"So, what do you think? Are you in?"

Lucient, Wyatt, and Avel exchanged looks with each other before turning back to Melissa, who fidgeted awkwardly with her tankard. She invited them to the mess hall for lunch to discuss an important matter. After much deliberation with herself, she knew they were the ones she wanted to speak to.

Avel hopped off Wyatt's head and raised his brow at the Buneary. "Just to be clear, you want the three of us to join your heist team for the exam?"

Melissa nodded. "I have until the 15th Red Ash Moon before the Misty Lights Carnival starts. It will be the perfect time to perform the heist, and I need all the help I can get for it. And I chose you three because you seemed like the best fits. Lucient's super smart, and Wyatt and Avel make the perfect duo. Plus, you two do count as one person according to Jason, so it checks out."

Lucient smiled. "Though flattered as I am, why choose us? By now, you're just as much our equal, Melissa. You could've asked Hedwig, Marianne, or even Sadie."

Melissa tapped her fingers together. "Admittedly, I did consider Sadie for a moment since she did so well blending into the staff, but she has to lay low for a little while. I cannot have her doing espionage for me when there is a good chance word has gotten out to the Echo Bell Kingdom already."

Lucient nodded. "Alright, fair enough. But still, you could've asked someone with a bit more experience under their belts."

"Plus, you still haven't met the two rookies you'll be roped in with," Avel reminded.

"He's right," Wyatt said. "And Jason specifically picks out any rookies who clash with the team leader. What if the whole team composition ruins the heist? Even with Jason as the overseer for the exam, you still need to work around a lot of unknowns."

Melissa waved it off. "You let me worry about the rookies. I have dedicated the last two weeks to preparing for all potential crises. Shade will be helping provide some necessary equipment, and I'm scheduling a fitting for armor with Tank. I even have a training regiment worked out with Shingo."

Lucient smirked. "You really have been putting everything into this heist."

"Every little bit of time I can muster." Melissa clapped her hands and squealed. "I am going to be a Greenwood Leader for sure."

Lucient chuckled. "Well, with enthusiasm like that, how can I let you down? Alright Melissa, I'm in. I'll dedicate my whole being to ace the assignment for you."

"As will we!" Wyatt cheered, slamming his hands down on the table. "You can count on Avel and me caring out whatever task you need done!"

"But are you sure you can handle this, Melissa?" Avel asked. "The goal is to be team leader. We can give out opinions and inputs to help you, but the point of the assignment is for you to make the final judgment call. Everything is riding on your decision. This isn't too much for you to handle, right?"

Melissa's hand instinctively gripped into her chest, only to feel the bare space beneath her uniform. She winced, but buried the doubt down and smiled. "Y-You can count on me. My head is totally in the game. Woo, woo!"

Fortunately, they didn't question her fidgety reaction and smiled. "Like we said, you have our full support, Melissa," Lucient said. "We'll guarantee you become a Greenwood Leader."

"Try not to let it go to your head," Avel warned jokingly.

Melissa scoffed and waved it off. "Relax. I got this in the bag. I am cool and confident." She picked up her tankard and drank her juice.

"Melissa." She jumped out of her chair with a yelp, throwing her tankard over the table and spilling her drink. She turned herself around and giggled nervously under Jason's amused glare. "I never realized how scary I was."

"Oh, uh…" Melissa picked herself up and saluted him. "How can I help you, sir?"

Jason turned serious and nodded over his shoulder. "A request came in from our prisoner. She wants to speak with you. Privately."

Melissa lowered her hand and frowned. "O-Oh. She does?"

"You're free to decline, naturally. Makes no difference to me."

Melissa clenched her fist and took a deep breath. She relaxed the tight ball of knots in her stomach and faced Jason with a serious glare. "No. No, I should follow through. I am sure she has lots of questions for me."

Jason nodded. "Alright. Follow me." He turned and headed out the door.

Melissa turned back to the others and smiled. "Uh, we will finish up this conversation later. I will call you guys when I meet the rookies."

Wyatt grinned. "Take care, Melissa!"

"And good luck," Avel added dryly.

Melissa gulped and followed after Jason. "I am going to need all the luck I can get."

From the sweltering confines of Tank's hut, metal clanged and rattled from strikes of a hammer. Heat radiated around the hut, and a fierce glow of red shined through the windows like a haunted lantern. How a Smeargle could survive in such conditions every day was beyond understanding, yet Tank powered through each day and embraced the sweltering conditions.

