The sun dipped down into the horizon, bringing about another end to the day. Foresters went about their business as normal, either performing their odd jobs around the fort or going about their day.

Then everything stopped when the elevator was called on.

Eyes fell on the rising platform as a figure rose up into view. Instantly, the community of thieves beamed with excitement to see the return of their proud leader in his glory. Many rushed up to him to greet him on his return.

Once the platform was locked in place, the stern-looking Pikachu stepped off and marched through the gathering crowd of Foresters, unbothered by their chattering. He carried a bag over his shoulder while one hand hung loosely in his front pocket.

"Welcome back, Jason!" one thief asked.

"How was Rainside Village? Are my parents doing okay?"

"Did my little sister like the toy I got her? I thought she might want something!"

"You're looking fine today, Jason~!"

Jason remained unfazed by their chattered. His eyes flickered to the upper deck of the fort, then to the rope ladder used to get up there. He headed for the ladder with the crowd continuing to follow him. Once he reached it, he came to a sudden stop, halting the gathering crowd.

He looked over his shoulder, his gaze emotionless, sending nervous chills through the Foresters. He hung there in silence, then dropped the bag down in front of them. "You," he spoke, pointing to the Nidorino at the front of the crowd.

He blinked. "Who, me?"

"Sort out the contents in this bag for me."

"Oh, sure. What is it?"

"Mail from Rainside Village. Anyone who's from Rainside Village, you all have mail from your families. Letters, a few packages, etc. Be quick and organized." Jason turned to the rope ladder and proceeded to climb up. He listened as the thieves got themselves sorted out to receive mail.

Jason looked down for a moment, observing the joy on their faces as they were handed out letters. He closed his eyes and smirked to himself, then continued his way up.

He flipped onto the top platform and proceeded to his hut. The hut was the same as the community huts, except his was made with an additional second floor, as well as a spiral staircase poking out from the roof and ascending above the trees. The front door was nothing more than a pair of curtains.

He batted the curtains gently as he let himself inside. He stopped short at the entrance upon seeing Blitz and Jet, the co-leaders of the Foresters, standing by his desk with their arms crossed. Jason narrowed his eyes, settling one hand inside his pocket.

"I take it things have been running smoothly since I left?"

Blitz nodded. "For the most part."

"Did something happen?"

Jet sneered. "Oh, something happened, alright. We were just waiting for you so we can officially discuss it."

"Very well." Jason went over to his desk in the back of the room and sat himself down. "What's the trouble?"

"Jet and I were doing night patrol last night because the last guy twisted their leg," Blitz explain. "So, we were going about business as usual-"

"-until we found a little pest roaming the forest," Jet continued with a scowl.

Jason raised his brow. "What? Freaks?"

"Try royalty."

"Pardon?"

Jet clenched his teeth. "We found Princess Penworth roaming the forest by herself. We currently have her in our possession."

Jason's eyes immediately shaped into a glare. "You did what?!"

Jet raised his hand. "Before you say anything, I would like to make it clear we didn't kidnap her from her room or anything."

"As far as we're concerned, she escaped in the middle of the night," Blitz added. "She ran away before the wedding that was supposed to take place today."

Jason eased up and sat back in his chair. "I see." He glared. "And…where is she right now?"

"She's being held with Pandora and Marie currently. We were actually discussing using her as ransom against Verde Kingdom so they can meet our demands."

"We don't have demands."

"Then we make some!" Jet exclaimed, punching his palm. "Seriously, what better opportunity do we have than this?! She's in our clutches and vulnerable! We can use her as leverage to finally knock King Penworth off his high horse, then we can get the other kingdoms to back off as well!"

Jason clasped his hands together and leaned back. "Our mission as the Foresters is to provide safety and security to the oppressed villages within kingdom territories. You make it out like we're trying to topple them."

Jet sneered. "You're the one who said he will be dethroned one day!"

"By his own shortcomings and our actions. I have no business going to war with the Verde Kingdom. He knows if he tried starting a war in the Forbidden Forest, the damage could be devasting to his kingdom."

Jet bared his teeth. "With all due respect, sir, I am only speaking out of opportunity. Seriously, have you heard what's been going down in the far east?! The New Chariot Empire and Umbra Clock Kingdom decimated a ton of land for control of territory! Do you know how many homes were destroyed in that?!"

Jason raised his hand to silence him. "We leave that to the Nature Spirit Scouts. Raiding a kingdom and stealing from the rich is one thing, but getting caught up in a war is out of the question. I can't ask all of our members to take part in something like that. That's why we made the Nature Spirit Scouts. You two of all people should know this, being former members."

Blitz nodded. "So, if that's the case, are we not using the princess as ransom? She did have a request to be transported to one of Verde's villages."

Jason glared curiously. "Now why would she be doing something like that?" He closed his eyes for a moment. "…We're not dropping the ransom idea just yet. I want to see her for myself before I make the decision."

Jet glared. "You are considering to help her?"

"If she proves to be no use as a ransom, then I see no point in keeping her around. Besides, we don't want that wedding to happen, so we need to tread carefully." He flicked his hand at Jet. "Retrieve her immediately."

Jet bowed. "At once, sir." He marched out of the hut.

