Hero Stories: Beast In Steel Jaws

Target's mobile.

We need to move, fast. They went... Wait, where the hell is this place?

P-Please! I don't want to die!

Target secured.

!? Robin, tell me you didn't just move without reporting. Again.

Regardless, the target's secured. Isn't that enough?

I-I'll give you anything you want...! Is it money? M-maybe this watch? Here, here, just take it!

Charming, though quite a ways off the mark.

What I want...is your life.

Here, take it. Your commission.

You can leave it there.

...Sigh, that aside, Robin, I AM your CO.

Time and time again, I've told you. If you're moving out, or if things aren't going to plan, you have to report these things to me.

Psh, CO, my ass. You're the one who's been tagging along uninvited.

Need I remind you? I am the one who found work for you after you bailed on Lycraia. You still owe me...

Huh? Who's that? An enemy?!

Oi, you're late.

My bad, my bad. I just had to grab a few things.

Hey, you're the one hosting this party. Did ya expect us to come emptyhanded?

...

Another party...?

Robin, if you keep this up, your liver's really going to...

All right! We drown ourselves in booze till the break of dawn!

...And you're not even feigning to listen.

Oh come on, Mark. Leaving so soon?

What's the point of me staying? You're only going to put me in my grave sooner.

Just...sigh. I'll call you if I find new work. And for Diche's sake, don't go off on your own next time!

Tsk, such a killjoy.

Robin! You sure we can drink all this?

This stuff is top shelf! How'd you even get your hands on this?

Have you ever seen me as a gold-pincher?

Tonight, we drink till we breathe our last!

Ugh, get off of me! You're Dichedamn heavy!

And there she blows.

Hey, Robin. Mind if I have a look at your guns?

'S all yours.

Wow. So, how many have you put six-feet-under with this baby?

Heh, I lost track long ago.

Hahaha! Hey, y'all better watch out!

Get on Robin's bad side and you'll end up with a hole between your eyes!

Hehe...

Like this?

...How long have you known?

About what? That you guys have been trying to deceive me?

...Or that you're all just a bunch of goons that Lycraia hired?

...

My, Lycraia's certainly seen better days. They should already know that any assassin who can't hide their intentions is just a recipe for failure...

But to hire a bunch of amateurs who can't even hide their brands...?

...Tsk, whatever. I was getting tired of playing house with you kids anyways.

The streets'll run red tonight, Robin.

And I expect no less.

How garish.

This isn't what I taught you. You must have picked up some bad habits somewhere.

No, I'm sure it was you.

What was it again? The more noticeable the warning, the more effective the message?

Haha. So, you're warning me now, is it?

We've already been down this road before. I told you I have no intention of going back.

Hm, you still haven't come to realize that the only place for someone like you is Lycraia.

Again with this. I already told you I will no longer live as Lycraia's dog.

And yet, that isn't for you to decide.

Urgh!

You seem to have forgotten one crucial thing, Robin, my dear.

Your still being alive to this day, despite your...naïveté, is because I deem it so.

Kgh!

And the only reason you've been able to have survived thus far, is through the techniques that I've taught you.

Don't you think it is a daughter's obligation to repay her Mother for all the investment that went into them?

Kh...hahaha.

Your 'daughter' died long ago.

If there's only one thing I want you to remember, it is that even my magnanimity has limits.

And you are currently on the cusp of it.

Well, those words just made my day.

So, you'll shoot me, is it?

*Robin grits her teeth*

Then you'd better take it. This will be your only opportunity.

...

Haha! Just as I thought.

You're destined to live as Lycraia's dog for the rest of your life. Woof, woof.

I really feel...sorry for you. Poor, poor Robin.

You still haven't realized it yet?

You will never be able to pull that trigger on me.

...Damn it.

Why don't you take the remainder of this time...to ponder on where the end of the road of your stupid decision will lead you.

...

*panting* ...Shit.

In that last moment, Jessica's words lingered in my ears like a curse.

Maybe, she really did curse me.

Even though I declared my independence from Lycraia, I still haven't escaped its shadow.

Mark, do you have anything? I really need something to blow off some steam.

I take it the party's over?

Sigh... Don't make me ask twice.

Tch, don't go and bite my head off just yet.

I do have one request.

Go on.

The client is asking for a bodyguard for a child, but...

They said they'll pay with information, not money. It didn't seem worth the time so I was planning to scrap it.

Yet, oddly enough, they specifically asked for you. So I kept it, just in case.

Did they specify what this 'information' was supposed to be?

Hmm... Gimmie a sec. Ah, here it is.

Something about "the truth behind Jessica's death"...? Who's this Jessica?