He struck down on red hot metal, bending out the blade he was crafting until it was straight. He picked up the red metal with his gloved hand, looked it over a couple times, and dunked it in water. The hut instantly filled with thick steam.

Tank pulled the blade out of the water and examined its cooled frame. He frowned at the little cracks and nicks across its surface. "I've created hundreds of weapons in my lifetime, but I've never worked with pure elementium before. This stuff's trickier than it looks."

"And that's exactly why I need it to be perfect." He looked over his shoulder and saw Pandora reviewing her schematics, while JoJo stood by the entrance transformed into a Pansear. "Melissa gave me a challenge with this one, and I want her all-purpose weapon to be perfect. My finest masterpiece to be tested by my deadliest minion/best friend. It must be perfect—nay! Beyond perfect!"

Tank set the sword down. "I'll need plenty of time before I can get to perfect. When does she need this by?"

"Never said," Pandora admitted, "but I figured it would make a good present for her heist in two months. She's going to need it for her rematch against Grim Deadlock."

Tank rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure there was never a match to being with, and she certainly doesn't seem like the type to pick a fight with a murderous phantom."

"Well, it's exactly what I would do in her position."

JoJo groaned. "What exactly is this weapon supposed to do? It just looks like a sword."

Pandora chuckled. "It's not just a sword, my shapeshifting minion. It's an all-in-one, multipurpose weapon!"

"You said all-purpose earlier. Are you just making things up?"

"My point is that it's not just a sword, but a collection of attachments. Lightweight, multipurpose attachments meant to complement Melissa's freaky copying trick. With the elementium, the weapons get a boost and increase her effectiveness in battle. They're not meant to be used without her Copycat. It's like fighting with a stick. Oh boy, they have a stick, so scary. But combined with Melissa's technique, it's not a VERY scary stick! Mwuahahahahahaha!"

JoJo smirked. "You're a basket of crazy, Pan."

Tank huffed. "Well, regardless of how it's meant to be used, Pandora's asking for a lot into the design. Seriously, you want me to put a firing mechanism into the main attachment so she can have…a gun sword?"

Pandora crossed her forelegs and nodded. "Mark my words, dear friend, the gun sword shall become a revolutionary weapon in the future."

"It sounds ridiculous and impractical."

Pandora smirked. "Then prove your own skepticism wrong and make the best damn gun sword you can."

Tank groaned and shook his head. "You're lucky I can't back down from a challenging build." He turned back to the sword and examined the imperfections again.

JoJo stepped fully into the hut and wiped her brow. "Well, you have me to thank for all that elementium. You know how hard it is to come by that stuff? A small chunk is enough to strike it rich. No wonder the Senbo Kingdom is interested in this stuff."

Tank looked over his shoulder. "You've been to the Senbo Kingdom before, haven't you? What's been floating around in the rumor mill over there? I've been hearing of some special event taking place at the royal castle soon."

JoJo nodded. "Oh, you have no idea. It's a masquerade ball so prominent nobles can lurk around incognito. Apparently, Senbo is unveiling some big project. Word on the street is the nobles want a first crack at testing the project. Even the Tetrarch family will be there."

Pandora clicked her claws together. "Mhmm. Fascinating stuff, and it tickles the brain just to know what it is. Indeed, I have been keeping tabs on this secret project for a long time, though I've yet to disclose anything concrete. I just know it's supposed to revolutionize Senbo Kingdom's influence and push forward the new age of technology." She sighed sadly. "Unfortunately, I can't attend it."

JoJo smirked. "When has attendance stopped a Forester?"

"Well, never, but security is supposed to be super tight. That's normally not a problem for us, but with so many powerful nobles in one area, there will be more than just knights in attendance. I actually had Petra scout out the area and eavesdrop for me. King Talbot will be hiring a powerful gang boss to run security detail."

"Sounds serious," Tank said. He gripped his hand around the imperfect sword and heated it up. He ran his palm down the blade as steam hissed off the metal and wiped away the imperfections. "To go that far and hire a gang boss' help. What do you suppose is so important about the project?"

Pandora shrugged. "Well, I won't be the first to know, which'll suck. The less I know immediately, the crankier I get." She groaned and rubbed her eyes. "The event takes place in exactly two weeks. I have until the 29th to figure out how I'm getting into that masquerade."

JoJo shook her head. "You'd need a miracle. Only other way is getting an invite, and there's no way someone's handing out one of those to you."

Pandora pouted. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a dirty mutt with a god complex whose as loony as a Chatot doing standup while drugged up on some serious stuff."

