Melissa groaned, face pressed firmly against the table. Her body ached with new pains and bruises, her muscles strained and whimpered, and her feet tingled with scrapes. Her fellow teammates, enjoying their dinners, were in relatively better shape, though suffered from their own fatigue, too.

Ragger downed his canteen of whiskey, then tapped Melissa's cheek with it. "Hey Flutterfoot, you going to eat?"

"In a minute…"

Lillia giggled. "Jet pushed you hard today. He must really care about your growth."

"I think I liked it better when he wanted to get rid of me."

Lucient rolled his eyes, holding a smirk. "Hey, you're getting better. You were able to hold your balance three minutes longer than yesterday. That's a new record in my eyes."

Melissa lifted her head and blew her droopy ear off her face. "And all it costed was my sanity and another trip to the medical hut."

"At least you're getting practice becoming the new doctor!" Wyatt exclaimed. "That must count for something."

Melissa smiled irritably. "Oh yes, what a bright way to look at it."

"Speaking of," Avel chirped in, "you said you were making medicine with Shade. How's that going?"

"We are still experimenting with plants, but there is some exotic flora farther out in Virdis that I believe will improve results." She sighed. "Acquiring them will be difficult, of course, but I think I have a way of procuring them."

"Oh?"

"I made a little deal with a merchant on our last trip to Grimebrook. She said she will look into getting seeds for me."

Lucient frowned. "Melissa, you shouldn't place your trust in strange merchants. They can be pretty deceiving."

"But she said she was my friend."

"Merchants will say anything to make money. You better hope your intuition is good, otherwise you might get scammed." Lucient sipped his juice. "I worked a lot of odd jobs as a child, so I know a thing or two about scheming."

Melissa frowned. "Oh. I see."

Lucient smiled. "It just helps to know who you're working with. Despite the general opinion within the Foresters, I've garnered a strong reputation with some noble families back home. Sure, they have the haughty attitude, but they're still good people. Birthright is a big deal within their families, a sense of superiority. However, their actions must match the superiority, thus they do what they can to gather the respect of the commoners. It is usually the more spoiled of nobility that paint a bad light for them, which causes rebellious commoners to cause trouble. It helps to know the right people."

Melissa sighed and played with her fork. "I still believe JoJo is a good person. I promise, I will not let myself get scammed."

Lucient shrugged. "I'll take your word for it. Just looking out for you."

Melissa smiled. "Thanks, Lucient."

Kenny raised his hands and made signs, asking, "So, is everyone ready for their assignments tomorrow?"

"Oh yeah," Wyatt mumbled. "Completely forgot about that. Jet said we'll be going to different villages and helping out in secret."

"We will be fine, right?" Lillia asked.

Ragger groaned in disappointment. "Unfortunately, yes. They're specifically taking us to villages that haven't had high-profile criminals hanging around recently. Kind of sucks. I wanted to get into a real fight."

Leon crossed his forelegs over the table and huffed. "Any of them around Senbo Kingdom?"

"I think they're just in Verde territory."

"Whatever…" Leon took a swig from his mug.

Melissa leaned forward on the table, chuckling. "My first time investigating criminals. How exciting. Here I thought the Foresters just robbed people."

Lillia grinned. "If we get the commoners respect, that gives us more sway against the corrupted nobles. We give out blankets, sometimes help with farming, entertain small children, and stuff. We're not exactly public figures, but we're treated as such in silence."

Melissa smiled. "How strange after hearing so much about the good nobles."

"Doesn't earn much respect from them," Avel stated. "Regardless of who's good or not, they won't tolerate thieves."

Lucient sighed. "I don't hold it against them. It's justified."

Melissa looked down thoughtfully. I never realized just how much these guys do outside harassing the kingdom.

Their table suddenly became quiet at the sound of a sharp whistle. They straightened up and saluted as Jet marched up to their table. Immediately, they noticed the agitation in his eyes. His brow furrowed deep, twitching and barely contained within the scowl. They could hear the low growling vibrating through his bared teeth.

Melissa's postured melted into a puddle. S-So scary!

Kenny gulped, then signed, "Is something wrong, sir?"

Jet slammed his hands down on the table, scaring them. He firmly pointed at Melissa and Lucient, then yelled, "You two, follow me, now!" He turned and marched out the mess hall.

The rookies were shaken up, as was the nearby Foresters within earshot. Lucient glanced nervously at Melissa. "Did…we do something to tick him off?"

Melissa shuddered and nearly cowered under the table. "I do not know—"

"NOW!" Jet roared.

They shrieked quietly, then speed-walked after him, keeping their heads low. The rookies watched their fellow teammates flee behind Jet, finally breathing once they exited the mess hall.

Ragger collapsed in his seat and heaved a sigh. "What was his effing problem? I know he can be a jackass, but he doesn't have to yell."

Leon glared. "I don't think it's us he was angry at. Something else set him off."

Lillia bit her lip. "What the heck happened?"

Meanwhile, in Jason's office, Jason and Blitz were trying to calm a flustered Petra down as she darted around the room in a panic. "P-Petra, calm down. Everything's going to be alright," Blitz reassured.

