Chapter 49: Mystery of the Temple Ruins: The Bandits True Form?

Here, Kiyosuke. This must be the wallet you dropped, right?

That's the one! Thank goodness! I was so worried...

Thank you so much! Did everything go okay?

Yeah, don't worry about it. We barely did anything, really. There was a little tabby cat who found his wallet at the shrine and kept it safe.

A tabby? That's Jiro! It must have been him! He must have recognized my scent and known it was mine!

See, Mika? I told ya! Jiro's such a good kitty, and he's so smart too!

Okay... Fine. I guess you might be right just this once. But he's still a mangy stray.

Well, now that we've got your wallet back to you, we should be on our way.

You better not go and drop it again, you hear?

Okay! Thanks, everyone!

See you later, you two!

One mustn't gallivant around in dangerous places by oneself, Master Kiyosuke.

Yeah! I got it!

Thank you so much, everybody!

So... What do we do now?

I'd really like to slip into the castle and see what's going on in there...

But would they really let a group of Westerners like us into the castle without making a fuss?

Aaahhh!

Huh?! What was that scream?!

There is a 256% probability that the scream came from Mika.

Aldo, let's go back!

Hey! What was that scream?! What happened to the kids who were here before?!

Wha, ?! Oh! You mean little Mika and Kiyosuke, right? If those are the two you're talkin' about, they just got hauled off by a couple of men!

What?! And you just stood there and watched?!

Hey, hey, be reasonable! It happened so fast, I was too shocked to do anything. And it was some of those ne'er-do-well brigands that hang around the Temple Ruins to boot! I wouldn't stand a chance even if I did have the courage to stand up to them! They're from the richest family in town, so maybe the brigands are after some kind of ransom?

You mentioned the brigands loiter around the Temple Ruins, yes? Are you certain of that?

Yeah. That rotten bunch often cause trouble around town. I'm absolutely certain!

Really? You mean it?

Aldo!

Right! We're gonna chase after those two. Can you go to their family and tell them what happened?

Okay. They're a notorious group of scoundrels, though. Don't take them too lightly. And please, bring Kiyosuke and Mika back safely!

Sure, just leave it to us.

Lead the way, Aldo!

So you're here! We found you!

Aldo!

Aldo! Did you come to save us?!

Don't worry, you two! Everything is gonna be okay now.

We're here to save you!

Who the heck are you clowns?

We're friends of theirs. I could ask you the same.

Just hand over the children and we can all go home. If you refuse, however...

You better hurry up and apologize before anyone gets hurt!

Kidnapping is the most despicable of crimes! Do not think that we will overlook this!

Well, I for one don't intend to leave without making mincemeat of these scoundrels.

Oh yeah? You sure are actin' tough, ain't ya. But if you go around talking so big, you're gonna get hurt, you know?

Huh?! You guys are, ?! You're not human!

Demons! Aldo, they're demons!

Well, now... Demons, you say? This just got interesting!

Hey, how about we get a bit of exercise in before we squeeze some cash out of these brats? Whadda you think, Slash Demon?

Good call, Cleave Demon! Let's do this. You really messed up coming here, humans! Hehehe! Mere humans like you don't stand a chance against the likes of us demons! Get ready to bleed!

A-Aldo?!

Don't worry! It's fine. Just keep your heads down! We're gonna save you.

Here I come, foul demons! Scoundrels who abduct children shall be felled by my blade!

Quit yer yapping! Slash, show these fools!

You got it! You ready to kick the bucket, humans?! Taste my fury!

Aldo!

Wow, Aldo, that was amazing!

Everything is all right now, you two can come out!

Ugh! Wh-Who the heck are you?!

I can't believe humans could stand their ground against demons like us!

We're adventurers from the West. What the heck do you demons think you're doing here?

They're from a tribe of demons that live on the continent. They're half-specter, half-human creatures. They're led by one called Suzaku, usually aboard the massive mobile fortress Jiraiya...

Aaahhh!

What is it?!

Looks like we're being attacked from outside! This is bad! Everyone out! Mika, Kiyosuke, you too! Quickly!

Th-Thats...?! Aldo! That's the demons' headquarters... The Jiraiya Fortress!

That's the Jiraiya Fortress? So that must be the demon leader, Suzaku!

Suzaku, the demon leader...

Hey, thanks for bailing us out! Now, let's get outta here!

What?!

Hmph. If all had gone well, the signal flag would'a been flown from the eaves of the temple. It didn't go up in time for our little rendezvous, though, meaning we messed up, so the boss is gonna punish us something fierce. So, that means we're done for today! Later!

Aldo, was it? We'll meet again! I'm gonna get you back for what you did!

If there is one thing you excel at, it's getting the last word. We shall take you on any time.

Mika! Kiyosuke!

What are you?! Another demon taking the form of a human?

Tomezo!

Thank goodness you two are both safe!

Yeah... It's all thanks to Aldo and everyone helping us out.

Aldo beat up those mean Demons and sent 'em packing! It was so cool!

Oh, my, that's quite something! Thank you ever so much.

Huh? Oh, uh, no... I mean, it wasn't really a big deal... (So he isn't a demon?)

I am a clerk at the Ikariya store owned by the children's family. My name is Tomezo. I must repay your kindness for saving these two from such a dangerous predicament...

There's really no need.

Oh, it's no bother. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be reprimanded by my master. I shall hurry these two back to the mansion. I implore you, please do stop by the mansion when you have a chance.

Yeah! Aldo, you should come to our house!

Yeah. I bet Dad would want to give you his thanks too. Please do come and visit.

Well, all right. Once we get back to town, we'll stop by the mansion, then.

Alright! It's a promise.

The young fellas I brought with me are hard at work in the back taking care of the fire, so you needn't worry. Now then, let us be off.

See ya later, Aldo! Don't forget to visit!

Goodbye, Aldo. We will be waiting for you!

Take care now, all of you!

Until next we meet, farewell. Do not let your guard down.

So, how about we head back to town too?

Yeah. My stomach's rumbling!

Agreed! Well, then, let us depart!

By the way, what kinda place is this anyway? I just realized that it's pretty creepy...

For your sake, I believe that it would be best if you did not ask that question, Amy.

Huh?!

Huh?