ROGUE AND SURVIVAL

Bash walked ahead, his boots crushing fallen leaves in the dimming forest light.

> "I'm happy history isn't repeating itself with those two," he thought, exhaling deeply. "The good friend becoming bad when the bad one grows stronger… That's been the tale of Exca and Lyon for too long. But it seems their sons are walking a brighter path."

He slowed down and turned to the boys.

"I'm exhausted after that battle. Come with me to my place. I'll treat you to dinner. It's already dark. I'm sure your papa is somewhere resting… probably waiting to make his next move in the morning."

Without waiting for a reply, he started walking toward the edge of the forest, where the distant lights of a small town flickered.

Marcel followed him with a slight grin.

> "Glad he doesn't think we're psychos," he thought.

"Come on, Jack. He's right. We can't push ourselves any further right now."

Jackson stayed behind for a moment, grinding his teeth in frustration.

> "I just hope we're not wasting time… I hope Papa hasn't done anything yet… I hope he hasn't hurt that woman… I hope."

"Better catch up before the rogues around here sniff you out," Bash called over his shoulder, speeding up.

Jackson finally ran forward, dropping to the ground in front of Bash, his forehead pressed into the dirt.

"Thank you… for saving our lives. We really appreciate it."

Bash raised an eyebrow, then chuckled softly in thought.

> "So Lyon's son, huh…"

He helped Jackson to his feet.

"No need for that. You saved mine too."

Jackson looked down. "But we were the ones who dragged you into it… If we were stronger—"

"Don't beat yourself up. This is what growing up looks like. No one wakes up strong. You train, you suffer, and you rise."

Marcel caught up and scratched his head sheepishly.

"Thanks, old man… for everything."

"That's enough of the thanks. Let's move before the real rogues show up," Bash said, continuing ahead.

The three walked out of the forest and into the outskirts of Unbalance Town, where lanterns flickered beside wooden houses and distant laughter echoed from the taverns.

"Hey, old man," Jackson said, picking up pace. "Can I ask you something?"

Bash glanced back. "Hmm? Hope it's not something I won't like."

"Ah… never mind."

"Hah! Don't be a scaredy-cat. Ask like a man."

Jackson nodded. "Okay… Are you a rogue Shinra?"

Bash laughed. "I figured that question was coming. Yeah, that's what they call us — Shinras who abandoned our missions. To most kingdoms, we're monsters. Anywhere we go, we're rejected. Unbalance Town is the only place where we're allowed to live legally."

"So… are you one of those rogue Shinras that rob and molest people?" Jackson asked, stopping in his tracks.

Marcel raised his brow. "Now it's getting interesting."

Bash halted too. He let out a sharp exhale.

"You really don't know how the world works, kid. There are different ways to survive when you're alone."

Jackson crossed his arms. "Give us one — just one — legit way you survive without stealing from others."

"Alright, alright," Bash said. "There are lots of small kingdoms that can't afford high-ranking Shinras. They post missions on the Unbalance Capital's board. Legal rogue Shinras like me take those jobs. That's how we earn our bread."

"Hm. I guess that's more legit," Jackson muttered as they resumed walking.

---

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Sunflower…

Sasaki was devouring beef like a man starved for days. The plates around him were stacked high in a small restaurant.

"Hey! Don't eat all the beef!" Lyon snapped. "I've been using up a lot of Renshi with all this teleportation! You need to calm down with that meat!"

"I can't help it, I'm starving!" Sasaki replied, mouth full, barely pausing.

Lyon stood from his seat and sighed. "Whatever. I'm heading out to find something better to eat."

He stepped outside into the dimly lit streets. Bright shop signs lit up both sides: equipment stores, children's toy stalls, roasted food vendors, and quiet houses.

One place caught his eye — a small bar with a sign that read:

> "Shibuya Special"

"This place looks promising," Lyon muttered, approaching the door.

Just as he reached for the handle, a loud, angry voice bellowed from inside.

> "Hey, old fool! Pay us for the Shinras' guidance! We've been protecting your worthless town from darkside spirits! You don't even understand what that means, moron!"

Lyon frowned.

He opened the door slowly and walked in.

Inside, eight armed Shinras stood menacingly in black capes. Their long trousers dragged against the floor, swords hanging loosely at their sides. The air was thick with intimidation and the scent of ale.

Lyon's eyes narrowed.

> "This could get messy," he thought.