Bash walked ahead, his boots crunching fallen leaves beneath his feet.
I'm glad history isn't repeating itself with those two, he thought, releasing a tired sigh. For years, Exca and Lyon have been trapped in the same cycle. One grows stronger, and the other becomes weaker ,the stronger one controls the relationship. But their sons... it seems they're choosing a different path.
He glanced back at the two boys before slowing his pace.
"Listen, I'm exhausted after that battle. Let's head to my place. I'll get you something to eat, and you can rest for the night. It's already dark, and I'm sure your fathers are somewhere resting, probably planning their next move for tomorrow."
Without waiting for a response, Bash continued toward the edge of the forest. Beyond the trees, the distant lights of a small town shimmered against the darkness.
Marcel followed, a slight grin appearing on his face.
Thank goodness. At least he doesn't think we're a pair of psychos.
He turned toward Jackson.
"Come on, Jack. The old man's right. We can't keep pushing ourselves like this. We're barely standing."
Jackson remained where he was, his teeth clenched as frustration tightened his expression.
I just hope we're not wasting time...
His hands curled into fists.
Please, Papa. Don't do anything stupid. And please... don't let that woman get hurt.
"Hey. You two planning to spend the night in the forest?" Bash called from ahead. "Better hurry up before the rogues around here catch your scent."
He picked up his pace.
Jackson finally snapped out of his thoughts and hurried after him. Just before Bash could turn around, the boy dropped to his knees and pressed his forehead against the dirt.
"Thank you... for saving our lives. We really appreciate it."
Bash stopped and looked back, raising an eyebrow.
For a moment, he simply stared at Jackson. Then a quiet chuckle escaped him.
"So this is Lyon's son, huh?"
He walked back and reached down to help the boy up.
"Come on. Get up. You don't need to do all that."
Jackson hesitated before accepting his hand.
"But you saved us. If we hadn't dragged you into this mess, you wouldn't have had to fight that monster."
"And you wouldn't have been able to fight him either if you weren't strong enough to protect yourselves," Bash replied calmly.
Jackson lowered his head.
"If only we were stronger. We really didn't do much..."
"Don't think like that, kid. This is part of growing up. Nobody wakes up one morning and suddenly becomes strong. You train, you struggle, you get beaten down, and you learn from it. Then you get back up and try again."
Bash gave him a light tap on the shoulder.
"Just make sure you learn something from today."
Marcel finally caught up, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh... thanks, old man. For everything."
Bash gave him a tired look.
"That's enough with the thanks. If you two keep bowing and thanking me, we'll still be standing here when the sun comes up. Now move before the real rogues show up."
He turned and continued walking.
The boys exchanged a glance before following him.
A few minutes later, the three emerged from the forest and reached the outskirts of Unbalance Town.
Unlike the dark, silent forest, the town was still bustling with activity. Lanterns illuminated the wooden houses, vendors were packing up their stalls, and laughter mixed with drunken arguments drifting from nearby taverns. A few late-night travellers hurried through the streets, eager to reach their destinations before the night grew any darker.
Jackson looked around curiously as they walked.
"Hey, old man. Can I ask you something?"
Bash glanced over his shoulder.
"Hmm? Depends. Is it something that'll give me a headache?"
"Uh... never mind."
Bash snorted.
"Hah. Don't be such a scaredy-cat. If you've got something to ask, then ask it."
Jackson hesitated for another moment before finally speaking.
"Are you... a rogue Shinra?"
Bash let out a short laugh.
"I knew that question was coming sooner or later. And yeah, that's what they call us. Shinras who abandoned their duty."
His smile faded slightly.
"Most kingdoms see us as nothing but trouble. They call us criminals, monsters, and whatever else they can think of. Once a Shinra becomes a rogue, almost every kingdom shuts its doors on them. Unbalance Town is one of the few places where we're legally allowed to live."
Jackson frowned.
"So... are you one of those rogue Shinras who rob people?"
Bash stopped walking.
Marcel raised an eyebrow, looking between them.
"Whoa. Now this conversation's getting interesting."
Bash slowly turned toward Jackson, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and annoyance.
"Kid, where the hell did you get that idea?"
"Well, that's what people say about rogues..."
"And you believe everything people tell you?"
Jackson crossed his arms.
"No. That's why I'm asking you. Give me one good reason I should believe there are decent rogues out there. Just one legitimate way you survive without stealing from people."
