Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

In a world filled with magic and wonders, there lies a city that sparkles under a star-filled sky, home to witch and mystical creatures. Nestled between towering mountains and dense forests, this city is a hub for traders, adventurers, and notably, thieves.

One such thief, famed throughout the city, is known as "The Emerald Thief," renowned for his shimmering emerald eyes and his ability to vanish into the night like a ghost, leaving behind nothing but whispered tales.

Behind the beauty and enchantment, life in this city is also fraught with secrets and danger. Dark alleys and narrow lanes hide truths darker than what meets the eye.

Do you wish to delve deeper into the tale of the thief I alluded to earlier?

He was famously known as 'The Emerald Thief', notorious for his eyes that sparkled like emeralds in the dark of night.

No one has ever succeeded in capturing him; he is not only cunning and strong but also shrouded in an aura of fear, making him a formidable figure whispered about across many lands.

A bounty of 60 gold coins hangs over his head, a tempting fortune for anyone daring enough to try their luck.

But, alas... no one has ever come close to catching him.

Yet, everything begins to change when he encounters a certain witch in a distant land.

Oh, and by the way, the true identity of the thief?

It's me!

I am a very famous thief! and right now... I happen to be being chased by the police

I was carrying jewels that I stole from a rich man's house. I received information that it turned out that one of the jewels in the rich man's house was the result of illegal trading.

You can call me the noble Thief! But instead of focusing on that, it's better to focus on me who is being chased by the police in the silent night

It wasn't very quiet, because it was the police who were shouting and screaming at me to surrender

"Is this the quality of the police in this country? How disappointing, huh?"

I leaped onto a stack of crates, my emerald eyes scanning for my next path of escape. With a swift movement, I jumped, grabbing onto a hanging signboard and swinging myself onto the balcony above.

The police on their brooms were relentless, but their conventional methods were no match for my parkour skills.

I sprinted across the balcony, vaulted over the railing, and rolled onto the roof of the next building. The tiles clattered under my feet as I ran, zigzagging to avoid the spells they shot at me.

"Trying to sweep me off my feet with those old brooms, are we?" I shouted back, a smirk playing on my lips. "You'll have to fly faster than that!"

The broom riders doubled their efforts, their faces twisted in frustration. I glanced back just in time to see one of them nearly lose control, swerving wildly to avoid a chimneystack. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, careful there! Wouldn't want to fall off and dirty your shiny badges, would we?" I taunted, leaping from one rooftop to another with the agility of a cat.

As I sprinted down a sloped roof, I grabbed a hanging clothesline and swung underneath an archway, landing gracefully on my feet in a dark alley. The narrow space slowed down my pursuers, their brooms too bulky to navigate the tight space effectively.

With the police struggling to maneuver, I turned another corner, disappearing into the shadows of the night, my laughter echoing in the air, mingling with the frustrated curses of the police above.

"They're so lame..."

A green shirt with a white tie, a green hat with a white stripe, and a dark green robe which makes it even more mysterious

Don't forget the mask that covers my face, but still shows my emerald green eyes

If someone sees someone wearing clothes like that at night it means only one thing, it is The Emerald Thief

"Gems from illegal sales huh...? Albert said that the real owner of this gem is at the end of town..."

"It's quite far, isn't it? I'll rest for a while..."

I came out of hiding and suddenly there was someone's voice

"There he is! Fast! Chase!"

Without a moment's hesitation, I bolted, my boots pounding against the cobblestones.

The sound of multiple brooms quickly grew louder as the police spotted me emerging from the alley.

The chase was on once again, the thrill surging through my veins.

"It's like I have to keep them quiet like when I give candy to a crying baby."

I darted through a bustling marketplace, now deserted and littered with forgotten stalls and goods. My pursuers were close, but I was faster on the ground than they were clumsy in the air.

A sharp turn into another narrow alley, a leap over an abandoned cart, and I was once again ahead, always just out of their grasp.

"Can't you guys try a little harder? I'm barely breaking a sweat here!" I yelled back mockingly, ducking as a spell zipped past my head, igniting sparks against the ancient bricks beside me.

As I rounded the corner, I spotted a construction site, the skeleton of a new building serving as the perfect playground for my escape artistry.

I climbed, swung, and leaped from beam to beam, the police struggling to keep up. Finally, seeing an opportunity, I grabbed a thick rope from the site, swinging back towards them with the grace of a trained acrobat.

Before they could react, I looped the rope around their group, binding them together.

With a triumphant pull, I tightened the knot, watching them struggle to maintain balance on their brooms.

One quick spell muttered under my breath, and their brooms gently descended into a dark, narrow gangway I had spotted earlier. I landed beside them, still smirking.

"Nighty-night, don't let the bed bugs bite," I quipped, tapping each on their helmets lightly. A gentle thump on their heads with the back of my hand was enough to knock them out, thanks to a small dose of a sleep-inducing charm I always carried with me.

I dragged the bundled officers into the shadows of the gangway, ensuring they were well hidden and would wake with little memory of how they got there.

"Phew... they're such a hassle..." I mumbled, wiping the sweat from my brow as I spotted a bell tower-a perfect spot to rest.

Leaping from one ledge to another with the grace of a cat, I scaled the tower. At the top, I took a deep breath. "The police are so stupid, they couldn't catch a cold in winter, let alone me!"

Up there, I broke into song, belting out a tune about my boredom. "Solo performances are so last season..."

But then, the distinct crunch of gravel echoed behind me. I groaned,

"Really? I'm too fabulous for a foot chase tonight." I peered back, hoping it wasn't another cop or worse-an ex.