Petra had tears running down her face. She cradled a bowl of fruits, shoveling them down her throat one at a time without chewing. "It was a t-t-terrible! I couldn't do anything! I was there, then it happened, then I couldn't stop it, and I couldn't do anything because I didn't know what was going on and, and, and, and—" She shoved three oran berries into her mouth and swallowed. "I'm so sorry!" she cried.

Jason flinched and turned his head away. "Crap, she's stress-eating now."

"Do something," Blitz whispered.

"You know I'm not good with this stuff."

"Well, I'm doing the best I can."

Petra picked out a pineapple and was about to eat it, but paused as Jet came stomping in with Melissa and Lucient in tow. The second she saw him scowling, she broke out into another fit of tears. "Please don't be angry, I did everything I could! I was so scared that I was going to die and—"

"Petra!" Jet yelled, instantly shutting her up. He took a long, deep breath, then sighed. "Please…Please stop crying. It's getting on my nerves."

Petra blinked, sniffled, then wiped her eyes. "S-Sorry," she mumbled.

Jason and Blitz stared in bewilderment. "Jet sure does have a way with words," Blitz mumbled.

Jason sighed, then composed himself back to his usual stoicism. "Welcome back, Jet. I see you retrieved Melissa and Lucient."

Jet nodded, then gestured the two forward. Melissa and Lucient, still stunned from what happened a moment ago, approached Jason and saluted to him. "You wanted to see us, sir?" Lucient asked.

Jason sighed. "Yes. Sorry you had to see that. Petra's a good fighter, but she's…easily frightened."

"I am not!" Petra whined. "How would you like it if a ghost was shooting at you?"

Melissa froze. "G-Ghost?"

Lucient glared. "What's going on?"

Jason crossed his arms. "As you all know, Petra's the bridge between our communication. She's one of our fastest units. A three day trip for us would take her half the time, even less. She's efficient with her work."

Petra smiled bashfully, wiping away a few tears. "I try my best."

"She makes routine checks on our providers and active Foresters in those areas. She can cover just about every village within Verde and Wick in a week. We don't extend farther than Echo Bell since that's where Verde's connections end."

Melissa gulped. "Okay, but…what does this have to do with a ghost?"

Jason nodded at Petra, then stepped aside. Petra fluttered in front of Melissa and Lucient, then took a deep breath. "I was making a routine check in Grimebrook and spoke to our provider. Standard stuff, see if he had any letters and try to haggle any food out of him." She paused to eat an apple, this time taking a large bite. She swallowed and continued, "I was just supposed to check and leave, no dillydally. I turned to leave and waved goodbye to him. He didn't really look at me when I left, though. Probably crabby about me stealing food."

Lucient glared in understanding. "But something happened just as you left."

Petra whimpered. "Uh-huh."

"What?"

"Our…Our provider was shot."

Melissa and Lucient gasped. "What?"

"Someone sniped him from outside his store. Whoever it was got him right in the chest."

"Oh no, is he okay?!" Melissa cried.

Petra tensed up, whimpering loudly. "I-I-I don't know. I didn't have time to check. I was more worried about the shooter. I tried to find them, but I couldn't make anything out with how sandy it was outside."

"Sandy?" Lucient asked.

"A small sandstorm popped out of nowhere. I could barely see. Just when I was about to check on the provider, the culprit nearly got me in the wings. I panicked and flew off. I could hear the gunshots, but I was able to avoid them. I couldn't tell where they were coming from or how they could see me."

Lucient narrowed his eyes, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A sandstorm and a mysterious sniper? He was able to pick out your general location despite a disadvantage in sight. From the sound of it, he's a marksman with talented accuracy, but poor precision. But why attack a store owner? Was it because Petra was there? Were they targeting us? Why would they be targeting the store owner? Is it possible they know his connection to us? What if…?"

Lucient suddenly went quiet, rambling under his breath, much to the discomfort of Melissa. Jet sighed and stepped forward. "We were in Grimebrook last week. Is it possible someone found out who I was and spread a rumor?"

Jason crossed his arms. "With everyone always looking over their shoulders and judging each other, I shouldn't be surprised. I didn't think anyone would actually rat us out, though. They're usually too scared."

"So, someone gutsy took that information and decided to revolt."

Jason glared. "For someone to attack an innocent man out in daylight, it's just unacceptable."

Melissa frowned as the gears turned in her brain. "Jason, you called us here to…?"

He nodded. "Melissa, I assigned your and Lucient's next assignment to investigate the shooter."

"Why us?"

"Lucient will be able to help identify the suspect. He has a brilliant mind that never forgets. Once he picks up a clue, it'll stick with him. You, however, are going for experience. Under the right supervision, I shouldn't have to worry about you."

Melissa flinched. "I am not comfortable having to deal with an unknown shooter."

"You'll have to deal with opponents using guns eventually. However, because your safety is my number one concern, you and Lucient are being led by Sid. She can keep you all safe."

Melissa gasped. "A Nature Spirit…"

Jet raised his brow. "Shouldn't this be a job for the Nature Spirits, then?"

