The Blood Alchemist

A Chance Encounter

Dusk was such a lovely time, the boundary between the tame day and the wild night. Not that the activities of the night didn't take place during the day, it's just no one cared to hide it anymore at night. The setting sun glistens off the river dividing Lautus from Azymus, shining as brightly as the polished white stones of Lautus in the distance.

Lautus was nice, but nothing like the Azymus. Most of those in Lautus would never cross that bridge; not that they would be allowed to. Technically, I wasn't supposed to cross the bridge; at least not alone, and certainly not at night.

I smile as I lean out into the open air, the breeze caressing my face. No sign of my watchdog yet. Perfect. With luck, the night was sure to be mine.

The sound of feet has my eyes turning down to the street. A girl makes her way down the street. Her red hair is pulled back in a braid that spills over her shoulder. Her hands grip the straps of her backpack. She gives no attention to others on the street and, likewise, they pay her no attention.

She walks quickly, with purpose. She must have a destination, but where was she going? She sticks close to the building, clearly trying to avoid attention.

She passes by a couple of men, who, like everyone else, she ignores. Unlike everyone else, they take notice of her. They both stand for a second, just watching her walk down the street. They share a glance before beginning to follow after her. Her pace doesn't falter in the slightest. She must not be aware of her tail.

Springing into a sprint, she ducks into an alley. So she was aware of them. Not that she could outrun them. They're on her heels.

I jump from my perch in the window, landing lightly on the ground. I should be on my way. I'd sat still long enough. If Clyde wasn't on my trail yet, he would be shortly. My eyes drift to the alley. My feet begin moving, curiosity demanding to be sated.

I can hear one of the men laughing as I reach the opening of the alley. Leaning against the corner, I peer into the alley. The girl's bag lays discarded on the ground. She probably lost it in the initial fight. Now she stands with her back to the wall, both men towering over her, keeping her from going anywhere.

"A pretty little thing like yourself shouldn't be wandering around alone," one of them says, leaning closer to her.

She flattens herself against the wall. "Stay away from me."

"Oh, come on now. We just want to have some fun. We won't bite," the second one says.

"Unless you want us too," the first says huskily, leaning even closer.

The girl reacts. She slams her head into his face. He falls back, yowling in pain, grabbing his face. She jumps at her opening, but the second man is faster. He catches her wrist. She spins, pulling her wrist to her and down. He loses his balance, falling forward. His head snaps back after making contact with her rising knee.

I can't help but feel impressed. I'm also rather glad I had decided to follow after them. This was rather enjoyable.

The first is back on his feet, blood trickling down his chin, blocking her path as she spins around. I can hear the click as his switchblade pops open. "So, you like it rough, huh?"

Perhaps now would be a good time to step in.

I don't get the chance though. The girl spins, one foot coming up to make contact with his hand, sending his switchblade flying out of his hand. That's to be the end of her winning streak though.

The second man is suddenly behind her. He wraps his arms around her, pinning her arms down and lifting her off the ground so she has no leverage. She kicks at the first as he steps forwards but he easily catches her leg, laughing.