"What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" The voice was unmistakably feminine.

Turning around slowly, I gave my best impression, only to stop dead in my tracks. It wasn't just any woman-it was the witch I'd heard about.

"Good evening, beautiful witch of doom..."

With a flourish, I removed my hat and bowed as if I were about to be knighted. "What brings a dazzling creature like yourself to this sleepy town? It's quite the hotspot for danger, you know."

She was dressed in what looked like a simple vintage gown, but her aura shimmered with hidden power.

Though I wasn't a mages, I could manage a broomstick-basic stuff. Why didn't I escape on one when the police were after me? Simple. They can't appreciate a good parkour sequence.

"Wait... Are you the thief on the news?!" She seemed more intrigued than alarmed.

I chuckled, thrilled at the challenge. "Indeed, I am The Emerald Thief!"

"And your name would be...?" I asked, trying to muster all the charm I had.

"I'm The Ashen Witch, Elaina," she replied, her eyes glinting with determination.

Elaina, with her ashen hair and eyes like stormy seas, was not just any adversary-she was the boss level.

"So, planning to turn me in?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"Isn't it obvious, pilferer of emeralds?"

I tapped my chin, pretending to ponder. "Hmm, maybe I need a better alias..."

"What about the name Arcane?" I queried, unfazed by the prospect of capture.

"Don't involve me in your branding crisis," she snapped, firing off a spell that I dodged with a lazy twirl.

"Right? Imagine, if I'm with my fellow thieves at a party and someone shouts 'Thief!' it'd be quite the scene." I leaned casually against the bell, secretly attaching a little surprise inside.

"What a charming pseudonym..." I mused aloud as I strolled to the edge of the tower. "Any thoughts, Miss Witch?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting the conversation to turn into a brainstorming session mid-confrontation. But that was me-always a step away from the mundane, even with a magical showdown brewing.

"How about the name 'The Great Thief Captured by the Ashen Witch, Elaina'?" she suggested wryly, conjuring a rope from her wand with a flourish of sparks.

"Hm? That does seem a bit lengthy!" I dodged nimbly, laughing off the implication.

"And let's not count our chickens-or captives-before they hatch, shall we?"

With a smirk, I pressed the button on the device I had installed earlier in the bell. As I leapt from the tower, the bell clanged into a deafening roar, a symphony of chaos that I hoped would give me a few precious seconds.

Poor Witch clutched her ears in dismay, her face twisted in a mix of irritation and surprise.

Descending rapidly, I pulled out a grappling hook just in time to swing onto a lower rooftop, landing with the grace of a cat. "Not bad for a night's work, eh, Witch? Quite the performance!"

I then dashed across the shingled roofs, feeling the thrill of the chase pump through my veins.

"Come here!" Elaina shouted, not to be outdone. She mounted her broomstick and soared after me, her silhouette cutting a striking figure against the moonlit sky.

The chase was on, and although the threat of capture loomed like a shadow, the exhilarating dance between thief and witch had only just begun.

With each leap and dodge, I could feel the stakes rising, the air crackling with magic and possibility.

With the Witch hot on my heels. Her wand was a blur of motion, weaving elaborate spells that danced dangerously close to my heels.

First came a thunderous cascade of stones, conjured mid-air, hurtling towards me like a meteor shower.

I spotted a vendor's cart laden with bouncy balls nearby. With a cheeky grin, I dove into it, sending balls springing into the air, hilariously deflecting the incoming rocks.

"Looks like your aim could use some bouncing ideas!" I shouted back, chuckling at my own joke.

Not missing a beat, the Witch conjured a fierce whirlwind next, aiming to sweep me off my feet. I grabbed an abandoned umbrella from the side of the street, popping it open and spinning with the wind.

"I always did want to try ballet!"

I exclaimed, pirouetting absurdly as the wind howled around me, my silly antics causing the Witch's spell to scatter harmlessly.

The Witch, now slightly agitated yet puzzled by my ridiculous tactics, intensified her efforts.

She summoned a stream of water aimed directly at me, hoping to knock me off balance. Spotting a nearby gutter, I leaped in with exaggerated fear, pretending it was a massive wave.

"Surf's up, Witchy!" I yelled from the gutter, peeking out with a mock-serious expression, as if braving a storm at sea.

Her frustration growing, the Witch prepared her next spell, a series of fast-moving tendrils of light, designed to entrap me.

I spotted a street performer's hula hoop nearby, snagged it, and began gyrating wildly.

"Ever seen anyone hula their way out of trouble?"

I called out, as the tendrils got tangled amusingly in my impromptu dance routine.

The Witch stopped, her broom hovering in mid-air, as she watched my ludicrous performance.

"Are you mocking my magic?"

she demanded, her voice a mix of annoyance and bewilderment.

With a dramatic pause, I placed the hula hoop down, and struck a pose.

"Not at all! I'm just highlighting your magical talents with a bit of street theater," I quipped, flashing a mischievous grin.

She couldn't help but let out an exasperated laugh.

"You're impossible,"

the Witch sighed, her anger melting into a reluctant amusement.

"Most thieves just run, but you turn a chase into a circus!"

"I aim to please!" I declared, bowing flamboyantly before sprinting off into the night

As the chase twisted through the cobbled streets under a cloak of darkness, the Witch, Elaina, grew more serious, her spells more precise and deadly. Her face set in determination, she sent a flurry of sharp ice shards slicing through the air toward me.