Jason sighed. "I can't have the Nature Spirits running around all over the place every time a bandit with a gun shows up. Besides, most of them are away on separate assignments. Sid's the only one here, and I trust her to keep you both out of danger. She can handle gunmen."

Jet glared. "Sir, I would feel more comfortable heading out with them instead."

Melissa smiled. "Aww, Jet, thank you—"

"This clumsy idiot finds all manner of ways to get herself into trouble.

Melissa tensed irritably. "—you big jerk."

"I understand your concerns, Jet," Jason assured, "but Sid is more than enough to keep them safe. We don't know the enemy. Sid's better off dealing with gunman than you."

Jet frowned, then stepped back. "As you wish, sir." He bowed, then faced Melissa. "Well, you heard him. Looks like you got your first big mission."

Melissa gulped. "Yay…"

Blitz then said, "You'll leave in a couple hours. Get everything you need and wait by the elevator with Lucient. We'll get Godfrey hooked up for the trip."

"Understood," Melissa whimpered, saluting them. She glanced at Lucient, who was lost in his mumblings, and gently elbowed him. "Lucient?"

Lucient snapped awake and shook his head. "W-What happened?"

Jet sighed. "I'll fill you in later. Just get packed and be ready to leave in two hours."

Lucient saluted. "Right away." He ran off.

Melissa turned to leave, but glanced back worriedly at Jason. "Are you sure I am ready for this?"

Jason crossed his arms. "I can't hold you back forever. Just promise me, whatever happens, don't be a hero. Think carefully and listen to Sid. Should anything happen, you have my permission to use whatever force necessary to keep yourself safe."

Melissa eased up a bit. "Okay. I will not let you down, sir." She dashed out of the hut.

Jet held his hips, growling through his teeth. "She's not ready."

"I know," Jason agreed.

"Then why are we sending her and Lucient out to handle it? Lucient at least can stop bullets with his psychic abilities. Melissa can barely use Copycat."

"Can't she use Bounce?" Blitz asked.

Jet sighed. "Yes, but springing into the air won't cut it. She hasn't learned aerial evasion or anything advanced yet. That's still a long way away."

Jason sat down in his chair and leaned back. "That's why I'm having Sid go with them. As the area control specialist, she can nullify any long-distance fighters. Melissa needs the experience."

"She's skittish," Jet reminded. "She hasn't faced an opponent on her own."

"She wasn't scared when she fought alongside you," Blitz reminded.

"That was with me, though. I can't stomach the thought of her getting into trouble."

Jason glared. "She needs to get her instincts in line with the rest of her peers. A little danger might be good for her. Besides…" Jason held up the wanted poster they got from Petra. "At worst, it's likely they'll try to capture her alive if her identity remains a secret. This gunman is baiting us out. Might as well take the bait and let Melissa bear her fangs a little."

Jet sighed. "If you say so…"

With their stuff and themselves settled into Godfrey's wagon, Melissa, Lucient and Sid took off out of the forest and into the plains. Melissa and Lucient hung out in the back of the wagon while their Drilbur leader sat up front on Godfrey's back.

Melissa awkwardly stared at the rusty bucket Sid had brought along, staring at her with its cut-out, jagged eyes. She scratched her cheek and said, "So, Sid? I do not believe I have been properly introduced to your…bucket."

Sid looked back and grinned. "Oh, that's just Rusty. He's a little reserved, but he'll warm up to you two eventually."

Lucient nodded slowly. "Yes, uh…that's nice. And you…take him with you on missions?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Sid jumped into the wagon and picked her bucket up. "Rusty and I go way back. He's been my pal out on the streets ever since I was a wee Drilbur. He kept me company through the nights and knows how to cheer me up when I need it the most. I wouldn't be the proud Nature Spirit I am today without him."

"That concerns me," Melissa muttered.

Sid held Rusty up to her ear, nodding a few times, then said, "Rusty's right, we shouldn't be lollygagging like this. We should be preparing ourselves before we get to Grimebrook."

"I agree with the bucket," Lucient said, reaching into his bag.

"Do not encourage this!" Melissa scolded through her teeth.

Lucient rolled his eyes. "It's harmless. If she says Rusty has helped her, I'll believe it."

"But it is a bucket."

"You never talked to your dolls like they were alive?"

"I never played with dolls."

Lucient sighed. "Look, regardless of what you think, she's a Nature Spirit. She was chosen for a reason, so best to leave it at that."

Melissa huffed, then looked down. "Right. Sorry." She faced Sid, who seemed to be distracted with Rusty. "Sid?"

"Hmm?" Sid looked up. "What?"

"What is your take on all this?"

Sid glared, then set Rusty aside. "I went over this with Jason and the others before we left, but we're in agreement this might be a trap. We may even think it's a ploy to get our base's location so they can steal you back."

"And Jason sent me on this mission because…?"

"Given that this kind of bounty can't be passed up, it's best to see what you can do now so we know what to work with. You've improved on your stamina, right?" Melissa nodded. "Good. Second you see danger and I'm not around, don't engage the enemy. Run as fast as you can. Scream if you have to. I will find you."

Melissa nodded. "Okay. But do we know who the enemy is?"