"…Yeah, don't see how that can be taken negatively."

Tank set the newly repaired blade aside and faced the girls. "Pan, maybe it's for the best you don't attend that event. We have no reason to break-in, especially if we don't know what we're stealing. You'd have to go in solo, and you aren't exactly a capable fighter."

"Bite your tongue!" Pandora hissed. "I've yet to meet a single person who can withstand my strongest techniques! The Noxious Flames of EVIL! The Malicious Spirit of EVIL! The Exploding Villain Ignition Liberator!"

"See, it's names like that that are the reason no one sees you as a threat."

Pandora pouted again. "You dare mock your future overload, knave?"

"Threaten me all you want." Tank plucked his glove off and shoved off his wooden prosthetic. "Nothing you do will be worse than the injury that inflicted this onto me."

"Hmph!" Pandora turned her nose up and marched out of the hut. "I hope you have a rotten day, Mr. Benjamin Ottosen."

Tank rolled his eyes. "Love you, too, you crazy mad scientist."

JoJo crossed her arms. "What's stuck up her butt?"

He waved her off and picked up Pandora's dropped schematics. "She'll be fine. Her ego's too big to pop with the sharpest sword. If you say she can't do something, that just gets her fired up."

"Hmm, same with me when I see a particularly challenging mark to pickpocket." JoJo stretched and pushed the door open. "Anyway, I'll leave you be. Have fun."

"I'll try."

JoJo left the hut and went on her merry way. However, not a minute later, she popped her head back in and shot the Smeargle a confused glare. "Wait, your name's Benjamin?"

Tank rolled his eyes and started on the next attachment to the weapon.

Jason and Melissa approached the newly-built prison shack holding their newly-acquired prisoner. Melissa carried a tray of food for the prisoner, who was no doubt hungry. She asked Lambert to provide the most nutritious meals he could spare, for they should not lead in example like other prisons and treat their prisoners with some modicum of dignity.

They saw Basil at his post, rocking back on his stool while holding some playing cards in his hand. "Is this your card?" he asked, sliding the card under the door.

"…No." The card slid out.

Basil picked it up and slid in another card. "How about this one?"

"No."

An exchange is made again. "This one?"

"…Somebody just kill me, please."

Basil snickered to himself before acknowledging his newfound company. "Good day, dear leader. Ah, and dear princess, too. I hope you're faring well today, prietene."

Melissa chuckled. "Keeping her entertained, Basil?"

"Oh, of course, though she's being a poor sport about it. Won't even play a game of cards with me without throwing a fit. She's acting like someone's holding her against her will—ooh, wait…" He snickered at the groan behind the door. "Too soon, my dear?"

Melissa awkwardly laughed it off. "Try not to tease her, please."

"It's not everyday somebody kidnaps you because the kidnapper is an anxiety-filled nutcase," Basil reminded.

Melissa laughed again, but shot Basil a warning glare. "Very funny. Just let me in."

Basil shrugged and started undoing the locks. Jason pulled Melissa aside and whispered, "Seriously, you don't have to confront her."

Melissa shook her head. "I need to do this, Jason. I cannot run away from my problems."

Jason narrowed his eyes. "…Right."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Basil finished the locks and pulled the door open. "In you go, prietene."

"Thank you, Basil." Melissa let herself in as Basil shut the door behind her.

The soft glow of sunlight through the rounded window on the ceiling bathed the room with illumination. Melissa peeked at the far corner of the shack and saw the imprisoned Snivy huddled in her rags. In the adjacent corner was a freshly cleaned bucket and a slightly used bar of soap.

She lifted her head and glared at the princess. "You…"

Melissa laughed. "Hi…Luna. Um, I am glad to see you are being taken cared of. I would hate for your time in this shack to be unpleasant. Well, anymore unpleasant than it must be. I am just glad I have a proper bathroom…" She sucked her lips in as Luna's glare turned sour. "I should shut up."

She bent down and gently slid the food tray over to Luna. It slid to a stop just before her feet. Luna didn't reach for anything immediately. She kept her eyes focused on Melissa. The harsh shadows on her face highlighted the dark circles under her eyes.

Melissa gulped and backed away to the door. "Well, I will leave you to your lunch in peace. I have work to do." She turned and reached for the door.

"…How could you do this?"

Melissa paused and glanced over her shoulder. Luna barely moved a muscle, yet her expression seemed sterner. Melissa frowned and faced the Snivy. "I am sorry?"

