Lucient could barely keep himself contained over the last two days, tapping his paw on the mess hall table as his teammates chatted idly about something he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to. His accidental eavesdropping on Jason and Marie echoed endlessly in his mind, a commonality in his life, and it was driving him mad. He felt like if he didn't say anything, he would implode from the guilt.

"I'm serious, you should read some of the books I own. That might turn you around," he heard Lillia exclaim. He looked up to see it was directed at Melissa, who merely pouted at the offer.

"Lillia, while I kindly respect your passions, fantasy does not make any sense."

"Not without an open mind!"

"Why would I want to read about something based off someone's delusion of nature?"

Lillia nudged her side. "Aww, don't be mean. You should at least read one book first. I got a whole collection of occult books, too. Ooh, maybe we can perform a séance."

Melissa shivered. "Why would you want to do that?"

Wyatt laughed. "I thought you didn't believe in the occult."

"I-I do not, but I am not taking my chances talking to thin air and suddenly being thrown across the room."

Avel sighed. "Lillia, is now really the time to be scaring her?"

Ragger snickered. "Hey, don't ruin the fun. I'm kind of enjoying it."

"Meanie!" Melissa accused.

Kenny giggled silently before finally noticing the distressed look on Lucient's face. He tapped Wyatt's shoulder and signed, "Lucient has barely touched his food."

Wyatt blinked and glanced at the scholarly Espeon. "Hey Lucient, buddy, you good over there?"

Lucient yelped out of his thoughts and straightened up. "Oh, me? I am perfectly fine, no worries."

Ragger raised his brow. "You sure? You haven't been your usual boring self these last couple days. Just been muttering to yourself like a weirdo."

"Huh, Ragger is right, I noticed that, too," Melissa agreed before quickly adding, "Uh, except that last part. You are not boring or weird, I promise."

Lillia leaned forward. "Yeah, seriously, what's wigging you out?"

Lucient gulped and waved his paws at them. "Nothing at all! Perfectly fine over here!"

"You were doing that thing again." All eyes fell on Leon, who had been quietly eating his food the whole time. The stoic Aron glared at Lucient. "You were overthinking something and got lost in your thoughts. I'm pretty sure you mumbled yourself to sleep and picked right back up where you left off in the morning."

Melissa blinked at him. "How—"

"I'm bunked with him."

"Ah."

Lucient's shoulders slumped, realizing he had been caught. "Is it that bad?"

Lillia smiled sweetly. "Lucient, you know we love you, and we can tell the difference between your nerdy muttering and your frantic muttering."

"I haven't noticed a difference," Ragger admitted bluntly. Everyone glared at him. "What?"

Kenny shook his head and signed, "Is there something you want to tell us, Lucient? We won't judge."

"Are you having problems with Marianne or something?" Wyatt asked.

Melissa blinked. "Marianne?" Melissa's mind immediately wandered to her Mawile roommate. Is that Marie's full name? Her eyes widened. Wait, does that mean she's his—

Wyatt shut down her thoughts with, "Oh, she's another Forester here, a Luxray. Lucient's girlfriend."

Melissa blinked, then sighed in relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were talking about Marie. Good grief, I would have had words for her…"

"Actually, there was this funny thing that happened where everyone thought Lucient was dating Marie and—"

"Wyatt, focus," Lillia interrupted.

"Ah, right."

Lucient shook his head. "No, no, we're doing fine. It's just…" He sighed and lowered his head. "I…don't know how to explain it. I might get in trouble if I started spreading rumors."

"Ooh, did Lucy do something naughty behind our backs?" Ragger teased with a wide, toothy smirk.

"No, no, it's just…" Lucient sighed and meekly looked to the side, rubbing his foreleg. "I…may have accidentally eavesdropped on a conversation between Jason and Marie. And I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to."

Melissa gasped. "Seriously?"

"Ooh, did you hear anything juicy?" Ragger asked excitedly.

Lucient grimaced. "I really shouldn't—"

"If holding it in is making you uncomfortable," Avel pointed out, "then it's best to just come out and say it. You're going to strain yourself at this rate."

Lucient looked up at them wearily, then relented with a sigh. "Okay, fine, but we cannot let Jason know about this. Promise?" The team nodded in agreement. "Alright." Lucient cleared his throat, then beckoned them to lean in. Once they were close enough, he leaned in and whispered, "I don't know the details, but Jason may know who's hunting…well, you, Melissa."

Melissa covered her mouth in surprise. "He does?"

"Yeah. Apparently, it's might be some group they're looking for, too." Lucient glared. "They only said the most superficial, but I've had a lot of time to think it over. I'm wondering if this is a part of those secret missions the Nature Spirits go on."