Sid shook her head. "No. The fact our culprit possesses a gun only tells us they dealt in black markets around Senbo. Their advanced knowledge on weaponry allowed them to create firearms such as that. The revolver is a rather recent build, likely to free up weight and improve on the muskets they've developed. Of course, these secrets can be replicated with the right builders. We make a point not to use them, especially after some of Pandora's…unique inventions."

"I rather not know."

Lucient crossed his forelegs. "So, what do you take that means for our shooter?"

"Who knows? We assume they operate under a gang, otherwise going solo like this wouldn't bode well. Still, I'm curious about something mentioned by Petra. She said a sandstorm whipped up out of nowhere, which isn't something you typically get blindsided by in Wick."

Lucient nodded. "I thought that was odd. It's likely the move Sandstorm, meaning our target is more than likely a Ground, Rock, or Steel-Type. Though, there are others who can utilize the move. Gyrados, Snorlax, Hitmontop, Ninjask, Shedinja—"

"Okay, we get it!" Melissa interrupted.

Sid glared. "It may even explain why they were able to shoot in Petra's direction. Ground, Rock, or Steel can't be affected by Sandstorm. They would have an easier time seeing through it, theoretically. That's why I was chosen, since I have more of an advantage in this terrain. We could also assume our target doesn't fight up close, though we can't bet on the assumption alone."

"This kind of stuff happen often?" Lucient asked.

Sid shrugged. "Ever since the Senbo Kingdom started work on firearms, we've seen an increased number of these sorts. First there were those musket contraptions, now revolvers. The Senbo Kingdom is very advanced. There's no telling what they're capable of in the future."

Melissa frowned, then leaned back into the wagon, staring at the path ahead. I wonder what that pressure does to Erasmus. So many responsibilities to improve the might of his kingdom. His strength gives them strength, something I lack in.

"It's best not to overthink it," Sid advised, picking Rusty up and jumping back onto Godfrey. "Just do what you can. That's all we can ask for."

Melissa nodded, then closed her eyes. She gently gripped the dagger sheathed to her waist, then grazed her hand against the bag of various pellets lent to her by Shade. She was limited in her abilities for now, but she had what she needed. This was all she needed to catch up with the others.

Jason is giving you a chance to demonstrate everything you have learned. Do not mess up, Melissa.

A couple days passed with Godfrey making quick time on their arrival, motivated to get to Grimebrook as quickly as possible. The sun hung high over their heads, nearing the hour of noon. The group quickly pulled their cloaks on as Godfrey slowed his speed.

They parked out of general view of the streets, hidden behind one of the town shops. Sid jumped out of the wagon and peered around the building while Melissa and Lucient climbed out.

Sid narrowed her eyes. "Look at them. Potential enemies waiting in hiding. We need to tread carefully from here."

Melissa nodded. "Right."

"First things first, check on our provider's shop?" Lucient guessed.

"Bingo." Sid peered out one more time, then turned back to Godfrey. "If anyone goes after you, give them hell."

Godfrey nodded. "{Yes, I promise.}"

Sid gestured Melissa and Lucient to get close, then walked out into the street with them in tow. They pulled their hoods over their eyes and kept their heads low, navigating through the few Pokémon wandering about.

Melissa peeked from her hood every so often, getting another dose of the Grimebrook atmosphere. While there was no shortage of mild-mannered citizens, the rougher, tougher denizens of the town preceded the expectations of such a harsh town. She got some weird stares from a few, some judging, some lecherous, much to her brief discomfort before focusing on the path ahead.

"They are not going to attack me, right?" Melissa whispered. "I think they can see I am a Buneary."

Sid glared. "Don't draw any attention to yourself. The crooks in this town won't act against a group like ours."

"I hope you are right."

The trio kept their heads low for the majority of the trek with Sid leading the pack. She kept a claw on the battle claws hooked to her sides. Melissa noticed the red glow coming off of Sid's claws. Moving her hand close, she could feel the warmth coming off them, no doubt in preparation for an instant counterattack.

She is prepared for the worst.

The group found their way to the shop, a simple two-story building no different in appearance to the other wooden buildings, save for the generic 'Shop' sign hanging on the awning. However, other signs were nailed to the posts of the awning, standing out to all who passed by.

Lucient approached one sign and squinted. "Do no enter, by order of Sheriff Owlsworth. Investigation in progress."

Sid crossed her arms. "Authorities are already on the case. Looks like they're closed."

Melissa walked up to a window and pressed her hand against it. She noticed the small bullet hole in the glass. "This was where the provider was shot."

"Basically." Sid stepped inside. "If we can find out where he was shot, we could get a general idea where the shooter fired."

"How will that help us now?" Lucient asked.

"For one, we can rule out the shooter fired from the sky. They had to at least be near ground level. If we can determine where the shooter was in the incident, we can ask around if anyone noticed anyone suspicious."

"Wouldn't the sheriff have considered the same?"

"Most likely, but we can walk up to their office and ask now, can we?"

"Good point."

Melissa stepped inside, looking around the room before landing her eyes on the floor. She recoiled with a horrified shriek, stumbling back into Sid. Before Sid could ask what was wrong, Melissa pointed firmly at the dry red puddle on the floor.

