Harley turned to face her savior. “Thank you for saving me. I really owe you.” She said. However, the man turned his back on her and began walking. “Hey! I’m trying to thank you!” She ran to catch up with the man.
“You said your thanks. What more do you want from me?” He said.
She parted her lips to speak but stopped. The man’s red hair reminded her of a picture of a man on the most wanted poster she saw in the city. Her eyes widened in realization. “Wait, I know you. You are the Smoking Bandit!” As soon as those words left her lips, the man stopped. Harley grinned in achievement. “Axel Edge. Age twenty-one. One of the most wanted criminals of District 13’s history, recognizable by his flaming blood red hair and his chain smoking habits. People refer to you as the Smoking Bandit. You know, you have quite the bounty on your head.”
Axel lowered the scarf revealing his tan and flawless features. His eyes observed her for a moment before speaking. “So you are aware of who I am. What is it that you intend to do, little girl?”
“I’ll have you know that I am nineteen years old! I am not a child.” She crossed her arms defiantly. Harley was quite short for her age, and her features gave her the appearance of a young child. It irritated her for others to consider her as an adolescent. “What I intend on doing is turning you in to the officials and collect the reward money.”
Amusement appeared in his amber irises. “You couldn’t even protect yourself against those inconsequential men, and you expect me to think you can take me on?” Axel laughed in mockery. “Please do not waste my time, girl.” He turned away.
Growling in contempt, Harley quickly walked ahead of the man, holding her arms out blocking his path. “Please, just wait. I have a proposal for you.”
“Go on.”
“I have heard all the tales about you from the cyber paper and the news headlines. I also know just how strong you are and what your strengths are. There is a man who I am looking for. However, I am in need of assistance in finding this man,” she twirled the end of her black hair nervously. “I need you to become my hired gun!” She added determination spiraled within her cerulean eyes.
Axel stared blankly at the shorter girl. “No.”
“But…I—”
“I said no. Do you need me to spell it out for you? N-O spells no. I am a criminal. Not only that, one of the most wanted criminals. Why would I want to help a child on some adventure when you can easily ask District 13 officials?” He pulled out a cigarette from his jacket along with a lighter. Lighting the stick, he placed it between his lips. His eyes glanced over at Harley, noticing that she was still watching him. She looked on the verge of tears. He inhaled. “Listen kid, my answer is no. You should head back home before those unconscious men wake up and chase you again. You proved yourself to be weak and I will not take the time to help you for a second time.”
“I told you, I’m not a child! Nor am I weak.” She pulled a knife from the holster strapped on her leg. Angling it, she threw it in Axel’s direction chopping the cigarette in his mouth in half.
Axel froze. His wide eyes slowly rotated to focus on Harley. Surprised by her talent in throwing a switchblade, he spoke. “That was…impressive.”
Harley laughed nervously. “I’m actually surprised it worked. That was once in a lifetime thing.”
“You mean to tell me you aren’t a natural at handling knives?” When she shook her head, he grew angry. “You could have killed me, you know! Next time when you want to get your point across, try it by communication. Not attempted murder.” He had to get away from the girl. She was clearly dangerous.
She ran to walk beside the man, who was walking away. “I’m sorry. I really am. I just want you to listen to me.”
“By throwing a sharp object at me that could have potentially ended my life?”
“Please…” She pleaded.
He sighed. “Forty seconds. Go.”
Harley’s face brightened, despite the lack of time she had to talk. “I promise that I won’t turn you in. I just really need someone…like you to help me find this person. All of the stories I’ve heard about you and your talents in handling a gun are truly amazing and—”
“Twenty seconds.”
She frowned. “Please, I’m begging you. Help me.”
Axel stared down into her eyes. Seeing the determination flickering in her gaze softened his mood. He normally kept his distance from District 13. The city was filled with D.13.F—Defense 13 Federation, a powerful official group led by Sebastian Heimrich, leader of the city. In order to avoid the city and Sebastian, Axel had been living in a small hut deep within Pine Woods. His hometown Arrows Edge was off-limits. He did not want to endanger any of the townsmen by his presence. However, hiding in the woods for nearly six months had its downs.
Circling the petite girl, he removed the half cigarette from his mouth placing it inside his pocket. “You realize that I am a criminal, yet you still want to hire me as your gunman?”
She nodded. “Yes, I do.”
“How much would I be paid? Being the most wanted would require quite the expense, wouldn’t you say?”
Harley chewed her lip. Rubbing her arm nervously, she averted her gaze to the ground. “I actually don’t have the money right now…”
Axel stared expressionless. “Goodbye.” He started to walk passed her, but was held back by her powerful grip. Looking over his shoulder, he eyed her hand clasped onto his arm. “You are actually pretty strong for a small kid,” he commented.
“I told you I’m not a child!” She pouted. Letting go, she straightened her black leather skirt. “I promise to pay you with the money I will collect once I find this person. There isn’t anyone else who could help me but you.”
Panda Ninja 