Like Some Grass in the Wind

Hoowee! The desserts here were somethin' else. Five stars no doubt!

In all my days, I've never seen a mountain-sized fruit parfait before, ya can be sure of that.

What's the deal, Aldo? Ya got to eat more and more while ya're still young, trust me.

Nothin' better than a big meal before work, ya know?

What's that? You've got some work?

Yeah, it's nothin' ya need to worry 'bout, but like always it's got to do with curses, spells, and the like. Kind of a bother, but the client's 'cross the sea in the East.

Is that right? Well, I'd better help you out then since I promised you and all. But up 'til now, you've been fighting curses using that evil power.

Now that it's gone, how are you gonna take on this new curse?

Ah, ya're worried 'bout that are ya...

I've been thinkin' 'bout what to do with myself, includin' that guy.

What do you mean?

Ah, ya know what, let's talk 'bout that later. We've gotta catch the boat and head on over to Izana. I've got some things to prep before we go. Why don't ya wait for me at the pier?

Got it. I'll see you there.

Sorry, my man. Took me longer than I thought.

Ewan! You changed clothes!

They make you look so serious... What's the deal?

The client we're dealin' with this time is not your average bloke. And we're gettin' good terms in this job. I wouldn't wanna upset them by dressin' like a slob.

That's doesn't sound like the Ewan I know...

Hahah! Let's just say I'm more concerned about business manners recently! I'm startin' to be more concerned 'bout what people think about me.

I'm not sure you really mean that...

Ya don't think so? Dressin' up is part of bein' an adult, ya know?

Come on, let's go. I don't wanna keep our client waitin'.

I'm pretty sure we're supposed to meet up around here...

...Well, well, you're the weapon's broker, are you not?

Yeah, but ya're not the client I was told about...

I will be acting as the intermediary under my lord's command. My lord is in no position to deal directly with the likes of you.

I don't like the way you're talking. You're making Ewan sound like some kind of untrustworthy business partner.

The client's probably just the type that doesn't want this deal goin' public.

Don't worry 'bout it. I'm used to it.

That's all I meant. My lord respects those with talent, regardless of background.

Should you perform well in this job, my lord will consider hiring you as a merchant.

Whoa! That sure is some offer. I'll never have to worry 'bout food again.

Hold up. Does that mean you'll stop traveling around?

...Up until now, I've been wanderin' around, chasin' a spear of pure evil. But now, I don't have reason to wander no more. Havin' regular employment might not be such a bad idea.

So that's what you were talking about earlier...

Well, nothin's gonna happen if we don't do this job.

So what kind of weapon does your lord want?

Well, it is a cursed weapon known as... the Siphoner Blade.

Siphoner Blade? Never heard of it.

It's a lost wicked katana that is said to drain the blood of the people it cuts, making it sharper.

Should it drain enough blood, it will become the world's greatest artifact. I'm sure that would please you as well.

A blade that grows stronger with human blood? What are you planning to do with it?

Demon slayin' or killin' humans... I doubt he'd give an honest answer.

My lord has no use for prying eyes. Simply put, your job is to present the wicked katana to my lord.

We received word that some people were attacked north of here in Nagsham. The attacker wielded a wicked katana.

Ya've got a deal. I'll follow up on the lead.

Ewan! Are you sure you wanna take on this shady job?

Whatta 'bout it? Just 'bout every customer lookin' for a cursed weapon has a...dark reason for wantin' it.

I guess you're right... But still!

It's non-my-biz what they do with the weapons. When there's a buyer, I sell... It's just business.

Ahhhhh... Ya're thinkin' that ya don't want any part of people gettin' killed, am I right?

Then maybe the Siphoner Blade isn't somethin' ya can handle.

What do you mean?

It gets sharper the more ya cut with it. That's only a strength it has.

But cursed weapons always have a weakness, or drawback.

It's not a kind weapon that ya can wield with happy feelin's and dreams of rainbows.

And the client is aware of this and still wants it?

Dunno. But they're smart enough to use an intermediary. I doubt they're gonna cut up just anyone.

