15th Winter Moon, 907

"How does it look?"

"Honestly, better than I expected. Time sure does fly."

Sid peeked over the hill she and the boys were hiding behind and squinted at the village up ahead. The village they invaded months ago to put an end to Last Autumn's dealings. The damage that the village incurred since then had faded with the sands of time, rebuilt to its former, decrepit glory. Any trace of Last Autumn's influence had been wiped clean and expunged from the village boundaries.

The Diglett and Klink lines that were being used were granted their freedom. The Foresters weren't made aware of what became of them, but they know they're no longer being enslaved. They even heard the space they were using to distribute the Wraith had since been converted into a new storage unit for the inn.

It felt strange coming back after so many months, but it was good to know their meddling hadn't left irreversible damage for the villagers.

Sid picked Rusty up and set him on the hill's lump. "Take a look, Rusty. You should've seen it. The battle was incredible and well fought."

Valentine put down his telescope and folded it up. "Yes, a shame he couldn't join us. He would've dominated the battlefield."

"Ha! You know it!"

Valentine glared back at the village. "As much as I want to take in the scenery, we need to find the transport details on Althalos. If I had to guess, they're being kept in the constable's station somewhere in the village. We may need to procure a map of the land."

Sid squinted. "What was the name of this village again?"

"Hmm, I think it's Snowbound Village or something. Could be wrong."

"Well, it certainly feels like that!"

Valentine glanced over his shoulder and smiled at their tagalong. "Enjoying the weather, Ragnarok?"

The Hakamo-o rubbed his arms as the steadily-falling snow pelted his back. Even with his cloak and the Forester winter uniform on, he felt like an icicle in the ocean. He pulled a bottle of vodka from his cloak and started downing the bottle.

Sid deadpanned. "Best not to get drunk while we're here."

Ragger wiped his lips and scoffed at them. "Bah! I'm not even helping you two with the whole…sneaking junk. W-What was my job again?"

Valentine smirked. "You know, you really should've thought ahead about coming with us to the coldest part of Virdis during the winter."

Ragger leaned forward and glared at the Spinda. "Don't sass me, swirly panda! I know what—hic—I'm getting myself into coming out here. You just worry about securing those transports details and I-I'll worry about me."

Sid sighed. "Ragger, you insisted vehemently about coming with us. Since this is supposed to be for your field assignment, you will be judged and graded for your efforts."

"What am I even being graded on? You said—hic—I'm not cut out to be a Nature Spirit Scout."

Valentine chuckled. "Yes, but you can learn a lot from us. You may even make an effective leader one day."

"Hah! Yeah right!"

Valentine rolled his eyes. "And to answer your earlier question, your job is to keep lookout while Sid and I procure the details. If anything goes wrong, we expect you to alert us."

"You brought me along to be your effing siren?!"

"You invited yourself, and no." Valentine stood up and stretched his arms. "There's always the threat of bounty hunters whenever we go out. While you probably have not much to worry about since you're still relatively unknown, Sid and I aren't so fortunate. While we can handle ourselves, it'd be good practice for you on how to deal with bounty hunters."

Ragger scoffed. "Like punching them?"

"Sometimes they can be reasoned with. Some are in it for the money, some are in it for revenge. You never know the kinds of people you meet."

Ragger rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because scumbags who spend their days hunting people down are the pinnacle of conversation."

Sid smirked. "Sounds like an alternative lifestyle for you, then."

Ragger smirked back. "I'll stick to brewing my own blends."

"Suit yourself." Valentine hopped over the hill and started ahead. "Hurry along, you two. The snow will pick up soon." Ragger and Sid followed the Spinda into the village, covering themselves in their cloaks as the winds and snow blew harder.

"Uuuuuugh! So hungry~!"

Casimir opened one eye and glanced at his "partner", who was scrunched up on her bed with her legs hanging off the side. They got a lucky break bagging some crooks who were worth a fair sum of money and decided to stay in a tavern during their extended stay. At Shale's insistence, she believed the Foresters would return to the scene of the crime in time. Though Casimir had no reason to argue with her logic, he couldn't always trust whatever came out of the young Cinderace's mouth.

"Then go get some food downstairs," Casimir stated.

Shale groaned and rolled herself up into a cocoon. "Too far~."

"Well, what do you want me to do about it?"

"Get me some foooooood."

Casimir shook his head. "I'm not your nanny. Get it yourself."

"But you're my partner. Partners help each other out."

"One, not your partner. Two, not interested."

"Caaaaaaaz~!"

"Shale, quit being a baby and get your own meal."

"But the tavern food here sucks! It's all dry and tasteless!"

Casimir rolled his eyes. "What did you expect? We were only able to afford the cheapest tavern in the village."

"Caaaaaaaz~! Pleeeeeease?"

"…"

"Pwetty pwease?"

"…"

"With a strawberry on top?"

"…" Casimir took a deep breath and sighed. "Fine. What do you—"

Shale popped out of her covers and sat on the edge of the bed, holding a paper menu. "Well, since you're offering, there's this wonderful little shop the sells the best sausages around! I'm talking nice and crispy, the kind where you get that snap every time you bite into it. Oh, and so rich in flavor—"

"You manipulative, little brat!" Casimir yelled, flying out his chair.