...I'll do it.

Huh? Someone you know?

It's better that you don't know.

Wait, Robin. Hold on. This could end up being a trap.

Doesn't matter.

That 'information' is something I need to get.

Ugh...

Oh, dear Diche, please...

Hng...!

I'm certain this medicine will work. Just hang on.

Please, Rinak... Please...

Rinak. An 8-year-old girl.

Her parents are both renowned Politian scholars, and it seems they've immigrated here to Lefundos to continue their research.

So, why is the client asking for someone to protect someone else's girl?

It's an abduction request.

The client probably wants something from the parents.

What? An abduction!?

Wha, Do they even realize how much of a headache it is to abduct a foreigner?

Yeah. If things go sideways, they'll probably even dispatch the Guards.

But, that's never going to happen.

Care to elaborate?

Take a look at where this Rinak is. It's the Drifter's District.

It's a region that even the Kingdom of Lefundos has abandoned. It's a slum filled with vagrants that the kingdom has no idea how to deal with.

And the parents came to Lefundos to continue their research? Here of all places? You'd have to be at the bottom of the barrel to believe that.

Even if they are, I'm almost certain that this 'research' is illegal.

...I see.

So, the first thing we need to do is find out what it is this family is hiding.

Oh, come on! Just give us a room! Here, look! We can pay!

And I've already told you lot that I don't have any rooms for you.

...Curses.

Hmm.

So, you're full house tonight?

...? Oh, don't be silly. We've rooms aplenty!

Then, why were you chasing away those customers?

You haven't heard? You must not be from around here.

Yeah, so... Maybe you'd like to enlighten me?

...What would you like to know?

Everything.

Since a few months ago, there's been a plague spreading throughout the Drifter's District.

I'm pretty sure the kingdom knows of this, but no one's been able to come up with a cure yet, so they've turned a blind eye.

Instead, it seems they're planning to quarantine the entire district until things blow over.

Quarantine?

No one knows when the quarantine will be lifted, so the residents of the district who've realized this have been trying to find ways to leave.

I myself can't risk the plague spreading to my establishment too, so I've been rejecting any customers that are from the Drifter's District.

If this has been going on for a few months, then that means that the plague has been active far before Rinak's family moved here.

Something's not adding up.

What's the word?

Rumors, mostly. Apparently, either you side with the Black Night, or you'll end up with some plague.

The Black Night?

A simple group of vagrants that gradually evolved into the biggest religion influencing these slums.

Word is that they have the cure but are only giving it to their most devout followers.

And you think that these Black Night guys have something to do with this job?

If not, then why would a pair of bookworm scholars intentionally relocate to such a place?

This job might be more dangerous than we initially thought.

I know.

That's why I've decided to look into this more seriously.

Huh? Wait, that's never turned out in our favor...

I've found where they've been cooped up. I should be able to find out if my hunch is correct.

But hey, you wanna know what I've already found?

I'm all ears.

A brand. A black wing.

What? But that's...the Lycraia brand.

Yup, and this one is specifically branded on those who've sold their soul to Lycraia, bound to them forever.

That means the Black Night is...

It might just end up being a cell that Lycraia is using to gather more followers.

...This has evolved into something way too big for us.

Doesn't matter. Now that I know Lycraia is involved, I don't plan on backing out emptyhanded.

This is all the medicine for this week.

Seems my hunch was correct. I've got my eyes on someone who looks exactly like Rinak's father.

I'll contact you again when I learn more.

Wait a minute, Robi!!

Hey, the numbers don't add up.

I swear, I've been working on making the medicine every moment of every day.

And yet, the amount we agreed to was much more than this.

Heh, are you trying to say that Lefundos citizens dying is none of your business?

You were the ones who violated our agreement in the first place. I, No, our family is the one who fell for your deception.

We came all the way here because you told us we would be helping the sick, but in reality...

Aren't you the ones who are spreading this sickness?

Ya better watch that tongue of yours.

The only reason you were even able to get into Lefundos is because of us, got that?

...

What's going on?

We, we're under attack!

Urk...!

Where is the child?

...Who are you people?

Just answer the damn question!

I... I won't tell you unless you tell me first.

You son of a...

Agh!

Sorry, buddy, but I also have some business with this man.

Ugh...! An intruder!

I mean, you're also... Sigh, can't we just move along like civilized people?

This is such a chore. If you're gonna come, mind coming all at once?

G-Get Rinak and get out of here, quick!

What do you mean? What about you...?!

There's no time!

...!

Calm yourselves. You're not my targets.

There's just something I want to know.

...What is it?

What's the deal with Rinak? Why is everyone coming after her?

