Killing Time

Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?

Minalca?

Oh. You're done, finally? *yawn* I think I got five minutes' sleep there.

You were sleeping standing up? That takes some skill!

It's all right for you, you've got so much time on your hands you can waste on total strangers' problems. Honestly, is getting into trouble a hobby of yours or something?

I wouldn't say it's a hobby... It's just, when I see someone in need, I feel I have to help out.

And what do you get for your troubles? What do you ask of these people you help?

I don't ask for anything. I'm just doing what I want to do.

......

What is it? You look like you're looking at a rare beast or something.

Oh, sorry. I was just thinking, "What's with this rare beast?"

You really were thinking that?!

You have piqued my interest, Aldo. I want to know more about you.

Well, the feeling's mutual! I feel like I hardly know anything about you, Minalca.

Mutual love, eh? What a nice thought. You know what I think? In order to get to know each other, we should challenge each other a little.

Yeah, I agree. Let's see where we stand on...

Die!

Wargh?!

Hold up! What are you doing all of a sudden?

All of a sudden? What, were you expecting a countdown before the fight? I don't know why you're acting so funny, you literally just agreed to this.

That's not what I meant by challenging each other! Now put your weapon down!

Why? I thought you wanted to get to know me?

I do, but that doesn't mean we should fight! (Besides, didn't she just shout "Die!" at me?)

I see. So we need a reason to fight.

Urgh, this is so annoying! I want to fight so badly! Anyone will do! I think I'm gonna die of frustration! If only some rare...some good-natured person would take me on!

......

......

Hey, what's with you? I thought helping people out was your calling in life.

Nope, that's not going to work on me.

If we want to get to know each other, why can't we just talk like normal people?

Tsk.

Ugh, you buzz-killer! I was just starting to get excited.

I don't really see why you're acting that's my fault...

Why don't we go to the tavern? I'm getting pretty hungry, and it would be a good opportunity to talk.

That's a good idea, Aldo. Most problems can be solved by eating. But you're paying, right? I don't have anything on me.

*sigh* Fine, I'll pay. Let's go to the Gamma District.

Hm?

Minalca, what is it? The tavern's over...

Then what do we do?!

How would I know! You're the one who...

Oh? It sounds like they're arguing.

Yes, it does.

I wonder what happened? It sounded serious.

Guess so. Now, no time like the present.

Yes, let's go.

Hey, where are you going? You've walked right past them!

What do you mean? I thought the tavern was this way?

Yeah, but... Aren't we going to talk to them?

Don't be stupid. Surely our own hunger's a bigger concern than some quarreling strangers?

...... I'm going to talk to them. Just wait there, I won't be long.

I thought you'd say that. This had really better not take long. We talk, then we leave, got it?

That's why we've got to report it to the EGPD!

But if something happens to him...

Excuse me, is everything okay?

Who the heck are you? This is a private matter, and I'd thank you not to stick your nose in.

Yes, you have a point. Let's respect this man's wishes and leave for the tavern.

You mentioned reporting something? Did something happen?

Well...

The two of you seem so upset. Why don't you tell me what happened?

Honey, he is right. The two of us talking isn't getting us anywhere.

Suit yourself.

You see...

No way! Your son was kidnapped?!

Yes. I got a call from his school, saying he hadn't turned up. I tried to contact him, but couldn't get through. I hurried home, and found our maid android broken.

They broke into your home? That's a very aggressive approach.

And then a short while ago, we got a message from the kidnapper. Demanding a ransom if we wanted to see our son alive again. And telling us not to report it to the cops.

A ransom?

Kidnapping for money? A common issue.

What? It's not common at all!

So what are you going to do? It doesn't sound like money's an issue for you.

Well, I don't know about that. I run a business in the Lambda District. It's only just gotten on track.

I said we should just pay the ransom. But he...

What are you, crazy? If we pay up, we're giving the criminals what they want! What if they come back? I think we should leave it to the professionals and report to EGPD!

B-But if the people who took our son found out...

There's no way they'd escalate further! Besides, this only happened because you were out enjoying yourself, not at home, checking on our son!

How is this my fault? You practically live in your office!

Whoa, whoa, whoa! This is no time to be arguing, you two! We'll help you look for your son. Just calm down and...

Minalca? Where are you going?

I said I'd talk to them, that's it. I didn't sign up to being in any search party. Charity is not my thing. I'm leaving.

Minalca...

Honestly, Aldo is just the worst. At this rate, it'll take years for us to get to the tavern.

But what do I do now? I'm hungry, but I've no money, and nothing else to, Hm?

Did you hear, the target's been secured.

Yeah, I helped move him to the hideout.

The meetup's at Route 99. Let's go!

Heheh... So I found out first, huh. I better tell Aldo about this...

Nah, that's charity. I don't do charity. I'll see if I can use this. There could be money in it.

So this is the kid?

