HONOR AMONG THIEVES: THE LEGEND OF AKIRA

PT. 5 HOPE FOR THE BEST, EXPECT THE WORST

Time passed as the day's turned to weeks, and weeks to months. Akira and Nokia continued on together, along with Falco. Who had befriended the two young women and decided to stick around. Free of charge of course. The three of them just traveled around together. Somehow always seeming to find trouble of some sort. Though they always managed to pull through in the end. One day they had just finished helping out some farmers who were being extorted by the local government. They were just leaving when Akira saw some of the farmers looking at her. She knew that look and realized that she had been recognized. Akira quickly and quietly went to get Nokia and Falco. She needed to get out of there fast.

AKIRA
Time to go.

NOKIA
Already? Come on Akira, I know you don't like being around alot of people. But don't you think it'll do you good to interact with others from time to time.

AKIRA
(Joking) What do you think I keep you around for?

Akira started walking away.

AKIRA
Get Falco and come on. Or I'll leave both of your asses.

Nokia shrugged as she went to find Falco, while Akira made her way to Artimis. She stood by and waited for Nokia and Falco so they could leave. As she waited, Akira saw a ball roll in front of her. She heard some kids yelling at each other to get it. So Akira stepped on the ball, stopping it from rolling further. A couple of kids came running up to her. She picked up the ball and handed it to them. They smiled as they thanked her and went on playing near Akira.

KID 1
Hey have you ever heard of the Crimson Shadow?

KID 2
No, who that?

Akira couldn't help but tense up at the sound of that name. She pulled her hood lower over her face, as she ease dropped on the conversation.

KID 1
Well my grandpa told me about this really mean lady, that used to steal from people alot. And then one night she went crazy and killed an entire village.

KID 2
Whoa. Is that true?

KID 1
Mmhmm. She even burned the whole thing to the ground.

KID 2
That's really scary. But they caught her right?

KID 1
Nope. In fact no one's really seen her for years. Except once in a while people will say they spotted her. But they can never seem to catch her. Probably because anyone that does close enough, she kills them. So you better hope you don't see her. Otherwise it'll be the end for you. Mwa-ha-ha-ha.

KID 2
Stop it.

The kids ran off chasing each other, as Nokia came back with Falco.

NOKIA
Well that's quite a story. I hope that's not true.

Her and Falco heard the kids talking as they came over.

FALCO
I don't know I've heard some pretty bad stuff about that.

NOKIA
That's awful. I'll never understand how someone could do that. I hope they catch that monster and give her what she deserves. Don't you think so too Akira?

AKIRA
Yeah.

Akira slowly turned away and got on Artimis.

AKIRA
Come on let's get going.
(thinking to herself) Before anyone else starts talking about me.

Nokia hoped on behind Akira and Artimis took off. Falco followed on Zora.

AKIRA
You know we should probably get you your own ride.

NOKIA
Nah. I like riding with you.

Akira half jokingly rolled her eyes.

AKIRA
Course you do.