Shale winked with one eye flashing yellow and handed him the menu. "No takesies backsies."

Casimir's eye twitched as he snatched the menu from her hands and marched out the door. "This is why I'll never have kids," he grumbled.

"You're a true friend, Caz!"

Ragger clutched his bottle close to his chest as he waited for Valentine and Sid to inspect the map they acquired. They sat in an alleyway, out of the blistering winds, which gave the Hakamo-o time to relax and warm up some. The vodka did wonders for warming up his insides.

Valentine traced his finger across the map. "Okay, the constable's station is here, and we're here. A pretty simple walk. We just need to break in and search through the reports taken in the Noble Lion Moon this past year, and we'll find our ghost."

Ragger groaned and sat up. "Great, let's get 'er done."

Sid frowned. "You seem a bit crabby."

Ragger huffed. "I was hoping we would be exploring the further reaches of the outlands more, that's all. That's the only reason I came here."

Valentine waved the map at him. "We'll likely have to cross through them again if Althalos was carted off there. Besides, it's not good to travel too far into the outlands. They can get pretty dicey if you're ill-prepared."

Ragger sighed. "Yeah…"

Sid glanced at Valentine, then back at Ragger. She smiled thoughtfully. "You know, now that I think about it, we shouldn't have you waiting outside the station waiting for us. You'd get cold waiting around out there. Plus, though the extra alert would be nice, Val and I can take care of ourselves."

Valentine raised his brow. "Where are you going with this?"

Sid shoved Rusty into Ragger's hands and grinned. "And I can't bring my pal, Rusty, with me. So, would you mind taking care of him for me? Maybe do a little sightseeing with him? Explore the village a bit?"

Ragger looked at the bucket in complete bafflement. "You want me to babysit your bucket? And why are you trying to get rid of me all of a—" He stopped as Sid shared a wink with him. He blinked twice, then smirked. "Oh. I see." He stretched his arms and yawned. "Sure, I can do that."

"Just be sure to meet us back at the constable's in a half hour. We should be done by then. If you don't make it, we'll come look for you."

"Can do, ma'am." Ragger tucked the bucket under his arms and started off. "Come along, you rusty piece of junk."

Sid waved them off with a friendly smile. Valentine rolled up the map and tucked it away. He smirked at Sid. "You're too soft-hearted."

Sid lowered her claws, then frowned. "You ever get the impression Ragger puts up a front?"

"Hmm?" Valentine watched the Hakamo-o as he left. "Well, I haven't met an alcoholic who doesn't have something screwed up going on in their heads. Course, I don't know many alcoholics. You let him leave to find whatever he needs to fulfil his backstory or something?"

"Uh…sure?" Sid shook her head. "We really shouldn't leave him alone, even if he has Rusty to watch over him, but Ragger feels like he'll find something out here. I just wish he would open up about it. We can help him."

Valentine shrugged. "He's a headstrong fellow. He'll come around when he wants to. Come on, let's get those transfer details." Sid nodded and followed him down the street.

"Where the hell do I start searching?" Ragger grumbled, dragging his feet behind him. Despite his complaining, he had yet to come up with an actual plan for finding what he was looking for. "I doubt the constable has records regarding slave trade from eight years ago, especially that far out in the outlands. Tch, then again, trusting any form of authority to handle your problems never seems to work out unless you have money."

He held up Rusty and glared at him. "It's always the same, you hear me? People acting so high and mighty, thinking they can do whatever they please! Second they see some lower class bum like me, I'm nobody's problem. Just some old rag flowing on the winds of change, taking up precious space and making them recoil from how filthy I look. Oh sure, you fancy people think you're SO special, but people like me gave you that damn purpose. We're just objects to you, right?"

A bead of snow dripped down the bucket's side.

"Oh, don't give me that look. I'd gladly beat every noble who stood in my way to a pulp. They don't know who they're messing with. I'd be kinder if they actually gave a damn about our problems, but—" Ragger paused to guzzle down more of his vodka. He sighed and wiped his maw. "—but I know what's best? You hear?! Do you hear?! Can you hear?! Of course you can't! Your noble ears can't process my barbaric speech like I'm some prehistoric Pokémon that survived the tests of time, outliving everything and acting as a wandering relic of the past. Except relics get treated like royalty in their fancy museums, even if it's something as stupid as historical plumbing. It was just a sponge on a stick, yet you proudly display that! No, we're the relics that ruin their cushy lifestyle. I'm no relic. I'm Ragnarok Recke! And I'd gladly pummel anyone who said otherwise!"

Ragger stopped for a moment and took another swig of vodka. He sighed, swaying side-to-side, and smiled at Rusty. "You know, I'm starting to see why the mole chick likes you so much. You're a good listener, pal! Here, have a swig on me!" He poured some vodka into Rusty's crudely shaped mouth. "There you go! Delicious, right? It's my own blend! Don't take that lightly, I don't share eas…easily. Yeesh, how long have I been walking?"

Ragger stumbled through the street, keeping Rusty and his vodka close to him. "Heh, don't worry, you piece of junk. Your pal, Ragger, won't let you go. Won't…let you go. Won't…let go."

"Ragger, stop playing around with those windchimes."

