An Unexpected Pursuer
Lapis: This shop is just one of many secret lairs I have across the continent, and I swear no one will ever find you here. Now then, how about a mug of hot cocoa?
Girl: Thank you.
Forger: So now you're stealing people? Well, I suppose you did learn from the best.
Lapis: Be it works of art or children, if something needs rescuing, the Blue Rose is there
Forger: Heh, that's exactly what the last Blue Rose used to say... Anyway, who's the kid?
Lapis: Her name is Aisha. Until recently, she lived with her mother in a small village.
Aisha: But that man Radelle had some of his thugs come in and take me.
Forger: Kidnapping, is it? Interesting. So why did Radelle want you in particular?
Lapis: Have a look at this: It's an ancient manuscript I found in Radelle's mansion while I was rescuing Aisha.
Lapis: It says there's an ancient treasure hidden in the Crouce Ruins—one you need a certain key to get.
Lapis: This key is said to have been passed down through the generations of a certain family—and I assume you're smart enough to put two and two together here, non?
Aisha: The key comes from the family of my deceased father, but I don't really know anything about it myself.
Forger: So Radelle is after that treasure, eh? Well? What are you going to do?
Lapis: Do you even need to ask? All treasure must be returned to its rightful place!
Forger: Hmph. All right, let me get you a map. But you'll have to figure out the best route for yourself, apprentice.
Aisha: Wait, you're taking me back to my village? Oh no! I can't ask you to do that!
Lapis: Returning stolen treasure is ever the duty of the Blue Rose, my dear.
Forger: Hmm? Weird, someone's at the door. Store is closed today.
Voice from Outside: Sorry to butt in, but we're makin' the rounds in this quarter to ask some questions.
Voice from Outside: The daughter of the head of the Radelle Corporation's been kidnapped. Name's Aisha. The perpetrators are hiding nearby. Happen to know anything?
Aisha: His DAUGHTER?! Hardly! Plus, that guy is the one who kidnapped ME!
Lapis: Such a bold-faced lie makes it easier for them to look for you. Still, I'm surprised they managed to track us so quickly.
Forger: Radelle is rotten to his core, but he's a good businessman—I'm sure he's got his own information network to leverage.
Forger: I'll deal with the jokers at the door. You take the girl out the back.
Lapis: Merci, I owe you. Let's go, little one.
Forger: Hold on, I'm coming. You want some cocoa while you're waiting there?
Ranzal: Buddy, I would LOVE me some cocoa.
Man in Black 1: Anything over there?
Man in Black 2: Nope. Even recruited some volunteers to help, but nothing so far.
Aisha: Radelle's henchmen are everywhere. We'll never make it out of town!
Lapis: If there's no escape route, we shall just have to make one. Hold on tight, Aisha!
Aisha: Huh? Aaaaaah!
Aisha: First we shoot up into the air, and next thing I know, here we are on the roof...
Lapis: I used a wire to fling us up here. Now we can spirit ourselves from town.
Euden: Uh, did you hear something on the roof?
Forger: Likely just a rat. But back to the person you're looking for, I can't say I've seen anyone fitting her description.
Euden: Well, we appreciate your help anyway. ...So, Ranzal? Where to next?
Ranzal: I vote we follow them footsteps what we just heard from the roof.
Aisha: We did it! We made it out of town! That means we're safe, right?
Lapis: Non. Our pursuers seem the stubborn sort, and I wouldn't be surprised if they're waiting for us in your village.
Aisha: So there's no escape?
Lapis: Non again. Not to put too fine a point on it, but Radelle has little interest in YOU— he cares only about your key and the treasure it can lead him to.
Lapis: But if someone were to steal that treasure, you would hold no further interest for him.
Aisha: Wait, Lapis, are you saying...?
Lapis: The Crouce Ruins aren't far. Why don't we just go there and get the treasure?
Aisha: I told you, I don't know anything about this key everyone seems to want!
Lapis: Perhaps you do and just don't know it.
Lapis: Besides, this is my problem now. If I can't put you back in your rightful place, it will damage the good name of the Blue Rose.
Aisha: Lapis, I...
Lapis: It's settled, then. To the ruins!
???: Yeah, we're gonna need ya ladies to hold on for just a tick.
Lapis: You!
Euden: Long time no see, Lapis.
Lapis: Bonjour, Prince! Fancy meeting you and your bonny companions here.
Euden: The head of the Radelle Corporation asked for help finding his kidnapped daughter.
Ranzal: And the kid right there is pretty much a dead ringer for her description.
Euden: What have you done, Lapis?
Lapis: If I told you we're having a tea party, would you believe me?
Ranzal: Yeah, I ain't interested in fallin' for one'a yer clever tricks again, thanks.
Ranzal: Plus, we KNOW yer a thief, so we can't just be lettin' ya go.
Aisha: Please, wait! I can explain!
Euden: Oh?
Lapis: I'm afraid we lack the time for proper explanations at the moment, child.
Aisha: No! It's the Radelle company goons!
Euden: We're taking you in, Lapis. It's time for you to answer for all of your crimes.
Euden: If there truly is an explanation for what you're doing here, we're willing to listen. Perhaps you'll even earn some leniency.
Lapis: Ah, the classic tough-but-fair approach. But you needn't bother, for I fear I've no intention of being caught.
Ranzal: Ya talk a big game for someone who's outnumbered. Oh, and if yer plannin' to use one'a them smokescreens again, we're ready for it this time.
Lapis: Oh, I've something else in mind for you, my large friend. ...Voilà!
Ranzal: Aw, sweet cripes! A flash bomb!
Euden: Where did they go?!
Ranzal: Damn it! She got away AGAIN! This lady's really startin' to grate my cheese...
Aisha: I think we're safe for now...
Lapis: This will prove more difficult than I imagined if the Halidom is involved.
Lapis: But I am not giving up, for the phantom thief laughs in the face of even the gravest of dangers!
Lapis: Just like the one who stole me away all those many years ago...
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