Luna sighed. "Do you have any idea what we went through after your disappearance? Everyone was freaking out. Over eight months, we've been beside ourselves trying to figure out what happened to you, and why the Foresters would kidnap you. Do you have any idea how worried we were? Sir Matthias has been beating himself up over failing to protect you, and a good chunk of the staff were in tears over you."

Melissa massaged her arm awkwardly. "It is…kind of a long story—"

"We thought something horrible happened to you," Luna continued. "Dear Xerneas, we thought they sold you as a slave. Or killed you! And now word's spreading that the Verde Kingdom's power is waning. If the knights can't even protect their royalty, it's bound to attract the attention of warring kingdoms. Have you heard how bad the warring's getting in the east? There are rumors that New Chariot will be attempting to invade us."

Melissa winced. "That is not my fault."

Luna groaned. "Maybe not, but it's an unfortunate consequence. The people have been freaking out over it. They're worried that the Penworth family can no longer protect them. Even after all the invasions and raids from the Foresters, we still held onto hope in the Penworth name." She scoffed and turned away. "Even now, I'm having doubts about your family's good name."

Melissa turned away, hiding the tears threatening to come out. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and faced Luna. "I know what I did, and I know I caused a lot of trouble." She shook her head. "But I do not regret leaving."

Luna glared. "Why? Why did you leave?"

"You would not understand. My duties as a princess were being questioned, so I need to take a different approach."

"By turning yourself into a criminal?" Luna clenched her teeth. "How stupid are you?"

Melissa winced. "The last eight months may surprise you."

"Do you realize what you're setting yourself up for? You think joining a band of known criminals in some pointless crusade of rebellion is changing anything? Two weeks ago, you abetted in the raid of a kingdom and its nobles. Not only that, you knowingly started a conspiracy against the kingdom over a missing princess, THEN recently kidnapped a member of the Verde Knights for seemingly no reason." Luna shot to her feet, and Melissa jumped back. "Your persona has been labeled numerous times as an insane, unpredictable catastrophe brimming with pure chaos in her veins. That's the image you want to lead with?"

Melissa smiled nervously. "That was an unforeseen coincidence?"

Luna snarled. "You are setting yourself up for failure. How long do you have before the Foresters finally make a mistake? You Foresters have been acting strange in these last several months, intentionally or not, and it's going to be your downfall. We've only heard rumors that you were killed by the Foresters. How long until an actual body is found with their fingerprints?"

"The Foresters would never take a life! They would never cause harm unjustly."

Luna scoffed. "That's a laugh. How well do you know Jason Stormbreaker? Do you even understand why he's the second most wanted Pokémon in Virdis? He nearly killed several knights over a decade ago. He was responsible for the death of Sir Artur."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Sir Artur? Sir Matthias' father?" She glared and shook her head. "That has to be a mistake. Jason vows never to take a life."

"Sir Artur died from severe nerve damage. Nerve damage caused by electrical means."

"There is no proof Jason was cause of that. Sir Artur was attacked by a Zeraora."

"Zeraora is a myth. He's nothing but a story told in legend." Luna pointed at Melissa and tightened her glare. "Do you really think any cause you're fighting for is just with the Foresters? Can you even trust the Foresters?"

"I…I…" Melissa backed away to the door while Luna stomped toward her.

"Let me spell this out for you, Princess Penworth." Luna slammed her hand against the door, grazing the fur across Melissa's cheek. "Jason Stormbreaker is a bloodthirsty killer with a hairline trigger. If you think for a moment someone like that is trustworthy, you are—"

The door flew up. Melissa nearly fell backwards, but Jason caught her in his arm. Her eyes widened at the dagger pointed at Luna's throat. Luna didn't flinch and matched Jason's glare with her own.

Jason narrowed his brow and swiftly sheathed his dagger. "I think you've exhausted your time with her."

"…Tch." Luna shuffled back and crossed her arms. "Eavesdropping, too?"

"You weren't very subtle." Jason slammed the door in her face. "Lock her up." He pulled Melissa aside while Basil shrugged it off and redid the locks.

Melissa clutched at her chest instinctively and panted quietly. Jason patted her back and let her have a moment to pull herself together, still glaring at the shack. His hand gripped tightly on his dagger. The hairs stood on end, crackling with tiny sparks.

"You good?" he finally asked.

"Y…Yeah, I am."

Jason nodded. "For what it's worth, you kept a cool head. That's good."

"…Jason?"

"Hmm?"

"Was what she said true? Are you really the Mortal Zeraora? Did you…kill Sir Artur?"