With agility, I pulled a small, rounded mirror from my utility belt, angling it just right to catch the moonlight and dazzle her vision.

"A little light show for your evening?"

I called out cheekily as I darted behind a large statue for cover.

Elaina paused, squinting against the glare. "Enough games, thief!" she snapped, her voice echoing off the stone walls.

"This ends now!"

With a dramatic sweep of her hand, she summoned a fierce gust of wind that roared down the narrow alley, threatening to sweep me off my feet.

I swiftly reached into my belt, retrieving two hooked grappling hooks attached to sturdy ropes.

With practiced motions born from many escapes, I launched them towards the rooftops, their hooks catching securely.

As the wind buffeted me, I used the ropes to anchor myself, then pulled with all my might to propel myself upward, narrowly escaping the blast.

"Always a breeze having a chat with you, Witchy!"

I shouted down from my new vantage point, grinning despite the peril. The Witch glanced upwards, her eyes narrowing.

"Do you ever take anything seriously?"

she called up, irritation laced with a hint of admiration for my ingenuity.

"Oh, I take my escapes very seriously!"

I replied, unhooking one grappling hook to swing to a nearby balcony. As I landed, I quickly snagged a smoke bomb from my belt and tossed it down to where Elaina was preparing another spell.

The bomb erupted in a cloud of thick, grey smoke, obscuring her view and muffling the sounds of the night.

Coughing through the haze, Elaina waved her hand, dispelling the smoke with a gust of clean air.

"You're just buying time!"

she accused, scanning the now-clear area for any sign of me.

Peering from behind a chimney, I watched her carefully, my hand dipping into my belt once more to grasp a slick, oily substance contained in a small pouch. "And you're just losing your cool!"

I retorted, readying my next playful yet strategic move to continue this high-stakes game of magical cat and mouse.

I ducked behind an old, gnarled tree, catching my breath, and quickly pulled out a small, intricately carved slingshot from my utility belt.

I loaded it with a pebble, aiming to disarm her or at least distract her long enough to make my escape.

Just as I peered from behind the tree and pulled back on the slingshot, a sharp gust of wind whipped the weapon from my hands, sending it clattering to the cobblestones.

"Running out of tricks?" Elaina called out, her voice a mix of triumph and frustration as she advanced towards me, her wand at the ready.

Scrambling to recover, I reached for a flash powder packet, hoping to blind her temporarily.

But as I threw it towards her, Elaina was quicker; with a flick of her wand, she created a magical barrier that neutralized the flash before it could ignite.

"Seems you're not the only one who can play this game," she remarked, her figure looming larger as she closed the distance between us.

Cornered and with my gadgets either spent or ineffective, I backed up against a wall, the reality of the situation dawning on me. The playful banter faded, replaced by the serious clink of her wand tip echoing in the silent, dark alley.

"Any last jokes before I take you in?" Elaina asked, her voice steady but not unkind, her wand now pointing directly at me.

I smirked, my back against the cold stone, trying to maintain my composure, then

I secretly took something from my trouser pocket

"Just wondering if the reward money is enough to buy my freedom,"

I quipped, raising my hands in surrender, finally acknowledging the inevitable capture by the talented Witch.

Elaina's expression softened slightly, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Let's find out,"

"Jokes on you, I still have an ace up my sleeve." With a grin, I crushed the teleportation gem I had filched earlier, warping instantly to the shadows behind the library, just a stone's throw from Elaina.

Creeping away as silently as the night, I vanished before she could pinpoint my escape route. "Next time, I might just have to take this seriously," I murmured, imagining her exasperated scowl when she realized I had slipped through her fingers again.

At the town's edge, I tiptoed up to a balcony door, returning the jewels I had liberated earlier from a wealthy man's estate. I left them on a table with a note,

"Seems these belong to you?" The thrill of the heist was exhilarating, but putting things right had its own charm.

After the adrenaline subsided, I needed to unwind. I found my way to a familiar inn and removed the mask that had concealed just my eyes.

"Albert, the jewels are back with their rightful owner."

Albert, a lanky man with hair slicked down the middle, looked up from his drink. "Well done. Now, there's a client wanting you to swipe an ice cactus from a criminal's stronghold."

"Ice cactus? What next, snow bananas?" I sighed, the weirdness of the world never ceased to amaze me.

"Stealing from a thief again?" I grumbled, still drained from my encounter with Elaina. Albert slid a bag of silver coins across the table.

"That's your payment..." He sipped his coffee, his gaze sharp.

"Ah, I should charge danger pay," I sighed. "Did I mention I was nearly nabbed by a witch?"

"A witch?" Albert leaned in, his curiosity piqued.

"Yep, cornered me good. But thank the stars for that teleportation gem."

"Or you'd be giving a whole new meaning to 'losing your head,'" I quipped with a wry smile.

Albert chuckled. "Sounds like you're collecting quite the fan club."

"Trouble does seem to love company," I chuckled back.

His next question caught me off guard. "Ever thought about hanging up your thief's cloak?"

"I... I don't know. I'd need a pretty good reason to retire."

"True, though you only steal from those less deserving. But still, stealing's stealing, right? Does that make us the bad guys?"

"That's the million-gold question, isn't it?" I pondered aloud.

Albert shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Everyone has their sins, but we might have a few extra."

"Fair enough... I'm off to enjoy the night air." I swung the window open, ready to leap out. "Catch you later, Albert."

"Don't doze off on someone's roof again, will you? Wouldn't want your secret getting out."

Mask back in place, I nodded. "Noted."