Bash stared at him for a moment before releasing a sharp breath.
"You're a stubborn little brat, aren't you?"
"Just answer the question."
"Fine..."
Bash rubbed his forehead.
"There are plenty of small kingdoms that can't afford to hire high-ranking Shinras. Some struggle to protect their people from Darkside Spirits, while others need help dealing with dangerous criminals or other threats. Those kingdoms post missions on the board at Unbalance Capital."
He pointed toward the town ahead.
"Rogues like me can take those jobs, complete them, and get paid. It's legal work. We earn our living without robbing anyone."
Jackson's expression softened slightly.
"Hm. I guess that's more legitimate than I expected."
"Of course it is. You think every rogue Shinra spends their days stealing and causing trouble?"
Jackson shrugged.
"I don't know. That's why I asked."
Marcel chuckled.
"He's got a point, old man. You can't blame him for being suspicious. You don't exactly look trustworthy."
Bash slowly turned his head toward him.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. I said you look very trustworthy."
"That's what I thought."
Marcel quickly looked away, hiding a grin.
The three continued down the lantern-lit street.
---
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Sunflower...
"MORE BEEF!"
Sasaki's voice boomed through the small restaurant.
The waiter stared at him in disbelief, his eyes shifting toward the mountain of empty plates covering the table. Sasaki, meanwhile, continued devouring the meat in front of him as though he hadn't eaten in days.
Lyon watched him with growing irritation.
"Hey. Leave some for the rest of us..."
Sasaki barely looked up.
"Can't... I'm starving..."
"You're always starving."
Lyon slapped a hand against the table.
"I've been burning through my Renshi all day with those teleportation spells, and you're sitting there eating enough beef to feed an entire army. At least try to control yourself."
Sasaki swallowed and pointed his chopsticks at him.
"Stop complaining and order something for yourself."
Lyon stared at him.
"...You're unbelievable."
He pushed his chair back and stood.
"Forget it. I'm going out to find something decent to eat. Maybe I'll find a place that doesn't have a human black hole sitting in the middle of it."
"Bring me something back..." Sasaki called after him.
Lyon didn't even turn around.
"Eat the table while you're at it."
He walked out of the restaurant, shaking his head.
The streets of the Kingdom of Sunflower stretched before him, illuminated by rows of lanterns and brightly lit shop signs. Equipment stores displayed swords and protective gear, toy stalls were beginning to close for the night, and the smell of freshly roasted meat drifted from roadside vendors.
Lyon passed several restaurants, searching for somewhere quiet where he could finally eat in peace.
Then a small bar caught his attention.
Its wooden sign read:
SHIBUYA SPECIAL
Lyon tilted his head, studying the building.
"Hmm. This place looks promising."
He approached the entrance and reached for the handle.
Before he could open the door, an angry voice thundered from inside.
"HEY, YOU OLD FOOL. WHERE'S OUR MONEY?"
Lyon paused.
Another voice followed, dripping with contempt.
"We've been protecting your worthless town from Darkside Spirits, and you can't even pay us for our services. Do you have any idea how much trouble we've saved you from, you ungrateful moron?"
Lyon's expression darkened.
He slowly lowered his hand from the door handle.
Protection fees, huh?
He listened for another moment.
"Don't give us that nonsense about not having enough money," one of the men shouted. "You expect us to risk our lives for free? Pay up, or we'll show you what happens when you disrespect a Shinra."
A chair scraped across the floor.
Something heavy struck a table, followed by the frightened pleas of an elderly man.
Lyon's eyes narrowed.
Damn it. I just wanted something to eat.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The bar came into view beneath the dim glow of its hanging lamps. Several tables had been pushed aside, leaving the centre of the room open. Broken bottles littered the floor, while a frightened elderly man stood backed against the counter.
Surrounding him were eight armed Shinras dressed in black capes. Their long trousers brushed against their boots, and swords hung from their waists. Some carried additional weapons, while others stood with their arms crossed, watching the old man with cruel smiles.
One of them had the elderly man's collar gripped in his fist, lifting him slightly off the ground.
"Now, are you going to pay us, old man? Or do we have to teach you some manners?"
The elderly man grabbed the Shinra's wrist, struggling to breathe.
"P-please... I told you, business has been terrible this month. Just give me a few more days."
The Shinra's face twisted with anger.
"YOU THINK WE CARE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?"