Yup. The only son of the head of an up-and-coming company. His parents are never at home, and the idiots had no security. Whole thing was a piece of cake!

But maybe we went overboard. So just in case, I'm handin' him over to you. We'll give you a cut, so move him someplace else.

We're on it.

Nghh...

No cryin', okay? You're gonna need all your energy for the walk to the hand-over location. So quit mopin'!

I am so glad to see people like you.

You seem much more "human" to me than that goody-two-shoes.

Dammit, someone caught us! Who're you?

Why, I'm but a weak and feeble woman. There's no need to shout at me. How's about a deal? You want me to overlook your antics out here, yes?

Us? Make a deal with you? Hahaha, you're hilarious! Why do that, when we can just get rid of you? No one'll ever find you here!

Yes, you do have a point.

Second time's the charm. How about you, kiddo?

M-Me?

Yes, you. The boy more interested in shaking like a leaf than resisting. If I said I'd get you out of here, what would I get in return?

U-Um, I don't have anything to...

Do you even want to live, kiddo? Fine. I'll give you a couple of clues. One. I may look weak and feeble, but I'm stronger than all of them.

What did you just say?

Two. I'm hungry, but I don't have any money on me. Three. You're rich, so you probably do have money on you.

So how about it? This is your last chance.

Oh...

Help me, miss!

And why would I do that?

Because you're hungry! And my pocket money can buy you whatever you like!

This is all I have on me...

There we go, you got there in the end.

Enough of this! We ain't this kid's errand boys. Get her! Shut her up once and for all!

That was...amazing. It all happened so quick...

Pfft, that was barely even a challenge. I wanted something I could sink my teeth into. Speaking of which, I still expect to be fed, kiddo.

I-I know... But that was incredible, miss. Thank you so much for saving me.

Don't be too quick to thank her, kid.

I don't know who you are, lady, but you've really messed up my plan.

Oh, you must be their boss. Let me tell you something.

Kidnapping for money has a very low success rate. My advice would be to stick to stealing from now on. If you have a "from now on" that is.

I appreciate the advice. But it would have been successful if not for your meddling. Those goons were supposed to take the money, and the blame along with it.

Ah, the rotten stench of corruption. How I've missed this. Good to know crazy is crazy, no matter what world you're in.

W-Wait! I didn't come here to fight you. I have a proposition for you.

A proposition, eh?

You want money for food, right? Then how about you join my organization? With your skill, you'll never go hungry again.

......

I don't have time, so hurry up and decide. A strange man has started sniffing around us. If you need time to think...

No. I've made my decision.

M-Miss?

Sorry, kiddo.

I just want something nice to eat.

Really?!

Yeah, I heard some suspicious guys were hanging about in the Industrial Ruins. You don't go there unless you're up to no good.

This really helps, thank you!

I better go visit the Industrial Ruins, then.

I do wish Minalca was here to help...

But all that matters right now is finding that child.

Okay, this was roughly where they were spotted. Better be careful...

Stop right there.

Where'd that voice come from?

Ah!

Is that boy...

Yes. I am the kidnapper you seek, and this kid is my hostage.

I knew it!

Heheh. Did you come here to save him?

Yes, I did! Let him go right now!

You're very sure of yourself, huh? But this kid's life is still in my hands.

You coward! You're not even brave enough to show your face!

You want me to remove the hood? Sure, I can do that.

Huh? Minalca?!

Heheh. You got here sooner than expected. You really are a pro philanthropist.

What are you doing here? And why do you have the kid?

Oh, did you rescue him? Did you find their hideout before me?

Nope, quite the opposite, I'm afraid. I was hired by the criminals who kidnapped him.

What?

To get rid of any intruders. In other words, I'm your enemy, Aldo.

Wait a minute, wait a minute. They hired you? Is this some kind of joke?

Don't believe me? Guess I'll have to show you some proof then!

Hey, Minalca! What are you...

If you want him back in one piece, you've gotta fight me.

You want me to fight you?

And if you refuse... heheh. Where shall I cut first?

Wargh! Help me! Pleeease!

Ngh! Fine.

I really don't want to do this, but I guess there's no other way. I'm getting that boy back!

Finally, he's getting serious. Get back, kiddo.

O-Okay...

Just tell me one thing. Why did you join them? For the money?

I have no interest in money. All I want is food in my belly.

So you're hungry?

You think I'd join these idiots for something so petty as food? The kid already promised me food.

Hm?

Oops.

Did you just say the kid promised you food?

What? No?

Forget about that and come at me, Aldo! If you value the kid's life...

Help me, miss!

Hey, it's not me you're supposed to be asking, it's...

Ah.

I've found you, you traitor!

Urgh! It's all ruined now.

Wait, what's going on? Who's that?

That's the boss of this gang. The real deal, unlike me.

I knew it was all a lie!

I choose my employer. Well? What could you possibly want with me, you pathetic worm of a man?

Shut up, just shut up! Your rampage has destroyed my whole organization!