I clambered onto the inn's roof, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, relishing the freedom. Finally, I settled on the rickety roof of an old, decrepit inn that swayed in the breeze.

"Why do they even keep places like this standing?" I mused, watching the stars, the night's earlier troubles already seeming like distant memories.

"Well... this country has certainly seen better days." I lay back on the roof, gazing at the constellation-filled sky. "Hmm... naming a star could be quite the pastime," I mused aloud, a smile playing at the corners of my mouth.

Suddenly, a prickling sensation alerted me to danger. I sat bolt upright, scanning my surroundings.

Without a moment's notice, a rope snaked around my body, binding my hands securely. "Tsk... Whoever's the puppeteer here, kindly show yourself," I grumbled into the darkness.

From the shadows emerged ash-blonde hair and piercing blue eyes-features I had grown all too familiar with.

Clad in pajamas, Elaina looked like I had just roused a lioness about to strike. "Ah, didn't expect our paths to cross again so soon, witch."

"Nor did I, pesky Thief," she retorted, her face glowing with a mix of irritation and triumph.

"Is that a nickname for me? Because I've been thinking of one for you too..." I pondered briefly. "How about 'the cunning witch'?"

"Perhaps you'll earn a new title yourself: 'The great thief who could only be caught by a witch,'" she suggested, stepping closer.

"Isn't that a bit lengthy? Imagine being called out for roll call with such a title." I chuckled. "Besides, you do seem a tad narcissistic, don't you think?"

"You're still cracking jokes while I've got you tied up?" Elaina stood behind me, a smug smile etched across her face.

She brandished her wand, pointing it ominously at my head. "Any last words before you find yourself behind bars?"

"Hold on, hold on," I protested, wriggling against my bonds. "They say patience finds you a handsome partner. So maybe wait to catch me after I escape these ropes!"

That bought me enough time to wriggle a small blade from its sheath hidden in my belt-still within reach-and I began sawing at the ropes subtly.

"Ha! If catching thieves made one rich, I'd be drowning in handsome suitors," she quipped with a cocky grin, not realizing I was inching closer to freedom.

"Ah, fair point," I admitted, not having thought of that before. "But I didn't expect a stunning and powerful witch like you to be living in a shack that'd tumble over if the wind sneezed on it."

"I don't live here because I want to! Once I've caught you, I'm checking into the fanciest hotel in the country," she snapped back, clearly annoyed. "And why are we even on the same page about this place? I also think this inn's a sneeze away from collapse."

"Ah! Maybe we're soul mates then! So, how about you let me go, my dear~~?" I cooed, laying the charm on thick.

"Disgusting, not interested, no way, you're lame, annoying, only foolish girls would fall for you," she retorted in a deadpan tone that made the barbs sting all the more.

"Miss Witch, could you ease up on the insults? They hurt worse than a punch from a muscle man," I said, pretending to be wounded.

"Anyway, no one's going to like you if you keep hiding behind that mask," Elaina quipped, reaching to pull it off.

"Ah! Hands off the mask! Ever heard of personal privacy?!" I scooted back, not using my feet.

"Why? Hiding something ugly?"

"Negative."

I quickly sliced through the rope binding my legs, leapt up, and delivered a swift kick to Elaina's waist, sending her tumbling. "Ah, crap!"

Freeing myself from the ropes, I stood tall, a smirk playing on my lips. "I stand for gender equality," I declared arrogantly, pulling out a bag of silver coins.

"Looks like I'm just stalling for time" Elaina got back on her feet and pointed her wand at me.

I tossed her three silver coins. "Use these. I can't stand the thought of you staying in this dump."

"Huh?" She eyed the genuine silver coins. "This is stolen money, isn't it? I don't want it."

I paused, then replied, "You're not wrong, but you're not right either."

"Hm? What do you mean?" She looked puzzled.

"Didn't you check what items I've been stealing?"

"I did check... what's the issue?"

"Ever heard of the thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor?"

She looked taken aback by my sudden question. "Previously, I stole a jewel that was the product of an illegal deal, and that jewel was stolen by someone else before that."

I pulled a crumpled piece of newspaper from my pocket and handed it to Elaina. "Read this, then think again about what I do..."

"Do you think my actions are driven by justice or just plain criminal?" I asked, watching her face for her reaction.

She hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

Seeing her struggle to find words, I chuckled lightly. "Ah... forget it. Just use the money to upgrade from this place, okay?"

I turned to leave, calling over my shoulder, "Ah, you should get inside; it's getting chilly out here."

"And don't bother trying to catch me again," I added with a wink before dashing off into the night.

Back at my hotel, I slipped in through the balcony window and flopped onto the bed. "Still not sleepy..." I murmured, though I was out cold as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next morning, I woke up around 9 AM and yawned, stretching lazily. "Last night's air was really refreshing. Only a fool would deny feeling sleepy after that."

After brushing my teeth and washing up, I changed out of my thief attire. It wouldn't do to walk around the city in that.

I wandered the city with a specific destination in mind, eventually entering a hardware store filled with potential tools for my trade.

"Hmm... sticky liquid? What's this for?" I muttered, examining the shelves. Distracted by the array of gadgets, I bumped into someone.

"Ah, sorry, my bad," I said, stepping back. My heart skipped when I realized it was Elaina, the witch herself. 'This is bad, really bad. What are the odds of running into her like this?'

'If she tries anything, might need to dodge more than just a conversation,' I thought as she glared at me.

"Next time, watch where you're going, please!" she snapped, clearly annoyed.