Blitz pulled back his hood, revealing a unique set of eyes. They were milky white, glossed over even. He stared at the wall ahead, teetering on his heels. "…Oh yeah, I almost forgot." He pointed somewhere in Jason's general direction. "She brought a bag with her. I figured you would want to search it."

Jason spun around and spotted the bag in the corner. He picked it up and checked through the contents inside. He glared. "Food, a knife, a few clothes…geez, this is barely enough to survive a couple days. The rumors about her being sequester in the kingdom were no joke." He glared at something at the bottom of the bag. "Hold on…"

"What is it?"

Jason pulled out a rolled-up piece of parchment, bound together by string. "A letter? Why was she carrying this?" Curiosity getting to him, he undid the string and unfurled the parchment. His eyes immediately narrowed at the first line of text.

"Well, look at what we have here…"

Most of Melissa's day after her chat with Basil helped ease her into her captivity. Little by little, she got used to Marie's flirting and Pandora's…stranger moments. Being tied down wasn't the highlight of it all, but she felt significantly less dreadful about the experience.

With the sun ticking down outside, she knew it was a matter of time before her trial. Sure enough, her escort knocked on the door and let himself in.

Marie, who was reading a book in her bed, looked up to greet the Oshawott. "Hey there, handsome."

Jet rolled his eyes, then proceed over to Melissa. Pandora was drawing up sketches on parchment with candlelight by her desk. "I heard Jason's back. Think I can show him some of my new ideas?" She snickered evilly. "I have an idea for a catapult that throws maple syrup! Truly diabolical!"

Again, Jet chose to ignore the females and focused on the captured princess. Melissa lowered her head timidly, but not strictly out of fear. Jet kept his glare on her for a few seconds longer, then pulled her to her feet, gently this time. "It's time. You better be ready."

She nodded slowly. "Yes, I…I am ready."

"Good." He shoved her out the door. "You better, because I'm itching to use you as payment."

Melissa frowned, but kept her gaze forward. This might be the worst idea I have ever had, but I need to do something other than run away. She clenched her teeth. Question is, if I am given the approval, what will the rest of my days be like? I may end up regretting this very soon.

After a tedious climb up to the second level of the base, no thanks to Melissa's newfound fear of being carried up huge heights, they made their way to Jason's hut. Melissa kept her eyes forward as to distract herself from the elevation. It was simple to do with her mind focused on a simple request she wanted made.

She wasn't stupid. Naïve, maybe, but not stupid. Running away was stupid. Thinking she could fend for herself was stupid. Throwing her kingdom into a state of panic was stupid. So many of her decisions have been stupid up to this point and time and there was no end to those unfortunate choices.

Still, with no other place to call her own, she had to make something happen. She wanted to hear what the Foresters had to say before she came down to that request. Even if she was scared to face him, Melissa had to steel her nerves and confront Jason on the matter.

Jet guided her to the hut, where he stopped before the passage. He glared at Melissa for a second, then pushed the curtains open. "Wait here," he ordered as the curtains closed behind him.

Melissa teetered on her feet while trying to get comfortable with her bound arms. She appreciated the relief given to her earlier and truly missed it. She never realized how much she cherished the feeling in her arms. Something so minor, but experiencing it for hours put new perspective into her.

"We're ready to see you," came the voice from inside.

Melissa frowned deeply. She recognized the voice instantly. It brought the same chills that his piercing stare had given her over a week ago. The icy feel was fresh in her mind, an unforgettable fear that she tried to hide as she stepped into the hut.

Upon entering, she noticed a few key details of the hut. It reminded her of her father's personal study, a place to retreat and work. This hut was no different, aside from the nature design of it all. A map of Virdis was tacked on the wall, charting out various points of the region, such as the ten kingdoms. She noticed a big red circle in the middle of the map, which was darkened and gray.

The site of the Great Kingdom. She recognized it from her studies with Theobald. No one could explain it, but it was the only unclaimed space of territory within the entire region. No kingdom dared to take that land. Perhaps it had to do with the myths surrounding the ruins, like evil spirits and curses to those who disturbed its place.

Seems foolish to be scared by simple ghost stories, but that's how the Foresters made their claim to infamy.

A telescope sat on the opposite end of the hut. She recognized it as the kind used by astronomers to map out the stars and constellations. It looked beautiful and expensive. He probably stole it from a well-kept astronomer, because she could recognize the care put into maintaining it.

Some other things around the hut kind of stuck out as misplaced. A straw hat hung from the wall, fray and torn from age. A few books sat on display with symbols that instantly pointed her to occult practice. Did all the Foresters study in the occult? She had to wonder why there was also a broken hoe of all things resting in the corner.

The biggest standout came to when she examined his desk, or rather what hung above it. A shield bearing the symbol of a creature she didn't recognize wrapped in lightning. The face took up most of the shield, but the pure blue color to it made any identification impossible. Sheathed inside the shield was a sword, with a worn grip and chipped hilt. They looked like they were polished regularly.

A scholarly type? Or a farmer? Or a warrior? Melissa thought to herself, trying to get a read on this leader. Or is he a witch like that Basil fellow? She deadpanned to herself. I mean, I did not get any confirmation he is a witch, but-

"Princess Melissa Penworth." She squeaked and straightened up. The Pikachu narrowed his eyes on her timid demeanor. He cupped his hands together and pressed them under his chin, giving her a hard stare. "I suppose…you remember me from last week."

