I slithered as fast as I could all over the town, trying to find the remaining crocodile bandits or the rest of the furious five and Po. So far I was having no luck. Hell, I didn't even know which part of the town I was in anymore. The street I was now in the middle of looked sketchy to say the least. Alleyways took up the spaces between buildings and everyone looked unstable. I slithered through the street slowly as to not draw attention but was still given odd looks, as though these people had never seen a python before. Luckily that was all they did, just look. However, one pair of eyes got my attention more than anyone else. Down in one of the alleyways I had just passed. I went back to see two eyes shining from the darkness. Normally I would have ignored it but these eyes looked familiar. They were both bright green. I haven't seen those eyes since... ...
I slithered closer only for the eyes to move deeper into the alleyway. In my mind I expected this to be a trap, but if it was who I thought it was, I needed to get some answers. I followed the eyes into the alleyway. I could hear the footsteps of the person sound further away with each step so I slithered faster, and faster. Soon it became a game of cat and mouse, I zoomed down the alleyway, taking sharp turns whenever a corner appeared. Eventually I found myself at a dead end, which was odd. I could have sworn that she had come down this way. How had she gotten away? I then heard a scuffling noise from above.
She hadn't.
I looked up to see a black figure dropping down on top of me. I jumped to the wall, barely getting out of the way before she landed, and bounced off of it to attack back. The person was fast enough to react and caught my head at arms length. Quickly, I wrapped my tail round the attackers legs and pulled, causing her to fall but not before she pulled me with her, smashing me into the dirt filled ground hard enough to daze me for only a few seconds. I could have delivered an accurate jab to her head and knocked her out. The only thing that stopped me was her speaking out, revealing the sound of her voice.
"Well well well. If it isn't my favorite python. Come seeking answers I presume".
"Nice to meet you again Yinshen". I replied somewhat sarcastically.
The attacker released me, allowing me to see her properly and sure enough, it WAS Yinshen. Same species, same green eyes, heck she was even wearing the same blue dress the first time she introduced herself. I then spoke up.
"As a matter of fact, yes. I want answers. I trust you have no problem answering".
"Heh. Alright then, I'll play your little game. Ask away".
"What was the real reason you came to the valley of peace on the winter feast"?
"Just trying to earn a living. I was planning on stealing that old woman's beautiful necklace".
"Mrs Tien". I corrected her.
"Until I realized that the water buffalo, Ralph was after the same thing I wanted. A shame I only figured that out once he had stolen it".
"So you went looking for him only to run into me and trick me into thinking you were going to return the necklace". I spoke up, putting the pieces together.
"Exactly. Shame that you had to be the good Samaritan you are and return it".
"At least that answers one question. But still, why are you back? Trying your luck again with theft"?
"Not this time. I've returned for you". Yinshen spoke, pointing one of her clawed fingers at me and poked me lightly.
"I don't get it. You're here to steal me"? I asked confused. This only got her to smile.
"You're so cute when you're clueless". She turned round, flicking my face with her tail and walked a few feet away before speaking, barely looking back. "Let's just say that you being here, in the valley of peace has become... another obstacle for my boss".
"I wouldn't have imagined you'd be the type of person to take orders from another. Who is your boss"?
"If I could tell you, I would. But who would I be to go spilling information like that? Just remember Mike. Next time we meet, I won't go easy on you".
I didn't have a chance to ask her anything else as she jumped high into the air. My eyes followed her until they were set upon the sun causing me to look away from the sudden burst of sunlight. When I looked back, she had already gone. Great. Now I've got a bounty hunter after me. How had Yinshen quickly gone from thief to hitman. I'm going to need to watch my back from now on.
"Darn it"!
I suddenly heard from nearby. I'd need to deal with Yinshen later. Right now, I have croc bandits to worry about.
...
Another short chapter! However, there is a reason for it. We will now be going into the main plot of the story where things get more serious. All I can say is that you better pray for Mikes sake. Next chapter will be up in the middle of next week. Cheerio!