"I'm really sorry, try not to get too angry. You lose a bit of your charm when you're mad," I quipped, quickly making my exit.

Forgetting what I initially came for, I hurried out of the store. "Looks like I'll have to make do with the tools I have."

Just then, I spotted a group of bulky guys standing in an alley, smirking ominously. "Ah, sir! Can you come here for a moment?" one of them called out.

'Perfect, they look like they could use a good workout,' I thought, approaching them with a confident stride.

"Hey, are you lost, emerald eyes?" one of them calls out, laughing as he flexes muscles that seem ready to burst his shirt.

"Ah, I thought this was the way to the market, not the gym," I retort with a wry smile. Their reaction? Not amused.

They move closer, ready to teach me a lesson. "Time you learned some manners," the biggest one says as he raises his fist.

"Okay, but how about you teach me after lunch? I'm running a bit low on energy," I reply, getting ready. As the first punch flies towards me, I jump back, landing lightly and dodging the attack with swift, agile movements.

"Your kicks are so graceful, my friend! Too bad I'm not in your audience," I teased, stepping to the side to distance myself.

When the third one tried to charge at me, I rolled aside, evading, and quickly rose to my feet, pushing him back with an open hand, targeting pressure points on his arm that made him groan in pain.

"Looks like I've found your mute string, buddy!" I joked, as if I had just played an instrument.

Their anger mounts and attacks become more reckless. I counter with efficient movements, turning their momentum against them so they end up crashing into each other.

"You know, you guys might be better suited for soccer. Seriously, think about it!" I suggest as I block another punch with nimble movements.

One tries to sneak up behind me, but I sense his presence early. Quickly turning around, I land a solid punch to his stomach, causing him to gasp for air. "Breathe, lad, breathe. Exercise is important, but don't forget to breathe," I lecture, almost sounding like a gym coach.

By the time they're sprawled out, exhausted, I snort and straighten my jacket. "So, today's lesson: don't mess with someone just trying to enjoy a midday stroll. Oh, and another thing, improve your humor. It's terribly dull!"

After giving those guys a bit of a thrashing, I noticed a piece of paper fluttering against the alley wall.

Curious, I pulled it free and scanned the contents. 'Member Search for our criminal group! Good people need not apply!' it declared boldly.

I snorted, amused. "Who in their right mind would advertise this on a public wall?"

Shaking my head, I rolled the paper up and slid it into my pocket. "Not too far from my hotel, huh..."

Deciding to call it a day, I returned to my hotel, peeled off my jacket, and plopped onto the bed. "I'm not being lazy or anything... just recharging," I mumbled to myself.

No sooner had I closed my eyes than I drifted off-sleeping is another of my many talents. When I eventually woke up, I thought it was already afternoon.

As I opened the cupboard in my hotel room, a box of chicken caught my eye. "Well, look at that," I mused aloud, lifting the lid to confirm my find. "Does this chicken belong to the owner of this room? Thank you, whoever you are."

Glancing around the room, I chuckled. "Time to cook... if there's a kitchen here..." I decided it was worth a shot and strolled down the stairs, heading for the hotel kitchen. Maybe it was a bit presumptuous to just waltz in and use it, but hey, that's just how I roll.

Pushing open the kitchen door with a flair, I announced my arrival to the empty room, "Time to make dinner, and perhaps a little fun on the side." The kitchen was surprisingly well-equipped, a pleasant perk I hadn't expected.

I rummaged through the drawers and cupboards, gathering what I needed. Spices, a decent frying pan-check. The only thing missing was a proper fire for cooking. "Looks like it's time for a little magic," I smirked, extending a hand to conjure a small, controlled flame under the pan. Even a thief knows a spell or two for such essentials.

As the oil heated in the pan, I prepared the chicken, tossing it lightly in a mix of flour and spices I found above the stove. "Let's see if my magical culinary skills can match my thieving prowess," I said, listening to the satisfying sizzle as the chicken hit the pan.

Cooking, for me, was like a dance-a bit of a show-off, flipping the chicken with a flick of the wrist, adjusting the flame with a snap of my fingers. "Crispy golden perfection, here we come," I declared to the empty room, feeling the calm rhythm of my impromptu cooking session.

As the aroma filled the kitchen, I leaned back against the counter, admiring my handiwork. "Not bad for a thief with gourmet tastes," I said with a smirk. It was these moments-me, a pan, and a chance to stir up a little trouble-that made life interesting.

Turning off the flame, I plated the golden chicken, dressing it up with some herbs I found on the windowsill. "Dinner is served, courtesy of yours truly," I announced, even though I was the only one there to appreciate it.

I carried the plate back up to my room, ready to enjoy the fruits of my impulsive venture.

After munching on some leftover chicken, I glanced at the window and realized it wasn't afternoon as I'd thought, but almost midnight. "Blame the hotel for not bothering with a clock in the rooms," I grumbled.

Suiting up in my thief attire, I pocketed a piece of chicken for the road and set off with a bounce in my step, contemplating a cheeky visit to that criminal headquarters.

As I neared the place, I spotted a figure with light hair lurking near the base. A closer look confirmed it was Elaina. I crept up silently, eager to catch her off guard. Scaling a nearby tower, I peered down at her with a smirk. "What are you doing, stalker?" I called out, munching loudly on my chicken.

"Ah! Thief! You scared me!"

"Spying on a criminal's base, Miss Witch?"

"Wait, what is that in your hand? Fried chicken?"