"…" Jason closed his eyes and looked away. "…No. Of course not."

Melissa frowned. "Promise?"

"…" Jason grabbed her shoulders and pushed her along. "Come on. I think you need a drink."

Luna took a moment to compose her, taking deep breaths. She massaged her throat, still feeling the phantom tip of the dagger against her flesh. "So fast. I blinked…and he was right there." Contrary to her outward appearance, she nearly bolted under Jason's glare. She didn't sense malintent, but…it was something beastly.

She finally got herself under control and sat down by her lunch. She massaged her forehead and sighed. "Princess. What do you think you'll accomplish with this?"

She shook her head and scooped up some stew. She mindlessly sipped the stew as she replayed the argument in her head. However, something caught her throat and caused her to choke. She gasped and pounded her chest until the offending hazard flew out.

It was a small, balled-up piece of paper. She picked it up and pulled it open. Her eyes widened in shock.

"The jack of diamonds!" Basil called out through the door. "Is that your card?"

"…" Luna facepalmed and flicked the card away.

"I'll take your annoyed silence as a yes."

After grabbing some water from the mess hall, Jason and Melissa strolled around the base. Melissa slouched a bit as she walked, keeping her head down and hands in her pockets.

"Don't let what she said bother you, Melissa," Jason said. "Regardless of our stance on nobles, we won't let any invasion come near the forest."

"Right…" Melissa turned away. She used her ears to pull her hood over her head.

Jason frowned, but kept his eyes forward. "That reminds me. I take it you've heard about the recent…changes made in the kingdom."

"…"

"Seems Roscoe finally gave up his search for you and acquired a new heir. A Clobbopus boy."

Melissa laughed quietly. "Well, I always wanted a sibling, I guess."

"Are you feeling alright, Melissa?"

"Y-Yes. Never better."

Jason glared. "Somehow, I don't believe you."

"I-I am serious, honest." She raised her head and gave her best smile. "The kingdom needs a new hope for the future, and I am sure he will make a great prince to reignite those hopes."

"Knowing your father, I can't help but be skeptical. He can't exactly marry off a child at his age." Jason glared off to the side. "If he wanted to use you for a treaty, what possible reason would he need an heir beyond being a cushion for the outcries?"

"C-Can we just drop the conversation?" Melissa pleaded. "I need to get back to working out the heist details."

Jason stopped and frowned at her. "Melissa, are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"Positive! Totally!" Melissa backed away, throwing out her best hearty laugh. "Nothing keeps my mood down forever. I am not even remotely concerned over the new prince. It does not interfere with my plans to bring about change to this region and finally bring peace and justice. Now, if you will excuse me, I must get back to planning for my completely illegal misdeeds in the name of peace!" She dashed off.

Jason watched her leave with a bemused look. "…Rookie?"

Every day Charlie woke up, he had to remind himself he wasn't living on the streets anymore, and that he was indeed awake.

He stared at himself in the mirror, eying his new attire. Gone were the rags he wore to protect himself from the cold, bitter nights. Standing before him in the reflection was a Clobbopus in a white linen shirt and blue vest adorned with golden buttons. It was the fanciest clothes he ever wore in his life, though they came second to the crown atop his head. Finish and perfected just yesterday, the silver metal proudly displayed green gemstones around the base, adding to Charlie's newfound status.

"How do the clothes fit, Your Highness?"

Charlie took a moment to respond, mostly because he still wasn't used to being addressed in such a matter. Eventually, he acknowledged the question and faced the Chansey standing by the door. He could see from her expression she was as apprehensive of his stay as he. Neither have fully come to terms with this change.

"They are…nice," Charlie finally said. He turned and bowed his head. "Thank you, Ms. Hilda."

Hilda laughed awkwardly. "No, no. No need to bow to me, young prince." She winced a bit, still unuse to addressing a prince in the castle. She regained her composure and held her hand out to him. "Uh, come along. The kitchen has prepared lunch for you."

Charlie obliged and let himself be guided by the nurse. He still couldn't work his way around the castle, and even the assistance of a guide couldn't quell the overwhelming smallness he felt traversing the grand halls. So many different rooms, so many different artifacts/treasures/paintings, and so many Pokémon bowing whenever he walked by.

When was the last time anyone ever bowed to a street urchin like him? Has it really only been two weeks since he first arrived at the capital? Ever since he moved into the castle? Ever since he was announced as the new heir to the kingdom?

