HUNT IN BASKA

"That's enough chit-chat, both of you. Get ready. We're hitting the road," Lucy said firmly as she stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed and radiating command.

"Yes, Master!" Alfie and Rebekah responded in unison, snapping to attention.

They quickly got dressed, grabbed the breakfast Lucy had arranged for them, and without wasting another minute, continued their journey.

—Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Baska—

Lyon and Sasaki moved through the streets of Baska, eyes sharp, tension thick in the air.

"Hey, partner," Sasaki muttered, halting abruptly, "we've been walking all night, grilling every damn motel owner about a woman with two kids—boy and girl. Don't you think that's a complete waste of time?"

Lyon sighed, rubbing his temples. "What do you suggest? We don't have a better lead. This is the only way to confirm if they were ever here."

Sasaki crossed his arms. "Let's skip this nonsense. We should check every kingdom in this direction with drone bugs. We can teleport and scan faster. It's the only way we'll catch them before they get too far."

"You idiot," Lyon snapped, dropping onto a street bench. "Do you know how much Renshi that'll cost? I can't waste all my energy jumping from kingdom to kingdom. If I run out of Renshi, how the hell am I supposed to back you up when it's time to face the woman?"

"You won't need to," Sasaki replied with an unnerving grin. "I'll handle her myself. Just find them before they vanish."

Lyon narrowed his eyes. That damn Exca... You're feeding him ideas, aren't you? You already know I've been stalling to buy the woman more time. Fine then… If you want speed, I'll give you speed.

"Alright, let's find a place where we won't be seen," Lyon said, rising to his feet.

"Right behind you, partner," Sasaki answered with a predator's calm, following him.

—Elsewhere in Baska—

"You boys are up," said the Shinra who had sheltered Jackson and Marcel the night before. "Looked like you were completely worn out."

Jackson groggily got out of bed and dragged himself forward.

"Hey Jackson, get a grip!" Marcel called from the table.

"Huh? Oh! We have to find Papa! Let's go!" Jackson shouted, jolting upright and dashing to the door. "Thank you so much, sir—and thank you for the meal, ma'am!" he called over his shoulder.

"Yeah, thanks a lot!" Marcel added, sprinting after him.

They tore down the crowded street.

"Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Jackson asked as they ran.

"I tried! But the Shinra's wife wouldn't let me. She wanted us to rest properly," Marcel replied.

Jackson stopped suddenly. "Do you remember where we last saw my papa? That shop?"

"The town looks completely different during the day. It's packed! I can't tell where we are," Marcel said, scanning the streets.

"Damn it. If he's already teleported out of this kingdom, we're in serious trouble," Jackson muttered, frustrated.

"Outta the road, brats!" a Shinra galloped past on horseback, nearly trampling them.

They jumped aside, ducking in front of a shop.

Jackson clenched his fists. "How are we gonna find them now?"

"It's over! We're stuck in some foreign kingdom. We'll be slaves for the rest of our lives!" Marcel wailed dramatically.

"Shut up! I can't think with all your whining," Jackson barked.

"What's there to think about?! We're in over our heads. We're not even full Shinras yet!" Marcel replied, collapsing on a nearby bench.

Jackson paused. "Wait… That's it!"

He turned sharply. "Come with me!"

"Don't just run off on your own!" Marcel shouted, scrambling to follow. "What's the plan, Jack?!"

"Just follow me, rock head—"

Jackson froze.

"What the hell…?" he whispered.

They had run behind a quiet shop, only to be blocked by some towering figures.

"Well, well," a deep, menacing voice echoed, "two little brats in Shinra robes with no swords. You're wearing some pricey gear. Hand them over."

"Jack… these guys are criminals!" Marcel whispered, his eyes wide. "What's the plan?"