"Yep, found it back at my hotel. Seems the last guest was a bit scatterbrained," I replied with a grin.

"Poor soul..."

I glanced towards the base. "So, what brings you here, Miss Witch?"

"It's a secret."

"Come on, give me a hint."

"Cactus."

"Ice cactus?"

"How did yo-"

"I guess there really is such a thing as an ice cactus..."

I couldn't believe there were such bizarre plants. "Turns out, I need that too, Miss Witch."

"Eh? So we're after the same thing?"

"Looks like it."

"Guess it's a race then."

"Exactly."

With a nod, we acknowledged our newfound competition. "Got a plan, thief?"

"What, you think this is my first rodeo? Just sneak in and knock 'em around till they can't tell left from right," I said, chuckling.

"No wonder I thought you were new at this," Elaina muttered, lost in thought.

"Miss Witch, your strategizing could put me to sleep, you know?"

As she continued to ponder, I pulled out my grappling hook. "See you at the finish line, Miss Witch," I winked and zipped away into the night.

As I edged closer to the base, I crouched down in the nearby field, muttering to myself, "Beat 'em, dash, repeat... simple and effective."

"I should be a strategist," I declared with a laugh dripping in irony.

"You're really not the brightest, are you?" Elaina's voice surprised me from behind.

"Miss Witch, please, don't steal my moves," I quipped as I carefully placed a stick bomb along the wall, then slunk back to my spot beside her.

"Could you scoot over a bit? You're hogging all the space with that petite frame of yours."

"What are you even talking about?" she scoffed just as a peculiar creaking noise filled the air. We watched as the wall slid open, revealing a hidden doorway. "See? Not every door needs a push or pull."

We slipped through the entry together, but were immediately met with a room crowded with guards. "Oh, fantastic..."

"Miss Witch... a little help?" I half-pleaded, drawing my knife.

"Why should I assist you?" She pulled out her wand with a flourish.

"Refusing to help a criminal? That's cold, even for you," I teased, hoping to lighten the mood as we faced down the unexpected crowd.

As I dashed around the room filled with villains, I paused briefly to strike a model pose before throwing my first knife.

"Miss Witch, did you see that? I'm not just a thief, I'm a stealer of hearts!"

Elaina, busy dodging an incoming fireball, just huffed in annoyance. "Can you, for once, take this fight seriously?"

"Serious is boring, my dear!" I shouted as I jumped and kicked a thug trying to attack from behind. I turned and gave Elaina a cheeky grin. "I'm seriously unserious, and that's what makes me special!"

Elaina shook her head, as if struggling hard not to smile. She swung her wand, creating an ice wall that momentarily shielded us from attacks. "You really are..."

"I know, I'm impressive," I interrupted, finishing her sentence while throwing another knife, this time with an exaggerated ballet movement. The villain fell, and I waved at him as if bidding farewell. "So long, buddy!"

Elaina looked at me, her eyes sparkling with a reluctant mix of irritation and admiration. "You... sometimes I really don't know what to say."

"I'll take that as a compliment, Miss Witch." I charged forward, taking on a group of thugs with a series of punches and kicks.

"But hey, look on the bright side, at least with me around, you'll never be bored."

"Stay focused, stupid thief"

As we continued forward, battling wave after wave of villains, I could sometimes feel Elaina's piercing gaze on me.

Maybe she thought I didn't notice, but the way she watched every move I made-even though annoyed-made me want to impress her even more.

"Don't be too distracted by my good looks, Miss Witch, I know you love it," I said with a smirk, teasing.

"Not at all, Thief," Elaina quipped as the dust settled from our unexpected teamwork against the guards. It dawned on both of us that we'd completely forgotten our initial rivalry over the cactus.

"Thank you, Miss Witch, but the cactus is mine," I declared, throwing a smoke bomb to cloud her vision and cover my swift escape through the sprawling base.

Finding the ice cactus felt as natural as finding coffee in a cafe for an experienced thief like me. However, as I dashed through the corridors, I stumbled upon a peculiarly elevated floor. "Curious..." I tapped it repeatedly with my foot, revealing a secret room below filled with various stolen treasures. "Bingo!"

I snagged a bag of gold coins, planning a return trip for the rest once the criminals were safely behind bars. "I'll be back for you all," I promised the unclaimed loot.

I climbed back upstairs, continuing my search for the ice cactus. Eventually, I found it showcased like a trophy on a pedestal. "Really? Putting it up there as if it's some grand prize?" I muttered, just as Elaina appeared beside me, surprisingly echoing my thoughts.

"Thief?!"

"Ah, Miss Witch!"

Before either of us could further address our standoff, a disheveled woman burst into the room, her arrival marked by a manic grin. "I'll kill you all, you bastards!" she screamed, teetering on the brink of sanity.

"Miss Witch, I'd take being chased by you all night over spending an hour with this madwoman," I joked nervously, inching away from the new threat.

"Mental cases are the toughest," Elaina agreed, just as the crazed woman burst into dramatic tears.

"You're all so cruel, wanting to hurt a poor, defenseless woman like me..." Her voice shifted from ferocious to pitifully sweet, her expression twisting dramatically from madness to misery.

"What is she doing?" Elaina muttered, eyeing the woman with evident suspicion after witnessing her swift shift from madness to misery.

I edged closer to the distraught woman, seemingly drawn in by her performance. "Thief! Don't be fooled by her!" Elaina warned sharply.

Just as I neared the woman, her tears abruptly ceased, and she flashed a mischievous grin before lunging at me. Her attack, however, was short-lived as she was suddenly propelled backward by a force emanating from my hand.