D-Destroyed?

Their HQ's through here. He happily showed me around when I pretended to be an ally. My new friends were all chatting about how they were going to use the ransom money.

But I shut them all up for good.

......

It's all over for me! And if I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!

Oh no! Reinforcements!

Ugh... Help me...

Urgh, don't whine. I was going to anyway. I don't want to go hungry. And...

I'm just itching for a good fight! This should be fun!

Okay, let's save the kid!

Hmph. No food. And barely any fun.

Dammit! You monster! Stay away from me!

Whaa?

Minalca! Don't do anything stupid!

Move one step closer and the kid gets it!

Please, I can read you like a book. I know exactly what you're thinking. You're using the kid as a shield to buy some time for you to figure out a way out of here. You don't actually want to harm the child. You lose your hostage, and you're finished.

Y-You don't know what I'm thinking! You'll regret this!

Oh, but I do know. I've dealt with so many guys like you. Believe me, it gets boring after a while. Even I...

Minalca?

So I get it. I see through all lies, deception, and malice...

Bits, shoot! Kill her!

Miss!

Minalca! You took their attacks?

Heheh. I don't mind the pain. It reminds me of the past...

Eep!

One. You picked a fight with me.

Two. You got in the way of my fun.

Wh-What are you? Stay away from me!

Three. You threatened my employer. For these crimes, I'll execute you. Die!

Minalca, no!

Tetra?

Fine. I won't kill him. I guess I went back to my old ways for a minute there.

That was some reckless fighting, Minalca. Are you okay?

I'll be fine. I just need a little rest, and I'll be good as new.

I'm sorry for pretending to be a hostage, mister. I just did what she asked...

She's not a bad person. She rescued me.

Is that so? I did think it was all a bit odd.

But I'm glad you're safe. Now, let's get you back home. Your parents are so worried about you.

They are?

But what should we do? I can't leave you here while you're injured.

Oh, don't worry about him. I tied him up so tight, there's no way he's going anywhere.

Dammit!

And his friends won't be waking up anytime soon. So go on back to town and call for support.

Got it. Let's go, kid.

I-I'm staying here! I'm not leaving her behind!

Oh? Where's this coming from? What happened to the scared little boy earlier? There's no purpose in you staying behind.

Please? When I go back, they're gonna wanna ask us questions, and I won't be able to see you for a while. Who knows when I'll get to hand you your reward...

Hmm...

You're worried about Minalca?

Fine, I'll run back to town and let them know what happened. Look after the kid!

There's so much I want to ask before I go. But just answer me one thing. Why did you pretend to double-cross me and try to start a fight?

I thought I told you before? I wanted to get to know you.

......

You look like you don't believe me. But it's true. Half-true, at least. I don't trust words. But in matters of life or death, you can always tell a person's true nature. I guess you wouldn't understand.

Okay, but I'm not willing to put you in a life or death situation.

I know. I never expected you to. That's why it was only half true. The other half was just killing time.

Right...

Tetra, do your thing.

Hey, what is that creature?

To be honest, I don't even know. She's just a mysterious creature made of steam that started following me around one day.

Is she your friend?

Heheh, I wouldn't go that far.

As you can see, she has a strange ability to heal, and I like to take advantage of that. My allies always seem to get themselves injured when I fight, so Tetra's pretty useful to have around.

Yeah, I've seen you fight. I think I know why your allies keep getting injured.

But I'm sorry you got hurt because of me.

It wasn't because of you, it was because I wanted to eat something tasty, remember? I fight, I defeat my enemies, I eat. That's all I do.

......

That's enough, Tetra. My wounds are healed.

All this talk of food is making me hungry. I'm heading back.

Wait!

What is it? I'm positively starving over here.

I-I'm sorry, I...

I've got a favor to ask you.

Huh? Is that...

Oh, it's you!

It looks like you contacted EGPD then?

Yes. Well, my husband did. Without even asking me...

I tried talking with you, but it got us nowhere. Anyway, what do you want?

We've found your son, and he's perfectly safe.

Really?!

Yes. He was in the Industrial Ruins, at the kidnappers' hideout. My friend is with him now.

No problem. Would you two like to come, too?

Yes, of course we would!

Not me. I've got work to do.

Honey! How could you even be thinking of work right now?

He said the kid's fine! I don't see the problem. If he's going to succeed me someday, he's got to be of strong mind. This'll have been a good experience for him.

I'm so sorry about him. He's always been a workaholic.

Let's go. Your son will be waiting.

Erm, it should be around here...

Oh!

The kidnapper's the only one here! Where'd Minalca and the kid go?

Heheheh. I didn't do a thing.

But she asked me to deliver the swordsman a message.

She did?

It goes like this... "I've got the kid. Catch me if you can."

What?

WHAAAT?!

No! Then my son's still...

She ran off with the kid? Does that make her a real kidnapper now? Please say this is just a joke, Minalca.