Honestly Akira didn't really have any plans of what to do. She thought about finding a new place to settle down. But figured it just end the same way it always did. With people somehow finding out who she was and then being forced to run again. So for now it was life on the road for her. She thought it wasn't too bad though. She finally had someone to keep her company for once. Akira slowly found herself actually starting to kind of like her new mage companion. Though she didn't want to admit it to Nokia. She knew Nokia would whined up teasing her to no end. And she did not want to hear it.. So Akira decided to stay quiet and just let Nokia and the griffin stick around. At least for now. On a sunny day Akira and Nokia were soaring through the sky as they rode on Artimis. They would alternate between walking and flying as they traveled. Just depending on where they were going or how fast they wanted to get there.

NOKIA
The view from up here's really something isn't it Akira?

AKIRA
Yeah.

NOKIA
So what's the plan for today.

AKIRA
Supply run.

NOKIA
Already? Didn't you just get stuff a few days ago?

AKIRA
Hey give me a break. I'm not used to shopping for more than just myself okay. Not to mention feeding a griffin isn't exactly easy.

Artimis cawed, as if insulted.

NOKIA
Easy girl. You know Akira loves you. Sometimes I think too much.

AKIRA
What's that supposed to mean?

NOKIA
You treat her like pampered pet.

AKIRA
I do not.

NOKIA
Just yesterday I saw you doing baby talk to her as you scratched her belly.

AKIRA
Uh.. (Changing the subject) Oh look we're here.

Akira had Artimis land just outside of town. Akira and Nokia got down from Artimis and headed into town. As they did, Akira put up her hood as she always did when she was around other people. Nokia had tried to question her about it. But like most things, Akira told her it was better if she didn't know. Nokia had learned not to push Akira on such things, she always got very upset and would shut Nokia out if she tried. So Nokia just let her be, figuring Akira would explain when she was ready. Though Nokia would still tease her about it.

NOKIA
(Joking tone/ whisper) Oh Akira's got her hood up. Always so mysterious.

Akira gave her a mean look as she shook her head disapprovingly. The two of them walked through town, getting the things they needed. As they went about their business, Nokia noticed that everyone in town seemed to be on edge. She mentioned it to Akira, who hopping it wasn't her, pulled her hood down further and whispered to Nokia that they should go.

NOKIA
Why. I think we should ask what's wrong. And see if we can help.

AKIRA
I have a feeling we'll be helping if we leave.

NOKIA
What? How would us leaving help anything? Come on let's see what's going on.

Before Akira could protest, Nokia grabbed her wrist and pulled Akira along behind her as she walked over to one of the shops. Nokia went inside, dragging Akira with her. Once inside she let Akira go and went up to the counter. Nokia struck up a conversation with the shop owner, trying to get some information about why everyone in town was acting so skittish.

SHOP KEEPER
A couple days ago we received a warning that we're going to be attacked by bandits. So If you two are smart, you'll get out of town as soon as you can.