She nodded rigidly. "Y-Yes, sir."

"I hope the Foresters weren't too rough on you." His glare deepened. "They can get that way when faced with something they despise."

Melissa gulped, nearly staggering back on her feet. "N-No. No trouble here. All is well now, I assure you."

"Good." Jason glanced at Blitz. "Cut her arms loose." He nodded and walked over to the rabbit.

Melissa put up no resistance, albeit nervously as the Charmeleon drew a knife. Melissa's attention wandered to his eyes, however, and noticed their milky-white color. They were soft and paid her no mind, unaware of her gawking face.

Is…Is he blind? How has he been…? Melissa gasped as the ropes came undone from her wrists for the second time today. She rubbed her sore wrists as the Charmeleon retreated back to Jason's side.

Jason narrowed his eyes coldly on the princess as she adjusted to her freed state. "Take a seat in the stool beside you."

"The what?" She turned and saw a small stool near her. "Oh, that." She pulled it over and sat herself in it. She rested her arms in her lap and kept her head low, enough to keep her face obscured without breaking partial eye contact.

Jason huffed with mild annoyance, then crossed his arms on his desk. "Now then, it has come to my attention that these two found you wandering about in the middle of the night." She nodded meekly. "It's not unusual to have strange Pokémon taking to the Forbidden Forest by night, but I believe this is the first time we've had a member of royalty roaming unattended."

Melissa covered her eyes with her ears. "Y-Yes, well…"

"In all fairness, you can see why I would be a tad skeptical about all this, right?" Jason's brow furrowed. "After all, if this was some elaborate trap to get us captured, then your father truly is a daft man."

Melissa gulped, then raised her hands in her defense. "I-If I may speak my piece regarding my sudden…appearance in your territory, I am sure we can remedy this distrust between us. I assure you, with absolute honesty, that I came here of my own accord without an ensemble of knights at my aid."

"Yes…" Jason noted suspiciously. "Jet and Blitz mentioned how you ran away from your kingdom, or at least that's the story we are to go with for now."

"But it is true!" Melissa shouted.

Jet growled. "Don't raise your voice at our leader!"

"Jet, heel," Jason ordered in a calm, commanding tone. Melissa was quite shocked that Jet obeyed the order almost instantly, taking his place back beside Jason, though it didn't spare her from his threatening glares. Safe to say she was better off near Jason than Jet. "Assuming such, that doesn't explain why you entered our forest alone. A lady of your age and background shouldn't be wandering on her own in the middle of the night."

Melissa frowned. "The thing is, sir, my departure from the kingdom partially involved the treaty between my kingdom and the Senbo Kingdom."

"Is that so?"

She nodded. "I was enthusiastic about joining our kingdoms together, so I saw no wrong in the treaty. However, I came to realize I had very little negotiation in the treaty's development. My father does not think highly of my effectiveness as a leader." She looked down sadly. "And…I do not completely disagree with his notions. I have been pushing myself to understand the laws of my kingdom and the trade of rulership, but I have not mastered my ability to assert myself. I lack the…charisma to be an effective leader."

"You weren't given the respect you rightfully deserved?"

Melissa flinched. "I would not want to phrase it like that, but I do suppose I expected a bit more encouragement from my father. He was very encouraging when I was a child, but…he has not seen me with the same hope as before." She sighed. "For a long time, I believed we were not as close as then, but I told myself I was imagining things. Then comes my shock when I learn more of the treaty negotiations."

"Would this have anything to do with the wedding we were informed of? And how your power will be stripped from you after you are married to Prince Talbot?"

She frowned at the floor. "Yes…all of it." She narrowed her eyes curiously, then looked at him. "Is it true there is a traitor among the castle? I do not want to believe it, but…" She pointed at Jet and Blitz. "I know for sure these two mentioned something of a mole in our castle."

Jet bared his teeth while Blitz played with his hood subconsciously. Jason clasped his hands under his chin and sighed. "I suppose your kingdom is at arms enough already. Yes, one of our own is working within the castle."

Melissa could already see a list of suspects in her head. "Who…Who is it?"

Jason closed his eyes. "I cannot disclose that information. As it stands, you are still our prisoner. We can't reveal the Foresters' secrets to anyone, especially a member of royalty."

"Oh…"

Jason resumed back on topic. "From what I can gather, you were not informed of this information beforehand."

"I was given no indication of a wedding between me and the prince, but neither of us knew that my father was going to hand over all my power to Prince Talbot." She clutched the locket under her clothes. "My father admitted I had no hope of becoming a great ruler. All I did was fantasize of becoming a great ruler, but I never executed it outside of familiar settings." She chuckled weakly. "The irony, the one thing I ever fantasize about may have been the most unlikely thing I ever imagined." She frowned. "Without my royal status, I am…nothing."

"So, your only recourse was to flee your kingdom on the night of your wedding?" Jason summed up.

Blitz shrugged. "Got to hand it to her, it's strikingly poetic to make her move before the wedding. The perfect day turned into a capital disaster." Jet rolled his eyes.

