As Lupin and Fujiko caught their breath atop the roof, they heard distant sirens wailing, the city awakening to chaos. “We should move before we’re surrounded,” Fujiko urged, her eyes scanning the horizon. Just then, another figure emerged from the shadows; a tall woman with raven hair and sharp eyes. “I wouldn’t leave just yet, darling. I’m here for the Crimson Dagger too,” she declared, smirk plastered on her face. Lupin’s eyes widened in surprise. “And you are?” he inquired, his fingers gripping the dagger tighter. “I’m Valentina, the best forger in this city and you’re going to need my skills if you want to keep that gem,” she replied, stepping closer, confidence radiating from her. Placing her hands on her hips, she gave them a once-over. “You both look a mess. We need to get away from here. LeClerc will be back, and I’m not fond of being caught. How about a daring sort of escape?” With a raised brow, Lupin leaned on his sword, considering the potential alliance. Fujiko crossed her arms, an eyebrow lifted, unsure of Valentina’s agenda. “What’s in it for you?” Lupin asked. A slow smile crept across Valentina’s face. “How about a share in the rewards? Or perhaps the thrill of a heist unlike any other?” Kristen, having followed them from the shadows all along, joined the dialogue. “If there’s glory to share, I’m in too, but there’s a risk in trusting strangers,” he warned, eyes narrowing. “Better alliance than our rivals down there,” Valentina pointed toward the street flooded with LeClerc’s men. Owning that moment of decision, Lupin nodded. “Fine, but loyalty isn’t given lightly in our world.” Together, the unconventional quartet plotted their escape. Valentina proposed a daring leap into the neighboring marketplace’s fabric stall to soften their fall as an escape route. “Just follow my lead,” she whispered. With hesitant heartbeats, they prepared. “On three—one, two, three!” They leaped, landing amidst surprised merchants and startled shoppers. As they regained composure, they dashed into the throngs, ducking between stalls of vibrant textiles. “I didn’t see that coming,” Fujiko laughed, her fear dissipating into the camaraderie of chaos. “How about dinner at my place later to celebrate?” Valentina mocked, grinning broadly. Just then, Lupin intertwined his fingers with Fujiko’s as they hid behind a colorful tapestry. “You’re sure about letting her in on this?” he whispered in her ear, concern coloring his voice. “She’s no more a stranger than our current friends and foes,” she replied with determination. As the search party drew closer, they darted behind rows of fragrant spices and bustling crowds, hearts racing, exchanging panting glances fueled by adrenaline. Eventually, they slipped into a narrow alley, where Lu took charge, eyes sharp. “Let’s bring this dance to a quiet close. We’ll split up east and west, rendezvous back at the old clock tower.” They separated, hearts racing from the thrill yet united in a shared purpose. After a grueling chase across labyrinthine streets, they each found their way to the clock tower. Laughter escaped them, relief washing over their tense shoulders; camaraderie was blooming between them all. “So, where is our jewel now?” asked Kristen, playful mischief returning to his voice. Tension began to dissolve in the air until a sudden crash interrupted their banter; LeClerc had found them again. “For crying out loud, must it end like this?!” snorted Lupin, flipping theatrically. Engaging in one final show of wits, Lupin contingently flung the dagger to Valentina mid-chase. If Villa could catch it, it’d seal their continued escape and prove her allegiance. Timing was tight; they surged against LeClerc and his grip tightened. Instinctively, Goemon appeared, sword poised to meet any cross, steady amid the escalating havoc. LeClerc let out an evil laugh, but Valentina eyed him defiantly, catching the dagger mid-air. The tide turned as the four combined forces against a singular goal—freedom. “You did well, Valentina!” Lupin cheered as they evaded capture one final time. Each heart rhythmically aligned with the pulse of Paris as nighttime turned into daybreak; this fleeting eternity was theirs alone. Bound together with recently forged trust, they glided on the waters of fate like whispers carried by a breeze, while the third star ascended into the sky and their city slept underneath the promise of newfound alliances.