He wasn't sure exactly why he agreed to go along with Mr. Fletch—King Penworth. He stood in a daze after realizing the Lopunny's true identity, perhaps mumbling off a yes sometime during it. He was a big change for everyone, and he was worried he wouldn't live up to their expectations. What was a prince supposed to do, anyway? From all the stories he heard in passing, it seemed like a lot of smiling and waving.

Somehow, he doubted that was the case.

After descending the newly repaired stairs and making a turn, Hilda and Charlie reached the dining hall. Though he had been there a several other times, Charlie couldn't get over how big the table was. It looked like it could host thirty or forty Pokémon around his size as a time, yet it was mainly used by him, guests, and the king.

Hilda pulled up a chair and scooted Charlie in. "There you go, Your Highness."

He nodded vacantly. "Thank you, Ms. Hilda."

The kitchen doors flew open, and Gustavo floated out with plates floating beside him. Charlie's eyes widened as the plates landed in front of him. Since the staff wanted to make good impressions on the new prince, he was asked for his preferences. Charlie didn't have many favorites since he lived mostly on stolen food and scraps, so he wanted to be surprised.

Stacks of pancakes, a bowl of mixed fruits, berry bacon, two slices of toast, and a fresh glass of milk. It wasn't a meal for a king, but a meal worthy of the gods!

Charlie gawked at the meal, eyes shimmering brightly, as a mini waterfall of drool escaped his mouth. Hilda quickly patted the new prince's mouth with a napkin. "Uh, Prince Charlie? Are you well?"

"Uh huh…" Charlie mumbled. "This looks so delicious."

Gustavo beamed with pride and laughed. "Well, I do my best to provide a worthwhile breakfast fit for a prince. Please, enjoy to your heart's content, Your Highness. Make every bite count—"

Charlie wasted no time with utensils and grabbed the pancake stack. Hilda and Gustavo recoiled as the Clobbopus mercilessly mauled the pancakes like he was on the verge of starvation. For such a small frame, he had the appetite of a grizzly Snorlax.

Gustavo and Hilda backed away to give the octopus his space. Gustavo chuckled nervously. "Well, at least he likes it."

"He definitely came from the streets," Hilda mumbled. "Poor thing. I fear whoever has to teach him table etiquette."

"I'll push that responsibility onto one of mine," Gustavo said with a snicker. He sighed and frowned at her. "Still, what was the king thinking? It'll probably take years before this boy becomes a proper prince. I mean no ill will, for he is a sweetheart, but it's maddening."

Hilda sighed. "I fear how Melissa will take this news."

"How do you suppose she's faring now?" Gustavo whispered.

"No recent reports of Harlow, so I can't imagine much else." Hilda crossed her arms and sighed. "I wish I could speak to her and ask how she's doing. I'd at least want her to know she has our support."

Gustavo patted her shoulder. "All we can do is trust Melissa. She's got a good heart, so she can't get into too much trouble, right?"

"These things, you can't help but worry over." Hilda closed her eyes. "Especially after that little stunt she pulled with Ms. Freia." She looked up as a thought came to her. "Dear me, how is House Freia doing at this time?"

Gustavo tapped his chin. "Uh, erm…"

She winced. "Bad?"

"Well, we haven't seen an angry Typhlosion tear down the castle doors yet, but…" Gustavo sighed. "Rumor on the street is that the household is in shambles over her disappearance. I heard Lady Freia wanted an audience with the king, but they're worried she wants his head instead. Matthias has to keep watch of her because everyone else is too terrified to go near her."

Hilda sighed. "Oh Melissa, why?"

"House Freia may not be the most powerful of the noble families here in terms of wealth, but that woman scares the living daylights out of me. And word on the street is that House Noir isn't any happier. Everyone's upset, and this news of Prince Charlie isn't exactly helping the situation."

Hilda peeked around Gustavo and saw the young octopus had calmed his frenzied eating and sipped on his milk. "Because they're worried he won't be a great king?"

"Like you said, he's a kid picked off the streets. The people want to place their hope into him, but it's not the most comforting hope with appearances alone."

Hilda sighed. "These are troubling times ahead."

"What do we do?"

"The only thing we can do: nurture Charlie into a model prince so the capital doesn't tear itself apart." Hilda looked to the child and smiled. "After all, regardless of where he came from, he needs a lot of love to show he's welcomed here. We shouldn't treat him as Melissa's replacement. He's a child, and he looks like he needs a family to feel comfortable around. That's what we should be focusing on first."