"In what mind did you believe this was a good idea?" Jason asked seriously, making Melissa cower back in the stool. "I hate to say this, Princess, but you should've just cut the crap and married Talbot. You are a princess. You have no purpose to be out here from your kingdom. You don't know what you just set yourself up for." He glared. "Had it not been us, I can assure you the next batch of people you meet out here will take advantage of your vulnerability."

Melissa covered her eyes with her ears. "…I know."

Jason sighed and leaned back. "Still, even if this wedding goes against our message, it's clear you still have a purpose back in Verde. And with a purpose comes usage." He glared. "You know very well we're going to hold you for ransom against your father."

"I know…"

"Consider this an act of mercy from us. Believe me, Princess…" Jason's glare darkened. "Staying out here as you are…you're already dead."

Melissa clenched her teeth. "I know, I know, I know!" She looked up in distress. "But what point is there for me to return home?! Even if my father believes this was nothing but a kidnapping, I can never look at him the same ever again! He denounced my worth and forced me into this marriage without even my input! Yes, I admit I am critical of my choice in suitors, but I would appreciate the sentiment of my involvement over deciding for me! How can I be an effective ruler if I have no say or involvement in anything?!"

"That's just how most kingdoms are," Jason answered instantly. "Kings and princes will always have the attention on them as the rulers, knights will mostly be male, etc. Even if some will be more active than others, it's obvious your father doesn't hold to the same growing progression."

Melissa clenched her fists. "Well, I cannot stand it! I want to do something to show I can be a great leader, but I cannot do that within my kingdom!" She glared. "I want to make a change that benefits Viridis."

Jet scoffed. "Please, there's no point helping the state this region is in. Ever since those invaders came and wiped out the old kingdom centuries ago, Viridis has been split on power. Ten different kingdoms, ten different cultures, and ten different mindsets. Hate to break it to you, not really, but your declaration of bringing change is nothing but a fleeting fantasy."

Melissa glared. "And what good are you all doing? Do you know how many people you have put out of business through your selfish actions? I get not everyone in Verde is nice, but you hurt a lot of businesses in my kingdom! Some that the villagers have to work to pay for their families!"

Jason glared. "Your kingdom is occupied by the noble class of inherited and new money. Any damage we do is reversible at worst. The damage these kingdoms have done to the rest of the lands is another story. The warring, the lands ruined in their battles, casting away outsiders like us; they treat us like the vermin even though this land was ours from the beginning."

Melissa backed off and frowned dejectedly. "Well, yeah, but…"

"We didn't want to conform to the cultures of those kingdoms. Now look at us. Treated like heathens and given the bare minimum of support to get by." Jason clenched his fist. "Your kingdom isn't any better. Ever since the queen died, your king has been extra harsh on pushing us away. We trade away farm goods for what? Basic protection? Some of us don't have walls around our land to keep us safe. Then there are those who work within the kingdom to get by. Do you know how many stuck-up nobles gyp them out of payment? Sometimes it's barely enough to repair basic house damage.

"Your king has been pulling his attention into making peace with the other kingdoms, that includes the resources to help maintain our homes. But, because we're the poor, they can stand to lose us. After all, we're nothing but diseased witches, right?"

"I never agreed to that…" Melissa sighed. "Is that really how my father treats the villages?"

"You don't seem as shocked as I expected," Jason mentioned.

"I met one of your own today, actually. Basil was his name."

Jet sighed. "Of course it was Basil. Leave it to him to get curious and go against orders. I can't turn my back to that shifty lizard for a second."

Melissa clasped her hands together. "All I am trying to say is that…even if there are some justifications to how your group operates, how are you making Virdis a better place?"

Jason closed his eyes. "Like Jet said, there's nothing worth saving out here anymore. Wars won't end and lives won't get better. Best we're doing is fixing it to keep our loved ones safe. Some come from New Chariot, others from Echo Bell, and some from the farther ends of Virdis. Everyone's doing their part to keep everything moving."

"You do run an amazing team, I have to admit." Melissa frowned. "Still…if I were one of those people you attacked, I would be asking myself 'what did I do wrong?' And I know, I know, it is their way of life, so they would not notice anything they do as bad." She closed her eyes. "I am no better, having wished imprisonment for you all, even if it is justified under the law."

"Out here, good and evil are arbitrary concepts. We do this to survive and live better. We just happen to get rid of the worst creeps out here because they don't just do it to survive." Jason slammed his fist down, startling Melissa. "And your king, among the rest, won't give us anymore than a squadron of knights to keep us safe. The rich, thriving kingdoms get the best of the best to prevail while the low-class heathens get the bare essentials to survive. That's how most of these kingdoms operate, assuming they aren't at each other's throats for territory."

Melissa touched her heart. "Is that really how society is ran out here?" She frowned. "I…had no idea. I am truly sorry for my ignorance." She closed her eyes. "My mother's actions as queen make much more sense now. She must have seen how poorly the lower class had to live just for us to benefit off resources."

Jason glared a bit, but shrugged it off. "As the Foresters, it is our job to bring order and justice to our people. The damage we do is all but irreversible. If the upper class think of it as unjust treatment, they should've thought about that before casting us into the dirt."

