Candy Exchange

Wait up, big bro!

Hurry up! I'll leave you behind.

Nooo, wait for meee!

Heh, that takes me back. Feinne was always trailing behind me when we were kids.

It was the same for me and Akane.

It was the same for me and my sister.

I'll bet. What kind of kid was Akane?

Wow, you have a sister, too? What's she like?

Hm, how can I describe her? She was always rushing into things without thinking, and never quit even if it meant trouble. She tended to whip out her sword at a moment's notice. I was always the one who had to clean up her mess.

How about that. Sounds like she hasn't changed all that much.

How about that. Sounds like a real handful. (Wonder if I'll ever meet her? Hope not.)

Don't be so sure. She actually has things a lot more together now. My strict training must have, nrgh!

I haven't seen her since I left home. I hope she's doing all right and not causing people too much trou, nrgh!

What's up, Shion?

I sense something!

You're in your fighting stance. Is it a monster?

Meow!

Oh, it's a cat. You had me scared for a minute.

Would you like some dried sardines?

Mrow?

No? All right...

You like cats, Shion?

Yes, I do. They don't seem to like me very much, though.

Do you...carry fish around just to offer them to cats?

That's right. Didn't you know? Cats go crazy for these things.

Well, whaddya know... (I had no idea Shion was this crazy about cats.)

Oh my, so this is where you've been.

I was worried, kitty. Don't run off like that.

Mrooow.

Oh, did you make friends? Thank you for playing with her.

Is this your cat, ma'am?

She's my son's, actually.

What has become of your master, eh? I wish I knew...

Maaao.

Here, young man, have a cookie or two. They're fresh out of the oven.

That's all right. I've done nothing to deserve such kindness.

Nonsense. Think of it as thanks for playing with the cat. Go on, help yourself.

Well, I must be going. You take care now.

Meow.

Those cookies smell great.

Yes. I didn't want to refuse, but I don't feel like I did anything to earn them. I wish I could do something to repay that lady's generosity.

It sounded like she was looking for her son, didn't it?

She did appear to be experiencing some distress. Do you know her, Aldo?

No, I've never seen her before. She might have just moved in, or maybe she's only passing through. The barkeeper at the tavern usually knows what's going on in town, though.

Splendid, we'll go talk to him. Lead the way.

Hey there, Barkeep. How's it going?

We just met an old lady with a cat in the village. Do you know who she is?

Did you find out what she's doing in these parts?

She hasn't had any contact from him?

He doesn't sound like the most respectful of sons.

Must be hard for her traveling alone. I don't like the idea of her walking all the way to Rinde on her own.

Barkeep, can you tell us the name of this prodigal son?

I'll try to convince him to come home as my thanks for the cookies. He's probably just gone astray.

You sure are strict when it comes to duty, Shion. Is that the samurai way?

Not necessarily. This is just my personal moral code.

I can believe that. I'll come with you.

You're very kind. I don't know this area well, so I'm sure I'll need your help.

Thanks, Barkeep. We'll get going right now.

Excuse me, Barkeep. Is there a man in town by the name of Davis?

Thank you for your help.

Excuse me. Is your name Davis?

Huh? Yeah. What do you want? I told ya, I'll have the money next week.

My name is Shion, I'm a traveling samurai. I came here to find you and ask you a favor.

A favor? From me?

I want you to come back to Baruoki with me. Your mother is staying there right now.

Huh? Mom is in...

That's right. She and your cat came all the way here looking for you.

Who cares about that? I've got nothing to say to her!

She's your mother. Just seeing you would put her mind at ease.

Shut up! I couldn't talk to her now. Just leave me alone!

What now, Shion? I don't think he's going to back down.

We can't just leave. I have my obligation to fulfil. Maybe we can talk to him again. He may be a little rough around the edges, but I don't think he's such a bad person.

Can't he just leave the gang and get out of here?

I think I have a good grasp on the situation.

Right. The gang is the key to everything.

Where do these bandits hang out?

I have a duty to help him. If I don't, those cookies will weigh heavy on my mind.