Ragger slammed his hands down, grinning with greater enthusiasm. "Oho! Now you got my attention!"

"Shh!" Lucient hushed harshly before continuing, "Anyway, these guys they're looking for, the Dukes of Buzzard, are doing some secret cargo trade stuff. I heard Jason say, 'If we can get one of them to give us a name, his species, and their hideout, we can bust their transport operation and find out what's been going on around here'."

Wyatt squinted. "Dukes of Buzzard?"

"What's been going on around here?" Lillia questioned.

Leon glared. "I've heard of them." They turned to the Aron for answers. "They're supposed to be a gang that specializes in the black market. Before I came to the Foresters, I've heard about them among the locals. They're not especially known for committing crimes, though their newest members tend to carry out their own business."

Lillia glared. "Like that creep that tried to hurt Melissa in Grimebrook."

"And probably that new girl Jet and Zephora dragged back," Ragger added.

Avel glared. "But what does this have to with what Jason said?"

Lucient sighed. "I wish I knew. Clearly something important is going on. I've been here long enough to know that Jason and the higher ups have ulterior motives to starting the Foresters. It's more than just getting back at nobility and fanning flames against the royal families." Lucient grimaced a little. "He even said they're the reason Giles died."

A cold air passed over the group. They turned away mournfully, even Ragger who lost his drunken demeanor for a moment. Melissa looked down at her lap, clutching her skirt, lost in her own mourning for the Forester she never got to meet.

"You know, I've talked to Giles before," Lillia brought up quietly. "He was a really nice guy. Super nice. He didn't deserve to die."

Wyatt nodded. "Yeah…" Avel closed his shell and shuddered.

Melissa lifted her head, blinking in awe at them. "Wait, you all met Giles?"

"In passing," Leon muttered, "but we've probably talked to him at least once."

Melissa frowned, then resumed looking down at her lap. "I never got to meet him."

Wyatt winced. "Right, you were still new here. Geez, that's rough. You would've loved him."

"I think he was only at the base a couple times while you were here, too," Lillia pointed out. "Sorry, Melly."

Melissa wiped her eyes and sniffled. "It is fine."

Ragger, with his arms crossed, fidgeted in his seat with an irritated look. Unable to help himself, he slammed his hands down and stood up. "Let's go."

"Huh?" his teammates gasped.

"Go where?" Avel asked.

Ragger raised his fist. "Isn't it obvious? Let's go find out everything we can about the Dukes of Buzzard and capture them ourselves." His teammates recoiled in shock.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Avel yelled.

"We'll get in serious trouble if we snoop on Jason's work!" Lillia exclaimed.

"Worse, we'll get killed!" Wyatt pointed out.

Lucient stood up. "Ragger, this isn't our business. If Jason wanted it to be public knowledge, he would've said something by now."

"Yeah, I get that, but you have to look at the big picture." Ragger stretched his arms forward like he was observing a painting (or a rack of alcohol). "If we can capture one of those guys and bring them back to Jason, we'll get some serious recognition around here. We might even get to go out more often on missions."

"Are you seriously suggesting this just to satisfy your pride?" Avel accused.

Ragger glared. "Partially…okay, mostly, but I'm with you all about the whole Giles thing." He clenched his fists. "These guys are the reason one of our own was killed again. This time, we're not going to let them get away with it, especially if they have some shifty shit planned for Virdis."

"It's not our problem," Leon reminded firmly. "All you're asking for is chore duty for a month, maybe a whole year. Leave it to the Nature Spirits."

Ragger slammed his hands down. "Come on, none of you want to go on a super cool mission and test your mettle? Melissa got to, and she turned out fine!"

"I was shot!" she reminded frantically. She pulled up her jacket, showing off the bandages. "Quite recently, too!"

"And you lived, bonus!"

Lucient groaned and covered his head. "I should've come clean to Jason…"

Ragger scoffed. "Hey, sooner or later, we'll need to test ourselves against the Freaks. I already have some experience dealing with them before I came here. I can easily crush these guys' skulls." He punched his palm and grinned. "Hunting down these jerks will be a cinch."

Lillia glared. "Even if we disregard the possibility of overestimating ourselves, there is no way Jason would agree to that."

"Which is why we'll do it behind his back."

"You are actually insane!"

"If I spent my time thinking of consequences, I wouldn't be nearly as awesome as I am."

"May do you some good," Lucient mumbled.

Wyatt dropped his chin onto the table and groaned. "What do we do now?"

"At this point, confess my actions to Jason and hope he doesn't get mad." Right as Lucient stood up, Melissa suddenly raised her hand.