"Whoops!" I said, flashing my special glove, equipped with the ability to repel attackers. "Guess she's not the only one who can put on a show."

"Who would be foolish enough to fall for that act, right, Miss Witch?" I turned to Elaina with a smirk.

"What the-?" she gasped, clearly caught off guard by the sudden display of my gadget.

"Annoying, right?" I shrugged, still facing the direction of the thwarted attack.

"Wait, you did that?!"

"Yep," I replied, raising my iron-clad hand to show off the technology. "These babies can send people flying!"

Elaina stared, momentarily impressed. "Well, then," she said, regaining her composure.

"Let's grab that cactus." But just as we moved to approach the pedestal, we found ourselves surrounded by a group of menacing thieves.

"Great, we're surrounded," I grumbled, dodging behind Elaina while quickly swapping my battle-worn gloves for a pristine white pair. A bullet zipped dangerously close, grazing my ear.

"Whoa, that was uncomfortably close!" I exclaimed, my heart skipping a beat.

"Here, try these," I said to Elaina, handing her the new gloves. "They do more than just pack a punch-they can snatch things from a distance."

Elaina slipped the gloves on, her brows furrowing under their weight. "They're so heavy..."

As she awkwardly aimed at the cactus, thieves closed in from all sides. I sprung into action, my fists flying. "Any chance you could speed this up?"

"These gloves aren't exactly user-friendly!" she snapped back, struggling for a clear line of sight.

In the midst of our banter, a knife-wielding thug made a beeline for Elaina. I darted forward, intercepting him just in time, but not before his blade sliced through my mask, revealing the green glint of my eyes in the low light.

"Really? That was my favorite mask!" I complained, knocking out our attackers with a flurry of punches, my irritation tinged with a thrill.

"Wait! You're the person I bumped into this afternoon!"

"Ah... sorry about earlier, okay?" I offered a sheepish grin, quickly trying to shift the focus. "Miss Witch, try not to get distracted by my dashing good looks."

"Let's just get that cactus!"

Elaina steadied herself and took aim again. "Which button should I press?"

"Hit the green one," I instructed, keeping an eye on the skirmish around us.

She pressed it, and the glove's mechanism launched forward, snagging the cactus with precision. "It works like a grappling hook!" Elaina couldn't hide her amazement.

"Got it?"

"Yes, right here!" She held up the cactus victoriously.

"Great," I said, rolling up my sleeves and finishing off the remaining thugs with a robust punch.

Elaina pulled out her flying broomstick and perched on it gracefully. I made a dash and hung onto the back end.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Elaina protested.

"Come on, I helped you snag that cactus," I reminded her. With a reluctant sigh, she agreed to let me hitch a ride.

As we prepared to escape, Elaina blasted the roof, creating an exit large enough for us to zoom through.

"Woo-hoo!" I couldn't contain my excitement as we soared out, the wind whipping past us.

Glancing back, I noticed a mob of criminals on our tail. "Miss Witch, looks like I'm not the only popular one here."

"Keep quiet, or I might just let you drop," she threatened, half-jokingly.

"Harsh..." I muttered as she ramped up the speed.

Suddenly, the crazy woman from earlier appeared right in front of us. "Ah! Not her again!"

"Thief, is she copying your tricks?" Elaina fired a shot at the woman as she spoke.

"Maybe," I replied nonchalantly, then leaped off Elaina's broomstick to summon my own. "Let me handle this."

"Wait-you can use a broomstick too?!" Elaina stared in disbelief. "Then why were you clinging to mine?"

"Didn't feel like fetching mine earlier," I confessed, drawing my knife as I balanced on my broom.

The crazy woman lunged at me, shouting, "DIE, DIE, DIE!" Her fists flew rapidly.

"Woah, slow down there..." I backed up, accidentally stumbling. "Ah..."

Cornered against a chimney, I tried to calm her. "Hey, being overzealous isn't healthy, you know!"

She aimed a punch at me, but before it could connect, she froze mid-motion.

"Eh..? I mean, I know I've got a chilling effect on women, but this is literal."

I turned to see Elaina smirking behind her, ice cactus in hand.

"I won this round, thief," she declared with a victorious grin.

Chuckling, I scratched my head, accepting my defeat. "You win, Miss Witch."

"Want to take a break? I'm wiped out," I suggested, hoping for a truce.

"Hm...?" She looked puzzled but eventually nodded, and together we found a moment to rest amidst the chaos.

Beneath the cloak of midnight, we found ourselves seated at the library's entrance, our backs against the cold, silent pillar.

The world around us was hushed, save for the occasional whisper of the night wind rustling through the trees.

I exhaled deeply, the air filled with the weariness of my words.

"Very tired..." I murmured, the sound seeming to disappear into the darkness.

"Even though I'm not as tired as yesterday..."

Her voice cut through the stillness, tinged with a playful arrogance.

"Hm? Are you tired because of me? Looks like I'm the greatest person who's ever chased you, huh?"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously under the moon's glow, yet behind the jest, there was a hint of genuine curiosity.

"No, but you are one of them. My identity was known by one of the detectives who was targeting me, you know?" The admission seemed heavier in the quiet of the night, our shared confidences more pronounced under the watchful stars.

"Your identity has been revealed? How could that be? Of all the people in the world, why did the detective know your identity?"

She leaned in slightly, her tone layered with concern and intrigue.

"The detective is very smart, you know, maybe the smartest person I've ever known," I confessed, staring off into the distance where the city lights fought against the dark.

