Vengeance

Ow ow ow. I was not expecting that to hurt so much.

Something wrong, fella?

Yeah, it's a funny story. I met a weird kid who said he needed help avenging his father.

Revenge, huh? Interesting...

That's one way of putting it. But he was only a child. I told him to stay out of trouble and leave that to the Unigan Guard.

That does sound like the best approach.

Right? But the brat got angry and started punching and kicking me all over. What a little firecracker.

Let's hope he was just a bratty prankster.

What's up, Shion? Want to check it out?

Yes. I'd like to at least hear what this boy has to say for himself.

He's probably still hanging around nearby. It shouldn't take long to find him.

Hey, you guys! You look like knights. Are you strong?

I train faithfully every day. Why do you ask?

I need to avenge my father, but I can't do it alone.

You're the kid we've heard about, huh?

Tell us what this is all about.

My dad was part of the local guard in a little village not too far from here. They were attacked by the beastfolk army. Thanks to Dad, most of them escaped, but...he...

Your dad sounds like he was a very noble man.

Yeah, I always looked up to him. He was my hero!

So now you're going after the beastfolk who slew him?

That's right. They're hiding out in the Karek Swampland and attacking people! I can't let them get away with that, and I need to settle the score with them for my dad, too.

So that's how things stand. I see. If you are truly prepared for this, I will lend you my aid.

Wow, really?

Yes. I agree we can't let them keep attacking innocent people.

Thanks, both of you! I just need to set some stuff up first. Come meet me at that house over there, and I'll tell you more.

Looks like you've taken a real shine to that kid, Shion.

I admire his sense of duty for one so young. It's only natural we should nurture that quality in him.

Duty, huh? You're here on some kind of mission yourself, right?

Yes. There is someone I must turn my sword on, when the time comes.

Is that for revenge, too?

No. In a way, it would be easier if that were the case.

I can't tell you any more than that.

That's okay. I didn't mean to pry. I guess we should go help the kid with his preparations, huh?

This house is my base of operations. I just need to get things ready in there. I'll let you know when you can come in.

Okay, come on in!

He really is a little firecracker, huh? I wonder what it is he's been getting ready in here.

Oh, I see...

You figured something out, Shion?

It's nothing to worry about. Come on, we shouldn't keep him waiting.

What's going on? It's so dark in here!

Yowch! What was that?

You must stay calm, Aldo.

Easy for you to say, but I can't see a thing in, ow!

Don't be too reliant on your eyes. Be aware of sound, movement in the air, your opponent's presence...

Do that, and dodging his attacks won't be so hard.

Whoa! How did you dodge that?

Oh, I think I get it. I'll just clear my mind, and...

Yooowch! Guess I need more practice.

Are you satisfied now? If you cause any more mischief, I'll have no choice but to retaliate.

Wha?! Hey, lemme go!

You caught him? Great! Let's talk outside, I'm sick of this darkness.

What was that all about? Was that story about your dad just a lie?

No, it was all true!

You wanted us to prove our worth first. Is that it?

Yeah. The last person I asked to help me talked big, but chickened out when we actually had to fight.

Okay, so it wasn't just a prank. But you shouldn't launch sneak attacks on people like that.

I'm sorry about that! You don't seem all that strong, but your friend with the headband was awesome!

Yeah, Shion knows what he's doing, that's for sure.

Don't put yourself down, Aldo.

Listen, lad. That trap of yours is no true measure of strength. Aldo is in his element when he's standing up to a foe face to face. In a fair fight with normal conditions, he's just as strong as I am.

Well, if you'll vouch for him I guess he can come, too.

My name is Shion.

Great to meet you, Mister Shion! Follow me, I'll show you to their hideout in the swamp!

There he is!

You guys can beat him, right? It's time to avenge my dad!

No, that's not going to happen.

Huh? What? Why not? Oh, I get it! You're scared, aren't you? Here I thought I'd finally found someone strong.

What's wrong, Shion? I thought we came here to help.

Exactly, help.

That beast is your enemy. What good will it do for someone else to defeat him?

Huh? B-But I...

Will you truly have avenged your father if you never even tried to fight yourself? Do you really believe his spirit will rest easy this way?

......

Remember when we first met? I said I'd help you only if you were truly prepared for what this quest for revenge would involve.

I...I...

Ooh, a human child. What you want with me, kid?

Y-You killed my father! I've come to avenge him and make sure you don't hurt anyone else!

Hah, you think you can beat me? Gyah ha ha ha ha!

Don't laugh at me!

Gah hah hah! What was that? Is that the best you've got?

Waaargh!

I'm gonna tear you apart! You'll be with your dad soon enough.

Urgh...why...

Hold it!

We'll take you on!

My sword is at your command, lad. We will finish this fight and put your father's spirit to rest.

Guh, more humans? Fine, taste my wrath!

It's over.

Thank you, both of you. Were you watching, Dad? The beast that killed you won't hurt anyone else ever again.

You did a great job. I only know a handful of people who'd stand up to a beast soldier on their own.

Indeed. It seems your resolve was genuine after all. I'm sure your father is proud to have such a courageous son.

I want to get stronger. You sure don't look it, but you're a great warrior. I hope I can be as strong as you someday.

Thanks, I think. My name's Aldo.

Aldo. Great. I'll never forget you! Just watch, when I grow up I'll defeat the beastfolk all on my own.

Train hard, I know you can do it.

Yeah. I'll do my best to make my dad proud. Then one day, maybe I'll fight alongside both of you, too!

I'll look forward to that day.

It's a promise. I won't forget you, either. Farewell, until the day we meet again.