"Wait!" The Buneary bit her lip nervously as she kept her gaze down. She sighed and said, "What if…Ragger has a point?"

"Huh?!" the team gasped.

"Huh," Ragger awed, sounding more confused than surprised.

"I obviously do not agree whatsoever. What we are suggesting could get us killed." Melissa shuddered, then clutched warily at her skirt. "That said, I think my brush with death has…broadened by horizons a bit. Or maybe my sense of danger has dulled after dodging bullets for an afternoon." She raised her head and glared firmly. "But, I do want to do something for Giles in his honor. Obviously, the Nature Spirits should be left to do the missions they were trained for, but…well, how will we know how strong we are if we do not try?"

"Through natural progression," Lucient stressed. "Melissa, you're the last person who should be agreeing to this. They're after you."

Melissa frowned. "I am well aware of the danger, but I do want to at least do something in Giles' memory, perhaps as a way to show him how far I will go."

Lillia sighed. "Girl, you're crazy. Like, really crazy."

"You are going to make those rumors about you even worse now," Kenny signed.

"This isn't really a decision you can make haphazardly," Avel warned.

Melissa gulped, then stood up. "We just need to capture one of them, right? We can avoid fighting altogether."

"Haha!" Melissa yelped as Ragger swung an arm around her. "Not how I would go about it, but glad to have you on board!"

Lillia pressed her hands into her face and sighed. "This team is nuts." Her signature, wicked grin appeared behind her hands. "I guess I shouldn't leave you both alone." She stood up. "You'll need someone to keep you on track."

Wyatt and Avel glanced at each other, then rose. "Well, who am I to leave friends behind?"

"I suppose this will be an educational experience on our growth," Avel admitted.

Leon scoffed. "You all are going to get yourselves killed."

Lillia grinned. "That's okay, Leon, you don't have to come. Better you stay here where it's safe."

Leon stared at her blank-faced, then stood up. "You know, I can tell you meant that in sincerity, but you're ticking me off. Whatever, if guns are the worst these have to offer, I've got nothing to worry about. I'm not soft and helpless."

"Heh, that stung," Melissa mumbled with a sad smile.

Kenny shot up and beamed, flashing the 'OK' gesture. Lillia patted his head. "Welcome along, Kenny."

"Are you all not hearing yourselves right now?" Lucient asked in disbelief. He then whispered, "You're seriously thinking about going after dangerous criminals. This is too much for us."

Ragger smirked. "And who decided that? Besides, I'm sure you've got some juicy information on these bandits in that noggin of yours. We'll have the advantage."

"You're missing the point; we might get in serious trouble. Jason will kill us if we run off interfering with private business. What would he say if he heard us right now?"

"If you want an exact line, he'll say 'Get into the wagon, now', then he'll give you the death glare for the entire ride back home in complete silence. Oh wait, you said right now, right?"

"Yeah, exactly that! He'll—" Lucient paused, then recoiled, as did the others. "W-W-What?!"

Somehow going unnoticed the whole time, they found Basil laying in the middle of their table, spinning a berry on his finger. He chuckled and bit into the berry. "Heh. There's always one hotshot every year. First time a whole group of greens shared in."

"B-B-Basil?!" Melissa shrieked. "How-When-Where-Who-Why-HOW?!"

"That's not important." Basil sat up, tossed the berry down his mouth, and swallowed whole. "So, you know about Jason's plans?"

"Why? Do you?" Lillia asked suspiciously.

Basil raised his hands and laughed. "Only as much as you, of course. I must say, I admire your guts, I really do. All of you show great comradery both for the living and the dead. Giles would be proud." Basil tilted his head. "That said, you really should watch where you're sticking your nose around here. Jason tries to keep that stuff top secret for a reason. It's to keep things like this from happening."

Wyatt relaxed and asked, "This has happened before?"

"What do you think happened to the last six before Giles?" Basil glared. "They all thought they could be hotshots and prove they're the best. Naturally, it wound up with them getting killed. You'd think people would get the memo and stop, but there's always that one joker who thinks he's different."

The team looked away shamefully. Lucient sighed. "I told you all this is a stupid idea—"

"That said," Basil interrupted, now sounding cheery, "there was one thing they all had in common: they went alone."

The team blinked at him confused. "Huh?"

"You're all still novices. We have rules and regulations for a reason. Obviously, Jason would never allow you to go alone to take care of some bandit he deems dangerous. Better to let the professionals put an end to them in one or two shots." Basil smirked. "But, let's assume we disguised it as a standard mission with a team leader…"

Melissa gasped. "Basil, are you covering for us?"