"I see…" Melissa looked forward at him. "Still, I do not want to believe we live in a world that cannot be healed. I want what is best for my subjects, even if I no longer hold power in my kingdom." She narrowed her eyes. "If this is truly how the world operates outside my kingdom, then I want to do all I can to fix it."

Jason huffed. "You're an optimistic one, I'll give you that."

"Sir, if I may try and speak boldly, I do not believe that those outside our kingdom are heathens."

Jet scoffed. "Sure, you don't."

Melissa pouted. "I admit to having certain prejudices, but I mean no harm to you or villagers in our territory. I do not know why my father behaves the way he does to them, but I want to help the kingdoms understand peace and bring them together."

"You wouldn't last five minutes in the violenter kingdoms," Jet continued to berate.

Melissa glared. "Maybe I will not, but I have the determination to thrive."

Jet smirked. "That's a laugh. You have determination? Not from what I saw the other day!" He glared sternly. "Quit kidding yourself. If you had a semblance of understanding to the horrors that exist out here, you wouldn't be speaking so optimistically about hope and peace. The warring in this region is unsalvageable."

"But I-!"

"I'm in agreement," Jason seconded. "Princess, your foolish dream is unreachable. The damage was done a long time ago and there's no hope of bringing any sort of union back to these kingdoms. They all have their priorities, ideals, and views. They aren't going to listen to some princess who disgraced her family name by running away."

Melissa faltered, but kept glaring. "…So, what was the point of that attack on my castle? You are the heathens of these woods. Should you not have less authority than I do?"

"Most likely, but we don't make it a point to bend over backwards when our words are ignored."

"The Foresters have a lot of influence, do they not?"

"You could say that. If they won't listen to our words, we'll force them to just so we can live better out here. That's what we're doing: trying to protect our families or get something back that we lost."

Melissa settled her arms into her lap and gazed down at the floor pensively. She gripped her skirt tightly. Out here, royalty does not matter. It is all a free-for-all on who lives and who suffers. What a horrible notion to come to. To live in a place so devoid of common decency, I cannot bring myself to come home now knowing how my father treats the villagers. How all kingdoms do.

She glared. Then my choice is clear. If a princess cannot make a change, then maybe something else can. I will bring peace to Virdis and prove to my father I am worthy of the throne. I will become the leader that brings the ten kingdoms together in peace!

Jason sat back and pulled some paper out of his desk. "Now then, in regards to your demands, taking you to a village may put us at risk should any knights think of investigating there. Of course, holding you for ransom is a much better option, with its own share of risks. However, I'm a reasonable Pikachu. I'm willing to spend the night negotiating compromises-"

"A-Actually…if I could make a change to that request." The three Foresters raised their brows at the princess. "I no longer wish to be taken to a village. In retrospect, I might not fair well on my own." She glared. "I still want to make a change to Virdis and fix the fighting before it progresses any further."

Blitz held his chin in intrigue. "What are you asking for, Princess?"

She touched her heart. "As the Verde Princess, I hold the will of my mother to heal this world of its sins. If that means I must go down a road straying from the path of Arceus, I will gladly do so. I wish to do good by that of the most influential group in Virdis so that we can reach out to the other kingdoms in a more amicable manner.

"Sir Jason, I wish to become a Forester."

Silence instantly filled the room. The three leaders felt their jaws drop and their eyes widen to the size of dinner plates. A sheet of paper Jason held slipped out from his fingers. Melissa tried her best to hold the brave face, but couldn't help biting her lip in fear of their reaction. She expected an immediate scolding, but silence might have been worse.

Her ears drooped when the silence broke from Jet's sudden laughter. He held his gut and grabbed hold of Jason's desk to keep himself up. Jason and Blitz didn't share in his laughter, looking quite serious in contrast.

"Y-You? J-J-Join the Foresters? HAHAHA!" Jet slapped the desk, then covered his face. "I got to hand it to you, Princess, I didn't expect you to have a sense of humor! Hahahahaha…haha…" His laughter went stone cold as he observed the downhearted look in her eyes. His arms went limp as he now glared sternly at her. "You…are joking, of course."

"Um…n-no, I am quite serious-EEP!" Melissa nearly flew out of the stool as Jet got up in her face, jabbing her in the shoulder.

"Hell NO!" he roared.

"B-But-!"

"As if we would allow some freakin' royal into the Foresters! You might as well go to the villages, you idiot!" He pressed his digit into her forehead. "No way in hell are we letting you join the-!"

"Jet!" Jason yelled firmly, standing up from his seat. "That's enough! Stand down!"

Jet gritted his teeth, but immediately complied with the order without complaint. He still glared daggers at the princess as he took his place back beside Jason. Melissa eased back onto the stool and held her racing heart as she shook.

Blitz crossed his arms. "That's…quite the unexpected request, Princess. A royal wouldn't be caught dead working outside the political boundaries of their kingdoms. If word got out of a royal acting out against the law in such a manner, there would be reason to revolt. Your people may very well distrust your family if one were to go rogue against the eyes of Arceus."

Jason glared. "So, why request such a position?"

