Ameliorate ✦ One Piece

40

Akira reacted quickly. As soon as she realized there was no point in silent evasions and subtle escapes, she didn't waste time before turning and starting for the door. But, of course, it couldn't be that easy. Not with the other Marine still there, waiting behind her and blocking her path to the door.

She didn't recognize this one. Not that it mattered. Whether he was or was not someone she'd met during her time under Jahra's thumb didn't matter. Only one man recognizing her and spreading the story was enough. Something that was only further proven as she glanced out the window and spotted two more Marines in the street, clearly waiting in case she did manage to find a way out.

"Jahra's promised to make whoever brings you back to him a rich man, Akira," the man she recognized spoke, his voice threatening and words sending a chill down her spine. However, while in the past they might've made her freeze up and panic, this time around Akira knew she wouldn't be going down without a fight.

She finally had a taste of freedom and there was no chance in hell she would just give up without fighting to keep it.

Sparing a glance towards the shopkeeper, Akira tried to judge her position. One man behind her, one in front of her, two waiting in the street. And the grey-haired woman pulling back to the walls clearly showed she had no intention of intervening or participating. However, while she didn't seem interested in the fight, as she met the woman's eye, Akira soon realized she might've been wrong in assuming the shopkeeper would be of no help.

Quiet and subtle, she didn't break eye contact with Akira as her head nodded to the back, further behind the shelves and rows of books and supplies. And as she looked in the same direction, Akira spotted a door. Slightly obscured and out of view, but not so much that she couldn't make it out.

She didn't know where it would lead or what was waiting on the other side. She knew it could be a trap. But with her path to the main shop door blocked, as was the street beyond it, she knew she had little choice in the matter. And so, she decided to take the chance. Although, there was still a good distance separating her from it. One she knew she wouldn't so easily cross without attempts being made to stop her.

So she prepared for those too. "You're not getting me to him, but you can deliver a message for me," she started to speak finally, turning her head to properly look at the former Shells Town Officer. "Tell Jahra if he ever crosses my path again, I'll drain him dry." Once her threat was delivered, she didn't waste a moment longer.

Knowing that with her limited fighting skill, her best assets were the element of surprise paired with her speed, Akira let one of her hands reach out for the man before he could attempt to make any moves of his own, grabbing him by his bare arm and drawing as soon as she sensed something there.

His companion was quick to react, making Akira swing her leg back, jamming it into his stomach before he could reach for her while the other tried to rip away from her. He managed to do it too, but not before Akira had taken her fill, the depletion sending him stumbling into a row of shelves. Books shook upon impact, raining down on his head and made him tumble down to the ground himself.

And Akira took her chance when it presented itself. Running forward, she rushed for the back door, making sure to tip over a cart full of merchandise as she passed it, momentarily blocking the second man trying to chase after her as he stumbled over it. And while he was forced to regain his footing before he crashed onto the ground just like his friend, Akira slammed her hand on the door handle, happy to find it unlocked and springing open for her.

Running through the hall beyond it, she could see another door on the other end, praying to whatever higher power might hear her that it would be unlocked. It had to be, right? After all, why would the shopkeeper direct her to a dead end where she'd only be boxed in and cornered? Luckily, the logic soon proved to be true as, once she reached it, the second door opened as easily as the first had.