Basil winked. "Don't think of it as covering for you. It's more like telling the truth, but not actually. I am a Greenwood Leader, so I have the authority to take rookies out on missions. It'd just be a bit unfortunate if I happen to find one of the marked locations Jason is looking into, right?"

Ragger grinned. "You are officially the best Salandit ever!"

"Please, please, praise me more."

Lucient narrowed his eyes worriedly. "And…you're sure this is safe?"

Basil grinned. "Trust me, even though I'm not a Nature Spirit Scout, you've got nothing to worry about with me watching your backs. You're all right, maybe it's time you tested your mettle and gave a demonstration of what our new batch of rookies are capable of. I'm getting positively excited just thinking about it."

Lucient looked warily at his team, most offering supportive looks that told him he didn't have to do it. He could see his decision would have weight. If he still didn't want to go along with it, maybe they'll concede and drop the topic. Ragger probably won't, but he probably wouldn't raise a fuss, either.

Lucient slid his paws down his face, then bellowed a sigh. "I am making a huge mistake, I just know it."

"Alright!" the rookies cheered. "Let's do this!"

Basil grinned. "Splendid." He jumped off the table. "I'll tell Jason we're planning a little field trip to the nearby villages. I'll get one of the potential locations, and we'll be on our way. Pack what you need and be by the elevator in a half hour."

"Yes sir!" the rookies exclaimed, saluting him off.

Lillia grabbed Melissa's hand and dragged her away. "Come on, we've got packing to do!"

"Oh boy!" Melissa yelped.

Lucient shook his head and covered his face. "I shouldn't have said that." Kenny hopped up beside him and patted his back. "Thanks…"

"Hey, lighten up, Lucy," Ragger said, trying to sound the least bit considerate. "Basil said he'll protect us. The dude's probably super strong or something. We got nothing to worry about." He, Leon, and the brothers went on ahead, leaving Lucient and Kenny to themselves.

Lucient sighed. "Yeah…yeah, maybe he's right. If Basil says it's fine, it's fine. I'm sure he knows what he's doing. I'm sure." Kenny nodded happily and patted his back some more.


With their gear packed, the rookies waited by the elevator for Basil, who seemed to be taking his time despite issuing the meet-up time. They have been waiting for fifteen minutes.

Lillia rocked on her feet, then asked aloud, "So, does anyone else think he got caught or…?"

Leon sighed. "Maybe he was playing a practical joke on us."

"I'm getting antsy," Ragger grumbled. His claws twitched and drummed into his crossed arms, trying to keep the better half of his excitement suppressed.

Melissa let her eyes wander for a bit before spotting the Salandit walking their way. She sighed, then waved him over. "Hey Basil! What took you so long?"

Basil grinned and waved back to them. "Sorry for the wait, gang. Took me a bit longer than I anticipated. Also, I had to run a little errand before we left. Anyway—" Basil pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and waved it at them. "This is one of the towns that was rumored to have Dukes of Buzzard skulking around. Jason thinks we're going to Rainside Village, but we'll be heading to a little town called Vino."

Lillia beamed, suddenly interested. "Ooh, I've heard of Vino. Some of the most beautiful dresses are made there."

Melissa squinted. "Wait, Vino is in Echo Bell territory. That is quite the travel. Is really alright for us to take Godfrey out there?"

Basil shook his head. "Oh, I told Jason we can procure other means of travel. If not, we could always go on foot."

"On foot?!" Melissa shrieked. "That will take weeks! By the time we get there, the Dukes of—" Lucient covered her mouth immediately.

Basil chuckled. "Relax, I know some people in the villages who would gladly give us a ride. You're so fun to tease." Melissa grumbled as Lucient moved his paw away. "Anyway, you guys ready to risk your hides?"

Ragger slammed his fists together and laughed. "Only when you stop yapping and start leading!"

"That's the attitude I wanted to hear!" Basil skipped onto the elevator and gestured everyone on. Once they were set, Basil gave the signal to the elevator operators and they descended down. "No dawdling until we get our ride. I want to be out of here as soon as possible."

Avel looked at Basil funnily. "Why?"

"No reason, I'm just excited to be leading a mission. I'm usually busy managing things around here." Basil laughed. "It'll be nice to see how far you rookies have come."

Lucient narrowed his eyes. I can never read this guy.


Night, Fort Lucus

Jason and Eadwulf gathered around the Pikachu's desk and looked over the three locations they picked out from the outsider information Petra gathered. Three towns, three possible locations.

Jason narrowed his eyes. "We got one sighting in Senbo, Echo Bell, and far out around Great Gate."