She's just our daughter.

Funny, you know that's not what I'm asking about.

Let's be a bit more honest. Why would a pair of erudites like you purposefully move to this plague-infested slum?

That's...

Well, I guess I already know that part. It's because you've come up with a cure for this disease.

Let me try again. Why, then, are you stuck here handing the cures over to Lycraia's lapdogs?

Is it because you were deceived? Couldn't you have just gone back home to Politia?

That's...not possible...

We're refugees. We ran away from Politia to escape the despotism.

And as to why people are after our daughter is...because she's...

...That's the sound of bombardment. Are they trying to bury the entire area because their little base was discovered?

Well, can't say I'm surprised. It's in line with what Lycraia would do.

How about we relocate? I doubt this is an appropriate place to be having a conversation.

...Agh!

Dammit! Hey, are you okay?

W-We hid Rinak in the basement of the 912 area.

I know it's baseless of me to ask, but please. Please get my child someplace safe...

...Tch.

...Robin.

Robin...!

Yeah, yeah, I can hear you.

You're still alive? I've been reaching out to you for the past two days, but I didn't receive any word back! I thought you died!

Well, I am covered in debris. I probably would have died if I got sidetracked while escaping that bombing run.

What on Orbis happened?

I ran into a faction that tried to interfere with Lycraia's shenanigans.

Lycraia getting wind of their information leak was probably enough for them to act.

So, that bombardment was orchestrated by Lycraia?

There's no doubt the kingdom will get involved now! They flipped an entire village! How could this be worth the risk?

The district has always been a prick in the kingdom's side, so they probably thought the kingdom wouldn't care that much.

Mother has always been shrewd.

...Then, what about our target?

Well, I was in the middle of getting info from the father, but he got buried when the building collapsed on him.

But at least he chose to reveal Rinak's location as he asked me to get her to safety.

So then, the child's father...

Buried under the rubble. He's gone.

...Wait, doesn't that mean this entire mission is kaput?

If the parents are dead, our client no longer has any reason to blackmail them!

Well, they never specified that they wanted the parents alive.

Hold on a minute. So you're saying...that you're planning to bring the kid along?

Yeah, I feel like the kid may end up being a gold mine.

Let's see.

...

Hey, little one. Been playing hide and seek here?

*munching on food*

Voracious little one, aren't you?

*sighing*

Robin, let's talk a moment.

...

So what really is the reason you decided to bring her along?

This IS what the client wanted, isn't it? We hand over the kid, they give us information.

I mean, yeah, that's that, but... I thought we agreed that this might be too much for us to handle.

What now?

Hic.

Are you okay?

G-Get away!

Seems she followed us and overheard.

All right, let's calm down and...

I said, get away!

...This little brat.

Eep...!

Oh, lookie here. This one looks to be in good condition.

...Go away! I don't want to be sold off!

This brat...!

Ack!

Let her go. Quite commendable for her to be putting up a fight even in her situation.

...

That look in your eyes, I like it.

That feeling. Don't ever forget it.

The child's eyes made me remember my past.

Like a beast caught between the steel jaws of a trap, fraught with despair.

I remember Jessica's words when both of us were sold off to Lycraia.

That the reason I survived, was because of the eyes I made.

The eyes of a frightened beast that would never bite Mother.

Even after I acquired the power and my freedom, the fear and despair that was ingrained deep in my heart kept me on a leash from ever going against that woman.

Oh? It's Robin...!

...Jess. It's true that I'm here because Lycraia requested me to be.

Eek!

But I wasn't hired for the job to be cleaning up after you.

Ahaha...ha... Well, 'hired' would be the optimistic way to put it.

Hmm?

The only reason we're still alive is because of these so-called eyes of ours.

What's that got to do with this?

Robin, have you never once thought about it this way?

What we clung to for dear life that day, when we were, hyperbolically, falling over the ledge… wasn't a rope meant to save us, but a trap laid out in plain sight.

I thought that because Mother approved of us, we were being pulled from the fire…

But in truth, we were only being cast into a bottomless pit, one we were fated to fall through forever.

...What are you trying to say?

That we only survived because we are blind.

So blind that we think we're fine, even though in reality, we're still trapped in a deep, inescapable darkness.

Yeah...you are totally drunk.

...Hehe, I guess I am.

I never truly understood what Jessica said that day.

But I think I had known, deep in my subconscious, that Jessica and I were bound to go down two different paths

It wasn't long after that time when I was given the order to eliminate her.

... "She's divulged information about Lycraia and is planning to abscond to a different country."

What have you done, Jess.

State your identity.

Oh, I'm no one important. I'm just here to see an old friend.