Sid blinked. "Welp, found where he was shot."

"I am going to be sick," Melissa mumbled, covering her mouth.

Lucient walked in and crouched over the dry spot. He sniffed the spot, grossing out Melissa. "Definitely blood."

"You did not have to sniff it!" Melissa scolded.

"That's not all, though. I smell sand, too."

Melissa blinked. "Sand?"

Sid crossed her arms. "Sand, huh? And just on the dried blood?"

"Well, there's some stuck in the floorboards around it, but yeah, pretty much. Whoever our target is must be using the sand in some way. Either that, or there's just this weird spot of sand around where the provider was shot."

Melissa glared. "What does that mean, though?"

"Who knows?" Sid admitted. "Pokémon get crafty with their moves. You never know the trick until you peel back the user's mind. They get crazier and cleverer every day, I swear."

Lucient looked between the blood splotch and the cracked window. "I don't see another bullet hole here, so it only hit the provider."

"I can't make out the exact trajectory of the bullet, but if our target was on the ground, they could only have hit him from…the building across from us."

Melissa peeked out the window, noting the very building in question was another shop, though one for furniture, presumably. "Seems about right. I do not see any other way they could have pulled it off."

"Never assume." Sid stood up and peered across the street. "You two wait in here. I'm going to chat with whoever's working there and see if I can get a statement. If something happens, stay put and stay safe." She walked out and dashed across the street.

Melissa sighed and pulled away from the window. "Believe me, I have no intention of running outside and making a scene."

"Something about all of this doesn't make sense to me," Lucient suddenly stated.

Melissa turned and faced him. "Hm? What do you mean?"

"Petra confirmed he was shot directly in the chest, right?"

Melissa nodded. "That is what she said."

Lucient stood up. "Well, in all the panic, I suppose some details were amiss to her, but context does add another layer of mystery."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Amiss? Wait, you mean Petra saw things differently than what she said?"

Lucient shook his head. "No, I believe her, but her frazzled state left out some important context clues, or rather wasn't keenly aware of it."

"How so?"

"Look at this blood splatter." Melissa approached and once again looked at the dried blood, nothing new to last time. "Do you notice something strange about how it was spilt?"

Melissa tilted her head. "Not really."

"Look at the splatter marks." Lucient pointed at the blood, then traced his digit to the blood marks that sprayed towards the counter. "The blood splattered away from the window. These splatters were made after he collapsed. They're from when he fell."

Melissa still didn't get what he meant. "So, did Petra see things wrong? Was he actually shot in the back instead? Or did he spin around before he collapsed?"

"No, because Petra would've seen the bullet hole if that were the case. I remember exactly what she said. 'He didn't really look at me when I left, though. Probably crabby about me stealing food.' He wasn't looking at her. If she was looking at his back the whole time, he never spun around, and she would've seen a bullet go through his back."

Melissa blinked, then looked back at the window. "Wait, but did the bullet not hit him straight through the glass?"

"I measured it out in my head and…actually, from where he collapsed and where the bullet's intended path was, it would've missed him." Lucient looked at the floor. "The blood's only centered in this spot. Some, even a few drops, should've dripped more on the left, but it's just this spot."

Melissa pulled on her ears. "What does that mean? What you are proposing is that our culprit fired at…an impossible trajectory?"

Lucient glared. "Unfortunately."

"But how? How would that even happen?"

"Lock-On would be an interesting candidate, but I've never heard of it being so accurate that it shot the front of someone while their back was turned. Plus, if Sandstorm is a factor, I can only point to someone from the Nosepass or Roggenrola lines, and they aren't exactly built to hold guns."

"Then how else could they have pulled it off? Did the…bullet curve in midair?" Even Melissa had to admit to herself it was a stupid possibility. Despite her limited knowledge on firearms, she knew enough basics about speed that something curving in a sharp 'U' is stupidly unlikely.

Lucient narrowed his eyes. "That…might be what happened."

"How can a bullet curve after firing?!"

"Assistance from Psychic, maybe? Maybe there's an assailant we've been unaware of or…" Lucient sighed. "We don't have enough information to make a solid guess. We still don't know who did this."

Melissa bit her lip, gripping tightly to her dagger. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know. We should talk to Sid and discuss our hypothesis. I'm sure her experience will provide—" Right as Lucient stood up, he glimpsed out the window and instantly froze.

"Lucient?" Melissa looked over her shoulder, then gasped.

Out of nowhere, catching them completely off guard, a dusty wind blew through the streets. Sand seeped through the open door, lightly sprinkling over the front entrance. The winds sounded like the wail of a ghost searching aimlessly through the ether.

Melissa's eyes shrunk with fear. "A sandstorm from nowhere. Just like Petra warned us."

Lucient stepped back. "They know we're here."

"What do we do?"

"All we can do is stay calm and try not to make a scene. Sid will notice something's up, so we should…" He trailed off as he heard something rolling around on the floor behind him. He turned and spotted a black, patchwork ball rolling towards them. It sounded like there was something metallic jingling inside.