Eadwulf winced. "Great Gate, huh? Don't often venture that far out."

"Keep in mind Petra only picked up on this rumor on the road. It's very likely to be misinformation. Still, if these are the guys we're looking for, they could be anywhere." Jason tapped on the Senbo location. "I don't think they would be hanging around Senbo. It's been isolated from the other kingdoms for so long, there wouldn't be an active trade operation going on."

Eadwulf shook his head. "But that's exactly why it's still a possible location. Perhaps they found a way to sneak pass the authorities. It's not impossible, just look at us."

"True, but does Senbo have any active criminals?"

"Aside from a few raids on the villages, not much. And no reports of misdeeds hanging in the area."

"So, this is either another false lead or the beginning of the black market within Senbo territory." Jason glared. "Since Amos had access to their firearm technology, maybe there already has been an established black market. We may have to broaden our search deeper into Senbo's community."

Eadwulf glanced at the Echo Bell location. "So, what makes this one a stand out?"

"Vino is an odd one. Talented seamstresses live out there."

"And you know this how?"

"Adenine, obviously. Told me all about it when I first met her."

"Oh right, I think I remember that." Eadwulf glared. "So, why would they be hanging around there?"

"Well, let's assume what they're transporting is small and accessible. If they can work out deals with business owners and plant their cargo into the clothes, then sell them to specific customers, they could it off without raising suspicion."

"Sounds like how drug trades are done."

"Again, we don't know what they're transporting in those crates. They could be the size of a Donphan. We can only go off speculation." Jason leaned back in his seat. "The real issue is drawing them out. They know they're being hunted by us. They won't make the amateur mistake of exposing themselves to the same Foresters who took out their last business partner."

Eadwulf crossed his arms and huffed. "Valentine's the hunter of our group. Even if we send him, we have a one out of three shot of getting it right, along with a high chance we'll miss our mark."

"So, we need to make a decision fast before they decide to take their business elsewhere." Jason glared off to the side. "She may have been joking, but I'm starting to consider Marie's plan to use Melissa as bait."

"You can't be serious."

"I'm not, of course. I just have a hunch if we figure out who Althalos is and what he's transporting, our search may yield new paths. We just need to capture one of them and pray Marie can seduce the information out of them."

"They know we won't try and raise alarm with the civilians. They could put others in danger if we are exposed too soon."

"We could take the risk and send three groups at once. We'd have better odds if we send Valentine to the right location. Even if they escape, Valentine can track their movements and lead us back to Althalos, or at least make sure they don't get away again."

Eadwulf rubbed his eye and yawned. "We're going to be at this all night."

"Then get some sleep. I'll have something figured out in the morning."

"Jason, you need rest, too, unless you want to join in on Shade's routinely napping."

Jason shook his head. "It's fine, I have everything under control. I'll have a decision by morning, I promise."

Eadwulf sighed. "Stubborn as ever." He stood up and stretched his arms. "By the way, where did you send Basil and the rookies off to?"

Jason waved it off. "Basil asked to take them on a trip to Rainside Village. He wanted to get them started on assisting the people."

Eadwulf raised his brow. "Basil doesn't often lead missions unless he gets something out of it."

"Maybe he had a change of heart."

"That doesn't sound right."

"I'm too busy to be worrying over things like that. Now, get some sleep so I can—" There was a knock outside the hut. "Enter."

Tank walked, covered in ash and grease stains. "Uh, Jason?"

"Yes, is something wrong?"

Tank took off his bulky glove, revealing the wooden right hand he sported. He flexed the prosthetic limb before reaching into his satchel. "I was going through inventory when I found this note attached to one of the swords. It's addressed to you."

Jason put his quill down and shot the Smeargle a funny look. "To me?" He walked over and swiped the note from him. He read the front of the folded parchment. "This is Basil's handwriting." He opened the note and skimmed through the letter.

Eadwulf and Tank waited for Jason to finish before jumping back with a start as a violent crackle exploded from his cheeks. The note caught fire and burned to ashes, revealing Jason's furious scowl.

"Prep Godfrey for an emergency trip, now!" He dashed out of the hut with the two Foresters chasing after him.

"Do I even want to know?" Eadwulf asked.

Jason bared his teeth. "You'll know once I'm done strangling Basil and the rookies!"


One Week Later…

After procuring a ride from a kind farmer, the rookies and Basil traveled far out of Verde territory towards the edge of Echo Bell Kingdom's territory. Melissa leaned out of the hay-covered wagon and marveled at the beautiful streams and waterwheels found all around. The grass was rich and vibrant, sparkling with late morning dew. So many fresh, exotic smells invaded her nostrils, the pure essence of the outdoors unlike her time in Verde or Wick. Everything looked and felt clean and refreshing.