A young Jangmo-o, who lay upon a collapsible counter attached to a wagon, stopped swiping at the windchimes hanging over him and turned to his mother, a Heliolisk. She crossed her arms and smiled wryly at the little dragon.

"Aren't you supposed to be helping Freya clean out the wagon?"

Ragger grinned. "Sorry Ma, I got bored. But don't worry, Freya's doing a great job all by herself!" A balled-up rag flew out from inside the wagon and clonked him in the head. "WAH!" He fell off his perch and landed in the grass.

A Helioptile, who appeared younger than her brother, popped up from behind the counter and stuck her tongue out at him. "At least I'm responsible!"

Ragger stood up and snickered. "And you do such a great job at it." Freya pouted.

Their mother shook her head. "Oh, you two. No time for arguing, the next town's just a day away." She rubbed her hands together and smiled. "The Umbra Clock Kingdom will surely appreciate some of the wares we have for them. Who could say no to authentic, handcrafted windchimes made by the Subterra Kingdom? We'll make quite a bargain!"

"Bahahahaha!" A Kommo-o stomped into view from behind the wagon, guzzling down from a large gourd. "Why the heck would a bunch of underground artisans make windchimes? Do they even get wind down there?"

Heliolisk rolled her eyes. "I do recall some areas being quite drafty. You never know where those tunnels of theirs lead. Or, you know, it's for the aesthetic. Why do people put anything on their homes these days?"

Kommo-o boomed with laughter. "You loved that wreath I bought for the wagon, though. Really spruces the place up."

Heliolisk smirked. "Yes, I suppose it's quite lovely."

Ragger sniffed the air, then gagged. "Ugh, Dad! I can smell that vile crap in your gourd all the way from here!"

Kommo-o laughed. "Trust me, kid, this stuff will put hair on your chest. Err, scales, in our case."

"There is NO way I'm drinking anything that tastes and smells like that."

"Suit yourself, kiddo." Ragger rolled his eyes as he watched his dad guzzle down his gourd, then pulled himself back onto the counter.

Freya joined his side and smiled. "I hope we get to try some new foods while we're there. The Umbra Clock Kingdom makes some pretty hearty meals."

Ragger smirked. "Can't be as good as that slop they served when we passed by the Arcane Kingdom."

"Eww! I still can't believe you liked that stuff! I'm pretty sure they threw wood shavings in there."

Ragger snickered. "Shavings or not, it was delicious!"

"You're gross!" Freya laughed, shoving her brother.

"You're grosser!" Ragger shoved her back and pounced on her. The siblings laughed and rolled around on the counter.

Heliolisk grabbed them by the tails and pulled them apart. "Alright, that's enough out of you two." She leaned down and whispered, "And you two have nothing on your father's morning breath."

"EWW!" The siblings shivered in disgust.

Kommo-o laughed. "Very funny, dear." He corked his gourd and attached it to his side. "Everyone back in the wagon. We got sales to make!"

"Aye!" they cheered. They flipped the counter back up and hopped inside. Heliolisk let herself in through the door on the back.

Kommo-o stepped up front and grabbed the two bars, lifting it like it was a rickshaw. He stamped his feet, then broke into a steady sprint through the plains. The siblings stuck their heads and laughed as the wind hit their faces.

Ragger enjoyed these moments. He pretty much had everything he could ask for. A loving family, a place to sleep, and he got to see all of Virdis every day of his life. It couldn't get much better than that.

And he never planned on letting go of this life any time soon…

"Have a nice day!"

"Yeah, yeah, thanks," Casimir hollered back as he stepped out of the small shop. He held up the bag clutched firmly in his hand, where a piping hot box of sausages awaited one hungry Cinderace back home. Casimir got himself a meal box since he was feeling a bit hungry, so not a total waste of a trip. He walked onto the snow-covered streets, pulling his hood over his head.

"Damn that brat," Casimir grumbled. "What I wouldn't give to deck her off the side of a mountain. Ugh, but she's still a kid. Can't do that even if I wanted to. She could act her age and less…chaotic. Why does she even bother following me around? Not like I'm the most interesting guy in Virdis. Maybe she just loves bugging the shit out of me."

Casimir sighed, watching his breath fly in front of his face. He spoke like he hated Shale, though he mostly spouted hot air. He'd never outwardly admit it to her face, but Casimir appreciated her company despite how often she got on his nerves. It gave him something to do that didn't revolve around fighting. He could've just outright refused to get her lunch. No force compelled him to go against his will. No, he did it because he wanted to, at least on some level.

It was odd. Shale was one of the first people he connected with ever since he left the New Chariot Empire. It was entirely without his choice, though, and they somehow always ended up in the same area despite the numerous times he attempted ditching her. Again, he didn't know why she felt compelled to follow him like a lost, annoying child. He never knew what rattled in that head of hers. She's still a kid, a couple years shy of a legal adult, yet she acted like she had everything figured out.