Melissa looked down at her hands, fumbling with them. "W-When I spoke with Basil, I realized how ignorant I was of matters outside my kingdom. I knew things were not as opulent out here, but to see so many struggling to keep their homes or suffering from disease, you have to understand where I am coming from."

"I honestly don't," Jason retorted. "You're requesting to join the enemy of your kingdom. That's not a request I take lightly without suspicion." He glared. "Your father is a crafty man that I don't trust. It's unorthodox, but I wouldn't put it past him to use his daughter in a trap."

"I am telling you I have no ulterior motives against the Foresters," Melissa insisted. "Even if I did, do you know how incredibly risky it would be to use a member of royalty to lure out bandits who the public view as dangerous?"

"She has a point," Blitz chirped in.

Jason sighed. "Alright, maybe that's not the reason, but what do you have to gain from all of this?"

Melissa glared. "Basil told me the kingdoms do not welcome outsiders because they deviate from their practices. Is it true the villages in my territory are not welcomed in Virdis?"

Jason drummed his fingers against the desk, looking between his seconds-in-command. Jet wanted no part of the conversation while Blitz just shrugged. Jason sighed and leaned forward. "…Your father likely didn't want you knowing about this, but we know that those villagers that work inside the kingdom aren't happy. There's an inherent belief that money means superiority in the world. Victory is all that matters. Success is the ultimate endgame. Anything that deviates from the set practices is nothing but dirt."

Melissa grimaced. "…That bad?"

"Very."

"Then I have to do something."

"You are a fool to think joining us will do you any good."

Melissa touched her heart. "Please, grant me permission to join the Foresters. I want to help out my people and bring order to Virdis. I will do anything to help my region."

Jason closed his eyes. "Even if I allowed you to join, you'd be setting yourself up for death. My mole has been keeping a very close eye on you, Princess, and they made it clear you aren't a threat to us. To me, that translates as weakness. Look at yourself." Melissa blinked, then raised her arms from her sides. "You don't have an ounce of muscle on your body. And most Buneary I know are usually hopping around. Do you even hop like a Buneary?"

"Uh…maybe when I was a kid?" she admitted sheepishly. "It is very unladylike to be jumping around from place to place. Plus, I get all sweaty and I trip over my skirts."

Jason huffed. "Annnd, point made." He stood up.

Melissa shrieked, then waved her hands pleadingly. "But if I need to train, I will put up with the work!"

"You're just saying things."

"I mean it! I want help my region!"

"You're asking thieves to help in your peaceful endeavor. You have the wrong people."

Melissa clasped her hands together and dropped on her knees pleadingly. "I am begging you, with all my heart, to let me join the Foresters! I know deep down you are not a bad guy! Surely you want peace for Virdis!"

"You don't know what I want," he retorted.

"The Foresters are constantly looking out for those in need, are they not? You have to have something you treasure dearly to go to such lengths!" She bowed her head. "Sir Jason, do not accept the request of a princess, but of someone who was casted away because she did not meet to her family's standards! I beg of you to give it consideration!"

Jason silently stared at the back wall with his arms crossed. He looked at Jet, who was shaking his head in disapproval. He turned towards Blitz, who seemed more willing to go along with it. The emotion Melissa expressed was real and genuine, Jason wouldn't deny that, but she had to realize just how foolish her desires were. She was asking for the moon.

He looked over his shoulder, finding the Buneary still on her knees and pleading for his approval. He glared slightly at the floor, feeling a strange familiarity in the situation he was in. It wasn't exact, but it brought back old memories of long before.

"…Follow me."

Melissa lifted her head and watched Jason ascend a spiral staircase in the far-left corner of the room. She looked around hesitantly, then quietly got up from her seat and followed him up.

"Jet, Blitz, you're free to go," Jason ordered from upstairs. "I'll come to you with my answer shortly."

Jet bared his teeth and marched out of the hut. "I've got a bad feeling about what he has to say to her."

Blitz followed behind. "You don't have to be so unreasonable with her."

"She's an idiot for even suggesting such a request." He scoffed. "She'd be dead in a week, assuming she could get through basic training."

Melissa didn't say anything as she was taken to the top of the hut. She quietly looked through the bedroom they entered. Pretty barebones compared to downstairs, with only a pillow and a single blanket on the wooden floor. Not even a hammock or bedding to lay on. She frowned at this.

Does he always sleep like this? I slept on the floor this morning. It must be uncomfortable every night.

Her ears twitched to curtains being drawn open. She turned and saw the Pikachu stepping out onto a balcony. She followed him out, then gasped. A small patch of leaves was cut from the leaves, giving them a nice view of the night sky, for as narrow as it was.

"Wow…" Melissa awed.

Jason leaned against the railing, then sighed. "I'm not going to sugarcoat anything with you, Princess. You're making a stupid choice."

"H-Huh?" Melissa gasped.

"You are setting yourself up for failure staying with us. This is an act of mercy I dare not give my enemies. For as demure as you lead yourself to be, I cannot for a second show weakness towards a member of royalty. What you are asking for is to put your life on the line for a cause that isn't your own. We had to suffer out here. You're forcing yourself to suffer with us."

"But I…" Melissa paused, then frowned to herself.