Lillia pulled Melissa back into the wagon and giggled. "Unless you want an up close look at the dirt, I suggest keeping your rump parked on the ground."

Melissa smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. You may have noticed I do not get out much."

"Oh, we noticed," Ragger assured, receiving a sharp, but ultimately harmless jab to the side from Lucient.

"Everything just looks so pretty and bright~!" Melissa fawned over, resting her arms on the wagon's edge and laying her head in them. "I never get to see this much nature in Verde Kingdom. All you see is stone and people walking around."

Lillia grinned. "Oh, I am so taking you shopping around town."

Basil tutted at her. "No, no, we're here on important business, per your collective requests. You can shop another time."

Lillia pouted. "Aw, no fair."

"We could always turn back."

Lillia sighed. "But we're already here…" Basil laughed.

Leon raised a brow at the Salandit. "And you're sure Jason didn't suspect anything?"

Basil waved it off. "Nothing I wouldn't want him to know, of course. We could always say we ran into one of these hooligans and claim self-defense. He can't get mad at us for that."

"Huh, you have a point," Melissa agreed.

Their ride stopped in front of the town bridge. After thanking their driver, Basil led the rookies into town. They marveled at the rivers crossing through the town, with some folks gliding along on boats. Unlike most villages and town Melissa had been exposed to, this one felt more nostalgic to back home in Verde. Stone pathways and modern stone buildings. The only difference, of course, were the rivers crisscrossing through the streets with bridges arching over them.

"Wow," Melissa awed, covering her cheeks.

Basil grinned. "Well, I think I'll leave you all to your work." He turned and headed off.

Lucient blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're not going to supervise us?"

"Nah, I'm going to do some sightseeing."

"Wasn't the whole point of you coming here to keep us safe?"

Basil looked back and winked. "Relax, I have your backs. Besides, we don't know for sure if they're here. Just take your time and gather information. If nothing comes up, then nothing comes up." He waved to them before disappearing among the crowd.

Wyatt tilted his head. "I can never quite read that guy."

Avel sighed, then asked, "So, what's our first course of action?"

Lucient tapped his chin. "Well, as Basil said, we should use this time to gather information."

"Can't we just bash anyone who looks like who we're looking for?" Ragger asked impatiently. "There can't be that many lookalikes around here."

Lucient glared. "Do you really want to get us arrested?"

"I can punch the police, too." Lucient facepalmed.

Lillia raised her hand. "Splitting up might work. We can ask around and, if no one has any useful information, we can go home with a clean conscience."

Avel nodded. "Agreed. We should split ourselves up evenly."

Wyatt grinned at Kenny. "Want to come with us, little buddy?" Kenny beamed and nodded.

Lucient sighed. "Fine. Ragger, you and Leon can come with me. Maybe a tavern or two can give us the intel we need."

Ragger grinned. "You had me at tavern! Lead the way!"

Lucient looked at Lillia and Melissa. "That leaves you two. You'll be fine on your own, right?"

Lillia waved it off. "Pssh, no sweat. I can watch after this little cinnamon roll." She pinched Melissa's cheeks. "Just look at her~."

"This is equally demeaning and flattering," the Buneary mumbled exasperatedly.

Lucient nodded. "Okay. And don't forget to use her new name like Jason told us. We don't want anyone getting any ideas. And keep yourself covered up, Harlow."

Melissa pulled her hood over her face and smiled. "I have you covered."

"Let's meet back here in two hours. If we can't turn anything up, we're heading home."

"Right!" After sharing a group high-five, the three teams went their separate ways.


"Ha~!" Lillia sighed cheerily, stretching her arms. "Feels good to stretch the legs, don't you agree?"

"I guess so," Melissa said as she looked around, muttering apologies to anyone she bumped into. "So, how exactly do we do the whole investigating thing?"

Lillia giggled. "Oh, we can worry about that later."

Melissa pulled a face. "Uh, but are we not on a mission—" Lillia covered her mouth.

"We are, we are, but I wanted to spend time with you, silly."

"Spend time with me?"

Lillia nodded. "Of course. Sure, I get along fine with the other girls back at base, but I never had someone in training like me. We're practically best friends, and I want to make the most of it."

Melissa blushed sheepishly and looked away. "Oh, uh…thank you, Lillia." She smiled a bit. "I have to say, I was a bit worried about making friends when I first joined. My only friend back home, barring royalty, was my maid. A bit boisterous and overbearing, but sweet nonetheless. It is difficult to put yourself out there and make friends, especially when dealing with a flock of suitors."

