Heart of the Bandit

Tch! Eyein' us up and down like that... Ain't they never seen a human before?

You never know what you're gonna get when it comes to beastfolk. And this time looks like a warm welcome is out of the question.

You said it! It's got me rememberin' what it was like back in Marbule.

You mean you've got beastfolk back in your world too, Kid?

Nope. They call 'em demi-humans. But they're about the same, yeah? You've got yer hairy ones, scaly ones, and there's a buggy-looking lot too. Only difference between yer beastfolk is that ours come in all kinds.

Oh yeah? That'd be a sight to see!

Whoa!

Be careful there, now!

......

What's wrong, Kid?

That li'l brat faked runnin' into us just to filch my wallet!

Are you kidding me? We've gotta go after her!

There she is!

Tch! Enjoyin' a nice little stroll, are we?!

Waaaaaah!

Oi! Quit yer sobbin'! Shoulda thoughta that before ya pinched it! And you've got a bad eye fer pickin' targets. Know your mark first!

Come on, Kid. No need to scare her...

The little 'un's got some guts to steal from a member of the Radical Dreamers. But I admire yer spunk.

You...you do?

But spunk is nothin' without technique. And that's what you lack. What made you think you could pull that off, as bad as you are?

W-Well...

I just...wanted to buy back my mom's broach.

Her broach you have to buy back? What's that about?

My mom made this broach I really love, but a thief snuck in our home and stole it. Then I saw a one of the beastfolk walking around this town with the exact same broach! But he claimed it was his all along, and if I want it, I'd better pay him 300,000 git. It's just awful...

There's no way he expects a little kid to pay that!

Sheeze! A right bastard, he is! I see why you had to go an' pinch my money, but...

Why aim for a measly wallet? I say we set our sights on somethin' even bigger.

What are you hinting at?

Just follow me here. Now, how 'bout tellin' us where that beasty is?

All he told me was that when I get the money, then I should bring it here...

That's right outside the town. Oi, Aldo! We're leavin'!

Oi... That's him, ain't it?

Alright, Aldo. You keep watch there.

Sure, but...care to let me in on the plan?

No worries. You'll catch on soonie-roonie.

Heeeere we go!

Hehehe... Piece of cake.

It's the broach! But how did you get it so quick?

Ha! What'dya expect from a member of the Radical Dreamers, the greatest band of thieves in the world?

But we ain't done yet!

Wait... Hey you!

Kid! What'd you go and tease him for?!

The chit chat can wait! Let's book it back to the town center! C'mon, Aldo!

Oi! We're back! Is this what yer lookin' for?

I can't believe it! This is it! My mom's broach!

Alright, that's settled! You be sure an' keep it safe this time, yeah?

Uh oh...

I found you, you little thief! Time to teach you a lesson!

Oi, oi! Hold yer sea horses! If you wanna fight, make sure you brought enough brute for yer beatin'!

Gwaaaaaahhhh!

Hmph. Is that all ya got?

Curses! You little robbing runt!

Takes one to know one, mate! You're the one who nicked it in the first place.

If you want it so bad, go and fetch every bloody treasure in the world for it.

But even then you'll never get it. 'Cause everyone knows a keepsake's worth more than riches.

If you can keep that in yer noggin', then here's another thing... Next time you try stealin', you'll be in for more than an arse kickin'.

Grrr... Who needs a piece of junk like that anyway?!

Well that's the end of that.

Thanks a lot, missy!

I better not catch you stealing anymore, or anything of the like!

Okay!

Say, missy. When the thief entered, he didn't steal everything. There's just one treasure he missed, so I hid it in the town fountain. And I'd like for you to have it!

Troublin' yerself to hide treasure in a place like that? Must be important. You sure you wanna give it away?

Yep! I have my broach, which is most important to me.

But I've got to give you my thanks in more than just words. Please say you'll accept it!

Ah, well when you go insistin' like that, I've got no choice, have I? I'll take it off yer hands then.

Heh heh! Thank you!

That was pretty nice of you, Kid. Calling out that bully beast to make sure he left her alone for good.

Ha! Don't get me wrong, mate! I only meant to play with him a bit, yeah? Kill some time.

You sure? You could've just gotten your wallet back and left it at that. But I think the girl's story got to tugging at your heartstrings...

Tch! Well, you thought wrong! Now git off it already!

Aw, no reason to get all grumpy on me!

Shut yer trap, Aldo! Let's get goin'!