Melissa noticed, too, and stumbled back worriedly. "Uh…where did that come from?"

Lucient looked around. "I didn't see anybody. Is there someone else in the shop with us?"

Melissa carefully approached the ball and reached to pick it up. A faint and familiar smell hit her nose, causing her to freeze. She gawked at the ball in horror. "L-Lucient?"

"Yeah?"

"I smell smoke coming from inside."

Lucient's eyes widened. He psychically grabbed Melissa's cloak and lurched her back, shouting, "Hit the dirt!" He threw themselves out the door, followed by a blaring—

BOOM!

A few minutes earlier…

"Are you sure you didn't see anyone?" Sid asked again to the annoyed Kadabra. "Someone from across the street was shot not too long ago and it's likely the culprit was standing outside your shop."

Kadabra huffed, then said, "I told you, I was in the back. I didn't see anyone come by."

"No gunman whatsoever? Not even a hint of a firearm on anyone passing through?"

Kadabra set down the rocking chair he was moving and asked, "Why do you care so much about this? The sheriff's doing everything they can to solve the issue."

Sid glared. "A man's life was put at risk, and I won't stand by and let it go unsolved. It may not seem like my problem, but it certainly is."

Kadabra sighed. "Why do I bother arguing with you justice types?"

"Do you at least know what happened after the shooting?"

Kadabra shook his head. "Not much more than anyone else. All I know is that the victim was sent to the clinic. If whoever shot him wanted him dead, he did a lousy job. The shopkeeper's still alive."

Sid crossed her arms. "He was left alive, huh? That's good, but…why?"

"Maybe he made a bad deal with someone, I don't know. It's none of my business."

Sid rubbed her chin, turning her back to the shopkeeper. "Guess that means they weren't aiming to kill, but why go through the elaborate set-up? Just what kind of criminal are we dealing—"

BOOM!

Sid and Kadabra nearly jumped out of their skins as the shop across the street suddenly blew open. Sid noticed Lucient and Melissa flying out onto the ground, narrowly avoiding the iron fragments puncturing through the walls and glass.

One flew through the furniture store window and was on course for Kadabra's head, but Sid jumped and slashed it out of the way with Metal Claw. Kadabra stared at the broken window, petrified in horror.

"What the heck happened over there?!" Sid exclaimed. She then heard something roll up to her feet. She looked down and gasped at the black, patchwork ball sitting in front of her with the distinct scent of smoke permeating through it. "Oh crap!" She grabbed Kadabra and tossed him through the door before following.

BOOM!

The ball exploded, releasing iron marbles into the walls and windows, tearing them to shreds. Sid and the shopkeeper tumbled onto the street, narrowly avoiding the explosion.

"Sid!" Melissa called out, scrambling to her feet and rushing to her aid. "Oh no, they attacked you, too!"

Sid picked herself up and yelled, "It's an ambush! We need to find cover before—" She tensed up as the sandstorm intensified. Lucient and Melissa covered their eyes while Sid tried to peer through the dense veil. "Where are they coming from?"

"We need to get back to Godfrey!" Lucient suggested.

"You might be right. Help me pick up the shopkeeper and let's get out of here!" Sid and Lucient put an arm around their necks and dragged the shopkeeper behind. "Melissa, stay close!"

"R-Right!" Melissa started running, but the sandy winds started blowing in her direction, pushing her back. "AH!"

"Melissa?!" Sid called out through the thick storm. "Where are you?!"

"I am over—ACK!" Melissa recoiled in disgust as sand flew into her mouth. She coughed and hacked on the rough earth, losing her balance once again in it. I cannot think. I can barely see past my own hand.

"Melissa, hang on!" Sid cried out again once more until—

BANG!

Melissa gasped as a loud gunshot fired nearby, followed by a ghastly cry from Sid. "Sid?! Sid, are you okay?!" Her voice was drowned out in the sand. She could barely hear herself amongst the chaos. "Sid! SID!"

Melissa tried to run, but she couldn't gain traction on the sandy ground or move against the wind. Instead, the sand whipped up around her and, to her shock, levitated her off the ground.

"W-What is happening?! Sid! Lucient! Someone help me!" The sand carried her into the air. She couldn't tell how far she was climbing, but it felt pretty high by her guess. "Get me down from here—YOW!"

The winds started cutting her skin little by little like tiny knives. She covered herself under her cloak, letting it shield her a bit from the sharp winds.

"Is this Razor Wind?!" she exclaimed. "This is crazy! Let me down, now!"

All of a sudden, the winds stopped suspending her, giving her a moment of relief. That is, until she remembered gravity was a thing.

"Wait, wait, wait, I did not mean now—AAAAHHHH!" Melissa screamed as she went plummeting back to the ground.

Thinking fast, she pulled out her shield and aimed it straight down. She tensed up her body and slammed down into a roof, bouncing off and tearing the shingles out, and sliding off into the street. Her shield snapped in half upon hitting the ground, one half flying across the street and the other cushioning her tumbled onto the road.

Melissa lay on her stomach for a minute, groaning, before rolling onto her back. "No more rides, I am exhausted…" She rubbed her head, then looked at her surroundings. "What happened, anyway?"