Lillia grinned. "Oh my, you must've been quite the catch."

Melissa chuckled awkwardly and looked down. "I-I am sure most of my suitors found me attractive, but many of them were only allured to my status." She frowned. "It is…like that often." Lillia tilted her head curiously. "I try to be friendly with the staff back home, but…they only ever addressed me as a princess. I would have been nice if they shared a conversation with me or something."

"Was it like that often?" Lillia asked.

Melissa huffed through her nose. "When Jet told me about how much he hated nobles, it hurt my pride because…well, a part of me agreed with him, and I did not want to admit it. I can understand why you and the others hate the nobility. Personally, looking back on my life, my suitors mostly cared about how good they would look next to me. It really does paint a picture of their priorities."

"I don't hate nobles."

Melissa's ears perked up. "Come again?"

Lillia smiled. "Come on, Hars, you're smart enough not to lump everyone into a box." She playfully knocked on Melissa's forehead. "Sure, some aren't particularly nice, but what do I have to gain from hating them?" Lillia shrugged. "I don't really hate anyone."

Melissa raised her brow. "Not even a little?"

"Not even a little. I think everyone's entitled to some respect, even if they're being mean about it."

Melissa frowned. "I guess, but not even a little rage?"

Lillia giggled. "Nah! I'm perfectly content with how things are. That's why if we ever find these bandit guys, I'm sure we can discuss things like proper young ladies."

"Huh." Melissa looked at the ground for a moment while Lillia hummed to herself. "Hey, Lillia?"

"Yes?"

"Where are you from?"

"Curious?"

"A little."

"Hee, I don't blame you." Lillia tucked her hands behind her back. "Let's see…I'm from Hill A, directly in the Algus Kingdom."

Melissa's eyes widened. "You lived inside the kingdom?"

Lillia grinned. "Yes ma'am, I did."

"I thought only the wealthy lived in the kingdom."

"Well, my confused carrot-muncher—"

"I don't eat carr—"

"While it is true the Algus Kingdom has quite a bit of territory, most of it is situated on what you would know as Mt. Frigid. There's territory around the base of the mountain, but most of the villages are actually on the mountain. Hill A just happens to be one of the villages closest to the peak where the royal Widforss family resides."

Melissa gasped. "I have heard stories of the Widforss family. According to history, the first king of Algus was the only one brave enough to combat the blistering temperatures and make his claim after a twenty-day struggle to the top."

Lillia nodded. "Oh yeah, they're that tough." She giggled with a small blush. "And, I'm sure you can appreciate this tidbit, the prince is pretty cute, too."

Melissa blushed and looked away. "I-I do not get smitten that easily."

"Well, he's as cute as a Scizor can get, at least. Tough exterior, though." Lillia sighed. "It was an…interesting life living up in Algus, I'll say. I was raised under the divine eye of Rayquaza for most of my life. I even helped in the ceremonies."

"Helped in the…" Melissa gasped. "Wait, were you a priest?"

Lillia smiled. "Raised in a family of clergy, yes. It would surprise you to know I saw quite a lot of Prince Widforss at the ceremonies we held." She giggled behind her hand. "He seemed more interested in training than listening to another chorus, though."

Melissa beamed. "Must have a lot of fun memories, right?"

"Oh…yes, plenty of fun memories." Lillia looked away, gently parting some fur away from her mismatched eyes. The orange and green colors shimmered a bit.

Melissa frowned. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Hm?" Lillia smiled. "Oh, I'm fine. Just feeling nostalgic, I guess."

"Ah." Melissa held her look on Lillia for a moment, then continued facing forward.

An awkward silence hanged between them. Lillia fiddled with the waist of her jacket and adjusted the ornamental sword hanging under her cloak.

"Hey…Harlow?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you ever feel pressured growing up in royalty?"

"How so?"

"Like…you had obligations to uphold even though you never had a say in them. You were just, you know, born into them. Anything like that?"

Melissa narrowed her eyes, then faced the ground. "To be honest, that is the reason I left home. I…well, I tried to do as I was told, but I could never see eye to eye with my father. We are very different."

"You too, huh?"

"What?"

Lillia shook her head. "Nothing." She pulled her hood over her head. "I guess you wish you weren't born special."

Melissa smiled. "I was not born special."

Lillia scoffed playfully. "Girl, don't kid yourself. You grew up in the literal best conditions in Virdis. You were treated as something special, and you were expected to reciprocate that feeling back onto the public." Lillia frowned. "You were…expected to be something special."

Melissa frowned. "Are you sure you are okay? Where is all this coming from?"