Gustavo lightened up and smiled. "Yes. Yes, you're right." He sighed, then firmly slapped his cheeks. "We'll make the most of this."

Charlie looked over at them with a piece of berry bacon in hand. He noticed their staring at him. "Is something wrong?"

Hilda smiled and approached Charlie. "Prince Charlie, since you're still new to the capital, how would you feel about a tour around the city? There's many great places I'm sure you'll enjoy, and it'll get you better acquainted with the lovely people of this fair kingdom of ours."

Charlie finished off his bacon and looked up at her with hopeful eyes. "Really?"

Hilda nodded. "You'll love it, I promise."

"Is there a toy shop anywhere?"

"Hmm, maybe." She grinned and patted his head. "If it makes you happy, we'll see about picking out a few toys for you."

"YAY!" Charlie cheered. He threw himself at Hilda and hugged her. "Thank you, Ms. Hilda."

She stared down at the child in awe before smiling gently and hugging him back. "It's the least we can do, Charlie." She looked over at Gustavo, who returned a smile to her. "It's the least we can do."

Roscoe hunched over a piece of parchment with a quill in hand. "We do not want to overload Charlie too much with lessons, so we will have to start simple. Etiquette lessons on the afternoon weekends should suffice, and we will need to get a proper fitting for a formal attire when we have guests over. He will need a tutor, too. Ortwin, make a note of that."

Ortwin penned it down on his own parchment, then added, "I presume you want a thorough background check on this one in the event they turn out to be a deranged convict?"

Roscoe rolled his eyes. "Preferably, yes." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "We just need to get Charlie ready as soon as possible."

"It'll be a long time before he's of age to take the throne, Your Majesty," Ortwin reminded.

"With the time I have, it may be sooner than later," he grumbled.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, nothing." Roscoe picked up the parchment and rolled it up. "This will have to do for now. Etiquette, wardrobe, and a tutor. We will worry about everything else later."

Ortwin frowned. "You seem awfully rushed today, Your Majesty."

"I just want to prepare Charlie for the throne as soon as possible. With the Wick Kingdom working double time earning Senbo's favor, I am not shackled with the burden of signing a treaty right now. The Senbo and Wick Kingdoms are fulfilling an alliance through their joint efforts. I am certain you have heard news of the secret project between them."

Ortwin nodded. "Indeed. Nothing but a secret."

"Well, if it turns out well, we will be looking at an alliance between both kingdoms. After that, I can hopefully reestablish a trust with King Talbot—"

"Despite the accusations thrown at you over your daughter's outburst," Ortwin reminded.

Roscoe groaned. "Do not remind me."

"You cannot dodge the truth forever. Even the prince is aware of your secret dealings to remove the princess' claim to power. Do I have to worry about you using Charlie as an affordable bachelor, too, Your Majesty?"

Roscoe narrowed his eyes. "…Things have changed."

"Pardon?"

"Charlie is here for the reasons I specified: to become my heir. Nothing more, nothing less. No strings attached."

"Then what do you get out of this beyond a normal alliance?"

"…" Roscoe closed his eyes and turned away. "My reasons are my own."

Ortwin sighed. "I never did understand you, Your Majesty. If Charlie is just to become your heir, what becomes of you?"

"Perhaps an early retirement, as my duty as a king no longer feels necessary."

Ortwin glared a bit. "…That reminds me. I assume you've heard the reports regarding the fighting in the eastern side of Virdis. The war?"

Roscoe knitted his brow. "The New Chariot Empire claimed another chunk of land from Umbra Clock Kingdom."

"And they're making advances toward us. They're taking a roundabout route through the outlands to avoid the other kingdoms. They're going to try and systematically take our land one piece at a time."

Roscoe scoffed. "Let them. Matthias will kill all of them before they have a chance to draw a breath."

"Not even Matthias can be in multiple places at once. We need to establish a plan and fast. We don't know—"

"You just let me worry about the New Chariot Empire," Roscoe interrupted, sinking into his chair. "I assure you, they will be taken cared of swiftly. I will send a letter to King Tetrarch and have him look into the outlands."

Ortwin sighed. "Very well, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me…" He bowed and let himself out of the study."

Roscoe sighed and sank deeper into his chair, gazing up at the ceiling. "Besides, getting rid of the New Chariot Empire…will speed our plans along. Then I can finally put this noble nonsense behind me."

Deep in the outlands stood a mighty castle thought to be abandoned by most who pass it with a fading glance. However, tucked away behind its weathered walls was a group hiding shadows, waiting to make their move upon Virdis. To make their grand return, and carry out their sacred mission.