"Then why haven't you been arrested yet?" Her question was gentle, probing the shadows of my past.

"That is a secret," I responded with a half-smile, trying to keep the mood light despite the gravity of our conversation.

As we shifted, finding comfort against the ancient stone, the air between us filled with the scent of old books and whispered secrets.

"What's your motive for being a thief anyway?" She finally asked, her voice low, almost blending into the night.

Pausing, I considered how much to reveal. "I just want to find my identity... how about that?"

My reply was a soft echo in the dark, a vulnerable truth shared under the veil of night.

"But why a thief?" Her gaze turned towards me, searching my face illuminated faintly by the moonlight.

Feeling the weight of her gaze, I took a deep breath.

"I have witnessed the social injustice and moral depravity of powerful people who use their wealth or valuables to manipulate or oppress others,"

I explained, the words flowing with a quiet passion.

"This experience awakened in me the determination to take corrective action in my own way."

She listened intently, her face a mask of thoughtfulness in the dim light.

"But, stealing is still stealing... even though your intentions are good, it's still a bad thing."

The simplicity of her statement struck a chord within me, stirring a mix of defiance and despair.

"Then what should I do?! Being a good person doesn't always make you happy,"

I blurted out, my voice louder in the quiet night, filled with frustration and a plea for understanding.

The words hung between us, a palpable presence in the cool night air.

As they settled, a reflective silence enveloped us, filled with the weight of our realities and the complex moral landscapes we navigated-each of us a silhouette against the vast, indifferent night sky.

Her question reverberated in the cool air, sharp and startling.

"Then why don't you do something that makes you happy? Stealing isn't your thing, right?"

The simplicity of her words struck a deep chord, unsettling the facade I had carefully built. "You steal for that reason but actually you don't really enjoy stealing, do you?"

Her observation caught me off guard. "What makes you think that?"

I asked, the space between us charged with a tension that seemed to bridge yet divide our worlds.

"I noticed that at some moments, you seem to have no enthusiasm."

"You're bored with your current life, right? You're tired of stealing from those you deem unworthy and then giving to those in need."

"Then why not just change your life? You can work and give to those in need without stealing."

Her words, though gentle, were like daggers to my already burdened conscience. I fell into silence, the enormity of her suggestion washing over me.

We sat obscured from each other's view by the pillar, but I could vividly picture her earnest expression, both irritating and endearing.

"But... it's too late, Miss Witch..." My voice broke the silence, heavy with resignation.

"I've already become a sinner... you're right, stealing is still stealing... even though I do it with good intentions, I'm still a sinner... What should I do, Miss Witch...?"

"Continue living an ordinary life like other people but I am full of sin... Or should I continue with this job again?"

Elaina's response came softly, her tone imbued with a warmth that seemed to light the dark.

"Why don't you just atone for your sins?"

Her suggestion stunned me, slicing through the fog of my despair. It was an idea so simple yet so profound, it sparked a laugh from deep within me, a sound more of relief than amusement.

"Miss Witch... you really..." I rose to my feet, a decision forming, solid and clear.

As I stepped away from the library, Elaina stood as well, her gaze following me as I ascended a pedestal meant for a statue yet to be placed.

"Miss Witch... everyone is given a second chance, right?"

"Of course... Almost everyone deserves that," she called up to me, her voice a comforting echo in the vast night.

"Miss Witch... No.. Elaina," I began, using her name to mark the new beginning. "Let me introduce my name again..."

"My name is Arche, I am a thief nicknamed The Emerald Thief. But now I've quit that job."

"Rather than The Emerald Thief, I prefer to be called Arche the sin redeemer! Nice to meet you, Elaina."

I tipped my hat, a gesture of respect and farewell.

Elaina's expression was a mix of shock and awe. "So, Elaina, I hope you can forget what happened today and yesterday. And I hope you can hide my secret."

"What will happen if I don't want to hide your secret?" Her voice teased, a playful lilt beneath the seriousness.

"You will," I said with confidence, tossing her a bag of gold. "Please keep my secret, okay?"

Her eyes widened as she opened the bag, a smile creeping across her face. "Yes, I will," she nodded, her joy unmistakable.

"See you later, Elaina. I hope we can meet again." With those final words, I threw down a smoke bomb, enveloping myself in a cloud of escape. As the smoke cleared, I had vanished, leaving behind the night.

I burst into Albert's inn through the window with my usual lack of subtlety.

"Can you be more polite?" Albert chided, materializing from the shadows as I scanned the room for him.

"Albert, I want to stop being a thief or criminal," I announced abruptly, my decision catching him off guard.

"Have you found your motivation, Arche?" he asked, visibly surprised by my declaration.

"Well... you're right," I admitted, feeling a sense of relief as I spoke the truth aloud.

"Then you have no further obligation to fulfill the tasks I give you." Albert walked over to his desk, pulling open a drawer from which he retrieved a bag filled with silver, copper, and some gold. "Take this! This is your final payment, Arche."

"Ah... I will miss breaking into your house and getting paid," I joked, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips.

"I won't miss it though," Albert replied dryly, though a chuckle escaped him.

We both laughed, sharing a moment of genuine amusement. We continued to talk for a long time, knowing well that this conversation might be our last.

After leaving Albert's place, I embarked on a new journey as a wandering traveler, intent on atoning for my past sins.

Reflecting on how a chance encounter with a witch had profoundly changed my course, I couldn't help but marvel.

Witches really are magical, aren't they?