Lillia closed her eyes and forced a smile. "I guess I just sympathize with your goal to restore order to Virdis. You don't see that kind of initiative nowadays. I'd say it's border inane, but then I recall this crazy mission we're on." Lillia sighed. "I guess a part of me wished I was born into a lower class than I was. Maybe feeling like a nobody would've been better."

Melissa smiled sweetly. "I do not think you are a nobody."

"Heh, you're just saying that." Lillia's eyes widened as Melissa grabbed her hands and started pulling her along. "What are you—"

"Maybe we should use this time to bond. As agreed upon earlier, our targets might not be here. I have been fancying a new wardrobe. While I understand the purpose of camouflage, I think new outfits are in order."

Lillia blinked, then grinned excitedly. "Lead the way!" The girls giggled and skipped off towards the town markets.


"I'm SO bored!"

A loud crash startled nearby civilians walking by. An irritable Poliwrath was seated outside a shop with a half-eaten meal and the remains of a five-person table crushed by his fist. He shoveled the last of his food down furiously, scaring the people away.

Once he was finished, he threw the plate into the shop, shattering it to pieces. "I came down here for some action. Why did he send me to handle this shit, too?!"

"Because he would have to torture himself listening to you whine, Rogier." The Poliwrath scowled at the sudden return of his Absol partner. She grinned cruelly. "Another temper tantrum, I see."

"Quiet, bitch!" he roared.

"My mistake, must be naptime. Want your bottle, too?" She casually ducked under one of his punches, then seated herself in a chair opposite of him. "Anyway, I finished dealing with our client."

Rogier seemingly simmered down and leaned back in his seat. "And?"

"After some bargaining, she agreed to distribute the Wraith to potential expendables. The shipment should get here in a few days. Once Althalos is done spreading the word to worthy followers, everything will be watertight around here."

Rogier nodded. "And how much ground have we obtained?"

"That's the tricky part. We got as far as Great Gate, Verde, Wick, Echo Bell, and some parts of Algus. Unfortunately, with the war between New Chariot and Umbra Clock, we won't be able to profit off them."

"Wouldn't the Wraith be useful to the warfront, though?"

Ainsley waggled her claw. "And how would it look if Wraith suddenly started showing up on the battlefield? Operations would go to dust if everyone knew what it was. Best to use it sparingly or for emergency. That is what Althalos was informed to do with it."

"Then what about the rest of the kingdoms? Arcania, Senbo, and Subterra?"

"Senbo's pretty strict about crime. They'd bust us in an instant. Best not to take our chances until they loosen up their borders. Subterra's pretty much useless to us. Everyone there's a dirt-loving weirdo."

Rogier raised his brow. "Says the woman who tried to drink a man's blood."

Ainsley smirked. "Awfully judgmental coming from a big strong dumbass who got his ass kicked out of knight training." Rogier sneered, but restrained himself. "Anyway, I think we tried to set something up in Arcania, even if it's doing poorly on the economics." She glared. "But I heard a rumor some crazy jungle chick attacked our grunts. Wiped them all out before they had a chance to blink."

"I didn't think Arcania had anyone left defending them."

"Could've fooled me. While I doubt it would be impossible for any kingdom to encroach on them, they've fortunately stayed out of other kingdoms' affairs. They're either really lucky or that inconsequential. It's a toss-up in my eyes."

Rogier sighed. "I hate politics."

"Most of what I said wasn't really political."

"Whatever!" Rogier threw his arms up. "Can we go now? I'm getting sick and tired of doing nothing!"

Ainsley grinned. "But I wanted to check out the bookstore before we leave."

"That could take ages with you!"

"You can wait one day."

"It'd be more like four with you!"

"Aww, come on~!" She winked. "I'll buy you a drink."

Rogier narrowed his eyes. "You're lying."

"Cross my heart, hope to die." She traced her claw over her chest.

"…" Rogier stood up and shoved his hands inside his pockets. "Strongest rum you can find." He marched off.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm heading down to the town market. Maybe some asshole stumbling around wants to pick a fight."

Ainsley rolled her eyes. "Uh huh, you do you—"

"Excuse me, miss." Ainsley looked down at a Vibrava, who appeared to be the shop owner. "Was he with you?"

She raised her brow. "Sure?"

"I'm going to need you to pay for the damages he caused."

Ainsley then remembered the broken table she was literally sitting at. "Uh…" The Vibrava sketched down some numbers on a piece of paper and handed it to her. She skimmed the numbers, then gasped. "That much?! What kind of wood was this made from?!"

"Well—"

"That was rhetorical!" She glared over her shoulder. Stiff me with the bill, eh? Hope you like your rum marinated in drunken spit.