Great Thieves Never Die

Hey, Kannon! Where ya goin'?

...You can't come with me, Shinnon.

What's with the scary face?

Go back. Laclair's probably worried about you.

You goin' back to the other side?

Stop asking questions!

Now go home, or else I'll get really mad!

No way! I'm going with you!

Shinnon!

Damn. Where could they have gone?

I don't see them anywhere.

They couldn't have left town, could they?

Someone saw them on the Serena Coast.

They said two kids got sucked into an odd portal, and one of them was of the beastfolk.

No! They didn't!

You don't mean that portal is...

Yes! The one back to our world! I've gotta go after them!

So this portal connects to your home world?

Yeah, but I swore we'd never go back there.

Anyway, you don't have to come with me, y'know. This is our problem to solve.

I can't just look the other way, knowing what I do now. Besides...you're me. Just from another world. That makes this my problem too.

Don't know if it works that way, but... I appreciate it.

So, um, why'd ya wanna come back here? Kannon? Hey, Kannoooooon!

I came to kill the person who killed our family.

But Boss always says we're not supposed to think about revenge.

Because she's stronger than I am. She can keep moving forward with a smile, even though her dad was murdered.

...I'm serious, Shinnon. You should go back.

I'm not gonna get in your way. I mean, I've done lotsa dangerous stuff with you 'n' Boss before.

......

Revenge? On bandits?

Yeah. The bastard who destroyed our band is in Rinde. I'll bet that's where Kannon and Shinnon are headed.

So it wasn't always you three, then?

No. It was my foster dad who started the band.

You had a foster father?

I told you we were war orphans, right?

My village was pretty much a battlefield for the humans and beastfolk.

I was lucky enough to survive amidst the slaughter and pillaging... That's when he found me.

He used to be a merc. He taught me how to fight and survive. Eventually, we started thieving just to get by. We only targeted the worst of the worst, of course.

Our numbers grew over time, not that I was surprised. Dad never could turn away someone in need. He always used to say that revenge wasn't worth thinking about. That we needed to live life to the fullest... And we did.

We took in anyone who lost their homes to the war, humans, beastfolks, it didn't matter. We were one big family.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before the no-good knights and nobles had their eye on us.

Then, one day, a resentful knight and his crew showed up and started killing all the beastfolk in our band. The humans tried to stop 'em, but when we did...those knights turned their blades on us too.

I fought with everything I had, but I was wounded badly. Can't remember anything after that.

When I woke up, everyone around me was dead. My friends, my father... Even most of the kids...

Only those two made it, 'cause Kannon hid Shinnon away. That's how the three of us became a band.

Still, we had a good time.

But if we had too good of a time, we got looks from the humans and beasts.

We didn't have anywhere we could call "home." Then we found that portal and ended up in your world.

War orphans who lost their second family... So you were robbed of everything you had not once, but twice.

Kannon once asked me something I'll never forget. She said... "I can still feel the fire and hear their screams. How do I make it stop?"

It made me realize she probably witnessed the carnage that day with her own eyes...

...I know exactly how she feels. That's why I can't just stand by and watch as someone so small falls into such a dark spiral.

...I know exactly how she feels. Even now, I'm sure her heart is being consumed by that vengeful fire. But I also see why you don't approve of it.

Glad we're on the same page.

The Serena Coast is through these woods. Once we're there, we can make for Rinde.

Your Rinde is quite different than the one from my world.

Yeah. This one's basically just a big garrison.

...Still, this is a lotta knights.

And I'm kinda on their most-wanted list, so I can't just go running around in broad daylight.

There's a square up ahead where we can see the whole town. Why don't we check things out from there?

You really can see the entire town from here.

So where are the knights you're looking for?

Probably the reception hall, but...security's tight. We gotta be careful going in. I really hope those two haven't been caught yet.

Wait. What's that?

Nothing good. We gotta bring it down!

What was that?

A kind of weapon used by the knights. It seems to have been made with some kinda ancient technique. Same goes for the gun I stole from 'em.

Anyway, that one was being used for surveillance. And 'cause it saw us...