Jason glared. "You're going to die out here if you try and be like us. You don't have the survival instinct. You don't have the will to survive out here. You're a pampered princess who spent her entire life among a civilized society. Nothing beyond kingdom walls is a civilized paradise. That's something the kingdoms haven't learned for themselves. We're just dirty heathens in their eyes…"

Melissa winced at how tightly Jason clutched to the railing. She couldn't help imagining what her kingdom had done to bring about his wrath. It was hard to read his temperament. He looked like he kept most of himself reserved from prying eyes.

Melissa swallowed her nervous tension, then clasped her hands together. "Sir, I understand this is not my fight, but that was before I realized what has been going on outside my kingdom. I never cared to learn what went on in this world." She frowned. "I was ignorant to the state of Virdis. I knew it was not perfect, but I would never imagine this."

Jason huffed. "Yeah, well…your world doesn't want to associate itself with the lower-class scum or the occult." He groaned. "Honestly, they make us sound like monsters."

"The image you leave behind does not help your case," Melissa mumbled.

Jason glared at her, but then said, "That's who we are, though. The Foresters want to make it clear that we are not to be trifled with. No matter what, we will always come out on top. I will be the one to lead that charge."

Melissa smiled softly. "You sound like you have this leadership thing down."

Jason shrugged. "Believe me…I've had practice."

Melissa leaned forward on the balcony and gazed up at the sky. She narrowed her eyes as thoughts trailed back to her mother's final wish: to become a great ruler and leader. Her end goal before the treaty announcement was to speak with Erasmus about being a leader, but that option was off the table. There weren't many other places to turn back to.

Going home will land her in serious trouble with her father, and she had no idea how to actually take care of herself. The Foresters were her only safe haven from a dangerous world, even if it meant being thrusted into the danger as well.

She glared, then gripped tightly to the railing. "…I do have the will."

"Come again?" Jason asked, half-listening.

"I said I do have the will to survive out here!" Melissa straightened up and held her hips. "I, Princess Melissa Penworth of the Penworth Family, do not back down from any obstacle! I will overcome any challenge that gets in my way!"

Jason glared at her like she was making a bad joke. He straightened up as well, then, to her surprise, jabbed her in the forehead. "Don't. Be. An. Idiot. That's the last time I'm warning you."

Melissa was rather intimidated by his forward threats, but tried to stay bold. She curled her fists and said, "If it is training I must overcome, then so be it! Surely not all your members come in fully prepared to do the things you do! If they can do it, why can I not?!"

"Do I really need to explain why?" Jason huffed. "Unlike you, most everyone who is brought into the Foresters as some level of physical capability. Need I remind you of your lack of jumping? I've seen Buneary that can get two meters off the ground in a single leap. Very young Buneary, I should add. If you can't manage something like that, what hope do you have?"

Melissa gritted her teeth. "Well, perhaps we should see if I am truly that weak! Try all you want, but I intend to become a Forester! I am betting my royal heritage on all of this! I refuse to be turned down!"

Jason glared seriously. "Is that your challenge? You bet your royal heritage to become a Forester? You're really that serious?"

"I…I am! I really am! I do not speak of myself with a rodomontade of my superior blood! I speak as nothing more than one who wishes the peace of my land. I wish not for the ten kingdoms to devolve into another war. If you can grant me this request, I will do whatever I can to meet to your expectations." She frowned to herself. "I never wanted to foment any ill-will from my father's own actions. I may not understand why he does what he does, but I assure you I am nothing like him.

"If it means I must become a criminal to make things right, I will do what I can to earn the Foresters' trust."

Jason stared silently at the night sky. His grip on the railing finally loosened, which Melissa took as a good sign. She leaned forward and saw the calm glare in his eyes, thinking long and hard of her request. She whined under her breath, worried he was going to turn on her and send her off without another thought.

Finally, after a long stretch of silence, he faced her. "We are currently training a batch of rookies who have been with us for the last four months. They are coming close to earning their place among the Foresters. Like you, they started out weak, but have proven themselves within the last few months. That is your starting ground."

Melissa broke out into a beaming smile. "You mean you will let me-?" She stopped when he raised his hand.

"However, there's a catch to this. We train the rookies on a regular basis. We give them six months to shape up, then give them a final exam at the end. If they meet our expectations, they become full-fledged Foresters." Jason shoved his hand in his pocket. "You're an impatient little bunny. I don't think you'd want to wait two months to start training, and keeping you here wouldn't do you any good until then. We have more important things to do than keeping a prisoner around, especially one we should be using for ransom money."

Melisa gulped nervously. "W-What does that mean?"

Jason glared. "I'll let you train with the rookies we're currently working with. You have two months to meet their level, however."

Melissa's eyes widened. "T-Two months?!"

"Two months. And we won't be going easy on you. The training is anything but facile. You will be put through the worst two months of your life." Jason crossed his arms and looked away. "If you are serious in your ambitions to make a difference in Virdis, I can't have a slacker in my ranks. You will need to prove your worth if you want my respect." He glared seriously. "And, the second you fail, that'll only prove my point."

"W-What point?"

He walked past her, saying, "I'm only letting you do this…just to prove you're wasting your time."

Her heart sank as he walked back into his hut. Her ears flopped over her face as she stared out into the trees, quivering with concern. "I…Is this not a little bit unfair?"