I just wanted to say hi... Pretty please?

State your identity.

You're not leaving me much choice then.

...Robin.

A traitor's end is always set in stone. Don't tell me you forgot?

Of course I haven't.

Mother ingrained in us her teachings.

So then, why did you do it?

Wow, Robin is actually asking why.

You've always listened to Mother's orders without qualm.

Because Mother is the one who saved us.

Haha! Just as I thought.

You're destined to live as Lycraia's dog for the rest of your life. Woof, woof.

...

I really feel...sorry for you. Poor, poor Robin.

Is that so?

*gasping* Ugh... Huh...?

You died here today. Live out the rest of your days knowing so.

W-wait! Robin!

The reason I didn't take out Jessica that day...was simply due to curiosity.

Why was she sympathizing with me?

What awaits her at the end, down the path that she's chosen.

I wanted to know about the life this girl would end up living, a girl with eyes different from mine.

Yet, she returned. A cadaver.

It'll be fine. There's no need to be scared.

Let...! Let go...!

Look, no one is going to hurt you, so calm down, little one.

You may have eavesdropped on us, but you got it wrong. Our job is to protect you.

...

Your father also asked me to do so. To take you someplace safe.

...Daddy did?

Yeah, he did. So, you don't have to look at us like that.

It's safe here.

...Liar.

What?

You're lying!

...There's a lot of things in this world that'll be a lie to you, kid. But I meant it when I told you that I won't hurt you.

I... I don't believe you.

So...let go of me!

Hmm, can't say I expected better.

I'll only be looking after her for a short time. Guess this type of relationship would be for the better.

Any word from our client?

Not yet.

Guess they're not the diligent type.

I have been thinking, though... What if they found out that Lycraia was involved and just decided not to follow up.

...It's possible.

If that turns out to be the case, what are you gonna do about her?

Maybe we should start looking around for an orphanage.

Well, I guess things be going in my favor then.

There's an answer I've been searching for, for some time now.

And that would be?

I failed to find the answer when Jessica returned in a body bag.

You see, I wanted her to prove to me that I could indeed lead a different life.

But, just maybe...

Maybe Rinak could be the one who finds that answer for me.

You lost me. All the way at the start.

Eh, don't worry about it.

I'm home.

*Rinak scatters away*

Geez, running off to hide again?

Are you really still that afraid of me?

...Go away.

Hmm.

I said, go away...!

Ehe... Stop, Eheh, ahaha!

Hey twerp, you're still too young to be so somber.

You should be acting more your age. Be curious, laugh a little more.

...I don't want to laugh. You're planning to send me away.

I am?

I heard everything. When you and that man were talking.

Mm... Well, I'll tell you the truth. I was thinking about it, but I've changed my mind.

I told you, didn't I? You are a very precious commodity.

And I've had this epiphany that because you're so precious, I'll be the one to take care of you.

...What does that mean? Ap- Epe- Epefamy?

It means, you are a marvel. You are unique. And I will be taking care of you, from now until forever.

I don't believe you.

Oh, boo. Then what can I do to gain your trust?

Promise me.

Huh?

It's what mama and daddy showed me when making a promise. It means that even if the sky falls down, we promise no matter what...

Like this...and like this... We hold onto our arms like this and say, "I swear! I swear! I promise!"

Uhh...

Now, one...two...

I swear~ I swear~

I promise...?

Now we made a promise! There's no taking it back!

Ahaha... Really, now.

In the end, a promise is just a bunch of empty words.

But I guess... This isn't so bad.

Rinak. Get along with Mark while I'm gone, okay?

I don't want to! Mark is always grumpy and telling me to be quiet...!

C'mere, you little. Robin needs to leave, let go of her!

And hey! I don't like you either!

Hmpf! I really, REALLY don't like you! More than you! Robin, take me with you!

Kid, I know you're too young to know this yet...

But Robin has to go and meet some very scary people.

...

So why don't you give up being so stubborn and let her go.

I, I don't care! Robin and I made a promise! She'll protect me forever!

...Really? You? A 'promise'?

I did make a promise... But you're staying home today, kid.

Ahh!

All right, be good at home. And get along with Mark while I'm gone.

Robin... You're a liar!

Ugh, as snappy as ever.

*huff, puff*

Hmm? Who's that?

Ack!

M-Mark...!

Let go of me! Mmmgh! Mff!

I'm back. Rinak. And Mark, why'd you leave the door open?

I told you to keep it closed. What if Rinak decided to just take off...

Mark...? Mark!

Mark is dead.

Rinak is missing.

Looking at what happened here...

Who is it?

What...

Ugh...kgh!