She's been spotted in the plaza!

Damn... That's quite the crowd.

There are more of those weapons you mentioned. What should do with them?

If there was only one, we could probably handle it, but...things aren't looking so good with all these knights around.

Then what do we do?!

I'm the one they're after. I'll draw their attention.

Hey, wait!

You find the girls! I'm counting on you, Laclair!

Tch... There's no end to 'em!

Ungh...

That's gonna leave a mark...

My leg... Move, dammit!

Come at me, ya bastards! I'll teach you knights a lesson you'll never forget!

...So this is the end of the road, huh?

Well you sure took your sweet time. Good of you to drag them aaall the way up here.

I was wondering where you'd run off to, then suddenly you appear right before my eyes. Sorry, but this is as far as you go.

And it won't be long before we catch that friend of yours too.

I doubt it. She's even stronger than I am.

You put up quite a fight last time. But don't you worry. You'll be reunited with that man soon enough.

That so?

Hah... I'd like to see you try!

...Tch.

Laclair...

There she is! Get her!

Dammit...

Laclair... Take good care of them...

I really wish I could've seen them...grow up...

Huh?

Where...am I?

Is that...Dad? And...me?

*sniffle* *sniffle*

All right! I'm gonna teach you the super- secret technique to stopping those tears.

Think happy thoughts and keep smiling, and you'll be juuust fine!

*sniffle* Waaaaah!

...Of course, when it really hurts, it's good to cry until you feel better.

Wait! Dad!

All right! Today's the day we start our new band of thieves!

Where did everyone go? I... I... Waaaaah!

*sniffle*

Everyone...went on a journey to a place reaaal far away. So don't worry about them. For now, just think of what you wanna eat. You're hungry, aren't you?

Why don't we have a little competition? Let's see who can gather the most nuts and berries!

That's right... Back then, I made a choice. I decided I was gonna protect them. I was gonna help them find happiness and move forward.

I don't think I can just accept this turn of events without at least hearing why you shouted as such a sensible kid.

I wanted her to forget all about getting revenge. I wanted her to be happy...

Is that how you avoid facing her?

No, I...

But you can't just deny someone's desire for revenge.

......

Where...am I?

Laclair! Thank goodness you're awake.

Aldo? How did you...?

You were collapsed in front of the Forgotten Stop. Master told me, so I carried you here.

But that's not important right now. Can you tell me what happened? I bandaged you up, but you were in pretty bad shape when I found you and...

Master...

So you're the one who saved me?

How long have I been asleep?

Oh no... I have to go!

Hngh...

Laclair!

What happened, Laclair?

I see... So you fled from the kingdom where Paladin Deirdre was the Knight Commander.

I don't care where we have to go, so long as they can live in peace. That's what I thought when we came here, but...

Kannon... She...

She's one of the beastfolk, right? I remember things being pretty awful for them there...

That poor girl's been wandering through hellfire for so long. And those flames are about to consume her.

Still I...I couldn't stop her...

...In what way?

Hmm...

You might be right. I thought I was looking right at 'em, seeing all there is to see... But in reality, I was completely oblivious to what was happening with them both.

It's not?

I understand how you feel. I know you wanna help them.

But...You can't do it alone.

But if I don't help them, who will?

Me. 'Cause that's what friends do, isn't it? They help each other.

......!

You don't want your sisters chained down by thoughts of revenge. And neither do I.

So let me share your burden. Please. I don't wanna see you get hurt like that again.

Aldo...

C'mon, don't look so sad. I think you've done really well.

You seriously are a good guy, Aldo.

...Do you think I can do it?

Be like you? Can I give 'em what they need and really take care of 'em?

I know you can.

...Thanks. If there were more nice guys like you in the world... I think their lives would've been a lot happier.

I think the only person who can give Kannon and Shinnon the love they need... Is you, Laclair.

Y'know... You might be right.

I think it's time to get going. I've gotta get back to my girls. I'm heading to Rinde. Would you come with me, Aldo?

Of course. I've got your back.