In any case, ya don't know whether it's a snake or demon unless ya poke at it.

And it's much more dangerous allowin' the blade to pass from hand to hand. Am I wrong?

...I guess you're right. And it sounds like there are already a victim in Nagsham.

We'd better track down the attacker before anyone else is hurt.

Now ya're on the right track.

Let's get movin' and track down the victim in Nagsham.

*sniffle*

Eh? What's the deal with this guy?

Ewan, look! He's got bandages on. He looks like he was badly injured.

Maybe he was the one attacked by the wicked katana.

A wicked katana?! You guys know about that?

Not as well as ya do, I think.

That's right! I'll never forget that blade or its wielder!

...Is that right?

We're lookin' for a sword called the Siphoner Blade. Whoever attacked ya might be involved.

Why don'tcha tell us where you saw it?

I remember it like it was just days ago... Because it was. It was pitch dark during the night of a full moon. Suddenly, there were bloodshot eyes looking at me.

I was so stricken with terror I couldn't move. In one moment...I felt the blade cut deeply into my flesh!

I avoided a fatal wound by the skin of my teeth. Weakened, I couldn't stand up for some time.

My oh my, the blade must have drained your energy.

If everythin's as ya say, your blood has been sucked outta ya.

Next, tell us where the attacker came from and where they went.

With the whole fleeing for my life thing, I didn't really see, but I think they were heading towards the Specter Palace.

The sword must be possessed by a specter! And the wielder's soul must be under its spell!

The Specter Palace, ya say... Must've gone back to that stink-hole.

So either the attacker's a specter, or they've been affected by the weapon. That sum up things?

But I don't get the attacker's thinkin'... Why'd they let ya live?

Cursed weapons tend to track ya down, not let ya go...

Umm... How should I know?!

The attacker's the one cutting up people. How could I understand the mind of a butcher like that!

Is that right? Have ya heard anythin' about other victims?

Nope, I don't know anything... I know nothing about nothing.

...Too bad. We might as well check out the Specter Palace.

Let's get this over with.

Wait a second. Shouldn't we get some more clues on the attacker?

Huh? What's the point? He doesn't know anythin' else useful.

When ya've been doin' this as long as I have, ya get a feel for these things.

I'm goin' ahead. Don't fall behind.

Hey! Wait!

Now that we don't have the power of the evil spirit, we'd better be careful.

Besides, it's hard to believe that the attacker is just holed up in the Specter Palace sitting around doing nothing.

Is it really okay to press on without thinking about this?

Hi there, are you a traveler? Was that terrible story before true?

Yeah, there's someone out there using a wicked katana.

Do you know anything about it? Even the smallest bit of information could be useful.

Oh dear. If the story is true, I'd much rather listen to you.

I've never heard anything about anyone carrying a wicked katana.

I haven't heard any rumors since the last night of the full moon.

None at all? What about the young man who was viciously attacked?

Haven't heard anything about that around here. I've never seen him before.

How can that be? That makes his story rather unbelievable. An attack involving a wicked katana would've been the talk of the town, right?

This doesn't sound right at all. I need to find that young man again...

I'm sure I saw him rush off that way.

Are we sure the target is on his way there?

Huh? What's that voice?

It worked. The weapons broker we talked about is on his way to the Specter Palace.

So, can I get my reward from your lord?

...I don't know about that. You should not expect anything until the job is done.

Tch... Guess I'll have to see this to the end.

Indeed. Confirmation is king in these jobs. We must be certain that he fulfills his role as the human sacrifice.

What the heck?! What's the client doing here?

And what's that about a human sacrifice?

Have those guys been playing Ewan from the beginning?!

Yo, Aldo. What's with the wait? Ya stopped to pick some flowers or somethin'?

Flowers?! Eh, no!

Then come on! My future depends on this!

J-Just wait...

Ugh... It's no use. I guess I'll explain on the way.

Come on out wicked katana... Man, we can't find it anywhere.

Aldo! Did ya see anythin'?

See any, . Didn't you listen to a word I said? I'm telling you, this job is as shady as they come.