She, thankfully, wasn't whisked off to some strange, rainbow colored demon dimension full of singing gnomes. However, she found herself on a completely different street to Grimebrook, one she believed to have walked down when she spied on Erasmus and Darby. On top of that, the sandstorm seemed to have eased up a bit, now only a mildly irritating breeze of sand particles.

She sat up and cradled her aching head. "Ow, ow, ow. I wish I stuck closer to Sid." Her eyes widened. "Oh no, Sid! Was she shot? Is she okay?" She stood up, cupped her hands, and yelled, "Sid—" However, the sand that invaded her mouth caused her to start doubling over in coughs.

She knelt down and massaged her throat while spitting at the ground. "I can barely speak beyond a normal tone. I really hope Sid is okay, and Lucient." She looked around. "Why was I the only one swept away, though?" Her fur bristled. "Is the criminal after me now? Oh no, no, no. And even after I promised to stay out of trouble."

She picked herself up and shook the sand off her cloak. "I need to find Sid and Lucient before something worse happens." She was about to run into the alleys, but stopped upon spotting a dagger sitting in the sand. She blinked, then checked her belt, where a bare dagger sheath resided. She sighed. "Oh goodie, I came plummeting down with a loose dagger on the ground. Ugh, I already broke a shield, Jet will kill me if I lose more equipment."

She reached down and picked the dagger up. She fiddled with it in her grasp, shining the noon sun off the face of the blade. She twirled it for a second longer until a prominent reflection showed itself.

Her heart sank instantly.

Though heavily illuminated, she could make out the dark silhouette of a figure standing atop the roof behind her. She could see the vague shape of some gadget spinning within their hand or claw before pointing it at her back.

Melissa cautiously looked through her peripherals. Th-That is…

BANG!

Melissa jolted to the side, tensing up as hot metal flew close to her face, bristling her fur in the breeze. The bullet struck the sand right as Melissa collapsed onto her back.

Laughter broke out afterwards, a particularly annoying laugh to the Buneary, coming from the rooftop she spotted the figure on. "Shnee-heeheeheehee!" the figure laughed. "What a lucky break for you, missy. Here I thought you were the weak link, what with how jumpy you've been since you got here. You managed to dodge my bullet right as I fired. Not bad, not bad. You're faster than you look."

Melissa clambered back on her hands, jaw hanging and quivering open. With the shade of her cloak, she could more accurately identify the shooter: a Gligar. He was decked out with a dusty brown vest, dark slacks, and wore a necklace with various sharp teeth strung on. He wore a wide-brimmed hat with the brim curving up like a bowl.

Most curiously, he seemed to wear a white cloth around his eyes, tied around him as a blindfold.

What the…? Melissa thought in confusion.

The Gligar spun the chamber of his revolver, then aimed in Melissa's direction. "It was a real hassle incapacitating the Drilbur. Barely managed to snipe her leg if I'm correct. Still, I can't bet on that stopping her. I'm a pretty good judge of character, you see. I can tell when my prey is strong or not. She was definitely strong, as well as that Espeon. You? You're more a Feebas that got washed up onto land by mistake."

Melissa bared her teeth, barely paying him attention. For one, she was grateful to hear Sid was alright. If anything happened to her because Melissa lagged behind, she would never forgive herself.

Now, all she could think about was escaping, though an unlikely wish to come. It would take some considerable time to get up and run away while outmatching the speed of a bullet. She could tell any sudden movements would earn her a bullet through the head, chest, or whatever body part the Gligar was interested in.

"A little Buneary like you should be easy pickings, but I need a suitable hostage first. Or, we can skip to the negotiations."

Negotiations? What is he talking about? I should be running away. Melissa narrowed her eyes. S-Stay calm, Melissa. You need to buy yourself some time. If I can get to Sid and Lucient, I might make it out of this alive. Basil kept telling me to use my head in these situations. I need to play it off until opportunity comes.

"N-Negotiations, you say? What for?" Melissa chattered nervously, much to her chagrin. I sound so pathetic!

Fortunately, her assailant didn't care. "I'm sure the Foresters have been made aware of what's been going down recently. You know, that little bounty for Princess Penworth's safe return." Gligar grinned. "It's a simple trade. Give me the location to the Forester hideout, and I might let you keep that head on your shoulders."

Melissa gulped. "Lovely thought…"

"Must be weird holding your own species hostage. With how cowardly you sound, you could pass for the princess yourself."

Melissa's eyes widened. Was that a joke or is he suspicious of me? Darn it, Melissa, get serious! And drop the accent first and foremost! She gulped hard, then bared her teeth into a tight scowl. "Listen here, you, uh…not-very nice bandit! I do not—don't know who you are, but I won't let you have the princess. She's our property, fair and square!"

Gilgar grinned. "Where did this feisty lady come from? Am I talking to the same Buneary I was targeting?" He lifted his free pincer over the gun's hammer. "Mind if I have a name before I start taking out your tendons?"

He knows where to shoot me despite that blindfold? Maybe running away will not get me anywhere. Melissa glared. But maybe I can…ugh, seduce him? I swear, Marie, you are a bad influence.