Jason went to the stairs and glared back at her. "You want me to give you special treatment? If you want to prove me wrong, you'll have to prove yourself among the other rookies. There isn't a problem with that, right?"

She cowered under his threatening tone. She really was putting herself on the spot with this request. Not that she didn't see it coming. The gravitas of her situation came back full circle and landed its heavy burden upon her. She set herself up for this challenge and was forced to overcome the obstacles lay out in front of her. She had no reasonable hope of getting through what might be the most arduous task in her life.

Still, she refused to show weakness any longer. She had to do something, even if it meant breaking her body in ways she never experienced.

"N-No. There is no problem."

Jason's eyes softened, then he turned back down the steps. "Then let's get you to your new roommates."

Melissa gulped as he started down the steps. "Um, actually…" He stopped and glared at her. "If…I could propose a small request on who I would like to room with…"

Marie and Pandora, gawking at Jason, exclaimed, "Seriously?!"

Jason, standing at her front door, huffed with his arms crossed while Melissa nervously stood behind him. "As of today, until her final exam and potentially onward, Melissa Penworth will be your active roommate. I expect you two to treat her as an ally this time…for as long as she remains," he added quietly for only the rabbit to hear. She tensed up, but kept her face hidden.

Marie clasped her hands together and squealed. "This is so awesome!" Melissa yelped as Marie pulled her into a tight embrace. "Our little cutie gets to be our new roommate! Isn't this exciting, Pandora?!"

Pandora rolled her eyes with a light smirk. "Very."

"She made the request herself. I would've bunked her with the other rookies, but I figured it would be safer to have her around Foresters she is more accustomed to rather than potential…issues later down the line." He pointed at Marie. "You're in charge of showing her the ropes of the place. Make sure she learns the different facilities around here and make sure she doesn't accidentally fall out of the fort."

Marie pressed her cheek against Melissa's. "Oh, I'll keep a very close eye on her~!"

Melissa grinned nervously. "Yay…" She means well, just like Basil explained. I will…just have to get used to it.

Jason turned away, hands inside his pockets. "I'll have Adenine drop off a temporary uniform in the morning. Pandora, when you have the time, get Melissa's measurements so Adenine can make her a proper uniform."

Pandora shrugged. "Sure, might as well. If she's going to be a potential ally of mine, I'll need her measurements on hand when I design her battle armor for my evil army."

Melissa glanced at Marie. "Sh-She is joking, right?" Marie shrugged with a straight face.

"Great. Training day starts tomorrow. Have her up by six."

Melissa's eyes widened. "In the morning?!"

Jason glared. "Yes…in the morning. Don't make me repeat myself." Melissa pressed her lips together. He gave a half-hearted wave and started on his way. "Keep her out of trouble. She's got two months to catch up with the other rookies."

"Can do, boss!" Pandora exclaimed.

"She's in our safe, capable appendages!" Marie added before shutting the door. She spun Melissa around and grinned. "So, convinced him you couldn't stay away from me, eh?"

Melissa laughed awkwardly and backed away. "You two are the only other thieves here who I…mostly trust, aside from Basil. I…figured this was a safe bet."

Pandora closed her eyes and beamed, happily wagging her tail. "Well, even if it has been one day, welcome to the family, sister! Make yourself at home!" She suddenly got up in Melissa's face and gave her the death glare. "But don't. Touch. My. Stuff. GOT IT?!"

"Y-Yes!" Melissa shrieked, holding her arms over her face.

Pandora backed off and smiled. "Okey dokey lokey!" She skipped off to her desk.

Melissa deflated and felt her racing heart. Marie patted her back. "Heh, don't…take it too seriously."

"If you say so," Melissa muttered unsurely.

Marie giggled and spun the nervous Buneary around. "Oooh, this is so exciting! I've been waiting forever for another girl to talk to! Pandy's great and all, but having just her in the room is a bit overbearing."

"I heard that!" Pandora shouted from her desk.

Melissa sighed, then smiled at Marie. "Well, I do hope I can be a worthwhile ally to the Foresters." She clasped her hands together. "No matter what, I will break from my timid streak and use my time here wisely. If being a thief will help me achieve my dreams, then I swear my allegiance to the Foresters."

Pandora chuckled darkly. "Don't get too carried away with that plan, Princess. You have two months to pass a six-month training course." She smirked evilly. "And you don't even know who the instructor is yet."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Who…Who is the instructor?"

Marie intentionally yawned and stretched her arms. "Welp, my schedule suddenly got busy tomorrow. I'll let you borrow one of my nightgowns, cutie." She walked over to her trunk.

Melissa raised a finger. "Um, can we get back on topic? W-Who is the training instructor?" Marie threw a nightgown into her outstretched arm.

"You can change in the bathroom. Or out here. I don't mind either~," Marie purred. She patted Melissa's stun face, then blew out her candle. "Sleep tight!" She jumped into her hammock and threw her blankets over herself.

"Night!" Pandora exclaimed as she placed a shade over her candle to dim the lights, then went back to her work.

Melissa looked between the two girls, then her new nightgown, then looked ahead with a pale face. I might have made a horrible mistake…