There were no rumors about the wicked katana in Nagsham, and the victim was...

Ya're tellin' me it's all a bunch hoopla, that right?

Huh? You knew this?

Course I did. If he'd been cut by a wicked katana, then there'd be some demonic energy left in the wound.

But there wasn't even a smidgin of that on him. He probably made up the whole story.

O-Oh, well, I'm glad you knew. I was worried that you'd been had.

Hahaha. Ya think an expert like me'd get fooled by a stupid lie like that? Give me some credit, Aldo.

What I don't know is WHY they're tryin' to pull the wool over my eyes.

Haha... I'm glad to hear to that. I should've known better than to worry about you.

So not even you have figured out what this is all about?

Never said anythin' about mind-readin'.

Besides, this lord might be my employer soon enough. Can't complain too much.

ARE YOU CRAZY?! Even after they set you up?!

From my point of view, it's good to know they're not a bunch of weaklings.

I wouldn't be so relaxed about this...

When someone messes with ya, ya need to respond twice as hard. That's how it works in this business.

Anyway, enough with the chit-chat, Aldo. It's time to get back to work.

Huh?!

Hmm... Someone set a barrier where anyone could see it. Just have to remove this talisman...

The Siphoner Blade... Its energy sure is unusual.

What's the deal with this weird feelin'?

Be careful! Who knows what it can do!

Nah, no need to worry 'bout me. I gotta check this out closely.

And don't forget, Aldo, I'm the pro around here.

What the, ?!

Ewan!

Well, well, then... This is a particularly nasty one.

Aldo! Get away from it! This thing'll suck the life outta ya!

The heck?! I thought it needed to cut you to drain the blood from you!

Grrr... I wish! It drains the life force from its wielder.

No way... Don't tell me the whole "human sacrifice" thing was to drain your life force!

Damn it! Ya cheeky little, ! Don't ya know when to hold back?! At this rate, nothin' good'll come of this!

Stop it! I won't let this happen to you!

Guh... Urgh!

Aldo?! What do ya think ya're doin'?! Ya'll seriously die if ya don't stop!

Th-There's nothing else I can do... But I know that you can do something! That's why it's on you...even if there's only the slightest chance...

Ya idiot, Aldo!

What's this?! Could that be the true form the of curse within the wicked katana?!

Urgh... Hahh... Waaahhh!

It's now able to jump out after fillin' up on Aldo's life force.

Now we're talkin'! Hang in there, Aldo! I won't miss this chance!

E-Ewan... What's this power?

I owe ya big-time Aldo. Thanks ta ya, I think I can pull this off!

Hold still while I use my anti-magic technique!

*pant pant* Wh-What happened?

Let's save the talk for later! Draw your sword if ya can!

Got it! Let's get this guy!

What a pain that was...

Ya're the one tellin' people to be careful, and there ya go actin' like a fool.

Haha... Sorry about that. I had no other choice.

All's well that ends well, I guess. We took care of that bozo thanks to ya.

So what's up with this curse?

Looks like it drains blood from its wielder, not the ones it cuts.

I'm guessin' it hasn't had an owner in a while. It was just dormant from lack of blood.

It rematerialized once it got enough life force from us.

Yeah, it felt like it was draining my power from my whole body.

But how did you break the connection between it and my body?

I thought you couldn't use the power of the evil spirit anymore.

It's these threads. They've got a strong resistance to curses and other spells.

See, this talisman and brace are filled to the brim with anti-magic spells.

H-Hold up a second! Why didn't you wear those when you were dealing with the evil spirit?

In that case, we had a much deeper soul-to-soul connection that couldn't be so easily broken.

These clothes wouldn't work with that evil presence lurkin' around me.

Is that right?

This time, these clothes prevented my blood from bein' drained, but that meant the curse couldn't materialize. I was thinkin' about strippin' down to nothin' and lettin' the curse drain my blood directly.

Oh, did I get in the way of your plan?

Not at all. Because of ya, I could use the power of these threads to their fullest!

Haha, glad I didn't mess things up.

No problem, my man. It was somethin' to see.

It was the determination of a real man.