Mark was fatally injured the moment he opened the door.

And this one...was to confirm the kill.

M-Mark...!

I've secured the package.

Rinak probably tried to put up a fight, but a child's flailing wouldn't amount to much.

Let go of me! Mmmgh! Mff!

Since when had they been tailing us?

I can't believe I made such an amateurish mistake.

...I'm sorry. Mark.

But whoever did this to you could have left something for me to work with.

This is...

A Black Wing insignia engraved into the bullet... Lycraia.

That means Rinak is...

The red that runs through your veins is very, very precious, child.

...

Your parents developed an antidote to cure you of the plague you had contracted, but sadly, they've passed on.

So, you can't imagine how relieved I am.

Mmmph!

That you're still alive.

If we can analyze your blood, we can recreate the cure. That means...your blood is worth a fortune.

Let go of me!

Haha, we've got a feisty one.

But reality will set in for you soon, child. No one here is going to save you.

...Robin will. She promised.

Shall I let you in on a little secret?

Robin took on a job to kidnap you...and the one who requested it, was me.

I never revealed myself as the client...though I'm sure even Robin would've figured it out by now.

No...

So let me put your hopes to rest. Robin will never come to save you.

She knows not to bite the hand that feeds her

...Robin.

Whaddya want?

Well, you jerks took something of mine. I'm just here to get it back.

Eh? We ain't got nothing of yours here.

Well, that's for me to find out.

Wh? Agh!

...

Welcome back, my daughter.

Where is she.

Hmhm, what a good kid that little birdie is.

Not only is her blood a ticket to riches, but she even brought home the runaway mutt.

Enough, just tell me where she is.

It seems you've grown affectionate with the child in such short time.

But you seem to be mistaking something.

Urk...!

You seem confused with this illusion of choice. That is something you surrendered to me the day I found you.

The moment I fastened my leash around you, disobedience has never been an option.

And do you know why that is?

...

It's because of the despair I saw in your eyes. A despair so overbearing, you were stripped of everything you had and you accepted your place.

That is why you may hate me, despise me, even, but you will never be able to bring yourself to kill me.

So, discard this juvenile defiance and come back to where you belong.

You think I surrendered everything?

You truly haven't changed. Always seeing things the way you want it to be.

Jessica told me something else.

She told me that I still held onto fear...

You died here today. Live out the rest of your days knowing so.

W-wait! Robin!

Come... Come with me.

Forget it.

Unlike you, I'm quite satisfied with the way our lives turned out.

Stop lying to yourself.

What?

I've known for a while. The reason you can't escape from Mother is because you're afraid.

And what am I so afraid of?

Whatever it is that isn't misfortune or despair. Maybe it's freedom or happiness, things that Mother never taught us.

Robin, I'm pretty sure you haven't realized, but you have always had the eyes of a frightened child.

Eyes that reflect your fear that no one in this world will care for you if it isn't Mother. We may be familiar with pain, but freedom is still a stranger.

That's why you're unable to take that leash off.

...

Imagination isn't really your strong suit, is it, Robin?

That girl was right.

I had always believed that there'd be no place in the world that would accept me, that you were my final chance to belong.

I was so blinded by fear that I was unable to see further beyond.

And what difference does knowing that make?

I was able to finally dream, because of Rinak.

And now, I no longer care for the truth. I've set my mind. That you are the one who killed Jessica.

Well, this is quite disheartening. You were quite useful while you lasted.

I think I've waited long enough. I can see that you have no intention of ever returning to me.

Well, since I was able to meet Rinak thanks to you, I'll let you in on a truth that you've shunned.

Kgh!

You've always believed that a beast could be conditioned.

But, I had never been conditioned in the first place.

*approaching footsteps*

...

Kid. I went through hell and high water to come save you, but you're not even going to look me in the face?

Robin...?

Haha, what's got you so surprised, Rinak?

I told you, didn't I? That I will be taking care of you, from now until forever.

...

Kid?

Everyone always says that, but they still leave me.

Adults always lie.

Mama said the same thing. She said she'd come back, but she never did. And even the nice people. They acted nice, but all they wanted was to use me.

Hmm, that stings. Did you think that I was one of those adults as well?

...

Well, you're not wrong, kid. Adults do lie. Quite often, actually.

But do you want to know why?

...Why?

It's because the liars are weak.

They're weak, so they make promises they can't keep and lie to get things they don't deserve.

But I'm different. I'm strong enough to protect you.

And you, little one, are the one that made me strong.

...

I'll make sure that the promise we made will never be broken, and that I'll never have reason to lie to you.

So...

Why don't you come along with me, Rinak.