Casimir wished he had his life figured out. He only became a bounty hunter because…

"Fighting's my whole life," he grumbled out loud. He sighed and shook his head. "It's the only thing I'm good at. Scarily good at. Almost frightening." He clenched his teeth and growled. "Ugh, quit thinking like that. Just forget. Forget all of it." He reached over his shoulder and scratched his back. "I can still feel the hot metal…"

He stopped as a hand touched his shoulder. His entire body trembled, a surge of excitement rushing through his veins, but passed in less than half a second. Casimir turned and faced a Loudred dressed in ragged clothes. Casimir got an uneasy feeling from the Pokémon's seemingly innocent smile.

"Hey pal, mind sparing some of that food for an old vagrant?" he asked softly.

Casimir narrowed his eyes, then shrugged his hand off. "You want food? Find some money and get your own." Casimir continued walking.

"My, oh my, you're a rude one."

Casimir rolled his eyes. "So compelling. I'll be sure to think my actions over lat—" His hearing started overloading with a high-pitch screech. He lost his balance and dropped to one knee, covering his ear canals. "AGH!"

The Loudred swooped by and snatched the bag from his hand. "Later, sucker!" He took off running down the street, shoving villagers out of the way.

Casimir lifted his head and snarled. "Bastard!" He curled his fists and stood up. "Now you've done it." His fists vibrated with great intensity. He huffed, then chased after the thief.

"You sure you're not a slave trader?!" Ragger yelled, pulling on a frighten old Delcatty's jacket. He stumbled and hiccupped while Rusty rested safely under his other arm. "Come on, you can tell me! I promise I won't tell the authorities! You have to have insider knowledge, right?!"

"Y-Young man, I just asked if you could help me carry my groceries," the old cat whimpered. She pulled herself free and shuffled away from the drunk dragon.

"That's what they all say! You can't hide the truth forever!" Ragger yelled. He paused for a moment, then lifted Rusty. "What do you mean I went too far? Who do you think you are?! Don't go…go sassing me, metal-for-brains!" He threw Rusty down in a huff. "That'll show…show you. Oh dear Arceus, I'm not feeling well."

He reached down and picked Rusty up, brushing the snow off his side. "I'm so sorry, pal! Please don't tell your mole friend about this!" Rusty groaned and rolled back on his heels, massaging his throbbing head. "Ugh, why's everything all…spin-y?"

"Get back here!"

Ragger blinked twice, trying to adjust to the blurriness, and spotted a Loudred being chased by a Hitmonchan. The Loudred seemed to be carrying a bag with him. Now, Ragger didn't want to assume this guy was some common thief or nothing, but it might not look good if that gun he was currently pulling out of his jacket was fired and hit someone. Yeah, that sounded about right.

Ragger, in a brilliant stroke of sober clarity, raised Rusty over his head and chucked him. "Strike him down, my metallic companion!"

The Loudred turned and aimed his gun at Casimir. "Goodnight, you—OW!" The bucket slammed into the back of his head, causing him to drop the bag and gun. "What the—" He turned and saw the bucket rolling on the ground. "Who threw a bucket at—"

"It's Ragnarok Time, dirtbag!" Ragger rushed the sound monster, grabbed his horns, and struck his face with a knee. Blood spurted from the nostrils as the Loudred went down. Ragger pinned his arms and got up in his face. "I've got you now!"

Loudred snarled. "Superson—" Ragger slammed his forehead into his, cancelling the attack and disorienting him. Ragger lifted his head again and repeatedly headbutted the Loudred into submission.

Casimir slowed down and stopped before the pair in utter bafflement. The Loudred's face started swelling and bruising with each repeated collision. Though he felt no sympathy, Casimir figured the savior of his lunch shouldn't be whisked off to jail.

"Hey, hey, you got him already! That's enough!" Casimir ran over and grabbed Ragger before he could do another headbutt.

Ragger swayed around, then squinted at Casimir. "Wazzat?" He stood up and stumbled backwards. "Ha! That'll…" Ragger paused briefly, feeling his stomach rumble. "Ugh…teach ya."

The Loudred, barely conscious, tried to reach for his gun. He gasped as a red blur struck down and smashed it to pieces. He gawked with his remaining seconds of consciousness, then passed out. Casimir walked past him, picking up his lunch bag.

Casimir approached Ragger, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Hey, uh…thanks for saving my lunch. I owe you one, I guess."

Ragger groaned and shook his head. "Nah, don't think about it. I…I'm…" He stopped and covered his mouth. "Oh Arceus."

"Hey, are you—" Casimir's eyes widened as Ragger ran to the nearest barrel and vomited into it. "Oh boy."

After asking someone to get the constable and arrest the thief, Casimir helped Ragger to a bench shielded from the snowy winds. He handed Ragger his water canteen and sat down next to him to take a breather. He eyed the bucket Ragger insisted on bringing, but didn't bother questioning it or the scary face carved into it.

Ragger finished guzzling down the water and sighed. "Thanks…"

"It's the least I could do." Casimir took his canteen back. "I should thank you. I probably would've done worse to that bastard if I caught up with him."

Ragger chuckled weakly. "That a fact?"

"You seem a little too young to be drinking."

"I'm reaching around nineteen. Besides, who's going to tell me otherwise?"

Casimir sighed. "I'm not your parent, so do what you wish. Still, you might have overdid it a bit."

"I can usually hold it down better." Ragger rubbed his face. "I must've been pounding them back too fast."

"I'm honestly surprised you're already sober."