Our target's got a bow. She may be hiding, waiting to stick us with one of those arrows. Keep a close eye on your surroundings.

...That's him.

Kannon...

If we kill him, everyone will be avenged... And the fire will finally die...

...I can't let you!

Shinnon! Get out of my way!

No!

...You can't, Kannon. It's...scary. I don't wanna see you do this...

You idiot! That's why I told you not to follow...

Shinnon!

...All right. We've got no choice but to search the whole city for 'em.

But you have to stay hidden from the knights, don't you? Maybe I should go look for them.

Right...

Uh-oh. Hide!

Hurry! Those thieves've been spotted on the Serena Coast!

Did you hear that?

Yeah. We better make for the coast, on the double.

Nooo! Lemme go! Someone HEEELP!

You leave Shinnon alone!

Hmph. Damn rats. This little game of chase ends now.

Arrows? It can't be...

Are you two okay?!

Laclair!

Where's Boss?

She's not with me now. But don't worry. She'll be back soon enough.

What a touching reunion. Too bad it won't last.

Can you run?

Yeah...

We're...fine...

(They're clearly exhausted.) (How do we make it through this?)

Attack. Hold nothing back.

Laclair! We're here to help!

Aldo! Thank you. With you, we stand more than a fighting chance against them.

We're here to help! You're the Laclair from this world, right?

That's right. And you are?

Aldo. I heard the whole thing from the other Laclair.

So all the rats come out of hiding. I know you're vermin, but how did you survive all those shots?

By clawing my way back up from the depths of hell...just so I could send you down there myself.

You tried to hurt the most important people in my friend's life, and for that I can't forgive you.

Time to end this, once and for all!

Laclair...

...Go on. Get outta here.

You fool... You aren't going to kill me?

Would you rather die? Now get outta my sight, else I'll really send ya to hell.

Tch... You'll regret this.

I'll get you one of these days... Mark my words.

Are you sure you did the right thing? He'll come after you again.

It's fine. We're not coming back here anyway.

...Kannon.

......

...I'm sorry.

What?

I didn't realize how you felt.

*sniffle* *sniffle* Waaaaaah!

...I finally understand just how much I've been asking of you.

I'm so sorry I put you through all that...

Um... Why does Boss look so sad?

Because she loves you both so very much.

But we both know that.

Why're you cryin', Kannon?

When you cry...it makes me wanna cry...

*sniffle* Waaaaaah!

You two... I'm so sorry... So, so sorry...

Are you leaving already?

Yes. I'm afraid there are still things I have to do.

Kannon... Look after Shinnon, okay?

I will. Thank you, miss.

I don't want you to go...

If you two are good, I'm sure we'll meet again soon.

Take good care of them.

I will. Thanks, Laclair.

Don't mention it. And no more thieving, you hear? I won't let you off so easy next time.

R-Right...

I owe you one, too.

You've got it backwards. You're the one who helped me, after all.

And besides...I experienced something not many people do.

...Take care out there, Laclair.

You too.

I'll do my best to be like you... To give someone else the strength to live.

If I could face the future like you do... Then maybe time could finally flow again...

Now then, what to do next?

You're staying in this world for now, right?

That's the plan. So I need to find a place we can settle down.

In the meantime, though...

I hope we can go on more adventures together. I wanna show these two what other worlds are like.

Gladly.

Laclair told us that you've traveled through space-time before.

I have. I've been to the past and future. If you're interested, you're more than welcome to come with.

Really?!

Woohoo! Let's go on a super-duper fun adventure together! You're the best big brother ever, Aldo!

B-Big brother? I already have a little sister, y'know...

Have you heard about the vigilantes? Rumor has it they've been punishing anyone up to no-good.

Of course I have! They say it's a trio, a woman with two kids.

What was their little band called again? I swear it was something like...

Rule number one! We don't take kindly to baddies!

R-Rule number two... We always keep a noble eye on the...the kingdom...

I can't do it, Laclair... It's too embarrassing...

But we've gotta! Every good story needs a proper ending!

Rule number three! We help anyone in need, no exceptions! 'Cause we are...

Clan Laclair!