Chapter 7

If You Look Dangerous, You Better Be Dangerous

Akali wasn't surprised to see that the room was small and homey, much like everything seemed to be in this town. It had a queen-sized bed pushed against the wall to her right, and a chest of old drawers across from it on the left. She wandered over to the window, noting that it was positioned opposite from the door.

Good to have plenty of escape routes…

She opened the wispy curtains and observed the town below. The sun was approaching the horizon, and many of the tradesmen were strewing up lanterns to sell their wares to the night owls. They probably got more business from the drunken revelers in the evening than the careful townspeople during the day.

She unbuckled and untied her gear, mainly consisting of her traveling bag and mat, and stowed it under the bed. No need to be carrying it around if she would be here for a few more days. She thought back on the ealier dilemma of today.

Can I make it through the pass without a group?

She wasn't a fool. Making the journey with at least a healer or mage would be safer, especially with this unknown creature posing a threat she can't exactly prepare for. Akali was patient and rather liked this little town, so waiting around wouldn't be a problem. She would just have to ask around a bit and find someone willing to come along. It shouldn't be too hard.

Today she decided to relax. Though when first beginning on her journey away from her old life Akali had struggled with finding a purpose for lounging around, she had realized that without a mission pressing on her back or the many responsibilities of being Fist of Shadow, it was well…comforting. She settled onto the comfortable bed and mindlessly sharpened her knives—thinking of everything and yet also nothing.

She thought it may have been a tad bit ironic how balanced she felt without Shen telling her how important it was.

Night had approached, and Akali couldn't help but explore the town further. As her mother used to say, Every city has a different face under the starsIt's our job to determine if it's beautiful or savage.

This town was hardly large enough to be called a city, but Akali supposed the saying still applied. Back in the room, she had strapped her kama to her thigh and tucked a few knives into her belt and boots. It was about time to get rid of these shrunken clothes. She wouldn't mind having less restriction when moving too—especially with all the traveling she was doing these days.

Finding her way back into the market was easy—it was lit up with the floating lanterns. The square almost seemed more crowded at night, with people brushing up against each other and jolly merchants persuading them to spend money. There were more stalls up too, selling alcohol and dinner to their laughing patrons.

She pushed through the crowd, looking up at the signs for each shop she went by. The stores were tightly packed, built so closely together there was hardly an alleyway between them. Each had the same amount of character as the inn, with painted shutters and flowerboxes hanging under the windows of the upper floors. Eventually, she found what she was looking for: A thin stone brick building with ivy creeping up its walls. Its sign had "A Stich in Time" written on it in curling letters, and wide windows displayed garments of every fabric and shape.

This was the tailor the innkeeper, who Akali had learned was named Bridgette, had recommended. She said they could make just about anything in record time, and that the prices were fair.

A bell rang when she went through the doors, and a cat with a feathered tail jumped off a counter to her left. A small woman bustled out of the back room and greeted Akali with a smile. She took the measuring tape from around her neck and looked at the ninja pointedly.

"Why dearie, who forces you to stuff yourself into those old clothes each morning."

Akali liked this stout lady and her bluntness.

"I was hoping you would be able to help me with that."

"Well since that's my job I think this will work mighty well. Whatcha looking for?"

Akali told her the list of things she wanted. The requests were rather simple, only really stressing practicality and having some actual pockets.

The woman took her measurements and with the flick of magic from her hand made a cloth mannequin of Akali's body type. They worked for a while, the tailor's magic speeding the process greatly and allowing for Akali to point out any changes she should make.

The product ended up just as she wished, and she happily tipped the woman. She had commissioned a mask as well to match her new cropped top and flowing pants, which were cinched perfectly at the ankles to stay out of her way during fights. Everything was her signature forest green hue and was made of quality fabrics. Akali knew these garments would last.

After sharing tea with the tailor and thanking her for her help, Akali headed back towards the inn.

She was quite ready for a good night's sleep.

Bridgette wasn't at the counter, which seemed a bit odd, but Akali guessed she likely had to go deal with rowdy customers in the downstairs tavern. She stretched happily, surprised at her excitement at wearing her new clothes tomorrow. She had never let herself get excited about these kinds of things before.

Akali went up the stairs and turned down the hall towards her room.

I wonder if I should head out tomorrow or—

She paused mid-thought, instantly on edge. Something was wrong.

Akali dashed towards the corner she had gone around seconds before, a small knife already in her left hand. Her brain became laser-focused on survival and determining the threat. An assassin? A rival ninja? A dangerous beast?

Anything could be on the other side of that bend. She would just have to be ready for it.

She turned to see…nothing. It was just an empty hallway leading back down to the stairs. Not a thing out of place.

But her instincts were hardly ever wrong, and she knew it.

As she continued walking, Akali listened with extreme caution and grabbed her kama off her hip. She felt too exposed in this hallway and quickened her pace towards her room, knowing that she could escape out the window and get to an area with more advantages for a ninja like herself.

Perhaps the roof of this building would be a good spot for her remarkable balance to be put into play.

She closed the door behind her and readied her blades before jumping out of the small window. Using the tiny ledge, she propelled herself up in seconds. Now on the roof, four stories above the naive little town, Akali crouched low and listened for where her attacker would come from.

Her mind raced. It's most likely they come from my same window…but perhaps they have backup. Then one could flank me and I'd have to vault around the chimney. I also must consider their weapons…

She wasn't used to being ill-prepared. Without having the Order to back her up and find information, she felt the slightest bit of doubt creep into her chest.

She shook it off, refocusing just in time to whirl around and see a hooded figure fazing through the goddamn roof.

The man crouched down, sweeping a long blade behind him. The silhouette appeared slightly familiar, but wispy shadows acted as a cloak around his features and build. This must be one of Zed's creations. Nowhere else has she seen techniques like this.

She jumped back as he swept his forearm forward, the blade not far behind. The shadows around him washed over her like tar and seemed to reveal her secrets to the man. Akali swiftly grabbed a shuriken from her waist and whizzed it towards his head. Anticipating his dodge, she threw another shuriken to where his fighting instincts led him. His body moved inhumanely quickly, becoming smoky once again and letting the shuriken pass right through him.

She couldn't help but grin under her mask.

Now things are getting interesting.


Hahahaha soooooo it's been a while. Sorry! I wasn't really inspired lately but I WILL make writing a daily habit before the year is over! Look forward to weekly chapters! Love you guys and I hope you stuck around.

Cover made by cattythedoormat on Instagram! As per usual you should check her out 💙