Ragger smirked. "Nah, I'm still drunk. I'm just used to it. Us dragons can handle our liquor better than you lightweights."

Casimir smirked and rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't call myself a heavy drinker, but I can handle a few." He held his hand out. "Casimir."

Ragger eyed his hand, then shook it. "Ragnarok, but everyone calls me Ragger." He wasn't well-known like his superiors, so saying his name now wouldn't hurt.

"Pleased to meet you." Casimir sighed and leaned back on the bench. "So, any particular reason you were overdoing the drinking?"

"Call it stress drinking. I tagged along with some friends because I wanted to look for some information on the outlands. Everyone here's way too sheltered to have that kind of knowledge, I guess, but I was hoping someone had even a little bit of info."

Casimir narrowed his eyes. "Do your friends know about this?"

"I don't want to burden anyone with it. It's my problem, not theirs." Ragger smirked. "I'm the one who's going to take everything back."

"I see." Casimir sighed. "I can relate. Friends seem like…an anchor that holds you back. I don't have any, save for one annoying pest who I unfortunately call my partner."

"Ha!" Ragger slapped his knee. "Your life sucks!"

"Yeah, kind of does," Casimir joked. "Still, I can't say she's an anchor. Pretty much the opposite of one, always dragging me around against my will. Brings some needed excitement into my mundane routine."

"I'm guessing you're a fighter."

"Former fighter, though it's pretty much all I do nowadays. Only thing I'm skilled at. So, about two years now, I became a bounty hunter."

"Fighting's really all you know?"

"You know how some noble kids are forced to take up certain practices at a young age, like learning an instrument or a sport? Then, after years of focusing on that one talent, they become frighteningly gifted in it. Something like that with me. I have the scars to prove it."

"I can see it on your knuckles," Ragger commented, noting the aged scarring. "You must be tough."

Casimir shrugged. "I had to." He shook his head. "But, I don't like thinking about it. What about you? What are you looking for out in the outlands?"

Ragger frowned, then faced the ground. "It's kind of personal."

"That bad, huh?"

"…Heh, it's easier to forget when I'm drunk out of my mind. Being sober, I have my own thoughts to think about. The alcohol helps me think of the objective instead of…well, the possibilities."

Casimir frowned. "You shouldn't be so dependent on that stuff, even if your body can handle it."

"Eh, what do you know?"

"A lot, believe me." Casimir closed his eyes and sighed. "The outlands are a rough place, kid. Anything goes. If you're looking for something, I can't guarantee it'll survive out there for very long."

"I'd feel better knowing if it's gone than living in a fog."

"Fair, I guess. I can relate to that single-minded determination. Just about the only thing that kept me sane since I was ten."

Ragger smirked. "Your life turned to shit when you were ten, too?"

"It turned to shit earlier than that. That's just when reality started kicking me down." Casimir shook his head. "Believe me, kid, you don't want to deal with the outlands."

"Try me," Ragger spat. "Practically lived in them for the last eight years of my life."

Casimir glared at the dragon, then sighed. "I won't feel responsible if you wind up getting yourself killed." Ragger raised his brow. "What do you want to know about the outlands? I can guarantee you, I know a lot."

Ragger narrowed his eyes. "You'd just help me?"

"I can give you information, that's it."

"…" Ragger huffed through his nose and leaned back on the bench. "What do you know about slave trade out here?"

Ten minutes earlier…

Valentine and Sid peeked out from around the corner and spotted the constable's station. Valentine pulled out his telescope and focused on the window. He spotted a Herdier at his desk, eating a pastry.

"Tch. Yep, that's our stop."

Sid glared. "Okay, so how are we going to get him out of his office and search the records?"

"Well, we could start a fight in the streets, but perhaps not the time and place." Valentine scooped a rock off the ground. "We could break a window and see where it goes from there."

Sid frowned. "For a skilled tracker, you have pretty shit ideas."

"I just roll with the punches."

"I could sneak us underground and break the filing cabinet open from below."

"Nah, too many risks. You could be spotted."

"Says the guy who wants to smash a window."

Valentine grinned. "You need to have a little fun out here." He paused for a moment, then looked ahead. "Although, since this scene specifies we're ten minutes early…"

Sid raised her brow. "Pardon?"

Just then, they saw a Linoone rushing into the constable's station. The duo saw him speak to the constable. Seemingly annoyed, the hound jumped out of his chair and ran outside with a pair of shackles in tow. The duo looked at each other, shrugged, and walked out into the open.

"Pardon me," Valentine spoke up as the Linoone exited the station. "We wanted to speak to the constable regarding a safety hazard on the other side of the village. Do you know where he is?"

Linoone rolled his eyes. "Sorry, you just missed him. Some thief tried to rob a guy's lunch and got stomped by a drunkard. Was the safety hazard urgent?"

Valentine shook his head. "Oh, not at all. We'll just wait inside until he returns."

"Cool." Linoone carried on with his day while the duo walked inside the station.

Sid closed the door behind her. "Wanna bet Ragger's our drunk savior?"

"Now, now, let's not point fingers—but yes, probably was." Valentine waved her along and headed straight for the filing cabinet. "Okay, we're looking for reports made during the Noble Lion Moon this year." He pulled the drawer open and looked through the scrolls inside. "Keep an eye out the window in case the constable gets back."