Unfortunately... The product is a bust.

Huh?

Now that the monster's beaten, it's nothin' more than a regular sword.

If it was still possessed, maybe I could do somethin', but it's no good no more.

So we failed the job, did we?

What?! What happened?!

How can the human sacrifice still be stan...

Well, if it isn't our fake victim!

Ya're too late. The sword's lost its power.

Really?! It's no longer a wicked katana?! You must be mistaken!

Mistaken? Now I'm interested in hearin' more.

So buddy... Why don't we have a little chat? Trust me, we're gonna take our time with ya...

...Ah oh, oh no... W-Wait, I'm sure we can agree...

Don't worry, buddy. We'll hurt not a hair on your head... As long as ya talk that is.

Yipes!

Eeyaaaahhh!

Now that was fun, wasn't it? I'd love to continue, but we've got things to do.

Wow, that was something. I'm glad he talked, but did you really have to do all those...things?

It's part of the business... Now then, let's go find the client in Izana.

Yo, we got what'cha wanted.

Wh-What?! How are you still alive?!

The details are borin'. I did the job, that's all.

Your friend sure told me a lot though. Somethin' about me bein'...bait. Sacrificed to a monster or the like?

A-About that...

And then after I'm dead, ya'd get the wicked katana, turn it over to your lord, and get a nice promotion.

I'd be gone along with the evidence. Only a moron'd come up with that kinda plan...

Today isn't your lucky day. It's not gonna be so easy to take us down.

That boy's useless...

But that's of no importance. As long as I get my hands on the sword, nothing else matters. Whether the boy brought it, or you, it makes no difference.

You're just throwing away your own people?!

I've heard that you've got quite the business mentality. Surely you can understand why I did this.

You got the world's most deadly artifact for me?

Maybe ya're right. Ya'd give me a good price for it?

Indeed, you're a man who knows what he wants. So which one is it?

...What's this?! This is no artifact, just a junk-sword!

Ahh... Ya see, it was most definitely possessed before, but I exorcised the evil spirit. Consider the service on the house.

So how 'bout my compensation? I brought the sword ya wanted, now ya gotta pay.

You want money for this? I wouldn't give you the time of day for this garbage!

So ya wasted my time, that what ya sayin'? I risked my life for this.

...How's that feel?!

Eep...!

Oh sorry, buddy. I-I didn't mean it. I jus' saw red there, if ya know what I mean.

Y-You...?!

Oh and one more thing...

Don't contact me again. Even the thought of workin' for ya makes me wanna throw up.

I can't stand bein' around garbage like ya.

H-How dare you speak like that to me?!

Shut yer trap or else that sword isn't the only thing that's gonna be busted up around here.

Yipes!

GOT IT?! Get out of my sight if ya know what's good for ya!

Wow, Ewan... You took care of everything.

I make my livin' on the black market. There's no place for cute smiles and pleasant feelings in this business.

Anyway, what's up with this lord that needs a cursed weapon?

Well, with that much cash, and the desire for a wicked katana...

The lord's got to be some kinda rich low-life.

......

You know... There's only one guy I know that matches that description.

What a coincidence. I can't help but think of one guy only.

Well after all that, I'm glad I didn't have ta end up workin' for guys like that.

Glad to hear that...but where are you going to find work now?

...Well, if I find a patron good enough for down the road, then we'll part ways. As a businessman, it's all about risk and reward if ya know what I mean.

......

Don't gimme that look. There's a major flaw in my plan...

A flaw?

Yeah, ya see...

Workin' a regular job like that just isn't in my nature.

I work way better with goody-goodies like ya.

Ewan!

That's how things go. I'll keep workin' with ya 'til somethin' better comes along.

Haha, you got it, Ewan!

Since everythin's settled, how 'bout we get somethin' to eat?

I heard about this treat called a Mitarashi Dango from 'round this area.

Oh! But I also read about a dessert with apricot jelly in Nagsham!

The sweet tastes of new lands... That's what goin' on a journey is all about!

Hahaha... I just hope I don't mess up my stomach hanging out with you.