Accidental Reunion

I've tried, it's practically impossible. Besides, I don't plan on leaving for now.

Why not? Don't tell me you actually joined up with these bandits like they say?

(Whisper) Come on, out with it. Or do you really think there's a future out here with these backwater thugs?

...I have no interest in becoming a pirate, Elysium.

I'm staying because... I want to resume the alchemical research I ran from. This compass has Corazonix in it, maybe the last one.

Besides... I promised them I would fix it. It's critical for their survival.

So... you plan to stay with them?

No. Once it's fixed, they'll leave the Salt Flat for the ocean.

Then I'll stay behind and continue to hone my skills in both swordplay and alchemy.

Sounds like you've had a lot to think about... Well, that's not such a bad thing.

So what exactly did the girl outside want me to do here again?

I needed an assistant as I repair the compass.

Just like back in Rhodes Island, then. Let me know what you need.

Mm-hm.

I will.

What are they doing in there?

That kid from outside is doing his thing, that owl-kemmie or whatever... Never though it'd glow gold like that though.

Lemmesee, lemmesee...

......

Not gonna lie, this is pretty sick. What's that in your hand?

What's that in his hand?

Some beggar's magic trick, what else?

Oh. Well, nothing to see here then. It's not like we have any food to spare.

Bothersome brat...

Come and see my trick! All I ask is a piece of bread—

Ugh...

Get lost, you're in the way.

(Whisper) Bastard...

......

Er, we're attracting quite a crowd outside. Does that bother you?

Want me to chase them away?

It's fine. With you here chatting away, it feels like I'm right back at Rhodes Island. They won't bother me.

You ever seen anything like it?

Way back when, I remember the boss talking about folks who'd perform tricks for others in the big cities. Guess that's what it looks like?

It's beautiful...

Let them watch. Just make sure they don't barge in and try to sell me for food.

...Sounds weirdly plausible. Do people do that?

People do a lot of things when there's nothing to eat.

Excuse me...

Do you have any food?

No... will you take this ribbon though?

No, it's got to be something I can eat.

I don't have anything to eat myself... I...

I happen to have a few biscuits here. Why don't you let this young lady see your trick?

Biscuits? Sure, since you asked.

It's so pretty. Can I take a closer look?

Suit yourself.

Wow!

It's just—

Oh, shut up and watch.

When was the last time I saw fireworks...

I think it was a long, long time ago...

Fireworks? What are fireworks?

Impressive, boy. It's not often that the people here have something to smile about.

Just trying to earn my bread.

Is that so?

Why do you have a smile on your face, then?

Now you're just showing off.

Did you think I couldn't tell?

......

That was just a check of the alchemy equipment and compass. Now comes the next step: separating the rusted and denatured parts from the Corazonix.

This is what I promised them... what I can do for them.

You two sure spent a long time chatting.

Well, it's been a while since we last saw each other. Were you sitting out here this whole time, boss?

You can stop calling me boss. All my friends call me Peludita, on account of how fluffy I am.

Oh, so we're friends now?

'Course we are! Could you have ever found your old amigo without the help of yours truly?

(Talk about twisting the truth.)

Hm... so what should you call me, now that we're friends?

Anything you like! More importantly, what did Señor Isidro say?

About, you know, putting me under his protection?

Oh, I forgot to ask. But maybe I'll remember tomorrow, if you ask nicely.

Please, o honorable Señor Pelirrojito! The greatest, handsomest Liberi of all!

Ooh, I like that. Keep it coming!

(You flipping finshit!)

(I'm yanking that red bit right out once I'm out of this mess!)

......

Well, I guess I do owe you one for helping me find my good buddy...

You sure keep some choice company for a girl your age. Well, come find me if you ever squeeze yourself into something you can't squeeze out of.

I'm as kind-hearted as they come, after all!

...Huh?

...Huh?!

Hmph! Who'd believe a show-off like you?

At the end of the day, the only one you can trust is yourself.

Another one, please.

......

That pancake... mm... another plate please!

(Whisper) Have they never eaten in their entire lives?

(Whisper) Isn't it all so very familiar? The pride, the gluttony, the greed.

(Whisper) How are they any different from when they raided your granary?

(Whisper) I don't need them to change.

Ahem... I'm sure you're familiar with Aarón, even if your previous visits have been, shall we say, less peaceful.

Still, I bid you welcome, and look forward to a productive discussion.

*Burp*—

(Raises arm)

Did you need a handkerchief?

I'm good, got my sleeves.

...Very well.

(Whisper) Who decided to serve them fried garlic pancakes?

(Whisper) Do you truly believe you can accept them?

(Whisper) If it benefits the town.

Now that you have eaten, it's time to talk—

Can we get some more of those for take-out?

Dinner is over. It's time to—

Alright, you over there, no need to hide. Come here, and we'll talk.

...?

Yes, you, señor. You're the one calling the shots, right? You can't fool us.

...Negotiation is the calificador's duty. Speak to Señor Silver.

......

How long have you been waiting here, Javi?

Since morning.

Didn't Teach tell you I had private business I needed to attend to?

In all my time by your side, you've never had 'private business' even once. Do you even have a life outside this fleet?

I never said I did.

So why were you looking for me?

...Would you give up the compass, if we found another way besides going out to sea?

I'm listening.

The mates who got back from Aarón said we'll be pardoned if we hand over the compass and the thief. That they'd let us live in town, or go wherever we want.

And you believe them?

I looked into it. The offer's real, at least.

When? And why wasn't I informed?

Didn't want to bother you while you were recuperating.

...And who asked you to be so protective of me?

How else would I treat the woman who raised me?

It feels like it was only yesterday. Now you're taller than I am.

When I was little, I used to pray to grow up faster, taller, and stronger, so that I could share your burden.

Guess my wish came true.

You'll always be that little boy to me, no matter how big you are.

But what about my thoughts? Will you still treat them as the ideas of a little boy?

......

No, Javi, I won't. I know it's a feeble concession, the kind that only an adult can make.

But I'd sooner die than surrender to them.

How many of the friends you grew up with have already died at their hands?

I'll never forget, Señora Juana...

My crew and I did everything for them, when times were hardest!

Cruz, myself, and our crew fought the Seaborn to protect them!

We spared what little rations we had, so they wouldn't have to feed on their own corpses!

And how did they repay us? By chasing us into the Salt Flat as soon as the Inquisition arrived!

That never would've happened to Cruz if they hadn't turned a blind eye!

I will never bow my head to those ingrates.

I love you, Javi, all of you, whether you believe it or not. Just as I loved all the mates who fought alongside me amidst the waves.

They're long gone, but I still see them in you all. The legacy of blood works in such mysterious ways.

That's why I can never forgive them... I hope you understand.