Abrupt Ambush

By the time they finished trying each food stall, it was already midnight. However, the crowd showed no signs of receding. The streets were dazzling in amber hiss, as Korou held its shaft with a huff. He glanced at his vicinity; they were at the eastern periphery of the Lamphi Bazzar, the home of beastmen. Adjacent to him was the Pakhangba Monastery mercerie lit up with a single lamp. It's light dim, casting a faint glimmer on a concerned Atla's profile.

"Do you need to rest?" She asked in a soft murmur.

Korou denied with a shake. His limbs ached, but this evening had been fun. It was odd for him to feel this way, but he didn't want the night to end.

Atla rolled her eyes and crouched, her gaze next to his. "When I asked you to live in the present," she flicked his forehead. "I didn't mean to push yourself, dumb brat. The Cherouba will always remain, but our bodies will erode; thus, taking care of it is another present we need to live."

"I want to stay longer," Korou mumbled ruefully after a brooding pause.

"I do too." Her gaze lingered on him, patient and knowing. "But I don't want this to remain a one-time event. We need to see so much more; thus, hurting yourself will only hinder our fun later."

Korou hummed, his gaze cast downwards with a tilt. "Will you join me tomorrow?"

"Of course-" Atla halted. Her eyes darted behind in urgency, with arms moving in tandem as she held onto something in the dark. Korou peeked, but Atla's elongated shadow hid the perpetrator. Whoever it was seemed trained enough to avoid the lit-up space.

There was a silence. Atla didn't move, and neither did Korou. He wasn't sure of what was conspiring, but guessed it was a pickpocket.

"You have grown, great-god granddaughter," A husky voice cut from behind Korou as he felt a tug over his collar. The next moment, he was off the ground and squirming.

Korou shot a hasty glance at Atla. Her brows were knit together, glaring at the person behind him. "Riwkha," She spoke with measured displeasure. "I am sure Grandma made it very clear that it is considered good manners to knock at our home first?"

"I apologise," Korou felt the person shift her weight, still holding him like a pup. "But it is urgent, and Naobi isn't here."

"What do you want?" Atla shrugged, her eyes still bore the animosity, but Korou could see the desire for a prompt conclusion to this dutiful convergence.

"I love it when you get straight to the point, Atla," The woman let out a chuckle in quiet delight. Korou held his nose, avoiding her sweet, intoxicating fragrance. It reminded him of vanilla and of the opium dens he had once researched.

"I know," Atla let go of the perpetrator's arm and pulled onto Korou's chuba, gesturing for the woman to let him go.

The woman hummed in discession. Korou felt another tug, an almost yank, and he was again drawn away from his childhood friend. He shuddered inside. Korou wasn't sure about the relationship between this woman and Atla, but testing her patience was the last thing anyone would want.

Atla staggered. Korou prayed.

"Is this the apprentice Naobi won't shut up about?" The woman brought his gaze next to her. Her pupils were bloodshot, breath pungent with a haunting sweetness. Korou recoiled as he turned his gaze to the side. There, he caught a faint glimpse of an elongated ear.

"Yes..." Atla whispered, dusting her coat.

"Riwkha," She chuckled as she let go of him. "That is my name."

Korou, who had landed over the snowy path, craned his head. Her profile was a blur in the feeble glimmer, but he could see her smile. Calculated, brimming with jaded amusement.

"I wasn't aware that criminals needed an introduction?" Korou spat out. He heard Atla stifle a snicker and a chuckled purr. He wasn't sure why it sounded funny. He was being serious and fuming.

Riwkha guffawed. "Great-god-grandaughter, I like this one. How did the sly fox catch him?"

"I would prefer if questions pertaining to me were directed towards me."

"Sharp tongue," Riwkha stomped with a giggle. "However, our conversation can be postponed," She turned her gaze towards Atla. "I need your help, Atla."

"What kind?" asked Atla after a pause.

"Acting," Riwkha finished. "I need you to act for my troupe and save it from sinking into a sea of bankruptcy."