"Right." Sid placed herself by the window and leaned up against it. "Hopefully Ragger doesn't get arrested."

"Eh, I'm sure someone will vouch for him." Valentine clicked his tongue. "Huh, strange."

"What?"

"Nothing on the 17th, not even the 18th. Prisoner transfer must've taken longer than expected." Valentine pulled the scrolls out. "It's like they were being kept here until they decided what to do with them."

"So, why not move them to the kingdom's main prison immediately?" Sid asked.

"I'm not even sure where they could've been kept here." Valentine tapped on scrolls, then stopped on the 20th. He noticed this scroll was bulkier than the rest, like there was something extra rolled up inside in. "Three whole days, maybe?" He pulled the scroll out and unfurled it.

Attached inside was a thin document dated for the 5th Autumn Moon. About two weeks later.

Valentine clicked his tongue, then shuffled back to the scroll. He paraphrased most of the information. "Reported at this here time, blah, blah, blah, Althalos of the Dukes of Buzzard, Terrick the Skipper, and Seismic Frank were arrested for conspiracy and illegal black market operations within the village. No evidence was found, but witness statements spoke of their criminal deeds. No one was being actively threatened by the Dukes, but were by their armed mercenaries. Curfews, threats for unlawful snooping, accounts of assault…yeesh, Last Autumn really wanted to keep this crap top secret."

Sid breathed on the window and wiped away the mist. "Alright, so does it say why they were being kept in the village instead of moved to Algus' main prison?"

"Hmm…" Valentine skimmed further down. "Ah, here's something. They were actually scheduled to be transferred to the prison originally, but…" Valentine raised his brow. "Hang on, that can't be right."

"What?"

"It says a representative of the Widforss family made a personal request to have the group detained in Snowbound Village temporarily, then transferred over to…the Wick Kingdom."

Sid's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

"It says it right here."

"The Widforss family. The royal family of Algus put in a personal request to have them transferred to the Wick Kingdom?"

"Well, it just says a representative. Doesn't say if the king did or not."

"But the Algus and Wick Kingdoms aren't even allies. Why would the Widforss family have their prisoners transferred to them? Are you sure it doesn't say who put the request in?"

Valentine shrugged. "It says what it says."

Sid rubbed her chin. "That's strange. What could the Wick Kingdom want with those three?"

Valentine narrowed his eyes. "I wonder…"

"Hmm?"

"We had Petra do some routine checks on Marsaili, Rogier, and Ainsley after we were done with them. She said they were carted off to the Wick Kingdom, too. We didn't think much of it since Verde and Wick are allies, plus we were too focused on the Wraith situation to care. But if Algus is working with Wick and handing over prisoners…"

Sid glared worriedly. "Someone wanted them all in the Wick Kingdom?"

"I think someone wanted them to be in the same prison. When Petra did her patrol around here, she assumed Althalos and the other two were moved somewhere else. Were they kept here to throw us off the scent of something? Did someone not want those three to be found?"

"What did Jason say about Althalos again?" Sid brought up. "Althalos mentioned something about a fate that awaited him for his failure."

Valentine glared. "I think Last Autumn is catching on that we're on their trail now. Were the Dukes expendable help?"

"But if that's the case, why move them to the Wick Kingdom of all places?"

"To get them all in one place, for starters, but that doesn't explain why there specifically. Moreover, there'd be guards overseeing the place. If someone broke in to execute them, someone would've been alerted."

Sid glared. "Valentine. Wasn't there a report about a prison break there a few months back?"

Valentine looked back at the scroll, then pulled out the extra document. He pulled it open, then glared.

Altercation at the prison. Status on Dukes of Buzzard: unclear. A document sent back to the village, likely to inform them of the transfer details after it was completed. This page was the most recent copy the village received.

"There was a prison break," Valentine muttered. "But no information on the Dukes."

"Do you think they escaped?"

"I'm not sure. It doesn't say." He gritted his teeth. "One thing's for sure, though, and I don't like it."

"What?"

"We may have just sent our only lead to their own execution."

Casimir took a bite of his lunch: a roast beef sandwich with a side of potatoes. It got a little cold, but it still tasted good. He wiped his mouth, set his sandwich down, and sighed. "Slave traders, huh?"

"Know anything about them?"

Casimir glared. "Plenty. What do you want to know?"

"What exactly do slave traders look for when hunting down…potential labor?"

Casimir sighed. "You'd have to be more specific. There's only three kingdoms that deal in slavery: New Chariot, Great Gate, and Subterra. They all have different objectives when searching for prey."

"Alright. Who do you suppose would benefit from kidnapping children?"

"Now that I can answer." He crossed his arms and leaned back. "You're looking either at New Chariot or Subterra. Great Gate tends to go after able-bodied people in their early twenties and late thirties. Kids can be…too hard to handle. Of course, Great Gate's a little different when it comes to handling slaves."

"How so?"

"They're probably the most decent slave traders you could come across. I don't say that lightly, but compared to your other choices, it's a blessing. Great Gate see laborers as those who can ease the burden of daily life for its subjects. It's not a glamorous lifestyle, but leagues better than the other two."