Below in the deepest depths of the castle, a cloaked figure sat hunched over in a chair. His breathing was ragged, winded, and dusty-like. He trembled in his chair, where the slightest movement caused his bones to creak. Movement was painful, yet he endured it with grit, clenching hard to the armrests.

By his side was his fateful doctor, Cain Underhill, who finished attaching tubes into the old man's arm. Some medical equipment stood by the chair, filled with different colored concoctions. Cain stood up and twisted a valve on the equipment, releasing the concoctions through the tubes and into the old man's body.

The cloaked man flexed his claws and groaned for a moment before relaxing. He twisted his neck, unbothered by the creaks and cracks. "Much…better."

Cain bowed to him. "Anything else, Master Terrowin?"

"No. I'm good for now. Thank you, Dr. Underhill."

"Happy to serve, Master." Cain lifted his gaze to the doors. "Speaking of serving, it appears your guests have arrived."

Just as he said it, the doors swung open, and two Pokémon entered. Hobs, the dirty Gumshoos in a thick coat and fedora, picked at his teeth with a toothpick. By his side was an unfamiliar face. A female Flygon in a red coat, a stained white linen shirt, and tan pants. A metal mask with a strap hung around her neck, and two scimitars were sheathed on her sides.

Hobs pocketed his toothpick and bowed to Terrowin. "You called, Master?" The Flygon didn't bow and turned her head away with an annoyed grunt.

Terrowin lifted his head and peered at the young woman. "My, my. And who is this with you, Hobs?"

Hobs smirked. "Ah, pardon me, Master." He gestured to the Flygon. "My adopted daughter. Ignacia Desierto. She works for me, and I called her in for her services. We've been scheduled for some alternative work, and I figured a little father-daughter bonding would do us both good."

Ignacia huffed. "Since when did we do security detail?"

"A good friend of mine requested our services to another party, my dear," Hobs reminded. "It's good pay, and who am I to turn down an old friend?"

"What a waste of time."

Hobs shook his head. "I may have mentioned to my friend in passing that you have a fondness for…chocolate."

"…" Ignacia turned her head away, hiding an embarrassed blush. "How much we talking?"

"You'll have to join along to find out"

"…Whatever."

Hobs sighed and smiled at Terrowin. "She's a handful, but she's a killer. She will be a valuable asset to Last Autumn."

Terrowin chuckled hoarsely. "I can sense her wild spirit from here. And how fortunate for us that your services were called upon. Everything is lining up as it should, and now we need to start nailing down the coffin."

Hobs bowed again. "What are your orders, Master?"

"To destroy the Foresters."

Ignacia glanced at the old man with a dry smirk. "Destroy the Foresters? This dusty old street rat may be a good shot, but you're asking a lot if you think he can destroy them." She shoved her hands in her pockets. "Me, on the other hand? I'd be more than happy to turn them to ash."

Terrowin shook his head. "There's more than one way to destroy your enemy than with brute force. This requires a subtle touch, a touch laced with the deadliest poison. You've heard the news with their recent controversies. They've pulled some bold moves last year, many that can't be overlooked. Eventually, the support they do get will not last."

Hobs nodded. "You want me to ruin their reputation?"

"Not you, specifically. You will be an omen." Terrowin snapped his fingers, and Cain approached the Gumshoos. "Or, in simpler terms, you will be delivering a package to my deadliest ally."

Hobs held out his hand as Cain placed a small vial into it. He held it up and examined the liquid inside. "Wraith." He chuckled to himself. "Going all out, huh?"

"My ally will guarantee that this Wraith will destroy everything the Foresters stand for. A single vial that will rid them from our hair, then we can finally take hold of Virdis for ourselves. Not to mention, even if they do fight back, my ally has his ways to…turn a terrible situation to his favor. We have to be ruthless, cunning, and sharp. When all is said and done, you will be paid handsomely, and I can die peacefully."

Hobs pocketed the vial and nodded. "I'll be sure to give it to him. You have my word." He pulled on the brim of his hat. "Are you expecting the Foresters to show up, though?"

Terrowin nodded. "They won't miss it for the world. I guarantee they will be there on that day, and it will make victory all the sweeter." His piercing yellow eyes peered through the darkness of his hood. "I've invested everything on these precise movements. Do not fail me, and make sure the Foresters suffer for their interference."

Hobs bowed and Ignacia gave a half-hearted salute. "By your command, Master Terrowin."