Ha, I wish. He's dead serious about this.

Come on, Aldo. Let's head over to the Serena Coast.

You guys again! What are you doing here?

We've come to help. You want to leave this gang, right? We'll make sure they let you go, just as long as you go meet your mother afterwards.

You don't understand! Anyone who tries to go up against the boss ends up dead! He's got a ton of monsters under his control, no one can beat him.

Let me be the judge of that. I intend to convince him to disband his gang.

Haw haw, this I gotta see!

B-B-Boss!

I ain't taking orders from no headband bozo! Hey, Davis, what's the deal here? You bring these guys to take me out? You turning traitor on me?!

No, Boss! I wouldn't do that! They just came here on their own!

That's enough outta you! Once I deal with these guys, you're gonna get what's coming to you.

Whadda ya say, chump? You gonna negotiate with me? Try to make me quit, huh?

There's only one way to get through to ruffians like you.

You're right about that. I'm with you, Shion.

You guys must have a death wish. My monsters'll eat you for breakfast!

That's impossible! What kind of monsters are you?!

No, get away from me!

You'll disband your gang and cease your banditry starting today. Is that clear?

Hey, you can't order me around! Besides, I can't just...

You don't want to disband?

Of course not!

Would you prefer we crush you?

Wh-What?!

I'll cut you down here and now, and do the same for all your gang, except Davis. It shouldn't take all that long.

All right, all right! I'll disband the gang.

You've made the right choice. I don't like needless killing, anyway.

That threat should keep him from causing trouble for a while.

Who are you guys? I mean, I'm grateful and everything, but what did I do to deserve all this help?

Your mother did me a good turn. I feel obliged to pay her back, that's all.

Wow, what did she do for you?

She gave us some cookies. Your mother's a kind lady.

Wait a second! Are you telling me you risked your lives just because of that?

That's the kind of guy Shion is. I knew I couldn't stop him, so I came along to help.

That's even weirder!

Aldo abides by his own moral code. His companions mean a lot to him.

...... I kinda wish I could be more like you guys. That way of life doesn't seem so bad.

It's never too late. You can still turn things around.

Do you really think I can?

If you have faith in yourself. My master always said a faithful heart and an unyielding spirit can accomplish anything.

Maybe you're right. I'll give it a try!

Let's get you and your mom reunited. We'll escort you back to Baruoki.

Oh, it's you boys again. What can I do for you?

I wanted to thank you for the cookies. They were delicious.

Ho ho ho. You tracked me down just to thank me? What a polite young man.

The real thanks is yet to come. I have someone here I think you'll want to talk to.

Oh? Who on earth could it be...

Oh my! Davis, is that you?! What are you doing here? Why haven't you replied to any of my letters?

I'm sorry, Mom. I...

I was so worried. Honestly, you've always been such a problem child.

Mom...

Meow!

You came along too, huh? I'm glad you're okay.

Hey, Mom? I...I want to come home with you. I want to see if I can start over.

Why, that's wonderful! Yes, of course, come home!

All's well that ends well. Let's hope he lives up to his promise and maintains his faith in himself. Davis has it in him to become a strong and dutiful young man.

I've fulfilled my obligation, our business here is done. Thank you for accompanying me on this mission, Aldo. I doubt I could have succeeded without your aid.

Don't mention it. What are friends for, right? I'm sure you'd do the same for me if our roles were reversed.

Indeed I would. To do otherwise would be highly dishonorable.

Come to think of it, you said Davis wasn't a bad guy before you even met him. How did you know that?

Oh, it was simple. He has a cat.

Uh-huh. And?

No cat lover can be a bad person.

Huh? I guess having a pet shows he has a kind heart, maybe... But you find bad people with cats around sometimes, right?

Such villains are not true cat lovers! If you meet any evildoers that claim to love cats, I will personally prove they are lyin, nrgh!

Shion? Is something wrong?

Mrow! Meow!

Would you like some dried sardines?

Mew mew?

No? All right...

Maybe you're right about cat lovers.