"I'm afraid to ask."

"Subterra has a distinct mistrust for above-grounders. We view them as savages, they view us as heretics. Actually, you may even find remnants of our ancestry dwelling below the earth. Some who basically are savages, like they're still from the Savage Era."

Ragger glared, recalling the Midnight Lycanroc, Hedwig, and her unusual fixation on the Savage Era. He always assumed she was some oddity found from the outlands, but to think there may have been an entire community just like her shook him a bit. And he didn't admit that lightly.

"Kids were assigned to work the mines. I've heard the conditions down there are rough if you're not accustomed to the environment. I think that's why they go after children. They probably think children will adapt better overtime unlike adults."

Ragger gripped his cloak. "Alright. So, what about New Chariot?"

"Slaves are treated mostly the same there like with Great Gate. Just easing the burden of whoever owns them. Of course, I've heard Emperor Nero likes to accumulate a harem for himself."

Ragger felt something warm and sticky run down his pantleg. He looked down and saw red bleeding through his pants. His claws were curled tightly into his knee, drawing blood. His arm trembled, his heart raced with energy, and his brow furrowed into a dark glare.

"Though, he can be pretty finicky. He tends to like women a bit older than him. Gives him some sick sense of power or something."

Isn't Emperor Nero in his twenties? Ragger thought. The revelation allowed him to uncurl his claws and relax some. "So, what makes New Chariot stand out from the other two?"

"Sport." Casimir took a deep breath, then covered his face. "They train up little boys until they're thirteen and throw them into combat for the people's entertainment. Some gladiators have the common sense not to beat a child down mercilessly, but…there are those who would do anything to win. That kind of mindset striking down on some poor, innocent kid really messes with their growth."

Ragger sighed. "So, by chance, you wouldn't see any girls being thrown into those events?"

"Very rarely happens."

"What happens to most female slaves?"

"Same as most others: serving a family as the help, sometimes even as servants to the royal family. I can't say the New Chariot Empire is completely heartless. Some families will let their slaves go when they feel like they earned their freedom, usually out of the kindness of their own hearts. And in some cases, it's safer for the freed slave to stay with the family when they have nowhere else to go. You see that a lot in some noble families, actually. Strange to think not all of them see these people as just tools, but actual living creatures with feelings and hopes."

Ragger drummed his claws on the bench. "I have one last question then."

"You want to know how to find the ones who stole that something from you. Or that someone."

Ragger sighed. "…Yes."

"Unfortunately, I can't help with that. If you don't remember who attacked you, that's your problem, not mine."

"Harsh."

"Just speaking facts." Casimir leaned forward and rested his arms in his lap. "Your best chance is infiltrating one of those kingdoms and searching every home until you find your missing person."

"And that's the tedious choice," Ragger guessed.

Casimir smirked. "Especially if you get it wrong the first time. Of course, you could always find a more reliable source than me."

"How so?"

"There's plenty of crooks in the outlands that know the slave trade routes. They memorize them so they can avoid being captured and detained themselves. Since a majority of criminals out here are male, they're better off being thrown in jail, especially if they come across New Chariot."

Ragger glared. "I knew coming back here was the right call…"

Casimir raised his brow, then looked back at the bucket beside Ragger.

"Hey." Casimir faced Ragger again. Ragger took a deep breath and asked, "What would the chances be of saving someone from slavery?"

Casimir narrowed his eyes, then huffed. "Kid, I don't know how important this person is to you, but you might want to cut your losses. There's no way a single Hakamo-o can save one person."

Ragger smirked irritably. "Shows what you know. I'll tear down anyone who gets in my way."

"I know more than you think." Casimir stood up and dusted the snow off his pants. "For starters, I know quite a few things about the type of people you would encounter. New Chariot's a bloodthirsty wonderland of sport, Great Gate is a stern, unflappable order that keeps its society in line, and Subterra is a mystery to us above-grounders. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into if you try and make an enemy as one man."

Ragger stood up and pointed at him. "I don't care what you say! Nothing will stop me! I've been through too much to back down now!"

Casimir sighed. "I really wish I could sympathize with you, Ragger. Is that why…you joined the Foresters?"

Ragger caught his breath. His eyes shrank as he stumbled back, the snow crunching under his heel. "Wait, how—"

"It's funny, you don't see a lot of people coming to Algus during the winter. Seemed odd, unless you had important business here. Really important. Then you tell me what you're up to, then I started wondering. How can a kid like you be so confident he could take on a kingdom on his own? Maybe you just had friends I don't know about, but I doubt a few punks could make much difference. So, what if you had an army of sorts at your side? But who in Virdis could have forces that large other than the kingdoms?

"I was curious why you were carrying that bucket around. I've seen a lot of people out here who grow personal attachments to objects, like it's the only thing they have left. You don't seem like the type, though. Then you said you came back here with some friends."

Ragger bit his lip. Shit…

"I'm familiar with most of the well-known Foresters, and I'm well familiar with Mudslide Sidney. She's here, isn't she? Then again, your reaction gave it away." Casimir sighed. "Admittedly, I just took a wild guess. I was prepared to be wrong, but it seems my partner was right. You guys are after the Dukes of Buzzard, aren't you?"