Melissa coughed into her fist, then grinned in a pathetic attempt to look seductive, despite her assailant wearing a blindfold. "Uh, now why would you want to do that…sexy?"

Gilgar backed down for a moment, now confused. "Excuse me?"

"A big, strong Gligar like you wouldn't want to hurt a petite thing like me, right?" Melissa carefully stood up, trying not to draw the Gligar's ire. "I could, uh, offer something else up instead of information. Maybe something to satisfy you in a different way." When I get home, I am shoving a bar of soap down my throat for enunciating this vulgarity!

Gligar, however, wasn't amused. At all. "Lady, I'm convinced I need to put you down for your own sake."

Melissa shrieked, then laughed nervously. "W-Wait, I was just joking!" She held her hands above her head, but was secretly reaching for an arrow in her quiver. I cannot expect to fire an arrow faster than he can shoot, but one of these trick arrows should work nicely. "I'm sure we can come to a reasonable understanding. No need to incite violence."

Gligar glared through his blindfold. "Then tell me where your hideout is."

"Believe me, I wish I knew myself." Melissa giggled nervously. "Would you believe me if I told you I get lost—" Gligar fired in front of her feet, silencing her.

"You're stalling. If the next words out of your mouth aren't the base's location, I will shoot you dead. If you scream, I'll kill you. If you move, I'll kill you. If I hear any effing syllable out of your mouth that doesn't sound like a location, I'll kill you. Is that clear?"

Melissa stood frozen in place, lips pressed shut with sweat dripping down her face. Her hand barely grazed the feathers of the arrow she was searching for. She pinched the feather and slowly pulled the arrow out.

Gligar huffed, then pulled back on the revolver hammer with his free pincer. "Now that we've got that clear, talk."

Melissa likely had a minute before her assailant got impatient. Not much time to think of a masterplan. He is trigger happy. I do not know how he is fighting with a blindfold. He cannot be truly blind like Blitz. He can tell I am a Buneary. But why the blindfold? She glared. Still, that impulsiveness might be useful. If I am right, he will shoot anything that moves. I need to figure out how he is shooting.

"I ordered you to speak!" Gligar yelled.

He is getting nervous. He will not shoot until I make a move. I need to wait until he distracts himself.

"You won't die if you tell me the truth. Now spill it!" Gilgar yelled.

Melissa crouched down, putting power into her legs. Any minute now.

Gligar growled and slammed his pincer down on the hammer. "I said speak!" The hammer flicked and fired a bullet.

Now!

Melissa dashed forward right as the bullet struck the sand. Gilgar gasped and fanned the hammer three times, firing off three shots. Melissa weaved through his shots, each missing their mark a fair distance from her. She pulled an arrow out and threw it like a javelin.

Though the arrow wasn't built to be thrown by hand, it got Gligar's attention. He fired his last shot on the arrow, causing it to explode. He gasped and covered his face against the fiery cloud.

Melissa ducked into an alley and pulled out her bow and arrow, back pressed to the wall. Guess I have no choice but to fight. There is no way I can escape him now.

Gligar fanned the smoke away, growling irritably. "You think you can escape Amos of the Blind Luck?" He tipped his hat, spilling out six bullets into his pincer. "You can run all you like, but I know exactly where you are. You think I can't see you, but how wrong you are." He reloaded the chamber and aimed across the roof. "I know you are in that alley."

Melissa's eyes widened. What?

"Sandstorm and U-Turn!" Amos struck the hammer and fired. The bullet flew with a light green aura wrapped around it. The sand swirled around the bullet's aura.

Once it flew over the alley Melissa hid in, the bullet curved downward, following the swirling pathway of sand. Melissa barely noticed and sidestepped with the bullet shooting through her cloak.

That is how he curved the bullets! Melissa gasped. I did not know U-Turn could be used like that. He must be using the sand to guide it.

Amos fanned his revolver and unloaded all five bullets at the alley, imbuing his curve shot through them. Melissa dashed out of the alleyway, narrowly dodging the bullets.

He is a lot more accurate than I thought!

Melissa ran out into the street, turned, and nocked an arrow. But he wasted the chamber. That was six shots. She fired an arrow at Amos.

Amos jolted back nearly a second too late. The arrow was a hair from hitting his foot. "Holy—" Amos put a bullet into his revolver and took aim.

Melissa gasped and started running. Amos didn't fire immediately, taking his time instead. After a few seconds, he struck on the hammer. Melissa skidded on her heels with the bullet flying past her face. She regained her balance before she fell back, then darted in the opposite direction.

Amos took to the sky, catching a current of air under his wings, and reloaded his gun. "Run all you like, my dear, but nowhere is safe for you. I will find you, no matter how far you run through the town."

Melissa panted frantically, holding her arm up against the sand buffing against her. This is not how I wanted to spend my day! She looked over her shoulder for a moment, spotting the pursuing Gligar, then sighed. It cannot be helped. She glared ahead, gripping tightly to her bow.

Very well. Let this be another obstacle toward my goal. Amos of the Blind Luck, forgive my rudeness, but I will use you as my stepping stone to success!