Ragger clenched his fists. "Depends. What do you want with them?"

"At the moment, not much. But since you're here, along with a Nature Spirit, that makes things interesting."

"If you're asking for a fight, I'm wide open!" Ragger dropped into a stance and smirked. "I told you, I'll crush anyone who gets in my way!"

Casimir glared. "I have a job to do. I'm here to hunt down the Foresters and claim the bounty on them. I'm not sure how much you're worth, but it'll be enough to gain Mudslide's attention."

"Nothing will stop me from finding what I lost! Not you, not anyone!"

Casimir shook his head. "I really want to help you, kid, but I'm doing you a favor stopping you here. Like I said, you're better off going to prison than taking on a whole kingdom, even if you have the Foresters by your side."

Ragger's smirk grew with a growl rumbling in his throat. "I guess you don't know just how far I'll go for her."

Casimir sighed, then raised his fists. "Don't blame me for what happens next."

"Give it your best shot, bastard! I'll take on any—"

Ragger must have blinked in that millisecond. One moment, he was staring down the bounty hunter with a raging fire in his heart. The next, all he saw was red. He wanted to say it was in rage, but this was more literal than metaphor.

For Casimir himself, it was like a brisk jog. He had dropped into a squat position right as Ragger boasted, then, like an explosion surging through his mind, his senses went berserk. The blistery snow around them, thousands of droplets of snow flying at great speed, slowed to a crawl.

Casimir's right fist vibrated into a blur with a vibrant crimson sheen glowing off its surface. Casimir set his sights straight ahead, targeting Ragger, then kicked off the ground with a blanket of snow slowly rising up behind him. He charged through the slow-moving droplets, unimpeded as they burst off his skin and eyes. The essentially disintegrated against his fist.

Casimir threw his heel forward and stopped himself right in front of Ragger, then used his forward momentum to catapult his fist forward, straight for Ragger's head. He could see the flicker of life in Ragger's eyes, the involuntary twitch of something approaching him. Ragger's arms soon followed in example, rising up to shield himself. Casimir had to admit, he didn't expect Ragger to even see him coming.

Ragger had precious milliseconds to shield his face, but feared the fist was coming far too fast. If he had the time to communicate from body to mind just what he was witnessing, he may have been better prepared. This punch was guaranteed to land its mark, no matter how hard he tried. Only his body knew what was going on. He himself still couldn't process the overwhelming red filling his vision.

He almost felt…helpless.

"Ragger!"

Ragger came to as a rush of red blew across his face. No punch, but a strong pressure, nonetheless. Casimir curved his fist at the last second and purposefully missed striking Ragger, with only the pressure hitting its mark. A pathway of stone followed behind Casimir, cleared of snow in one long line.

Ragger finally found his breath and panted. His arms were halfway up his chest in their attempt to block the attack. He blinked several times to find his bearings, then looked over his shoulder.

Some god must've really liked Ragger today. Standing down the street was Valentine and Sidney, who looked like they just arrived on the scene right when they called out to him. What did they see when Casimir attacked? Did they call out to him right as the fight started and only now just realized what was happening? How fast was this guy?

"Tch." Ragger turned back to Casimir as the Hitmonchan straightened himself up, massaging his arm. "I'm crazy enough to take on one Nature Spirit, but not two, especially Mad World over there." Ragger watched as Casimir went back to the bench and retrieved his lunch bag. Casimir rotated his shoulder, then walked past Ragger. "I suggest quitting while you're ahead."

Ragger bared his teeth and snarled a reply.

"Heh. Fine." Casimir continued ahead. "You know this isn't over, right?"

Valentine and Sid parted for Casimir, glaring cautiously as he passed them. Sid looked a bit shaken from the scene, whereas Valentine remained calm and alert of the departing bounty hunter. They backed towards Ragger, keeping their eyes on Casimir for a moment longer, then sprinted to check on him.

Ragger stumbled back over to the bench and covered his face. "Good grief…"

Sid picked up Rusty and frowned. "I take it your little search for answers didn't go so well?"

Ragger sighed and leaned his head back. "Actually, better than I expected. You two?"

Valentine nodded. "Found what we needed. We need to get to the Wick Kingdom as soon as possible."

Ragger took a deep breath, slapped his knees, and rose off the bench. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Valentine glared. "Ragger, was that a bounty hunter you were talking to?"

"Heh. Oh yeah."

Sid glared. "Are you okay? That looked pretty intense there."

"Heh." A furious grin stretched over the dragon's maw. "I've never been better."

"Lalalala~," Shale hummed as she juggled a stone in the air with her feet. The door opened, and a bag landed on her stomach. "Oof!" She dropped her stone and sat up. "Took you long enough!"

"Eat up. We're leaving in a half hour," Casimir said, grabbing his knapsack.

Shale pulled her box out, then glared. "Hey, these are cold! Caz! Where were you?" she whined, shaking her food box at him. "I could've starved!" She stopped and noted the foreign grin on his face. A grin of what, though? Joy? Fury? Some mix of the two. Shale set her food aside and smirked. "Alright, what happened?"

He turned and threw his knapsack onto his shoulder. "I think we've got a pretty good shot of winning the bet now."